National’s civil war reerrupts
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- Date published:
7:35 am, November 25th, 2021 - 131 comments
Categories: Judith Collins, national, same old national, Simon Bridges -
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All eyes today will be on the National caucus meeting to occur at 9 am this morning.
Details are still vague but it seems that Simon Bridges was organising for a leadership spill.
Last night at 9 PM Collins demoted him after learning of a complaint that Jaqui Dean made against him five years about comments that he made to her. The complaint had previously been dealt with by then leader Bill English.
Bridges has this morning said that Collins’ actions were truly desperate stuff.
Simon O’Connor has just accused Judith Collins of engaging in Dirty Politics and said he will also surrender all his portfolios.
Get your popcorn ready. Today is going to be an interesting day as National eviscerates itself in front of the public during a pandemic that requires everyone’s attention as two egos fight over their personal ambition.
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- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...18 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...19 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...21 hours ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...22 hours ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...4 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...7 days ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...7 days ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...7 days ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- Focus on outstanding minerals permit applicationsNew Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “While there are no set timeframes for ...1 week ago
- Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research CallThe New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...1 week ago
- Tenancy rules changes to improve rental marketThe coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...1 week ago
- Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with ChinaTrade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...1 week ago
- Freshwater farm plan systems to be improvedThe coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...1 week ago
- Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIE
The public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...38 mins ago - “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...
Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...1 hour ago - ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in India
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...1 hour ago - Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...1 hour ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period products
Yes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...2 hours ago - Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...2 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...2 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...2 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...2 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...2 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...2 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...2 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, 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. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...3 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...6 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...6 hours ago
- Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China Sea
New Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...6 hours ago - Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...6 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...6 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...6 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolvedShane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...11 hours ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...12 hours ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...14 hours ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...15 hours ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...16 hours ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...17 hours ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...17 hours ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...17 hours ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...18 hours ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...18 hours ago
- Could Albanese’s bet on homegrown green industries be the boost our regions deserve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Cloudy Designs/Shutterstock Right now, there’s a global race underway. The goal: bring back manufacturing and energy jobs as the energy transition speeds up. In 2022, America launched its mammoth Inflation Reduction Act and the ...18 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon won't say if government will consult public on joining ...Asked multiple times if the public will be consulted on joining the defence pact, Luxon repeatedly said that was yet to be worked through. ...18 hours ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters on the third leg of his Southeast Asia trip, from Manila in the Philippines. ...19 hours ago
- Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate'The Māori Law Society says his comments breach the principle of the separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. ...19 hours ago
- Abortions Increase 25% Since Law ChangeFamily First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...20 hours ago
- Over Half Of New Zealanders Feel That The Country Is In Decline And That Our Society Is BrokenIpsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...20 hours ago
- Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University There have been a lot of defence announcements recently about buying new equipment, building up Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, creating local jobs, new legislation to support AUKUS and even a new defence chief. In ...20 hours ago
- What does Steve Smith’s Stateside signing mean for cricket in the US – and Australia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney Steve Smith, one of this generation’s finest batters, has conquered much of the cricketing world during his career, and he now has set his sights on a new frontier: the United ...20 hours ago
- A love letter to Wellington: when i open the shop by romesh dissanayake, reviewedMadeleine Ballard reviews the debut novel from romesh dissanayake. when I open the shop, the debut novel by Naarm-based Aotearoa writer romesh dissanayake (Sri Lankan, Koryo Saram), is a narrative of grief. Devendra loses his mother, opens a noodle shop on The Terrace, grieves, and emerges changed. But just as ...21 hours ago
- Minister Concedes Contractors Will Be Hired To Do Work Of Axed Ministry Of Education StaffThe PSA can’t believe that the Minister of Education is happy for her ministry to hire contractors at the same time it is dismissing 565 workers. ...21 hours ago
- Attempt to bar diplomat from Myanmar military junta failsMyanmar community members applied to the courts to bar the diplomat from attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ...21 hours ago
- LGNZ Welcomes Govt Earthquake-prone Buildings DecisionLGNZ has advocated for this decision as part of a remit led by Manawatū District Council. ...21 hours ago
- AUKUS Pillar 2 a 'fragrant, methane-wrapped bull***' – Bob CarrThe former Australian Foreign Minister has continued to warn New Zealand against joining the defence pact. ...22 hours ago
- Enforceable undertaking issued to abc accounting services limited after continued non-compliance.The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has accepted an enforceable undertaking agreement from ABC Accounting Services Limited (ABC) under section 81 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). ...22 hours ago
- REVEALED: RNZ’s Hypocrisy Over Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Radio New Zealand (RNZ) spent $71,842.53 on Facebook advertising over the past 12 months, despite earlier this year coming out in support of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill , which would force the likes ...22 hours ago
- Police rejected 'very good offer' – Mark MitchellPolice Minister Mark Mitchell says the pay offer rejected by police was the best the government could put forward under difficult financial circumstances. ...22 hours ago
- How can we have truth-telling without the Voice? Our research shows a way forwardSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The Uluru Statement from the Heart set out the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for “Voice, Treaty, Truth”, in ...22 hours ago
- NZ education scores must improve – but another polarising ideological pivot isn’t the answerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn E Wood, Associate Professor in Education, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images You don’t need to look hard right now to see concerns about Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. Declining performance in international testing has been ...22 hours ago
- An updated tally of the public sector job cutsThe coalition government has made it well known it expects departments to cut roles. We break down the numbers as they currently stand. Updated: 12pm, April 18 Before last year’s election, both National and Act made it clear that the public service was squarely in their crosshairs. Both parties, now ...23 hours ago
- Confessions of an unlikely petrolheadCheckered Flag director Natalie Wilson on her lifelong love of motorsport, and the allure of Pukekohe Park Raceway. One childhood summer when my world revolved around winning stuff off the radio, I bagged tickets to Western Springs Speedway and then to Waikaraka Park in what was a dream season for ...23 hours ago
- 'Ambitious' trade pledge headlines Luxon's Thailand stopThe Prime has announced a commitment to triple two-way trade with Thailand by 2045, but it only requires maintaining current growth. ...23 hours ago
- ‘The right person’: What did Solomon Islanders vote for?By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara After a relatively well organised and peaceful day of voting in Solomon Islands yesterday, the electoral commission is working with donor partners to safely transport ballot boxes from polling stations all over the country to centrally located counting venues. It is a ...23 hours ago
- What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of EducationI was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. It is a Friday. I’m in the middle of an online Teams hui working out the finer details of a series of workshops we’ll be presenting next week. It’s a ...1 day ago
- What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Joshua Rodriguez/Unsplash Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about ...1 day ago
- Why the kookaburra’s iconic laugh is at risk of being silencedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diana Kuchinke, Lecturer in Ecology, Federation University Australia Linda Robertus/Shutterstock Once, while teaching a class of environmental science students in China’s Hebei University of Science and Technology, I asked who knew what a laughing kookaburra was. There were many blank faces. ...1 day ago
- Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato smolaw11/Getty Images School truancy has been a concern across the political spectrum for years. But proposed solutions have largely failed to address the core reasons for unexplained school absences. Despite the apparent ...1 day ago
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Quite apart from all the ethical/political issues … National MPs are idiots.
O'Connor is handing in his portfolios? 6 or even 3 months ago that could have been depicted as a principled resignation, but now it's meaningless.
They are unhappy because Judith is being Judith. Did they not know Judith was Judith when they picked Judith? Did they think if they just waited long enough then Judith wouldn't be Judith any more?
Nicky Hager explained it all to them, in great detail, years ago. They said it was "a work of fiction". They owe him an apology, and thanks. Neither will happen, obviously.
I guess the biggest winner out of all this will be David Seymour and ACT, potentially the next Main Opposition Party.
Us on the left need to be a bit cautious about the possible demise of the Natz and the rise of Act. This list of Act policies comes from Martyn Bradbury (I haven't the stomach to go to the Act web site to check their veracity) – is this what we really want to replace the Natz?
God help this country if Act ever become a viable opposition!
You don't need to worry about policies until the election in 2024.
National is in deeper trouble than Labour around the rise of the Alliance back in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
National are the established, well-funded contenders who have ruled for much longer than Labour. They, not Act, have strong MSM commentator supporters. It is also they that have exceptional networks and finders inside the banking and real estate and high-wealth families of New Zealand. They are the shining face of capital.
Act are a rag-tag battlefleet with zero institutional heft or loyalty, based around the rise of one fairly mediocre leader.
Polls schmolls, National need to be destroyed with more urgency than we need worry about the rise of Act.
I hope you're right!
But when the Natz implode, where does the unthinking right-winger go to cast a vote?
We only have until the next polls to find out.
"National are the established, well-funded contenders who have ruled for much longer than Labour."
indeed they are and have.
the fact remains that all the legislation and policies kiwis are proud of have been introduced by Labour
Yes – that seems right. But the rise of ACT is putting fringe libertarian ideas into the political mainstream. And historical precedent shows that if there is no other choice, the "strong MSM commentator supporters … exceptional networks and funders inside the banking, real estate and high-wealth families" hold their noses, ignore the vulgarity and brutality of far-right activists, and support them.
To get anywhere near the kind of political threat that the Alliance was, Act would need to start picking up seats in next year's local body elections.
They would need some high profile celebrities to back them and no other.
And they could do with some defections from National, at least one with a safe electoral seat.
Act have about 5% inflated support on COVID+farmer 'resistance'.
By April next year we are in full traffic light, full international travel again, full local travel, reconnected with family and eaten too much, and the COVID-resistor vote for ACT is down to insignificance.
Unless National continues to destabilise, Act are back to 11% by April 2022.
"You don't need to worry about policies until the election in 2024."
You mean 2023 is a foregone conclusion and we don't need to worry until 2026 Ad?
Pretty much.
Tho' as the Bard said, 'there's many a slip twixt lip
and cup'
Agree with all of this.
Well put Ad, they have tentacles and many hands on levers of power still, and Judith Collins was a "bit player" used while they awaited another acceptable face for capital. They use personal agendas to move the game pieces forward. Luxton is still considering his future apparently.
Agreed Tony… , I certainly don't celebrate the rise of ACT, but National seems determined to make it an easy ride for Seymour.
Most of that is not their current policy.
Seymour? heaven forbid !!
My God it is gruesome and public. Simon O'Conner just threw it in and accused Collins of ongoing "dirty politics." You know I think we might see a temporary alliance to just get rid of Collins, so a placeholder leader like Reti or Stanford?
This scrap is extraordinary – nothing like since the Moyle affair. If Collins survives, expect National to go low 20s and be passed by ACT – in fact, schism is not out of the question.
Collins is gone by lunchtime, quite literally – today. Guaranteed.
The minor genius of forcing Nick Smith out is that she probably still does have the numbers.
Come back Paula Bennett, all is forgiven.
Hopefully Act gets the shove to 20% it needs and we get a proper political Undead.
I thought the way Collins made the psychopathic decision to oust Smith, and then for the purpose of bringing her mate into Parliament, would've been enough to have her removed. Last night's decision came from the same place.
I am honestly surprised at how badly Collins has miscalculated.
Having her action approved by the National Party Board last night had zero sway in the National caucus. Pretty telling rift there.
There is indeed some deep incohate rage in Collins to have hit out and then gone from leader to destroyed her own political career in the space of under 24 hours.
Surely the Left should throw its support behind Crusher – she is the gift that keeps on giving to Labour. Does the Nat's ad campaign a few elections back of a smooth rowing eight up against a Labour boat with rowers paddling in different directions ring any bells?
The left stays out of it and thanks its lucky stars that the Speaker's valid criticism over the urgency taken re- Covid mandates etc. has been assigned to the back seat.
Now that was a fair dinkum lucky break.
I agree. This was the week that National could have really given the government a kicking. Every neutral commentator has slammed the government's use of urgency and poor law making over the past 24 hours. If Trevor Mallard is citicising his own team, you know its pretty bad.
But National are so incompetent and useless they have given the government a free pass and made the news solely about themselves and how shit they are.
Taking off the red cap with a big L on it for a mo, why is it good we have widely criticised legislation passed under urgency?
It isn't just Mallard, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt and Vic Uni Prof Dean Knight had relevant, important observations to make.
We all, were rightly critical, of Key's regime using urgency often and that wasn't anywhere near as impactful as this legislation.
National may as well just admit that they work for Ardern.
The only time in a term that National has had Labour in any Parliamentary trouble was yesterday when the Speaker started warning Ardern for the urgency bill on mandates.
Played well in the public it could have become another Auckland cycleway moment.
Collins has cleared the media week for Ardern to do absolutely anything she wants. Way to pull out the 5-year-old hit file Judith.
Collins just gave Ardern her Christmas gift early.
More utterly hopeless behaviour from the National party.
(Insert deity) help our country!!!
National = dumbest political party in history.
Labour = the most stunningly incompetent.
NZ hasn't been in greater need of strong opposition since Muldoon was in power and we have this shit show of an opposition … what a sad joke.
Used wisely Bridges could have sustained challenges about public unease concerning the employment mandates.
And of course Bridges made reasonable running least year with the rise of gangs.
When she sees off the challenge today, Collins will of course need to put out a new Shadow cabinet. Some pretty low stocks there.
All those weak-ass performing Labour Cabinet ministers underneath Hipkins' level get let off for Christmas until March as well.
"Some pretty low stocks there."
That's being overly generous.
People will be affected by the urgent Covid legislation for far longer than this latest Collins fiasco will stay in the news. Ardern's mis-step might be her foreshore and seabed moment.
I have but one question for National.
WHO WILL VOLUNTEER FOR TRIBUTE?
Where's Puckish when we need his insightful and wise comments on the Collins leadership?
Come on down, PR!
perhaps the Nat’s master strategist “Merv from Manurewa” can explain what is happening…
All part of St Judes cunning, 4d plan to rid National of the infidels and non-believers before the election campaign begins
Infidels? SiBri is an old school Anglican (although insufficiently devoted to St. Judith)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtCQHCOls2E
PR Last time it was 5d the fifth dimension no bell to answer or save the country.
One dimension Collins is a goner like ole gonner.
With ACT nipping at there heals National self sabotage continues .National need a leader who can heal the wounds Dr Reti is a much better communicator stays calm under pressure doesn't have the baggage. He may need to surgically remove the festering sores to allow National to recover.
This is all merely part of her planning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQk_832EAx4
That worked out well I was hoping Shane Reti got the job he is not a nasty person.
He could hog the limelight by going round the country promoting vaccinations and actually doing them in places where there is low uptake like amongst Maori stealing Labour's traditional supporters.
Proactive instead of whinging leading by example.
Ardern and the greens now have a real job on their hands.
I would like to see more proactiveness and positivity, I'd also like to see more hair on my head
Pretty sure I know which is more likely to happen
Well if he Dr. Reti, does that will be the best thing National has done for 30 years apart from the cable.
Collins is gone. Thats for the best, hopefully the Nats can get their shit together NZ really needs a competent opposition.
Only problem is those same Nats made her leader and then asked the country to make her Prime Minister.
They should thank the voters for ignoring them. And apologise. Otherwise it's same sh*t, different face.
"nz really needs a competent opposition" could probably cobble something together from herald experts(?) and some dorkradio reckons.
"Reerupts" is a brilliant word and so apt!
Shades of "rears-up" like a cornered beast might do, or Someone Very Righteous getting onto their hind-legs.
Then there's "ruptures", reerupts' close-cousin and nothing needs to be said about that.
Rapture, perhaps, as in "The Rapture" – this is all getting very biblical, with Judith playing the role of that rough beast, slouching toward…Oblivion.
Reerupts also sounds like someone belching – fetid air most likely, into the face of Simon the Innocent.
There are plenty of other interpretations, I'm sure, of reerupts, but I'm stopping before it gets silly 🙂
"re-erupts" like a festering subcutaneous boil, or a cankerous weeping sore 🤮
Her time is up so she's decided to cause as much damage as possible on the way out.
Yes.
And if she goes, as it looks likely, NZ will have dodged a real bullet.
Democracy does not guarantee that we will never make mistakes, but it does offer the hope that we might correct them.
The NZ National Death Star is on twin turbo’ed anti matter reactor melt down. Mixed metaphors aside, Judith Collins has seemingly moved revenge attacks up a notch and is now “paying it back triple” possibly using Mr Slater-Oil’s vault of dirty secrets.
Collins may be fissile but National's funders and mainstream media supporters give it sustained energy like a molten salt reactor.
Technically I think she's better described as 'transuranic' – the result of fissile atoms that absorb a neutron, but instead of splitting promptly to release useful energy – store it up to become a heavier atom like plutonium.
In a standard solid fuel reactor these atoms accumulate, slowly poison the core, and are the most troublesome part of the waste stream to manage. (A molten salt machine can either separate the transuranics out from the fuel, or use them as fuel in a fast spectrum machine and so have much less of a problem with them.)
I just thought you might appreciate the niceties of this.
Ad might, I was just being dramatic! “Troublesome” sounds like JC.
I follow particle physics etc. on a populist–“Scientific American”–level. Have a mate though who is the genuine article, taught in Brazilian and Australian institutions.
That was an attempt at 'dry' humour for what it was worth.
The analogy in this case is peculiarly apt though.
Collins is certainly circling Uranus.
Chucky meets the Exorcist Dr Who takes the leadership. Back to the future.
Seems to me that Collins will be handsomly rewarded for falling on her sword and spilling the guts of a rotten political party, thus setting it up for a total 'Key' rebuild by gambling on a Luxon tilt.
Bridges had the numbers to roll Collins. Collins took out a pre-emptive strike using a crude comment that Bridges made 5 years ago about going in shallow, to essentially sack him.
How Collins ever thought that was a winning strategy is anyone's guess?
She will be gone as leader very shortly, and New Zealand is a better place for that.
We can thank our lucky stars that the Natz don't have any complex thinking/decisions to make like response to a pandemic!!!
It's not just about removing Collins. Those who stand alongside are serious collateral damage, such as Reti and Dean.
If anyone thinks it can't get worse for National, imagine the headlines when they quit, or are dumped. Reti, the voice of reason, gone as deputy? Optics terrible.
He Reti is an excellent Deputy, and could be selected for that role again. Hipango and Dean may be sidelined.
this has obviously got nothing to do with Bridges comments 5 years ago, but it amounts to evidence that Simon was going to make a run at leadership.
perhaps Judith is hoping to capture the woke vote with this move of cancelling someone
for something said years ago.
I’ve wondered why Bishop and co have been so keen on “ Shambles,it’s a shambles “ , they were just test running it.
On a more serious note, the Groundswell disruption has more to do with their bitter disappointment with their champions National, than Ardern and Labour, it must be galling to have tied your flag to such a mess and yet on the other side you are looking at a competent and compelling leader and management of crisis’s that should only happen every 100 years but we’ve had 3 of them in 4. So let’s show a little sympathy, yeah, right.
And the new Nat leader, they should try Stuart Smith, disclaimer: I’m a friend, he’s a thoroughly nice person but for his sake I hope it doesn’t happen as he would be eaten alive. Besides, if they have a vote, 33 people are all going to get only one vote anyway, try sorting that out.
Looks like Collins is taking out Bridges her main threat.leaving the way open for the Bishop to slide past all the other pawns.
Bet she plays the protector-of-women routine.
Well predicted Ad!!
Looks like the end of the National Party ACT will benefit from this latest disaster. Farmers and business people have had an absolute guts full of Collins leadership and Nationals lack of unity.
10 am press conference coming up, TV3 will cover it live, and usual online sources.
why did the Nat board agree to bridges sacking? Judith must have something to threaten them with
They panicked.
Ding dong the witch is dead, !!!
It was that sort of institutional sexism that St Jude the Betrayed was up against. The media wanted someone more…compliant and they knew that Jude is her own woman and they hated her for
But its ok, its merely another, minor, bump in the road for her to overcome, she'll be back!
You haven't seen the last of her…
Oh yes we have. !!🤣🤣🤣
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WIwQlMesr0
Pucky.
Pucky.
This is awful!
Judith, ditched!
Our thoughts and prayers etc…
At least now if Labour get back into power I can say it wouldn't have happened if my Jude had still been leader of National
I get knocked down
But I get up again!
I'm thinking more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYHxGBH6o4M
But..but…It’s My Time…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQTE8hKvaaI
PR National don't like loosers Collins has burnt all her Bridges.she will go quietly and take a massive pay increase ANZ any bets on that PR.
A sociopath, loosed upon society…
Bettings for loosers, unless you're guaranteed a win
Shes more cruella deville than the t 1000
There, there, don't worry, the scary lady can't hurt you anymore
Going to miss you empty support for the hollow witch of south Auckland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFkcAH-m9W0
Hurry up Gnats. I am getting v. bored listening to Adrian Orr droning on about interest rates while waiting for the
bloodletting ritualpress conferenceWhat an anti-climax. Reti was grey and conservative. I want an opposition leader who runs around in gumboots, crushes cars, or has a breakdown on live TV. Sigh.
Apparently Todd Muller has turned up at caucus.
Does he vote for the leader who kicked him out, or the leader he rolled?
"strong united team"
"strong united team"
On that note, I heard Farrar blah blahing on RNZ at lunch time. He refered to his info coming from 'other news outfits, various sources and leaks from caucus'.
Same ole, same ole.
When PM and DG arrive 5 mins late for a press conference about a deadly pandemic and a hundred details … moaners get out their stopwatches, and Barry Soper rants about deadlines.
National Party press conference now 1 hour late.
Collins is toast. Her plan was quick meeting then eviscerate Bridges with a press conference where Jacqui Dean outlines what happened. I don't think it is going to happen that way.
My bet is she's not even going to get to the Presser.
Collins has finally completely lost the plot – if she ever actually knew what the plot was.
Demoting Bridges for an inappropriate remark made years ago & dealt with at the time is an excuse soooo lame it needs a mobility scooter.
National's disarray has increased under Collins, not decreased. They need to get rid of her. Completely, asap, to have any chance of even a halfway decent run at the Treasury Benches next election.
Demoting Bridges for an inappropriate remark made years ago & dealt with at the time is an excuse soooo lame it needs a mobility scooter.
Love it.
Gezza
whatever happens today, I beleive we will hear the same old lines, united party, holding the government to account, shambles, moving on, etc,etc. luxon will be trawling through his backstory, looking for skeletons.
If you want a omnishambles done right, do it yourself.
Judith is making pre Jacinda Labour look positively organised.
Any chance at all that simple simon actually does the right thing and gets rid of collins, BUT let's someone with a cleanish sheet go to the top. ??
Collins gone
It's a great day in nz .
In some ways yes. A drongo like Mitchell being chance to be the leader of the opposition is an indictment on our political system. A terrible day for NZ.
Yep, Collins gone. A dirty end to a dirty career.
It's Reti for interim leader
simon must go to ,hes filthy as fuck ,dont forget all the things his greasy bag man took the rap for was bridges work .
He has popular support in Tauranga, the other stuff is secondary to the dirty politics Nats
What is it with folk in Tauranga?
Peters.
Bridges.
Atleast Peters had swag.
Simultaneously, TV1 said "Reti" and TV3 said "Luxon". Very funny.
Obviously the caucus can't agree, so they've deferred until next week. (The same caucus that demands the gov't sort out everything and now … whereas they have only one job, and it's in the too hard basket).
Just how is Barry Soper coping after waiting since 10am for the press conference to start? Three hours late! And he loses the plot if he is held up a few minutes at the PM's press conference.
Poor Shane Reti. Put in front of the media to clean up his colleagues' mess.
(and for the record, he took questions for about 5 mins, on National's biggest news day, as opposed to the PM's regular 30-40 mins).
Reti is cool calm and collected if he carries on with a straight bat not getting bogged down by dirty politics and continually nagging he will rise in the polls.
He did a good job as deputy and getting out into the electorates promoting and doing vaccinations if he can keep his hand in the down to earth leadership the media will follow him everywhere, he can hog the lime light .proactive instead of bickering and nagging.
and even within that little Press-ette we got a couple of "we'll lift our eyes towards the sky" and "I'm Shepherding …" Playing to Luxons evangelicals maybe? or a Mormons fallback verses in moments of stress.
What pleases me, is Slater has hopefully lost his conduit.
I suspect the real blood-letting has yet to occur – caucus meeting on Tuesday next week.
The liberal wing? The rural rump? The evangelicals? The opportunists? The mercenary?
Fascinating stuff.
Please, not the mercenary. Wasn't he on Crusher and Slater's "Suitable" List?
I see Luxon has chosen Nicola Willis as his proposed Deputy. She is educated and very close to Bill English and John Key. Is this the religious group against the gun lobby group with Mitchell and Bishop? Wow what a choice!!
This is the most complete own goal I've seen in New Zealand politics.
In the short-term yes – but chaotic events like this have a way of having unexpected consequences.
Best option.
Leave Shane in place until the next election. With a steady if uncharismatic hand they would probably rise to low 30s. Saves a few jobs. Then he can gracefully step down, and Luxon takes over to guide then to the promised land in 2026.
Most likely.
Blood spilt on the caucus floor, Mitchell takes the leadership. They stay mired in the mid/high 20s. Leadership changes again early 2023. They get high 20s again. And history repeats itself for another 6 years.
Or something else??
the best option(for who?) is for the nats to go modern , joining the greens and maori party and have a male/ female leadership team, and continuing on with that theme, a nth/sth , maori /pakeha, competent/incompetent team. dr shane and maureen pugh, taking week about to be the leaders of the natural party of government.(excuse me while I get my tongue out of my cheek)
I enjoyed Bomber's slice of alternate reality speculation the other day. National going completely off script and becoming economic nationalists, and going for a Muldoon style Keynesian spend-up, aka "Think Big 2"
How Simon Bridges beats globalist Jacinda in 2023 | The Daily Blog
I agree that if they had the sense they were born with they would leave Shane Reti in for another year at least while things calm down with Nicola Willis as his 2ic. (Btw I am not a National voter nor ever likely to be)
It often works for conservative parties. Look at Scottie from Marketing in Australia.
Yep and like Scottie from marketting, Willis on the sideline would depose Reti to take over the Leadership come the election.
Can't help but think Jacqui 'quid each way' Dean must have a diploma in weasel words.
“but subsequently it has continued to play on my mind and with the recent reviews that have occurred in Parliament the feelings have been brought back up”
followed by;
“What matters to me is that all of us have a clear understanding of what behaviour we should expect in a modern workplace environment. Simon and I have spoken a number of times over the past few hours and he has reiterated his apology.”
It seems yesterday Collins had a cunning plan, with help from Dean. It didn't play out as Collins wanted, now Deans has to swim from the listing Judetanic to jump aboard six months in a leaky boat, and whomever is at the helm.
Its broadly hinted at but no one dares say his name….and he needs to go.
Poor JC – she is crushed! And after acting in such a self centred way to protect her own self interest – a quality so much sort after by all National MPs and voters. The heart bleeds.
I recall watching the original English "House of Cards", where Ian Richardson played Francis Urquhart.
Collins struck me as trying to be the real life version, but without the scripted ability or plot armour. That thing about "not knowing how serious" the offence was until now smacks of FU's holding onto a minister's resignation letter (for disgraceful conduct of some sort) until he'd burned that bridge and the minister tried to resign on a matter of principle. So FU simply "accepted" the first resignation letter instead.
Even if she wasn't trying to be a long-term macchiavelli, it stank of opportunism.
Yes. You might well say that there is a strong comparison of this whole thing to the "house of cards" and FU. But I couldn't possibly comment.