National’s new leader is …

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1. Cantabrian 1

   27 February 2018 at 12:57 pm

   What a laughable combination – two upper North Island MPs – both of the same ethnicity. Where’s the balance? Bennett must be very lucky to survive. Perhaps nobody wanted the job! No chance against Jacinda – not a jot.
   • David Mac 1.1

     27 February 2018 at 1:01 pm

     Yes, both have Maori ancestors, probably not such a bad thing given the Labour hold on the Maori seats.
     • Michelle 1.1.1

       27 February 2018 at 1:09 pm

       Just because they are Maori David Mac doesn’t mean our people will vote for them in fact many of our people can’t stand the sight of either of them and their bullshit polices have been booting our people in the guts so why would we consider these two mongrels
       • David Mac 1.1.1.1

         27 February 2018 at 1:20 pm

         Yes, I think that’s more a political point of view rather than the ethnicity of the leaders. Their selection throws water on the ‘Another generation of European colonisers that know what’s best for us’ outlook.

         Will their selection see Iwi voting for National in their droves? Of course not.
       • cleangreen 1.1.1.2

         27 February 2018 at 9:58 pm

         Well said Michelle 100%

         We down inn Tairawhiti hate the sight of both of them as they are low-life bottom feeding fish and nothing else.

         They don’t have any mana, dignity or grace but are just gutter snipes like the mobs are.

         They will destroy the ‘grand old national party’.

         Good on them both.

         “Simon No 10 bridges”
         • David Mac 1.1.1.2.1

           27 February 2018 at 11:09 pm

           Yeah, if only the scum sucking parasitic hateful pieces of shit could have just a slither of the grace, mana and dignity of you and I grey, the spokespeople for entire districts.

           The causeway for the new Taipa bridge is halfway across the estuary, when finished in 18 months the gang starts on the Kaeo bridge. The Matakohe bridge is underway.

           Gobbing phlegm in their faces is a crap strategy. Those that already support the left and would never support anyone else regardless shout “Hooray”. The hearts that need to be won walk away in disgust.
   • simbit 1.2

     27 February 2018 at 2:29 pm

     It’s 2018: why do so many NZers not understand that few Maori have the mandate to speak for anyone, let alone ‘Maori’. Bill English couldn’t manage a mandate from his ‘ethnic group’ (god I sound like Ancestry Dot Con).

     PS: I’ve lived in Canterbury and this ignorance is particularly prevalent there.
     • AB 1.2.1

       27 February 2018 at 5:47 pm

       Simbit – it’s because they all look the same to Cantabrians.
       • greywarshark 1.2.1.1

         27 February 2018 at 8:55 pm

         AB
         Good one.
2. Ad 2

   27 February 2018 at 12:57 pm

   Ok bored already.
   • weka 2.1

     27 February 2018 at 1:29 pm

     Lol, my thoughts exactly.
     • Anne 2.1.1

       27 February 2018 at 2:35 pm

       Mine too. What’s changed. 😐
   • adam 2.2

     27 February 2018 at 1:42 pm

     Quote, quote, quote of the week..
   • Tracey 2.3

     27 February 2018 at 2:10 pm

     Lol
3. One Anonymous Bloke 3

   27 February 2018 at 12:59 pm

   Heh. Be interesting to see how far their support falls.
   • simbit 3.1

     27 February 2018 at 2:31 pm

     Wow, he’s not very clever is he. Placeholder…
     • gsays 3.1.1

       27 February 2018 at 2:46 pm

       If the above interview relates to anadarko and prospecting, I thought bridges was a great advocate for the mining industry.

       Edit: oops snap Tracey.
     • AB 3.1.2

       27 February 2018 at 5:57 pm

       “Placeholder”
       Lieutenant Bridges – keen but expendable
   • tracey 3.2

     27 February 2018 at 2:39 pm

     The fact of the matter is this is why Campbell had to go…

     Interesting that as Minister he thought his job was to provide positive PR for Anadarko.
   • Bluey 3.3

     27 February 2018 at 6:31 pm

     Thanks for sharing – nice reminder of John’s poor quality journalism.
4. Stunned Mullet 4

   27 February 2018 at 1:01 pm

   zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
5. tc 5

   27 February 2018 at 1:06 pm

   excellent, the domestos option.

   Give it a year then they’ll evaluate what to do if they think they’ve a shot in 2020. IMO if they don’t slimey bridges gets to do what blinglish has done twice now and lose an election.
6. Robert Guyton 6

   27 February 2018 at 1:08 pm

   …incomprehensible?
   • patricia bremner 6.1

     27 February 2018 at 3:19 pm

     Best current fundraiser?
     • paul andersen 6.1.1

       27 February 2018 at 4:11 pm

       nailed it patricia. oil money will come oozing into the nats coffers. expect to see bridges attacking alternative energy.
7. Kay 7

   27 February 2018 at 1:10 pm

   God he’s really pushing his Maori & “Westie”roots (and Paula’s) at the press conference. Who’s he trying to convince?
   • weka 7.1

     27 February 2018 at 1:30 pm

     Trumpians.
   • McFlock 7.2

     27 February 2018 at 1:37 pm

     Has either of them cracked open a woody yet lol
     • fender 7.2.1

       27 February 2018 at 2:07 pm

       Lol, and has Paula confessed to having a crush on Soymin yet?
       • tracey 7.2.1.1

         27 February 2018 at 2:45 pm

         I think she likes much younger men
         • fender 7.2.1.1.1

           27 February 2018 at 3:01 pm

           Wasn’t long ago she said she had a crush on Bill English
           • tracey 7.2.1.1.1.1

             27 February 2018 at 3:06 pm

             LOL

             What is with this Westie crap again? She is a Taupo gal aint she? Pretended to be a westie til Sepoulini looked like taking her seat so ran off to the Remuera of the West.

             At least Bridges was from Te Atatu for all his schooling life
           • Ffloyd 7.2.1.1.1.2

             27 February 2018 at 5:30 pm

             She has said in the past that she had a crush on john key. Gosh!
             • fender …

               27 February 2018 at 6:04 pm

               Reminds me of this verse from Dylan’s I Shall Be Free:

               “Now, the man on the stand he wants my vote,
               He’s a-runnin’ for office on the ballot note.
               He’s out there preachin’ in front of the steeple,
               Tellin’ me he loves all kinds-a people.
               He’s eatin’ bagels
               He’s eatin’ pizza
               He’s eatin’ chitlins”

               Bennett will say whatever she thinks is required, she’s a disingenuous crawler with a nasty core that’s rotten as hell.
               • Hanswurst …

                 27 February 2018 at 8:39 pm

                 She strikes me as someone who, constantly out of their depth, simply flails about to hit whatever happens to be within reach.
   • mary_a 7.3

     27 February 2018 at 3:30 pm

     @Kay (7) … The Bridges to Nowhere Man and the Benne might have been Westies during their younger days, however both now represent staunch conservative true blue electorates, Tauranga and Upper Harbour. Nothing Westie about them at all.

     Any true Westie worth their sort, would be very reluctant touch either of them with a barge pole!
     • cleangreen 7.3.1

       27 February 2018 at 10:11 pm

       10000% mary-a.

       Westie’s are down to earth, and ‘what you see you get’

       Both of these Bridges and Bennett are as slimy as eels.
8. Kat 8

   27 February 2018 at 1:11 pm

   The Nats have chosen well, Bridges and Bennett are an accurate representation of the current state of the National party.
   • paul andersen 8.1

     27 February 2018 at 4:13 pm

     what, oily and for sale?
     • Hanswurst 8.1.1

       27 February 2018 at 8:40 pm

       … and stupid. Very stupid.
9. Tamati Tautuhi 9

   27 February 2018 at 1:18 pm

   Great result that will at least guarantee another Coalition Government in the 2020 Election.

   A Maori Leader and Deputy Maori Leader of the National Party.
10. Fireblade 10

    27 February 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Just looked at the comments on Kiwiblog. Lots of angry people. Fantastic!
    • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1

      27 February 2018 at 1:25 pm

      😆

      They’re not happy campers at all, possum.
    • weka 10.2

      27 February 2018 at 1:31 pm

      who did they want? Collins?
      • Antoine 10.2.1

        27 February 2018 at 1:35 pm

        Correct
      • Fireblade 10.2.2

        27 February 2018 at 1:46 pm

        Hi Weka, Collins. Simon & Paula aren’t popular overthere. Fun times.
        • Antoine 10.2.2.1

          27 February 2018 at 1:54 pm

          Is Paula popular anywhere??
          • Barfly 10.2.2.1.1

            27 February 2018 at 4:14 pm

            Only in the mirror
            • Matt 10.2.2.1.1.1

              27 February 2018 at 8:34 pm

              I’m sure that Simon’s popular in the Mirror as well so they should be good together.
      • Tracey 10.2.3

        27 February 2018 at 2:15 pm

        Mitchell used Lusk and Slater to “win” selection for the Nats so guess whose protege he must be… the more things change the more they stay the same.

        Nat strategists have obviously decided the new lie is they care about the environment and Maori.
        • patricia bremner 10.2.3.1

          27 February 2018 at 10:40 pm

          nailed it Tracey.
    • Cinny 10.3

      27 February 2018 at 2:17 pm

      Lololz Fireblade… same 🙂 Made me laugh even harder.
    • Tony Veitch (not etc) 10.4

      27 February 2018 at 3:01 pm

      Recommended reading for lefties – WOBH and Kiwiblog – lol
      • Tony Veitch (not etc) 10.4.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:22 pm

        I should add – I don’t often go there – their bigotry makes me feel decidedly ill.

        But today . . . today . . . wow!
11. Tamati Tautuhi 11

    27 February 2018 at 1:20 pm

    Great result that will at least guarantee another Coalition Government in the 2020 Election.

    A Maori Leader and Deputy Maori Leader of the National Party.

    They could swing the Maori seats in the next Election ?

    National heavily focused on West Auckland and Maori.
    • Louis 11.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Doubt that Tamati Tautuhi, people already know what they are like and wont be swinging anything, particularly the Maori seats.
      • Michelle 11.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:01 pm

        agree 100% Louis some of us Maori can see right through these plastic people
        • tracey 11.1.1.1

          27 February 2018 at 3:30 pm

          Hopefully some Maori who vote National will see this for the faux diversity it is
12. AB 12

    27 February 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Good one to lose. Collins will be honing the knives till early 2021.
    • Tracey 12.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:16 pm

      She will use this time to help Mark Mitchell gain traction. Her fist will be up his arse for puppetime!
      • rawsharkyeshe 12.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:13 pm

        Oh, how I wish I didn’t just read that 100% accurate visual …..
13. Carolyn_Nth 13

    27 February 2018 at 1:31 pm

    Interesting how keen the new Nat leadership is to show they are Māori and environment friendly – a little shift in the Overton window.
    • mauī 13.1

      27 February 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Looks to be a poorly made veneer, you know like a brand new one which peels off in less than a year. In Bridges speech today he basically said it was still all the Greens fault for not working with the Nats, and that kind of arrogance seemed to permeate through his whole speech.

      When questioned about the significance of the new leaderships Māori identity he said Māori would be delighted – really?? and that National would appeal to Māori because there are lots of successful Māori businesses out there. In other words National is hot shit and it’s not them who needs to change.
      • tracey 13.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:08 pm

        I have yet to read anywhere what policy concessions the Nats wanted to make to lure the Greens over?

        This is same bullshit different suit.
14. Ms Fargo 14

    27 February 2018 at 1:36 pm

    Love the best friends photo on the Herald!
15. Adrian Thornton 15

    27 February 2018 at 1:40 pm

    Not much of a surprise here…. a bunch of arseholes elect a arsehole to lead them.

    …first John Key bring a whole new level dishonesty into NZ politics, then English actually doubles down (right out in the open) on a straight out lie after being caught out during the last election, and then leaves the country in a huge fucking mess, all this without even the slightest hint of embarrassment…now they have the logical extension of their ever diminishing low bar..a tobacco lobbyist as their leader…no the real surprise here is that so many citizens actually vote for these despicable scumbags.
    • Louis 15.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:13 pm

      “no the real surprise here is that so many citizens actually vote for these despicable scumbags.”

      +1 Adrian Thornton. Very hard to understand why that is.
    • rawsharkyeshe 15.2

      27 February 2018 at 3:15 pm

      +100 Adrian
16. veutoviper 16

    27 February 2018 at 1:40 pm

    I just realised is that this is now the picture in respect of the leaders and deputy leaders of the current political parties in Parliament.

    [Please note this is in no way intended racist etc. And ‘Maori’ is used merely to indicate that they have some Maori heritage.]

    Labour
    Jacinda Ardern Leader and PM – Pakeha
    Kelvin Davis Deputy Leader – Maori

    National
    Simon Bridges Leader – Maori
    Paula Bennett Deputy Leader – Maori

    NZF *
    Winston Peters Leader – Maori
    Fletcher Tabuteau Deputy Leader – Maori

    Greens
    James Shaw Co – Leader – Pakeha
    ? Co-Leader ?

    ACT
    David Seymour – Leader – Maori

    We have come a long way.

    So, while National now has a Maori Leader and Deputy, the Coalition Government has even more, which will also increase if Marama Davidson becomes the female Co-Leader.

    * I only realised the other day that six of the nine NZF MPs are of Maori descent as I did not know that Tracey Martin and Jenny Marcroft were.

    Full list (with iwi) of Maori MPs across all Parties as at 24 Sept 2017:

    http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/politics/who-are-our-maori-members-parliament-now
    • Tamati Tautuhi 16.1

      27 February 2018 at 1:49 pm

      Looks like the Maoris are taking back control of the country ?
      • veutoviper 16.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 2:19 pm

        And why not?

        PS – and I am pakeha, LOL.
      • UncookedSelachimorpha 16.1.2

        27 February 2018 at 3:12 pm

        Beats being ruled by the uber wealthy
        • patricia bremner 16.1.2.1

          27 February 2018 at 3:36 pm

          Abso bloody lutley!!
      • tracey 16.1.3

        27 February 2018 at 3:15 pm

        Shame about the kaupapa of most of them
    • Siobhan 16.2

      27 February 2018 at 2:05 pm

      We have come a long way in terms of ethnicity and gender in our political classes…yet somehow the political spectrum itself seems narrower than ever.
      • North 16.2.1

        27 February 2018 at 4:49 pm

        I’ve always felt that Bridges’ and Bennett’s ‘Maori’ has been strutted when it suited. Like today. Otherwise who would guess ? Just a perception.
17. SPC 17

    27 February 2018 at 1:42 pm

    A caucus choice for generational change. More promotions as the old guard (Joyce Collins Adams Coleman) is put out to pasture in this or the next portfolio allocation.

    And should Bridges lose in 2020, while there may be no Cabinet post the position of leader is once again up for another vote.

    This is the downside of the caucus choice system – all systems have them and this is the one they have.

    The experienced old hands pose of a government in waiting is gone. So gone. This is their belated concession of defeat.
    • Carolyn_Nth 17.1

      27 February 2018 at 4:37 pm

      Generational change? So this new Nat generation, voted against marriage equality, opposes abortion liberalisation, pro big business, including big oil?!

      Welcome to the new generation! Same as the old generation, but with a more fashionable suit, and more hair!
      • AB 17.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 6:10 pm

        Yup and the fashion sense and the hair don’t last long either, so the generations become indistinguishable
18. adam 18

    27 February 2018 at 1:46 pm

    The funny thing is that journalists could cut him up in pretty much every interview.

    However, journalist are so gutless in this country – so expect him to get a lot of free passes.
    • tc 18.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:14 pm

      National would be screwed if they ever had the tough questions pitched at them.

      Blinglish had his pants pulled down by Beatson on Stratos in 09, Shonky got schooled on BBC’s hard talk and they were never ever seen being asked the tough questions again.

      If they did it was meet with a wall of diversion, diffusion and BS and passed off as a response.
19. veutoviper 19

    27 February 2018 at 1:47 pm

    Must watch Question Time at 2pm to see what the National MPs’ faces tell us! LOL.
    • Tracey 19.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:11 pm

      Good point. I would be thinking

      ” he lost 10 fucking bridges, how can he lead us?”
20. Tanz 20

    27 February 2018 at 1:49 pm

    Awesome result, I bet Labour will be very worried. First Maori leader. Well done National, see you in govt soon!
    • One Anonymous Bloke 20.1

      27 February 2018 at 1:50 pm

      Fawning 😆

      If the Nats go for any of the others, I would say then the next election is already lost. They others are all Labour Lite

      Tanz, 20.2.2018.
      • McFlock 20.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 1:53 pm

        lolz
      • tracey 20.1.2

        27 February 2018 at 2:48 pm

        LOL
    • veutoviper 20.2

      27 February 2018 at 1:53 pm

      First Maori leader.

      Bullshit as always, TANZ.
      • Michelle 20.2.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:39 pm

        he is not a maori he a maar reee that what rolls out of his mouth
    • Chris 20.3

      27 February 2018 at 1:54 pm

      It’s an awesome result, all right. A liar like Key but without the ability to cover his arse. He’ll be very well liked, I’m sure. And with Bennett next to him, well, fuck, that’s just unbeatable.
    • mary_a 20.4

      27 February 2018 at 2:43 pm

      Tanz (20) … I really don’t think Labour has anything to worry about with Bridges and Bennett leading Natz. As for being in government soon … no I don’t think so.

      Bridges will be yelling and shouting hot air across the house in his usual aggressive style, pointing fingers in the air, achieving sfa. While Bennett will be as lazy as ever in her continuing role of deputy. If you think about it, she was nowhere to be seen during Natz election campaign and she certainly didn’t seem to do too much work as English’s second in command! So another cushy number for Bennett yet again!

      The government coalition will look like superstars compared to these two drop kicks leading the opposition.
      • tracey 20.4.1

        27 February 2018 at 2:49 pm

        She had to be low profile during the election…
        • veutoviper 20.4.1.1

          27 February 2018 at 3:16 pm

          I recall that now from your comment, but having a ‘senior moment’ as to why …
          • tracey 20.4.1.1.1

            27 February 2018 at 3:20 pm

            I cannot say due to an injunction
            • veutoviper 20.4.1.1.1.1

              27 February 2018 at 3:44 pm

              Ahh – that is all the hint I needed! Thanks. Have the links bookmarked so will refresh memory from these and check whether any update.
              • tracey …

                27 February 2018 at 4:04 pm

                She also did not attend Bill’s state of the nation but I suspect that was more to do with the emerging factions
            • mary_a 20.4.1.1.1.2

              27 February 2018 at 4:04 pm

              Ah right, yes. Jogged my memory. Thanks Tracey (20.4.1.1.1). Something to keep in mind.
              • tracey …

                27 February 2018 at 4:13 pm

                She is quite vague when she speaks of her past but this began to shine a light… and then the media stopped looking

                https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/94627131/one-lied-one-says-she-never-did-the-untold-backstories-of-political-leaders-paula-bennett-and-metiria-turei
        • rawsharkyeshe 20.4.1.2

          27 February 2018 at 3:19 pm

          And the truth can yet emerge, with any luck …. or perhaps some gentle encouragement …
          • tracey 20.4.1.2.1

            27 February 2018 at 3:21 pm

            If ANY of it is true it is appalling.
            • rawsharkyeshe 20.4.1.2.1.1

              27 February 2018 at 4:46 pm

              Tracey .. do injunctions expire, especially when one no longer has the full Police Dept at beck and call ? ( Yes, I know what my comment implies and do not resile from it !) I have popcorn ….
              • Tracey …

                27 February 2018 at 6:21 pm

                I imagine it only expires if he takes a case with evidence of his claims
                • rawsharkyeshe …

                  28 February 2018 at 1:17 am

                  Interesting, thx for that. A while back I communicated with him via a family contact but he was being surrounded by insurmountable walls and obstacles as the full force, literally, was being brought to bear against him and his closest ones. A dark and rum story.
21. JohnSelway 21

    27 February 2018 at 1:57 pm

    I thought they were selecting a new leader, not “Who could best play a doctor on Shortland Street”
    • Tamati Tautuhi 21.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:15 pm

      Just like Shortland St a pretend PM ?
22. Enough is Enough 22

    27 February 2018 at 2:16 pm

    “More promotions as the old guard (Joyce Collins Adams Coleman) is put out to pasture”

    I doubt very much that he will demote those who he just defeated. That is a recipe for a coup in 5 minutes. In politics you keep your enemies as close as possible. Just look at what Helen did to Cullen after his failed leadership bid.
23. Cinny 23

    27 February 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Did simon keep paula on because they have matching hairstyles? Awwww so cute.

    LMFAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    • Anne 23.1

      27 February 2018 at 5:44 pm

      Yes, I noted that too Cinny. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if they collaborated over their respective looks for the occasion. Shallow imagery is what the Nats are all about.

      Did you also notice the sly looks she gave Jacinda when Bridges was asking questions? They actually expose her for the nasty piece of work she really is.

      https://www.parliament.nz/en/watch-parliament/ondemand?itemId=198613
      • Cinny 23.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 6:21 pm

        Anne 🙂 Yes I did notice the sly looks too, I’m amazed they have retained her. Still laughing lololololllll 🙂 🙂 🙂
    • Louis 23.2

      27 February 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Reckon this is payback for when Simon Bridges stepped aside for Paula Bennett to be Bill’s deputy.
24. savenz 24

    27 February 2018 at 2:20 pm

    Firstly they were all horrible but secondly a good punt by National, he is a ‘John Key’ type and if he doesn’t rate as well, someone else can always overthrow him later.

    Jacinda would win if Labour stuck to their election promises of a gentle u turn from neoliberalism, it is hard to find signing the TPP is that. The biggest winners form the deal are the banks and the big corporations – yet again. Losers the public, yet again.

    As for all the ethnicity comments, yawn too many attached to gender politics which time and time again backfires, cos voters don’t vote for that and many are just as likely to stab their own people in the back (Paula and others across the political spectrum) or be so naive they help sink a parties voter base thinking voters are gonna lap up the message. (Greens).

    Also enabling bad policy and decisions by supporting them is just a nail in the parties coffin. Are Labour and NZ First looking that different in the eyes of the public by crony appointments and giving away provincial investment trusts money to corporates via the proven (sarcasm) ‘trickle down’ method.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/101740848/billiondollar-provincial-investment-panels-ties-to-oil-and-gas-sparks-concern

    The trust should not help corporates at all. The government should invest and own the investments or take a stake in the company if they give money.

    Voters seem to go for a combination of policy and party + leader they trust the most, or because that’s slim pickings in NZ, the party they hate the least. If none fall into that they don’t vote at all.

    Sometimes you wonder, do politician’s learn anything at all. And those who blame the media – they are not the ones putting the bullet into their own party.
25. Sabine 25

    27 February 2018 at 2:35 pm

    oh my gosh,
    Ms. Benefit and Mr. No bridges in Northland as the leaders of National.

    That is gonna be interesting.
    • tracey 25.1

      27 February 2018 at 2:51 pm

      Bill didnt fit the Key formula so they knifed him and rolled out John Key 2.0

      Bridges will now undertake even more media training behind the scenes.

      The Attack of the Clones.
      • cleangreen 25.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 10:23 pm

        Tracey,
        My thoughts entirely so these are just corporate clones setup as yes man/woman types to screw us all so Labour need to get there TV channel going to shown this all happening on their watch.

        Question; How are these two supposed Maori leaders going to console their brethren when they sign of the TPP11 that will sell their birthright, water land and futures??????

        That will stumble these turncoats.
        • tracey 25.1.1.1

          1 March 2018 at 2:44 pm

          The cynic in me says that bridges knew if he talked up his maori heritage he wouldn’t have been picked as leader but to speak of it afterwards is strategic cynicism…
      • Incognito 25.1.2

        27 February 2018 at 10:41 pm

        Does Simon play golf? Obama will be here in a few weeks.
26. Tanz 26

    27 February 2018 at 3:00 pm

    He is a lawyer too, that can’t hurt. Great CV outside of Parliament, and best of all, won his seat, easily, back in the day, from Winston. So a male/female team, which is a good contrast to Stardust and co. Winston looked unhappy today in the House. Worried?
    • tracey 26.1

      27 February 2018 at 3:10 pm

      A male/ female team is not a contrast to the govt which has a female/male team.

      He did well to win the safe National seat back for National who had held it for so long. The Right usually get grumpy at having lawyers in parliament preferring pseudo real world people like the faux farmer from Dipton.
    • One Anonymous Bloke 26.2

      27 February 2018 at 3:22 pm

      . Collins is the obvious choice, and National can’t afford to get it wrong, if they want to win next time. A copycat Ardern who isn’t, just won’t work.

      Tanz, 20.2.2018.
      • cleangreen 26.2.1

        27 February 2018 at 10:25 pm

        Brilliant OAB,

        TANZ got his foot stuck in his/hers throat again eh?
    • Cinny 26.3

      27 February 2018 at 3:24 pm

      Tanz, Winston was grinning from ear to ear in question time today. JS.
      • tracey 26.3.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:26 pm

        Heeheehee
      • fender 26.3.2

        27 February 2018 at 9:36 pm

        Winston looked very happy, Bridges didn’t though after Jacinda dealt to him. He looked defeated already.

        Tanz needs to accept: Jacinda is in charge!! Dog God isn’t.
        • CHCOff 26.3.2.1

          27 February 2018 at 11:25 pm

          Do the politicians have levels where they can tweak the settings of their mics?

          I’d say that would be a good idea, Jacinda has done abit of DJ’ing, she’d be one to help with that sort of thing, adding abit of a musical element to the back & forth of ‘point scoring’ wouldn’t be totally out of place.

          Bridge’s line of questioning indicates a have cake and eat it too type approach that obviously slots in well, tunnel vision and all that.
    • mary_a 26.4

      27 February 2018 at 3:46 pm

      @ Tanz (26) … Winston worried about the circus and two leader clowns opposite him in Parliament? Nah I don’t think so. I think he might have been trying to be polite, struggling not to laugh out loud at the hideous side show across the floor.
      • Tanz 26.4.1

        27 February 2018 at 7:24 pm

        He mostly looked grumpy though. After all, Bridges won the Tauranga seat from him, as National won back their Northland seat. Is Labour gonna gift him a seat??
        • One Anonymous Bloke 26.4.1.1

          27 February 2018 at 7:29 pm

          Why would they? They can form a government with the Greens on current polling.

          Nice to see Bennett beat Collins for deputy. Must suck to be Collins. Can’t realise her ambitions, still required to represent Oravida in Parliament, respected less than Paula Bennett by her “colleagues”.
          • Anne 26.4.1.1.1

            27 February 2018 at 8:06 pm

            Who knows what he’s promised some of the MPs in order to capture their vote. It should become apparent who they are in time.
        • greg 26.4.1.2

          27 February 2018 at 10:33 pm

          what a joke
          no bridges bridges leading national over the bridges to now where
        • Incognito 26.4.1.3

          27 February 2018 at 10:47 pm

          Nah, Tanz, that’s not grumpy; it’s a face chiselled by wisdom, deep contemplation, experience, responsibility, and an acute sense of duty. A face that neither Paula nor Simon will ever have. Key didn’t have it either; Bill did because his conscience was eating him inside.
        • Delia 26.4.1.4

          27 February 2018 at 11:33 pm

          He has been in politics since the eighties, do you really think he is worried about Simon? Seriously? Winston did amazing to hang on to Tauranga as he did all those years, given he was an ex National rebel. He leads the NZ First party, he is Deputy Leader, he is now grooming his successor. He would laugh if he read this.
    • Anne 26.5

      27 February 2018 at 10:31 pm

      Winston looked unhappy today in the House. Worried?

      Shows how totally deluded you are. You even imagine what you want to see even though you didn’t actually see it.

      I watched a bit of question time and the only shots I saw of Winston Peters, he was broadly smiling. He seemed extra happy.
27. Michelle 27

    27 February 2018 at 3:07 pm

    thats good simon 10 bridges is a lawyer he will be able to cover his own backside when he tells lies
    • UncookedSelachimorpha 27.1

      27 February 2018 at 3:16 pm

      Problem with lawyers is the 99% that give the rest a bad name….
      • tracey 27.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 3:27 pm

        Chuckling
      • paul andersen 27.1.2

        27 February 2018 at 6:03 pm

        +100
      • gsays 27.1.3

        27 February 2018 at 9:49 pm

        ..and as David Lange said not to trust lawyers, half of them are always wrong.
    • cleangreen 27.2

      27 February 2018 at 10:27 pm

      10000% Michelle – you get a chocolate fish for that; – it was brilliant
28. Ad 28

    27 February 2018 at 3:11 pm

    Still pretty weird after going through 9 fucking years of shit with Labour’s multiple selection processes, doing the same thing, and getting worse results every time.

    Damn National’s eyes but it was smoother than my Uncle Vic’s Angus stud artificial insemination.
    • tracey 28.1

      27 February 2018 at 3:16 pm

      They do tend to do their backstabbing behind closed doors but then they specialise in deception. Key V2.0
    • tracey 28.2

      27 February 2018 at 3:28 pm

      They are onto their 3rd in less than 18 months…
    • Anon 28.3

      27 February 2018 at 6:08 pm

      The process was quiet and smooth, but it’s effectively the same as Labours nine years of fail. Helen failed to groom anyone, and apparently so did Key – oh well, nine years of Labour it is I guess.
29. Matthew Whitehead 29

    27 February 2018 at 3:46 pm

    I expected Bridges to win as Leader. I didn’t expect them to keep Paula on as Deputy though, that’s hilarious. Bridges is absolutely cementing my impression that he’d double-down on English’s failures, and insisting on removing Bennett might well have pacified his opposition within the party, and given a real impression of renewal, despite his own boring same-as-usual approach. Next election is gonna be funny if those two are still around by that time, even if we should take it seriously. I bet they keep Joyce on in Finance as well, even though he’s a complete muppet who can’t add.
30. Carolyn_Nth 30

    27 February 2018 at 3:50 pm

    Simon Bridges, inventing new ways of talking about himself in the third person.
    • Siobhan 30.1

      27 February 2018 at 4:02 pm

      Illeism and Narcissism tend to go hand in hand…
    • Psycho Milt 30.2

      27 February 2018 at 9:34 pm

      To be fair to Simon, being able to get in behind yourself is a pretty good trick…
31. Stuart Munro 31

    27 February 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Is there any truth to the rumour that the Gnats now have a new party song to go with the anticipated poll response?
32. One Anonymous Bloke 32

    27 February 2018 at 4:12 pm

    It gets better…

    Bridges won the ballot on a second round of votes, meaning he did not go into caucus with the support of a majority of his caucus. There were also two rounds of voting for the deputy leadership before Paula Bennett emerged the winner over Judith Collins.

    I expect the member for Oravida will take that with her customary humility and grace. LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
    • tracey 32.1

      27 February 2018 at 4:24 pm

      Popcorn time…
    • North 32.2

      27 February 2018 at 6:48 pm

      “……..the member for Oravida will take that……”…….on another day.

      Revenge. Best served cold, as said someone.

      Meanwhile, her malevolence is doing push-ups.

      I readily acknowledge Judith’s ‘unusualness’.

      And Soimin’s perfect “ackshully”.
      • One Anonymous Bloke 32.2.1

        27 February 2018 at 7:57 pm

        “her malevolence is doing push-ups.”

        Now’s the time to pile on. The member for Oravida is still number sixteen on the list. Got to be some backstabbing ambitious Mitchell followers who value their salaries 😈
    • Incognito 32.3

      27 February 2018 at 10:51 pm

      Doesn’t matter; 44.4% is a majority and gives you moral authority according to Tanz.

      The King is dead, long live the King!
33. Stuff The Politicians 33

    27 February 2018 at 4:19 pm

    I reckon 18 months and both will be replaced.

    Bridges will become incoherent under pressure and Bennett is not capable of answering questions, she is a total fake.
    • tracey 33.1

      27 February 2018 at 4:27 pm

      If they change it will need to be at least a year before the next election… so 18 months works.

      I still think people need to stop underestimting John Key V2.0 . It is the same machine andcstrategy that gave us the prototype
      • Stuff The Politicians 33.1.1

        27 February 2018 at 4:35 pm

        Having a personality is huge in politics, but I don’t think Bridges has what Key had.
        • Anon 33.1.1.1

          27 February 2018 at 6:11 pm

          If John Key was water off a ducks butt, then Simon Bridges is goatse…
        • Incognito 33.1.1.2

          27 February 2018 at 10:53 pm

          Amoral compass?
34. AsleepWhileWalking 34

    27 February 2018 at 4:25 pm

    Let me be the first to say congratulations Simon!
    • Stuff The Politicians 34.1

      27 February 2018 at 4:32 pm

      For what, a caretaker leader ?
35. Brian Tregaskin 35

    27 February 2018 at 5:23 pm

    Tanz -read this
    Robbie Williams picks the new leader of the National Party
    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/entertainment/2018/02/robbie-williams-picks-the-new-leader-of-the-national-party.html
36. Carolyn_Nth 36

    27 February 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Watch Amy Adams try to raise her profile.

    She got a telling off from the Speaker today for doing a lot of loud sledging of the government.
37. Treetop 37

    27 February 2018 at 6:22 pm

    I do not think that Bridges will last as leader until the next election.
    • KJT 37.1

      27 February 2018 at 8:41 pm

      Just placeholders, until National tm’s owners find another John Key.
38. McFlock 38

    27 February 2018 at 6:27 pm

    lol

    “Same as before, but more shouty. That’ll get us back on track for the election!” – said no politician ever
39. mosa 39

    27 February 2018 at 10:03 pm

    Now Bridges is going to be talking a lot more then can i suggest a spit guard and help with the lisp.

    The press gallery and his unsuspecting audience will thank him for it.
    • rawsharkyeshe 39.1

      28 February 2018 at 1:28 am

      Somewhere and a while back, I seem to recall reading he had a serious speech
      impediment as a child and maybe even had surgery, but certainly long term therapy for worse than a lisp ? Just saying … be rotten to be attacking him for what might be the very best he can do after awful circumstances.

      Now, where were we … back to the place holders ….
40. millsy 40

    27 February 2018 at 10:28 pm

    Congratulations to Bridges. Look forward to seeing what you have got to say over the next 3 years or so, even if it is the same shrink the state, cut red tape, more business in government, less government in business crap.

    We now have the youngest line up of Parliamentary leaders ever,

    Jacinda Ardern – born in 1980 (the year I was born!)
    Simon Bridges – born in 1976
    David Seymour – born in 1983
    James Shaw – born in 1973

    The only odd one out is Winston Peters, born in 1945.

    It would be interesting to see how close the vote was, and who got how many, but I am guessing that gets taken to the grave of whoever counts the votes.
    • mosa 40.1

      27 February 2018 at 10:43 pm

      So someone actually gave birth to David Seymour ?

      Bang goes my theory !
41. Incognito 41

    27 February 2018 at 10:31 pm

    Ailbnb
42. cleangreen 42

    27 February 2018 at 10:37 pm

    Bridges anthem mock of “Sing to my ten Guitars”

    Credit -sung by both Engelbert and Tom Jones 1967 Parrot Records

    Beneath the stars my ten bridges are,

    there for all the world to see.

    But if your’e with the one you love this is what you’ll hear.

    Ohooo; – Dance dance dance two my ten bridges there, laalaalaa

    You get the message.

    Everything in Bridges head is a dream of what he thought he would do; – but failed to!!!

    So he will be a liability to National; – ha ha ha,
43. Ross 43

    28 February 2018 at 6:58 am

    I do hope that Bridges can get his back story right.

    He claimed in 2013 that he was from Tauranga. But of course he grew up in Te Atatu, went to Rutherford College and then on to Auckland University before being employed in an Auckland law firm. Why he’d say he grew up in Tauranga is anyone’s guess. Maybe he thinks that John Key was an accomplished liar and look where that got him – PM for nearly nine years.

    “As a boy from Tauranga, I’ve always wanted my name up in lights in the big city.”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/8928444/Pants-on-fire-attack-on-minister
    • Ross 43.1

      28 February 2018 at 7:11 am

      In fact, it seems that Bridges is, well, incompetent.

      http://www.newshub.co.nz/opinion/patrick-gower/opinion-is-simon-bridges-asleep-on-the-job-2014032009#axzz472sEDSxO
44. Psycho Milt 44

    28 February 2018 at 7:54 am

    It’s great that National has made another socially-conservative religion enthusiast its leader. Voter appetite for religious conservatism in NZ is minimal, and Bridges will do a much worse job of hiding it from voters than Bill English did.

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