New Day Rising

Written By: - Date published: 12:38 pm, January 31st, 2016 - 80 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, david shearer, Globalisation, International, labour, phil goff, Politics, trade - Tags: , , ,

There has been consternation at the dissenting voices from the Labour Party caucus over the TPPA. But Phil Goff and David Shearer losing their self control and putting ego and self promotion ahead of caucus responsibility is actually a good thing.

It shows just how irrelevent and dated the conservative minority in in Labour’s ranks have become. Under the leadership of a genuinely left wing social democrat, the faction that we used to call ABCers, neo-libs or Blairites are a spent force. The fact is, the majority of caucus overwhelmingly support Andrew Little’s more aggressive position on the TPPA.

It’s telling that Goff and Shearer chose to go public with their pro TPPA positions. Only a couple of years ago, they would not have had to mouth off to the press to make their point. They could have simply got caucus to back their timidity and it would have been the official Labour position. Nowadays, the bland appear blind sided by Little’s leadership. Labour’s got its mojo back and looks up for the fight.

Phil Goff’s motivation is clear and, to an extent, his position on the TPPA is understandable. He was there at the start of TPP negotiations and its reasonable for him to support the process. However, he could have done that and still damned the outcome. Goff knows better than most how pisspoor National are at bargaining. That’s the point he should have been hammering.

While it would have been better overall if Goff had just kept quiet on the matter, at least he did the decent thing and got caucus permission to dissent. That shows some respect for process and for his colleagues.

Really, I just see this as the first step in the Auckland mayoral campaign. Phil Goff needs a certain distance from Labour if he wants to be Mayor of Auckland. Because of the almost unique way we Kiwis kid ourselves that local body elections are apolitical, Goff needs to be seen to his own man, capable of crossing the political divide. He’s simply signalling to conservative voters and organisations that he is nominally independent in his thinking.

That’s good local body politics, though it might be better now if he simply resigns his seat and starts the mayoral campaign early. Labour could certainly use the good vibes a thumping by-election win would bring.

As for Shearer, well, lets just say Relevance Deficiency Syndrome appears to have scrambled his brains. His leader has treated his self indulgent disloyalty appropriately. Andrew Little could have gone off at him, stripped him off responsibility and banished him to the back benches, but rather he has kept the matter in perspective. David Shearer has been admonished and ordered to apologise to his caucus colleagues. It’s a sign of how weak Shearer’s support in caucus is that he has agreed to comply without complaint.

Perhaps it’s time for David Shearer to move on too. Mayor Phil will need a chief of staff. What could be more agreeable than having the two of them spending their evenings singing Kumbaya together in the quiet of the mayoral office?

This episode has been a shame. It didn’t have to happen, but it’s been dealt with firmly and fairly by a leader who is now comfortable that he has majority support in the wider party, among the affiliates and now, at last, in caucus.

So thanks, Phil. Thanks, David. You didn’t mean to, but you’ve strengthened the NZ Labour Party.

Phil, you still have history to make. If you lift yourself, you could be an average Auckland mayor.

David, you’ve made yourself history. You can probably go now, too.

The rest of the ABCers? Your time is up. Take a hint and jump before you’re pushed.

There’s a new day rising.

 

 

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80 comments on “New Day Rising ”

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  1. Chris 1
    31 January 2016 at 12:47 pm

    “Perhaps it’s time for David Shearer to move on too.”

    It’s been that time for a long time now. The painter on the roof debacle exposed his true colours. He might seem a nice guy but he ain’t no friend of the poor. Whether it’s a new day rising or not – and I doubt that it is because it’s the current Labour party we’re talking about – David Shearer should still fuck off now.

  2. Lanthanide 2
    31 January 2016 at 12:54 pm

    “Phil, you still have history to make. If you lift yourself, you could be an average Auckland mayor.”

    Damning with faint praise if ever I saw it.

    • rhinocrates 2.1
      31 January 2016 at 2:24 pm

      Especially considering the average quality of Auckland Mayors.

      Not that we in Wellington have much to be proud of.

  3. Alan W 3
    31 January 2016 at 1:09 pm

    New day rising , yep, hard left Labour soon polling less than 25% and going backwards fast, same as in the UK, brilliant strategy, well thought through, bound to see Labour forming the next government………

    • Paul 3.1
      31 January 2016 at 1:21 pm

      There will be attempts like this to derail the thread by rwnjs .
      Let’s set the agenda of the discussion where we want it, rather than having trolls starting petty little arguments by using mantras and slogans like ‘hard left’

      • te reo putake 3.1.1
        31 January 2016 at 1:30 pm

        Indeed, Paul, but I take heart from the reaction by the right in recent days. They must now sense that the old memes about disunity and leadership coups are not working anymore. They’ll need new strategies if they want to stop Andrew Little from becoming the next PM.

        • Paul 3.1.1.1
          31 January 2016 at 1:48 pm

          Let’s hope so.
          I am encouraged by the amount of people who now bypass the msm to get the news.

        • Chris 3.1.1.2
          31 January 2016 at 1:49 pm

          I sincerely hope you’re correct but we’ve experienced this kind of hope before and it’s gone nowhere. Perhaps Goff leaving will help other dead wood to move on but the evidence of the “new day” isn’t quite strong enough to rejoice quite yet.

        • Anne 3.1.1.3
          31 January 2016 at 5:55 pm

          I take heart from the reaction by the right in recent days.

          Indeed I have too. 🙂

        • The Lone Haranguer 3.1.1.4
          1 February 2016 at 12:03 pm

          Its not the “RWNJ/GRWC” groups who need new strategies to stop Andrew Little becoming the next PM, its the Left who need new strategies to get the “missing million” out to vote.

          As long as that group sit at home on their collective arses, and dont engage in the political argie bargie of ideas, then the only hope that the left have for getting Andrew Little to PM in 2017, is if aliens invade before 2017 and take Key away with them.

      • Alan W 3.1.2
        31 January 2016 at 1:34 pm

        huh?
        Shearer, Goff represent moderate left, TRP says farewell and good riddance and hails those to their left, therefore how is my comment possibly derailing the thread????
        Would seem to me that my comment is exactly on thread.
        (and RWNJ in no way describes my political thinking, thank you)

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.2.1
          31 January 2016 at 2:30 pm

          Shearer, Goff represent moderate left

          No they don’t. They’re almost as radical right-wing as National.

          (and RWNJ in no way describes my political thinking, thank you)

          If you think that Goff and Shearer are moderate left-wing then yes it does.

        • Pasupial 3.1.2.2
          31 January 2016 at 5:26 pm

          Alan W

          RWNJ in no way describes my political thinking, thank you

          Perhaps it doesn’t, but it certainly describes the comments you have chosen to post on this site. Your last comment (under this pseudonym anyway) was back in September:

          Rally for Kim?
          So a few people with limited knowledge wave a few banners and chant a few chants, Yep, that is going to make a huge difference to the outcome

          Which certainly reads like it was typed while your right-wing knee was jerking. Prior to that was various bits of Cobyn bashing, rugby idolation and rightwing sloganeering. All of which began around the time of the Northland byelection and has happened every couple of months since. You never seem to initiate a conversation, merely reacting in a disparaging manner to others (the knee-jerk part of RWNJ). Why exactly do you feel the description is inaccurate?

      • weka 3.1.3
        31 January 2016 at 2:32 pm

        Nicely expressed Paul, thanks.

  4. Manuka AOR 4
    31 January 2016 at 1:13 pm

    “He’s simply signalling to conservative voters and organisations that he is nominally independent in his thinking.” In other words his loyalties are now clearly divided.

    “That’s good local body politics, though it might be better now if he simply resigns his seat and starts the mayoral campaign early.” Yeah that. Otherwise he starts to look like someone trying to hang onto their piece of cake while tucking into it for a quick nosh.

  5. Ad 5
    31 January 2016 at 1:19 pm

    I thought the same TRP.

    I viewed it that Shearer evaluated he would spend precious media capital with Goff going TPP-pro, but the prize was near-total caucus unity, and red meat to his activist base. (Shearer was less expected).

    Worth the cost in medium-term.

  6. Graeme Stanley 6
    31 January 2016 at 1:22 pm

    You are reiterating what this Gold Badge oldie 40 years a Labour member & footsoldier feels right now. We at the coalface year after year of street corner meetings, leaflet drops and fundraising election campaigns are sick and tired of this grandstanding by Goff and Shearers self serving lack of discipline. They are past there use by date in my book..David Shearer &Phil Goff has shown poor political judgement in past I think with Skycity corporate box syndrome etc and they should stand aside.Iam relieved that at last Andrew Little has said No To The TPPA as my sympathies and support had begun to steer towards The Greens who articulate these matters brilliantly.Heres hoping Andrew can learn to state clearly his position with Guyon Espiner next time and put more of his stamp on our Party.

  7. Jenny Kirk 7
    31 January 2016 at 1:29 pm

    Totally agree with you, TRP – pleased, and relieved, that Andrew Little is starting to put his stamp on to Labour Party policies, and caucus discipline. Looking forward to his speech in a couple of minutes being live-streamed. Hope its a goodie.

  8. Macro 8
    31 January 2016 at 1:48 pm

    As an Auckland voter – I now know who I shall not be voting for.

  9. alwyn 9
    31 January 2016 at 2:09 pm

    “The rest of the ABCers? Your time is up. Take a hint and jump before you’re pushed.”
    Huh? I thought that ABC meant anyone but Cunliffe?
    That group clearly includes Little doesn’t it? The one MP who Little really seems to have it in for is Cunliffe. No real responsibility now at all and a clear indication that Little wants him out of Parliament.
    So you are calling for Little to quit apparently.

    • te reo putake 9.1
      31 January 2016 at 2:17 pm

      Nope. Not even close. Little is not part of the dwindling group often referred to in the past as ABCers. Or as I wrote in the post, referred to as ABCers, neo-libs or Blairites. Nice try though, feel free to have another go.

      • Ovid 9.1.1
        31 January 2016 at 2:26 pm

        I’m a bit wary of purges. So far I’ve been very happy with Andrew Little’s performance and I think he’s handled Goff and Shearer appropriately. But I don’t want Labour to be a caucus of yes-people. It should be able to have MPs privately arguing their cases to meet the party’s overall goals for New Zealand. But they should also fall into line once a decision has been reached.

      • marty mars 9.1.2
        31 January 2016 at 2:34 pm

        pretty sad attempt by allwhiney – heart doesn’t seem in it anymore.

        Onya Andrew and Labour and trp for some hope to back up the faith. TPPA is changing the political battlefield and the left will benefit!!!

      • Colonial Viper 9.1.3
        31 January 2016 at 3:04 pm

        Nope. Not even close. Little is not part of the dwindling group often referred to in the past as ABCers.

        If the ABC’ers were such a dwindling, powerless group in caucus Little wouldn’t have shafted Cunliffe on to the backbenches and removed his key portfolios.

        That move was done to please the ABC’ers.

      • alwyn 9.1.4
        31 January 2016 at 3:59 pm

        If Little wasn’t trying to get rid of Cunliffe why has he sent him off to Coventry on the backbench?
        Nothing to do and very clear hints that he should GO.

        • te reo putake 9.1.4.1
          31 January 2016 at 4:12 pm

          Two different things. First, Little is not an ABCer. Second, how he chooses to use or not use Cunliffe is his decision as leader. He has to build an effective team for the future, not put bandaids on the hurt feelings of ex-leaders. And its possible that Cunliffe simply didn’t want a role. I wouldn’t blame him in the least if he wanted a breather.

          • alwyn 9.1.4.1.1
            31 January 2016 at 4:54 pm

            “First, Little is not an ABCer”. That actually meant Cunliffe for leader didn’t it? I guess that no one, except David C himself wants him for leader now. In that sense the whole caucus is an ABCer.
            The last election proved of course that anyone who didn’t want Cunliffe to lead the party was very sensible. He was a disaster merely waiting to implode, which he managed to do very successfully when the public got a chance to see him..

            It must be very hard being a loyal member of a political party when it in opposition. In only 7 years a good Labour Party member has had to believe.
            (1) Helen Clarke is God. Then God abdicated.
            (2) Phil Goff is the anointed one. No one can compete with him.
            (3) Phil Who? Shearer is the messiah.
            (4) Who do you mean David S? David Cunliffe is my master and the one who will crush Key.
            (5) David C? Never heard of him. Little is the Lord.

            Rather like in Stalinist Russia. They even air-brushed the deposed out of photos. I suppose at least in NZ they don’t shoot them.

            I’m glad I have never got involved with a party. It must have been the same in National from Bolger to Shipley to English to Brash to Key.

            • marty mars 9.1.4.1.1.1
              1 February 2016 at 8:25 am

              “In only 7 years a good Labour Party member has had to believe”

              I’m not a Labour person but even I can see the gaping holes through your vacuous assertions.

              The one quoted for instance – HAD to believe??? You need to try really, really hard and do some of your own thinking (I know, wtf???) because at the moment you really seem to be struggling to grasp basic, basic concepts. No one HAD to believe – that is not what ‘belief’ is about – don’t you get that bot?

              • alwyn …
                1 February 2016 at 8:49 am

                Your comments are diverting more and more from reality.
                You have to believe these things if you wish to remain a member in good standing. Personal beliefs that divert from the party line are simply not acceptable are they?
                When Shearer was leader I am sure every one in the party would have lined up and said that the TPPA was good. Now he has to stand up and apologise to the whole of the Caucus because he had a thought that wasn’t in line with the latest dogma.
                From things Colonial Viper has said on this site I suspect that he has been told off by the party inner circle for not slavishly following the latest party line. Yes, to be a proper “good” party member you do have to give up free will.

    • weka 9.2
      31 January 2016 at 2:42 pm

      I’ll take pity on you alwyn. Here’s two politicos’ outlines of the threeway factions within Labour circa Cunliffe as leader time.

      http://thestandard.org.nz/labours-three-factions/

      http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2013/07/15/labour-party-coup-watch-downgrade/

      • alwyn 9.2.1
        31 January 2016 at 4:11 pm

        That may be very interesting Weka, but I am interested in what is happening now.
        The first opinion, and that is all it was, is nearly 3 years ago.
        The second is by that noted journalist Martyn Bradbury, the man who believed he could ride on KDC into a position of influence.

        Little has shafted Cunliffe, now.
        He clearly hopes he will quit, soon.

        He is obviously one who believes that he would rather have “Any one but Cunliffe” in Labour’s front row (or second row) in Parliament. That is even more extreme that being in an ABC group for leader isn’t it?
        QED.

        • weka 9.2.1.1
          31 January 2016 at 8:24 pm

          Interesting to see you make shit up about Labour too.

          ABC is an historical term relating to the time period of those links. It shows Little and either on DC’s side or neutral. It doesn’t get used a lot now, most people refer to neoliberals or rogernomes.

          I don’t believe Little has shafted DC. He’s put him on the back bench as a way of settling down the civil war with caucus. It appears to have worked. Labour would be insane to get rid of DC, he’s one of their more competent MPs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him with more responsibility once Shearer and Goff are gone, but for Robertson (I don’t really understand what he’s up to).

          • alwyn 9.2.1.1.1
            1 February 2016 at 8:17 am

            It is only you who is talking about the dim distant past Weka.
            Te Reo Putake was talking about the present when he said
            “The rest of the ABCers? Your time is up”.
            I was also talking about the present when I proposed that Little is clearly now an ABCer, saying
            “That group clearly includes Little doesn’t it?”
            When you use “is” and “includes” you are using the present tense.
            What Little may have been back in the days when Shearer was leader doesn’t matter in the slightest. We were both talking about the present day.

            You can believe in Cunliffe as much as you like. It doesn’t really matter. It is what Little thinks that matters and he doesn’t want anything to do with him.
            Cunliffe is yesterday’s man and is like the black sheep uncle who the family wish would go off to the colonies.

            • weka 9.2.1.1.1.1
              1 February 2016 at 9:57 am

              That’s easy then, you’re wrong in the present tense as well as the past tense.

              I was just trying to be helpful by giving some historical context. Feel free to keep making shit up instead, just expect to be called out on it.

              • alwyn …
                1 February 2016 at 11:47 am

                “you’re wrong in the present tense as well as the past tense”
                Now that was quite funny. There is hope for you yet.
                You still get a fail in logic though.

                • te reo putake …
                  1 February 2016 at 12:06 pm

                  The logic fail is yours. Little has never been an ABCer. He isn’t one now. Your argument appears to be based on a misunderstanding of what ABC means. Hint, it’s about preventing DC from leading the party. Little has never stood against Cunliffe, and never canvassed or counselled against him. He isn’t an ABCer, he’s his own man.

        • Tautuhi 9.2.1.2
          1 February 2016 at 8:41 pm

          Obviously you don’t want Cunliffe in the Labour Party?

  10. rhinocrates 10
    31 January 2016 at 2:27 pm

    (Too) Little, too late. Lack of discipline sank Labour’s chances in the last elections and this just confirms that the problem’s still there and Little can’t control his caucus. It takes years to establish or change perceived brand, it’ll take years yet and they don’t have that time. So thanks [Shearer] and Goff, I am really NOT looking forward to more years of Key as PM, followed by Bennett or Collins.

    I’m willing to paint your roofs if you like – but it’ll be with [Death threat deleted. Don’t do it again. TRP] if you don’t mind.

  11. Reddelusion 11
    31 January 2016 at 2:27 pm

    The sun must be getting to TRP, let’s see the next poll before we conclude that the left Is on the way to the promised land, labour is simply a hot bed of division and single interest groups temporarily placated for the sake of self interest survival, of it ever dwindling MPs . CV is on the mark with his evaluation, labour represent a time past and no longer are a United cohesive party representing main stream society, what we are seeing now is the death throes of the party. The real interest is what wil replace it

  12. Richard Christie 12
    31 January 2016 at 2:32 pm

    And that sums it up nicely, good post.

  13. Colonial Viper 13
    31 January 2016 at 2:34 pm

    Caucus strongly back Andrew Little’s harder stance against the TPP, and not Shearer?

    Are you sure, TRP?

    Because I think Shearer has plenty of support in caucus, he will keep his position as no. 13, he will keep his position on the TPP law change committee, he won’t lose any portfolios, and he will get nothing more than a wet bus ticket slapping on the wrist.

    If Cunliffe had spoken out in the same manner as Shearer, he would have been stripped of his major portfolios and sent to the backbenches almost immediately.

    That’s the contrast.

    • Northsider 13.1
      31 January 2016 at 2:37 pm

      +1

    • te reo putake 13.2
      31 January 2016 at 2:52 pm

      Well, that’s exactly what’s happened, CV. Goff asked for permission to act outside the caucus line, but Shearer just jumped on the bandwagon and blurted without thinking. Caucus has not backed that behaviour and instead, they are looking for him to be contrite and to get back on task. Little, being a good employer, has not over-reacted. Requiring Shearer to apologise is punishment enough, I would have thought.

      So, Little has demonstrated that he leads caucus. And Shearer has demonstrated he’s a goose. As I said in the post, probably time for him to move on. But, Little … Little’s here to stay.

      • Colonial Viper 13.2.1
        31 January 2016 at 2:57 pm

        Well, that’s exactly what’s happened, CV.

        ?

        Did Shearer get demoted from no.13 and lose major portfolios?

        I didn’t hear that had happened.

        IMO, a wet bus ticket is the level of punishment that Little can afford to mete out to Shearer.

        • te reo putake 13.2.1.1
          31 January 2016 at 3:04 pm

          No, your strawman didn’t happen. What did happen was the leader clearly imposed his authority and did so without over-reacting. And caucus supported him in his approach. So, united in thought and deed. What’s not to like?

          • Colonial Viper 13.2.1.1.1
            31 January 2016 at 3:06 pm

            Oh right, so no punishment of substance for Shearer. No wonder he wasn’t shy to speak out directly against Little’s comments.

            • te reo putake 13.2.1.1.1.1
              31 January 2016 at 3:25 pm

              Try and focus on what a fair and reasonable response should be, CV. The man is being made to apologise for his stupidity. Little gets to assert his authority and Shearer is humbled. That’s a fair and reasonable result. A+ Andrew, D- Dave.

              Anyway, it’s a bit rich you moaning about punishments, CV. Pretty much every public statement you ever make is designed to hurt Labour and yet you are tolerated within the party. Why should Shearer be heavily punished for this single error of judgement if you are not punished at all for a daily campaign of denigration?

              • Brendon Harre -Left wing Liberal …
                31 January 2016 at 3:37 pm

                +1

              • gsays …
                1 February 2016 at 7:41 am

                Hi trip, not wanting to pick a fight or anything…

                Anyone convinced against their will, keeps their own opinions still.
                When someone is ‘made’ to apologise, in my experience, their resentment grows.

                • te reo putake …
                  1 February 2016 at 8:36 am

                  I agree with you that the apology may not be sincere, but it’s what it says about formal and informal power within caucus that I find interesting. This marks the end of an era, hopefully.

                  • gsays …
                    1 February 2016 at 9:34 am

                    i do admire yr optimism.
                    i remain a tad cynical, i see too many careerists who are there for their own benefit.
                    this is not limited to the labour party btw. need a few more public servants with emphasis on the servant in wellington.

                    keep up yr good work.

      • Jenny Kirk 13.2.2
        31 January 2016 at 3:15 pm

        + 100% TRP

    • Hami Shearlie 13.3
      31 January 2016 at 5:45 pm

      +1

  14. adam 14
    31 January 2016 at 2:54 pm

    I love your optimism TE REO PUTAKE.

    Actually it’s one of the best qualities, and you should be congratulated on it.

    But, my gut is telling me you are wrong. Yes labour looks more unified, but does it look more left wing? I’m not convinced. It still has not said it will change the reserve bank act. Or maybe that’s the best we can expect.

    Labour being no friend of freedom or liberty. Labour the dull edge sword of the elites to smudge the world for working people. Of good old labour at the neck of working people telling them what is good for them.

    A nicer way for those in charge to tell all us folk to shut up, and do as we are told.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 14.1
      31 January 2016 at 5:08 pm

      There’s a simple reason why it’s always worth choosing a Labour government over a National one: fewer dead children.

      If you aren’t prepared to put them before ideological purity I question your ethics.

      • Colonial Viper 14.1.1
        31 January 2016 at 8:07 pm

        Nah, not good enough.

      • greywarshark 14.1.2
        31 January 2016 at 8:35 pm

        Fewer dead children! For someone taking an emotional shot instead of a considered one, you have just added a further mark against you OAB. If you are a sincere idealogue it should be more than NO dead children, it should be ALL children well cared for and with affordable, accessible medical and educational services for all.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 14.1.2.1
          31 January 2016 at 8:58 pm

          Nope, it isn’t an emotional shot it’s a simple statement of fact. Not good enough? Fine, stick with National and enjoy your moral superiority.

          • greywarshark 14.1.2.1.1
            1 February 2016 at 1:03 pm

            Your moral superiority is better than my moral superiority. Twerp.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 14.1.2.1.1.1
              1 February 2016 at 1:12 pm

              Who’s making emotional shots now?

              Labour are not going to roll back every facet of neo-Liberal vandalism in one go, more’s the pity. We can still have a lower morbidity rate all the same.

  15. Northsider 15
    31 January 2016 at 2:56 pm

    Little will survive this debacle IF he comes down like a tonne of bricks on any misbehaviour by Shearer/Robertson/King and their bag carriers. Little’s nasty treatment of Cunliffe in the last reshuffle, at the behest of that trio, suggests to me that he is not free from their clutches.

    TRP makes a number of valuable observations and comments but there is something not right about his conclusion. Viewing The “dispensation” for Goff as a sign of strength has some validity. Allowing Shearer to continue as a spokesperson on any matter touching on foreign trade relations is stupid and the Nats will bring it up time after time: it will become a distraction and a running sore.

    Little’s political capital has been depleted by Shearer. There is absolutely noting positive to be said about Shearer and his role in Labour since 2009. I agree Shearer should be shown the door. Little’s next reshuffle will be interesting.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      31 January 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Shearer should be shown the door, but he won’t be.

      Further, I believe that Shearer knows that he spoke out from a position of strength and that Little won’t be able to apply anything more than a wet bus ticket against him, hence why he stepped forward to begin with.

      • te reo putake 15.1.1
        31 January 2016 at 3:07 pm

        He’s been forced to apologise. Hardly proof of a position of strength. Er, actually, it’s the exact opposite.

        There’s a few in Labour that should be shown the door in my opinion, CV. Not all of them MP’s 😉

  16. Peroxide Blonde 16
    31 January 2016 at 5:02 pm

    Shearer has “Entitlement” written all over his face.

    Shearer deliberately made this stand on TPPA because he believed he was entitled as Goff. Robertson’s clique has blown so much smoke up Shearer’s arse that Shearer actually believes he has the same entitlements as a trooper of Goff’s stature.

    Shearer also has an eye to another international gig via his Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) buddies and feels that being associated with an anti TPPA stance is a blot on his CV.

    Shearer won, In his head he achieved his objective.
    Labour lost. Little has had his mana damaged by a useless toe-rag like Shearer.

    Grant Robertson is very happy.

    • FiFi 16.1
      1 February 2016 at 2:30 am

      I trust him even less if he is involved with the IISS, that must be where they got the name ISIS from. If he has anything to do with Zbigniew Brzezinski who started the IISS then we sure as hell don’t need Shearer in our political arena.

  17. Penny Bright 17
    31 January 2016 at 5:20 pm

    Distributed a number of leaflets today to Labour MPs, organisers and supporters, at the Labour Leader Andrew Little’s ‘State of the Nation’ speech, at Albert Park – advertising the upcoming PEACEFUL protest against the TPPA that will be happening Thursday lunchtime 4 February 2016.

    This protest has been called and has been organised by the It’s Our Future (Auckland) group and is NOT going to Sky City – which we see as a provocative ‘corporate trap’.

    The aim is to get tens of thousands of concerned New Zealanders to fill
    Queen St, from 12 noon at Aotea Square, and marching to Britomart – where this peaceful protest will end at 1pm.

    It was great to hear how many Labour Party supporters knew about this anti-TPPA peaceful protest, and said they were coming.

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

  18. Gangnam Style 18
    31 January 2016 at 5:43 pm

    Regarding the sex for rent story, how about sex for higher education, http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/01/where-the-sugar-babies-are/384547/?utm_source=SFFB
    “In recent years the rising cost of student debt has given birth to an odd phenomenon: a population of ostensibly generous older men who appear poised to solve the higher-education crisis, one student at a time. Once a relatively underground subculture, this benevolent group of men is coming to the rescue across the country, essentially volunteering to subsidize the students’ tuition costs.”

    • Gangnam Style 18.1
      31 January 2016 at 7:22 pm

      D’oh, was meant for the “Postcards from the brighter future” post, posting without glasses sorry.

      [No worries! Not sure that I can transfer it, sorry. TRP]

  19. swordfish 19
    31 January 2016 at 7:21 pm

    Upset at “the ritualised humiliation of David Shearer”, Phil Quin loses heart with what he calls “Labour’s remaining moderates” (ie the ABCers).

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11529206

    Apparently, the ABCers have betrayed Phil’s dream, having “folded like cheap tents” under pressure from Little and are just not “capable of such courageous, potentially career-threatening acts” as crossing the floor in support of the TPPA.

    For Phil and his small coterie on the Right-Wing fringe of Labour’s ABC brigade, the Dream is Over.

    • Manuka AOR 19.1
      31 January 2016 at 7:55 pm

      @swordfish
      Phil Quin wrote that in October 2015. At that time Key had not yet released the text of the TPP – How did Phil get to read it in advance, I wonder.

      Great top comment underneath his article, which begins: “What utter rot. That Labour would propose to govern in a manner that serves NZers and not corporate interests makes them eminently more capable of governing…”

  20. nzsage 20
    2 February 2016 at 1:26 pm

    I feel the tide is turning against Key and the right wing self interest policies.

    Acquaintance who have in the past staunchly defended him are beginning to question both him and his parties underlying motives.

    I really hope Key is still fronting the Natz come the next election, it will be a huge advantage for the left!