Polity: Taxpayers Union on wine
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- Date published:
10:01 am, January 16th, 2014 - 28 comments
Categories: making shit up -
Tags: jordan williams
Polity had this post up this morning. The only problem with it was that Rob Salmond missed out on the correct title. For complete accuracy it should have been “Jordan Williams on whine”
Jordan Williams, apparently speaking for all us taxpayers, is outraged that Sir Lockwood Smith would spent his time in London talking about New Zealand wine: [lprent: see note at the end of the post. ]
Sir Lockwood, 65, has settled quickly into the London diplomatic scene. On Friday he was guest speaker at a function for The Worshipful Company of Vintners, a trade group.
He used the occasion to argue that too many “great New Zealand wines” are unavailable in London, trade publication Drinks Business reported…
Mr [Jordan] Williams suggested Sir Lockwood was in danger of emulating Jonathan Hunt, high commissioner to the UK from 2005 to 2008, who was dubbed the “Minister for Wine and Cheese”, in part because of his regular appearances at openings and cocktail functions while an MP.
“Surely [Sir Lockwood] has more pertinent things to be talking about than not being able to get hold of his favourite wine.”
Um, OK. Here are some quick notes for Jordan:
- You may not have noticed, but Lockwood was talking to a group of vintners. The clue is in their name, The Worshipful Company of Vintners.
- “Vintner” means “wine person.” They are usually quite interested in wine.
- Our diplomats’ jobs include talking up our wine when talking with wine people. That way, they might buy more wine from New Zealand.
- When overseas people buy stuff from us, that is an “export.” Exports are good.
- You are an idiot.
Updated: Jordan Williams advises that the NZ Herald has removed a incorrect quote and attribution, and will be publishing a retraction in the morning. I have crossed out the portion that was deleted at the NZ Herald.
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- Sanctions regime to create more hardship for families
Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...1 week ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...9 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...2 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...2 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...2 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...3 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...3 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...3 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...3 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...4 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
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- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
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- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...4 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...4 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
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- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...4 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
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- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...4 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...4 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...4 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
Legislation to enable new water service delivery models that will drive critical investment in infrastructure has passed its first reading in Parliament, marking a significant step towards the delivery of Local Water Done Well, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly say.“Councils and voters ...5 days ago
- Gene Technology Bill passes first reading
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Does he have a similar problem with some of the things our Pm talks about?
What’s the aim of this comment? To make it look like they “attack National too?” So as to give them some “credibility” as an independant group when they target labour and greens as a campaign strategy for national…
Has anyone in the print media done a look at who is behind this tyaxpayers union, or are they just liberally regurgitating their press releases?
I realise that you are stating facts 1-4 to lead to your conclusion at No. 5, but I’m thinking No.5 could’ve been put at No. 1 anyway.
The whole “Taxpayers’ Union” concept is a joke. This guy doesn’t want to pay taxes and attacks unions whenever he gets a chance. How many taxpayers does he really speak for? Certainly not me.
Yes, it should be called the “Don’t Want to Pay Taxes Union”
As far as I am concerned if Lockwood got totally sloshed every day and contributed to the increased sale of kiwi wine to the brits then he would be doing his job. Fancy complaining about him doing something for overseas trade.
As far as I can tell, any “Minister of Wine and Cheese” would be representing core NZ industries worth a couple of billion dollars. Fair enough, right?
is jordan williams and act toady or a national toady?
has matthew hooten gone strangely quiet on the airwaves and in print and blogs?
Yep. Seems to have. Great, isn’t it? Everything seems so much more improved by his absence.
except it means he is doing some secret stuff… like his hollowmen days… fighting off youngsters for the epsom seat for act?
He might just have contracted an especially nasty disease or been trampled over by a gang of voting children running to get Dotcom party tickets. I’m all for being positive about this situation until such time as hospitals all announce he’s not one of their patients or he re-surfaces from the slime he swims in.
sharks are more dangerous when you can’t see the fin grasshopper.
Perhaps. But then again he might have suffered some dreadful affliction instead of being one for a change. I’d like to think so.
Sounds like he was doing something pretty good (lockwood).
I feel like this is the Taxpayers’ Union “token attack on National” tactic.
– Pick something not very important. Like Lockwood Smith having some wine in Britain (ignoring any legitimate and worthwhile reason for it).
– Attack it.
– See look! We’re not partisan! We attack all wasteful spending!
– Rio Tinto? Chorus? What’s that? Never heard of them. But look we’re not partisan. There’s wine. And stuff.
– CUT ALL FUNDING TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY IT’S NOT EFFICIENT.
I love this story. I hope they keep doing more of them. Because every one is another opportunity for us to point out that the “Taxpayers Union” is fucking obsessed with trivia and yet has nothing to say about $1 million being spent to catch 22 beneficiaries taking drugs, or the massive blowout in costs to sell profitable state assets.
sadly “we” are the only ones who might notice that cos the media sure as hell wont. I mean, WHY pick up this nothing story in the first place?|
Given the sort of fluffy infotainment or sensationalist no details & dribble stories they usually use as frontpage items these days I can’t understand why you are asking this.
Remember that as High Commisioner Lockwood Smith doesnt pay duty or tax on alcohol.
So maybe this is why wine is such an important part of the job !
Bringing it back to NZ, this would also apply to embassies and such in Wellington. Interesting in the recent ruckus over an Indian diplomat arrested in New York, back in New Delhi, the Indian Government has asked the US Embassy to shut down ‘the bar’ it was running.
Apparently it was a local watering spot as well- no doubt the cheap prices helped.
This is where Taxpayers Union could get interested, how much duty is not paid for alcohol supplied to Wellington embassies, and are there any ‘bars’ running inside diplomatic buildings that are frequented by locals regularly. Im not talking about official functions, but more like Friday free for alls.
I wonder if our local US Embassy informant and well known blogger David Farrar, stocks up his grog via the cut price liquor store at the US Embassy
I was never a fan of Lockwood as an M.P., but as a Speaker, he did try to keep National honest, which is more than the present ass is doing.
As for his comments on wine, given that in recent years we’ve had a glut of wine, anything that helps sell wine is useful. The U.K. has some very influential wine critics/snobs, Lockwood would be aware of that – nothing like using the local press to push one’s home grown product. And it wasn’t that long ago that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was all the rage.
As for Jordan Williams, it only reflects how badly out of touch he is with reality. “Taxpayers Union” – do us all a favour, call it what it is, “The National Front”.
“he did try to keep National honest,” which is why he had to be shipped off to London…
Investigation of the possible ties between the Taxpayers Union and the UK based Taxpayers Alliance may discover their reason for existence…..obsession with trivia to distract from the ineptitude of their political and PR masters… Tory and Crosby-Textor?
The incorrect quote and attribution has been removed and the NZ Herald is going to publish the following retraction in tomorrow’s edition:
“Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers’ Union did not suggest Sir Lockwood Smith was in danger of emulating Jonathan Hunt, who was dubbed ‘Minister for Wine and Cheese’ as reported yesterday. Mr Williams was critical of the Government’s delay in disposing of the official residence of New Zealand’s High Commissioner to London, but not of Sir Lockwood’s efforts to promote New Zealand wine. The error is regretted.”
As the quote does not reflect my view or what I had commented to the reporter, would you mind updating the post?
Jordan Williams
[lprent: Will update it appropriately. ]
The words attributed to me were not mine. In fact I declined to comment on Sir Lockwood’s comments about wine referred to in the article.
The same article quotes me in relation to the property. Those views and quotes are accurate.
Still, don’t you really wish you had said that? It’d have made you more interesting.
Starting from a pretty low base, more interesting still wouldn’t get him far.
With the info of #12-13 I think on reflection this is one of the funniest threads I have read in ages 🙂
Not lprent but everybody else.
Does an organisation calling itself a ‘union’ not have to satisfy certain legal requirements? Like meetings, membership voting and such? I believe the real unions are sticklers for correct protocol.
Could I get a dozen or so like minded friends together and legally call ourselves for example the ‘Atheists Union’ or the ‘Sharia Union’? possibly claiming tax concessions etc.
I know there are psuedo institutes like the ‘Maxim Institute’ who are really just a group of like minded right leaning individuals with a political agenda…but ‘union?’
Master Hoodwinker has been advising ACT to change its name.
Fundamentalist
Union of
Con sumers and
Taxpayers!