Team Anderton should remain confident
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- Date published:
9:15 am, October 7th, 2010 - 51 comments
Categories: local body elections -
Tags: bob parker, jim anderton
Since Sept 4, Bob Parker, according to the polls, has reversed his fortunes, going from a likely one-term mayor to a council colossus. He has been portrayed as a steady hand on the tiller, while CCC staff worked incredibly hard to restore services to the damaged areas. Meanwhile, Jim has largely stayed out of the limelight, working hard behind the scenes, continuing the advocacy for Christchurch that has seen Wigram/Sydenham return him as their MP since 1984. All the while, false statements and fallacies surrounding him have come and gone.
Parker has now, according to his own comments, abandoned campaigning in favour of focusing on rebuilding Christchurch. This is an incredibly arrogant position to take – however distasteful campaigning might feel in the aftermath of such a disaster, Parker owes it to the people of Christchurch to be able to make an informed decision – the alternative is withdraw from the race to focus on early rebuilding and the handover.
OTOH, Jim has continued his campaign, although toned down, he has and is continuing to meet with the people of this city.
But fear not, Anderton, whilst the underdog according to current polls, has a number of things in his favour:
– He is a recognised politician, unlike less previously visible 2007 2021 Mayoral opponent Megan Woods, who gained a significant number of votes considered.
– Many Anderton voters will be anti-Parker votes, because they are upset about what is happening to our city – Anti-voters tend to more motivated to vote than pro-voters.
– Anderton is supported by the 2021 People’s Choice team, which has a huge number of volunteers out and about ready to corral votes.
– Part of Christchurch already has Anderton as their elected representative, and have experience with his advocacy skills.
– Those who have not suffered temporary memory loss from the quake, will know that this council has been unpopular with both ratepayers and other voters for its lack of consultation, closed door approach, and lack of transparency.
– Parker remains unapologetic for the decisions made during this term, including the Henderson purchases, 24% rent increases on council owned housing.
This is not to say that it will not be close. Don’t forget to vote.
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- Release: A faster justice system focused on victimsLabour will help more victims of crime achieve justice faster by introducing a formal class-action regime, modernising consent laws and increasing the use of technology to speed up hearings. ...1 week ago
- Release: Gaping hole confirmed in National’s tax planA whopping $2.1 billion dollar hole has been confirmed in National’s tax scheme in a new report released today. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour pledges biggest ever increase to training DoctorsLabour will deliver the largest ever increase to the number of doctors trained each year, adding an additional 335 doctors a year to our health workforce from 2027, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has announced. ...2 weeks ago
- PREFU Exposes Political PromisesToday’s PREFU has some alarming statistics showing an economy deteriorating and the cost of unaffordable government expenditure, mainly in the 2022 and 2023 budgets. Despite this alarming economic and fiscal picture, political parties are making unaffordable promises, talking about a surplus by 2027, or four years time, all of which ...2 weeks ago
- State of books makes clear case for wealth taxThe case for a wealth tax has never been stronger. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour pledges free cervical screeningIf re-elected Labour will make cervical screening services free to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 69 years, delivering better cancer care for over 1.4 million New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins sets out 9 key pledges to New ZealandLabour Leader Chris Hipkins has set out nine key pledges to be achieved in his first full term as Prime Minister. ...2 weeks ago
- Labour's Plan 2023Labour is running a positive, forward-looking campaign that's focused on fixing the cost of living, keeping people and communities safe and investing in education, health and housing. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Coalition of Cuts and Chaos would be NZ’s most unstable governmentStatements from David Seymour and Winston Peters have called into question whether National would be able to lead a functional government if they were in a position to do so after the election. ...2 weeks ago
- Healthy Ocean Act – Marama Davidson SpeechHe mōhio ō tātou tīpuna ki te tirotiro taiao. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens will demand Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to lead ocean rescue planThe Green Party will protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, create an independent Ocean Commission to advise the government, and put a Green Minister for Oceans and Fisheries in charge of making it happen. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National's dodgy tax scheme couldn't be done – according to John KeyNational's shaky tax scheme has received a further blow after it’s been revealed that John Key received advice when he was Prime Minister that the scheme being proposed by National couldn’t be done, Labour Finance Spokesperson Grant Robertson says. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: No new funding, no timelines – National’s empty housing policyThe National Party’s housing policy is vacant; with no new funding and no timelines attached to its delivery says Labour Housing Spokesperson Megan Woods. ...2 weeks ago
- Immigration settings updates
Judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...2 days ago - Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga HohepaTangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...3 days ago
- COVID-19 funding returned to GovernmentThe lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...3 days ago
- Appointment of District Court JudgeSusie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today. Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...3 days ago
- Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilienceThe Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...4 days ago
- Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-upAnother $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...4 days ago
- Taupō Supercars revs up with Government supportThe future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...4 days ago
- There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarterThe economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...4 days ago
- Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springsThe Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...4 days ago
- More support for victims of migrant exploitationTemporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...5 days ago
- Strong export boost as NZ economy turns cornerAn export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...5 days ago
- Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te KarakaThe Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...5 days ago
- Further business support for cyclone-affected regionsThe Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...5 days ago
- New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underwayDefence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...5 days ago
- Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General AssemblyForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...6 days ago
- Midwives’ pay equity offer reachedAround 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...1 week ago
- New Zealand provides support to MoroccoAotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilienceThe Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in Greymouth’s futureThe Government has today confirmed a $2 million grant towards the regeneration of Greymouth’s CBD with construction of a new two-level commercial and public facility. “It will include a visitor facility centred around a new library. Additionally, it will include retail outlets on the ground floor, and both outdoor and ...2 weeks ago
- Nanaia Mahuta to attend PIF Foreign Ministers’ MeetingForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will attend the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in Suva, Fiji alongside New Zealand’s regional counterparts. “Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply committed to working with our pacific whanau to strengthen our cooperation, and share ways to combat the challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent,” ...2 weeks ago
- PREFU shows no recession, growing economy, more jobs and wages ahead of inflationEconomy to grow 2.6 percent on average over forecast period Treasury not forecasting a recession Inflation to return to the 1-3 percent target band next year Wages set to grow 4.8 percent a year over forecast period Unemployment to peak below the long-term average Fiscal Rules met - Net debt ...2 weeks ago
- New cancer centre opens in ChristchurchPrime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall proudly opened the Canterbury Cancer Centre in Christchurch today. The new facility is the first of its kind and was built with $6.5 million of funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group scheme for shovel-ready projects allocated in 2020. ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests in top of the south’s roading resilience$12 million to improve the resilience of roads in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions Hope Bypass earmarked in draft Government Policy Statement on land transport $127 million invested in the top of the south’s roads since flooding in 2021 and 2022 The Government is investing over $12 million to ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealanders continue to support the revitalisation of te reo as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Mā...Ko tēnei te wiki e whakanui ana i tō tātou reo rangatira. Ko te wā tuku reo Māori, e whakanuia tahitia ai te reo ahakoa kei hea ake tēnā me tēnā o tātou, ka tū ā te Rātū te 14 o Mahuru, ā te 12 o ngā hāora i te ahiahi. ...2 weeks ago
- New Wildlife Act to better protect native speciesThe 70-year-old Wildlife Act will be replaced with modern, fit-for-purpose legislation to better protect native species and improve biodiversity, Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime has announced. “New species legislation is urgently needed to address New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis,” Willow-Jean Prime said. “More than 4,000 of our native species are currently ...2 weeks ago
- Further safety initiatives for Auckland City CentreCentral and Local Government are today announcing a range of new measures to tackle low-level crime and anti-social behaviour in the Auckland CBD to complement Police scaling up their presence in the area. “Police have an important role to play in preventing and responding to crime, but there is more ...2 weeks ago
- Govt confirms additional support for Enabling Good LivesThe Government has confirmed $73.7 million over the next four years and a further $40.5m in outyears to continue to transform the disability support system, Minister for Disability Issues Priyanca Radhakrishnan has announced. “The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach is a framework which guides positive change for disabled people, ...2 weeks ago
- New Zealand gets AAA credit rating from S&PStandard and Poor’s is the latest independent credit rating agency to endorse the Government’s economic management in the face of a deteriorating global economy. S&P affirmed New Zealand’s long term local currency rating at AAA and foreign currency rating at AA+ with a stable outlook. It follows Fitch affirming New ...2 weeks ago
- Appointment of Environment Court JudgeChristchurch barrister Kelvin Reid has been appointed as a Judge of the Environment Court and the District Court, Attorney-General David Parker announced today. Mr Reid has extensive experience in Resource Management Act issues, including water quality throughout the South Island. He was appointed to the Technical Advisory Group advising the ...2 weeks ago
- NZ’s biggest ever emissions reduction project hits milestoneNew Zealand is on track to have greener steel as soon as 2026 with New Zealand Steel’s electric arc furnace project reaching a major milestone today. The Government announced a conditional partnership with New Zealand Steel in May to deliver the country’s largest emissions reduction project to date. Half of ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Paki Leslie Māngai NikoraPokia ana te tihi Taiarahia e Hine-Pūkohu-rangi Hotu kau ana te manawa! Horahia ana te whārua o Ruātoki e te kapua pouri Tikaro rawahia ko te whatumanawa! Rere whakamuri kau ana te awa o Hinemataroa Ki te kawe i te rongo ki te mātāpuna i nga pōngaihu Maungapōhatu, tuohu ...3 weeks ago
- 50,000 charges laid in crack down on gangsPolice Minister Ginny Andersen has today congratulated Police in their efforts to crack down on gangs, after laying 50,000 charges against gang members and their associates through the hugely successful Operation Cobalt. As at 31 August, Police have: Laid 50,396 criminal charges against gang members and their associates Issued 64,524 ...3 weeks ago
- Farmers and cyclone-affected properties supported with tax rule changesThe Government has confirmed details of the tax changes to the bright-line test for cyclone-damaged properties, with the release of the required legislative amendments. Revenue Minister Barbara Edmonds has released a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP) to be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Committee in the next Parliament, as it ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand wins CPTPP dispute against CanadaMinister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor has welcomed the CPTPP Panel’s ruling in favour of New Zealand in our dispute against Canada, a significant win for our primary sector exporters. The Panel found that Canada’s dairy quota administration is inconsistent with its obligations under the Comprehensive and Progressive ...3 weeks ago
- New intensive turnaround programme launched to break the cycle of offendingThe next phase of the Government’s response to youth crime is underway, with an intensive programme for the country’s most prolific young offenders launched today in Auckland, Minister for Children Kelvin Davis said. The programme, announced by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in July, will see up to 60 recidivist young ...3 weeks ago
- Government extends report date for COVID inquiryThe Government has agreed to a request from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 for extra three months to deliver its final report. The Royal Commission was established in 2022 to strengthen New Zealand’s preparedness for any future pandemics. It was originally due to conclude mid-2024. “The Commission has ...3 weeks ago
- Wainuiomata school property upgrade making great progressThe Wainuiomata High School redevelopment is making great progress, with two more classroom blocks set to be complete by the end of the month, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins announced today. The Prime Minister visited today to see first-hand the progress of the redevelopment which is continuing at pace and is ...3 weeks ago
- Are fish oil supplements as healthy as we think? And is eating fish better?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Evangeline Mantzioris, Program Director of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Accredited Practising Dietitian, University of South Australia Fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, is promoted for a number of health benefits – from boosting our heart health, protecting our brain from dementia, ...45 mins ago - What lies behind Luxon’s change of heart on NZ First?
The 11th-hour decision to rule in Winston Peters if necessary leaves the National leader looking slow and expedient. When Chris Hipkins declared last week that National’s polling was beyond its peak, it seemed born more of hope than data. It is hard to avoid concluding, however, that Christopher Luxon has ...57 mins ago - Watch live: Election debate – Parties questioned on policies affecting Pasifika
RNZ Pacific has partnered with Pacific Media Network to question major parties on how their policies will affect Pacific peoples. ...1 hour ago - EPA Annual Charges On Forestry Participants Unlawful?
...1 hour ago - A teenager’s OCD journeyA 17-year-old shares their reality living with the ‘doubting disease’. A version of this essay was first published on Emily Writes’ Substack. Every day I return to my house, gently closing the door behind me. Each time I unpack my bag, wash my lunch box and water bottle, place my ...2 hours ago
- The ‘community of care’ improving the wellbeing of Sāmoan teachersAn ambitious initiative in Sāmoan early childhood centres is improving the health and wellbeing of children, families and teachers across Auckland – with aspirations to extend nationwide. The Seugagogo Aoga Amata Pre-School had humble beginnings. Situated close to the town centre of Auckland’s Ōtāhuhu and founded as a playgroup ...2 hours ago
- National would work with NZ FirstWelcome to The Spinoff’s election live updates for Monday, September 25. I’m Stewart Sowman-Lund: on deck today from the mighty Manawatū. Get in touch with me on [email protected] Find out more about the political parties at Policy.nz The agenda Christopher Luxon has confirmed he would work with Winston ...2 hours ago
- Election 2023: National Party confirms it could work with NZ FirstChristopher Luxon says his preference is to work with ACT in government, but could work with New Zealand First too. ...3 hours ago
- Is it ethical non-Indigenous people get to decide on the Voice? Is it OK for one group to have right...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Formosa, Professor and Head of the Department of Philosophy, and Co-Director of the Macquire University Ethics & Agency Research Centre, Macquarie University Australians will soon be asked to vote on whether we should “alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples ...3 hours ago
- America’s leaders are older than they’ve ever been. Why didn’t the founding fathers foresee th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney The US Congress has had no shortage of viral moments in recent months. Senator Dianne Feinstein seemingly became confused over how to vote. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced two extended ...3 hours ago
- We need urban trees more than ever – here’s how to save them from extreme heatSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Renée M Prokopavicius, Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Ecophysiology, Western Sydney University Torychemistry, Shutterstock Australians are bracing for a hot spring and summer. The Bureau of Meteorology has finally declared El Niño is underway, making warmer and drier conditions more likely for ...3 hours ago
- How to manage exam season: don’t forget to take regular breaks and breatheSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Ginns, Associate Professor in Educational Psychology, University of Sydney Oleksandr P/Pexels Around Australia, Year 12 students are heading into the final stretch of study before exams start in early term 4. This is typically seen as a very intense ...3 hours ago
- ‘An insatiable and unrestrained desire for passionate love’: the holy slut-shaming of Mary of Eg...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olympia Nelson, PhD Candidate in Modern Greek & Byzantine Studies specialising in Byzantine art and literature, University of Sydney Mary of Egypt, The Pantanassa Monastery, Mystras, Peloponnese, Greece Olympia Nelson, CC BY-ND Mary of Egypt, a fourth-century saint with a large ...3 hours ago
- How Māngere plans to become the cycling capital of the PacificA beloved community group is shifting transport habits in this Manukau suburb. As I biked down Coronation Road in Māngere, a driver beeped and yelled, “Get off the road and onto the footpath!” When I didn’t get out of their way, they yelled again, telling me it was for my ...3 hours ago
- It’s poll dayNewshub’s next poll will be revealed at 6pm tonight, teased by political editor Jenna Lynch as one that shows the face of the election is “changing in more ways than one”. Is that a reference to New Zealand First, especially given National’s decision to commit to working with them (if ...3 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Where’s the urgency on drinking water?Andrea Vance has been on a tear of late, publishing a series of fired up columns about the dire state of political discourse as we head towards the election. This week’s Sunday Star-Times column (paywalled) is on the “stonking great elephant in the room” that none of the party leaders want to ...4 hours ago
- Gloves come off as Robertson and Willis show their leaders how it’s doneThe finance chiefs’ Q&A debate was some of the most compelling TV of the election season so far, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Tempers flare in the TVNZ studios Grant ...4 hours ago
- Act And National A Coalition For Change“ACT and National are on the same page about a future coalition Government, with both parties working together in a strong coalition to overcome the significant challenges New Zealand faces,” says ACT Leader David Seymour. “Christopher Luxon confirmed ...4 hours ago
- Political Leaders Must Back Corporate Manslaughter Law – Pike FamiliesPike River family members Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse have called on political leaders to agree to introduce a corporate manslaughter law following charges for Whakaari deaths being dropped. Anna Osborne, who lost her husband Milton in the Pike ...4 hours ago
- Providing Real Choice In Education“We need to get the politics and bureaucracy out of New Zealand’s education system, bring high standards for attendance and learning in, and treat the profession with respect. While Labour is responsible for lowering the bar and leaving kids even ...4 hours ago
- National would work with NZ First, confirms LuxonAfter months of speculation and countless questions from journalists, Christopher Luxon has confirmed he would work with Winston Peters – if required to. In a video posted to social media, Luxon made it clear that his preference was for “strong and stable” two-party coalition between National and Act. “I believe ...5 hours ago
- Think Before You Speak – Ethnic and Faith Community Leaders urge politicians“Think before you speak” urges Ethnic and Faith Leaders to election candidates. The national network of ethnic and faith leaders of the Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Muslim, Jewish and African communities has urged civility and respect by politicians during ...6 hours ago
- Election 2023 updates: Latest developments on 25 SeptemberParty leader Christopher Luxon has for months refused to explicitly state whether or not he could work with New Zealand First's Winston Peters. ...6 hours ago
- Election 2023 updates: Latest developments on 25 SeptemberParty leader Christopher Luxon has for months refused to explicitly state whether or not he could work with New Zealand First's Winston Peters. ...6 hours ago
- Duelling fiscal plans: Labour-National economic rivalry comes to a headNational and Labour are both promising to front up with their full fiscal plans this week, their rhetoric over the economy growing increasingly feisty. ...7 hours ago
- Duelling fiscal plans: Labour-National economic rivalry comes to a headNational and Labour are both promising to front up with their full fiscal plans this week, their rhetoric over the economy growing increasingly feisty. ...7 hours ago
- Did National really just simply sell off state houses?New Zealand has a massive deficit in state housing, but is that all National’s fault? Max Rashbrooke runs the numbers. It has become a truth universally acknowledged, at least on the left, that the last time National was in power, its only interest in state houses lay in selling them ...7 hours ago
- Who dares challenge Chlöe? The race for Auckland CentralChlöe Swarbrick’s victory was one of the biggest surprises of the 2020 election, but in the past three years she’s made the seat her own. Can the high-profile Green hold on to Auckland Central, or will it flip to a National or Labour newbie? Read the other battleground electorate profiles ...7 hours ago
- Gone are the days of political leaders being mobbed
The risk of protesters and unwanted guests has spoiled the election campaign. Over back-to-back days in Auckland with the two Chrises, political editor Jo Moir observed increased security and vetting, and safe party-faithful crowds. Analysis: At Auckland’s Viaduct on Friday afternoon Luxon bounced from one restaurant to another chatting with ...7 hours ago - Economy bounces back after flooding, but primary industries fall
Business & investing: Economists warn better-than-expected GDP data likely to be temporary ...7 hours ago - Daily crossword, Monday 25 September
...7 hours ago - Political and business leaders still living in Fantasyland
The idea we can hit net zero targets and grow the economy just isn't real and will hit the wall ...7 hours ago - Defining issues: Infrastructure's bottomless well
How will each party approach New Zealand’s chronic infrastructure underinvestment? ...7 hours ago - The Sure Things: Rangitikei is 'quintessential NZ' and Suze Redmayne wants it protected
Suze Redmayne has first-hand experience of how the political game works ...7 hours ago - Te Pāti Māori's path to Parliament narrows
Two polls in key battleground Māori seats have the Labour candidate in the lead ...7 hours ago - Tiny homes, big problems
Tiny home living is cheap, good for the environment and encourages a simpler life. Getting there, however, can be a bureaucratic horror show and involve a huge financial leap of faith. You've probably seen the videos where you're walked through a picture-perfect tiny home on an idyllic section. The incredibly ...7 hours ago - Metuarau on a Silver Ferns mission
Missing out on the Commonwealth Games gave Tiana Metuarau the fire to work even harder for her Silver Ferns dream. She's back from an abrupt World Cup call-up and ready to keep growing. Tiana Metuarau lay shaking uncontrollably in her Cape Town bed, unsure what was happening to her. She'd ...7 hours ago - Bid $80,000 for Jane Austen
First edition masterpieces are up for grabs this week at an antiquarian book auction Three extremely rare first edition Jane Austen novels will be auctioned on Wednesday, with the top bid estimated at around $80,000. Jane Austen – one of the greats, so great that she is hardly ...7 hours ago - Council decided to leave slash in forest above Queenstown cemetery
Questions asked of Queenstown’s council about tree harvesting ...7 hours ago - Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 25 September
Loading...(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. ...8 hours ago - Employment white paper to deliver more highly qualified workers in net zero, care and digitisationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The government will commit $41 million for technical and further education and “higher apprenticeships” when it releases its white paper on employment on Monday. Of this, $31 million will be for new TAFE “centres ...10 hours ago
- Employment white paper to deliver more highly qualified graduates in net zero, care and digitisationSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The government will commit $41 million for technical and further education and “higher apprenticeships” when it releases its white paper on employment on Monday. Of this, $31 million will be for new TAFE “centres ...10 hours ago
- Release of Victor Yeimo from Indonesian prison rekindles West Papuan fight against racismSPECIAL REPORT: By Yamin Kogoya Prominent West Papuan independence activist Victor Yeimo was yesterday released from prison in Jayapura, Indonesia’s occupied capital of West Papua, sparking a massive celebration among thousands of Papuans. His release has ignited a spirit of unity among Papuans in their fight against what they refer ...11 hours ago
- John Mitchell: Blessed are the peacemakers – why this day is so vitalCOMMENTARY: By John Mitchell in Suva On Thursday, the whole world celebrated the International Day of Peace. Although the UN day is not as famous as others, like World Press Freedom Day, International Women’s Day or World Teacher’s Day, it is important nevertheless. The UN General Assembly has set aside ...13 hours ago
- Chris Hipkins Driving With The Handbrake OnPrime Minister Chris Hipkins’ admission that he agrees with National’s policies on speed limits, but claims he can’t to do anything about them, shows how ineffective the Labour Government is, National’s Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says. ...16 hours ago
- Hipkins goes on the attack in rally speech
Halfway through the campaign period and with Labour still falling in the polls, Chris Hipkins has debuted a new and more aggressive approach at a rally in Wellington, Marc Daalder reports Analysis: In front of a crowd of around 80 supporters in a small room on Wellington's waterfront on Sunday, Chris ...19 hours ago - Chris Hipkins ratchets up attacks at Wellington rallyIt was a far cry from the campaign rallies the Labour Party threw in Wellington at the last two elections, held in the St James Theatre and the Michael Fowler Centre, but Chris Hipkins nevertheless summoned an old-school energy at a central city conference room before 250 supporters this afternoon. ...19 hours ago
- National pledges to push up speed limits Speed limit reductions designed to make roads safer will be reversed under a National government, with state highways that had moved to 80km/h reverting to 100km/h and “many local roads” returning to 50km/h from 30km/h. “Under the guise of safety, Labour has let rip with its anti-car ideology,” said Christopher ...20 hours ago
- $51 Billion Of Labour’s Policies Remain UnfundedLabour’s spending promises will see government debt skyrocket even further, with no funding set aside for $51 billion of policy commitments like Light Rail and Lake Onslow, National’s Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says. “Labour’s economic ...22 hours ago
- National Will End Labour’s Blanket Speed Limit ReductionsA National government will undo Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions, returning many state highways to 100 km/h from 80, and many local roads to 50 km/h from 30, while designing new highways for 110 km/h, National’s Transport spokesperson Simeon ...22 hours ago
- Election 2023: National promises to end new speed limit reductionsNational is promising to end recently-imposed speed limit reductions if it wins the election. ...24 hours ago
- Election 2023: National promises to end new speed limit reductionsNational is promising to end recently-imposed speed limit reductions if it wins the election. ...24 hours ago
- Nicola Willis brings the printouts to an ill-tempered Q+A finance debateAssessing Grant Robertson and Nicola Willis’s prickly finance debate, conducted in the narrow realm of what their leaders made possible. Q+A devoted its full hour to a debate between Labour’s finance minister Grant Robertson and National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis, one which featured moments of lucidity and contrasting visions presented, ...1 day ago
- Election 2023: All the latest developments on 24 SeptemberThis weekend, politicians and party faithful are continuing their charm offensive throughout the country, venturing out to strategic spots for speaking opportunities, hand shaking and photo opportunities. ...1 day ago
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Anderton hasn’t got a chance.
The disaster isn’t over. There is no way that ChCh voters will change horses while the ride isn’t finished.
what if the horse is just a show pony?
A breathing show pony is better than a corpse in the nackers yard. If Anderton gets elected then Christchurch clearly didn’t think the quakes created enough disaster for them to deal with.
I think its very unwise to discount anyone in local elections. Personally, I always felt Parker had a chance to win the mayoralty and while Anderton looked more assured of winning the mayoralty prior to the earthquake I never discounted Parker. Likewise, while the earthquake has seemingly turned things around, you can never discount Anderton in Christchurch. Same goes in Auckland where Len Brown looks very good. You still can’t discount Banks even though the polls and voter turnout in South Auckland point to a Browns win.
The one prediction I will make is Shadbolt retains Invercargill. Frana Cardno mayor of Southland Disctrict Council could run for the next 30+ years and every time she’d win the mayoralty race.
Yeah, fair call. In Wellington we have the MSM (Dimpost) giving Kerry the lead with stories designed to shore up her vote and put voters off marginals with shonkey “polls”. Personally I wont believe anything until the result is in, just dont trust the media in the slightest.
My take is that without the quake Parker was a gone burger, he got really lucky, and it will keep visibility of the shenanigans with Henderson etc at bay for 3 years. When the public and auditors finally get at the books I think he might well dissappear.
Isn’t it time he retired ?
You expect the poor fellow to retire on the pittance he’s made as an MP since 1984 (when the superannuation was very generous), plus the top-ups Labour have kindly given him by making him Minister of Not Doing Much a few times, plus perks, plus the extra boost he gets from being a “Party Leader” (solely in his own mind), plus the government pension he’s now eligible for?!
You heartless bastard, comedy! Perhaps if we asked freeloading bludgers like my elderly parents, who worked all their lives in a factory much like that owned by Anderton, to tithe him a portion of their pension, and encourage the rest of them to do likewise, he might be convinced to let go the teat before he’s achieved whatever greatness he had in mind back in the 80s that he hasn’t quite got round to managing yet…
I tend to agree Rex. I’ve never been an Anderton fan, his political career seems to have been pretty divisive and ego-driven.
Unhappy with the goings-on within Labour? OK, I’ll form a new party, New Labour, led by me of course. Wait, my influence in NL is being diluted by upstarts? OK, I’ll merge NL into the Alliance, again with me as sole dictator. Damn, more dissention in the ranks, time for yet another new party, hmm, think I’ll call it the Progressives. Now I’m back in full charge again. How long will this one last before I have to destroy it to save face?
OK, I may be being a tad harsh, but in my opinion it’s time for Anderton to be put out to pasture. His repeated rants against alcohol, drugs, boy racers, etc make me think he’s become a bitter old fart a bit out of touch with the world. He reminds me of a radio talkback caller railing against the young hooligans in this country, feeding discrimination against youth because he’s forgotten what it was like to be young and finding your own way in the world. Honestly, he sounds like he’d be right at home with the family first crowd, he’s lost any right to call himself a liberal if you ask me.
I know a lot of you will back Jim simply because he’s from the left, and therefore can do no wrong. And that’s fine, you’re entitled to your opinion. In my view he’d have his snout in the trough more than Parker, remember he’s the one who didn’t think he’d have to be a full-time mayor, he wanted to keep his central govt perks as well. Here piggy piggy piggy…….
Seriously, we’re left leaning and community minded, not morons.
You’re probably right CV, but there does seem on occasion to be a slightly irrational, Pavlov’s dogs kind of response by some of the posters here, frothing at the mouth in antipathy towards the right, and in semi-orgasmic delight towards the left. I’ve been guilty of that in my younger more idealistic days, but I tend to take a more studied and thoughtful approach now that I am more venerable. So apologies to my fellow lefties, no offense intended.
Not at all harsh Lats. I was in Parliament at the time when the Alliance ructions were happening. That could have been a great vehicle and was an incubator for some damn fine politicians, but he destroyed it rather than lose control of it.
One of them is standing for council in Christchurch. Hopefully she’s been effective at reminding voters what an ineffective and ego-driven “leader” Anderton is. That’d be disastrous on a council, where it’s even more important to work towards consensus.
[Not that I’m saying Parker’s better. I honestly don’t know, but from what I’ve been told, he’s not. Bit like Auckland really… a lose/lose no matter who wins].
Luckily for me I’m out in Selwyn, and I seem to have a couple of farmers to vote for. I’m still very interested in the outcome in Chch though. I think the thing I miss most about being in Selwyn is I only get to read one electoral blurb by Michael Hansen, he’s a very unusual character.
To be fair Lats, a majority of Labour voters and party members were unhappy with what the 1984-1990 caucus leadership were doing.
Re: the destuction of the Alliance – that is essentially Liz Gordon’s position.
But on this occasion, she and other potential left challengers (i.e. Kerry Burke) correctly recognised that it was more important to unite around a single candidate that could win and oust Bob Parker – who was the motivation for nascendent candidacies.
It would be tremendous if Parker took your advice, Comedy, and retired from public life. (I presume you mean Parker and not Anderton?)
But do you think Parker has sufficient virtue to make that decision? So far, he’s shown himself to be simply a means for Christchurch’s elite (and believe me, we have an elite here that ye olde Englande would be proud of) to further engorge itself from the local government trough. As you no doubt know (everyone else does), we have families here who see it as their birthright to govern us in their own interests.
Parker is just the latest (apparently) willing political vehicle for that process. God knows what truly motivates him. It certainly doesn’t seem to be concern for the citizens of Christchurch whom he prefers to keep well and truly in the dark, away from any chance of being involved in decision making.
Yesterday was the last day to send out postal ballots in Christchurch. However you can still hand in your vote at any of the Christchurch libraries. You can vote until midday Saturday at the library.
If you did not receive your voting paper in Christchurch, you can call 03 9418999 to arrange a special vote.
The counting centre is in ChCh right? So standard mail posted in ChCh in time for the post *today* should in theory be delivered overnight, and hence in time for the Saturday deadline.
Of course if you are in Invercargill, Dunedin etc, standard post is not likely to get your ballot to the counting centre in Christchurch in time now.
do they remain confident in Jim’s ability to do both jobs while remaining stationary in an inverted position?
There is a theory going around that Parker caused the quake. 🙂
That would be because he didn’t ban them. Anderton thinks if you ban things they go away.
I would say that Christchurch needs Anderton now more than ever.
Parker’s shonky dealings with his developer mates are not what is needed in a City with major rebuilding ahead of it.
nobody needs anderton. just like nobody needs parker. it’s just that parker has proved he has more to offer christchurch than anderton, so therefore is more deserving of the mayoralty.
Please enumerate what Bob Parker “has proved he has more to offer Christchurch than anderton”.
about 30 years of life expectancy
You realise that the term for mayor is 3 years, right?
Anything else, or is that it?
So parker only takes one salary from the hard working tax and rate payers. in effect anderton will be double dipping from the christchurch ratepayers, assuming they all pay tax too. All while remaining stationary in an inverted position!!!! it’s only a little bit funny that he couldn’t maintain that position through an earthquake.
oh, parker has the ability to eat his mushy peas without needing a bib.
You know he’s already said that he’s going to resign from parliament if he wins the mayoralty because of the earthquake, right?
Anything substantive? Parker has a hot wife, perhaps?
I do know. if Jum is changing his stance because of the same act of god you accuse Bob of taking advantage of, does that make him the right candidate? it looks like a flip flop to me. He might change his mind again and decide that he can do both jobs while remaining inverted and stationary, as the aftershocks have finished??
Anderton was going to donate his mayoral salary for the time he held both offices, to all the social services that Parker got rid of to be able to help his mate Henderson. If you think Anderton is stationary you should spend a day with him. His media person, the journalist who followed him for a day recently and the young people helping him on his campaign cannot believe the energy he has and the amount of work he can get through in a day.
Perhpas you could leave the ageism out of it – and get your facts right before you comment!
Thankyou Mrs Anderton, can you let me know if he can also donate the overage he gets on parliamentary salary for being a cough cough “party leader” as well.
And on another note, Why doesn’t the old trougher retire ?
Like Roger Douglas as well (following the same logic). It isn’t like he is coming up with workable ideas.
If people want to keep contributing and can get elected, then I can’t see any reason to constrain them
Yes. Skeletor Douglas should fuck right off as well.
Both seat warming fucktard troughers who think the world revolves around them.
Both seat warming fucktard troughers who think the world revolves around them.
Add Paul Henry and we’ve got ourselves the start of a list…
At least 118 names to go, though 🙂
“Anderton’s record of service”???
Services to what…..his own pocket?, his own ego?
Nah, Anderton is a fraud, always has been and always will be.
@ tighty righty
“nobody needs anderton. just like nobody needs parker. it’s just that parker has proved he has more to offer christchurch than anderton, so therefore is more deserving of the mayoralty”
Actually, I’ll stick by my original comment if it’s alright by you. I think they do need Anderton. Somebody who has a proven record of caring about the needs of all people regardless of how wealthy they are.
I don’t think going up in a cherry picker to inspect the cracks in the clock tower for a photo op prove Parker is deserving of the mayoralty at all.
it’s fine by me if you stick with your original comment.
Does anderton get stung at the same marginal tax rate that all people who hold down more than job pay?
Hmm, you would have thought that secondary tax should have already kicked in on his Super though, Tighty. Oh yes, my friends – we have a triple dipper!
But he’s “entitled” to it… wow, and I hear “born to rule” claims made predominantly about the right round here…
Well thats why this is a democracy Sophie – you get to choose what the city needs, and others get to choose otherwise. Not everyone is going to agree with you – so grow up a bit, realise that there are a range of opinions, and do what you can to convince others of your point of view.
Blindly ranting on about how awesome you think the man is, and mindless platitudes like “proven record of caring…” (WTF does that mean?) are not likely to meet that criteria.
So Christchurchers have got a choice of a crazed social authoritarian and a man who believes that subjecting himself to election is somehow illegitimate.
Glad I don’t live there. I assume there’s no liberal candidate one could vote for, even as an empty gesture.
“Glad I don’t live there. I assume there’s no liberal candidate one could vote for, even as an empty gesture.”
It could be worse you could be choosing between the twats that have put themselves forward in Auckland.
Actually there are 14 candidates for Mayor in Chch, but realistically only 2 that stand a chance at getting elected. So sadly voters in the garden city are stuck between a rock and a hard place. I must confess to not having paid a lot of attention to the other 12, but I do see that one Mr Michael Hansen is running for mayor again, presumably so he can stop the evil council vans with their nefarious tingle rays from terrorising the city’s fine inhabitants.
Btw, I do like your description of Anderton as a crazed social authoritarian, very accurate and very amusing.
Actually, Hansen is the most entertaining. Like you, I’m in Selwyn and I reckon if he stood out here he would shoo in!
Bloody hell Comedy ,you should live in Waipa. At lest clown make you laugh.This lot in Waipa are bigoted lot of Right-Wingers, and we’ve had then for years.
This whole situation shows how shallow is the decision-making process for most people.
I despair and escape …
Milked the earthquake? Thats a bit harsh.
Is he still wearing his fluoroescent jacket twenty four – seven?
Yes. It appears that that orange jacket, black jumper and red lanyard is his uniform.
I have a vivid memory of the question answer sessions on radio during the last election when Party Leaders were asked their opinion on matters. Jim was the most fluent of them all and was consistent and persuasive and wowed the audiences involved. Jim has a lot of talent. He will be good for Christchurch. Parker is all show and cunning.
Ahh the joys of seeing your predictions come true. Paul Henry has more fans than helen clark, Parker in power in Christchurch and brown in power in Auckland. money rolling in to the ipredict account, and the left handed a poisoned chalice in Auckland. contrary to popular opinion, you can always get what you want.