The Christchurch East by election
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- Date published:
7:25 am, November 25th, 2013 - 45 comments
Categories: by-election, david cunliffe, greens, john key, labour, national -
Tags: christchurch east, Matthew Doocey, Poto Williams
The Christchurch East by election has entered the final week and this time next Sunday the result should be known.
The campaign has been lower key than some other recent by election Campaigns. The Mount Albert by election in 2009 had intensive media coverage but with four other by elections occurring in the last four years their novelty has diminished.
There has been some attempt to write the election as being in the bag for Labour but nothing can be further from the truth. Bunji is right and the seat is up for grabs.
The result at the last election was less than pleasing. Although Lianne Dalziel won the electorate vote handsomely by 5,334 votes, she was competing against Aaron Gilmore. And the party vote was lost by Labour to National by 4,152 votes. The default position should be that this election is National’s for the winning.
Kiwis can be sophisticated political consumers. The MMP environment has taught them that they can get the MP of their choice and the party of their choice. And they want to guard their rights to preserve these choices. This is why in 2009 David Shearer won so handsomely against Melissa Lee. He ran a competent on the ground get out the vote campaign using some of the best Auckland activists that Labour has while Melissa Lee had a shocker of a campaign. The polling at the time should have seen National cruise home. The fact that Labour won so convincingly showed the strength of the on the ground effort, the quality of the candidate and the fact that Mount Albert residents wanted to exercise their own choice about who should be their MP.
And if you need any further proof of the sophistication of the New Zealand elector bear in mind that last election 30% of voters split their votes between candidates of one party while party voting for a different party.
The second feature that is making this by election so difficult is that Christchurch East has been the electorate hardest hit by the Christchurch earthquakes. This was brought home to me very strongly when I did some door knocking in the area recently. Of the streets that I door knocked about 10% of the sections either had houses that were boarded up or had been demolished. And perhaps a third of the doors that I knocked on had people who had moved since the last election and were not on the roll for that property.
The trip out was very sobering. We drove past the suburb of Bexley where parts were red zoned because of the inability to restore infrastructure and the sight of street after street of boarded up houses which otherwise looked habitable was chilling. The recently released draft electoral boundaries shows the extent of the dislocation that has occurred in Christchurch East. The electorate is now 13,700 under quota which means that a shade under one out of every four electors has left the electorate.
The response that I received while door knocking was pretty good but this was in a Labour part of the electorate. Pretty well everyone had heard of Poto Williams and most thought highly of Lianne Dalziel. There is very obviously a need to convert knowledge into support though and the job of Poto is to persuade locals that she is a competent and able representative.
I was impressed however by the local organisation. I had the sense that the local Labour team were a group of dedicated knowledgable activists and this was a feeling that I last felt during the Mount Albert by election. I am sure they will have a similar get out the vote election day effort but obviously they need as many volunteers as possible.
The Greens appear to be running an energetic campaign although Mojo Mathers was their candidate last time and you wonder why she is not the candidate now. David Moorhouse sounds competent if somewhat negative but I suspect that most electors will see this as being a Poto Williams v Matthew Doocey battle.
Doocey has his problems. He appears to be eyeing up the possibility of standing for the safe Waimakariri seat and does not live in the Christchurch East electorate. There is also an abrasiveness to him which is bound to turn ordinary people off.
The approach of the leaders is interesting. John Key is trying to downplay National’s chances and suggesting that it is in the bag for Labour. David Cunliffe is saying that turnout is critical. David is right, a low turnout could see National squeak through.
There is a sense of change in Christchurch. The recent local government election results saw a progressive mayor and council elected and there seems to be increasing despair at the Government’s handling of issues surrounding the earthquake. There was patience but this seems to be changing to despair as the rebuild takes longer and longer to happen. And I believe that Poto is the ideal candidate for the time, approachable, compassionate and caring as opposed to Doocey’s rather abrupt style.
But time will tell. And turnout will be vital.
Update: Comments will be moderated until 7 pm tomorrow because of election day restrictions.
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Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...44 mins ago - First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners CourtHon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...52 mins ago
- Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floodsThe Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...1 hour ago
- New appointment to Māori Land Court benchE te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...5 hours ago
- Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...9 hours ago
- Vertical farming partnership has upward momentumThe Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...22 hours ago
- Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote AddressE nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...24 hours ago
- New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patientsThe new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...1 day ago
- Second Poseidon aircraft on home soilDefence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...1 day ago
- Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and SyriaAotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...1 day ago
- Community voice to help shape immigration policyMigrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today. “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...1 day ago
- State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for TaranakiConstruction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...1 day ago
- Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of PolicePrime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...2 days ago
- Government confirms vital roading reconnectionsSix further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...2 days ago
- Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign MinisterForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...2 days ago
- Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in AotearoaEducation Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...2 days ago
- State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone GabrielleA vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...2 days ago
- Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recoveryInternal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...3 days ago
- Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability servicesThe Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...5 days ago
- Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and memberMinister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...5 days ago
- Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announcedFifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...5 days ago
- Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High CourtHigh Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...5 days ago
- NZ still well placed to meet global challengesThe economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...5 days ago
- Western Ring Route CompleteAucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...5 days ago
- Briefings to Incoming MinistersThis section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...5 days ago
- Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient FijiAotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...6 days ago
- Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recoveryThe Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...6 days ago
- Next steps developing clean energy for NZThe Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...6 days ago
- Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart NashThis morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...1 week ago
- CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to AucklandThe Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...1 week ago
- Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses$25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...1 week ago
- More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...1 week ago
- Scholarships propel Kiwi students to NASAThe Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...1 week ago
- New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in AustraliaThe Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...1 week ago
- Health and safety action plan for portsThe health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...1 week ago
- Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBTBikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...1 week ago
- Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with FijiForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...1 week ago
- New legislation to streamline Cyclone recoveryThe Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...1 week ago
- Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi familiesApproximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...1 week ago
- Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living$1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...1 week ago
- Bryce Edwards’ Political Roundup: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp?
Analysis by Dr Bryce Edwards. Political Roundup: Who will drain Wellington’s lobbying swamp? Wealthy vested interests have an oversized influence on political decisions in New Zealand. Partly that’s due to their use of corporate lobbyists. Fortunately, the influence lobbyists can have on decisions made by politicians is currently under scrutiny in ...49 mins ago - New Norton 360 Platinum To Help New Zealanders Address Identity Theft Issues
65 percent of Kiwis surveyed admit they would have no idea what to do if their identity was stolen Norton, a leading consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen, today announced the New Zealand launch of Norton™ 360 Platinum, which leverages the company's ...1 hour ago - Throwing voting-age legislation onto the ‘policy bonfire’ only delays a debate that has to happe...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Breen, Professor of Law, University of Waikato Getty Images There might have been pragmatic political reasons behind the government throwing voting-age legislation onto its recent policy bonfire, but it remains a sadly wasted opportunity. The announcement reversed former ...1 hour ago
- Does public safety trump free speech? History’s case for banning anti-trans activist Posie Parker ...ANALYSIS: By Bevin Veale, Massey University The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull — aka Posie Parker — has put the spotlight on the tension between free speech and protecting vulnerable communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, it raises questions about Immigration New Zealand’s role in limiting who can visit ...1 hour ago
- Iwi Leading Urgent Housing Rebuild And Managed Retreat For WairoaWairoa has ready-to-go projects that could be accelerated to quickly get people back into homes following Cyclone Gabrielle, Minister Willie Jackson was told on a visit to Wairoa today. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is seeking a Government commitment ...2 hours ago
- New Report: City Rail Link Project Throws Good Money After BadA new report published by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union exposes the bad decision-making that led to a 61% cost blowout in Auckland’s City Rail Link and shows that the costs of the project now significantly outweigh any benefits. ‘The City Rail Link: ...2 hours ago
- Immigration NZ allows anti-trans speaker into NZ
Immigration NZ has today confirmed that the controversial anti-trans campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull will be allowed into New Zealand for her speaking events this week. You can read our report here – and the full statement from Immigration NZ’s Richard Owen to the media is below: “I can confirm that ...2 hours ago - Confirmed: Anti-trans campaigner to be allowed into New ZealandImmigration NZ says it knows some people will be unhappy, but ultimately the threshold to bar Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull from New Zealand hasn’t been reached. The British anti-transgender campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull, also known as Posie Parker, will be allowed into New Zealand this weekend, Immigration NZ has confirmed. Keen-Minshull’s ability to ...2 hours ago
- Antarctic ice age survival story: life seeking ice-free refuges imitates art in Ice Age, the movieSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Stevens, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Adelaide Antarctica is an icy place today, but the ice extended even further during past ice ages. The question of how and where life survived on land in the icy continent, through the ages, has ...2 hours ago
- The Tongan māfana energy takes centre stage in Red, White & BrassLike a Tongan Cool Runnings, with trumpets instead of bobsleds, Red, White & Brass is a feel-good movie based on an incredible true story. First-time film producer Halaifonua Finau tells Sela Jane Hopgood how he got it made. In 2016, promising new Tongan producer Halaifonua Finau was sitting in the ...2 hours ago
- Why do animals living with humans evolve such similar features? A new theory could explain ‘domest...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Thomas Gleeson, Doctoral Candidate, Australian National University Luz Rovira / Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND In the 19th century, Charles Darwin was one of the first to notice something interesting about domesticated animals: different species often developed similar changes when compared ...2 hours ago
- Popular fertility apps are engaging in widespread misuse of data, including on sex, periods and preg...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katharine Kemp, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law & Justice, UNSW Sydney New research reveals serious privacy flaws in fertility apps used by Australian consumers – emphasising the need for urgent reform of the Privacy Act. Fertility apps provide a number ...2 hours ago
- USP still the ‘bedrock’ for Pacific regionalism, says university chiefThe Fiji Times “The University of the South Pacific (USP) has been and continues to be a bedrock for regionalism. A resource owned by the region; for the region and a precious institution that needs to be protected in line with the vision of our forebearers.” This was the message ...2 hours ago
- PNG family kicked out of their home after 46 years – with 24-hour noticeBy Claudia Tally in Port Moresby A Papua New Guinean family who have been renting a property from the National Housing Corporation for the past 46 years have been served with a 24-hour eviction notice by a different owner who had obtained an eviction notice from the Port Moresby District ...3 hours ago
- Auckland Council contemplates quitting Local Government NZAuckland mayor Wayne Brown’s plans to cut back on spending could see the council quit Local Government NZ, the group that represents councils across the country. Stuff’s Todd Niall has reported that $400,000 would be saved by the move, with mayor Brown reportedly wanting to direct that money into other ...3 hours ago
- Does it matter what time I go to bed?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frederic Gachon, Associate Professor, Physiology of Circadian Rhythms, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland Gregory Pappas/Unsplash Some of us love to be tucked up in bed by a particular time every night, ensuring a certain number of hours ...3 hours ago
- Love Better: Youthline relationship break-up support campaign launches
The government has launched campaign to help young people navigate break-ups with the long-term aim of preventing family violence, believed to be the first of its kind. ...3 hours ago - Giving trans kids a sporting chanceSports can be hugely beneficial for children but there are still many barriers for trans kids wanting to play, writes researcher Julia de Bres. There’s been a lot of talk recently about trans athletes in high performance sport, much of which derives from a broader anti-trans project rather than a ...4 hours ago
- Watch: One woman’s battle to get back on the boardA new documentary follows Amber Clyde, skateboarder and founder of Girls Skate NZ, as she works to rebuild her confidence in the sport while juggling solo motherhood. Amber Clyde remembers being bullied as the only girl at the skate park in Birkenhead – but these days all the same bullies ...4 hours ago
- One woman’s battle to get back on the board | Back on the Board | The SpinoffAfter dedicating years to helping young women find their confidence in skateboarding, Amber Clyde must teach herself how to get back on the board after the birth of her second child. But balancing the realities of being a solo Mum with running her own business means that her time is ...4 hours ago
- GCSB spy boss Andrew Hampton to lead SISGovernment Communication Security Bureau (GCSB) boss Andrew Hampton has been appointed to lead New Zealand's other spy agency - the NZSIS. ...4 hours ago
- 25-million-year-old fossils of a bizarre possum and strange wombat relative reveal Australia’s hid...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Arthur Immanuel Crichton, PhD candidate, Flinders University Relative of _Chunia pledgei_ named _Ektopodon serratus_ (top left), with _Wakaleo oldfieldi_. Reconstruction of the early Miocene Kutjumarpu faunal assemblage by Peter Schouten, CC BY-SA Imagine a vast, lush forest dominated by giant flightless birds ...5 hours ago
- Ratepayers' Alliance Urging Supporters To Give Budget FeedbackThe Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance is urging its 27,000 members and subscribers to have a say on Auckland Council’s proposed 2022/23 annual budget. Last week, the Ratepayers’ Alliance launched a new website to encourage public feedback. Backtobasics.co.nz ...5 hours ago
- NZ Olympian runner given eight year suspension for dopingNew Zealand distance runner Zane Robertson has been banned from all sport for eight years due to doping. Robertson, who is the holder of six national distance running records and a Commonwealth Games bronze medal, was tested at the UK’s Great Manchester Run in May last year. His sample returned ...5 hours ago
- Why didn’t I simply wear a mask? Alex Casey asks a psychologist why she was too chicken shit to wear a mask during the flight that probably gave her Covid-19. In the live action replay in my head, I can basically see, frame by frame, the moment that one of those puny little Covid-19 Koosh balls did ...5 hours ago
- PSN Appoints New Kaitohu MatuaSocial services and health & disability provider Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) has appointed Joe Waru as its new Kaitohu Matua (General Manager Māori). The appointment will provide PSN with strategic leadership and advice as it seeks to ...6 hours ago
- Does public safety trump free speech? History suggests there is a case for banning anti-trans activi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin Veale, Lecturer in Media Studies, part of the Digital Cultures Laboratory in the School of Humanities, Media, and Creative Communication, Massey University Getty Images The impending arrival of Kelly-Jean Keen-Minshull – aka Posie Parker – has put the spotlight ...6 hours ago
- Appointment Of Director-General Of SecurityDeputy Public Service Commissioner Ms Heather Baggott has today announced the appointment of Mr Andrew Hampton to the position of Director-General of Security and Chief Executive, New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS). The role of the NZSIS is to understand ...6 hours ago
- Money isn’t everything – but it can be a significant stressorMoney isn’t everything. But for most of us, it’s easier to deal with anything else in our lives if we know the bills are getting paid. So when household budgets come under pressure from cost of living increases – especially when that includes the mortgage that keeps a roof over ...6 hours ago
- National teases education plan and pledges to ‘rewrite’ curriculumThe National Party will announce the first part of its new education policy tomorrow in the prime minister’s own stomping ground of the Hutt. Leader Christopher Luxon said the “Teaching the Basics Brilliantly” policy will see the curriculum totally overhauled, with a direct focus on reading, writing, maths and science. ...6 hours ago
- Academics Invited To Respond To Survey For Report On Academic FreedomIn conjunction with Curia Market Research, the Free Speech Union has distributed a survey on academic freedom to academics across each of the eight universities in New Zealand. Respect for academic freedom is a statutory responsibility for universities, ...7 hours ago
- Dunne's Weekly: Time To Look Again At Coastal Shipping?Thirty years ago, after a marathon Parliamentary sitting, the Bolger National government passed the Maritime Transport Act which deregulated coastal shipping by abolishing cabotage. Cabotage was the practice which restricted the operation of sea, air, or ...7 hours ago
- The Bulletin: Big drop in number of people on benefitsNew reports out from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) this morning show that in the year to June 2022, 113,400 people came off a benefit, the highest number since electronic records began in 1996. From early 2020, at the start of the pandemic, there was a large increase in the ...7 hours ago
- Australia opens a fascinating new front in the fight for ethical investingA recent court action by Australia’s financial regulator suggests ‘greenwashing’ claims can expect far greater scrutiny – a situation likely to happen here soon enough, writes Steven Moe. Coal mining can seem like yesterday’s fuel – a relic of the last century, in the coming age of wind farms and ...7 hours ago
- National Party plans to rewrite school curriculum if electedThe National Party plans to rewrite the curriculum for primary and intermediate schools if it wins at the next election. ...7 hours ago
- Lizzo heading to NZ for one show in JulyGrammy-winning pop star Lizzo will return to New Zealand in July for her first solo show on our shores. The singer, rapper and flautist (yes) will play Spark Arena on July 26 as part of her Special Tour. The last time she was in New Zealand, Lizzo was a festival ...7 hours ago
- New asteroid sample study offers further hints of space origin for the building blocks of life on Ea...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trevor Ireland, Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland MASCOT / DLR / JAXA How did life come about? The answer to this question goes to the very heart of our existence on planet Earth. ...7 hours ago
- Why is Australia buying hundreds of missiles?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Dwyer, Associate Lecturer, School of Social Sciences, University of Tasmania Flying under the radar of last week’s AUKUS submarine announcement was the revelation that the United States had agreed to sell Australia up to 220 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This follows Australia’s ...7 hours ago
- Doctors may soon get official ‘endorsements’ to practise cosmetic surgery – but will that prot...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Rudge, Law lecturer, University of Sydney Unsplash/Olga Guryanova, CC BY Disturbing reports about botched cosmetic surgeries and injuries in Australia – from breast augmentations causing chronic pain to liposuction leaving patients with lifelong injuries – have sparked concerns in ...7 hours ago
- New research reveals how forests reduce their own bushfire risk, if they’re left aloneSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Philip Zylstra, Adjunct Associate Professor at Curtin University, Research Associate at University of New South Wales, Curtin University Shutterstock Fire management in Australia is approaching crisis point. Seasons such as the Black Summer three years ago showed how our best ...7 hours ago
- Species don’t live in isolation: what changing threats to 4 marsupials tell us about the futureSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William Geary, PhD Student, Deakin University Once abundant, woylies – or brush-tailed bettongs – are now critically endangered. John Gould, CC BY-SA Conserving native wildlife is a challenging task and Australia’s unenviable extinction record shows us we urgently need more sophisticated ...7 hours ago
- The National Skills Agreement needs time in the policy spotlight and it must include these 3 thingsSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pi-Shen Seet, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Edith Cowan University ThisIsEngineering/Pexels , CC BY-NC Australia continues to grapple with acute skills shortages. Businesses are struggling to find workers with the skills they need. Meanwhile, workers struggle to get jobs because ...7 hours ago
- Trans people aren’t new, and neither is their oppression: a history of gender crossing in 19th-cen...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robin Eames, History PhD candidate, University of Sydney Portrait of De Lacy Evans and his wife (1870) State Library Victoria This article contains references to anti-trans, colonial and institutional violence, and includes information about an Aboriginal person who died in the early ...7 hours ago
- New police minister wants to target ‘early end’ of crime, defends prison statsThe new police minister has defended the government’s approach to dealing with crime, as new figures show just 32% of charges laid against young people last year actually resulted in a sentence. Ginny Andersen was promoted into the police portfolio on Monday after Stuart Nash was sent falling to the ...8 hours ago
- The climate report to rule them allThe final IPCC report was unequivocal in its call to reduce emissions immediately but the government has no further news on how agricultural emissions charging will work, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...8 hours ago
- Government insists abuse survivor redress a 'top priority' after officials suggested delayPublic Service Minister Andrew Little has rejected the option mentioned in a briefing document, saying the work is high priority. ...9 hours ago
- A ‘climate change election’ in 2023? Here’s what the polling tells usThe Greens say climate change will be integral to the big decision this year. Toby Manhire explores the data. Devastating, global-warming-exacerbated storms. A new IPCC report laying out the calamitous fireball hurtling our way. And a prime minister jettisoning a host of climate-aligned policies. There is plenty of material for James ...11 hours ago
- Viral weight loss drug Ozempic has been approved for use in New ZealandMedsafe has approved applications for Ozempic to be used in New Zealand. How does this new drug work and why is everyone talking about it? What just happened? Last Thursday, New Zealand’s medical regulatory body Medsafe gave consent for Ozempic to be prescribed in New Zealand. The approval is for ...11 hours ago
- Sympathy cards and the lessons of birds
An author on the death of a baby and "a calm respectful grace" The normal world was out there. The clocks and the jobs and the traffic and the mortgages and the death. Especially the death. Death in suburbia means funerals with piped fake Celtic music despite the fact ...11 hours ago - The long road to Paris' rebound
One of New Zealand’s brightest young netball talents, Paris Lokotui has returned to the court 10 months after a knee reconstruction. Now she hopes her tough journey back paves a better way for other Māori and Pasifika players. Paris Lokotui remembers the moment time stood still. The 21-year-old was playing ...11 hours ago - Cyclone Gabrielle: Why many in Muriwai can't move on
A month on from Cyclone Gabrielle, many residents in Muriwai are still living in limbo, unable to return to their homes "I can't look back because it's too sad. I can't look forward because it is too daunting." Kat Corbett's Muriwai home remains out-of-bounds more than a month after ...11 hours ago - TOP and the not terribly Teal Deal
TOP leader Raf Manji talks to Nikki Mandow about going teal, and the opportunity for a party that’s pro-business and pro-environment ...11 hours ago - Govt should explain why it rejected our advice – Climate Commission
The Climate Change Commission's chair says the Government's decisions to ignore its advice could weaken the country's most important climate policy. ...11 hours ago - Central Otago subdivision buyers lose the plot
A wave of council rule rewrites drives section buyers to give up and look elsewhere ...11 hours ago - Credit Suisse rescue package shows why our banks shouldn't pay big dividends
This is why our bank shareholders shouldn't expect such big returns – their risk is lower. ...11 hours ago - Beware of coconut oil salesmen
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“The Greens appear to be running an energetic campaign although Mojo Mathers was their candidate last time and you wonder why she is not the candidate now…”
The answer is , as usual, when the going gets tough, the Green Mps find any excuse to cop out.
That’s a pretty crappy thing to say gwwnz. Having a well known sitting Green MP (as opposed to a relative nobody) run against Poto Williams would suck an extra 500-1000 votes from Labour.
In other words, the Greens are doing all of us a big favour, so say “thank you.”.
You might be right CV. I have been impressed by Mathers and her presence would have made things more difficult.
So maybe Greens – Labour are starting to work together. Think there’s been any formal overtures or acknowledgement of this strategy, or is it just the left hand doing whatever it wants without talking to the right hand?
There’s the relationship between the MPs, between the leadership and between the staffers to consider.
I’m a bit out of date with how that’s progressed since the Labour Leadership changes. The senatorial games of Rome are a long way away from the outer provinces.
I think a look at who is next on Green List might be more enlightening. Shaw is unlikely to come back from UK for a year which leaves Hay.
SO play safe and leave Mathers on list
Typical tribal Labour arrogance.
The Greens have been busy being leading the parliamentary opposition for the last several years during the time that the Labour party has been busy naval gazing and playing internal party politics and in the next left government hopefully they’ll be the largest party so we can finally have some change from the labour/national paradigm that the country has been trapped in for so long.
Coastal defence and force projection into the Pacific is very important, and Labour realises this.
I wish I knew how to do those smiley faces. Your comment deserves a double dose.
Ah, the opportunities a spelling mistake gives.
Try the FAQ at the top of the page. One of the sub-topics has a set of smileys
OK. Thanks. I’ll have to play with them
eeeeeeee eek !
The reality is that the Greens would be playing the same games. Do you think they are so pure ?
Your niavety is breathtaking, the old adage about power corrupts applies to all who go to Wellington. Ask Sue Bradford about internal Green politics.
As for the Greens being the largest party in the next left government ? Its too silly for words. They cant govern full stop.
You just need to look at the destruction of Australian Labor due to it’s association with the Green Party when in Government. Be careful what you wish for.
Yeah, ’cause the ALP’s problems are because it talks to the Green party over there.
WTF?
Game of Polls
[deleted]
[lprent: Already banned. Another IP for autospam. ]
Sorry, I was making a silly joke about “naval gazing.”
Cut the crap. One negative comment gives 10 votes to National. And John Key just loves the B.S. Not only do Labour/Greens have to win the battle – the East – they have to win the war – next year’s general election. Key, Joyce & co are looking for any sign of divisiveness, leading up to next years election. Screw the bastards.
I certainly did not intend the post to be anti green. There is obviously a certain amount of tension in a by election because the parties are in direct competition for the same votes. But yep there may be subtle signs of some cooperation.
And I agree next year both parties need to maximise support.
How very Stalinist of you [email protected] Sending us off for re-education will you ?
If Mojo cant do a by-election , we should know about it. My feeling is that shes ensconced in Wellington -allready
I don’t really care who you vote for – Labour or Green – but publicly slagging off at each other just gives National ammunition. It’s time to corral the wagons, present a united front, and kick Key & co into the boom-docks where they belong. NZ Inc cannot afford another 3 – 6 years of this sort of treatment. I thought Muldoon was a fascist. John Key makes him look like a libertarian.
The Greens may not be the majority party but they could make an invaluable partner to Labour. If only Labour are sophisticated enough to compromise and provide some real, threatening vision. Otherwise we’ll get The Nats or Nat Lite (Labour) and same old again. Cunliffe speaks well but can he handle NZ INC. and the corporate business interests which wish him ill. Yeah right!
Speaking of which, who are leading and involved with Labour’s campaign strategy team for 2014? Any work commenced on that yet, does anyone know?
Let’s hope Cunliffe will not be promoting, or even retaining, the failures of 2008 and 2011.
The 2011 result is weird. Labour’s worst result in a long time, but actually not that far off being able to form a government if NZFirst had helped out.
Anyone seen the Conservative’s candidate’s advertising signs yet?
I can’t remember the exact wording, but it translates roughly to “me builder, me better than others!”.
Poto Williams is a strong Labour candidate and polling suggests she will win the seat easily just as history predicts. No Government party has ever won a seat from an opposition in a by-election.
Set those expectations nice and low mate.
It is possible that flow-on effects of the quakes have drained the East of Left-wing votes disproportionately; uninsured, low-income, transience, school re-locations.
Christchurch earthquake affected electorates were smashed in the 2011 election; they all had massive swings blue way beyond the nationwide avg. 2 Labour incumbents fell. The only comparably poor performing electorate for Labour was Dunedin South and possibly one or two others.
Please Labour will and should win this seat easy.
Any attempt to say, “WOW Labour won what a great victory for the left” puts you on the
same level as Faux News celebrating a GOP victory in texas as a major upset.
I just posted this in reply to something in OM. It’s the numbers for Chch East in 2011. Bad12’s point was that the GP could split the left vote enough to give National the seat. I will be interested to see how smart the GP voters are this time.
BAKER, Leighton CNSP 522
BRITNELL, Michael ALCP 254
DALZIEL, Lianne LAB 15,559
GILMORE, Aaron NAT 10,225
MATHERS, Mojo GP 1,347
MILLER, Johnny UFNZ 108
Labour Party 9,100
National Party 13,252
Green Party 3,359
United Future 160
ACT New Zealand 101
Alliance 28
Democrats for Social Credit 22
Libertarianz 17
Mana 63
Māori Party 84
New Zealand First Party 1,801
http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2011/electorate-5.html
weka:
Uhm dumb question, if its by election, there is no party vote?
The labour mp will bolt in.
Keep lowering expectations for National
People are forgetting Williams has been in Christchurch for about 8 months, while David grew up in Christchurch East. If you ask me, he is the one who understands the problems of the region better than anyone else. Yeah, I’m pretty biased, having contributed as much as possible to David’s campaign in the past few weeks, but I can tell you things may not be so predictable as you think on Saturday.
Not sure what you mean when you say David is “somewhat negative”… While Williams is definitely a better candidate than Doocey, I’m pretty sure you don’t know enough about David to argue she is the “ideal” candidate for Christchurch East.
Labour and National have held power in recent years, at a time when many people in Christchurch East did not see very positive results in their lives (as is the case for many others around New Zealand). For far too long, many New Zealanders have seen their democratic input as consisting of a choice between a rock and a hard place, and I think that is where much of what people call “voter apathy” is derived from today. I think a new face would be THE good (not the least worst) outcome for Christchurch East.
Good luck with that Nicolas I hope your hard work meets with success and the resultant improvement in consideration and results for the Easties.
Thanks mate, really hoping for a good result on Saturday!
Again with the lie about Waimak.?
For Christchurch By-election and should have been a General…Good luck to Greens or Mana…hood bye and no thanks Labour / Maori Parties….Too much Te Ao Rawa…Materialist world (paraphrase)
Valedictory speech for Labour Good riddance Quoting “The death of Brittany Abbott – is as a result of Lianne Dalzell in her role as Minister of Immigration during its introduction. “Dalzell should have listened to her arrogance on the ‘Holmes’ on radio NEWSTALK ZB, as she just thought of these kids as akin to HIV germs, and no country should have done to kids like Brittany, what Dalzell introduced.”
NZ Labour’s Ruth Dyson and Lianne Dalzell Responsible for Demise of NZ Disability Strategy 2001 – Aotearoa Media Centre http://archive.indymedia.org.nz/article/76888
Doug Hay
DLANZ
Don’t fret its Potos for the taking. Doocey won’t come close. I sense a noticeable mood change here the last 6 months as the rebuild myth breeds more disillusionment and Brownlies cera circus fails to deliver. Dalziels election is the start, and with key boundary changes like Chch central watch more of Chch return to red( and a bit more green) next election. And yes the left must get smart and start collaborating fast. A Nat-Con alternative makes me want to puke!
Latest on dicey Doocey. There will be a meeting at 7 pm Roy Stokes Hall, New Brighton tonight, Wednesday 27/11. But Mr Doocey won’t be there. He has attended another meeting already and is not prepared to put his candidacy for the job in this vital pre-election period first before optional family matters.
Matthew Doocey said the invitation to speak at tonight’s WeCan earthquake recovery debate came in “at the last minute” and he had already agreed to watch his godchildren’s end of school year production….
WeCan organiser Reverend Mike Coleman, who had planned tonight’s debate, was also angry Doocey would not be there, especially as he left it very late before responding to his invitation.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/the-east/9448712/No-show-from-Matthew-Doocey
godchildren… just dropped that in for those still suckered by the good christian man facade.
He’s already learning from Key. Couldn’t be bothered looking at an invitation or deliberately not looking at it so he can claim he only saw it today…
Apologize to your godchildren.. Tell them you love them. Promise them you give them a nice treat. You take them where ever they want to go – locally. And they will forgive Mr Doocey.
But not fronting up to the people of the East is unforgivable. Obviously your heart is not in it. Stop treating the people of the East with contempt, and playing them for fools – they deserve better than this, after all they’ve been through. Step down now, and at least people won’t waste their votes on a loser.
national sides with the insurance companys against the people and the people vote national in return i dont think so . the feeling of anger at the govt over the quakes and theyir bully boy mr brownlee is way under estimated and labour will hold this seat easily on saturday night .thats a real feeling out their now national always sides with the corporations against the people like the big insurance companys . had enough yet christchurch east i know i have im voting labour .
Gilmore got thrashed by 50% points he is not wanted go away goomer as if you would ever have anything good to say about labor . do you think i am stupid gilmore . even your own party cant stand the site of you .lab against national mp vote Gilmore lost by over 50% points they hate him .so dumb he cant take a hint .no not national its labour national have sided with the big insurance company’s against the poor people of Christchurch like haven’t they been through enough .