The Covid election

Written By: - Date published: 7:40 am, August 6th, 2020 - 73 comments
Categories: brand key, covid-19, jacinda ardern, john key, labour, national - Tags: ,

I normally do not do this, tempting fate and all that.  But the forces behind this election are so strong that it would take a really dramatic event to change current momentum.

Because kiwis are really proud that we are, so far, Covid free.  We celebrate that our team of five million knuckled down and did the hard yards and knocked the bastard off.  There are some really strong cultural and historical themes in that statement, but I am sure you get my drift.

And we are all united behind Captain Jacinda who kept giving us the most rousing of pep talks, who kept telling us clearly and without spin what we had to do to win, who explained the game plan, the tactics we would use and what it looked like as we advanced.

She already had our trust, her handling of the Christchurch Mosque massacre and the White Island tragedy showed us that under pressure she was formidable.

On the world stage she has also been exceptional, and is someone to be really proud of.

Elsewhere throughout the world they are not doing so well.  In fact when you look at democratic countries with right wing male leaders who talk tough they are failing.  Have a look at this graph if you need proof.

I sort of feel sorry for National.  What sort of oppositioning do they do?

This is where they have failed.  They have been all over the place.  At times they critisiced the Government for being too tough, at other times for being not tough enough.  National’s problem was that at various stages it looked like they were actively cheering for the quarantine to fail.  and releasing racist comments and leaking confidential medical information for political gain was just too much for us fair minded kiwis.

And they have just fallen apart.  Six years ago I was in awe of their discipline and their messaging.  Now it is a joke.  And people know it.  The number of conversations I have had while door knocking with erstwhile National supporters who will now vote Jacinda is testamony to this.

The other problem for National is that it is now reverting to type and saying that Labour has been too strict.

In an earlier variation of this argument it said that we should be more like Australia.  You can see from the graph above how that would have worked out.

Then yesterday former PM John Key (remember him?) came out and said that we should let rich Americans into the country so that local workers can become serfs and also let in students who should be privately managed through quarantine because aw shucks it would be fine and the market always delivers.  From the Herald:

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key wants to encourage rich Americans to buy New Zealand property to help reduce the impact of a looming “financial crisis”.

He told Newstalk ZB host Heather du Plessis-Allan that border restrictions should be loosened so that universities and companies could bring in foreign students and skilled workers and pay for their own quarantine.

And he said foreigners buying New Zealand property would provide work for Kiwis whose jobs are disappearing.

“Let’s focus on what we can do. We’ve got this crazy foreign buyer ban,” he said.

“Why don’t we let in rich Americans who want to build a house in New Zealand? Who cares? They’re in Mangawhai or somewhere, they are going to create thousands of jobs.

“Why do we care if someone who lives in New York wants to spend $10 million building a house in Auckland, using NZ craftsmen and NZ tradespeople?”

He has always had these weird ideas.  A few years ago I wrote this post where I concluded that Key wanted to turn New Zealand into a bolthole for the uber rich.

His statement yesterday reinforces my earlier impression.

His suggestion concerning students is also crazy.  A sector of our population more likely to take risks and breach quarantine I cannot imagine, especially wealthy ones wanting to escape their Covid ravaged countries.  And Melbourne shows what happens when you leave quarantine measures to Private Enterprise.

This morning’s Herald poll suggested that most Kiwis by a margin of 68% to 29% prefer keeping the borders as closed as possible.  This is National’s problem in a nutshell.

While I am on the subject I have to question why Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Management did not, as far as I can tell, invite Councillors or Local Board members to the event and why a diversity of views was not offered.  Cheerleading business who just want things loosened up no matter how big the risk should not be in the job description for a Council controlled organisation.

Sure bringing in specific job skills for projects such as the City Rail Link are important.  But clearly kiwis are pretty comfortable with the way things are now and they do not want to risk it.

Which is why at this stage the election result looks like it will be clear cut.  And this is the basic reason why, putting to one side the infighting, the controversies, the loss of senior MPs and the seemingly never ending disclosure of scandal, National is struggling.

73 comments on “The Covid election ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. dv 1
    6 August 2020 at 8:10 am

    Don't forget the bonfire of regulations and Tax cuts at the beginning of the pandemic

  2. Adrian 2
    6 August 2020 at 8:17 am

    As I said late last night, just how difficult would it be to deliberately releaseCovid into the community and would some RWNJ do it?

    It’s already been done with Rabbit Calicivirus bought in from Australia and propagated in a farmhouse kitchen in a blender.

    Is anyone stupid enough to do it ? To beat Jacinda ?, Yes.

    Has Ashley Bloomfield been warned of this possibility?. My guess is yes again.

    • You_Fool 2.1
      6 August 2020 at 8:29 am

      Conspiracy theory, this woman was Michelle Boag

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12354118

    • roy cartland 2.2
      6 August 2020 at 8:50 am

      Horrible to admit, but it's definitely a possibility. Why wouldn't they? Throw a few thousand (mostly poor) to the wind to make a buck; societally we do that already.

      It's their only hope, hence Bloomfield's "if not when" announcement.

    • Pete George 2.3
      6 August 2020 at 9:02 am

      This sort of conspiracy speculation is as nuts as those on Twitter and Kiwiblog suggesting that Ardern might deliberately stoke fear via Covid to control the population.

      • I Feel Love 2.3.1
        6 August 2020 at 9:11 am

        I believe it's unlikely, but not an impossible idea.

        • Pete George 2.3.1.1
          6 August 2020 at 9:12 am

          It's not impossible that the UN or aliens are using 5G to spread Covid to take over the world either. Maybe the UN is controlled by aliens, but I believe that's unlikely.

          • Robert Guyton 2.3.1.1.1
            6 August 2020 at 9:19 am

            Pete George said:

            "It's not impossible that aliens…" & "that's unlikely"?

            Your not certain, Pete? A little bit maybe perhaps, are you?

      • Adrian 2.3.2
        6 August 2020 at 9:29 am

        Pay attention PG, it is not Jacinda or anyone else in the Labour govt publicly saying this but why are the warnings getting more urgent, why the ramping up of awareness. Somebody has been told something and it is Dr Bloomfield's job to pass on the message.

        And it has been done before.

        • Anne 2.3.2.1
          6 August 2020 at 10:07 am

          All they had to do is look across the ditch at Melbourne and think to themselves: God almighty, this could happen to us so easily. We will have to get ready for the possibility and make sure everybody knows how easily it could happen.

          Add to that the WHO has already warned the world a second wave is coming.

          Enough said. No conspiracy!

      • Stuart Munro 2.3.3
        6 August 2020 at 9:39 am

        These things come down to character. There is nothing in Key's character to suggest he wouldn't do it in a heartbeat if he thought he could make a buck out of it. But that doesn't mean he has a sufficiently malleable virologist with a sample ready to go.

        • Roy Cartland 2.3.3.1
          6 August 2020 at 10:01 am

          Re character, we've witnessed that time and again from this lot – it's not even a conspiracy, they were quite blatant about it during the days of DP and Crosby/Textor. How hard would it be to pay off a couple of goons to spread a highly infectious virus? Unlikely maybe; but do they want to be in government or not?

          • Stuart Munro 2.3.3.1.1
            6 August 2020 at 10:12 am

            I imagine the only thing that has stopped them doing it already is breaking the chain of traceability. Rabbit calicivirus was relatively forgiveable, being implicated in a Covid release would destroy the rest of the rotten husk that is National.

            • roblogic 2.3.3.1.1.1
              6 August 2020 at 2:00 pm

              Same kind of psycho arseholes that belong to the “National Party Supporters” page on facebook, like Cam Slater, have a record of doing shady shit

            • lurgee 2.3.3.1.1.2
              8 August 2020 at 11:35 am

              I imagine the only thing that has stopped them doing it already is breaking the chain of traceability.

              FFS. What idiotic posting. Do you really think the fear of getting caught is the "only thing" stopping people unleashing Covid 19 on New Zealand?

              Kiwiblog would love to show this sort of lunacy off to the world. "Forget Jacinda's Mother of the Nation schtick, this is what The Left really think!"

              Do us all a favour and stop posting embarrassing nonsense.

              • Stuart Munro …
                8 August 2020 at 12:17 pm

                By all means present any evidence you may have to the effect that Key has scruples of any kind whatsoever.

                My cynicism has consistently fallen short of Key’s reality.

                • lurgee …
                  8 August 2020 at 5:51 pm

                  You're the flip side of a Trump-MAGA clown, believing Covid is a Chinaplot or unleashed by Hilary or whatever delusion they are entertaining this moment.

                  Proclaim the 'other side' are capable of anything.

                  Which means 'our side' is justified in doing anything to stop them.

                  Its a fascist mindset.

                  • Stuart Munro …
                    8 August 2020 at 6:23 pm

                    You're the flip side of a Trump-MAGA clown, believing Covid is a Chinaplot or unleashed by Hilary or whatever delusion they are entertaining this moment.

                    How easily you sum up another's character – be sure to swallow it graciously when they do as much for you.

                    Proclaim the 'other side' are capable of anything.

                    I take it then that you cannot produce any of the evidence of good character that I requested? And there is form of introducing viruses, from Calici to Mycoplasma.

                    Which means 'our side' is justified in doing anything to stop them.

                    That invention is your own. The National party has indeed been in need of significant reform for quite some time – even they know it. Am I not to comment on their dysfunction to placate some timorous anonymous wretch?

                    Its a fascist mindset.

                    Oh, much older than that. But I get it – the Right may employ the arguments of necessity, TINA & such, with impunity for ever. Your argument is one of class – I am not to protest.

                    And yet I do.

              • greywarshark …
                8 August 2020 at 12:32 pm

                lurgee Note to self: 'Do us all a favour and stop posting embarrassing nonsense.'

          • lurgee 2.3.3.1.2
            8 August 2020 at 11:27 am

            We've gone from Adrian's (already preposterous) suggestion that "some RWNJ" might deliberately introduce Covid (presumably by hopping on a plane, finding someone with Covid and rubbing up against them, then returning to New Zealand, eluding quarantine and rapidly spreading to as many people as possible, and somehow confounding any sort of track-trace-isolation effort; a bit of a rubbish plan); now we're on to some sort of paid conspiracy.

            Just stop it, it's silly.

      • Chris 2.3.4
        6 August 2020 at 12:02 pm

        You must've had a very sheltered upbringing, Pete, to live in such naivity. Anyone who's had anything more than fleeting dealings with government know what they're capable of. And those who are perceived as getting too close to the root of governmental power know so doubly.

    • Gabby 2.4
      6 August 2020 at 6:10 pm

      I hope we're keeping an eye on comings and goings from the yankistani embassy.

  3. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 3
    6 August 2020 at 8:36 am

    It's interesting to speculate what the Natz polling would be if they had taken the high ground from the beginning of the pandemic and fully backed the government. Been positive instead of negative! Co-operated rather than tried to wreck.

    They might still be in the 40s and in with a real chance of getting into government.

    But no, being positive is not in their DNA. They oppose for the sake of opposition. And so their support has bled away to the point where they may manage 25%

    And giving a platform to a has-been like Key just reinforces that they are not fit for government.

    • Just Is 3.1
      6 August 2020 at 11:12 am

      The Nats are too stupid and self entitled to consider this option even though if they had of adopted a supportive role with Govt over Covis they would be riding a lot higher in polls.

      Key and rest of them inviting a significant problem to NZ by weakening Border Controls for predominantly the benefits of wealthy are just simply Greedy.

      They have no concern for the economic risks, risks that could effect everyone.

    • I Feel Love 3.2
      6 August 2020 at 5:03 pm

      I said this when Bridges was Nat leader, Ardern probably would have allowed him to stand with her, possibly even had turns at the daily press briefings, "united front against Covid" etc, what a missed opportunity, thankfully for us really, and like said above the Nats just can't hide who they really are.

      • froggleblocks 3.2.1
        6 August 2020 at 6:06 pm

        Nah. Maybe a one-off as chair of the covid select committee, whatever that thing was called.

        The reason the PM fronted those was to answer political questions that Bloomfield couldn't, and knowing all the operational matters going on behind the scenes. Leader of the opposition doesn’t have the required knowledge or position to do that job.

  4. Tricledrown 4
    6 August 2020 at 8:55 am

    Keys billionaire mate Peter Thiel bought land now it's been unkempt run down.

    No kiwi jobs.

    • Bearded Git 4.1
      6 August 2020 at 9:40 am

      Thiel's land is immediately beside Lake Wanaka in an area categorised as Outstanding Natural Landscape. ONL is not meant to be domesticated; it is by definition natural, somewhat wild and unkempt. (Though some of Thiel's land is heavily farmed)

      If he builds a massive house on it with large rolling lawns and numerous curtilage activities that are visible and obviously inappropriate within ONL that will be a blot on the landscape and a terrible shame.

  5. Stuart Munro 5
    6 August 2020 at 9:11 am

    It's surely an anomaly that now that Labour has for the moment suspended the tribal globalism that insisted mass low-wage migration was really really good for our economy however many rorting employers were turned up, they suddenly have an insuperable lead on the party still boosting that manifest failure.

  6. Robert Guyton 6
    6 August 2020 at 9:20 am

    Key's warbling away on talkback now, hosted by John Banks. The Nats "Secret Weapon".

  7. stuff the politicians 7
    6 August 2020 at 9:30 am

    The National Party don't like to think to hard.

    That is why, all they ever come up with is Roads, more roads and Bridges, and now they add tunnels.

    And letting in the rich pricks from America.

    Little Johnny must have a mate up there wishing to escape from the nut job in the White House.

  8. Anker 8
    6 August 2020 at 9:36 am
    • With 68% of us wanting the borders as tight as poss, I hope people will start to see Key for who he is…someone who doesn’t give a dam about sacrifice if lives, including the lives of nurses, bus drivers etc looking after things at the border. Only cares about money and the economy. Aside from anything else his ideas are hardly new or inspirational. It was Key who drove the low wage tourist industry during his term. What a legacy.
    • perhaps when he was photographed at an auction with his son bidding on a 1.5 million dollar house, people might have done a double take. A super wealthy guy buying an expensive house for a very young man, who never seemed to think he needed to make a useful contribution (my opinion and I could be wrong) is something to hide, not to publicise. Thank god Key is gone
    • Bearded Git 8.1
      6 August 2020 at 9:42 am

      That NZHerald article is paywalled and I refuse to pay for that rag. It would be appreciated if anyone has a few more details of the survey that could be shared here….

    • AB 8.2
      6 August 2020 at 10:09 am

      The world is a place they roam around, looking to extract profits by whatever legal means are available – and if they aren't available, lobby governments to make them so. The notions of a country, a people, or the common good, barely exist for them.

    • Anne 8.3
      6 August 2020 at 10:21 am

      @ Anker
      National has asked Key to intervene and put a spoke in Labour's wheel. They are hoping he might be able to attract his former supporters back to them by appealing to the streak of greed and entitlement that is never far from the surface. I doubt it will work because its a different ball game to the Key years, but desperate people do desperate things.

  9. Patricia Bremner 9
    6 August 2020 at 9:49 am

    Key and co promoting business as usual. ( Sadly a few who should know better)

    The fire sale economic plan which enriches the rich who trickle a few crumbs to the poor, who end up living in cars and vans and lining up to be hired.

    We have been on Key's planet before.

    Many who are struggling now know this Government will endeavour to feed house and keep people safe from the pandemic, so they in turn are helping their less fortunate neighbours and friends, donating whatever they can, coming up with useful ideas and innovations to meet new needs, using technology, following the health guidelines fairly well, getting tested and acting as a team.

    A feeling of collective purpose in the face of a huge threat.

    We are an oasis with a brilliant leader, and a recovery plan. The envy of the world. Kiwis helping Kiwis, even supporting Kiwis to return here and isolate at no charge. We are naturally anxious that our Borders are well managed, and after the debacle of Private management in Victoria Australia, we are rightly adamantly saying NO to that.

    We starkly now see what is an essential service and what is a "Lovely to have" (coffee/ cultural gatherings/religious services/dancing/shows)

    We accept that the Government should govern, provide services and support to create work which enhances health well being and safety in the face of a 1 in 100 event. Small government is no longer promoted as a helpful idea, and Public Service is seen as essential again. Thank you Mr. Bloomfield.

    The plan to recover should be inclusive sustainable and safe.

    The Government has laid out a programme in the 2020 Budget, in great detail, and has stated they will not operate an austerity programme trying to pay debt back at levels that cause hardship. We accept their plan to get us through this and "bounced back" from lock down with some exceptions. (closed borders affecting industries such as the tourist/flying/education businesses.)

    The casandras are out in force, telling us that the worst is yet to come, as the world struggles.

    We know that, but we are listening to Jacinda when she says "Keeping the virus at our Border will allow our economy to work and our hospital capacity to function, while we get time to prepare for a local incursion." Most agree with this sensible approach.

    Kiwis seem to have gone from individualism to collective aroha.

    We are talking freely about topics which seemed taboo not so far back. We have become more aware of mental health issues, unintended racism, sexist behaviour, colonial appropriation and the misuse of technology, the importance of being connected and what is essential.

    The biggest change is our pride in our Prime Minister and country.

    We are happy to be seen as being part of a successful plan to overcome this virus, to have a Leader so admired world wide. We bask in her glory rather than cringe at naff statements and behaviour. Jacinda is gracious clever and kind to all she meets and she leaves a good impression of New Zealand and New Zealanders, and we wish this to continue as well.

    Some say "It can't last" Nothing much stays the same, but by cooperating we do better.

    Some want revolution, but they seldom end happily.

    Most it seems are in favour of the current plan and will vote Labour and hopefully the Greens back to the benches.

    • AB 9.1
      6 August 2020 at 12:46 pm

      "The plan to recover should be inclusive, sustainable and safe."

      Yes. And that's what our economy should have been even prior to Covid. It wasn’t, and that fact is an indicator of the scale of the sh*t fight ahead if the government even thinks of changing BAU. Rolling out Key and Fyfe is a tiny foretaste of the push-back if Labour tries anything once re-elected.

  10. John G 10
    6 August 2020 at 10:03 am

    I think Blomfield and Jacinda are saying it will come back is an attempt to stop us from becoming more complacent than we are. There is no doubt (in my mind) that there is a feeling we are on top of this so we can take it easy now. That is why they are winding things up a bit. I don't think there is any conspiracy.

  11. Byd0nz 11
    6 August 2020 at 10:07 am

    John Key is still a big wig in the National Party. He loves big digits when in comes to money and his love for rich Americans knows no bounds, and that is why we should never ever let the Nats anywhere near the reigns of power. Key would soon invite the Yanks to build a military base here. The man is a disgrace and should have his Knighthood ripped off him and put in the crusher.

  12. Just Is 12
    6 August 2020 at 11:17 am

    Thanks everyone for NOT giving Key the respect he expects by NOT using SIR

    What exactly did he do for NZ to deserve a Knighthood, pulling pony tails doesn't cut it

    • Roy Cartland 12.1
      6 August 2020 at 11:29 am

      I always thought the knights of old were the ones who invaded a peaceful village, plundered their resources, destroyed those who stood against them, 'protected' (enslaved) the rest, installed themselves as local warlord and 'donated' some of their plunder to the monarch. Pretty apt, really.

      • Just Is 12.1.1
        6 August 2020 at 1:18 pm

        Good point.

        I was comparing the Knighthood of Sir Edmund Hilary, where he spent most of life helping those in need and using his own wealth for the benefit of many, selfless, a great Man.

        In the 20th century, most Knighthoods were awarded to those who had spent time Volunteering to those in need, and organizations supporting people in need, Charity.

        In the last decade it would seem the critical criteria for a Knighthood is wether you've been an MP in the National Party, or, a Very good friend of theirs.

    • Obtrectator 12.2
      6 August 2020 at 5:13 pm

      He brought back knighthoods, for one thing. Mainly because he coveted one for himself, to demonstrate that the former poor little state-house boy had truly arrived.

  13. mosa 13
    6 August 2020 at 12:25 pm

    " He ( Key ) has always had these weird ideas "

    I guess amassing immense wealth and helping others to do the same can do that to someone.

    • roblogic 13.1
      6 August 2020 at 1:01 pm

      You mean, screwing over a small nation and inviting his mates to join in the pillage?

    • Wairua 13.2
      6 August 2020 at 3:54 pm

      It sounds like a history of Aotearoan colonisaton. What is new ? I think we are seeing a spoiling tactic to set the tone of the election. If this is the opener, what comes next ? Hang onto something folks ..

  14. Patricia Bremner 14
    6 August 2020 at 1:06 pm

    Key and co are modern day carpetbaggers.

  15. Brian Tregaskin 15
    6 August 2020 at 1:36 pm

    Not so fast buddy you are temping fate if we have to go back to Level 3 Election will be delayed and the old saying rings true “A week is a long time in politics”
    Do you think this scene may play out ?

    Sounds as though we are been prepped to go to level 2.
    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/08/coronavirus-kiwis-urged-to-have-supply-of-masks-in-case-new-zealand-goes-back-to-alert-level-2.html

    My main point is NZ is basically a liberal nation and wont take much to move towards the centre right, almost any excuse and the voters will jump ship back to National , I reckon. That said it would be very hard to happen under the extreme right leadership team they have along with ACT, too much for the nation to handle at the moment.

  16. Brian Tregaskin 16
    6 August 2020 at 1:50 pm

    What about bring Election forward to Aug 29 or Sept 5 because of increasing COVID threat?
    “Lets get it done”

  17. Tiger Mountain 17
    6 August 2020 at 2:07 pm

    Try not to jinx things Micky, though even arch tory John Armstrong seemed to be sullenly throwing in the towel in his column today, and ‘Crusher’ has seemed a real flat tyre in interviews the last week.

    And as for our glorious ex leader–FJK! it is all coming back now…off shore trusts, causing a female MP walkout, throat slitting gesture in Parliament, cutting funding to Rape Crisis and Women's Refuge, Union busting, asset sales–make it stop…please… be gone Pony tail puller in chief.

  18. new view 18
    6 August 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Ok Mickey, let’s say you’ve won the election. Does the record of this Government give you huge confidence they will cope with the social and financial destruction we’ll face next year and years beyond. Don’t tell me that the general public will live on kindness for the next three years because they won’t. When the loans are too large and the money runs out your kind social minded PM may come across as being heartless, as hard decisions have to be made. National would do no better socially but then they most likely won’t be the Government. Not for twelve months anyway.

  19. Brian Tregaskin 19
    6 August 2020 at 2:23 pm

    Yep don't jinx it because we are facing a dystopian nightmare if National and Act win. Thousands of kiwis lives are at are risk , because they value the economy more?
    The borders would be open before we can blink; not to mention worse austerity measures than the mother of all budgets in 1990.

    Its the most important NZ election ever in NZ’s history since lives are at stake due to second wave of COIVD-19.
    So what will it be people ‘utopia’ or ‘dystopia’?

    • Peter 19.1
      6 August 2020 at 9:43 pm

      Look on the bright side. If National and Act win, charter schools will be here with bells on and we'll all have the guns we want.

      [Deleted superfluous text from user name]

  20. Ad 20
    6 August 2020 at 3:09 pm

    The "Covid Election" title is useful as a frame because we can see the counterfactuals all around us. This short clip from Christianne Amanpour and Paul Krugman on PBS points out that due to the political mishandling of Covid-19, the United States is facing a year or more of 10%+ unemployment.

    That's the definition of an economic depression.



    So even if the Democrats take the House of Reps, Senate, and White House, they will only be able to tackle a few areas at once due to the scale and depth of the economic, social and political crisis that COvid-19 mismanagement has now caused.

  21. observer 21
    6 August 2020 at 4:38 pm

    I guess there's a NZ Herald poll out Fri/Sat. They've run stories today based on specific poll questions, which would normally be part of a wider range.

    • peter sim 22.1
      6 August 2020 at 10:29 pm

      How can roads, Wellington tunnels equate with austerity?

      Easy, ask National, They know ,and have all the answers to everything.

      Judith's eyebrows are very revealing.

  23. waves of the sea 23
    6 August 2020 at 9:28 pm

    While it does appear very unlikely for National to win, I wouldn't get too comfortable and count them out of the game just yet. It may not even take a single 'dramatic event' for Labour to lose – there could also be a steady and relentless stream of smaller, impactful, events, which ultimately work to discredit Jacinda's reputation & undermine the Labour party's credibility.

    According to the latest poll, there's about a 20% gap between Labour & National. If we assume that the figures are roughly correct, then in order for the Nats to win (by the narrowest of margins), they would need to convince an average of about 3-4% of all current Labour (swing) voters to switch sides each week before the election. Around 2-3%, if we count out the Greens, and count in Act.

    Now, that's a tall order, but it's not impossible, especially if they play their cards right (and Labour doesn't e.g. by making several bad judgement calls). National could have been saving up a couple of potential bombs from over the past 3 years, waiting until the right time to unleash them, just before this election. There may also be a portion of current Labour voters who won't actually end up voting on the day, because if the party looks like they are going to win, then why bother?

    There are many variable and factors which are unknowable. Life is full of unpredictable, unexpected events. And if Labour, in particular, are underestimating the opposition and appearing to be arrogant, then it could be their downfall. National have also probably been holding back and waiting until this period before giving it everything they've got.

    • observer 23.1
      6 August 2020 at 10:21 pm

      It's possible that a number of those things could happen. It's a historical fact of MMP that parties polling over 50% pre-election have never got over 50% of votes in the end (though they still won).

      One thing you can be absolutely certain of is that Jacinda Ardern is not going to behave as you suggest in the last paragraph. Labour supporters might (and some will). Ardern won't. That's just not who she is. A lot of things can change before election day – but not character.

    • Brian Tregaskin 23.2
      6 August 2020 at 11:27 pm

      Now, that's a tall order, but it's not impossible, especially if they play their cards right (and Labour doesn't e.g. by making several bad judgement calls). National could have been saving up a couple of potential bombs from over the past 3 years, waiting until the right time to unleash them, just before this election.

      These clowns have nothing left in the tank and even if they do throw bombs it will backfire and the public will dislike them even more than they do now.
      The only place where they are going on Sept 19 is to a massive defeat possibly larger than the 2002 loss.

  25. Tricledrown 25
    7 August 2020 at 10:09 am

    Gerry Hatrick Brownoselee claiming Ashley Bloomfield is asking us to prepare by having masks for everyone just in case,brownoselee making shit up saying that it’s because border controls aren't tight enough.

    Scaremongering then says it's a good idea anyway.

    Desperation playing the Hysteria Card again why not go back to Nationals policy of opening our border's by July follow Australias partial lockdown cut taxes cut spending.

    Bridges pulled all those stunts and lead the National Party to the lowest polls in 18 yrs .more of the same Gerry your party is on a hatrick of leaders..

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    4 hours ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
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    23 hours ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
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    23 hours ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
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    24 hours ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
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    1 day ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
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    3 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
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    4 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    4 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    5 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    5 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    5 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
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    5 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    5 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
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    6 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
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    6 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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    6 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
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    6 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
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    6 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
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    7 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
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    7 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    1 week ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
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    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
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    1 week ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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