The current National party.
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- Date published:
3:06 pm, May 24th, 2020 - 62 comments
Categories: australian politics, Dirty Politics, Economy, education, immigration, International, labour, national, political parties, Politics, Social issues, tertiary education, The Standard, todd muller, tourism -
Tags: matthew hooton
I’m kind of shocked at the conuptions in the National party this week. Plus all of the soft focus bumf that the media have been pushing out since Simon Bridges announced that Todd Muller would be challenging.
However the thing that really has me aghast is that it is The Standard that several National Party insiders have been sending information to. This is something that usually doesn’t happen. The nearest I can think was in the days prior to and after Nicky Hager’s Dirty Politics book. But they were attacking Cameron Slater and his dirty tricks business inside of the National party political structures.
The most interesting current ‘leak’ to date came in an email this morning.
Now I can’t verify any of this. But I also can’t dispute that most of it fits the facts as known. So I’ll leave it for readers to make up their own mind. I corrected a couple of spelling mistakes, split paragraphs and inserted images at the appropriate places. I also removed exif information from the images.
Todd is on record the day before Simon called his bluff saying he supported Simon and did not want to be leader. National MPs have done the numbers many times over and Muller won by a majority of 1 vote. Caucus is very, very divided. Leaks even happened during the vote with media knowing prior to them coming out, Bishop is the key suspect, but they have accused Simons side.This will literally be a white washed with most of the brown faces being pushed down the list for Mullers wealthy white metro supporters.
Todd, Amy Adams, Nikki Kaye, Nicola Willis and Chris Bishop had been planning this for the past year and deliberately leaking information to the media, much untrue to destabilise Simon.. Caucus know this and you will see lots of fluff pieces saying they are united.With a majority of support of only 1 I would say 50/50 we will have another leadership vote before the election if polling isn’t in the mid 40s.A quick look through Nationals Meme Working groups website will see sexist and racist material that his team is linked to (Its thought to come from Chris Bishops office) although one MP photographed Amy Adams laptop with Muller, Kaye branding weeks before the coup. You will see 10 days prior posts with almost identical branding to the actually branding once selected, these were done by the same person.Reads “#BREAKING: Simon Bridges’ new political advisors announced.”
Reads “Coming soon…?” Dated 12 May
Young Nat rapid rebranding yesterday. Looks identical.
These guys carried out a full smear campaign that ran for a month. Polls were just an excuse to roll Simon.Amy Adams is now planning on staying as a list MP and will be the new Steven Joyce at number 3. She was toxic after losing to Simon, this is all about UTU. Matthew Hooton who is best mates with Muller and writes his speeches is to be chief of staff.Muller is a white male elitist who believes it is his destiny to rule, he is a dangerous man. Even when he started he refused to share an office with Simon in Tauranga.The good news for Labour is he and Hooton are still blamed by MPs from 2002 when they were staffers for many of that elections worst stuff ups. They are even talking about recruiting Boag. I can see National down to 30 MPs in September.Use what you want but a quick look at the meme page will give you enough to prove Tricky Todd tells porkies and cannot be trusted by his own team, let alone New Zealanders.With a caucus majority of 1 he may not last long, certainly not past September 20th
As Bomber said this morning, in an excellent (and for a change rational) political analysis, in “Todd Muller as Leader of the National Party – Winners & Losers” Matthew Hooton does appear to have been deeply in the mix, and we’re really not sure from when.
Matthew Hooton: The four things Hooton has repeatedly said in his columns and media platforms is that the Auckland Port needs to move north, Jacinda Ardern’s Government was on the perpetual verge of collapse, leadership rumours against Simon Bridges and that the Auckland Port needed to move north. Now I just suspected that Hooton had property north of Auckland that would be very profitable if the Port moved, but his constant push against Bridges, him suddenly disconnecting his Twitter account and rumours swirling that he has a job in the new Muller team all suggest a grotesque conflict of interests that Radio NZ and the NZ Herald will have to explain.
Not to mention the soft soap pieces being written through various media feel like his promotional style. I see that Stuff has published a RNZ article today “Prominent pundit Matthew Hooton pulls back over Todd Muller link” where he claims that his actual involvement was recent. However while I’d hesitate to call him a liar over this, I can’t rule that out either. He has form with me for blatantly lying whenever he finds it convenient.
The motivation behind the roll is classic National party. Basically terror at being unemployed in lousy job market. Or as Bomber puts it:-
Selfish Cowardice and naked ambition: This coup was driven by National Backbenchers terrified they would lose their job. This isn’t some great re-ordering of National Policies, this is selfish cowardice by desperate people clinging onto their jobs and sense of power. National MPs have all the ethics of hungry piranha.
Essentially like the roll of Bolger by Shipley in the 1990s as National were pretty obviously crashing towards a defeat in 1999. The mechanics of a MMP election mean that safe seats are all very well and good for those in them, but it is hell for the list MPs without a very high list placing. Having a leadership roll before an election is a good way for shadow ministers or ministers down on the list to move up it.
But this isn’t exactly good timing to try an untested team. Toddy is a consensus kind of guy. As Catherine Delahunty said in a post this morning here, we don’t exactly live in those times right now..
Consensus has its place for sure, but I am bloody glad that a Parliamentary consensus wasn’t required over Covid lockdown. I am glad that Todd and friends were not the Government responding to the highly efficient and necessary iwi checkpoints. There are times to make watery agreements to build trust, and times when powerful white men who agree with each other are just not much use.
Personally I can’t see anything in this National lineup that looks like anything that makes them look any better than Simon and his lineup. Fewer brown people to satisfy the racists, and a few ‘true’ establishment faces further up the list.
As for competence in government, I can’t see much that is better than the freshers who have been receiving their on-the-board education as ministers in the Labour / NZF caucus. There simply isn’t any real expertise that will remain in the National caucus after this election – most of it has already retired or is retiring. Sure, having Amy Adams deciding not to disappear will help. But basically, the ‘experience’ like that of Nick Smith and Gerry Brownlee have been notable disaster areas. Or it is invisibly unproven like Goldsmith.
When you look relative to the actions of this Labour government in the covid-19 crisis, I simply can’t see a National government of these inexperienced dimwits being capable of making the rational decisions required to stave off slow disasters. They’d be like the business-as-usual ditherers like the Conservatives in the UK, the Republicans in the US, if the federal National/Liberal coalition in Australia. Countries with late or ineffective lockdowns. In the Australian case, they seem to have mostly been saved from their own stupidity by the state governments not screwing up as badly as they did.
With conservatives and slow evolving situations, I’d expect to see the frog in the warming pot of water problem. Meaningless statements of general intent designed to allow voters to read their own meanings into it – because that is what governmental ditherers do. Just look at Boris Johnson or Donald Trump. Or look at any of the soft-soap waffle from Muller yesterday or this morning.
What ditherers looking at short term business-as-usual or electoral advantage don’t do is act appropriately as a government at the proper time. Which is why the US and UK will have long outbreaks with people sick and dying for another year or two. They’re so busy trying to do business as usual, running ideological idiocies and to get reelected that they forget that that primary role of government is to make rational and decisive decisions that take into account the whole of their population over the long term.
The kinds of decisions that the current government actually took in the face of a potential disaster, and which I don’t think that Toddy could have taken. Curiously enough I think that Simon Bridges could have actually have made the right decisions. I just suspect that the National caucus would have acted as whimpering drag on his legs as he took them. And I don’t think he could have taken the country along with him because he was shit at expressing what the issues were in broadcast communication.
Which in our case, post the immediate covid-19 issue, is that we don’t want to have the kind of governmental ideological based dithering that happened in and after the Canterbury earthquakes and resulted in that mess still being dealt with a decade later.
Imagine opening up tourism from Australia for only the benefit of the tourism industry, and then having an outbreak of this sneaky covid-19 virus from it. Well, that is what Muller was advocating this morning... Back to business as usual without looking at the requirements to do it safely. He wants a ‘plan’ and a timetable. When that has already been clearly expressed as a set of conditions that need to be met – one of which will be getting the aussies federal and state governments to agree with it first. It is meaningless dithering by someone who doesn’t know what in then hell they’re talking about and who is only interested in electioneering rather than the people of this country or australia.
As someone who has worked in private industry my entire working life as a manager and various types of tech ‘engineer’, and one who knows (and avoids) politics, there is bugger all skill that carries across from business to politics. Business experience simply isn’t useful in running a government. It is rare to be able to point to any business person in history who did a really good job in politics, when you look from 20 years after their service.
John Key demonstrated that pretty well – at the end of his government is it hard to see anything that was done well or made NZ better. We got ramshackle investment into making tourism bigger, overseas student underpinning the viability of our education sector, and a domestic economy dependent on high levels of immigration. All of which just fell over because they depend on air-transport.
It was a short-term gain by ignoring long-term and inevitable risks. Air travel gets easily disrupted by kerosene prices, volcanos, terrorism, recessions, technical climate change changes and plagues at least once a decade. It was a short-term gain that has damaged our long-term economy quite badly. Just like the excessively rapid development of dairy damaged our waterways long-term for short term gains. Or putting in badly thought through irrigation and water usage ideas do long-term damage to water tables and catchments. Something that Muller is also proposing for a small set of minority interests.
So why bother touting business experience? Muller in my opinion is just demonstrating that – this time safely in opposition. Like any business person his immediate priorities are all about short-term gains, while completely ignoring the longer-term issues. Just read his statements in Stuff… Just another gormless well-meaning idiot.
I can’t see Muller and the National caucus post-election being able to make the kinds of long-term decisions required in the modern world. Not with the internecine factional warfare that is lurking below their party surface. Or with their severely inexperienced ministerial and hopeless team. Can any of you?
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- If not now, then when?Labour released its fiscal plan today, promising the same old, same old: "responsibility", balanced books, and of course no new taxes: "Labour will maintain income tax settings to provide consistency and certainty in these volatile times. Now is not the time for additional taxes or to promise billions of ...6 days ago
- THE FACTS: 77% of Kiwis believe NZ is becoming more dividedThe Facts has posted – KEY INSIGHTSOf New Zealander’s polled: Social unity/division 77%believe NZ is becoming more divided (42% ‘much more’ + 35% ‘a little more’) 3%believe NZ is becoming less divided (1% ‘much less’ + 2% ‘a little less’) ...6 days ago
- Gordon Campbell on the cynical brutality of the centre-right’s welfare policiesThe centre-right’s enthusiasm for forcing people off the benefit and into paid work is matched only by the enthusiasm (shared by Treasury and the Reserve Bank) for throwing people out of paid work to curb inflation, and achieve the optimal balance of workers to job seekers deemed to be desirable ...6 days ago
- Wednesday’s Chorus: Arthur Grimes on why building many, many more social houses is so criticalNew research shows that tenants in social housing - such as these Wellington apartments - are just as happy as home owners and much happier than private tenants. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The election campaign took an ugly turn yesterday, and in completely the wrong direction. All three ...7 days ago
- Bennie Bashing.
If there’s one thing the mob loves more than keeping Māori in their place, more than getting tough on the gangs, maybe even more than tax cuts. It’s a good old round of beneficiary bashing.Are those meanies in the ACT party stealing your votes because they think David Seymour is ...7 days ago - The kindest cutsLabour kicks off the fiscal credibility battle today with the release of its fiscal plan. National is expected to follow, possibly as soon as Thursday, with its own plan, which may (or may not) address the large hole that the problems with its foreign buyers’ ban might open up. ...7 days ago
- Green right turn in Britain? Well, a start
While it may be unlikely to register in New Zealand’s general election, Britain’s PM Rishi Sunak has done something which might just be important in the long run. He’s announced a far-reaching change in his Conservative government’s approach to environmental, and particularly net zero, policy. The starting point – ...7 days ago - At a glance – How do human CO2 emissions compare to natural CO2 emissions?On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...1 week ago
- How could this happen?
Canada is in uproar after the exposure that its parliament on September 22 provided a standing ovation to a Nazi veteran who had been invited into the chamber to participate in the parliamentary welcome to Ukrainian President Zelensky. Yaroslav Hunka, 98, a Ukrainian man who volunteered for service in ...1 week ago - Always Be Campaigning
The big screen is a great place to lay out the ways of the salesman. He comes ready-made for Panto, ripe for lampooning.This is not to disparage that life. I have known many good people of that kind. But there is a type, brazen as all get out. The camera ...1 week ago
- Release: Support for new retailers to increase supermarket competition
Labour will assist new retailers to set up business in New Zealand as part of its drive to cut the price of groceries and increase competition. ...1 day ago - Labour Manifesto 2023Labour is in it for you. This election Kiwis will decide what kind of country they want New Zealand to be, who they trust to have their back, and how we can be better, together. This election matters. View our full Manifesto below. ...2 days ago
- Release: National's water U-turn will drive up New Zealanders' rates billsThe National Party's U-turn on water reform has left local councils high and dry and will drive up Kiwi's rates bills, Labour Party Local Government Spokesperson Kieran McAnulty says. ...2 days ago
- Labour's Rainbow ManifestoA re-elected Labour Party will continue to tackle discriminations still faced by members of the Rainbow community in areas ranging from surrogacy and adoption to blood donation. ...3 days ago
- Release: National’s plan means more cuts, more kids in povertyNational’s fiscal plan has failed to fill the massive fiscal hole in its dodgy tax scheme, it will mean more cuts to public services, more children being put into poverty and an end to action on climate change. ...4 days ago
- Release: Labour will continue to back Kiwis when the going gets toughLabour’s Social Development Plan will build on the social welfare safety net, rather than strip it back. ...5 days ago
- Policy Announcements: Law & Order and Justice, Courts & Corrections
New Zealand First Policy Announcement: Law and Order New Zealand First believes that keeping society safe should be the priority of law-and-order policies. Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe, secure, and have their person and property respected. That is why New Zealand First continues to fix the flaws in ...5 days ago - Labour's Dirt Campaign Exposed With Media HelpIn last night’s leaders debate Labour Leader Chris Hipkins referred to a quote without giving any explanation of its content, which was about the ‘disease of co-governance’ that is perpetuated by the Māori elite, and he said it was racist. Then, without even examining the content, National leader Christopher Luxon agreed with ...5 days ago
- Labour's Dirt Campaign Exposed With Media HelpIn last night’s leaders debate Labour Leader Chris Hipkins referred to a quote without giving any explanation of its content, which was about the ‘disease of co-governance’ that is perpetuated by the Māori elite, and he said it was racist. Then, without even examining the content, National leader Christopher Luxon agreed with ...5 days ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech Progressing TogetherToday, Chris Hipkins delivered a speech about Labour’s relationship with and ongoing commitment to Māori. ...5 days ago
- Release: National out of ideas on law and order, copies Labour’s policies and costingsAfter years of criticising the Government on law and order, National have embarrassed themselves by conceding they have no new ideas and instead copied Labour’s Police policy announced three weeks ago, Labour Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen says. ...6 days ago
- Release: Labour releases balanced, costed and credible fiscal planLabour’s fiscal plan will continue its focus on carefully managing the books while protecting critical public services like health and education and investing to deliver high wage jobs and a low carbon economy. ...7 days ago
- Policy Announcement: Capped Time-Period For Job Seeker BeneficiariesNew Zealand First today is announcing a policy on adjusting the rules and restrictions around access to the Job Seeker Benefit. New Zealand First’s policy is to introduce a capped time-period for any person to access the Job Seeker Benefit during their lifetime. Any individual will have the ability to access the Job Seeker ...1 week ago
- Policy Announcement: Capped Time-Period For Job Seeker BeneficiariesNew Zealand First today is announcing a policy on adjusting the rules and restrictions around access to the Job Seeker Benefit. New Zealand First’s policy is to introduce a capped time-period for any person to access the Job Seeker Benefit during their lifetime. Any individual will have the ability to access the Job Seeker ...1 week ago
- Release: National’s traffic light system has child poverty reduction stallingNational’s cuts to funding for beneficiaries will once again leave children and their parents with less, Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said. ...1 week ago
- Green Party will end child poverty
The Green Party will double the Best Start payment and make it available for every child under three years of age - and it will be paid for with a fair tax system. ...1 week ago - Release: Labour pledges billion-dollar medicines boostLabour will fund more medicines for more New Zealanders by investing over $1 billion of new funding into Pharmac if re-elected, Chris Hipkins announced today. ...1 week ago
- National's welfare policy is cruelThe National Party’s job seeker policy announced today is heartless. ...1 week ago
- Labour's PHARMAC Policy A PlaceboLabour has just announced a policy to increase Pharmac funding by $1billion over four years to fund additional medicines. With the current Pharmac budget of $1.2billion per year and needing a further $213million, by Minister Verrall’s own admission, just to keep up with current costs - then this is nothing ...1 week ago
- Labour's PHARMAC Policy A PlaceboLabour has just announced a policy to increase Pharmac funding by $1billion over four years to fund additional medicines. With the current Pharmac budget of $1.2billion per year and needing a further $213million, by Minister Verrall’s own admission, just to keep up with current costs - then this is nothing ...1 week ago
- Re: The Call For Corporate Manslaughter LegislationThis matter begins with the Pike River investigation being inadequate, inexplicably lengthy, and after millions of dollars, the evidence that should have been placed before the public still has not been. We have always believed that Pike River is a crime scene, and that a proper investigation would have come to that conclusion. Blue ...1 week ago
- Re: The Call For Corporate Manslaughter LegislationThis matter begins with the Pike River investigation being inadequate, inexplicably lengthy, and after millions of dollars, the evidence that should have been placed before the public still has not been. We have always believed that Pike River is a crime scene, and that a proper investigation would have come to that conclusion. Blue ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour releases New Zealand’s first climate manifestoNew Zealand faces a stark choice this election – vote for Labour to continue to confront the climate emergency with eyes wide open or bury your head in the sand alongside Christopher Luxon. ...1 week ago
- Green voice crucial for climate actionThe Green Party is today welcoming Labour’s climate manifesto, but is clear that much more will need to be done to tackle the climate crisis. ...1 week ago
- Speech: Chris Hipkins – Wellington Rally, 24 September...1 week ago
- People need a government that will build many more homesLabour’s plan to build more homes is a welcome step forward, but it lacks ambition. ...1 week ago
- Release: Supercharging public housingLabour is supercharging its plan to solve the public housing shortfall created by National, promising another 6,000 homes on top of what has already been committed says Labour Housing spokesperson Dr Megan Woods. ...1 week ago
- Release: New Super Visa for migrants’ parents and rights for Dawn Raid victimsLabour will back migrant working families by introducing a 10-year multiple-entry parents’ and grandparents’ Super Visa, and make good on the Dawn Raids apology by providing a one-off visa for overstayers who have been in the country ten years or more, Labour’s Immigration Spokesperson Andrew Little says. ...1 week ago
- Only the Greens will deliver a fair amnesty for overstayersThe Green Party is today welcoming Labour coming to the table to ensure an amnesty for overstayers, but only the Greens will ensure immigration settings actually reflect the reality of people who have been failed by our immigration system. ...1 week ago
- Climate future of communities on the line this electionGreen Party co leader James Shaw attended a South Dunedin Future street meeting today to discuss local responses to climate change. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for stronger action by Auckland Council to protect urban trees and native forestThe Green Party is calling on Auckland Council to do more to protect urban trees and housing developer Aedifice Property Group to restore and replant the native forest it cleared, and protect all the remaining trees on Ngahere Road in Pukekohe after a significant number of native trees were cut ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ram Raids drop to two-year lowLatest Police data shows monthly ram raids have hit a two-year low, laying waste to Christopher Luxon’s false claim that there are two ram raids a day says Labour’s Police Spokesperson Ginny Andersen. ...2 weeks ago
- Every party needs to step up on school lunchesLabour has finally said it would continue free school lunches - and the Green Party is calling on every party to step up. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: School lunches on the line this electionFree and healthy school lunches will be here to stay if Labour is re-elected, guaranteeing food for our kids who need it most and significant cost saving for parents. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour commits to a new hospital for the people of Hawke’s BayThe next Labour Government will build a new hospital in Hawke’s Bay, Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall announced. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt changes fall short of what’s needed for migrant protectionThe Green Party will keep up the fight to support exploited migrant workers, including pushing to end single employer visas, after the government picked up Green recommendations to improve immigration settings. ...2 weeks ago
- Clean Power Payment the smartest way forward to reduce emissions and billsGreen Party co leader James Shaw visited a home in Auckland today that has been upgraded with a wide range of energy improvements, similar to those that would be supported through the Green Party’s Clean Power Payment. ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister's Action – A Contempt For “Caretaker Government” ConventionThe Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta’s presence in New York today at the United Nations General Assembly is a contempt of New Zealand’s “caretaker government” convention. Despite the long-standing caretaker convention, Minister Mahuta is today at the UN to sign a highly contentious “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement”, delivering a ...2 weeks ago
- Back To Black ResponsiblyThe Pre-Election Fiscal Update Changes Everything Within an hour of this speech there is going to be a debate between the political parties that the media, under MMP, still think are the only parties that matter in this campaign. Both of those parties are riddled with inexperience, as evidenced by ...2 weeks ago
- Stop the cuts before they start – Labour launches new TV adNational and ACT's tax plans don't add up, and that means deep cuts to the public services New Zealanders rely on, says Labour Campaign Chair Megan Woods. ...2 weeks ago
- Youth justice programme expands to break cycle of offending
The successful ‘Circuit Breaker’ fast track programme designed to stop repeat youth offending was launched in two new locations today by Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis. The programme, first piloted in West and South Auckland in December last year, is aimed at children aged 10-13 who commit serious offending or continue ...9 hours ago - Major milestone with 20,000 employers using Apprenticeship BoostThe Government’s Apprenticeship Boost initiative has now supported 20,000 employers to help keep on and train up apprentices, Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni announced in Christchurch today. Almost 62,000 apprentices have been supported to start and keep training for a trade since the initiative was introduced in ...11 hours ago
- Government supporting wood processing jobs and more diverse industryThe Government is supporting non-pine tree sawmilling and backing further job creation in sawmills in Rotorua and Whangarei, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said. “The Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan identified the need to add more diversity to our productions forests, wood products and markets,” Peeni Henare said. ...12 hours ago
- Government backing Canterbury’s future in aerospace industryThe Government is helping Canterbury’s aerospace industry take off with further infrastructure support for the Tāwhaki Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, Infrastructure Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced. “Today I can confirm we will provide a $5.4 million grant to the Tāwhaki Joint Venture to fund a sealed runway and hangar ...12 hours ago
- Updated forestry regulations increase council controls and require large slash removalLocal councils will have more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce impacts on communities and the environment, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “New national standards give councils greater control over commercial forestry, including clear rules on harvesting practices and ...14 hours ago
- New Zealand resumes peacekeeping force leadershipNew Zealand will again contribute to the leadership of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt, with a senior New Zealand Defence Force officer returning as Interim Force Commander. Defence Minister Andrew Little and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta have announced the deployment of New Zealand ...1 day ago
- New national direction provides clarity for development and the environmentThe Government has taken an important step in implementing the new resource management system, by issuing a draft National Planning Framework (NPF) document under the new legislation, Environment Minister David Parker said today. “The NPF consolidates existing national direction, bringing together around 20 existing instruments including policy statements, standards, and ...1 day ago
- Government shows further commitment to pay equity for healthcare workersThe Government welcomes the proposed pay equity settlement that will see significant pay increases for around 18,000 Te Whatu Ora Allied, Scientific, and Technical employees, if accepted said Health Minister Ayesha Verrall. The proposal reached between Te Whatu Ora, the New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi ...1 day ago
- 100 new public EV chargers to be added to national networkThe public EV charging network has received a significant boost with government co-funding announced today for over 100 EV chargers – with over 200 charging ports altogether – across New Zealand, and many planned to be up and running on key holiday routes by Christmas this year. Minister of Energy ...2 days ago
- Safeguarding Tuvalu language and identityTuvalu is in the spotlight this week as communities across New Zealand celebrate Vaiaso o te Gagana Tuvalu – Tuvalu Language Week. “The Government has a proven record of supporting Pacific communities and ensuring more of our languages are spoken, heard and celebrated,” Pacific Peoples Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Many ...3 days ago
- New community-level energy projects to support more than 800 Māori householdsSeven more innovative community-scale energy projects will receive government funding through the Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund to bring more affordable, locally generated clean energy to more than 800 Māori households, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods says. “We’ve already funded 42 small-scale clean energy projects that ...6 days ago
- Huge boost to Te Tai Tokerau flood resilienceThe Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Te Tai Tokerau. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region. The $8.9m will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and maraes ...6 days ago
- Napier’s largest public housing development comes with solarThe largest public housing development in Napier for many years has been recently completed and has the added benefit of innovative solar technology, thanks to Government programmes, says Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods. The 24 warm, dry homes are in Seddon Crescent, Marewa and Megan Woods says the whanau living ...7 days ago
- Te Whānau a Apanui and the Crown initial Deed of Settlement I Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me...Māori: Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna te Whakaaetanga Whakataunga Kua waitohua e Te Whānau a Apanui me te Karauna i tētahi Whakaaetanga Whakataunga hei whakamihi i ō rātou tāhuhu kerēme Tiriti o Waitangi. E tekau mā rua ngā hapū o roto mai o Te Whānau ...1 week ago
- Plan for 3,000 more public homes by 2025 – regions set to benefitRegions around the country will get significant boosts of public housing in the next two years, as outlined in the latest public housing plan update, released by the Housing Minister, Dr Megan Woods. “We’re delivering the most public homes each year since the Nash government of the 1950s with one ...1 week ago
- Immigration settings updatesJudicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap increased by 500 Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement More roles added to Green List Three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders The Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of ...2 weeks ago
- Poroporoaki: Tā Patrick (Patu) Wahanga HohepaTangi ngunguru ana ngā tai ki te wahapū o Hokianga Whakapau Karakia. Tārehu ana ngā pae maunga ki Te Puna o te Ao Marama. Korihi tangi ana ngā manu, kua hinga he kauri nui ki te Wao Nui o Tāne. He Toa. He Pou. He Ahorangi. E papaki tū ana ...2 weeks ago
- Renewable energy fund to support community resilience40 solar energy systems on community buildings in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events Virtual capability-building hub to support community organisations get projects off the ground Boost for community-level renewable energy projects across the country At least 40 community buildings used to support the emergency response ...2 weeks ago
- COVID-19 funding returned to GovernmentThe lifting of COVID-19 isolation and mask mandates in August has resulted in a return of almost $50m in savings and recovered contingencies, Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. Following the revocation of mandates and isolation, specialised COVID-19 telehealth and alternative isolation accommodation are among the operational elements ...2 weeks ago
- Appointment of District Court JudgeSusie Houghton of Auckland has been appointed as a new District Court Judge, to serve on the Family Court, Attorney-General David Parker said today. Judge Houghton has acted as a lawyer for child for more than 20 years. She has acted on matters relating to the Hague Convention, an international ...2 weeks ago
- Government invests further in Central Hawke’s Bay resilienceThe Government has today confirmed $2.5 million to fund a replace and upgrade a stopbank to protect the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant. “As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, the original stopbank protecting the Waipawa Drinking Water Treatment Plant was destroyed. The plant was operational within 6 weeks of the ...2 weeks ago
- Govt boost for Hawke’s Bay cyclone waste clean-upAnother $2.1 million to boost capacity to deal with waste left in Cyclone Gabrielle’s wake. Funds for Hastings District Council, Phoenix Contracting and Hog Fuel NZ to increase local waste-processing infrastructure. The Government is beefing up Hawke’s Bay’s Cyclone Gabrielle clean-up capacity with more support dealing with the massive amount ...2 weeks ago
- Taupō Supercars revs up with Government supportThe future of Supercars events in New Zealand has been secured with new Government support. The Government is getting engines started through the Major Events Fund, a special fund to support high profile events in New Zealand that provide long-term economic, social and cultural benefits. “The Repco Supercars Championship is ...2 weeks ago
- There is no recession in NZ, economy grows nearly 1 percent in June quarterThe economy has turned a corner with confirmation today New Zealand never was in recession and stronger than expected growth in the June quarter, Finance Minister Grant Robertson said. “The New Zealand economy is doing better than expected,” Grant Robertson said. “It’s continuing to grow, with the latest figures showing ...2 weeks ago
- Highest legal protection for New Zealand’s largest freshwater springsThe Government has accepted the Environment Court’s recommendation to give special legal protection to New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs, Te Waikoropupū Springs (also known as Pupū Springs), Environment Minister David Parker announced today. “Te Waikoropupū Springs, near Takaka in Golden Bay, have the second clearest water in New Zealand after ...2 weeks ago
- More support for victims of migrant exploitationTemporary package of funding for accommodation and essential living support for victims of migrant exploitation Exploited migrant workers able to apply for a further Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), giving people more time to find a job Free job search assistance to get people back into work Use of 90-day ...2 weeks ago
- Strong export boost as NZ economy turns cornerAn export boost is supporting New Zealand’s economy to grow, adding to signs that the economy has turned a corner and is on a stronger footing as we rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle and lock in the benefits of multiple new trade deals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says. “The economy is ...2 weeks ago
- Funding approved for flood resilience work in Te KarakaThe Government has approved $15 million to raise about 200 homes at risk of future flooding. More than half of this is expected to be spent in the Tairāwhiti settlement of Te Karaka, lifting about 100 homes there. “Te Karaka was badly hit during Cyclone Gabrielle when the Waipāoa River ...2 weeks ago
- Further business support for cyclone-affected regionsThe Government is helping businesses recover from Cyclone Gabrielle and attract more people back into their regions. “Cyclone Gabrielle has caused considerable damage across North Island regions with impacts continuing to be felt by businesses and communities,” Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said. “Building on our earlier business support, this ...2 weeks ago
- New maintenance facility at Burnham Military Camp underwayDefence Minister Andrew Little has turned the first sod to start construction of a new Maintenance Support Facility (MSF) at Burnham Military Camp today. “This new state-of-art facility replaces Second World War-era buildings and will enable our Defence Force to better maintain and repair equipment,” Andrew Little said. “This Government ...2 weeks ago
- Foreign Minister to attend United Nations General AssemblyForeign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will represent New Zealand at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week, before visiting Washington DC for further Pacific focussed meetings. Nanaia Mahuta will be in New York from Wednesday 20 September, and will participate in UNGA leaders ...2 weeks ago
- Midwives’ pay equity offer reachedAround 1,700 Te Whatu Ora employed midwives and maternity care assistants will soon vote on a proposed pay equity settlement agreed by Te Whatu Ora, the Midwifery Employee Representation and Advisory Service (MERAS) and New Zealand Nurses Association (NZNO), Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. “Addressing historical pay ...3 weeks ago
- New Zealand provides support to MoroccoAotearoa New Zealand will provide humanitarian support to those affected by last week’s earthquake in Morocco, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced today. “We are making a contribution of $1 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help meet humanitarian needs,” Nanaia Mahuta said. ...3 weeks ago
- Government invests in West Coast’s roading resilienceThe Government is investing over $22 million across 18 projects to improve the resilience of roads in the West Coast that have been affected by recent extreme weather, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today. A dedicated Transport Resilience Fund has been established for early preventative works to protect the state ...3 weeks ago
- France to host Pacific defence ministers in New Caledonia ‘hub’ meeting
By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ French Pacific correspondent Defence ministers from several Asian and Pacific states are scheduled to meet in New Caledonia for two days during the first week of December, French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) commander General Yann Latil announced at the weekend. He added that French ...48 mins ago - NEW POLL: Statistical Tie Between National And ACT In Race For Tāmaki
A new Taxpayers Union – Curia poll in the Tāmaki electorate shows ACT’s Brooke van Velden mounting a strong challenge to incumbent National MP, Simon O’Connor. The two major candidates for the seat are locked in a statistical tie with 35% of ...1 hour ago - Labour-friendly turf Christchurch throws up some testy exchanges for Carmel Sepuloni
The Cabinet Minister was challenged on her party's record on crime, the cost of living, veterans and beneficiaries during a visit to territory normally considered a Labour heartland. ...2 hours ago - Australia’s emissions must decline more steeply to reach climate commitment: OECDSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Australia’s emissions need to decline “on a much steeper trajectory” if it is to meet its declared commitment of a 43% reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and ...2 hours ago
- Tāmaki Is Ready For A Fresh New Voice“Tonight at the Taxpayer’s Union Tāmaki debate I put forward to voters why I should be the next advocate for their community in Parliament,” says ACT Deputy Leader and Tāmaki candidate Brooke van Velden. “After 63 years being represented ...2 hours ago
- Against All Odds In Hauraki-WaikatoThe youngest candidate in this year’s election is closing in on the Labour stronghold of Hauraki-Waikato. A Whakaata Māori exclusive poll has revealed that Te Pāti Māori newcomer, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, is just four percentage points behind Labour’s ...2 hours ago
- General election 2023: Nanaia Mahuta facing serious challenge in Hauraki-Waikato, poll showsThe incumbent MP is just four points ahead of one of the youngest candidates in this year's general election, a poll conducted for Whakaata Māori is revealing. ...3 hours ago
- ACT's Brooke van Velden turns up heat on Simon O'Connor in new pollThe ACT party candidate is locked in a statistical tie with the incumbent in the previously safe National seat of Tāmaki, a new Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll reveals. ...4 hours ago
- Simon O’Connor vs Brooke van Velden will go to wire in Tāmaki – new poll
Following a poll last week which depicted Chlöe Swarbrick in a battle to hold on to Auckland Central, another seat in the city has been confirmed as balanced on a knife edge. In a battle among the parties of the right in Tāmaki, sitting MP Simon O’Connor leads Brooke van ...4 hours ago - No rate hike yet, but will it rise on Melbourne Cup Day? It all depends on petrol pricesSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University If the Reserve Bank does push up interest rates again, the most likely next date is its next board meeting, on Melbourne Cup Tuesday. The November 7 meeting is especially ...5 hours ago
- The disability royal commission heard horrific stories of harm – now we must move towards repairSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jack Francis Kelly, Honorary Research Fellow, School of the Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has shared its final report. In this series, we unpack what the commission’s 222 ...5 hours ago
- My Sister Jill: Patricia Cornelius’ new play is a blistering post-war social and cultural commenta...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sarah Austin, Lecturer in Theatre, The University of Melbourne Sarah Walker/MTC Emerging from one of Australia’s most enduring and significant theatrical partnerships between director Susie Dee and playwright Patricia Cornelius, My Sister Jill is a contemporary homage to George Johnston’s ...5 hours ago
- ‘I voted’ stickers not offered this election due to lack of demand – ECThere’s been a strong outpouring on social media after it emerged that polling booths wouldn’t be handing out the orange man “I voted” stickers during this year’s election. And while many have claimed this to be a new decision, the Electoral Commission told The Spinoff the stickers weren’t actually given ...6 hours ago
- Politicians Need To Break R&D Funding Election Cycle For Science To ThriveBioTechNZ has called on the next Government to leverage the use of biotechnology to transform the economy, lift the performance of New Zealand industries, and create high-value jobs. The organisation, whose members all share a desire to maximise the ...6 hours ago
- National Party Statement On Prostate Cancer WelcomedMore than 4000 men are diagnosed and over 700 die from prostate cancer every year. That’s more than twice the road toll. Men’s lives matter too. The Prostate Cancer Foundation today welcomed statements by the National Party relating to prostate cancer ...7 hours ago
- We started a service for people worried about their sexual thoughts about children. Here’s what we...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gemma McKibbin, Senior Research Fellow, The University of Melbourne Shutterstock In its 2017 final report, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse identified that there was no large-scale national early intervention service in Australia for people worried ...7 hours ago
- Large slash must now be removed after harvesting, new forestry regulations sayCyclone Gabrielle highlighted the need for better regulations on forestry, after woody debris was washed into waterways and caused widespread damage and flooding. ...7 hours ago
- Voice support up in Essential poll, but it is still behindSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne The referendum on the Indigenous Voice to parliament will be held on October 14. A national Essential poll, conducted September 27 to ...7 hours ago
- Election 2023: National 'mischief making' over claims Ingrid Leary backs wealth tax –...The Labour leader is downplaying comments by his MP, Ingrid Leary, who has spoken in favour of a wealth tax. ...7 hours ago
- Time For Aotearoa NZ To Stop Investing In Infrastructure For YesterdayTime to invest in infrastructure for a modern, flourishing, resilient tomorrow. The New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils hosted its 34th AGM and Community Awards Dinner on the weekend of the 16th – 17th September 2023 in Wellington. Twenty-four ...7 hours ago
- More than 50,000 people cast ballot on first day of advance votingThe first day of advance voting yesterday saw 56,557 people cast their ballots, according to the Electoral Commission. That’s a big drop on day one of advance voting in 2020, when 92,434 people took part. Given the exceptional, Covid-impacted circumstances of the last election, however, a more instructive comparison may ...8 hours ago
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It's just occurred to me that the 'fewer brown people' suggestion in the post may have been quite literally a driver for some in the National caucus. The vote pitched two people of maori heritage against two people who look 100% pakeha.
It hasn’t been escaping some of the Maori media writers.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/417342/national-leadership-change-will-drive-away-maori-votes-godfery
and there was a similar one in the herald this morning. Which I can’t seem to find now (ummm)
Your correct saying business acumen does not a politician make.
I understand that he gained business experience as an executive at Fonterror. Surely the the most appallingly managed business in NZ, and if they're competing with some other large businesses for that honour, some of whom no longer exist, that's saying something. He also was involved with Zespri during some dubious decisions.
I worry for NZ that the media machine will assist with any success he may have.
I worry about that attitude to treat the country as a business, which is prevalent among those kinda people.
The country is not a business, it's a society. Like the difference between a business, whose purpose is to make money, and a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to provide a service.
National has profit as the complete focus. They even made Housing New Zealand pay dividends to the government.
We are ALL doomed …. wait till the 2nd and 3rd waves hit …
Now the right will see that the only way to get any list members is to vote ACT Party Vote.
We may all soon regret this spill!
Another WOW Mr Prentice! I don't understand the full implications of all that you said but understand that National is using its Dirty Politics experience – but against their own people for a change.
Tricky Stolid Todd did say in his speech that he only decided to act last Wednesday but it is also true that he and his team have been setting it up for weeks if not months. And should Muller trust Bishop in the long term given his apparent ability to apparently act without scruples? (And how long has Key been sporting a beard?)
Bishop is interesting, perhaps its just me but his previous employment as a tobacco lobbyist says it all regarding his personal moral compass. He will hitch his wagon to Judith in the coming weeks as the public discover Muller is actually just mashed potatoes on a very white plate.
Of course they still have the advantage of the previous Governments, hand picked cronies, in State service organisations.
We were very fortunate Blomfield wasn’t one of those.
Not that it likely adds much competence.
But it will help with their agenda
"previous Governments hand picked cronies in State service organisations."
which could explain some of the things I have seen.
this is serious stuff. Do you know who this has come from Iprent? I am not asking you to say of course.
Not exactly. I never bother to trace back on this kind of material unless people suggest that they want me to. There has been similar material in the recent months from what is clearly a number of sources. Basically it is a judgement call.
I am perfectly willing to put this kind of material into the public debate if it looks plausible, accords with the facts as are known, and it is clear that it has to be regarded as speculative. Sometimes as guest posts where I know who it is. But this is under my own name rather than anyone else and therefore as my opinion as an explanation for what has been happening. I happen to think that this is highly likely because of how it fits with what just happened (not to mention what the comment mood is like on the National leaning blogs and social media at present).
The count is probably incorrect because that is just the vote system inside National caucus – and points to the reason why Labour shifted theirs. Jacinda Ardern effectively got a caucus only leadership change and a free pass only because Andrew Little stood down himself so close to the election.
To tell the truth, we normally get a lot of this from within Labour (but not recently) and moderate amounts from inside NZ First and very little from inside the Greens. Mostly we don’t need it from Labour or the Greens simply because authors have wide channels there anyway, and simply express their opinions. It is usually pretty easy to see what is relevant, fantasy, or dirty political work from the style. This one reeks of honest anger compared to some of the ones I see.
But I have to say that information flowed to TS freely when Lusk and Slater were doing paid for National party selection jobs.
O.k the leakers leaks are confirmed. Amy Adams is now staying and at no 3
Excellent post LPrent.
I follow Chris Martenson of Peak Prosperity on the Covid-19 pandemic and have done since the middle of February.
He characterised politicians like Trump and Johnson as managers, not leaders. No vision, just reactions to events.
Tricky Toddy seems cut from the same pattern.
Long many the internal eruptions within the Natz continue.
I resonate with your view, Tony. I have tried to be fair & not prejudge – but the essay above does seem to reveal a deep context essential to integrate & I'm factoring that in now. The guts is that a managerial stance won't suffice.
Re a Nat schism, could be more perception than reality, but fascinating as a possibility. Watch for a token maori to get waved in the reshuffle? Just to defuse that scenario…
Even without your spin, the bits inside the quotation marks are dynamite, even if only half of it's true. I see the Nats' defenestration of Bridges as an act of hysterical, panicked desperation a few weeks before an election they're going to lose. A bit like Labour's replacement of Little with Ardern, except for the "minor" differences that Little stood down, more or less voluntarily, while Bridges went kicking and screaming. Also: Muller is not "exactly" like Ardern. Think the Tory plotters and schemers overlooked those things. Agree that Hooton and Bishop are the principal villains of the piece. I keep hearing vague and unsubstantiated rumours that Hooton's "in trouble" but have no idea what that means. I'm fairly sure he's still working for Crusher Collins though.
I decided to not put this up as a guest post because it was unsubstantiated. I think it is likely to be true. But if that goes up under my name as my opinion, then I’ll explain some of why the quoted part matches my opinion. Frankly I seldom bother with ‘spin’. It is pretty much a waste of time on this site because everyone just ignores it. I just go with my current opinion and why I think certain things.
I’m a over-educated and very old computer programmer. I seldom have time for bullshit.
"I can’t see Muller and the National caucus post-election being able to make the kinds of long-term decisions required in the modern world."
And they don't need to and importantly are not required to….but Muller can and very likely will greatly improve Nationals position, and in doing so will maintain some MPs that may have otherwise have been lost….and 2023 is a fight for another day.
National is after all the righteous party of government in NZ is it not?
Bridges might have bounced back up into the mid-thirties. Muller needs to do better than that to stave off Luxon post-election. And he needs to hit the ground with a firecracker up his arse.
Ardern announced the "let's do this" slogan just a few days after becoming leader of the opposition. Unless who-ller comes out with something spectacular tomorrow, his great contribution to the zeitgeist as leader has been explaining away a maga cap as something he doesn't really believe in, even though it's on display.
Luxon isnt even an MP and has no Parliamentary experience nor has he had the opportunity to gather a clique within…you overestimate his importance.
Muller is a professional, sharp and experienced (Nat) politician with the confidence of at least half the caucus and is the choice of influencers aligned with the National Party unless he is considerably less competent than he appears he will outperform Bridges….that is not to suggest he will win this election for them.
Luxon didn't get the candidacy for a safe nat seat out of nowhere. Some section of the nats sees him as a future PM – the next John Key. He has those connections.
Muller doesn't just need to outperform Bridges, he needs to make a big enough showing to at the very least make him a plausible PM in 2023. And that means he needs to be outstanding against Ardern. The apparent help from Hooten suggests he's merely more of the same.
So come 2022, unless National is polling very competitively against a Lab or Lab+1 govt, a small caucus will have a corporate golden boy who's kept his nose clean as a pretender. Now the dirty politics crowd will run a whisper campaign against Luxon, but that's if and only iff they aren't in the Luxon camp (no matter how long they've been friends with magaman).
I never mentioned the word friends
No, Hooten did lol. While explaining why he had turned from pundit to "helper" without telling the media who hired him as a pundit.
Wow! Too much to absorb in one sitting.
I spy a new Nicky Hager book on the horizon – "Dirty Politics II".
It became obvious last week that the rolling of Simon Bridges had been on the drawing board for at least six months. Muller himself gave it away with his oh so cock-sure demeanour in advance of the showdown. If it is true he only won by one vote then that would have come as a shock.
Whatever, any dude who thinks Donald Trump is the best thing since sliced bread – and he obviously does even if he denies it – should never be allowed near the Treasury Benches!
Oh and to reinforce the 'rich, entitled white man' syndrome so prevalent inside the National Party:
he has started with an attack on Kelvin Davis on TV1 news. Says there will be more coming about him this coming week.
So, he sees one of Labour's weak link… the Maori members and starts with the most senior Maori member of the Cabinet.
Will link as soon as it appears.
Typo in your handle caught you in the filter, you might want to check the Name field for next comment.
Thanks weka. A comma appeared from nowhere. 🙄
promised link: https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-national-leader-todd-muller-doubles-down-over-maga-cap-in-office-display
Scroll to second tvnz video.
Behind the mask, the mindset hasn't changed. Policies the same as Bridges, arguably just a prettier face and easier to listen to.
Also – quite flexible with his faith when it suits him. Anti abortion, pro gay marriage (The Nation Interview) In fact that interview I thought revealed a lot more about the man than he might have wanted. As for the MAGA hat – it's widely known that MAGA in New Zealand stands for Make Adern Go Away. He needs to be asked about that.
He was told to be complimentary about Jacinda's handling of the pandemic – not because he, Hooton or his other advisers actually care a hoot about those directly affected, but rather because it would look bad in the eyes of the voters.
Now they are earmarking the govt.'s perceived weak links – which aren't weak links of course – and he is going to attack, attack, attack until voters start wondering if there is something to it. Straight out of the John Key playbook.
Jacinda and co. better start lining up their bovver boys and girls to be ready to respond in kind. She can be left out of the fray but if they let it roll past them without returning in kind, they could go down the tubes despite their current stratospheric ratings.
A quite grudging admission of competence at best. Not sincere.
Posted link to latest TVNZ news item but went into moderation?? He attacks most senior Maori minister and says there's more coming next week.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-national-leader-todd-muller-doubles-down-over-maga-cap-in-office-display
You might have to scroll down to tonight's interview.
Moderation again. What the hell?
[lprent: Get rid of the comma on the end of your handle.]
Weka alerted me @ 7:13 but thanks anyway.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/800597610044872/permalink/2590334607737821/
"So, the main question we should be asking is not why there aren’t any more women leaders, but why do so many incompetent men become leaders? "
Will Mr Muller deliver a vision strong enough to make us abandon Jacinda? I think that's what it comes down to.
While a centre forward is kicking goals you don't kick them off the team.
Newshub had a report on the Muller team, which he'll announce in the next day or two. The names you'd expect (Collins, Bishop, Amy Adams returning).
Missing – Bridges (obviously), Bennett (toast), but also Todd McClay, Mark Mitchell, Michael Woodhouse etc.
There are going to be some dark mutterings on the National benches.
Woodhouse gone – I hope so. Might almost be worth voting for Muller out of gratitude.
Probably the one thing Matty is right about is that the gNatz are now a "broad church".
I'm currently having a bit or a purge – sorting out the worthwhile stuff you give to the Sallies or St Vincent de P versus the shit that you take to the tip.
I've come across a load of shite one's children somehow accumulate – plastic figures of Ken and Barby, G.I Joe's and even plastic (very plastic) figures of people 'dripping' with bling and nouveau riche treats and trinkets (they reminded me of recent media appearances of Ms Boag, and yesterday's appearance of a Shipley on 'The Nation', not to mention the reminder of Sir John visiting Madge amongst all the kitsch). No doubt the former (Boag and Shipley) have "breeding" but they amount to the same shit, if a slightly different stink than a Sir – and we musn't forget Burton.
I really think it's probably better to bury very deep a bit of plastic even if it takes eons to decompose rather than inflict any if it on someone likely to turn up at a Sallies shop trying to give a bit of joy to their bubbas.
Some of those old G I Joes are worth money, esp Snake Eyes (the all black figure), saddo men in their 40s (like me) collect old 80s toys & dream of finding a box at Sallies of them. The Toys That Made Us on Netflix is worth a look on this current craze.
Some of the Barbies used to be worth stuff too. And IIRC Macca's used to drop the end of line small lots on the NZ market of their plastic toys and some of them are not so common & used to be collectable. Check all values before the tip trip – put a local teenager on commission – I have to practice not hoarding!
Forget MAGA I see that we have a real deal:
Todd
Organised
Secretly
Simon’s
Exit.
Ruthless!
Lol made my day
The clip isn't up yet but it was really funny to see the careful preparations Muller had made before his soft interview on TV1 news tonight.
There's a Michelle Obama banner prominently displayed. Definitely not brought in from storage and positioned at just the right point in the room, no sir.
I love it when they think we're all fools. Like one of those man-with-beer photo ops.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/new-national-leader-todd-muller-doubles-down-over-maga-cap-in-office-display
Bit of a mess up. Scroll down to second tvnz video.
Chances are he acquired banner because his wife's name is Michelle.
If this is what is being leaked to TS then just imagine what has been leaked to Winston He is possibly checking it now to see what votes he can detach from the more centre ish righties. They will see him as a brake on labour even if he does stay on that side of the fence.
Also Labour should I think put some thought into where to now with the media. The daily press conferences are drifting down and the media are back to their old spin tricks with the added resentments that they didn't get bailouts and loathed the object based feedback that they got on their performance.
Plus what other words do we want to see in the word cloud around "national" and "economic" Maybe themes like "National are delusional about their economic management ability" .
"National are delusional about their economic management ability"
Here's a tweet from Charlie Mitchell at Stuff today
https://twitter.com/comingupcharlie/status/1264671834881970176
It reports an Ipsos issues monitor which shows Labour & Greens are regarded as the most capable parties to address the top 20 issues.
I don't think Jacinda has too much to worry about with this Muller guy. I saw him go after Davis. He came off as too aggressive to me. He will have to tone it down a heck of a lot and even then he probably won't be able to hide his true colours. Kiwis don't like someone going after a nice guy like Davis even if he is a bit befuddled. After all you're not in Kansas now Dorothy.
Muller Plus..Kay
It is nice that the Muller man who goes around Waikato looking at gumboots for a living, gets himself off to a wiz bang start on tele.
He' all keen
However, the difference between Mr Muller and Mr Kelvin Davis – is that Kelvin Davis is honest.
A huge difference.
National has never been a party of future thinking, as most of the major long term planing for New Zealand has taken place under Labour. Some long term projects started under Labour and curtailed under National have had to be restarted at higher costs to deal with the traffic problems in Auckland that would be a lot less problematic if previous Labour started projects had not been cancelled by previous National governments.
John Campbell tries to throw dirt at Jacinda Ardern ..
Starting out by accusing her of not achieving each of her goals – he got hotter and hotter.
His mana slipping away in monster ass pipe loads.
For Jacinda has brought her goals along steadily – in the midst of numerous external difficulties – to ongoing incredibly valuable outcomes. Campbell well knows that. !
John was simply stupid in trying to denounce Her. More stupid than a child in a Campbell tiny tots class room.
Apparently, Muller is saying Labour is keeping $20billion aside with no thought of how to spend it. They forget their history when it suits them.
I remember this happening:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/77094/extra-borrowing-putting-pressure-on-dollar-english
7 June 2011
'This financial year, the Government has been borrowing $380 million a week – about $100 million more a week than it needs – and is banking the extra money to spend in coming years. '
I'm surprised Key has anything to do with this stuff, if he is witting.
https://cdn.thestandard.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-racist-nat.png?x51092
Amy at number 3 and returning was spot on, I am guessing the other stuff is too.
Is Amy Adams going to re-retire if they (when) they lose the election?
I hope so, she is not a nice person. Entitled born to rule type. What happened to the family she missed so much?
Yeah… its an amazing change of mind but I'm sure Amy's done it with the best of intentions. I mean, the good of the country and all that stuff. (sarc)
It's going well …
Bridges: "Just to be clear after the reshuffle today, I am not considering my future. Just having a small amount of time out to take stock after the loss on Friday. I am candidate for Tauranga and intend to stand and help National obtain an historic win!"
It came after Muller said Bridges was taking time to consider his political future."
(Herald)
Herald reshuffle summary: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=12334590
"Perhaps the biggest change within National's front bench is around Judith Collins. She picks up economic development, regional development and Pike River re-entry. The Papakura MP, and former lawyer, has also been made the Shadow Attorney-General – she takes over from Tim Macindoe."
"Muller supporter Nicola Willis wins big from the reshuffle. The list MP who came into Parliament in 2017 has been given the Housing and Urban Development shadow portfolio. She has gone from unranked to number 14 and in the shadow Cabinet – a significant jump. Muller said Willis was talented and deserved her rise, while Kaye said she was "extraordinarily talented"."
"Hutt South MP Chris Bishop keeps transport and picks up infrastructure – formally held by Paul Goldsmith. Goldsmith, remains in the front bench and will continue in his role as finance spokesman and has been given Earthquake Commission. He has, however, been moved down the rankings."
Thus the evidence suggests Sacha was wrong in her interpretation of Richard Harman's comment about Collins doing the numbers on the prior weekend. You don't get such a substantial career boost if you are merely a messenger!! 🙄
I have never met a voter who comes home from work, turns on the news and says "oh, that MP who I like has gone from no.22 to no.16 in the opposition rankings, great, got my vote now!". And I literally cannot remember any moves in portfolios and rankings when previous leaders of the opposition took over. Who does?
Muller being a dick to Bridges is 100X more important than the anonymous team shuffle. He's stuffed up big time.
Re first paragraph, true. Team rankings matter only to those who whose thinking is governed by hierarchy. National Party members, for instance. Or any conservatives.
Your thesis in the second paragraph is intriguing, but only on the basis that Simon was operating as part of a bloc or faction. I haven't seen evidence that he was. Muller has offered him a cabinet role. That's generous, imo. He need not – unless he sees Simon as either leader or member of an opposing faction that has almost 50% of his caucus, in which case he must appease them.
maureen pugh drops one place on the list falling to #45, simon rated her higher. JS.
The most interesting aspect of the National Party now is the emerging frame competition. Is the liberal/conservative framing primary still? Is there a `marginalise maori' framing behind the switch? How about the old `wet/dry' framing from the onset of neoliberalism?
Bluegreen socialism? They've all been out for a run around the paddock in recent days, these old nags from the heartland. But wait! Trotter runs this dark horse:
"Muller and his team deserve the hearty congratulations of the New Zealand electorate. The risk was real, and growing, that the National Party was heading down the self-same political trail blazed by the Republican Party in the United States." https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/105183/chris-trotter-argues-todd-mullers-backers-have-rejected-radical-conservatism
"The journey begins with the purging of every party member deemed insufficiently committed to the holy mission of national redemption. As the trail descends deeper and more steeply into the darkness, that holy mission is held up as a sanctified end – for the achievement of which any and all means are justified. The trail ends in the monstrous moral vacuum that is Trumpist populism."
"Muller and all those who voted for him at last Friday’s emergency caucus meeting have done what the Republican Party refused to do. They have rejected the radical conservatism of the evangelical Christian Right and reaffirmed the moderate conservative values out of which their National Party was born."
Saint Todd on his white horse rode in and slew the evil fundamentalist dragon, rescuing the angel Nikki. Go Chris! Way better frame than the boring old nags…
I never understood why Amy Adams was able to engineer the Central Plains Water…. while being a beneficiary of it (as well as being a beneficiary in nat govt) and then standing aside for the final vote because of a conflict of interest, knowing they had the numbers to pass this corrupt profit maker for her benefit.