The Jami-Lee tapes
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- Date published:
8:22 am, November 5th, 2018 - 141 comments
Categories: Dirty Politics, jacinda ardern, labour, national, paula bennett, same old national, Simon Bridges, spin, trevor mallard, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: jami-lee ross
Labour had its annual conference on the weekend. The mood was upbeat and Jacinda delivered a tub thumping speech. Delegates were very happy. New policy was announced and was warmly received by the population at large. The golden rule of Jacinda became a little more real.
But over at National they are not in a happy place. Just when they may have been thinking the worse was over a new Jami-Lee Ross tape has popped up. And this one will cause a lot of disruption.
From Dan Satherley at Newshub:
Secret recordings of a conversation involving Jami-Lee Ross, Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett have been leaked to The AM Show.
The clip features Mr Ross talking to the National Party leadership ahead of his decision to take personal leave at the start of October.
The comments on the tape suggest the National leadership team was trying to cover up the wrongdoing by Mr Ross. They discuss what reasons they will give for his leave – medical or family. Ms Bennett says medical leave would be better, as it would reduce media interest.
“So it would be for medical reasons?” asks Mr Ross.
“Is that what you want?” asks Ms Bennett. “I think either medical or family.”
“Medical is true,” says Mr Ross.
“That’s right,” says Mr Bridges. “There’s no shame in that.”
“And it means everyone will back off you too – the media and all that sort of stuff,” says Ms Bennett.
The tape then records how the parties discussed disloyalty and harassment of staff.
Ross’s request for clarification of the allegations made against him was declined. It was recorded in this part of the discussion:
“Simon told you all about the disloyalty stuff Jami-Lee, and quite frankly if that was put to caucus, that would be enough,” replies Ms Bennett.
“The stuff around harassing staff which I reject, that is the worst. I don’t even know what that is,” says Mr Ross.
“Well you do know what the disloyalty stuff is, and that’s been put to you really clearly. If that was put to caucus, that would be enough,” says Ms Bennett. “We are trying to give you the lightest possible way out of this.”
The tape would have been recorded in early October and before the results of the inquiry into the leak was announced. Bridges will need to explain what he said a couple of weeks later on October 18 about the Newsroom article which detailed allegations of inappropriate behaviour that Ross was accused of. As set out in this Radio New Zealand article:
“I’m gutted about the story and everything that it’s about. I am in admiration of the courage of these women for what has happened here.”
Mr Bridges said he first heard claims of inappropriate behaviour towards women in recent weeks. He didn’t know whether they were the same women as those quoted in the Newsroom report.
“I knew nothing before the leak investigation of any of these sort of things. It’s only in very recent weeks,” he said.
“Within a day of learning about these things, I confronted Jami-Lee Ross about them and have made sure… he is no longer part of our caucus.”
Mr Bridges refused to go into any detail about the claims or who made them, saying he respected privacy.
“I have absolutely no doubt in my mind, I dealt with things in the right way.”
Mr Bridges said he was “completely unaware” that Mr Ross was capable of the alleged behaviour.
“In totality, what we’ve got here are lies, deception, inappropriate conduct, leaks… I am really glad we’ve seen the back of this man.”
One possible interpretation is that Bridges knew about the allegations at the time the tape was made but did not tell this to the public when confronted. And it is startling that he was prepared to say that he could rehabilitate Ross and return him to the fold. It is noteworthy that the allegations only came out publicly when National decided to counterattack after Ross’s stand up conference in Parliament. Ross’s mental health was not a significant consideration for them at that time.
In this morning’s Radio New Zealand interview Suzy Ferguson put this to Bridges. I found his answers to her questions unconvincing.
I do not envy Bridges in the situation that he found himself in, dealing with someone who was ill. Clearly Bridges was walking on egg shells. But I cannot understand why he concluded publicly that Ross was the information leaker. The report was inconclusive. It relied on contact with a reporter (not Tova O’Brien), Mallard and a police officer. Mallard has explained how the contact with him was accidental. The other contacts appear to be innocent. Unless there is further information that is not in the public domain yet the result seems flimsy.
The worst thing for National is that this particular series of attacks shows no signs of going away. Their only option is to use the waka jumping law to get Ross out of Parliament. Clearly they are struggling with a decision to do that. But they don’t really have any other options. Other than tolerate death by a thousand cuts of Bridges’ leadership.
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- Release: Growing pressure to scrap Section 7AA Repeal Bill
The newly released Section 7AA Repeal Bill's select committee report is further evidence that the Government should scrap it. ...5 days ago
- Government’s move to monetise access to nature a slippery slope
The Green Party is voicing serious concerns over the Government’s proposal to charge for access to public conservation land, released today. ...7 days ago
- Green Party condemns the passage of Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party condemns the passing of the Treaty Principles Bill at first reading, and is clear that the fight is not over. ...1 week ago
- Stand Up for Te Tiriti
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is our country’s founding document. It forms the basis of the relationship between Māori and the Crown – and the Aotearoa New Zealand we live in today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Over 15,000 sign Labour’s open letter to Luxon
As the hīkoi to Parliament continues, Labour has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in a last-ditch attempt to get him to kill the Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Fast Track Bill threatens environment, climate and reputation
The fast-track legislation passing its second reading in Parliament is another step towards environmental ruin. ...1 week ago
- Greens join King’s Counsel in calling for Treaty Principles Bill to be abandoned
The Prime Minister must answer the call from a group of senior lawyers of the King’s Counsel to abandon the divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...1 week ago
- Chris Hipkins’ apology statement to state and faith-based care survivors
...1 week ago
- Release: Labour formally apologises to state and faith-based care survivors
Labour joins with the Government in unreservedly apologising for the abuse, neglect and trauma including torture in state and faith-based care and for ignoring the voices of survivors for too long. ...1 week ago
- Green Party stands in support of survivors of abuse in care
Today, the Green Party stands alongside the survivors of abuse in state care and faith-based care as the Government issues an historic apology. ...1 week ago
- Green Party calls for conscience vote on Treaty Principles Bill
The Green Party has written to the Speaker of the House requesting he enable a personal vote on the Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt move to exclude journalist risks chilling effect
The Green Party is alarmed by the Government’s move to exclude a journalist from covering this week’s apology for the survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care. ...2 weeks ago
- Without action, an apology will be empty air
For tomorrow’s apology to survivors of abuse in state and faith-based care to hold any water, the Government must not pursue the same policies that drove the abuse in the first place. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Concerns remain over tobacco interference
Concerns about the tobacco industry’s ability to interfere in government policy making remain, despite the inability of the Office of the Auditor-General to investigate the Government’s decision to halve the excise tax on heated tobacco products. ...2 weeks ago
- Urgent wake-up call on climate
The Climate Change Commission’s latest advice indicates Aotearoa needs to be stepping up on climate action. ...2 weeks ago
- Green MP’s Meme-ber’s Bill set to save the world
Break out the punchlines and dust off your meme folder: Green Party MP Kahurangi Carter’s Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill was pulled from the Ballot yesterday. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Poroporoaki: Ta Robert (Bom) Gillies
Kua hinga te manawa kairākau o Te Rua Tekau Ma Waru Tiwhatiwha te po! Kakarauru i te po! Ka rapuhia kei hea koe kua riro! Haere e te Ika a Whiro ki o tini hoa kua ngaro atu ki te Pō ...2 weeks ago
- Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principles Bill
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori call on the Prime Minister to block the Treaty Principle...
The opposition parties stand united for an Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti, rather than seeking to rewrite it. Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori are working together against the Government’s divisive Treaty Principles Bill. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must pursue independent foreign policy
The Green Party says the need is greater than ever for Aotearoa New Zealand to pursue an independent foreign policy. ...2 weeks ago
- Government action provides Southland farmers more time to meet plan requirements
The Government is taking action to ensure Southland farmers and growers are not affected by unreasonable regional farm plan deadlines, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard say.“Cabinet has agreed to provide more time for farmers and growers to comply with regional rules ...16 hours ago - Bill reaffirms Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending
The Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Bill had its first reading at Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Government’s commitment to crack down on serious youth offending, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. “In recent years we have seen an unacceptable spike in youth offending. “This Bill makes ...17 hours ago
- Critical milestones for earthquake buildings review
Fairer, more sensible rules about managing earthquake risks are a step closer with the passing of legislation and the appointment of an independent chair to provide expert advice, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The Government is committed to reinvigorating our cities and regions to support economic growth, ...17 hours ago
- State of the art radiology machine for Auckland
People in Northland and Auckland will benefit from a new machine for cancer treatment installed at the Regional Cancer and Blood Service at Auckland City Hospital. The MV5 linear accelerator, or LINAC machine, officially opened today targets cancer tumours with pinpoint accuracy. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says this new, ...17 hours ago
- Foreign Minister to visit Europe
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Europe for high-level talks with France, Germany and the United Kingdom next week. "Since taking office almost a year ago, the Coalition Government has emphasised the importance we place on New Zealand's traditional and likeminded diplomatic and ...18 hours ago
- First arrests made under gang patch ban
Police have made their first arrests under the new gang patch legislation, with two gang members arrested, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “Just before 11 this morning, Police in Wairoa apprehended a gang member for wearing a patch to the supermarket. He has been arrested and will now face enforcement ...19 hours ago
- Better support for victims of sexual violence
The Government is proposing two major changes to name suppression laws that will put the views of victims of sexual violence first, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “We are committed to restoring law and order and these two proposed changes will help ensure the victims of crime are put at ...20 hours ago
- Government moving forward with Regional Deals
Cabinet has agreed to invite all regions to submit proposals for Regional Deals between central and local government that drive economic growth and deliver the infrastructure our country needs, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. Inviting all regions to propose a Regional Deal that boosts ...21 hours ago
- MSA pilot participant update
One of the ten young men selected to participate in the Military-Style Academy Pilot has allegedly reoffended. Children’s Minister Karen Chhour is disappointed but says it would be naïve to think that none of these young men would reoffend. “I’m saddened that this young person has not taken this opportunity ...21 hours ago
- Fighting for Kiwis in Trade
Delivered at Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School Good morning and thank you Deputy Vice Chancellor Lithander for your warm welcome and for inviting me to open Auckland Trade and Economic Policy School today. A Special thanks to the University of Auckland, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and ...22 hours ago
- Attendance rates increase, again
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that school attendance is continuing to rise. In Term 3 of 2024 51.3 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.3 percentage points from 46 per cent in Term 3 of 2023. “This Government has prioritised student attendance and it is ...23 hours ago
- Improving the lives of young New Zealanders
Ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world for children and young people is the vision at the heart of the Government’s new Child and Youth Strategy, Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says. “Childhood represents a huge opportunity to set people on a positive path towards living ...1 day ago
- Government continues work to reinstate livestock exports by sea
The Government is reinstating the trade of livestock exports by sea while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, says Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard.“The Government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of ...2 days ago
- Speech to the National Quality Forum 2024
Tēnā koutou katoa – it is a pleasure to be here today. I would like to begin by acknowledging the important leadership role you all play in ensuring a quality health system New Zealanders can trust. There is enormous clinical expertise in this room covering a wide range of disciplines. ...2 days ago
- New Zealand’s COP29 National Statement
Tēnā koutou katoa. Mr President, Excellencies, Delegates. New Zealand, and all nations represented here today, are already dealing with the impacts of climate change. Our households, businesses, and economies are bearing the costs of its effects. The choices we make now will shape the severity of these impacts for generations ...2 days ago
- Latest Quarterly Investment Report released
The Government has released its second Quarterly Investment Report (QIR) which shows substantial work still to be done by agencies to improve investment reporting and meet the Government’s expectations, Infrastructure and Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “New Zealand has significant infrastructure and investment needs. The Government is determined to get ...2 days ago
- New Zealand supporting loss and damage fund
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced New Zealand will contribute NZ$10 million to the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage while at the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. “New Zealand is joining the global effort to address the significant challenge of responding to ...2 days ago
- Gang crackdown begins at stroke of midnight
The free ride for gangs is over when the clock strikes midnight tonight, with tough new laws officially coming into effect, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say. “Gang patches will no longer be able to be worn in public. To earn the right to wear a ...2 days ago
- LGFA increases borrowing capacity to support high growth councils
The Government is welcoming the decision by the Local Government Funding Agency to increase access to financing tools for fast growing councils to support greater investment in critical infrastructure, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says.“Communities across the country are facing an infrastructure deficit and significant population growth is projected in ...2 days ago
- Temporary Traffic Management costs revealed
The Government has revealed that over the past three years, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has spent an eyewatering $786 million of taxpayers’ money on road cones and temporary traffic management (TTM), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“When I became Minister, I was surprised to learn that that NZTA did ...2 days ago
- Jurisdiction of Disputes Tribunal to double
Legislation that will double the financial jurisdiction of the Disputes Tribunal from $30,000 to $60,000 has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We need to improve court timeliness and access to justice so that Kiwis and get on with their lives. Court delays affect everyone, the ...3 days ago
- Protecting New Zealand from foreign interference
Legislation that will specifically criminalise foreign interference and strengthen espionage offences has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “It is normal and appropriate for states to interact and work to influence one another. This encourages cooperation and can have mutually beneficial outcomes. “However, the reality ...3 days ago
- Significant milestone for Canterbury Road of National Significance
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board has approved funding towards pre-implementation and early works on the State Highway 1 (SH1) Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass Road of National Significance (RoNS). “Reaching this significant milestone is a reflection of our Government’s ...3 days ago
- Health survey results to help drive change
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says findings from the annual Health Survey highlight the need to continue driving better health outcomes for New Zealanders. The New Zealand Health Survey is an annual snapshot of key metrics measured from July 2023 – July 2024. Findings released this morning include: In 2023/24, ...3 days ago
- Final push needed to get to Smokefree 2025
A renewed effort to get people to quit smoking will build on what has worked to date and target the groups who most need support, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today. “The latest New Zealand Health Survey results show the daily smoking rate at 6.9 per cent and we ...3 days ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced four new diplomatic appointments. “Our diplomats play an important role in ensuring New Zealand’s interests are maintained and enhanced across the world,” Mr Peters says. “It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign ...3 days ago
- Next steps for Regulatory Standards Bill
Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced the next steps in the Government’s plan improve the quality of regulation by opening consultation on a proposed Regulatory Standards Bill. “New Zealand's low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation,” says Mr Seymour. ...3 days ago
- Red Tape Tipline goes live
Minister for Regulation David Seymour has today announced that the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline is now live. “We want to hear about your red tape horror stories. From today, New Zealanders will have a say on how they are regulated through an online portal,” says Mr Seymour. The ...3 days ago
- Youth Parliament 2025 announced
The Minister for Youth Matt Doocey has today announced the eleventh Youth Parliament will be taking place in 2025. “Youth Parliament offers a unique youth development opportunity to young people from across New Zealand to experience the political process and learn about how government works,” says Mr Doocey. “The two-day ...4 days ago
- Police stats show promising change
After nearly a year in Government, Kiwis have seen significant change across law and order with promising early results shown across some Police statistics, says Police Minister Mark Mitchell. “In August 2023, I told New Zealanders that if they had not started to see a change in public safety within ...4 days ago
- Better coordination of anti-scam efforts
With the launch of Fraud Awareness Week, the Government is committing to new coordination efforts across industry and government to combat online scams, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Online financial scams are a growing problem for New Zealand. New data released today shows that Kiwis lost nearly ...4 days ago
- Minister to consider 7AA select committee report
Minister for Children Karen Chhour will consider the recommendations made by the Social Services and Community Committee in its report back to Parliament on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill. “I want to thank the people who made submissions and those who appeared before the committee in ...4 days ago
- Defence Minister to attend ASEAN meeting
Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Laos. “We need to take every opportunity to engage with our international partners, given the increasingly unstable geo-political situation,” Ms Collins says. “New Zealand has a long-standing commitment to this ...4 days ago
- Launching the White Ribbon Ride
The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour, was on hand to wish riders well at the start of the North Island leg of the White Ribbon Ride in Whakatāne this morning. The ride helps mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, ...5 days ago
- Construction to begin on next stage of Papakura to Drury
Construction on the next stage of the SH1 Papakura to Drury project will begin early next month, with the contract for works awarded to Fulton Hogan, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. "SH1 Papakura to Drury is a key project that will drive economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, and enable people ...6 days ago
- NZ signs trade deal with Costa Rica, Iceland and Switzerland
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has signed a pioneering trade agreement that prioritises New Zealand’s sustainable exports at a ceremony during APEC in Peru today. “The Agreement on Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS), between Costa Rica, Iceland, and Switzerland was concluded in July of this year and opens up significant ...6 days ago
- Government and iwi work together on aquaculture
Five new Aquaculture Settlement Areas will help ensure Ngāi Tahu shares in the opportunities aquaculture offers for Southland’s economy, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) I’m announcing today set aside space so the Crown and Ngāi Tahu can assess their potential for aquaculture development. ...7 days ago
- Government launches review to ensure electricity market is fit-for-purpose
The terms of reference for a review of the performance of the electricity market have been released. The review, initiated by the Coalition Government during the power crisis in winter will look at whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and access to reliable and affordable electricity, Energy Minister ...7 days ago
- Speech to Social Investment Hui: Jack and his whānau need our help
Kia ora koutou katoa. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai. Ki te mihi atu ahau, ki te manwhenua nei, Te Atiawa, Ngāti toa rangatira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you, Andy, for your introduction. Let me acknowledge you as the new Chief Executive of the Social Investment ...7 days ago
- Minister of State for Trade heads to Brisbane for PACER Plus meeting
Minister of State for Trade Nicola Grigg has travelled to Australia to attend the PACER Plus Ministers Meeting in Brisbane. “Trade plays a critical role in driving employment, economic growth, and improving the standards of living in the Pacific Region. The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries ...1 week ago
- RNA editing is the next frontier in gene therapy – here’s what you need to know
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Flora Hui, Research Fellow, Centre for Eye Research Australia and Honorary Fellow, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), The University of Melbourne IoanaB/Shutterstock The United States Food and Drug Administration has just approved the first-ever clinical trial that uses CRISPR-Cas13 RNA editing. Its ...20 minutes ago - Yes, you still need to use sunscreen, despite what you’ve heard on TikTok
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Lee, PhD Candidate, Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Karolina Grabowska/Pexels Summer is nearly here. But rather than getting out the sunscreen, some TikTokers are urging followers to chuck it out and go sunscreen-free. They claim it’s healthier ...20 minutes ago
- Humans are killing off the old and wise animals that hold nature together. Here’s what must change
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Keller Kopf, Senior Lecturer in Ecology, Charles Darwin University Laxmikant Ameenagad, Shutterstock In humans and other animals, ageing is generally associated with a decline in biological function. But scientists are now discovering older animals perform vital roles in populations and ecosystems. ...20 minutes ago
- A man scouring Google Earth found a mysterious scar in the Australian outback – and now scientists...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matej Lipar, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University Author provided/Google Earth Earlier this year, a caver was poring over satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain when he came across something unexpected: an enormous, mysterious scar etched ...20 minutes ago
- Design as a movement: how First Nations people take ownership of their cultural stories through fash...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, University of Technology Sydney Once located 250 metres to the east of the Art Gallery of South Australia, the grand beaux-arts style Jubilee Exhibition Building was constructed to house the ...20 minutes ago
- ‘We need more doctors’ – Support for new Waikato medical school
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says a third medical school and more students in Auckland and Otago are both needed. ...42 minutes ago - Cricket balls can concuss and even kill batters – at all levels, helmet use must be taken seriousl...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Annette Greenhow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, Bond University Linda George/Shutterstock The ten-year anniversary of the death of much-loved Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes falls on November 27. The 25-year-old’s life was tragically cut short in 2014 when a bouncer ...50 minutes ago
- Hold the roosters, no economic dawn yet
Treasury likely to downgrade economic forecast while Chris Bishop says the government won’t be ‘a slave to a surplus’, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Recession will be deeper and last longer — Treasury At a recent Spinoff ...1 hour ago - Knowing superstitions aren’t real doesn’t stop us behaving superstitiously – why?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephanie Gomes-Ng, Senior Lecturer of Psychology, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Former New Zealand prime minister John Key has three white rabbits painted on his helicopter, a nod to his “massively superstitious” habit of repeating “white rabbits” three times at ...3 hours ago
- Government slammed for pushing ahead with boot camps while trial still under way
The coalition has "absolutely no intention of listening to the evidence that comes out of their experiment", Labour MP says. ...3 hours ago
- Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in heated tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago - Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate
Labour claims Government is ‘cherry-picking’ smoking trends data to hide decade-first increase in daily smokers The post Smoke and mirrors in tobacco debate appeared first on Newsroom. ...3 hours ago
- Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation
The Government’s economic adviser is sending a message it doesn’t want to hear – superannuation is increasingly unaffordable The post Treasury bangs the drum on ‘unsustainable’ superannuation appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Victims of sex offending welcome shift on name suppression laws
A man abused by a former political figure is "immensely relieved" at a government proposal to end secrecy around sex offenders' identities. ...4 hours ago
- This week three parties stood together – can they withstand the storm to come?
There is plenty yet to play out, but the next election is at this rate shaping up as trio versus trio, writes Toby Manhire. A subplot of this week’s historic hīkoi mō te Tiriti has been the sight of the three opposition parties presenting a unified front. Te Pāti Māori ...4 hours ago
- All 33 malls in Auckland ranked from worst to best
From the low lows of abandon empires to the high highs of a mall done just right. This is the second in the Malls of New Zealand series, where we rank the malls in major centres. Next week: Wellington. A note from the editor: This is the hardest ranking we’ve ...4 hours ago
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As part of our series exploring how New Zealanders live and our relationship with money, a 27-year-old apartment-dwelling marketing exec explains her approach to spending and saving. Want to be part of The Cost of Being? Fill out the questionnaire here. Gender: Female. Age: 27. Ethnicity: Pākehā. Role: Marketing exec at ...4 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 22 November
The post Daily crossword, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- China likely to strengthen regional relationships in response to another Trump term
Opinion: Recent discussions in Shanghai provide some insight into what’s likely to be on the table The post China likely to strengthen regional relationships in response to another Trump term appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Nuclear winters know no borders
Opinion: The immediate horror of nuclear weapon explosions – the blinding flash, crushing blast wave, and radioactive inferno – is well documented.But what nuclear-armed nations either don’t grasp or won’t admit, is far more chilling: how their weapons could devastate even countries thousands of kilometres from any mushroom clouds.The collapse ...4 hours ago
- This week’s bestselling books – November 22
FICTION1 Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment by Monty Soutar (David Bateman, $39.99)Sample dialogue, all from one chapter:“That can’t be,” replied Taona doubtfully.“You were right. The pā is unnervingly quiet,” Taona murmured.“The Hākuwai,” Motukia breathed. “Our grandfathers told us they rarely saw the Hākuwai in daylight,” Motukia muttered.“Their fight would have been futile ...4 hours ago
- Burma the flying elephant
After about two and a half years of planning and waiting, New Zealand’s last elephant has moved to her new home at Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.Burma and her “human herd”, that is, her keepers, arrived last week, and she’s settling in well, according to Auckland Zoo’s Andrew Coers.“Something ...4 hours ago
- NZ’s membership of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance in jeopardy
Senior ministers in the coalition suggested NZ’s membership will be re-evaluated if it restarts offshore oil and gas drilling The post NZ’s membership of Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance in jeopardy appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Raw Politics: Six months in a leaky Bill
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon did not meet the Treaty Principles Bill hikoi crowd, sees “nothing” of merit in the Act-proposed law but the Parliament his Government dominates will spend six months debating a “divisive” measure.That’s because he has accepted there needs to be “aeration” of people’s views on the Treaty, ...4 hours ago
- Taken to the brink, Govt is now close to selling big Whakapapa ski field
Bidder Whakapapa Holdings walked away from the sales process last year, but says it’s now ‘95% there’ on a purchase agreement – so who blinked first? The post Taken to the brink, Govt is now close to selling big Whakapapa ski field appeared first on Newsroom. ...4 hours ago
- Watts nears a landmark deal on global carbon trading
A framework for global carbon trading under the Paris Agreement is finally nearing completion at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan after years of halting talks.Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is one of two ministers tasked by the COP29 hosts with landing a long-sought deal on Article 6 of the climate accord, ...4 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Marles plays a defensive bat on nuclear as the government rushes to get though la...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Richard Marles is an ambitious man who hasn’t given up the dream of one day reaching the top job. But, despite being deputy prime minister, his profile is much lower than that of Treasurer Jim ...10 hours ago
- Fears Māori will pay heaviest price if police carry guns
"Overwhelmingly, those people who die will be young Māori men," the spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa says. ...11 hours ago
- NEW POLL: Kiwis Overwhelmingly Support MPs’ Expenses Transparency Law Change
62% of respondents support the extension of the OIA to cover MPs’ spending, compared to just 13% opposed and 24% were unsure. ...12 hours ago - The House: Meanwhile, a week of passing law
The political week has been packed with worthy distractions, but all week Parliament has focused on passing new laws. Here are the highlights. ...12 hours ago
- The biggest difference between Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and past hīkoi: More support from non-Māori
Analysis - The diversity of voices during the hīkoi was noticeable - from tangata moana to young immigrants to elderly Pākehā from the South Island. ...13 hours ago
- The House: Samoan citizenship restoration – ‘It means we belong to this land’
When the bill to restore NZ citizenship to some Samoans passed this week, Parliament's galleries were full to the brim with members of the community. ...13 hours ago
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Women’s Rights Party Co-leader Jill Ovens says the Ministry has put New Zealand children at risk by continuing to allow “off-label” prescribing of puberty blockers at far higher rates than other similar countries. ...14 hours ago
- Police Minister adamant he wasn’t aware of gang members training at gun clubs
That is despite two papers from police that raised the matter with him. ...15 hours ago
- Shorten declares himself ‘a proud moderate’, saying Australians ‘in the middle’ shouldn’t ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Bill Shorten has declared himself “a proud moderate” in a valedictory speech declaring parliament has the responsibility to ensure the extremes of left and right do not set the terms of political debate. Shorten, ...15 hours ago
- New ‘best practice’ principles for superannuation products are coming. We asked a panel of exper...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Garrow, Editorial Web Developer Studio Romantic/Shutterstock We all know how important it is to save enough money for retirement – but what about spending it wisely when we get there? Even for those who have built up a suitable ...15 hours ago
- Government accused of betraying Kiwis’ trust over lack of consultation on live exports
The government has always vowed to reinstate live exports by sea, which was banned by the previous Labour government. ...15 hours ago
- 7 things you can do if you think you sweat too much
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Freeman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Bond University ERIK Miheyeu/Shutterstock Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down, a bit like an internal air conditioner. When our core temperature rises (because it’s hot outside, or you’re exercising), sweat glands all ...16 hours ago
- Phenergan for under 6s is now banned due to hallucination fears. Here’s what to use instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nial Wheate, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Macquarie University Australia’s drug regulator has issued a safety warning over the medicine Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine drug promethazine. The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the over-the-counter products should not be given to children ...16 hours ago
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Trying hard to maintain normal dopamine levels while entertaining a feeling of quiet satisfaction. Death by a 1000 cuts they called it on RNZ this morning.
Yeah watching it all happen to National for a change has to be at least a little satisfying 🙂
Makes you wonder why Key left so suddenly
“To spend more time with his family”
LOL!
Yes was that code for something?
Mike Hoskings “code mainly for an indiscretion, or as the British so eloquently put it, you’ve been playing away”
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12136039
is johns family air nz
Because the US pulled out of the TPPA and so his main source of funding dried up on him (is my guess). Nationals marketing has been looking considerably home brew since then as i see it.
The thing about Bridge’s travel expenses is that he did not want to be seen publicly as being a weak leader.
The latest tape to me reveals that privately Bridges appears to be a weak leader. Somehow Bridges tries to justify being a weak leader by giving JLR a hospital pass.
As for Bridges and Bennett dealing with inappropriate behaviour of JLR toward woman this cannot be excused.
The Haumaha report is about to be released. It is about an appointment/employment process. Bridges and Bennett are in the same boat as Haumaha as they have been caught out having the wrong attitude when it comes to allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women.
This poor attitude is still considered normal. That is the shock for women.
Perpetrators own the behaviour only when caught!!
And when caught there needs to be consequences. When no consequences this is another slap in the face.
When a male is perpetrated against like a woman is, this is not right either.
Bridges said he would “never bad mouth” JLR if the latter took some time out. Yet hasn’t Bridges done exactly that?
+1. Doesn’t sound like outing Ross as the limo leaker was in the verbal contract Bridges and Bennett made with him that day.
No wonder Ross went ballistic.
It is further evidence that Bridges, Bennett, and the entire National Party simply cannot be trusted.
No, he has not
Bridges named Ross as the limo leaker just a few days after this meeting so yes, yes he has.
Yes, he has ….. “He has a health issue that is potentially embarrassing ” plus with Paula Bennett’s “he’s behaved inappropriately for a married man” they were doing a tag team attack on him. Deserved or not they were attacking him after telling him they would be prepared to go soft.
Bridges did it.
Medical leave agreed to. Ross said it was true. Bridges –
“Bridges: “Yeah, no that’s right … there’s no shame in that.” ”
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/108352824/another-alleged-recording-of-phone-call-between-simon-bridges-and-jamilee-ross-is-leaked
Why did he then say this
“Mr Bridges then said Mr Ross’ health issues could be “potentially embarrassing”, before correcting himself, adding, “Maybe that’s not the right word.”
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/10/simon-bridges-embarrassing-comment-breached-jami-less-ross-privacy-garner.amp.html
Then of course there was the alleged harassment of women which Bridges and Bennett seem to suggest they wouldn’t mention, and of course JLR denied harrassing women. But Bennett later raised the issue publicly….so much for their agreement.
The worst thing for National is that this particular series of attacks shows no signs of going away. Their only option is to use the waka jumping law to get Ross out of Parliament. Clearly they are struggling with a decision to do that. But they don’t really have any other options. Other than tolerate death by a thousand cuts of Bridges’ leadership.
But I don’t see National’s problems disappearing if they dump JLR from Parliament. If he’s pissed now, imgaine how angry he’ll be at being dumped! Maybe there is a way out – Bridges goes as leader and JLR promises to destroy all the tapes he has, and it’s witnessed by party officials (assuming he doesn’t retain copies). JLR then assures the party he will work constructively with the new leader. His beef does seem to be with Bridges and no one else.
Except for punishing Ross financially I can’t see the waka jumping bill being of value to national in this case. Ross now has an established audience, so if he has more to release it will be snapped up by the media. Remember also that the original leaker could still be in their midst.
I can picture a wry smile on Nicky Hagers face.
defamation.
Bridges has already spoken to the political editors of the media, as detailed by Tracy Watkins, waving the defamation flag. So they have been warned.
What Ross says in parliament is a free pass when it comes to defamation.
The background issue is the party donations- not who said what to whom and when. As its likely the electoral laws were broken in the way the $100k donation came to be recorded as a ‘flock of lambs’ rather than a ‘big ram’.
The media consensus , backed by threat of defamation, is that ‘Bridges is in the clear’, which is far from the case. As you have the direct evidence of Ross who was in the thick of it and Bridges – as the phone calls show- who was also involved. Courts believe circumstantial evidence all the time when backed by personal testimony.
[Blithely carrying on wasn’t one of the options up for your consideration. See here. The fact I apparently have to link back to your own comments suggests your assertion elsewhere that you’re in the habit of just dropping comments with no real intention to engage is true enough. That’s pretty worthless behaviour in terms of engendering debate and discussion, but a fairly clear indication of an intent to troll and disrupt. Anyway. Your name’s now in “pending”, so no more comments from you will come front end until you’ve decided on which option you’re choosing.] – B.
He won’t get much of a chance to say a huge amount as a rogue MP
Chris,
Publicly he can speak and continue to release tapes whenever he wants. 🙂
But in Parliament I don’t imagine he will get many opportunities.
Yeah.
Sorry, that is what I meant
Life is actually going to be pretty shit for the bloke
With no party taking his proxy vote, he will have to be at every single vote in person. At who knows what hours.
If he doesn’t presumably he will start getting warnings.
I’m guessing that is why he was so keen to offer it to National.
Tough luck Rossy boy. You might want to start taking a pillow to work
His whole life has been politics – he’s eventually going to meet the real world and he may find that tough.
The only issue for the nats now is how they’re going to stop Ross spilling the beans on God knows what. Stuff about Key and Dotcom would be great to know about. They’re also worried about other up until recently unspeakable stuff. They can’t stop him doing this in the short term, and their biggest worry is his protection through absolute privilege – that’s Ross’ biggest weapon and the nats know it. The only thing they can try to do is get him kicked out of Parliament so have refused his proxy vote. They’re obviously headed towards trying to use the waka-jumping rule. Whether that’ll work remains to be seen, but Ross is still capable of going out with a bang before that happens. For the nats it’s about minimizing the damage before he goes, if he does go. You couldn’t make a better script up, and it couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch.
So is it do as simon says and the harassment allegations will go away?
They don’t need an investigation about treatment of women in their party, save some money national and just admit it’s all about the brand and to hell with everyone else.
That is one of the worst aspects of this – National will use investigation (or not) of sexual harrassment accusations as a bargaining chip.
That party seems to have zero values whatsoever.
This is power at any cost. Fairness let alone kindness do not figure in their schemes
Great how Bridges can be intent on protecting the privacy of some but able to betray the privacy of Ross when it suits.
What was the inappropriate behaviour in the first encounter. Pulling hair? Flirting? Sleeping with another MP? Disloyalty?
You could ask Ross.
What is happening to Simon Bridges is terrible. What they are doing to Simon Bridges is terrible. Labour needs him as National’s leader.
I detect the hand(?) flipper of an oily whale behind this leaked tape. he will drag this out for weeks or longer, to try and get collins into the big natz chair. huge amounts of in-party manouvering and backstabbing.
How do you see Labour as doing this? Even as a joke this misleading.
Pete this is totally unfunny mate!!
They are poor examples of humans on all levels.. users abusers and bullies.
They don’t qualify even for black humour.
I am wondering what the disloyalty was that Bridges referred to? Did they know he was the leaker then? Had someone tipped them off? Or was it the calls he made to other mps sounding out what they thought about Bridges? If it was the latter that’s a heavy response….
I think the ‘disloyalty’ is in reference to simon and paula believing jlr was the ‘leaker’.
That transcript confirms how incredibly thick Bennett is.
How is she worse than Bridges?
24 August 2018 the police told Bridges that they know the identity of the leaker but would not disclose it. Also the leaker raised their mental health.
I guess due to the privacy act and not currently being a policing matter the police cannot disclose who the leaker was.
I would like to know if there has been a police leak and who in the police hold the information?
As well even though the leaker would be exposed they could take the police to task for leaking the leakers identity.
I am not sure that down the track were there to be a hearing into defamation or a police leak would the police then need to disclose the leaker?
Maybe a closed court.
What did the leaker have to gain by going to the police?
The police didnt say they knew who the ‘original leaker’ was . Just that they knew the person who txted to Bridges and Mallard. Every one now accepts that the texter and leaker were the same person.
Bridges knew all along it was Ross behind the leak, as they had a falling out. Thats why a group of women who ‘worked near Bridges office’ in parliament were ( finally) listened too about their issues with Ross.
I haven’t seen any evidence or even a obvious hint of that apart from sources that would find it convenient. FFS Ross was a part of the parliamentary mechanism (as well as the political one). That meant that he talked to people in parliamentary positions like the speaker, reporters about what was coming up, etc.
So I’d say that you are clearly deluded to think that is the conclusion of many people and that your assertion is anything apart from simple speculation.
RNZ 13.02 pm 24 August 2018
Bridges: Police know identity of texter claiming expense leak.
“National Party leader Simon Bridges says police told him they know the identity of the texter claiming responibility for leaking his expenses but they won’t tell him who it is.”
If it is as you say that person knows who the original leaker is, and not necessarily the same person. I read it different to you, that the police know who the original leaker is.
I wonder which of Ross’s ‘friends’ leaked the tape.
Dirty politics continues with the dirty gnats and their dirty friends.
Would imagine it is Slater or his off sider.
He has been going on about how much of a rock he is to him
What I do notice about that recording is as well as Ross doing some pretty amateur, obvious fishing for comments he want’s, Bridges and Bennett are being extremely cautious with what they are saying for what was supposedly an inside convo’
It’s almost like they actually knew they might be being taped.
Setting aside the claims of sexual impropriety, the so-called harassment claims on the tape should be taken with a grain of salt. From personal experience (a long time ago) claims where bosses refuse to provide details usually have little to no substance to them.
So, were B&B blowing up some minor indiscretion in order to make a water-tight case against Ross? That was a common bullying practice deployed by some Public Service bosses of yesteryear – make up tales of improper behaviour in the work-place in order to get rid of someone they decide they don’t want around.
Not defending Ross as such – just saying.
Thank you for saying this. In the current environment you have to be rather naive to imagine every claim of ‘harassment’ or ‘inappropriate’ stems from a pure motive.
This was always going to be the outcome of ‘guilt by allegation’ and the stepping back from due process; ultimately it makes sorting the substantiated from the illegitimate allegation even harder. Especially in cases like this with an obvious political motive thrown into the mix.
Not all are true just most. Not sure about ‘pure motuves’ – that seems a little far fetched – is anything ‘pure’ in that way? More light needed to really destroy the germs imo
I understand that most allegations will have substance; but exactly what we mean by ‘most’ here is not at all clear. The old 2% false allegation figure seems to be a reference dating back to the 70’s and hasn’t ever been substantiated since. More recent research show a whole range of much higher numbers up to 40%.
Any discussion is complicated by definitions; what do we mean by ‘false’ for a start? Do we mean malicious fabrications only? Or a whole range of other possible ways in which a sexual encounter can go wrong or be mis-remembered. It’s very complex subject and reliable data is hard to come by; I’m not interested in taking any dogmatic position given there is so much we really don’t properly know at present.
A great deal seems to depend on context; it’s fairly well understood that the rate of false allegations sky rockets when there is a custody dispute in the background. Or when as Anne points out, there is some other organisational or political motive involved.
Yep a very complicated area. For me i take denial with a grain of salt – it is the first position for just about all accusations imo.
… i take denial with a grain of salt – it is the first position for just about all accusations imo.
I agree marty, but the opposite is just as grievous a problem in this day and age. I refer to the tendency of some bosses – and people in senior positions – who choose to take a stand against someone on the basis of lies and innuendo… and who deny the person a proper right of reply because it suits their agenda to believe they are guilty.
I would go so far as to say that is a far more common circumstance nowadays than it used to be.
I agree Anne. Just the other day there was a story about an employee unfairly dismissed. I was staggered that a General Manager could be on a 90 day trial. The employer’s behaviour was beyond the pale. The GM was escorted off the premises and he’d been in the job less than 2 months!
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/108204273/nazareth-care-ordered-to-pay-140000-for-managers-unfair-dismissal
The problem is that most complaints by women of harassment do not result in the complaints being upheld – especially claims of sexual harassment, assault or rape. And too often, especially with men in positions of power, the guys close ranks.
The #metoo campaign arose out of frustration with this situation. It has it’s limitations, but it served notice to many powerful men that women won’t always being keeping it quiet in the future.
However, there needs to be a long term solution whereby harassment by people in positions of power, as well as sexual assault and rape by anyone, is better dealt with so that people can no longer get away with such behaviour.
Oh don’t worry Carolyn_Nth, I had more than my fair share of that behaviour. And when I went to senior management and tried to tell them what was going on they turned it back on me and started to harass me in return. I effectively ended up being punished for reporting the harassment and bullying in the first place. And yes, they all got away with it.
.. a relevant piece to your thread here if you didn’t see it …
…. “Adele said the chief executive had a file of complaints but nobody wanted to put their name to a code of conduct complaint.”
If this was another story – a fairytale – Adele would say it had all been worth it, that the toll it took on her family, her health, and her job was all worth it.
But it wasn’t. That’s why she wanted the system changed.
“Would I do it again? No. If I could go back I would have found another way to stop him.
“That would have been a different story.”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/108287615/victim-of-kpiti-councillor-david-scott-says-speaking-out-cost-her-everything-and-derailed-her-life
Thanks. Great work by Adele.
And it shows why many women won’t make a claim of sexual harassment or rape – either to employers, police or the media. They could get the abuser’s mates ganging up on them and threatening them in scary ways.
Or when as Anne points out, there is some other organisational or political motive involved.
Yes. I’m referring to institutional and/or internal political motivations and it should be emphasised that ‘harassment’ covers a wide range of offences – not just sexual misconduct. It was my experience that harassment of staff (male and female) and related poor behaviour by those in positions of power started to emerge as a serious problem in the 1980s. It suggests to me that neoliberalism and the attitudes inherent in market-driven governance has played a significant role in the increase of intimidatory behaviour across the board.
agreed…..i found this in the mid 90’s and after feeling appalled and isolated found it quite liberating when many came forth and said “hey this is happening/happened to me”….intimidation and innuendo being prime movers especially when they thought the person was just a drone so to speak…..bastards!
Sorry to read about your exerience, Anne.
I think that kind of behaviour has happened for centuries. But agree the neoliberal shift has probably escalated abuses of power.
Many women could recount instances of comments, innuendo and even physical assault which were often turned back on the complainant.
It would be “What did you….. say? Do?? Wear?? so on it would go…..
Then it would be meetings where a wider and wider group would be “in the know” Seldom helpful to the victim.
bridges quoted on RNZ “He also said he understood the four women who spoke to the party’s caucus over Mr Ross’ behaviour were different from the women who spoke to Newshub.”
So now we have 8 eight! claims of harassment!
I think Bridges and Bennett spun up the “four claims of harassment” to bully Ross out of the party. but thats just based on what has been reported!
@Anne
> the so-called harassment claims on the tape should be taken with a grain of salt.
And that, my friends, is rape culture, alive and well on the Standard.
A.
eeeeeeeekkk
Lovely reply, Xanthe. Antoine of the A. variety either has his tongue planted in his cheek, or is pushing the limits of credibility.
I’m calling Bullsh!t…
There is zero evidence anywhere on that tape of harrassment, sexual or otherwise.
All you can hear was an allegation about allegations. Pure hearsay.
And a grain of salt is exactly what is required- in the form of a pertinent question.
What is the allegation that is being alleged?
From what I’ve heard of the tape released today Bennett and Bridges didn’t deny they had alleged there were claims of harassment by JLR. They also didn’t deny that they hadn’t provided any details of those claims of harassment.
They is not how an employer should deal with claims of harassment.
If someone made a claim to Bridges or Bennett or others in authority in the National P[arty, they should have asked for details. They should have asked if the claimant made it clear to JLR that they were not happy with his behaviour. They should then have provided details of the claims and asked for JLR’s version of events – and that’s just the start.
If they were basing the claims on rumours, that is not enough to pursue the issue with JLR. It sounds like Bridges and Bennett had learned that the media was going to publish about claims against JLR – either the harassment claims, or the leak thing.
Makes sense Anne. That would explain his response, and the over acting by Bennett, complete with eye rolling captured by the photographers.
What I find disturbing is that a far right operative like JLR is setting the tone of the debate.
What I also find disturbing is these people and their associates had their collective hands on our tax dollars not to long ago.
“The comments on the tape suggest the National leadership team was trying to cover up the wrongdoing by Mr Ross.” Just the interpretation of the Newshub reporter. No actual evidence of any such wrongdoing has been made public as far as I know.
So what were they actually trying to cover up?? Perceived wrongdoing perhaps. More likely the coercion that Ross called blackmail & the reporter calls cover up is simply a lever to force him to shut up. His complaint about natural justice being denied was disregarded by his leaders: they refused to supply any evidence of misconduct or harassment, just threatened him with a caucus kangaroo-court outcome.
Bridges is a lawyer. He knows about natural justice. Denial of its relevance can only be due to knowing that it need not apply within a political party! As long as party rules allow unethical conduct by leaders, those leaders will get away with it – if caucus unanimity permits.
And remember this all started because Bridges offered Ross roles and ranking that he later withdrew – after Ross accepted the deal! Bridges knows about breach of verbal contract: he’s a lawyer! Such blatant morally-corrupt behaviour was always likely to alienate another top Nat MP. Bridges obviously felt his position was so strong that it wouldn’t matter. If not for Ross taping him, he would have been right about that.
Why did Bridges not give JLR the roles he offered him/agreed to?
He was punishing JLR or reducing his power or both.
Or he just wanted someone else in those roles after the offer had been made.
Imagine if the CEO and 2IC of any corporation or similar had been caught colluding on covering up and promising the alleged harrasser future promotion if he just laid low until it had all been swept under the carpet and the victims paid off.
They would have been out on their arses by lunchtime as well as facing charges of trying to hide criminal offences, its as if Bridges and Bennet had never heard of MeToo.
Wheres the outrage from womens groups and the media.
Well, if the Catholic Church can get away with it…
Only trouble is that political parties eventually bounce back from everything. The question is how long will the nats take to repair themselves.
“Imagine if the CEO and 2IC of any corporation or similar had been caught colluding on covering up and promising the alleged harrasser future promotion if he just laid low until it had all been swept under the carpet and the victims paid off.”
I think you are too kind to corporate power.
In such a case the ‘senior team’ would very probably collude to cover it up if the offender was one of them. And they would most likely get away with it.
If the offender was down the hierarchy somewhere they would be thrown to the wolves and the ‘senior team’ would signal their virtue through homilies about how the company takes its responsibility to employees seriously.
Nats are exhibiting a fairly standard set of corporate ‘values’ IMO – something that is pretty mainstream in our culture and not unusual at all.
No I’m not, if people are incompetent about the cover up and they are outed the shit would hit the fan.
I agree. Lots of dirty stuff gets swept under the corporate rugs in case it affects the stock prices that the top team’s pay packets are indexed to. The Nats are merely replicating standard business practice in the political realm and it’s biting them hard.
Are you 100% satisfied that the harrassment actually happened ? It sounds like ross has know I’d what bridges is on about.
yeah I also am starting to have doubts
Few I was afraid I was about to get called a rape apologist or sumthin
Well, bw, you are a rapist of good spelling… Do you text a lot, or something?
Well I’ll admit to poor spelling sometimes I just play around.
Well he apologised to the women for it in his Radio interview with HdP
Oh ok missed that .
Ross made a very general apology, something like I am sorry if I have hurt anyone. My memory of it anyway. Almost sure he didn’t say I am sorry for harassing the women I worked with.
Fair point.
Mind you.
5 professional women with nothing obvious to gain.
verse
One bloke paid to manipulate the masses, who hears things on audio recordings that aren’t there, has a severe mental illness which causes him to have to be sectioned.
Toughie which one to go for.
eeeeeekkkk
You have to ask why those women went to the media (newsroom)……..if the harassment had of been dealt with properly within National then it is unlikely that those women would have felt the need to talk to Newsroom.
BTW we were in Sydney last year when news broke of an actor, Craig someone had sexually harassed/assaulted women, sometimes on stage. I absolutely believe the allegations were true, but it isn’t natural justice that they are published rather than police/courts being involved first.
So for me the newsroom story is problematic. Everyone deserves natural justice imho.
In the interest of informed dialogue i give you this from today where BnB seem to be backing away from “harassment” and substituting “inappropriate conduct”
“In October, Ms Bennett told The AM Show there had been no formal complaints against Mr Ross – just suggestions of “inappropriate behaviour that is unacceptable from a married Member of Parliament”. Mr Bridges confirmed that, saying he never used the word “harassment” to describe what Mr Ross had allegedly done, and the fact the women didn’t actually lay official complaints made it “complex”.
“We were dealing with things in accordance with women’s issues. We didn’t have complaints – four or five women who had raised matters. I would say inappropriate conduct.”
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/11/simon-bridges-denies-plan-to-cover-up-women-s-complaints-against-jami-lee-ross.html
Yep they’re running for cover now. They have handled the ‘complaints’ abysmally. Bridges ‘workplace’ comments show where the fear is imo.
link? I would like to hear what he actually said to HDPA
here is what wikipedia says about this “Later that day in an interview with Newstalk ZB journalist Heather Du Plessis Allan, Ross admitted to past extramarital affairs with two women – including a married MP”
does this misrepresent the interview with HdpA?
edit.. found it
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/politics/exclusive-jami-lee-ross-admits-to-affairs-with-two-women-vows-to-stay-in-parliament/
Nope he acknowledges the affairs and apologizes for any hurt he may have caused. he continues to deny “the way these have been presented”
i dont feel that “Well he apologised to the women for it in his Radio interview with HdP” (where “it” refers to harassment) is accurate.
Not defending the guy or saying he did not harass anyone. just trying to keep the facts as reported in order.
The opinion I am forming from what i have seen so far is that when Bridges used the accusations of harassment to move Ross on, He neither knew or cared it they had actually been made.
He apolotgised to one, he said “if I have… ” to the alleged others.
Ross thinks he is the victim here, his judgement is well off the mark he is delusional.
Do you think JLR was delusional when he was a National MP, or did he only become delusional after he quit the party?
Maybe they’re all delusional now – one way of ‘coping’ with the current mess?
Hey naki how would you describe BnB’s judgement?
Paula and Simon do the Splits
Not very well it must be said. They spreadeagled themselves even more clumsily than even that Act chap Seymour. They offered the sick Jami – Lee Ross a Holiday; a friendly return to Caucus; and a Promotion.
Provided he be loyal to Paula and Simon – and agreed to be blamed for monstrously vile behaviour performed on four unidentified ghostly women.
Ross enquired what evil behaviour on which Ladies. He got no answers. He also insisted he had not leaked on Simon’s expensive limousine jaunt to familiarise himself with a small part of the population of New Zealand.
Other Members of National Caucus must shiver in their expensive footwear should Paula and Simon take a dislike to them. Effectively they will be booted from Parliament and loose their Job.
As will Jami – Lee Ross
Apparently, Chinese Candidates, following hefty Party donations, will take their places. But not Indians. Simon and Paula are so Thoughtful. We need as many foreigners as we can get. Don’t we ? Jami – Lee Ross knows ….he knows lots …
” Paula and Simon do the Splits “….oh gawd i just cannot unsee that!!
lols
🙂
Very good summation O T
Audio of the Bridges, Bennett, JLR discussion.
Watching the newshub interview from this morning…. simon is a disaster.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/11/simon-bridges-denies-plan-to-cover-up-women-s-complaints-against-jami-lee-ross.html
Simon Bridges interview on tv1 Breakfast this morning.
Shocker. Looked rattled and devious. His titanic has already hit the iceberg – all over bar the shouting.
EDIT – TV1 have now released the full tape, see below.
There is so much wrong with Bridges’ replies and approach in that interview – especially for someone who is supposedly a lawyer! The guy has not got a clue.
Wil comment more later as have had a busy day on other things.
EDIT – TV1 has now released the full 18 minute tape.
https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/full-recording-secret-tape-jami-lee-ross-simon-bridges-and-paula-bennett.html?auto=5857565204001
Something that I have noted is that most of the msm seem to have the tape – but what is not clear is how long they have had it. They are all being cagey as to when they received it, and from whom. The date of the recording is also unclear; but more on all of that later as I have been doing some detailed research on such factors but must race out now.
Wow. Carrot and stick. I’m so pleased bridges and Bennett and Ross will never get the levers of power again. What a disgraceful way of dealing with a member of your team with real issues.
What is also a bit sickening is the female victims.
They are now important because it suits the tory narrative.
It’s despicable if B&B are overegging that situation to suit themselves.
After all the crown prosecutor reckons he could find up to15 victims.
The deputy and her ‘leader’ (manager is closer to the mark), have only vaguely referred to them.
Bought up then conversation steers back to disloyalty.
Granted JLR comes across a tad Mark Lundy on the tapes, but I feel he kept bringing it up because that is the Achilles heel in the tory narrative.
Bridges opens the MCNZ to criticism for not addressing the apparent breach of confidentiality in a specialist advising Bridges that JLR had “very serious health issues” (4:46 in the interview).
Employment lawyer and professor on how the Nats have handled this:
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/11/simon-bridges-handling-of-jami-lee-ross-affair-a-disaster-expert.html
Very interesting thanks for the link Sacha. So Bridges was very wrong to claim bad behaviour from Ross without telling him what it was. That would piss me off as well.
How about appearing in court on charges where you are not allowed to know what the crime is. Sounds like Turkey or China to me.
The internal polling must be pushing Nat party managers into a corner by now.
Hang in there Simon! We believe in you.
Mike Williams said on Nine to Noon today that Labour polling has the Nats at about 37% at the moment.
Sure, but how long will that last?
What margin of error? They use UMR? If they polled around a thousand it would be plus or minus 3%, indicating a further drop since the CB poll, as I suggested was likely.
People reflect on stuff, and the more they digest a complex controversy like that the more they will get the sense that National Party culture is unhealthy. Visceral reactions to that then ensue – kinda like the whiff of what you get motoring down the highway behind a cattle truck.
So what’s shifting is not Nat tribal loyalists. It’s in that group of centrists that Winston tries to represent, but only partly succeeds. When National starts to look flaky, NZF starts to look sensible rather than conservative. The sleaze factor destroyed Major’s govt in the UK. Nats are busy replicating that.
Bridges & Bennett “the gift that just keeps on giving ?”
The longer they stay the better.
You know what will happen, on a Friday evening soon, after another tape, Bridges will resign leadership, the All Blacks will win a test and it will blow away inside a week.
Paula Bennett for tory leader.
*Paula Bennett for tory leader and all that sort of stuff.
I find it fascinating how in all these interviews Bridges primary message is I: I dealt with, I handled, I got it right, working My way, I’ve accepted, I learned my lesson, I I I…
(at least he hasn’t slipped into talking about himself in 3rd person I guess)
And the media is playing into it with shill headlines ‘Bridges did the right thing’, ‘Bridges in the clear’, interviewers constantly asking ‘did you do the right thing?’
The whole issue as I’ve understood it isn’t his ‘response to JLR’ its the inital over-response to the leaked expenses and then subseqent further unveilling of nefarious goings on & infighting within the National political machine.
(Deleted. The decision was made some time ago that TS would not name JLR’s alleged victims. TRP)
For a Hippy, Guyton you’re a bit of a cunt, you seem to get off on other peoples misery.
Things a bit shit at home? struggling with the old age drop of in testosterone?
There are supplements you can take that will cheer you up and make you less of a wanker, might want to consider them.
Oi! CUNTS ARE USEFUL !!! Thank you.
Not when they get to his size Cinny
So he’s pretty much on the button then
BM, you duffer!
Thereby proving you ain’t no hippie, eh? I recall it was in common usage in the fifties. BM has a smorgasbord of options to choose from: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/duffer
I’d go for castle rustler, for that outback redneck look, but if you were being really mean then mediocre golfer would be the deepest cut…
Definitely golf!!
My God, he better not be implying my golf game is shit, the arsehole!!
That’s below the belt stuff. shame on you Guyton.
Guyton might be a runt, but he’s a bloody good runt. As for you, you’ve said way worse about others. That makes you a hypocritical runt.
Who is Blair Mulholland?
Brett. You’ve just turned 50 and you are still behaving like this on an anonymous message board.
Don’t you think you ought to grow up?
Karma is a bit of a strange beast eh @ BM.
It often seems to be that ‘cunts’ that see other ‘cunts’ being mean to them have to start screaming out for mummy.
It’d be a damn sight easier if they weren’t ‘cunts’ in the first place because it becomes a stretch on the emotions to have to pull out the sympathy switch
lmao
TRP. Was that decision communicated to the forum? I don’t recall a public announcement on this.
Yes, it was, Muttonbird. Struggling to remember which of the numerous Bridges/JLR posts it was on, but it’s a thing. Nobody has posted a name till now, and I’m happy about the maturity that shows.
Edit: In the first few comments on this post: https://thestandard.org.nz/jami-lee-ross-but-wait-theres-more/
Oh, and I see you were involved in the discussion. Tsk tsk.
Lol. Pretty hard to have seen that bold writing unless you were reading on the day and indeed I was reading on the day and still didn’t see it. So the warnings came late or the next day when all had left the thread.
How about next time you set the rules in the actual post where everyone can see it and so everyone knows…I mean you did lead people on, didn’t you.
Mate, the warnings came while you commenting, as did the wider discussion. You participated in that wider discussion. As noted earlier, this has not been a problem for anyone else. Please don’t make me waste any more time on this.
Righto.
Nice work te reo putake.
Nobody likes a pantie sniffer.
And a cyber-bully? Lovely type to have as your MP, I suppose.
alleged victim?
I thought she was a willing participant
I’m pretty sure this was the kind of shaming comment we were trying to avoid.