The Northland Buy Election

Written By: - Date published: 7:01 pm, March 28th, 2015 - 201 comments
Categories: john key, national - Tags: , ,

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The polling booths are closed and the count has begun. Will National lose one of its safest seats to the man National attacked and ridiculed in 2008?

Will this be the beginning of the end of the John Key reign? Will the good people of Northland judge that National’s reign is intellectually and ethically bankrupt and they no longer deserve support? Will the circumstances of Mike Sabin’s exit from Parliament, whatever they are, cause locals to shun the party that has represented Northland for many decades?

The first thing to look for is the results of the early votes which should be announced reasonably quickly.  There are a sizeable number of them, 13,089 in fact.  This is over 3,500 more than in the 2014 general election.  This may be indication of increased interest although it may reflect the amount of resources National has put into the campaign.

Today Cameron Slater claimed to have received a complaint from the Electoral Commission (donotlink link) and asked to take a number of articles down.  It is hard to imagine why.  But they seem to include all articles that mention Mike Sabin or Mark Osborne or Northland.  Funny that.

Stay tuned …

201 comments on “The Northland Buy Election ”

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  1. Alethios 1
    28 March 2015 at 7:09 pm

    From http://www.elections.org.nz/events/2015-northland-election-0/northland-election-results:

    Targets for release are:
    by 7.30pm all advance vote results
    by 9.00pm results from 50% of voting places
    by 10.00pm results from 100% of voting places.

  2. Lanthanide 2
    28 March 2015 at 7:10 pm

    Winston leading by 1,278 at 4197 to 2901 at 7521 total counted, 9.2% of booths.

    Assuming that’s the early voting coming it, it seems to favour Winston heavily.

  3. mickysavage 3
    28 March 2015 at 7:11 pm

    And Winston is ahead by over 200 after 6 booths. Ominous for the nats …

    http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-35.html

    • Stephanie Rodgers 3.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:14 pm

      I’m glued to the refresh button on my browser. It’s so early in the piece but it has the potential to be a thorough pasting, and I was not expecting that at all!

    • rawshark-yeshe 3.2
      28 March 2015 at 7:17 pm

      and so goooooooooooooooood for us all !

      • lurgee 3.2.1
        28 March 2015 at 7:29 pm

        Nah, it is good for Wonston, and John Key. Winston gets the baubles of office he is addicted to, and Key gets to continue to lord it over us.

        What on Earth makes people think Winston will do anything other than foist himself upon the National led government?

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 3.2.1.1
          28 March 2015 at 7:49 pm

          It would be better to have Winston tapping on the breaks on the donkey juggernaut, rather than not having such breaks at all.

          • lurgee 3.2.1.1.1
            28 March 2015 at 8:09 pm

            Dunno about that. People might sicken of National unbraked sooner than than National braked, if you follow me.

        • Tracey 3.2.1.2
          29 March 2015 at 12:13 pm

          Wat baubles do you think Nat will offer him lurgee, given you are sure they will offer them and he will take them?

    • Murray Rawshark 3.3
      28 March 2015 at 8:14 pm

      As I look at it at 5:13 pm Brisbane time, I can see that the ACT voters didn’t take RImmer’s advice. They all still voted ACT.

  4. The Fairy Godmother 4
    28 March 2015 at 7:12 pm

    What do you think the chances are that Peters will do a deal with National if he wins like he did in 1996. I hope he doesn’t.

    • Lanthanide 4.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:15 pm

      ?

      Winston winning is not going to change the make-up of Parliament. He might negotiate on the RMA bill, but that’s about it.

      • rawshark-yeshe 4.1.1
        28 March 2015 at 7:18 pm

        he will take the smug grin from the faces of the front bench of Gnacts .. then he will begin his real work. Winston is for NZ, not USA.

  6. Sacha 6
    28 March 2015 at 7:21 pm

    After all advance votes, Winston almost 1500 ahead.

  7. Pasupial 7
    28 March 2015 at 7:22 pm

    A 3611 advance vote increase is immense for a byelection. That’s 138% of the 2014 general election. LPrent may have been right when he suggested that the advance would be around 50% of total votes; 26178 would be 75% of the 2014 turnout – which would be high for a byelection.

    My guess is that the early results (representing advance votes) will favour National, though NZF may take even these. I expect Peters to be ahead by 9pm (50% of today’s vote added to advance).

    • Pasupial 7.1
      28 March 2015 at 9:00 pm

      The final turnout was 83.7% of the 2014 result (just shy of 30 thousand if specials are included, though some will prove to be invalid). 43.8% of these were advance votes.

      The commenting system was a bit glitchy this evening – but I imagine TS had a fair bit of traffic compared to an average Saturday! Congratulations and thanks to all in Northland.

  8. RedBaronCV 8
    28 March 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Act has 26 of the 126? they got last time. The faithful did not listen?

  9. Skinny 9
    28 March 2015 at 7:26 pm

    OK brother & sisters of the Standard here is the latest report from Russelll.

    Katie Bradford has just told me Peters is ahead by 1300 with 3℅ of votes counted. I’m on the piss with yyachting friends next to the Duke where Peters function is being held. At the rate i am drinking I will be staggering in to the invite only gig. Feeling a little special their is only about a 150 on the list.

    • RedBaronCV 9.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:28 pm

      Skinny you are our eyes on the ground – could you switch to water for a while please?

      • Stephanie Rodgers 9.1.1
        28 March 2015 at 7:32 pm

        A water in between each wine, that’s the ticket.

      • Skinny 9.1.2
        28 March 2015 at 7:44 pm

        I don’t do water sorry. As is customary Peters is not here yet the crowd is nervous from 30 meters away. O’Brien waved to me and looks glum faced Katie B has gone to dolly up, Peters is 2000 ahead at 50 % coubted.

        More of my friends have turned up we are having much more fun. The thought of going to join what appears to be Tories ( walking by is off putting) anyway another drink has arrived, however I’d rather have a drink on tight Peters lol. OK I will get in there soon folks.

    • Anne 9.2
      28 March 2015 at 7:37 pm

      Cool it mate. We’re counting on you to keep us up to date with EVERYTHING. Lay off the piss for a bit longer please… or is it too late. 🙁

  10. lurgee 10
    28 March 2015 at 7:33 pm

    If Peters can do this with noting but a twinkle in his eye and good hair, why the Hell have Labour found National so impervious?

    • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 10.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:56 pm

      e.g. Labour is vague about TPPA, wanted to increase pension age, etc

  11. rawshark-yeshe 11
    28 March 2015 at 7:33 pm

    I cant get the Electoral Commission website to update figures .. anyone else having similar ? so where else to get figures ?

  12. de Withiel 12
    28 March 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Auto update here: http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-35.html (check lower right corner of screen).

    • rawshark-yeshe 12.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:37 pm

      thx de Withiel .. have that but the updating doesn’t change figures for me … will, watch Stuff until TV3 later I guess .. and here of course !

  13. Hateatea 13
    28 March 2015 at 7:36 pm

    At home with 11 year old so no liquor but there may be loud cheering echoing forth.

  14. kiwigunner 14
    28 March 2015 at 7:37 pm

    28% of booths 1543 ahead.

  15. r0b 15
    28 March 2015 at 7:37 pm

    Bloody Winston Peters is going to win.

    • rawshark-yeshe 15.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:41 pm

      Bloody marvelous ! Never doubted it ! Just proves how out of touch and over-spun Key et al truly are .. not a bloody clue. Yah sux boo to Crosby Textor … eat this. Now we can try to get NZ back, please !

  16. kiwigunner 16
    28 March 2015 at 7:38 pm

    29% 1557 ahead – lead increasing at each booth

  17. RedBaronCV 17
    28 March 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Anybody know where the early votes were cast. If there are a lot of south of Whangarei votes in it then possibly Nact are in real trouble?

  18. kiwigunner 18
    28 March 2015 at 7:38 pm

    31 booth 1661!

  19. Hateatea 19
    28 March 2015 at 7:39 pm

    Stuff sent Tracey Watkins to be with Winston so it looks like they are thinking he will do it.

  20. kiwigunner 20
    28 March 2015 at 7:41 pm

    35 booths 1829 ahead

  21. Zorr 21
    28 March 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Right now, Key is calling Tony Abbott and asking him how he managed to survive the knives in the back…

    33% and a 1600 vote lead for Winston…

  22. lurgee 22
    28 March 2015 at 7:43 pm

    What portfolio do you think Winston will demand of Key?

    • Murray Rawshark 22.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:20 pm

      I doubt very much if he will. Key, on the other hand, will almost definitely offer. I think Winnie will turn him down.

    • Tracey 22.2
      29 March 2015 at 12:17 pm

      nothing, why do you think they will offer? They have Rimmer and Hairspray. You tell us who key will remove from a post in favour of Peters, as you are so sure.

  23. Hateatea 23
    28 March 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Poor Osbourne. He gets to have Paula Bennett and Chris Bishop instead of the PM, lol

  24. greywarshark 24
    28 March 2015 at 7:44 pm

    As the reports come in with Winston so far ahead and the one I have just heard has Willow Jean Prime at just uner 700, I want to say that I think she has proved an excellent candidate saying all the right things and very staunch. She sounds a great find for Labour. I think there is a baby due in a while, and wish her well with that event and a period of consolidation of support building in the electorate. And I hope all goes well so she can stand again in 2017.

  25. kiwigunner 25
    28 March 2015 at 7:45 pm

    42 booths 1921 ahead – it’s looking good

  26. kiwigunner 26
    28 March 2015 at 7:46 pm

    Now over 2000 in the lead – I wonder if Kerikeri has been counted?

  27. Stephanie Rodgers 27
    28 March 2015 at 7:46 pm

    49% counted and a majority of over 2,000. This is DONE.

  28. mickysavage 28
    28 March 2015 at 7:47 pm

    This looks like a good old fashioned hiding. Wonder what made the good people of Northland vote this way?

    😀

    • rawshark-yeshe 28.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:50 pm

      indignation for starters … fool me once, and all that …. just wonderful. 9000 majority at GE and now this loss ? Thank you Northland voters.

    • kiwigunner 28.2
      28 March 2015 at 7:53 pm

      Well I am in Northland and I want a fairer country – especially for the forgotton folk up here. Life opportunities are low here and up until now no one gives a dam. Poverty is never a good thing but even worse is disrespect.

    • lurgee 28.3
      28 March 2015 at 7:53 pm

      Surely the burning question is, why haven’t Labour been able to do the same as Winston?

      There is obviously dissatisfaction with National. But the dislike of Labour seems to be even stronger.

      • weka 28.3.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:02 pm

        🙄

        • lurgee 28.3.1.1
          28 March 2015 at 8:07 pm

          You don’t think it is just a bit sad that we’re reduced to getting all excited about Winston Peters doing the job we’ve been totally incapable of doing?

          Without, it must be noted, disturbing a hair of his perfectly coiffured head.

          Key will doubtless recognise Peters – not Labour or the greens – as the real danger and ensure he is stuffed full of baubles before the end of the week.

          • Tracey 28.3.1.1.1
            29 March 2015 at 12:19 pm

            You do understand that Northland is a vERY TRADITIONAL RIGHT WING SEAT?

            It is unlikely anyone from the left would unseat National.

            Your comments throughout this thread are uninformed or deliberately inflaming.

      • Hanswurst 28.3.2
        28 March 2015 at 8:14 pm

        I don’t think this question is so much “burning” as it is “pointless”. Your second statement answers your initial question to a large extent. It’s historically a safe National seat, which means that many voters have two reflexes: 1. Vote National, 2. Don’t vote Labour.

        Peters is an old-school conservative, a Nat from three/four decades ago. In a case of heavy dissatisfaction with National, he offers an option that is palatable in ways (political and tribal) that voting a Labour candidate simply isn’t.

        • felix 28.3.2.1
          28 March 2015 at 8:31 pm

          Good analysis.

          What about applying the pointless question to the rest of the country?

          • Hanswurst 28.3.2.1.1
            29 March 2015 at 12:11 am

            If Winston Peters had got 54% of the nationwide vote, there might be reason to project the Northland experience across the wider electorate. Seeing has he didn’t, however, I’m really not seeing your point here.

            • felix 28.3.2.1.1.1
              29 March 2015 at 12:20 am

              I didn’t suggest projecting your answer across the electorate, I suggested projecting the question.

              If the opposition as a whole could campaign across the country half as well as Winston has in Northland, they wouldn’t be in opposition.

              .

              • Hanswurst …
                29 March 2015 at 12:24 am

                I agree that the question of why Labour has gained so little traction with the wider electorate is worthy of asking, but it has been asked on here virtually every day for at least the last six years. I don’t think that Peters’ campaign will provide many insights, however, since elections rarely throw up the sort of perfect storm that this by-election did, and very few NZ politicians (i. e. one) are Winston Peters.

                • felix …
                  29 March 2015 at 12:45 am

                  Yes indeed. I don’t think many would want to live in a world with more than one, in fact plenty find that number too high.

                  I think if there are lessons here they are that a little co-operation goes a long way, and that Key and Crosby/Textor are not frickin magic.

                  • Tracey …
                    29 March 2015 at 12:21 pm

                    and as you wrote, by understanding that the NZ electorate is a conservative one but Peter’s version of conservative is far more caring than the Nats version since 1984 (and I include Douglas, Prebble, Goff, Dunne and others in that )

        • lurgee 28.3.2.2
          28 March 2015 at 8:37 pm

          And how do you think Peters will respond to those political realities? By making life uncomfortable for Key?

          • Hanswurst 28.3.2.2.1
            29 March 2015 at 12:21 am

            I imagine Peters’ added clout will make life difficult for both of the major parties. I think that its effect on this third-term National government will be more detrimental than it will be on a Labour opposition, however. After all, Labour, being in opposition, don’t have to take responsibility for anything. I’m not saying that I think that Peters’ success is a good thing per se. However, I do think that it presents a opportunity to Labour (or anybody in opposition), to the extent that it weakens Key’s image in the eyes of the public, a state of affairs that may snowball – especially if National continue to show such inept and panicky judgment as they appear to have done over the last few weeks.

          • Tracey 28.3.2.2.2
            29 March 2015 at 12:22 pm

            Given the only other realistic option was for osbourne to have won, what “political realities” do you think Northland and the nation would have been waking to this morning had that happened?

  29. freedom 29
    28 March 2015 at 7:47 pm

    at 50% counted, Peters has a majority of 2,153
    http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-35.html

    • greywarshark 29.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:02 pm

      Thanks freedom for the handly link. I feel that the other candidates should be praised for putting themselves forward and going through the election process when it was likely to be a three horse race at most.

  30. dv 30
    28 March 2015 at 7:47 pm

    48% counted over 2000 ahead
    and growing

  31. Macro 31
    28 March 2015 at 7:50 pm

    🙂 see Rob Painting stood on a Climate Ticket. Good on him. Rob is a regular correspondent and contributor on Sceptical Science specialising in Oceanography and the acidification of the oceans. Met him briefly at the Auckland Town Hall when James Hansen was visiting a couple of years back. Lovely guy. He would have had my vote, even though Winston needs to win this for the country.

  32. McFlock 32
    28 March 2015 at 7:50 pm

    Sooo – looks like a good kick in the nuts for the entitled asses…

    • rawshark-yeshe 32.1
      28 March 2015 at 7:52 pm

      and Blip will have another lie to add to his list :

      Key: Peters doesn’t have a chance !

      • Lanthanide 32.1.1
        28 March 2015 at 7:56 pm

        It’s only a lie if you know it to be false at the time it is said. So a good 60% of the “lies” on Blips list immediately are disqualified; this would just be another one.

        • rawshark-yeshe 32.1.1.1
          28 March 2015 at 7:58 pm

          so Key was just stupid and horribly ill-informed > not lying at all ? interesting view you have.

          • Lanthanide 32.1.1.1.1
            28 March 2015 at 8:01 pm

            Arrogant, and using the information he had available at that point – there had not yet been any polling done.

          • greywarshark 32.1.1.1.2
            28 March 2015 at 8:12 pm

            Just another one of Key’s skewed opinions rather than a lie. Anyone with half a brain would know that it was at the best an educated guess, if that.

  33. dan1 33
    28 March 2015 at 7:51 pm

    55/98 2232 ahead. Not even close. Go Winston!

  34. kiwigunner 34
    28 March 2015 at 7:53 pm

    61% and nice round 2500 ahead!

  35. RedBaronCV 35
    28 March 2015 at 7:53 pm

    looks like some of the bigger booths came in and they are mostly in the blue areas. Winston increases lead from them

  36. Bearded Git 36
    28 March 2015 at 7:54 pm

    About 10500 still to count-Osbourne would have to win this 6500-4000.

    It’s all over rover.

  37. RedBaronCV 37
    28 March 2015 at 7:59 pm

    Do you think we can pick a time yet when we can all raise that victory glass together?

    • lurgee 37.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:02 pm

      I won’t be toasting a Peters’ victory. A Labour, Mana or Green victory, yes. But not one that is just going to extend John Key’s reign.

      Look, I know there is a desperate need to see the words “National defeated” in any context. But this result will change nothing and – given the comparative ease with which Peters has managed it – it raises some troubling questions about Labour’s utter inability to challenge Key.

      Sorry to spoil the party, but it isn’t our party. It is the party of Winston Peters, a self serving right wing demagogue. Nothing for progressives to celebrate here.

    • Anne 37.2
      28 March 2015 at 8:04 pm

      Wine glass ready..

  38. kiwigunner 38
    28 March 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Osbourne hardly had the chance to speak during the campaign. I wonder if any of Key/Joyce/Bridges/Bennett are willing to do his conceding speech?

  39. swordfish 39
    28 March 2015 at 8:01 pm

    Looks like the legendary National Party Machine isn’t quite all it’s cracked-up to be.

    Widespread speculation on the Blue-ness of the Early Votes appears to have been wrong. Angry rather than compliant Northlanders.

    • Ant 39.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:05 pm

      It’s probably what happens when the opposition actually cooperates and stops acting like rabid dogs fighting over a piece of meat.

  40. dan1 40
    28 March 2015 at 8:03 pm

    I am fascinated by the factions in Nat head office and parliament. Can someone please explain the implications of this Nat disaster for the various wannabes.

  41. fender 41
    28 March 2015 at 8:03 pm

    “Today Cameron Slater claimed to have received a complaint from the Electoral Commission and asked to take a number of articles down.”

    Well with his corrupt friends in high places gig the wailing boy-wonder should get a reply to his “we have OIAd who has laid the complaint” before Winston is declared winner.

  42. weka 42
    28 March 2015 at 8:05 pm

    Looks like Labour’s strategy has worked.

    • lurgee 42.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:17 pm

      What strategy? The one that involved showing that Key and National are beatable, except by Labour?

      Enjoy your victory-by-proxy, because I think this is a long term disaster. It changes nothing, other than forcing Key and Peters to get used to working together, making it even less likely NZ First will look Labour’s way in 2017. And if we’re going to be stuck on 30% then, we’ll need the simpering glances of every coquette we can get.

  43. Colonial Rawshark 43
    28 March 2015 at 8:06 pm

    Apperas to me like Labour voters understand strategic voting just fine.

    • weka 43.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:09 pm

      Snap. Am pleasantly surprised. It’s possible this election has generated more local attention than many seats in the general election.

    • swordfish 43.2
      28 March 2015 at 8:17 pm

      The Early March TV3 Reid Research Poll suggested almost half of 2014 Labour voters were already thinking of strategically voting Winston at that very early stage. The latest One News Colmar Brunton had nearly 70% of Labour supporters going Winnie by the start of this week. Left voters come in for a lot of flak for supposedly not voting strategically in Epsom, Ohariu etc but I’d say Northland Labour supporters deserve a major pat on the back. They were way ahead of the game.

  44. ankerawshark 44
    28 March 2015 at 8:07 pm

    78% or thereabouts, Winston leading by 3000.

    I hope Paula B is crying into her wine glass.

  45. Hateatea 45
    28 March 2015 at 8:08 pm

    This is when I wish we had a ‘like’ button.

  46. RedBaronCV 46
    28 March 2015 at 8:09 pm

    And the weed still outstrips Act

  47. lurgee 47
    28 March 2015 at 8:13 pm

    Act currently have 59 votes. Now THAT is funny.

  48. phillip ure 48
    28 March 2015 at 8:13 pm

    he’s nailed it..

    woo-fucken hoo..!

  49. rawshark-yeshe 49
    28 March 2015 at 8:16 pm

    just imagine if the secrets had not stayed secret … tsunami !!!

    • Macro 49.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:18 pm

      🙂
      I think the rumour machine has been in top gear these past few weeks. Might have been better if they had fronted up.
      Or maybe not.
      Bastards.

    • phillip ure 49.2
      28 March 2015 at 8:24 pm

      i am actually glad it never came out..

      ..’cos they could have used that as an excuse for the victory..

      ..peters has won it fair an square – and on his own merits..

      well done !..that man..!

      • Macro 49.2.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:31 pm

        Well Phillip it would have served them right to have re-selected u no who in the first place.
        ie He should have gone quietly (for personal reasons) in 2014.
        But their arrogance is appalling. and the people of Northland have delivered their judgement.

  50. Alan W 50
    28 March 2015 at 8:21 pm

    I still cant see any reason to celebrate.
    center/center right – about 85% of the vote
    left/center left – about 15% of the vote.
    Again, someone please explain to me how this will help Labour form the next government.

    • Macro 50.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:25 pm

      Have you read nothing of NZF policies?

    • Ant 50.2
      28 March 2015 at 8:25 pm

      It’s a massive blow to National’s brand, pretty simple really. It helps Labour form the next government by weakening National.

      • lurgee 50.2.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:45 pm

        Alternately, it helps National form the next government by making them form a working relationship with Peters now, so that it will be natural to continue that relationship in 2017 … and a National Party being held in check by Peters between now and then will probably be a touch more electable than a National Party that has been free to do its own thing (which is what we’ve effectively got just now).

    • Ovid 50.3
      28 March 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Again, someone please explain to me how this will help Labour form the next government.

      It tarnishes Key and makes him look weak. He’s had an unparalleled run of electoral success since 2008. I think this may be his first setback. When soft National voters start looking for other options, then they start thinking about voting for a change of government.

      • lurgee 50.3.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:48 pm

        That’s very hopeful. The alternative view is it made Labour look weak as they had to rely on Winston showing up in the mood for a fight. And it weakens the progressive position for the longer term. And as for weakening Key’s brand, he’ll shrug and grin a bit and say he’s sure everything will be okay, Winston will be stuffed full of the baubles of office, and that will be that.

    • phillip ure 50.4
      28 March 2015 at 8:27 pm

      @ alan..

      labour have learnt how tactical voting can bring victory..

    • kiwigunner 50.5
      28 March 2015 at 8:32 pm

      my enemys enemy is my friend.

    • greywarshark 50.6
      28 March 2015 at 8:36 pm

      @ Alan W
      If you read past comments in posts on Northland which have appeared every day you will find much discussion about the strategic value of Winston getting in, and what it will. might or might not achieve. Overall, the feeling is that it is a positive thing, may achieve worthwhile results, puts a spoke in National’s progress which has too long been on a primrose path not justified by the their cretinous policies and the state of the country, and has aroused unprecedented energy and interest in Northland’s voters and the country.

    • sabine 50.7
      28 March 2015 at 8:47 pm

      it actually does not matter if ‘this’ will help Labour form the next government or not.

      It matters that for the next two years, National will actually have to work to get bills to pass, and that hopefully Winston is a NZ First kind a guy who will not sell the country and its people down the dried up river bed.

      It matters that for the next two years, Dear Leader will have to grin and bare it anytime Mr. Winston calls him to task.

      it matters for those hat have not voted for Dear Leader in the last election, the 1 third of the population that actively voted against him, and the 1 third that was so cut of they did not bother to vote at all.

      Labour, if they want to, will have a shot at 2017 and if their programe is right they will be voted in and will form a government, with or without Winston.

      It matters, that National did not manage to put their sockpuppet forward and win.

      the end.

  51. greywarshark 51
    28 March 2015 at 8:24 pm

    Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. After that what more can one say!

  52. dan1 52
    28 March 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Hans Christian Andersen’s Emperor story somehow has parallels here. Is Winston going to be the young fellow who yells out to John Key “But he is not wearing anything!”
    Are the good citizens of Northland setting a precedent by indicating the Nats have lost their way?

  53. Sans Cle 53
    28 March 2015 at 8:27 pm

    WOo-hoo…..let’s look forward to National having to actually debate Bills and consult others! A great win for New Zealand’s democratic process. Let’s hope the RMA survives!

  54. Murray Rawshark 54
    28 March 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Now for a glass of Pinot Noir.

    • rawshark-yeshe 54.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:31 pm

      and well-earned Murray !

      in terms of turn out, how high is it as regards the last GE ?

      • Murray Rawshark 54.1.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:37 pm

        I’ve got no idea. Someone here will know.

      • Puddleglum 54.1.2
        28 March 2015 at 8:51 pm

        Total votes were 35,707 in 2014.

        This time it’s 28,468 turnout. Very good for a by-election in a ‘safe’ seat.

      • Molly 54.1.3
        28 March 2015 at 8:57 pm

        Turnout-
        GE 2014: 35,707 Today: 28,468

        National votes: GE – 18,269 Today – 11,347
        Labour: GE – 8,969 Today – 1,315
        FocusNZ: GE – 1,661 Today – 107
        Green Party: GE – 3,639 – Today – N/A
        Conservative: GE – 1,555 Today – N/A

        NZ First – GE – 4,546 Today – 15,359

  55. ankerawshark 55
    28 March 2015 at 8:29 pm

    To get National out, people have to be pissed off with them and start to vote against them. This has just happened.

  56. Craig H 56
    28 March 2015 at 8:31 pm

    98% counted, Winston ahead by 3909 votes. Stick a fork in it, it’s done.

  57. phillip ure 57
    28 March 2015 at 8:32 pm

    how fucked is prime news..?

    ..they just did a news update – didn’t mention it..

  58. Hateatea 58
    28 March 2015 at 8:35 pm

    One booth to count. Will Winston crack the 4000 ahead of Osborne figure? That is the only question not yet answered. Northland told NACT where to go in no uncertain terms

  59. freedom 59
    28 March 2015 at 8:36 pm

    99% counted, Majority: 3,995 The winner, and still the grinniest guy in the room

    Winston Peters
    polite applause drifts across from the KeriKeri Golf Club

  60. felix 60
    28 March 2015 at 8:41 pm

    Where is John Key (lbp)?

    Surely he hasn’t abandoned his boy.

    • freedom 60.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:43 pm

      he left earlier today for the cricket

    • rawshark-yeshe 60.2
      28 March 2015 at 8:44 pm

      in awstrylia for the cricket cos he didn’t need to be here or in singapore.

    • felix 60.3
      28 March 2015 at 8:47 pm

      Jeez imagine standing in the most widely covered by-election in a generation and your party leader doesn’t even show up to support you.

      What happened to the “team” in “Team Key (lbp)”?

  61. Hateatea 61
    28 March 2015 at 8:44 pm

    After consulting Joyce first, Osborne has phoned Winston to concede

    • rawshark-yeshe 61.1
      28 March 2015 at 8:47 pm

      that is hysterically funny isn’t it !!!

      • Hateatea 61.1.1
        28 March 2015 at 8:49 pm

        I haven’t laughed so much at an election result in the last seven years 😀

        • rawshark-yeshe 61.1.1.1
          28 March 2015 at 8:55 pm

          and have a look at the photo of Paula Bennett on the Stuff website .. more hysterical laughter to come !!!

  62. RedBaronCV 62
    28 March 2015 at 8:45 pm

    98 from 98. 4012

  63. NZSage 63
    28 March 2015 at 9:05 pm

    The 3rd headline in the Herald…. clearly they’re hurting!

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11424725

  64. heather 64
    28 March 2015 at 9:10 pm

    Yes, it looks like a real slap around the ears with a red snapper.
    Will be interesting to see how Key tries to cover up and deflect on the TV on Monday morning.
    There will be much working into the early morning from the PR machine trying to find someone to blame, someone or something to try and take the publics’s attention away from Winston.
    Tuesday in the house will be a wonderful event, shows what working together can do.
    I do so hope Peter Dunn sees what it’s about, but I have a horrible feeling he will be given an extra job and reward to remain loyal.

    • felix 64.1
      28 March 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Someone to blame? That’s easy it’s all Labour’s fault, they cheated and Winston stole OUR seat 😀

      “shows what working together can do”

      +1

  65. felix 65
    28 March 2015 at 9:32 pm

    Hey John we’ll have those bridges and the broadband you promised now kthnxbye.

    • freedom 65.1
      28 March 2015 at 10:45 pm

      and he can tell the country what other promises he held back.
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11424115

      “Mr Key said it had pulled plans for some other promises, but would deliver them after the byelection.” Read on and you see “Some would be in the Budget in May.”
      That does suggest National was ready to use upcoming budget announcements for by election promises, saw the signs and held back.

      Next week, will a single journalist be heard to ask
      “Mr Prime Minister, about the other promises for Northland you mentioned last week?”

      • NZJester 65.1.1
        29 March 2015 at 7:52 am

        That will be Winstons job in parliament to ask the “Mr Prime Minister, about the other promises for Northland you mentioned last week?” question as well as push for all the pork they have already offered.
        If Labour keeps up its previous pressure on National also you are likely to see even more multiple sided attacks on them in the up coming question times chipping away even more of that Teflon coating that Key has relied on in the past.
        If Winston can walk the right line then the Nats might just find Northland lost to them again at the next election also and possibly for some years to come.

        • freedom 65.1.1.1
          29 March 2015 at 1:05 pm

          and dare we hope for clear concise single issue questions where Carter’s [manipulation of his] position as arbiter of reality in the House is constrained.

          • Tracey 65.1.1.1.1
            29 March 2015 at 1:11 pm

            Carter is an abomination. Lockwood was the best Speaker of my lifetime.

            • freedom 65.1.1.1.1.1
              29 March 2015 at 1:54 pm

              Lockwood’s special talent was being a master of the sly re-interpretation of a Minister’s answer when ruling, Carter just let’s them get away with not even bothering to answer and sometimes you are left wondering if he was even in the room 🙁

  66. RedBaronCV 66
    28 March 2015 at 9:36 pm

    “If we say we are going to do something we are bribing them if we don’t do anything we are neglecting them.” Welcome to the world of political criticism – where they have not been before

  67. ianmac 67
    28 March 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Duncan said of Key being in Melbourne, “No PM wants to hug a dead body.”

  68. gnomic 68
    28 March 2015 at 11:31 pm

    The scowling weasel is not looking very happy. Good, unless it intensifies the urge to grind down the underclasses, which is likely to be the case.

    And what the hell is mischaracterisation? This actually seems to be a word found in dictionaries. Could it mean how dare you fail to give credit to our spin, evasions, blatant bribes, and dare I say it, outright lies? And how come the slurring weasel could pronounce it?

    You must have heard the interview in which the weasel said he was keeping his intended bounty for Northland under wraps in case his announcements were ‘mischaracterised’ by the meeja. Bad meeja.

    Alas the country is still in the grasp of an incompetent and dodgy government seemingly forever.

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  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

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  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

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  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
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  • Flooding Housing Policy

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  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

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  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

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  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
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  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
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  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

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  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
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  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

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  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
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  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
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  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
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    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
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    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
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    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
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  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

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    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
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    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
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    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
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  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

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    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
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    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
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  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

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    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

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    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

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  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

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    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

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    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

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  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

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    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

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    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

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    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

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    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

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    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

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  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

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    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
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    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

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  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

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    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
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    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

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    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
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  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
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    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
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  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
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    1 week ago

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