The strange tale of the Auckland Central selection and Merv from Manurewa
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8:01 am, August 11th, 2020 - 57 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, Dirty Politics, national, Politics, same old national, twitter, you couldn't make this shit up -
Tags: merv from manurewa, roger bridge
National truly is the party that keeps on giving. Every day there is a new scandal, a new event that casts doubt on National’s ability to organise a piss up in a brewery, let alone run a country.
Yesterday it was the the chance for Roger Bridge, who apparently also goes by the description of Merv from Manurewa, to shine. From Tova O’Brien at Newshub:
Newshub can reveal allegations that a senior National Party figure attempted to derail one of the Auckland Central candidates’ nominations with a peculiar midnight phone call to talkback radio pretending to be someone he’s not.
Roger Bridge is a big deal in the National Party. A Queen’s honour recipient, he’s on the party’s board as its Canterbury representative. But Newshub has been told he has a secret alter ego, sometimes going by ‘Merv’.
‘Merv’ called into Marcus Lush’s talkback show last Monday just before midnight.
Although Bridge denies it was him, several National Party sources, including MPs, have listened to the audio and told Newshub ‘Merv’ and Roger Bridge are one in the same.
“Look I’m in Manurewa and I’m a bit confused because there’s billboards all over the place with this Nuwi girl,” ‘Merv’ told the talkback radio show.
‘Merv’ was confused that Nuwanthie ‘Nuwi’ Samarakone was National’s Manurewa candidate but was also pitching to stand in Auckland Central to replace Nikki Kaye who resigned from politics last month.
“She’s already standing in Manurewa and I was ready to vote for her but now I understand she’s going over to Auckland Central – I’m that confused.”
He was seeding doubt about her candidacy and casually dropped in a line about a photograph.
“I’m that confused and then I have this photograph come through today.”
Bridge denied it was him but the Herald has reported that Merv from Manurewa rang from Bridge’s phone. Maybe he was at a party and someone else used his phone as a prank.
The video in Tova’s story is very funny, nearly as good as that of Todd Muller’s early days as leader and the emergence of Paora Goldsmith.
Twitter last night burned with the light of a thousand suns. Merv trended big time at the very time that National wanted clear space for its newly selected Auckland Central candidate Emma Mellows to get some positive news exposure.
Labour’s Manurewa candidate Arena Williams reached out to Merv and invited him to get involved in her campaign.
Merv, you can come volunteer with me in Manurewa if you like 🥰❤️ #letskeepmoving pic.twitter.com/tDk8wY1dXT
— Arena Williams (@arenaa) August 10, 2020
Questions were asked about National, whose leader says there is nothing wrong with her being white, whose last leader was the proud owner of a MAGA hat, whose front bench is remarkably white still, whose Palmerston North candidate has some pretty racist stuff released on social media, who had one MP retire after saying some really untrue racist stuff about returning kiwis, whose list has seen the demotion of its strongest performing Pacifica MP and whose sole Sri Lankan candidate just got shafted, and its commitment to multiculturalism.
The "democratically selected" white chick gets it. The other candidate gets 'Merved' and degraded.
Real classy National, real classy.#nzpol #NationalNotFitToGovern pic.twitter.com/JZLVly0TAK
— Ayn Randy (@AynRandy666) August 10, 2020
And Judith Collins denied that she was the leader of the National Party, even though National’s own website says she is.
In the light of the Merv debacle I can understand why Judith Collins is denying that she is the leader of the National Party but someone should tell whoever is in charge of their website because it has a terrible mistake on it … pic.twitter.com/j2nTLLxV78
— Greg Presland (@GregPresland) August 10, 2020
This incident, although at one level trivial, neatly summarises National’s problems. An apparent ham fisted attempt to skewer a selection away from a woman of colour by a very senior Party official, multiple leaks from within National, gee they must hate each other, and a level of disorganisation that makes the phrase “cluster fuck” appear to be too tame.
Please keep it up National. You really are convincing the country that you are not fit to govern.
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- 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 ...17 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 ...18 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, ...18 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, ...18 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 ...19 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 ...20 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 ...21 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 ...22 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 ...23 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 ...24 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 ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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. ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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 ...1 hour 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. ...1 hour 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 ...2 hours 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 ...2 hours 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. ...4 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. ...4 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. ...4 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. ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 hours ago
- The cost of being: A clothes-mad 20-something who walks everywhere
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 ...5 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 ...5 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 ...5 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. ...5 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, ...5 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. ...5 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. ...5 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 22 November
The post Daily crossword, Friday 22 November appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 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. ...5 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 ...5 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, ...5 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. ...12 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. ...13 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. ...14 hours ago
- More Delays In Action On Use Of Puberty Blockers With Children
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. ...15 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. ...16 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, ...16 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 ...16 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. ...16 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 ...17 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 ...17 hours ago
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The Sri Lankan woman doesn't know how lucky she is!
Link? I'm not up with the latest.
My guess is that there isn't a link, although you could just look at anything about the national party that's been published in the last couple of months.
Its in their Nat DNA…John Carter aka "Hone" callin' up the ol Banksy line
& gawd knows how many others, perhaps the whole talk back radio is a sham, just National MPs & members being "long time listener, first time caller"s.
I'm always just astonished that people still engage with or listen to talk back radio. I think that I last heard it back in the mid-1990s in a taxi.
Mind you I saw a fax machine the other day. My immediate response was to wonder why such a historic relic was left out in public and wasn’t in a museum.
But I guess the centennial light bulb is still burning after 119 years in its workspace. It has only been turned off a few times in its career. It is like the innovation of conservatives – running at a apparent 4W to preserve it. Seems like a Merv approach to politics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centennial_Light
Talk back radio dominated by exclusive Brethren moning about communism by stealth.
The EB have gone to ground quitely working behind the scenes .there is always lots of meetings at their churches running up to the election.The National party rely on them to do pamphleting ,pushing policy and cynically trying to undermine the left on sqauk back radio.
RW radio is huge in the US, I used to listen to Radio Live back in the day.
Where/when was that last? I consider EB to be a potent force for malign behaviour.
No "Hore" was his monica, and he became speaker "The keeper of the rule book"
Now how "National" is that?
David Carter speaker I think. John Carter was Hone and continued in politics in various positions, now Mayor of Whangarei.
now Mayor of Whangarei
I think this person might get offended by your comment:
http://www.wdc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/ElectedCouncil/Councillors/Pages/Sheryl-Mai.aspx
I stand corrected Memory lapse lol Cheers
Mayor of Far North, unfortunately
https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/marcus-lush-nights/audio/merv-from-manurewa-talks-with-marcus/
Full 10 minutes here, you have to feel sorry for the candidate.
No, sorry, you almost have to feel sorry for the Natz party if that is any indication of the level of intelligence (even if assumed) in their higher echelons.
Even Marcus doubted Merv's ability to vote, lol.
"I was ready to vote for her", said Merv.
"Are you trying to be humorous?": Marcus.
"I'm that confused!"
"How confusing is that?"
"I don't think it's confusing at all". Marcus.
"Do you think you should be voting?" Marcus.
Maybe Marcus could ring him up and ask for Merv, well, this is the number he called from, you must know him at least, etc.
Puts me in mind of the Right-leaning ACT-supporting Merv who used to comment on Brian Edwards Media Blog a decade ago. Poor bloke often had the piss relentlessly taken out of him … not least by Brian himself … do wonder now if he was the same deep-fake "Merv".
Another theory is that Roger Bridge is "RedBaiter" (notorious far right nutjob on kiwiblog)
🤯
Ooh colours – what innovation you youhg folks bring! Redbaiter gets read on more than just kiwiblog; I am sure I've seen him, sounds mad enough to be a him, on this august blog.
"young" heh thanks. Gen X here and I refuse to grow up.
Interesting theory RoBlogic ???
NNOOOooooooo…. !!
“Merv” the perv?…getting into creepy territory here. Nuwanthie might be seen as an aspirational grasper, but she got physically fit and was proud of it, and that would not do at all it seems for some of “old National” in the leafy suburbs.
Oh well, Auckland Central is still definitely in play. Emma who?
Emma the Dilemma!
What does it mean when a banker says,
"Our community, like the rest of the country, is worried about the future. What our economy will look like, whether they will have a job and how they will support their family."
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&objectid=12281044
And as if attending Jehovah school before her door knocking campaign repeats the same false dichotomy
" They certainly don't need tax increases adding any more pressure on their household budget. But that is exactly what Labour and the Greens will do, adding a wealth tax on hard-working New Zealanders, going after their income, their house and their KiwiSaver."
Knock knock, ” Hi I'm Emma and I'm worried about getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect you from each other. "
" getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect you from each other"
Indeed – Mellows sounded like she should be in managed isolation somewhere deep within the bowels of the ACT party.
Disclaimer: I am not Merv
Heard this quick-speaking, authoritative young woman this a.m. If she came up with that sentence she has got an interesting new line of vicious political spiel.
The National Party has been boaged by scandal and appears to be unmerved by the fact that it is still leaderless.
Where’s Max?
Jaaaassonnn!!
Matty?
Crickets …
They don't even have a leader …
It's great fun, and I was laughing as much as anyone last night as Merv went viral. But it's also serious, and let's just recap what has happened here:
A senior National Party operator deliberately and dishonestly undermined his own party's candidate. He then lied about it to the media. We know about this only because other National people exposed him (probably tipping off Newshub, and certainly confirming his identity to the reporter). And although we don't yet know, given the background of attacks on Ms Samarakone (photos, allegations) we can reasonably infer that Bridge was not acting alone.
So the National Party is being undermined by at least two camps – Bridge/Merv and friends, and those who outed him.
And their leader pretends this isn't happening.
I watched the clip while surfing across the channels late last night and watched the alleged Merv deny (blatantly lie?) that he was Merv. Cannot be true. A senior integrenous National member could never lie. Impossible.
Time for a cliche vid here. Rinse the blood from my toga anyone. It could become a traditional roll-out at every election, like Santa Claus appearances at Christmas.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rR_5h8CzRcI
To be fair National did promise to deliver more Bridges.
Heh!
Very good !!
I do feel sorry for Merv.. this sort of confusion does happen from time to time where people think they are entitled to 2 different electorate votes and aren't entitled to a party vote.
National had an opportunity to move on from their homogenised old fossil image. This clusterf*ck shows that the old boys network is fully in charge now.
Goodfellow must be seething right. One of his attempts to overcome National’s worsening ‘diversity’ problem has been thwarted by those old fossils.
I suspect the Nat candidates are selected on their ability to bring in big donations, personal attributes (or morals) are not a factor
yes, as with many things in life, "follow the money" has worked for the nats. always interesting to see different candidates competing ,and work out who has the most ability to bring in the $$$. rural nats think they still control the nats, but usually are to tight to give much. maybe the nats are finding it hard to get the yuan this election.
Morals are definitely a factor in choosing National candidates – the party funders prefer that they don't have any.
It's obvious why Crusher is not the Leader – it's such a "Strong Team" that they are all Leaders. Problem is they all want to lead in different directions.
This is all very unmerving! What next? Leading off in different directions – they are trying to copy these stunts.
I'm looking forward to the September Herald headline. "Auckland Central Mellowed Out: Greens in." The subheading might read, "Auckland Central voters via their ‘spliff’ votes send a joint message to National heads to get their s**t together."
I can’t help feeling a bit sorry for the late ring-ins who were lined up at the last moment to save the party from more embarrassment after the higher ups decided not to bother following the rules. None of them had any real chance of getting selected. I guess they got told their time was coming…?
I'm reminded of this https://www.salon.com/2017/12/04/alt-right-women-are-upset-that-alt-right-men-are-treating-them-terribly/ RW women surprised that RW supremacist attitudes are against them too. Also the Young Act bullshit.
Still think that Labour doing an "Epsom" is a good ploy. Two strong leftish candidates could well split the vote and let Mellow take the seat. Green for the electorate vote, Labour for the Party. A “win win” outcome.
Too clever by half I think MM
Let's play a game of "Campaign Conundrum"!
You are a candidate, official or even leader of a political party. One of your team has chucked a hand grenade into your campaign. Do you …
a) strongly condemn and demand resignation(s)?
b) distance yourself, but with weasel words?
c) support him?
OK, you might think b) is weak and c) is obviously absurd, nobody would be that stupid … but you'd be wrong:
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/423260/judith-collins-on-roger-bridge-allegations-it-s-not-something-i-approve-of
Dale Stephens is a National candidate. Or Labour double agent, who knows?
Bridge "is one of the most honourable men he has met" ..Well if he's only met National party men that could well be : ).
Rest of NZ laughs ass off
Gawd! Dale Stephens even tried to 'rescue' me once in the dim distant, even though I didn't need rescuing. I think someone might have made a movie about him once upon a time. Something about a 40yo. Pure as the driven, and just as naive.
I'm surprised he didn't opt to become one of Hannah Tamaki's little projects
He's got a nice crinkly smile, sort of I'm an okay bloke like Bill English. Goes far in National circles. Song – 'Let a smile be your umbrella, on a rainy, rainy day.' I think they'll need one.
Faking one’s identity seems pretty
legalacceptable in National circles.https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/euthanasia-debate/110351661/university-of-auckland-professor-caught-using-false-name-to-publicly-lobby-against-euthanasia-bill
I've just been reading a book that talks about philosophy 'means and ends'. He has probably wrestled with them there high-falutin' theories that he operates under.
Tau Henare is pretty confident that “Merv” is Roger Bridge
https://twitter.com/tauhenare/status/1293013694436188162?s=21
With that selfish, opportunistic streak, I am surprised that Nuwanthie ‘Nuwi’ Samarakone isn't higher up on the list, therefore safe in a job come November.
Job security, I assume, was her motivation for wanting to switch electorates so late in the piece.