The Tide is High

Written By: - Date published: 6:39 pm, November 15th, 2015 - 91 comments
Categories: Andrew Little, crosby textor, democratic participation, election 2017, greens, john key, labour, leadership, national, Politics - Tags: , , ,

I’m pleased about the Roy Morgan result. The last time the All Blacks won a World Cup it was worth 2-3% in the polls to National. Enough to get them over the line in 2011 election, in fact. This RWC … nothing. In fact, less than nothing; a one percent drop.

Perhaps its because Andrew Little showed Key up by paying for his own trip to the UK for the finals. Perhaps it’s because the PM’s usual matey relationship with our leading rugby players seems to have lost its lustre. Perhaps it’s just that Kiwis are getting tired of endless diversions and their interest in Key is, ahem, flagging.

Now, polls change all the time and the next one from Roy Morgan will say something different, I’m sure. But it’s encouraging that the Greens and Labour have taken support off National at a time when they should be riding high.

According to my wise fellow Standardista Ad, here’s why Labour are currently looking good:

 

Labour does not now have visible internal fights that are leaked to the media.

Labour does not have a caucus that is obviously divided and attacks its leaders from within.

Labour has finished with its new leadership-choosing process for a while.

Labour now has a leader that can deliver a coherent speech.

Labour actually has MPs who can sustain reasonable headlines.

Labour can hold a conference in which the Members and MPs leave encouraged.

 

Yep! While cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we’ll keep the red flag flying here. However, I guess the media’s pet Blairites will keep attacking the party from the right and no doubt social media’s Red Guard will keep poking the party with the blunt sticks of irrelevance from the left.

Sadly, it appears the days of class conscious voting are behind us and our democracy relies on appealing to the unappealing middle. But a Labour led Government, no matter how imperfect, remains a better option for the majority of us. It’s up to all of us to help make that happen, whichever one of the three potential coalition parties we prefer.

As Ad pointed out in the comment linked to above, the tide ran out on Clark surprisingly quickly when it started to move. This week’s astonishingly cringeworthy attack on the brave women of the Labour and Greens’ caucus may prove to be Key’s red mist peak. We’re used to Key embarrassing us at home and internationally, but this is something different. It was an emotional misfire, factually wrong and compounded by his henchman in the chair punishing the women who had the temerity to speak up.

Frankly, guys, if women want to tell us their stories of abuse, then the right response from the men in the room is to shut the fuck up and listen.

Key doesn’t get it, Carter doesn’t get it, righty bloggers will never get it. But I trust women voters do get it.

And here’s the point; Helen Clark won three elections anchored on the solid support of women voters. Key has taken a stance which directly challenges his own reasonably high popularity with the same voters. His mildly pervy hair pulling fixation was a weird look, but shouting down actual victims of abuse, while trying to portray himself as being hard done by is sick making. And don’t be surprised if we see a few articles in the women’s mags and the likes of North and South over the next few weeks as those brave MP’s tell their stories. By the way, if anyone doubts what women politicians are capable of when they work together, here’s what clever, cooperative and strong leadership can do.

One of the reasons I like the Roy Morgan polls is because of their volatility. For mine, I reckon they accurately reflect the fluctuations of the voter’s mindset. People’s opinions change all the time. However, it only takes an issue that is personally felt for a voter to go off a party long term or to embrace a party they haven’t recently supported. If National have missed out on the RWC bounce and appear to have a ranting, misogynist fool as a leader, things are not going to plan for them.

Key warned his MP’s about third term arrogance. He probably should have warned himself, too.

As the song says, the tide is high, but I’m holdin’ on.

 

 

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91 comments on “The Tide is High ”

  1. BM 1

    So, what would you say if the next couple of polls had National on 55%+ and Labour on 25% or below?

    Also, don’t make the mistake of thinking all women think the same.

    • weka 1.1

      what would you say if kiwis flew past the window?

    • Atiawa 1.2

      I was wrong!
      But I don’t believe that will be the case.
      Andrew Little is a clever man and he will fast become an even smarter politician. He will continue to gain in popularity by concentrating and building policies around things that matter for NZer’s – jobs, incomes, housing, health & education and our grand childrens future’s. Labours bread & butter.
      He will also need to innocculate himself against the fluff attacks, i.e. he doesn’t have an electoral seat. By the way, he needs a safe one.
      Key and his Government will do the rest.

    • JNZ 1.3

      Indeed, in fact Michelle Boag, by all evidence a woman, thinks MPs sharing their abuse stories is poor form because..

      “Boag said most women she knew had been the victims of sexual assault “in some way”, but did not get the opportunity to share their experiences publicly.

      “Every other woman in New Zealand in New Zealand who’s been the subject of a sexual assault doesn’t get the opportunity to do that.””

      Does she, by any chance, MISS THE WHOLE POINT?

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/74006095/mps-who-shared-sexual-assault-stories-paraded-their-victimhood–michelle-boag

  2. weka 2

    I’m in general agreement about the potential impact of what happened in parliament last week, although I’m not so sure it will translate into a shift in the polls. More likely it will add to the growing discomfit with Key and his misogyny even where people don’t use that language. If he lasts until 2017 I think by then there will be too many of these kinds of incidents and people will be ready for a change.

    Yep! While cowards flinch and traitors sneer, we’ll keep the red flag flying here. However, I guess the media’s pet Blairites will keep attacking the party from the right and no doubt social media’s Red Guard will keep poking the party with the blunt sticks of irrelevance from the left.

    Sadly, it appears the days of class conscious voting are behind us and are democracy relies on appealing to the unappealing middle. But a Labour led Government, no matter how imperfect, remains a better option for the majority of us. It’s up to all of us to help make that happen, whichever one of the three potential coalition parties we prefer.

    That, however, is the same macho politics that Key practices. If you want everyone to make that happen, it would pay not to insult and dismiss your allies or the people upon whom you depend.

  3. sabine 3

    i guess it would depend, if Key did a few good things and unemployment went down or something than obviously it would be said in the next poll that that was a contributing factor for his good numbers. And obviously Labour did it too. IF he fucks up and his number go down, then it would be said in the next poll that that was a contributing factor. And obviously Labour did it too.

    as for your little outburst at the end.
    have you got no shame?

  4. Cricklewood 4

    Yep the tide is high alright…. it’s been high for how many years now?

    • BM 4.1

      After the Paris terrorist attacks , the chances of a king tide look very likely.

      • sabine 4.1.1

        vultures.

        • BM 4.1.1.1

          Vultures?

          Pubic perception is
          Labour = all about crims/Muslims and other minorities.
          National = solidity,law and order.

          These sort of events heavily favor the right.

          • mickysavage 4.1.1.1.1

            Hey BM what about the reality? Or does that not matter?

            Besides the perception is

            Key = misogynist who will accuse women who have been sexually assaulted of supporting rapists.
            Labour = at least Kelvin was willing to stand up
            National = incompetent and they will do anything to retain power.

            Think again. High tide is on us.

          • sabine 4.1.1.1.2

            do you really believe this? are you happy to live with this.

          • Smilin 4.1.1.1.3

            Its emotive crap on Keys part and hides the real issue that we should as a nation protest Australyars appalling incarceration conditions and laws relating to offenders in that country to the UN Key was probably told by Turnbull dont go there
            Marama Fox explained it really well on the NATION this weekend

          • Murray Simmonds 4.1.1.1.4

            Any evidence to back up your utterly absurd propositions BM? Or perhaps you don’t “do” evidence?

            Nor logic, nor reason, for that matter.

            Just splash out inanely in the hope that someone might be silly enough to listen.

      • b waghorn 4.1.2

        Unfortunately you are probably right ,key will use this to to his own ends , Little needs to have a very strong clear message backing action because as much as Isis was created by western intervention it needs to be stopped.

  5. Ad 5

    Cheers TRP.

    I quite liked being wrong about the Conference.

    And also particularly enjoying the consistent hits from Davis and Twyford. Always a good sign in politics when you start getting consistently lucky.

  6. Ad 6

    You read new New Zealanders all wrong BM. Maybe it works for you 75+ Talkback types. Fortunately they are dying out faster then Fox News viewers.

    The reason the media broke hard against Key over his Parliamentary behavior last week is that it smelled like cutting against a cardinal New Zealand value: don’t divide us from each other.

    Public perception in Auckland at least is that our intergenerational tolerance and “super diversity” makes us the least susceptible nation in the world to terrorism of any kind.

    The Prime Minister is instead dividing himself from New Zealand.
    If he’s not careful he’ll go down with it. So dumb.

    TRP THIS was a response to BM, not a separate string, please.

    • BM 6.1

      Lol, I’ve never listened to talkback and I’m a few decades off 75.

      Thing is when you boil it down , the perception is National pro law and order,Labour all about the crims.

      True or false, this is how middle NZ sees it, which is probably a hang over from the Clark years and it’s something Little needs to consider before he heads down certain tangents.

      • dv 6.1.1

        nal pro law and order

        Oh really.
        What about the prominent northlander?

      • sabine 6.1.2

        No BM, the perception of the public is not how you describe it. This is the perception that National would like to sell to the public. And with a certain segment of the population you will get your way for a while. How long it will last? Who knows. Who cares, it is in the end only the poll in 2017 that counts, unless of course we would somehow have an early election or no election.

        The saddest part in all of this BM, is that your Party and your Leader is so devoid of ideas and plans for this country that all he has to cling too is a resentment fuelled by ignorance and fear against muslims anywhere – and also those that look like them, or maybe just associate, that hopefully will allow him to pretend to carry a pair and send NZ troops to war and have you and me pay for it. War, that is your path to popularity and power? Not peace and prosperity but war. How utterly craven and pathetic.

      • Ad 6.1.3

        That’s only true in pretty narrow sectors, such as within the Police Force and armed forces. I have not heard or seen it generally.

        If you’re not in touch with talkback radio – who I listed to every day for precisely this purpose – you’re not in touch with middle New Zealand.

      • Hanswurst 6.1.4

        Lol, I’ve never listened to talkback and I’m a few decades off 75.

        … and you think that casts your posts in a better light?

      • Tricledrown 6.1.5

        Two prominent ex National MP’s have name suppression for similar offences.
        5 sitting MPs have name suppression

      • Smilin 6.1.6

        “Thing is when you boil it down , the perception is National pro law and order,Labour all about the crims.”

        It might be true so we all need a reality check then
        Ignorance of NZers being smarter than that is no saviour 4 you thats for you of a large airy head to think about

      • Expat 6.1.7

        If the Nat’s are so pro law and order, then you might want to explain to me why the street that I’ve lived in for 16 yrs. has had a break-in and theft to every house, some twice, in the last two years. Law and ORDER is a fallacy of your imagination, the number of criminal activities in NZ now is more than double, maybe triple, of what it was under the previous govt, and the root cause?
        400,000 looking for work.
        Its pretty clear that there are two policy failures here, law and order and economic incompetence, talking up law and order does not make it a reality.
        “Labour are all about crims” if this a reference to the detainees, then you must have missed the boat, they don’t support criminal activities like the Nat’s, they support the concept of HUMAN RIGHTS, some thing that the Nat’s seem not to support.

  7. Saarbo 7

    Hear, hear TRP.

  8. Tory 8

    So rather than say the Labour Conference resulted in no traction for Labour the poll is dictated by the RWC? Wake up you wankers.

    • The polling period was October 26 – November 8, 2015, Tory. So starting just after the French semi final, taking in the final itself and finishing just after the homecoming parades, but before the Labour party conference.

      Who’s the tosser now?

      • Tory 8.1.1

        The conference was the 6 ~8 November, as usual you are trying to take the shit from the left and roll it in glitter.

        • Muttonbird 8.1.1.1

          You sound worried, darling.

        • te reo putake 8.1.1.2

          Dude, your ignorance is charming. It’s a two week polling period. The leader’s speech was on Sunday arvo and made the news at 6pm that night. It’s possible some people were polled later on the Sunday, but, nah, not really. The LP conference’s influence on this poll is sweet FA.

          The point is that the polling period perfectly mirrored the RWC finals period, yet Key got nothing out of it despite humping Richies leg like a randy border collie whenever the media were about. The old black magic ain’t working for Key no more. Shame, eh?

    • Anno1701 8.2

      “Wake up you wankers.”

      crikey !

    • Expat 8.3

      Tory, “Wake up you wankers” is what the rest of the world is saying to all NZ’ers, cause if you don’t wake up soon your economy will never recover.

  9. Pat 9

    Given that Key has consistently portrayed an anti women sentiment, the far right are reportedly disenchanted with him and his frequent faux pas…add in a Cabinet of of underperformers and a complete lack of policy and one has to wonder which demographic is providing all this support ?….there arnt that many farmers,
    small businessMEN and contractors out there.

  10. Colonial Viper 10

    well, this is an upbeat way of looking at numbers which show that National + MP would have a majority of 4 or 5 in the House, sitting 3.5% ahead of LAB + GR + NZF.

    Also worth remembering that the RWC in 2011 was a major local event throughout NZ, in the same time zone.

    • It was a major local event here in NZ, CV. They even changed the law so we could watch the games with a beer in our hands. Then, in the last week of polling we had ‘local events’ in the main centres; the parades. Plus an overload of media stories about AB’s taking the cup to schools, hospitals and cemeteries. The polling period was utterly dominated by the RWC.

      The total for the opposition is 2 points better than the actual result at the election. Not a huge shift, but definitely in the too close to call category. And, as the post points out, the poll was at a time when Captain Key should be riding high on the back of the rugby result. And he’s not. What gives?

      • Brutus Iscariot 10.1.1

        I’d say 49% still classifies as “riding high”.

        The only inexplicable thing is that there are some so punch drunk that they will try to make a silk purse out of this woeful poll.

        Saying Key is in trouble as he hasn’t quite managed to scrape over 50% shows just how far standards and expectations have slipped.

        • Daniel Cale 10.1.1.1

          It’s leftist desperation narrative. There is no guarantee a Labour/Greens/NZF arrangement could even be put together, let alone function, yet that’s the desperate hope the left clings to. It’s sad really.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 10.1.1.1.1

            Yes! The 2005 – 2008 government never happened! Desperate!

            • Daniel Cale 10.1.1.1.1.1

              The 2005 – 2008 government was a co-oalition between Labour and the progressives, who no longer exist. NZF’s involvement was only in a confidence and supply agreement. The Greens only formal involvement was an agreement to abstain on confidence and supply. Labour won 41% of the vote to Nationals 39%.

              To govern today, Labour would need a formal coalition of Labour, Greens, NZF and the Maori Parties (based on the latest RM). It isn’t going to happen.

              • “To govern today, Labour would need a formal coalition of Labour, Greens, NZF and the Maori Parties (based on the latest RM). It isn’t going to happen.”

                Nope. Helen Clark had three different arrangements and while I’m sure NZ First’s bottom line is a coalition, the Greens might be perfectly happy with some policy gains in exchange for support on C&S.

                Glad you mentioned the Maori party. I wouldn’t be surprised if they opted for Labour, if Labour was in a position to form a government. Having a seat at the cabinet table is vital for their future prospects. And Labour have more in common with what the MP claim to want to achieve, so why not?

                • Daniel Cale

                  “Nope. Helen Clark had three different arrangements…”
                  Because she had a lot more votes than does Labour today.

                  “and while I’m sure NZ First’s bottom line is a coalition, the Greens might be perfectly happy with some policy gains in exchange for support on C&S.”
                  Wouldn’t work. Labour don’t have the numbers to govern that way. If support was on a C&S basis only, nothing would pass. Governing would come to a standstill.

                  You forget there is a huge difference between the numbers the Clark Government enjoyed and what Labour have today. You also forget that the Greens have been shafted by Labour before. I doubt very much they would accept anything other than a full coalition deal, and why should they?

                  • The amount of Labour votes made no difference. HC stitched together three different coalitions on three different LP party votes and the important thing is that she lead each one. She made the best of the hand she was dealt. Andrew Little has two decades in the union movement putting deals together, often between unwilling partners. If there’s a progressive government to be formed, he’ll find a way.

              • One Anonymous Bloke

                I note that the Greens, Labour and NZ1st worked together, and that you’ve gone from “doubting” it to acknowledging it while flailing around with some goalposts.

                Why are so many Tories liars? I think it’s their complete lack of personal responsibility.

                • Daniel Cale

                  “I note that the Greens, Labour and NZ1st worked together,”
                  When Labour had far higher support than today.

                  “you’ve gone from “doubting” it to acknowledging it while flailing around with some goalposts.”
                  No, still doubt it. The 2005-2008 government looked nothing like the position today.

                  Labour is in no position to dictate any arrangement, as it was then. Labour could not govern with under 30% with only C&S support.

                  • Daniel Cale

                    Here’s some proof of what I’m saying:

                    Labour’s % of Vote:

                    2002 41%
                    2005 41%
                    2008 34%
                    2011 27%
                    2014 25%

                    Labour’s results have been a train smash. In the latest RM poll, a three headed coalition including Labour, Greens, NZF still cannot govern without the Maori Party.

                    Today is nothing like 2005.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      That’s right: we’re 2 years out from an election. What was National polling in 2003?

                      So much for wingnuts bearing “proof”.

      • Tracey 10.1.2

        Finny how quickly they changed the law for 5am drinking but Amy Adams has taken over 6 months so far to try and pass laws protecting us all from the evil coming our way from Australia?

  11. Cowboy 11

    Hey Pat, farmers are people too! We are not all incapable of independent thought.

    For my 2 cents worth, as a soon to be ex national party member, is that this is indeed the turning point for this administration. The Labour conference last week was important because swinging voters need to see a viable alternative. The first step in that is to have a leader who is supported by the party. That box now has been ticked apparently. I add to that James Shaw who has impressed me greatly in his short time as Greens co leader and I think will not frighten the horses of the great mass of centre voters. It will certainly help that the easily vilified Kim Dotcom and co are not in the picture as either.

    Secondly, Key overstepped the mark badly last week. I have been increasingly uneasy about his character and demeanour going back to before the last election. Dirty Politics, bridge bribes, Saudi sheep deals (and cover ups) etc, however I think for many the events of last week may well be the tipping point. Most Kiwi’s are pretty fair minded and we can see when our own are not being treated well, no matter how unsavoury their past. We have always taken pride in our adherence to international convention and our willingness to call out any country that doesn’t. When Peter Dunne is calling Key out for “chin dripping subservience” you know things are dire.

    No right thinking individual, especially one that holds such an esteemed office should have behaved in such a manner and to not be man enough to apologise does not sit well with me. My National party subscription notice will go unopened this year.

    • Anne 11.1

      Helen Clark’s parents were Waikato farmers – the heart of National territory. When their daughter joined Labour as a young Uni student her father – a former National Party regional chairman – was horrified. Five to ten years later both parents were also in the Labour Party. And where did Helen get her fierce intelligence from? Her parents of course.

      Good post Cowboy.

      • Craig H 11.1.1

        Andrew Little also came from National stock, including delivering National pamphlets back in the day for his father…

    • Pat 11.2

      Point taken Cowboy….and apologies for stereotyping…my question remains however….where is all the support shown by these polls?…I meet a few public supporters of National (I live in a rural blue ribbon electorate)…very few who will extend that to personal support of Key…and there is definitely a large body unimpressed by Labour but would that always default to National support?….that would require a considerable amount of nose holding .

  12. Jenny Kirk 12

    ” And, as the post points out, the poll was at a time when Captain Key should be riding high on the back of the rugby result. And he’s not. What gives? ”

    Maybe, just maybe, the general public are getting sick of the fawning, sycophantic antics of the PM. Wouldn’t trust that to luck though. Must be something else. But what? It couldn’t possibly be that Labour is starting to look like a credible Opposition at last, could it?

    And to te reo putake, I’m holding on too.

    • Stuart Munro 12.1

      It might be the one-eyed media. Constantly presenting the authorised Key version, now without the leavening of reality formerly provided by the likes of Campbell Live is just boring. And really hard to believe. Maybe Joyce has scored an own goal.

  13. Cowboy 13

    For my part I think the Northland by election was significant. I think NZ first will be increasingly be seen as a viable alternative in the regions for those that can’t bring themselves to vote further left. I sense Winston would love to have the last laugh on Key. Labour have been venturing into NZ first territory recently and as I say the greens look more mainstream with Shaw in the vanguard. There now appears a viable alternate govt emerging. Little just needs to keep building a quiet credibility and get abit better at off the cuff interviews and job done.

  14. Thinking Right 14

    I think that events in France have overshadowed the drama over detainees.

    The public don’t have a lot of sympathy for the detainees knowing that just about all of them are criminals and public safety is an issue.

    Also I don’t believe that the Public will adversely look at Keys utterances in Parliament as there is no simple connection between what he said and the female MP’s past experiences of abuse – none really at all.

    Key was chastising Davis by saying that he supported the safety of law abiding NZ’ers over what he termed were rapists, murderers etc. in the wider context of crims being expelled from Aussie.

    He possibly went a little overboard in accusing Davis and Labour of supporting rapists etc. however when you consider Davis’ trips over there, his calling Key gutless, and a lack of assurance from Labour that they have any awareness of what will happen when these crims land in NZ, the Public will see Key’s response as nothing more than Political saber rattling.

    How that could then jump to the next day to the female MP’s basically saying that Key insulted them as they (not public knowledge prior to this) had been victims of sexual abuse themselves is beyond me.

    There is no connect and unfortunately the walkout looked exactly as it was, manufactured and an attempt to embarrass Key.

    but that was last weeks news, this week and next probably will be about the killings in France – the left will need to find another barrow to push.

    • ropata 14.1

      what the fuck. it was not a PR exercise you dork.
      there are real people on Xmas Island whose human rights are being violated EVERY DAY
      and you think it’s all about JK

      the PM is an irrelevant sideshow designed to distract from the real issues

    • Tracey 14.2

      Yes Steven

      🙄

  15. Murray Simmonds 15

    Excellent article Te Reo Putake.

    I get the impression that Key is getting a bit tired of it all. Yes. he enjoys shuffling around on the world stage, basking in the glory of the world leaders that he rubs shoulders with. It all pumps up his ego no end.

    But he may well be acutely aware of the reality that this is all just pomp and circumstance – the world leaders being diplomatic, in effect.

    When he gets home its different. No red carpets or ceremonial troop-inspections. No Royal handshakes or photo-ops. Just the hum-drum of pretending to run the country, by electing to maintain the status quo, at a time when the world calls out for rapid and urgent change.

    And then there’s the necessity of attending parliament.; of fronting up in the House of Representatives. I don’t think he enjoys that at all.

    My guess is that he’ll spend as much time as possible on overseas junkets for much of his remaining term, then he’ll bow out before the next election.

    • Jenny Kirk 15.1

      And if he’s not on an overseas junket, Murray S, he’ll be conjuring up internal ones.
      Starting with the US Navy arriving to celebrate NZ Navy history. Perhaps another Royal visit. Who haven’t we had lately ?

  16. Puckish Rogue 16

    So you’re pleased that:

    by itself National has 49%
    or National/MP 51%
    or National/NZF 55% (not that anyone should count on that)

    and that

    Lab/Grn has 41.5%
    or Lab/Grn/NZF 47.5% (not that anyone should count on that)

    Ok cool

    • Crashcart 16.1

      A sad but fair dose of reality.

      As much as I see what TRP is trying to say I think it is a bit hard to get optomistic about these poll results.

      I am more optomistic about the improvements in Labour itself. Hopefully that will see tangible improvements in the future.

      • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1

        Of course having said that, if an election was held tomorrow i doubt National would get 49%, more like 43-44%

        • Crashcart 16.1.1.1

          For sure. I think it would be very much in the hands of Winnie. Not a big fan of that but no matter how much I try to convince my wife otherwise she and many like her will still vote that way.

          They moved away from National but just can’t bring themselves to go all the way to Labour or the Greens. Although she was digusted by last weeks shinanigans.

          • Puckish Rogue 16.1.1.1.1

            yeah I think its fair to say that Winston probably will decide who gets in and since there are very good reasons for him to go either way no one can really say who he’ll go with

  17. Karen 17

    I must admit I was a bit disappointed in the Morgan poll, but I agree that the Labour Party conference would have had little impact on the results. By the second weekend pollsters are just looking to make up the numbers – the bulk has already been done.

    However I was pleased to see this impressive speech in the house from Andrew Little from last week. We need more of this to capitalise on the coverage from the conference:

    https://insightnz.wordpress.com/2015/11/15/watch-andrew-little-tear-paula-bennett-to-shreds-in-parliament/

    • Sabine 17.1

      yes, that was a thing of beauty.

      • The Chairman 17.1.1

        The nastiest piece of legislation was a nice touch, but some substance (what Labour would do differently – i.e. a reversal) would have given the address far more beauty.

    • The Chairman 17.2

      @ Karen

      From that address can we take Labour will reverse the way WINZ deal with cancer patients?

      And if so, has Little formally announced this planned reversal?

    • Daniel Cale 17.3

      Party conferences don’t make a jot of difference these days. There have been claims that Labours conference fired up the delegates, and on this blog everyones getting pumped up about speeches etc but these people vote Labour anyway! No-one else cares.

      • marty mars 17.3.1

        do you vote labour and do you care?

      • The Chairman 17.3.2

        @ Daniel Cale

        They have even less impact when the opposition fails to produce policy that supports the rhetoric.

        Speeches without policy are hollow.

        Right voting cancer patients would care far more if they knew exactly what Labour would do to improve their situation. Little running down Paula and expecting her to apologize does little to change their current circumstances.

  18. Tiger Mountain 18

    NZ Labour seems like the Bono/U2 of politics at the moment, everyone knows the name, but what ’ave they done lately then eh?

    some things they have not done are; even mention Jeremy Corbyn, or stick by their own 5 point bottom line on the TPPA for a seemly amount of time–like say till the USA ratifies, rejecting the TPP was coincidentally the only policy point that could have united NZ First, Green, Mana and Labour without too many acrobatics heading to 2017

    Labour don’t want to go left, TRP is heh, right, about that at least, waiting for the “Parnell Puller” to go off his game is not exactly a strategy

    despite my jaundiced view of social democracy I do support reforms as long as they drive political as well as economic advancement, such as a massive house building programme and driving back private penetration of the public sector

  19. Clean_power 19

    The wishful thinking expressed by TRP, the author of this note, is astonishing.
    Keep up the boundless optimism, while praying at the same time.

    [If you don’t like the posts here, don’t read them. If you wish to admonish the authors of posts or belittle their efforts, your commenting privileges will be swiftly curtailed. And there is no god, so praying won’t save you. TRP]

  20. thechangeling 20

    Good to see you back on thestandard.org.nz TRP!

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Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
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    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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