Polity: Three ramshackle PR fiascos and you’re out

Written By: - Date published: 8:41 am, March 4th, 2014 - 33 comments
Categories: dpf, making shit up - Tags: , , , , , ,

polity_square_for_lynnRob Salmond at Polity points to the right wing publicists who pose as independents, set up publicity shells for nutters, and who seem to make outright lying their hallmark. Perhaps it is time that journalists start describing them as they are rather than quoting them as they prefer.

The cabal of right wing activists who like to pose as independents have – yet again – overstepped the mark, bullying Mojo Mathers for being part of a disabled community radio event.

On the Twitter yesterday, Jordan Williams was full of bluster and excuses, blaming the journalist and proclaiming that any suggestion he was motivated by partisanship was “silly.” That makes him look even more like a fool.

Between them, Jordan Williams and David Farrar have more than enough ramshackle PR fiascos to justify a life sentence. Each time, their attempts at astroturfing unravel as cringeworthy moments and bungled stunts pile one on top of the next:

Strike one: The Free Speech Coalition
Hyperbole squard: compared New Zealand politicians to Frank Bainimarama, Mao Zedong, and Kim Jong Il, and acted astounded when the media thought it tacky and silly. Couldn’t even organise a billboard site without controversy. Paid for ads railing against misuse of trusts by misusing its own trust.

Strike two: The Vote for Change Coalition
Claimed to be a “grass roots movement” opposing MMP. In fact, mainly funded by a few large donations form the usual suspects. Specifically denied Peter Shitcliffe played any active roll. Turned out Shirtcliffe had a personal veto over everything the group does.

Strike three: The Taxpayers’ Union
Claims to be “a non-partisan activist group” that exists “to fight government waste.” Instead selectively targets left-leaning people over trivial sums while ignoring massive waste by the government on issues from boondoggles to witch hunts.

Three strikes – they’re out. I expect no self-respecting journalist will be citing either man as an “independent” “commentator” “representing” “a taxpayer group” any more. It is just so transparently untrue.

They should be treated just like me. I’m introduced as “analytics guy and Labour adviser,” which is fair. They should be “blogger and National’s pollster” or “part-time lawyer and ACT supporter.”

33 comments on “Polity: Three ramshackle PR fiascos and you’re out ”

  1. Anne 1

    Isn’t Jordan Williams directly linked to the PM’s Office? If so, why the hell aren’t Cunliffe and co. screaming about it? Isn’t it unethical to have an adviser (or whatever he is/was) setting himself up as an independent arbitrator of some kind?

    • MaxFletcher 1.1

      I believe has was a member of the Young Nats but I have never heard anything about being associated with Key or the DPMC

  2. just saying 2

    Well said Rob. I hope this information is read by the MSM and also used by the Labour Opposition.

    Nice to see you doing this kind of important work rather than the over-worked and completely unpaid writers here at the Standard. A promising change.

  3. Tracey 3

    You are talking about a press that sometimes refers to Prebble as “former Labour cabinet minister” and then asks him about Labour strategy or policy.

    • srylands 3.1

      You are suggesting that Prebble was not a Labour Cabinet Minister?

      • Colonial Viper 3.1.1

        First and foremost Prebble was a Right Wing fifth columnist and Minister in the first ACT government.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.1.2

        He was but he hasn’t been for a couple of decades. This means asking him about Labour will get nothing but ignorance back. Of course, that does seem to be what the MSM want to spread.

    • McFlock 3.2

      It would be just as valid to ask Winston about Key’s inner circle, given that he’s a former National minister. And I’m sure you’d get an equally knowledgeable and unbiased report.

  4. John 4

    So what about when the media (repeatedly) get comments critical of govenment from a “Human Rights Lawyer” or a “Principals Spokesperson” but (repeatedly) fail to mention they’ve been Labour Party candidates?

    • framu 4.1

      somewhat different to “paid up proxie campaigner” though john

      USED to be a candidate vs CURRENTLY running a black ops campaign

      but yes the press should make any and all connections clear – but please show you understand the difference between both, time parameters and function

    • Murray Olsen 4.2

      To be fair John, the audience probably realises that nobody with links to NAct will be knowledgeable about human rights or education. Information linking them to opposition parties is therefore redundant.

  5. srylands 5

    I am a financial supporter of the Taxpayers Union. It is doing good work in my view.

    • fender 5.1

      It is doing good work in attacking anyone without a hard-right-wing outlook in my view.

      Fixed it for you, stupid-righty-lands.

      • srylands 5.1.1

        Really? You think we have a “hard right wing” government? We have a centre-left government, that presides over a progressive tax system, an enormous social welfare safety net, a system of in work tax credits for even moderate income earners with kids, a generous taxpayer funded aged pension system.. I could go on. and on. No “hard right wing” policies in sight in this Country. Indeed, I cannot recall ever meeting any “hard right wing” people in New Zealand, and certainly not in Government.

        There are only “hard right wing” New Zealanders in this alternative universe of Your’s. Fuck I’m capitalising personal pronouns.

        • Hayden 5.1.1.1

          …I cannot recall ever meeting any “hard right wing” people in New Zealand…

          I believe you.

        • Skinny 5.1.1.2

          I would advise the leader of TPU to leave the country when Key-National try impose nasty ‘right wing’ employment law changes. He will be hunted down like a wild animal and no mercy spared by the worker drones.

          I just hope for your sake the scent doesn’t lead to the rock you hide under Shrillands!

        • fender 5.1.1.3

          This “Taxpayers Union” is the hard right wing outfit you confessed to supporting financially.

          But if you now want to discuss your donations to the government then go ahead.

          Everyone knows Key is happy to use Act to implement his hard right agenda, and if he wasn’t concerned about being voted out he’d destroy those leftish policies you mention.

        • Draco T Bastard 5.1.1.4

          Indeed, I cannot recall ever meeting any “hard right wing” people in New Zealand, and certainly not in Government.

          Well, that gives two possibilities:
          1.) You’ve never met yourself
          2.) You’ve never been in NZ

          I’m betting on the first.

          • MaxFletcher 5.1.1.4.1

            Or 3) hasn’t read any of the comments on Whaleoil or Kiwiblog

          • Populuxe1 5.1.1.4.2

            If you call that “hard right” you should pay a visit to the US. Our entire political spectrum would comfortably fit in the centre bit of the Democrats

    • framu 5.2

      which proves your either a professional parasite or staggeringly dense

      Did you notice how they are a front for a bunch of people who keep getting turned down when using democratic means so resort to smear tactics, dirty tricks and bullshit?

      so – anti-democratic parasite or thicko – which one is it?

      • Hayden 5.2.1

        Can’t it be both?

        • framu 5.2.1.1

          why not? – but it does seem to be the case with the people who see life through the sry-lens. they usually fall into two quite separate camps

          But really im just trying to get our resident randian to put a stake in the ground on this one. Either hes really fucking dense and easily led or he agrees with the tactics and purposes used by scumbags like williams and lusk

          neither is a very good thing to be

    • Skinny 6.1

      So Hooton tell us how your bullshit spray about National turning Left yesterday on RNZ is possible when they try to implement ‘harsh employment laws changes’. This is a declaration of war which is going head to head trying to destroy Unions!

    • Skinny 6.2

      Speaking of gaffes here is one all mighty Key-National graffe)

      Question: 8 today’s oral question time. Buying Chinese asbestos ridden trains.

  6. Tracey 7

    srylands wrote

    ” Indeed, I cannot recall ever meeting any “hard right wing” people in New Zealand, and certainly not in Government”

    you seem concerned, have you met hard right wing people, or not how many people in government have you met?

    are you currently working in a law firm in wellington?

    • srylands 7.1

      “are you currently working in a law firm in wellington?”

      No. Why would I be? Are you drunk and comatose in a bar in Hamilton?

      You can keep asking ridiculous questions if you like.

  7. xtasy 8

    The problem is that many “journalists” are themselves rather right leaning, fond of Key and his government, so they willingly quote such supposed “independent” advice on matters. The Taxpayer’s Union and the likes are being quoted and invited by all kinds of MSM, ranging from the likes of Radio 1ZB and Radio Live over to even Radio NZ National (e.g. Jim Mora) for radio, also by the large TV news channels, and print media.

    Perhaps we should apply the “three strikes and you are out” to all journalists quoting or inviting such organisations?

    Apart from that the bias is just gob smacking, and listening in to Radio Live after 03 pm this afternoon, Duncan Garner was ranting on about Cunliffe again, and why he had not fronted up with having used a trust for assisting his candidacy in the leadership competition for Labour’s leader. He even speculated that one of the two donors that David Cunliffe refused to name, may be Kim Dotcom.

    This kind of stuff comes from the likes of Garner, Gower and a fair few others somewhat regularly, and it is predominantly targeted at Labour and the Greens, while the Nats and Key are mostly let off lightly.

    It seems to be getting worse by the day, and no matter how many apologies, adjustments and improvements Cunliffe may come with, he seems to be the target now, to be shot to pieces, before the election even takes place.

    Shame on the rottten MSM!!!

  8. Hanswurst 9

    A couple of typos in the post: “Hyperbole squard” should read “Hyperbole squared”, and the first instance of “Peter Shitcliffe” should read “Peter Shirtcliffe” (I think).

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-30T19:35:42+00:00