Todd Muller is no Jacinda Ardern

Written By: - Date published: 7:45 am, May 23rd, 2020 - 151 comments
Categories: national, paula bennett, same old national, Simon Bridges, todd muller, uncategorized - Tags: ,

It was a big day yesterday.  I thought National’s abysmal polling would take its toll and it did.  Simon Bridges is now a footnote in the history of New Zealand and Paula Bennett is neither deputy leader nor proud to be a westie. Todd Muller is the new leader of the opposition.

Who is Todd Muller?

I have no idea and if I don’t then most of the good people of Aotearoa won’t.

Has he lit up Parliament?  He did on one occasion but it was as the interjector, not the speaker.

It was his interjection during Chloe Swarbrick’s speech on the Zero Carbon Bill that let to her retort “OK Boomer”.

This should be tatooed on the foreheads of all boomer politicians, of which as a class I am a member.  We have performed poorly.  Climate change is almost out of control.  We need to do better and should have done better.

Thus Todd Muller became an integral part of one of the most culturally significant events of the past 12 months.  But on the wrong side.

When I go through Standard posts where he has been mentioned I can only find very few. I see that he was rational about climate change and managed to get National to agree to the Zero Carbon bill. Big tick.

He was broadly supportive of the Government’s EV Vehicle feebate policy which Simon chose to attack.

But he did get into battle with Te Papa because it dared to suggest that dairy farming was not good for the environment.

The overwhelming feeling I have about Todd is one of Meh. He does not appear to be as conservative as Simon Bridges wanting to drive New Zealand back into the middle ages. He is willing to side up to Nikki Kaye and so must be prepared to be relatively liberal on social issues. He appears to be mainstream in economic terms, wanting to ensure good business conditions.

But I have no idea what he stands for.

My impression is that he is John Key without the back story and without the pizzazz. Key had the benefit of years of soft media and framing as National’s new hope.

Muller has none of this.

He feels like a relatively decent human being, from a rich background, bright enough to engage in issues at an intellectual level and to realise that the world is in a big mess.

And tribal enough to want to keep onside with his party.

But he is no John Key.

And he is certainly no Jacinda Ardern.

151 comments on “Todd Muller is no Jacinda Ardern ”

  1. Tricledrown 1

    Head Master takes over from school boy.

  2. Sacha 2

    He is also taking advice from Hooton.

    • tc 2.1

      Which indicates he had hollowmen approval so no surprises as under MMP they can't afford soimons toxicity anymore.

      Soimon would’ve made 2023 almost impossible for them so give luxo a better base this way.

      • Sacha 2.1.1

        Different factions. This is not good news for the hardcore christians behind both Luxon and Bridges.

        • Chris 2.1.1.1

          Yes, the left's now going to need as much help as it can get. It's just such a shame bennett or collins didn't get the job. National's depth of idiot polarising potential leaders is astonishingly strong, yet they go with mr bland. What a waste.

        • Tracey 2.1.1.2

          It is if Nats lose the Election. Shipley didnt survive

  3. Dennis Frank 3

    Chloe got it wrong & owes him an apology. Categorising people on looks is uncool. Media commentators have pointed out that he is actually GenX.

    Muller distinguished himself by corralling the Nats into acceptance of climate change legislation. That would not have been easy and you ought to give credit where it's due. He has demonstrated leadership ability via political practice.

    I view catholics with contempt, of course, so I hope whatever bigotry he has been brainwashed into dissipates. I like that he is forthright and articulate, and wants to lead in a positive spirit. Partisan alignment is built into our archaic democracy, but he will wear the strait-jacket more loosely than Simon – if he translates his declared intent into consistent behaviour.

    I'd like to see him lead the Nats in a more progressive direction. This can be achieved via transformation of rightist political ecology. He has signalled he wants to work with the Greens. I predict Marama will be incapable of appropriate response, but James will be receptive. As for our other parliamentarians, I expect evasion instead of openness. Collaboration requires willingness to identify common ground. Partisans are inept.

    • Sacha 3.1

      Swarbrick was criticising his attitude, Dennis, in a way that young people were familiar with. It's not about looks or age. Hopefully he learned from it. Seems smart enough.

    • Red Blooded One 3.2

      I agree with Sasha, it wasn't his looks she was reacting to but his attitude when interjecting, perhaps you now owe an apology to Chloe. Even if it had been her misjudging his chronological age, still no apology would be needed, as a prematurely wizened 60 year old with a face like a dropped Pavlova I don't ask for apologies, like yesterday at the Barbers, when the automatic assumption is I was due the Pensioner Discount. I politely offer the full amount and go on with my day. Within his first press conference I learn he is a "family man" and he bases his social policy agendas on his catholic faith, this gay man ain't hoping for much more acceptance by the Nats. Hated Key but at least he knew how to "read the room" on social policy

      • Sacha 3.2.1

        Kaye as deputy will need to offer the party's more liberal supporters something to vote for. Her caucus will negotiate the limits of that between its factions.

    • Gabby 3.3

      Quacks like a boomer, probably a boomer, neocon Den.

    • observer 3.4

      " owes him an apology. "

      For what? A response to an interjection, a joke, less aggressive than you'd hear in the House any hour of the sitting day. Don't be absurd.

      The only reason anyone noticed is because it was picked up later. No MPs complained at the time (and they'll raise a point of order for anything). Literally every MP in Parliament would have to apologise if every interjection or light-hearted response was singled out in this way. Question Time would be abandoned.

      Perspective, please.

      • Dennis Frank 3.4.1

        Perspective, please.

        Okay, you can readily get that by imagining the reverse situation: he applied an identity-politics frame wrongly to her.

        There'd be howls of outrage from hypocrites onsite here, right? So my perspective is that morality ought not to be selective. Re the lightheartedness, I agree…

        • observer 3.4.1.1

          As I have just pointed out (and you ignored) we don't need to imagine anything. We know what MPs do.

          Read Hansard. Not imagined.

    • clare 3.5

      " I view catholics with contempt, of course, so I hope whatever bigotry he has been brainwashed into dissipates" what was that one about pots and kettles? encapsulated in one sentence.

    • tracey 3.6

      Progressive, so he brought in Collins, Brownlee and Hoots or is that just his ‘do anything to win’ play after which he returns to his ‘values’. Honesty aint one

  4. Robert Guyton 4

    "Climate change is almost out of control."?

    We're controlling it? Who knew?

    "Ok Boomer" was an amusing moment (James Shaw could barely contain his laughter) but no one seems to have picked up Chloe's mangling of "nuclear moment", where she says instead, "nucular moment". It's a common mispronunciation made by younger people smiley James Shaw's management of the Zero Carbon Bill, his finesse in working with National (credit goes in the main, to James, not Todd as Wayne claims) his doggedness and the restraint he showed, was exemplary and has not been properly recognised, even here. As a political operator, he is vastly underestimated, which can be a good thing, if you're a student of Sun Tzu, but irksome if you have to listen to criticisms of him, knowing the real situation smiley

    • Jilly Bee 4.1

      I also used to get annoyed at Richard Prebble's use of 'nucular' – the word was used far more often when he was a Labour MP and supposedly well educated.

      • Anne 4.1.1

        To be fair to Richard Prebble he had a mild speech impediment which caused him to slur his pronunciation. Also, he was the author of the anti nuclear legislation passed by the Lange government – in 1986 I think it was. I give Prebble credit for that legislation.

  5. "I view catholics with contempt, of course, so I hope whatever bigotry he has been brainwashed into dissipates. "

    I'm a bit gobsmacked by that broad brush statement Dennis

    I'm reserving my judgement until I see how he reacts under pressure.Speechmaking is one thing ,actions another.

    • Dennis Frank 5.1

      Just to clarify, Francesca, I was brainwashed by Anglicans as a child, and view them with contempt in consequence. Reading the history of christianity later as a teenager intensified my feelings considerably. Inquisition, etc. Witch-hunts. The doctrine of original sin is evil. Anyone who thinks babies are born sinners is sociopathic.

      Not all religions are barbaric. Buddhism seems benign, zen clever. Once, long ago, I wrote a paper for the Greens entitled Church of Gaia but decided not to circulate it. Becoming captivated by one's inventions can be a fatal trap. I'm too much the freethinker for that to happen!

      • Peter Chch 5.1.1

        Buddhism benign! Are you serious?

        I could mention the obvious of the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya, invariably led by Buddhist monks, or the part Buddhist monks played in the ethnic cleansing by the Sinhala in Sri Lanka in their civil war, but of far more note is the almost total lack of social services in most Budhist dominate nations in east Asia.

        The incredible cruelty to animals, prisoners, disabled and so on and the almost complete indifference to the suffering of others is a direct flow on from the evil me me me Buddhist teachings.

        • Dennis Frank 5.1.1.1

          Thanks for that response, Peter! Any generalisation ought to be balanced by considering what it omits, in the interests of realism. I'm aware that the Buddhist hierarchy in Tibet used traditional practices sometimes turning villagers into victims, and the invading communists got some traction on that basis. I wouldn't blame the Dalai Lama as he was young at the time and any power structure will breed abuse due to human nature.

        • millsy 5.1.1.2

          I note that the urban liberals went silent about 'free Tibet' when the Dalai Lama spoke out against mass immigration a few years back.

      • RedLogix 5.1.2

        The doctrine of original sin is evil. Anyone who thinks babies are born sinners is sociopathic.

        "The so-called innocence of children is more a matter of weakness of limb, than purity of heart."

        Augustine

        Any parent know this; that children are not born socialised, it has to be programmed into them.

        If we strip back all the detritus that has been slathered over the doctrine of original sin, at the core lies a self-evident truth, that humans are capable of both great good and great evil. And the line between the two runs down the middle of every human heart. And that awareness of this should keep us both humble and cautious of our choices.

        But like all true ideas, it has been taken too far by fundamentalists; and distorted into a doctrine that insists humans are condemned by default to be fallen and broken and can only be redeemed by their special version of belief. This is of course a self-serving sales pitch from people usually running their church/faith as a business enterprise.

      • Bearded Git 5.1.3

        The Buddhists in Sri Lanka slaughtered the Tamils.

        The Buddhists in Burma carried out ethnic cleansing against the Rohingyas.

    • Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh will be spinning in their graves. I have traveled in many Catholic countries Dennis where numerous people gain solace from the religion-it is silly to single out this religion as you have. (I’m agnostic, probably atheist)

    • Shanreagh 5.3

      I don't have a problem with a concern over Catholicism. Nat supporters talk a whole lot in MB etc about the mythical and so-called 'Communists' Labour ie obedience to a power or dogma outside of NZ.

      I view adherence to the Pope/Priests/Roman Catholicism as an adherence to a power or dogma outside of NZ. In my experience it does not matter which side they come from the effect is that they mostly exercise votes against the wish to change the lot of people for the good ie mostly against abortion, whole of life, homosexual law reform.

      There are others who do not support these causes but they have probably come to these views after their own investigations as opposed to unthinkingly taking on board the teaching of the church.

      I saw Dr Gerald Wall, Labour MP for Porirua in full flight in Parliament in the abortion law reform bill and it was so truly frightening that he held his religious zeal above a way forward. I was there with a young political group and was just about in tears afterwards at the man's inhumanity. His religion was more important than NZ women not having to suffer from backyard abortionists or endure having to travel to Australia through the SOS movement. So it is not just the causes but the whole slant on life.

      Similarly the picture of the MAGA cap. A query needs to be made about this. I don't know why you would keep an item like that on your 'brag' shelf unless you were proud of it. The two ministers, (Nat & Lab), I worked for did not put anything like that ie souvenirs in their offices unless they were proud of them.

      He 'seems' OK but I do have those two concerns about him. Would never vote for him/party in any case but Nat leaning folks should be doing due diligence on his possible anti social causes and support of Trumpian politics.

  6. bwaghorn 6

    He came across very likable on the news ,but I liked key for the 1st few months when he became leader till I saw him for what he is.

    Hopefully Muller has a more honest approach to politics.

    • Robert Guyton 6.1

      I've spoken with Todd Muller on several occasions; when he was Fonterra Man and when he was Climate Change Chap for the National Party. As spokesperson for Fonterra, he was deeply soaked in their ideology and pushing their message hard; that message was not an environmental one, by my measures, or any for that matter. Same for his climate change message; not that of The Greens, not mine. Economy First, is Muller's cry. Don't be fooled into thinking he "sees the big picture". Friendly-enough bloke.

      • bwaghorn 6.1.1

        I have little time for organic or nothing lot . I have no problem with water storage, but I am against the rampant explosion of dairy in the wrong places at high stocking rates.

        I'll be watching . That said I dont think I've ever voted national (the late 80s early 90s are foggy) and am unlikely to change that .

        • roblogic 6.1.1.1

          In the 90s, voted against asset sales – failed

          In the 00s, voted to stop child poverty – failed

          In the 10s, voted to fix the housing crisis – failed

          All NZ governments have been shit, except perhaps the current lot

          • Gabby 6.1.1.1.1

            They're mired in the shit their predecessors left lying around to bung things up til it's their turn again.

          • westgateman 6.1.1.1.2

            Thankfully he is no Jacinda, we don't need another smiling comrade who fails at all her promises Lets do this, has turned into We can't do this. Kiwibuild failed, Tree planting failed, Poverdy failed, Homelessness failed, City Rail failed, Taxes UP, unemployment UP, Economy destroyed, Socialism and control Increased.
            Did not quarantine borders early despite health expert calls to do so, allowing more Covid19 to enter. Does not take the hard decisions until pushed into a corner.
            no, we need a real leader – Todd Muller.

            • roblogic 6.1.1.1.2.1

              haha comedy gold, you should have a regular spot. especially liked the punchline at the end

            • patricia 6.1.1.1.2.2

              Toll Muddler might need to do some mahi… would he know what that is?

            • woodart 6.1.1.1.2.3

              be honest westie, until last week you wouldnt have been able to pick him out of a police lineup. a real leader, he is not.

              • observer

                Be fair, the "real leader" got 0.2% in the latest poll. Luckily Westgateman answered the phone that day.

                The "comrade" got 76% approval.

            • WeTheBleeple 6.1.1.1.2.4

              Mullers first speech as leader was full of lies. But he's different right?

              He's got that MAGA cap, but it's only a souvenir. Like he's kept it on display as he doesn't want to offend anyone with rejection.

              You know, like when your nephew paints a terrorist manifesto – and you pin it on the fridge.

            • KJT 6.1.1.1.2.5

              Oh look.

              Another unthinking, parrot. Just like Muller. Can’t you clowns even write your own scriptures.

              https://www.facebook.com/gerard.otto

              "Todd Muller's Dishonest Speech
              Todd Muller must have thought New Zealanders had short memories when he said Jacinda's government had failed on every measure it had set itself in his first speech as Leader of the Opposition yesterday.
              "Labour has failed against every measure it has set for itself in Government – KiwiBuild, light rail, child poverty, prison numbers." – said Todd.
              It was only a short while ago on 25th February that New Zealand learned 18,400 children had been lifted out of poverty around us.
              This meant the Government were on track to meet their 3 year and 10 year targets to reduce child poverty – especially because the $5.5 Billion families package had only been partially implemented in that result so far".
              • westgateman

                Far better than the useless comrade leader we have now who only got in thanks to the giving into all of old idiot Winnies demands. All she is good for is smiling and magazine cover.
                There is no way she or her lot has the experience or depth to lead us through the economic damage caused by not quarantining the borders earlier despite desperate calls from Health experts and National.

                • Sacha

                  Why didn't the gubmint just listen to that genius Mr Britches!

                • KJT

                  Was National calling for "earlier shutting the borders" the day before, or the day after, they were criticising the Government for too tough a lockdown and "destroying the tourist industry"?

                  Or when that fool, Bridges started a petition for the Government to do what they were already intending, which he already knew about. To pretend it was his idea.

                  Hint to fools. Shutting down a country is a little more complex, and takes longer, than shutting your garden gate.

              • westgateman

                NNot a lot of change in Child Poverty. It was falling faster under national.Graph showing percentage of children living in households with less than 50 percent median equivalised disposable household income before housing costs are deducted, 2013–19. Text alternative available below graph.

            • Gabby 6.1.1.1.2.6

              Look, will Todd Munter pay the mall owners the ridiculous rents they demand?

          • bwaghorn 6.1.1.1.3

            Maybe I should vote for the nats . Going backwards I've voted ,top,labour ×2,nzf, greens ×2 . I'm the kiss of death to political dreams.

            • I Feel Love 6.1.1.1.3.1

              Kiss of death, same here bw, Mana, Maori Party, … first party I voted for was Animals First (i liked their logo), those were the days!

    • patricia 6.2

      Look at the company he keeps. The members who stood up with him Gerry Brownlie and Judith Collins….

      So he, on behalf of National, is promoting "You" and your "Community" …

      Does that mean they have given up on "Individual Responsibility"???

      Or is he saying what he thinks we want to hear? A harmless front?

      I find it hard to believe they have changed to any degree. It is still "Economy" and "Power"

      • bwaghorn 6.2.1

        Will he continue the dirty politics and the list spots for sale of key and bridges or is he a cleaner type of politician.

        • Gabby 6.2.1.1

          Look, Todd Munter will know nussink about any dirty tricks. Look, he's not responsible for the happy mischief people he hardly even knows get up to. Look, Todd's hands are clean. Bathed in the blood of the lamb..

      • Gabby 6.2.2

        Look, he's of by and for Hardworking Kiwi Families Who Know Their Place.

    • Incognito 6.3

      It only takes seconds to form a first impression, which is hardwired in our evolutionary psychology. With Key, it took me 1.3 sec and I never changed my opinion of him. To be fair, I’d heard and read about him and my bias had already formed and I tend to cling to my biases for dear life. I realise this makes me only slightly unusual.

  7. Cinny 7

    Jacinda has changed the face of New Zealand politics.

    After todd's speech last night it's obvious he's inspired by her approach.

    Word on the street is… nikki has a temper which she takes out on her cellphone, apparently she has gone through quite a few of them.

    Meanwhile, I’m absolutely delighted about the demise of paula, karma, karma, karma.

    • Sacha 7.1

      After todd's speech last night it's obvious he's inspired by her approach.

      Well his speechwriter is good at echoing it just enough – watch for references to 'community' and rugby league rather than rugby.

      • Cinny 7.1.1

        his speechwriter is good at echoing it just enough

        Hehe interestingly he is wheeling out the same lines from said speech this morning on The Nation.

    • mosa 7.2

      " Meanwhile, I’m absolutely delighted about the demise of paula, karma, karma, karma "

      The higher they are the further they fall.

    • peterh 7.3

      Talk about karma. Simon gone, and the useless one had her vote

  8. Kay 8

    The few remaining practising Catholics I know (the rest lapsed long ago) seem to follow the teachings of Jesus when it come to loving thy neighbour, caring for the poor, sick, etc. and some even practice it via practical charity work. For some reason, right wing self-proclaimed 'Catholic' (or any other 'christian' politicians seem to conveniently forget about this bit. Think Bill English here.

    Any politician who claims to be a practising Christian (or any other religion) and at the same time deliberately uses their power to enact/votes for policies that harm a lot of people are not Christian.

    • MartinC 8.1

      Then there is the social conservative catholic agenda on homosexuality , abortion, drug reform [including alcohol] and euthanasia. He has come out against Cannabis reform legislation. There is a voting record that can be checked for Abortion.

    • Chris 8.2

      Yes, but many of the 'charitable' Christians, Catholic or otherwise, still shun a strong rights-based welfare system, for example. 'Giving to the poor' and 'Jesus and the cup of water' for many ease consciences. It's also at the heart of a belief that private charity is the most appropriate means of wealth distribution.

      • Kay 8.2.1

        Good point Chris, I'd forgotten about that. Probably why most of the Catholics I know are lapsed. Possibly because most people I associate with are in the lower socioeconomic group so have no problems at all with a strong social security system, and are more inclined to be involved in voluntary work anyway.

    • Marcus Morris 8.3

      Key's "inner circle" looked like a seven-a-side from St Bede's Old Boys. Interesting. Key must have been the odd man out.

      • G unit 8.3.1

        Really, who? Please name them.

        Serious, I'm interested to know.

        • Marcus Morris 8.3.1.1

          A slight exaggeration on my part – the "tight five" might have been a better analogy.

          I have included a link to an article from Stuff (obviously a little out of date now) which makes very interesting reading.

          http://www.stuff.co.nz/editors-picks/8256626/Christchurch-school-heads-NZs-Ivy-League

          • mac1 8.3.1.1.1

            Who were they? Cosgrove, Damien O'Connor, Brownlee, Carter, Dunne in 2013.

            Two Labour, two National, one former Labour gone to United Future.

            So to say that John Key had 5 St Bede's old boys in Key's inner circle is not correct.

            The motto of St Bede's is "Fide et Opere" which translates as by faith and by good works. The school had a tradition of social justice.

            I went there. I was known as the class communist, and a future MP. Sadly, or not, neither eventuated. But the social justice ethic stuck, even after lapsing from catholicism; or especially perhaps……….

            • Marcus Morris 8.3.1.1.1.1

              You are correct – Bill English went to St Patrick's College, Silverstream. Nevertheless another RC in the cohort. I'm not sure that I am happy with the inference that one needs to be an RC to have a strong sense of social justice . If, in fact that is what you are implying,then I would object very strongly. Jacinda Ardern was raised a Mormon (long since rejected I understand) and Social Justice exudes from her. Men of good will, who try to live by the so called Golden Rule can be found in abundance throughout any society, secular or otherwise.

              • mac1

                No implication meant, and hopefully none to be found. As my last sentence hints at, the schooling we had may have had little to do with it. For, and as I regret profoundly, such a lack of social justice has also emanated from the same religion.

                I did say "a tradition" and of course that means there are other traditions of social justice. I would not attempt or be able to name them all.

  9. Nick 9

    The MAGA hat in the photo of his precious items in his office cabinet, a picture tells a thousand media releases.

    • Robert Guyton 9.1

      His supporters will most likely like seeing that cap. It's only us lefties that recoil.

      • I Feel Love 9.1.1

        and that is probably the point, "this'll wind the lefties up", just more hollow bullshit.

        Regarding the Christian politicians, there's a particular sect, evangelical American, that see Jesus as a champion of the "Winner", it's particularly ugly, basically if you're poor and or sick it's just coz Jesus don't love you tough stuff buddy.

      • Sacha 9.1.2

        I doubt his supporters will care either way.

      • roblogic 9.1.3

        I doubt it. Republicans that have a brain and a shred of integrity despise Trumpism (see the Lincoln Project). Similar here in NZ I suspect, only the hard right rump like that shit, most think of themselves as moderate centre right

    • Robert Guyton 9.2

      It's interesting though, that Nikki the Deputy so admires the Trump-lovin' guy and believes him so decent.

    • MartinC 9.3

      The 'Brownshirt' among the ex mil ephemera.

    • Obtrectator 9.4

      Don't forget, folks, that MAGA has been given a local rendering (which I won't repeat here). Some reactionary type in Marlborough was on TV a while back, sporting such a cap with the altered wording plainly on view.

    • Incognito 9.5

      That MAGA cap is nothing more than virtue whistling to certain folk frequenting certain blog sites. It signals that he’s one of them. Meanwhile, the rhetoric coming out of his mouth is aimed at a different crowd. The Leader speaks for and on behalf of the Party, not the other way round. Simon had some difficulty with that distinction and he’s now toast.

  10. SPC 10

    So far he has moved National from jobs to community/jobs/family. And from National + 1 (Epsom Robin) to taking the place of Labour in a coalition with NZ First and Greens.

    His strategy – me and us vs Jacinda + a few (Grant, Chris … .

    His rebrand – National in the community, tea and sympathy for business.

    It's a tea for two and two for tea approach.

    Helen Clark and Helen Clarke (Black Sticks). Todd Muller and Todd Miller (rugby).

  11. Anker 11

    Disagree about the hat Robert. I think most of nzders if not the world see Trump as mad, bad and dangerous to know. Muller will brush it off, but I think it speaks volumes. Needs to be circulated on social media

  12. Nick 12

    Will he be seen as better than Bridges? It's a low bar, so attainable.

    Anyway, Muller is crap, as is anyone with a Maga cap.

    • Anne 12.1

      And the fact he displays it as some sort of prized trophy is an eye opener. He has to be a Trump admirer otherwise it would be tucked away in a bottom drawer.

      I also noted a tone of contempt for the Greens in one of his interviews about the deal he did with James Shaw. It was something to the effect that had to tone down the policy and get… all the ridiculous stuff removed. Ridiculous stuff? Doesn't sound like he has a good grasp of the C.C. issue as is being claimed.

      • Dennis Frank 12.1.1

        I agree with that. However, democracy is the art of the possible. Compromising the solution to social problems is inherent. Don't rule out the possibility that his personal view gets put to one side so he can secure the optimal deal that will work.

      • Grumpy 12.1.2

        He displays the Maga hat alongside the Hilary Clinton campaign badge. Both were given to him by the respective presidential campaigns

        • weka 12.1.2.1

          it's still a major mistake for someone with leadership ambitions.

          • Incognito 12.1.2.1.1

            Muller is a manager with leadership aspirations. What could go wrong? Then again, he could be the exception that proves the rule. The National Party portrays itself as an astute manager of the economy but don’t ever expect leadership from them; this requires a vision and bestowing people with agency to make decisions that benefit them as individuals but also their local communities and our collective society as a whole. Managers are generally ill-suited to give others agency and actively avoid it. Leaders, OTOH, depend on it and aim for it.

          • G unit 12.1.2.1.2

            Really, in that case most members of the house are guilty of accepting a gift from someone you deemed to be deplorable at some point in time.. Sorry, I strongly disagree with your statement. I'm sure if we looked on the current PM's home office shelf we could all pick something to be outraged about. Next you'll be talking about his micro aggressions.

            • observer 12.1.2.1.2.1

              Missing the point. It's not that he owns a souvenir. I've got stuff from my travels overseas, didn't throw them out because the commies were in charge of East Berlin or wherever.

              It's his defence when questioned that is so revealing. "I've got a Hillary Clinton button too!".

              Muller appears to be a rational person with some awareness of reality, and any such person watching Donald Trump says "OMG this guy is totally fucked! This is a shit show!".

              For reasons of diplomatic protocol he obviously can't phrase it quite like that. But I expect him to think it, not because Muller is a liberal but because he is not an idiot. I don't expect him to use weasel words like "not necessarily agree" or whatever.

              If he thinks that the right-left divide is Trump-Clinton, that is seriously scary. Key was delighted to be associated with Obama and Hillary, because he is a moderate conservative like them. That's what I expect the leader of the National party to be.

              He should be asked if he would prefer Ardern or Trump. The answer even to a NZ conservative is obvious, not a moment's hesitation needed. It doesn't seem so obvious now.

            • weka 12.1.2.1.2.2

              this argument only works if you think the Trump is not so bad.

  13. Cinny 13

    todd keeps repeating how strongly his faith plays a role in his vote choice.

    It should be his constituents voices that reflect his vote, not his own religious beliefs.

    Edit …. Am watching The Nation, ‘the corrupt ship’ is on the show. Wasn’t muller working in brash’s office when the ship overthrew him?

    • I Feel Love 13.1

      Hooton was working for Brash too I think, I wonder if we'll still get Hooton on RNZ?

      • Marcus Morris 13.1.1

        A slight exaggeration on my part – the "tight five" might have been a better analogy.

        I have included a link to an article from Stuff (obviously a little out of date now) which makes very interesting reading.

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/editors-picks/8256626/Christchurch-school-heads-NZs-Ivy-League

      • Marcus Morris 13.1.2

        Probably will. We still get doses of the appalling biased Michelle Boag almost weekly

      • Chris 13.1.3

        RNZ didn't seem to mind Hooton disclosing where Nicky Hager lived after he heard there were Chinese businessmen who may want to kill Hager. It was an extraordinary situation – RNZ had Hooton on the air dribbling on, in the name of commentary, about sordid events he himself was in the thick of. If RNZ kept him on after that there's probably nothing that could make them want to axe him.

    • roblogic 13.2

      Muller worked for Bolger and is very much of the same mold, according to an RNZ piece I heard last night

  14. dv 14

    Interesting that Kaye was not behind Muller in the pic of the newconf yesterday,

  15. SPC 15

    Some interesting comments made when he won party nomination for the BOP in 2014.

    https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/03/muller_declares_for_bay_of_plenty.html

    A prediction he would beat Bridges for the leadership and he was also better than Jami-Lee Ross

  16. swordfish 16

    He's just a Pretty Communist as far as I'm concerned.

  17. Dennis Frank 17

    Farrar: "I’ve personally known Todd for around 25 years, from when he was President of the Waikato Students Union. Waikato is a pretty lefty campus so it is quite an achievement for a then member of the Young Nationals to be elected President. Todd was on the Young Nationals Executive with me and as you would expect in the early 90s there was quite a battle between the drys and the wets on economic policy. Todd was always the moderate voice in the middle, so we nicknamed him “Moistie – a little bit dry and a little bit wet” 🙂" https://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2020/05/todd_muller_the_new_national_leader.html

    "He was talked about as a future leader when he was in his 20s. I even blogged in 2014 that he would be Prime Minister one day, when his candidacy for Bay of Plenty was announced."

    Someone operating in the middle like that instinctively knows the best position for leverage. Winston got there by trial & error. He will see Muller's instinct as a serious threat.

    • Lack of charisma is the problem Dennis, particularly in this social media society.

      • Dennis Frank 17.1.1

        Yeah, can't beat Jacinda if you lack the x factor, eh? However the incoming depression makes her vulnerable. If it is merely a recession when the election arrives, she'll probably win. Dunno if business folk can spin on a dime fast enough…

    • I Feel Love 17.2

      The Waikato Uni Student Union was the first to go voluntary, was he part of that? Not particularly "lefty", totally stripped the uni of student services that the compulsory union fees paid for, so Farrar twisting things, again.

      • I Feel Love 17.2.1

        and actually it's debatable about Waikato Uni being "lefty", it has a huge Management school, when I was there those big mouths were everywhere spouting Act crap, so again Dr Wayne, you're wrong & spinning.

    • Gabby 17.3

      You get fckall leverage in the middle neocon Den, stick around there long enough and you're roadkill.

      [Your ‘snappy’ one-liners are getting tiresome and your snide “neocon Den” has been over-used (six times, by my count). Take a day off for each one of those and when you come back please stop the personal mockery, thanks – Incognito]

  18. AB 18

    Muller is going to appeal to those natural National voters who have temporarily deserted. He's going to lift that 29%. I don't think there's any point pretending otherwise.

    Personally I already dislike him more than I did Bridges. He's a cookie-cutter, reflexively right-wing, born to rule, business bloke with a totally inflated sense of his own worth. A type I've seen often, and exactly the type that has already wielded far too much power for far too long.

    • Gabby 18.1

      Look, if he can show signs of being a bully he'll win a lot of electors over.

      • AB 18.1.1

        Heh. I think the whole Muller candidacy is re-asserting the myth that 'business experience' is what matters in a politician. The COVID-19 crisis sidelined business voices and gave an audience to some very smart people in the senior public service and parts of academia. This is what freaked people on the right. Muller is trying to reclaim the narrative and make business central again.

        • Bearded Git 18.1.1.1

          Agreed AB, except business AND farming. Lots of votes there though.

        • Chris 18.1.1.2

          Precisely, which is why it's crucial for Labour to actively bust the myth that National are and have historically been better at managing the economy. The ease at which Muller was able to say the government did a good job with covid, and now the country needs National to fix the economy is because that's the prevailing view. It's not true, never has been, but is a huge reason why Labour loses elections. Get the truth out there and things may be very different. This should be seen by government as a pivotal concern.

          • RosieLee 18.1.1.2.1

            100%

          • Fifi 18.1.1.2.2

            National can claim they were able to successfully steer the country through the Global financial Crisis and the two Canterbury earthquakes without decimating the economy.

            National have announced they will not raise taxes. Middle New Zealand who have experienced tax bracket creep will be listening.

            Last week Labour were sleep walking to victory, and could have governed alone, thanks to Jacinda's superb handling of Covid 19, but a day is a long time in Politics, and no longer is a Labour victory a foregone conclusion.

            Grant Robertson may well be able to get us through this, but he has few capable Ministers to back him. To date, there has been little detail on the recovery plan from Labour.

            For instance, Labour announced the Kiwibuild reset, but no detail as to how and where. Meanwhile, our construction firms are downsizing, and our building supply companies are laying off staff. Raw materials are in short supply. National will use this to their advantage.

        • aom 18.1.1.3

          Now about that myth – Muller might be just the person to perpetuate it. Two claims to fame were senior management positions, first with Zespri then Fonterra. Both seemed to have major f**k-ups that seemed to have occurred about the times of his respective tenures.

          • Gabby 18.1.1.3.1

            Did Munter actively break them, or just sit back and collect his cheque in nat style management?

          • Chris 18.1.1.3.2

            Maybe someone will ask him about that on national tele?

  19. Chris 19

    "Who is Todd Muller? I have no idea and if I don’t then most of the good people of Aotearoa won’t."

    Sure, that may be the case, but it doesn't mean those who the polls suggest Labour's taken from the nats won't vote for him. For many it'll require just the slightest excuse to return to their roots. And the fact we mightn't know much about Muller right now says more about how we need to respect him, instead of ridiculing him. Ardern I'm sure is taking nothing for granted. Bridges isn't the leader anymore.

    • observer 19.1

      Obviously he will lift National's support. Only the deluded would think otherwise. Bridges was strongly disliked by many Nats and ex-Nats. He isn't Bridges, so add 5% overnight.

      My first impressions of Muller as a media performer were favourable. He comes across as comfortable in his own skin, which is really important. Ardern has that quality more than anyone, and Key did too. People respond well to that (we're talking swing voters and the general public here, not nailed-on left or right partisans, our views don't matter much).

      We can't say much yet about the "internal" aspects of the job (dealing with caucus etc). That's a lot harder than being genial on TV. But he has definitely ticked the first box for National.

  20. ianmac 20

    To me Todd = Stolid.

  21. Byd0nz 21

    National lies, always have done, also will do, and with the 3 c's leader they have now. Catholic christian capitalist, the lie remains.

    • Bg 21.1

      They all lie.

      Kiwibuild?

      A billion trees?

      I'll be the first in the mine?

      Ending child poverty is why I entered politics?

      We went hard, early?

      Next year's on me?

      Lying is not the Modus operandi for one party, it's for all parties

      [Lying is not the Modus operandi for one troll, it’s for all trolls. Please lift your game, thanks – Incognito]

  22. Tiger Mountain 22

    Who is Todd? Well he is about to receive blanket media coverage for a few weeks Micky Sav, if the constant pieces online today are anything to go by. So the general population will know soon enough who the Nat spinner’s version at least, of Mr Muller is…

    This old school lefty can tell you who he is right now–Conservative, born to rule attitude, representing the interests of capital first and foremost.

  23. millsy 24

    Too bad Labour didn't show the same decisiveness in early 2008 when they were polling at the same level as Bridges for several times in a row. Phil Goff might have secured them another term.

    As for Todd, I wouldn't write him off, especially with Hooton advising him.

    • gingercrush 24.1

      How would Goff have stopped Key in 2008 if he couldnt in 2011? And replacing Clark would have reeked as desperation

      • millsy 24.1.1

        Goff lost in 2011 because he wanted to increase the age of superannuation to 67 by 2020. Having to wait for two more years to go on super would have financially broken a lot of people.

  24. observer 25

    Here's one very important way in which Muller is NOT like Ardern.

    Today Muller said today that he voted against abortion law reform, and takes similar conservative positions on "conscience issues", because those are his values.

    That's fine, he is entitled to those views. Except … the values aren't meaningful. He does not want to change the law he voted against. Even if he is the Prime Minister.

    Abortion law changed because Ardern put it on the agenda in the 2017 campaign. She didn't have to. It wasn't party policy (both Labour and National have MPs voting either side). But it was an issue that mattered to her because of her values.

    So her values are not a slogan on a T-shirt. They are turned into reality, by taking action in Parliament/government. Muller proclaims his principles are strong … but he has no intention of doing anything about them. Even if he has the power to do so.

    So which one is the real leader, with real values?

    Muller interview on The Nation.

    • As with National's other religious conservatives, his "values" are both contradictory and highly contingent on voter acceptance of them. That interview you linked to highlights both:

      1. Contradictory:

      "Todd Muller says while he voted against abortion and euthanasia, he wouldn't seek to impose his beliefs on anyone else." As though voting for legislation weren't a matter of imposing your beliefs on people, or something.

      2. Contingent on voter acceptance:

      "Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2013, before Muller entered Parliament. He didn't outright say whether he would have voted for or against it, but is "totally relaxed" about it now, in 2020." Like support for smacking children, opposition to gay marriage is now beyond the pale in NZ politics so National's religious conservatives have to pretend they no longer believe those things. So much for "values."

  25. Muller did the right thing for his national party.

    Bridges was wrecking any chance of electoral relevance.

    Maybe the natz should stop relying on trumpian pr advisers.

    • bwaghorn 26.1

      Yip while muller wont be great hed be 10 times better than bridges as PM if it comes down to it.

      • Barfly 26.1.1

        Yeah mine it drill it pollute it sell it – he'd be great for vulture capitalists

  26. Fifi 27

    No, he is not Jacinda, but has a better grasp of economic policy than Jacinda, and much as we'd like a Labour victory, it's no longer assured.

    • Adrian 27.1

      Bullshit. he was at Fonterra and Zespri and both fucked up pretty badly. Being a manager only requires the ability to hide under the desk when the shit hits the fan. He has even been practising with Chris Bishop.

    • Marcus Morris 27.2

      Do you really think that Jacinda makes her decisions in a vacuum. She has shown time and again, but especially in recent times, that she listens to her advisors. There are plenty of members in treasury as well as in her own party, who have much savvy on matters of the economy. You may not have noticed that she also includes business leaders in her discussions. The Nats will push the "economics naivety" for all its worth but history has shown that this is a lot of nonsense. Going back a bit in years, history has judged Arnold Nordmeyer, who was pilloried for his so called "Black Budget" did make the right calls.

  27. Obtrectator 28

    My own fear is that Jacinda could fall victim to the same kind of thinking that saw Churchill turfed out in 1945. He was a hugely popular and respected wartime leader, but was regarded – probably correctly – as not the man to oversee the reconstruction of Britain once hostilities were over. The electorate figured he'd be too likely to go back to the same old same old. They wanted better. (Whether Attlee's administration actually delivered on that is of course open to debate, to say the least.)

    Jacinda could come to be perceived – I said perceived – in the same sort of way. A great lady to have around in a crisis, but not really one for organising and supervising the sustained hard yakka of rebuilding NZ.

    It isn't a question of how many talented and capable members there are in her team, whatever "Tom Duller" might have to say on the subject. In any government, of any political stripe, there are about four or five people who really matter; the rest are just there to make up the numbers (when they're not being potential embarrassments). Jacinda would have enough of those key figures all right.

    I think it all really depends on the extent to which our own electorate will want to restore the pre-Covid state of affairs. Intensive dairy farming, cheap imports from China, welcome mat out for US prepper refugees, sod the environment? If all that continues to appeal (or at least doesn't actively turn people off), the blue flow-tide will roll inexorably back in.

    So between now and September, we need to develop our long-term vision of what a post-Covid society could look like, and sell it for all we're worth. Engage people's emotions; don't rely on pure reason (think Brutus vs Antony at Caesar's funeral). A little judicious economy with the truth (again à la Antony) mightn't hurt, either. The other lot certainly won't be too scrupulous in that regard.

  28. observer 30

    At first I was willing to cut Muller some slack, and to consider his explanation for the infamous MAGA hat … "just a souvenir". Maybe he lacks judgement, but would learn and be smarter.

    Not any more, this is very disturbing:

    Todd Muller sees no difference between Trump and his opponents.

    These are his own words, in context, not a misreporting or misunderstanding. Once you reach for "both sides" in the context of Trump, then the game is up. No defence possible.

  29. Observer Tokoroa 31

    At it again

    The Nat Trolls are out again – hopping into Hooton's shirts. Reading last century's prayer books- and suggesting that Jacinda Ardern, is as hopeless and crippled as National itself.

    Muller has sworn to get more and more money for the very wealthy landlords and farmers of NZ.

    Bridges and Kay in a new Suits.

    (Incognito – please change my name as above )

    [lprent: I count 22 distinct handles being used with this ’email’. So I can’t be bothered with someone who plays around this much. If your email works, I have sent a listing of them to you. In the meantime we’ll keep shifting it back to the most used one. ]

  30. Observer Tokoroa 32

    Money Money Muller Money

    National members know every wrought down on the farm – and every fiscal flick and twist in the polluted paddocks too.

    Sure, Fonterra knows more, because they sit in the towers saying nothing and handing out pittances now and again.

    Mr Muller is around now, to bring it all the money home – (for a few people note). He has promised he is going to make every Wealthy Nationalist get loads of Gearing and Trust stuff. Heaps upon heaps. The best money ever given to our Wealthy Wackers.

    No Nationalist will ever suffer a moment of discomfort.

    Every other New Zealander will get stuff all. That's the practiced Muller way.

    [lprent: I think that 22 handles is more than enough – don’t you? Changing this one to your most common one again. Please read my previous note (and respond soon) or face another life enhancing 6 month ban for not listening to moderators. ]

  31. Muller resembles Bolger, Kaye does not ,as yet, resemble Richardson.

    National was founded by two different parties desperate to keep Labour out of power.

    Nothing much has changed inside that party.

    The Bennet Bridges duo was never going to be an election winner

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    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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