Undesirables for Banks

Written By: - Date published: 2:11 pm, October 25th, 2011 - 102 comments
Categories: john banks - Tags:

Pamphlets are circling highlighting past comments made by Mr Banks, including anti-homosexuality and racist ideas. Right-wing bloggers say it’s all part of nasty campaign tactics by Labour. “waa, waa, waa” said Farrar and Slater “it’s mean to quote a man’s words when he’s trying to keep his true views secret from the voters”.

Mr Banks could not be reached for comment but in the past has said “If I wear my policy on my sleeve, I won’t get elected”.

102 comments on “Undesirables for Banks ”

  1. randal 1

    I’m afraid banks, slater and farrar are al of the same ilk.
    they think they can re-make the world just the way they want it with them in coontrol dishing out punishment and retribution as they see fit.
    It is just as well we live in a democratic country otherwise it would not be nice if these people got their way.
    You know they are perfect…*rseholes.

  2. Joe Bloggs 2

    It’s a little lame of Levi Joule to present comments from Banks dating to 1978 and suggest that they were made in 2010.

    If Joule wants to hold Banks accountable for comments made 33 years ago then let’s also look at more recent statements – such as the statement made by David Parker that the Sensible Sentencing Trust had made a large donation to the Act Party – evidently the SST has called out Parker for lying and defamation action is already under way…

    • You righties stun me.
       
      Back when Helen wanted to do something about rorts and corporates dominating political campaigns it was all “wah wah wah freedom of speech wah wah wah.”
       
      And now when someone publishes something Banks has actually said and it is “wah wah wah bring in the lawyers wah wah wah”.
       
      Let SST open up its books and show how baby identity stealer Garrett got on ACT’s list.
       
      Although you are right in one respect.  If I was accused of making a donation to ACT I would also sue.

      • The Voice of Reason 2.1.1

        Yep, with you there, mickey. I didn’t realise it had got so bad for ACT that even talk of an association with them is grounds for a defamation action.
         
        It’s going to be hard for the SST to prove any loss, given that they knowingly employed a two strikes criminal and were complicit in keeping the truth hidden so he could work on their behalf in Parliament. Not to mention their more regular public shows of racism, hypocrisy and cant, which have diminished their standing in the public since day one.
         
        Still, I guess they are pretty desperate at the moment, what with their political arm imploding and the media obviously no longer ringing them for comment every time a crime is committed.
         
        My prediction? No legal action whatsoever against Parker. And not just because they are unlikely to win damages, but because the SST would have to sue the publisher as well. That’s one David P. Farrar, (last known address somewhere deep inside the pocket of the SST).

      • Pete George 2.1.2

        This is stinky campaigning. I’ve never been a fan of Banks, I’d be happy to see him lose, but this is downright dishonest intent. Even more disgraceful is people who should know better defending it.

        And Greg, I thought you would know better about trying to spread accusations you have no proof about. Aren’t you supposed to be a lawyer?

        • mickysavage 2.1.2.1

          Petey boy.
           
          Complain to the Herald.  It published the two quotes.  The quotation mark thingys around the quotes mean they are quotes and the bit that says “NZ Herald, 31 July 2010” is the source.
           
          Dishonest intent?  Or Banks expressing an honestly held opinion?

          • Pete George 2.1.2.1.1

            You will have to ask Banks if he honestly held those opinions then.

            By not referencing the original quote it looks dishonest.

            And totally unneccesary – if it referenced the original quotes it would have highlighted how long Banks has been a prat.

            If Parker wasn’t involved (hopefully) he really needs to deal with this, or it’s a bad look for one of the more sensible Labour MPs.

          • Joe Bloggs 2.1.2.1.2

            honestly held opinion in 1978 – dishonest intent in 2011

            That’s the difference Greg.

            • mickysavage 2.1.2.1.2.1

              Que?

              One of the statements was made in 1993.  And why should the time elapsed make a difference? 

              • Lanthanide

                “And why should the time elapsed make a difference? ”

                You really want to go there, do you?

                You’re just begging for Goff’s asset sales quotes from the 4th Labour government to be dug up, aren’t you?

                • Lanth

                  It is not as if the right has kept a civilized silence on Goff’s 1980s views.  You mean they are only going to start now?  Besides one of Banks’ statements was from 1993. 

                • burt

                  Lanthanide

                  You wouldn’t need to back very for a hypocrisy call either. Benson-Pope sets a recent precedent for not judging an act in yesteryear by todays standards.

              • The elapsed time makes no difference to what I think of Act.

                The intentional dishonesty makes a big diffeence to what I thought of David Parker if he was involved or if he doesn’t publicly deal with it.

                • Colonial Viper

                  PG this low level shit is beneath Parker’s notice. Parker should keep campaigning hard out in Epsom and not be distracted by faraway Dunedin detractors.

                  • He has felt a need to issue a half retraction, sort of:

                    Garth McVicar has today (25 October) said that the Sensible Sentencing Trust has not made donations of money to any political party, including Act. It appears from his statement that the only gift the Trust itself made to Act was David Garrett. What donations, if any, came from members of the so-called Sensible Sentencing Trust to Mr Garrett or Act I do not know.

                    Goes micky write his speeches?

                    • Fuck off Petey.

                      There is an acknowledged significant link between the SST and ACT.  Garret went from one to the other.

                      Money may or may not have been paid.  I wish I knew.  Any public  “charity” that engages in advocacy like the SST ought to publish its accounts and donations, that way the public can know what is happening.

                      If you want to read an intelligent argument for this go to George Monbiot’s article here.  Go ahead, educate yourself.

                      And I do not write Farrar’s speeches and am just as able to take faux umbrage at this suggestion as you did about Parker’s statement.

                      Tell me Petey are you in the slightest bit upset that Banks thinks that Maori are criminals or that Polynesians are drunken thugs?  Or are you just following in the footsteps of the coiffured one and wanting to run cover for the right? 

                      EDIT: This is one big snow job to divert attention from Banks statements. So predictable Petey, so predictable.

                    • Tetchy.

                      I’ve already said I’ve never been a fan of Banks, maybe these old statements are part of the reason, I don’t remember. I don’t know if he still thinks the same but I don’t care, I don’t have him in my electorate and I won’t be voting Act.

                      I’m more concerned about Parker because I had some respect for him even though he has headed north. He’s gone back in my estimation because as I’m sure you know he claimed similar to what you did. Unlike you he has now offered a half cocked retraction.

                      You’ve gone back in my estiimation too, I knew you were a party wally but as a lawyer I thought you would have more integrity than to make insinuations without any backing.

                      It’s stinking party politics Greg.

                    • So Pete you think that Banks thinking and saying that Maori are criminals or that Polynesians are drunken thugs is not as bad as Parker presuming that there was a deal and the obviously strong link between SST and ACT involved the payment of money.

                      I hope the electors of New Zealand deliver a result that means you do not occupy public office.

                      And you also need to lean what “insinuation” means as you obviously do not currently understand its meaning. 

                    • Colonial Viper

                      PG talking about stinking politics without noticing that its his own political odour which is stinking.

                    • Something I don’t like or agree with that Banks said 33 years ago hasn’t changed my mind about him. There’s stuff he says now that is much more pertinent to this century and I usually don’t like what I hear still.

                      Something being done by Labour operators in Epsom now is dishonest.

                      And I think your tactics lack integrity and reflect poorly on your profession.

                    • Hum Petey 2011 – 1993 = 18

                    • Colonial Viper

                      PG now mumbling something about integrity. Is this a joke?

                      (In addition to the bad math)

          • mickysavage 2.1.2.1.3

            Petey boy

            I thought you would know better about trying to spread accusations you have no proof about. Aren’t you supposed to be a lawyer?

             

            F u.  The quotes are statements by Banks reported by the Herald.  I have copies of the Herald article.  So Petey better retract now. 

            • Pete George 2.1.2.1.3.1

              I was referring to Act and SST.

              • Well then point out where I have spread accusations about SST funding Act.

                • 2.1- “Let SST open up its books and show how baby identity stealer Garrett got on ACT’s list.”

                  • Nope.  This is saying that SST should open up its books and show it has not.  I said this because I would love to see how it is funded.  It clearly is not a statement that SST did fund ACT.   

                    BTW I was not publishing the allegation, just responding to Joe Bloggs who was.

                    • Lanthanide

                      Why should the SST open up it’s books to show how Garrett got into the Act party?

                      Clearly you have an underlying presumption that unless they show that they do not fund Act, that they must be funding Act.

                    • Should Labour open it’s books and reveal all funding just in case someone can find something embarrassing?

                      You clearly put an idea out there for the purpose of creating an impression of impropriety, or at least raise doubt, with absolutely no evidence.

                      Dirty politics Greg, that’s all that is, no matter how much you try and squirm a denial. You’re too embedded in the nasty side. To you any tactics to achieve the result you want are justified. A lot of people have had a gutsful of that, and will either vote against it or increasingly won’t vote.

                    • Joe Bloggs

                      Funny Greg, I thought that you being all lawyered up ‘n all, you’d be aware of the presemption of innocence, and of the obligation for the accusers to provide evidence of guilt.

                      Instead you’re baying for SST to open its books to prove a negative – guilty until proven innocent eh? Is that how your version of the law works out in the Wild West?

                    • Colonial Viper

                      yeah I always thought it quite likely that ACT and the SST were together thick as vindictive punitive thieves.

                      Nothing like getting a couple of moralistic authoritarians together to pass money and favours between each other.

                    • Lanth

                      Why should the SST open up it’s books to show how Garrett got into the Act party?

                      I just want to see how SST is funded.  They occupy a public position and advocate on matters of policy.  I would like to see how they function.  Overseas such requests are not unusual.

                      EDIT: Petey Labour does declare its donations. National use trusts to hide the identity of its donors.

                    • Lanthanide

                      So what has seeing how SST is funded got to do with Garrett being on Act’s list?

                    • Lanth George Monbiot puts the case for full disclosure by public interest groups here.

                    • Lanthanide

                      You didn’t actually answer the question. I’m not interested in what George Monbiot thinks.

                      I want to know why you associated the SST opening up their books publicly with the question of how David Garrett ended up on the Act party list.

                      I’ll take your repeated diversions on this point as an indication that you know you’ve put your foot in it.

        • felix 2.1.2.2

          “Even more disgraceful is people who should know better defending it.”

          You mean people defending Banks’ bigotry? I agree. Disgusting.

          • Ari 2.1.2.2.1

            Pretty much. When Banks retracts those statements and apologises for making them, THEN maybe it will be relevant whether his opponents come out against the ad campaign, IF it continues after that hypothetical apology. Until then, it’s far more relevant that Banks is still on the record as several different types of bigot.

      • Bunji 2.1.3

        Fabulous to see that even the right-whingers think that donating to ACT is such a blot on your character as to be able to sue for defamation…

        (I imagine it was SST donors whose donations accompanied Garrett, rather than SST donating directly – no point in funnelling thru a Trust that’s not the Waitemata Trust or similar construct…)

    • Blighty 2.2

      joe. They quoted their source: a 2010 editon of the Herald. What the hell are you complaining about?

      • Ari 2.2.1

        He’s complaining that the 2010 herald is not the original source and makes the quotes seem more recent than they are, which would be a fair point, IF Banks ever decided to apologise for making them.

    • mik e 2.3

      Don’t forget Rev Capill who wrote the SSts policies

  3. Farrar is really showing the depth of his convictions.  Back in 2008 the slightest regulation of advertising was going to be the death knell of democracy.  Now a young politically aware person puts out a brochure and Farrar and Slater launch a frenzied attack on him.
     
    How dare he.  It is so unfair publicising something that Banks has actually said.
     

  4. felix 4

    And is Banks going to front up and denounce his long-held views on polynesians and homosexuals?

  5. Ben 5

    Having not seen the Herald article, are these quotes reproductions of things Banks said in the 70s that were re-printed in the Herald last year? Or things he actually said in 2010?

    If it’s the former then those pamphlets are deliberately misleading.

    • Blighty 5.1

      how are they misleading? They say NZ Herald, their source, and the date of that source.

      And if you think the fact that Banks was saying these things 33 years ago makes it ok, that’s your problem. Until he renounces his statements, they’re his views.

      • Ben 5.1.1

        If Hitler or Ghandi or Einstein were quoted in the Herald last week, it would be misleading for me to publish the quote and cite last week’s Herald as it’s source as though that’s when the comment was originally made.

        While I agree that his statements stand until such time as they’re renounced, publishing a document which infers they were said in 2010 when they weren’t is, in my view, misleading. Doing that sort of thing reduces the credibility of the pamphlet in general and gives apologists (Farrar, Slater et al.) a point to defend, effectively allowing them to side-step the issue.

        And if you think that by not explicitly condemning his statements I’m suggesting they are OK, you’re reading way too far between the lines.

        • The Voice of Reason 5.1.1.1

          Hey, Ben, is Iwi/Kiwi misleading?

          • Pete George 5.1.1.1.1

            I didn’t like them either. Anyway it doesn’t excuse this deliberate misleading.

            • The Voice of Reason 5.1.1.1.1.1

              Pete, is asking people to vote for a candidate and party you wouldn’t vote for yourself misleading? If so, how do you excuse yourself?

              • You’re being dishonestly misleading. And pathetic. And off topic.

                • The Voice of Reason

                  Ha! At least we know where Banks stands, unlike the United Follicles candidate in Dunedin North. Banks said these things. He has never denied saying them and despite having a good opportunity to reject his earlier racism as part of a response to the pamphlets, he hasn’t done so. Now, being a racist is probably an advantage in Epsom, so I don’t suppose he will say that it was all along time ago, mistakes were made, I vas only following orders, etc, etc…
                   
                  I must say I find your faux outrage rather amusing, Pete. As the least transparent and open candidate in NZ political history you should be well aware that hiding what you really think is a vital tool in the armoury of the politically vapid. You and Banks are like peas in a pod, in that regard. Mushy peas, at that.

          • Ben 5.1.1.1.2

            Not sure why that question arises in this context, but in my view putting it like that effectively creates the notion that Iwi and Kiwi are somehow mutually exclusive. Whether it’s misleading or not depends on whether you believe that to be the case, I guess, but I don’t have a strong view either way.

            • The Voice of Reason 5.1.1.1.2.1

              Cheers, Ben. What I’m suggesting is that blurring the lines has been a political ploy in NZ for at while now. I have no problems with the Epsom pamphlets because they are factually correct, which is not the case with the Iwi/Kiwi hoarding, which was just a dogwhistle to the ‘I’m not a racist, but …’ crowd.
               
              I think it would have been better if they’d left the date off (just John Banks, NZ Herald), because that has given the right an opportunity to get all shrill and pompous about a tiny matter, when the substance remains. Banks is a racist, that’s the real story.

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.2

          If Hitler or Ghandi or Einstein were quoted in the Herald last week, it would be misleading for me to publish the quote and cite last week’s Herald as it’s source as though that’s when the comment was originally made.

          ???

          You cite the publication where you got the information, and the date of that publication!!!! Happens all through university. Where were you?

          If you pull a quote by Jesus from the King James bible, what would you do, not reference the bible?

          Madness.

          • Ben 5.1.1.2.1

            Where was I? Not at university.

            While it’s becoming clear that what’s been said is technically “correct”, the author of those flyers has either (a) not read any further than the Herald article to check the date on which those comments were made, or (b) chosen to use the 2010 date in order to make the point more valid to the current political climate. I’m not saying he’s quoted it in error, or that he had no right to quote it. I’m simply saying that certain details have been omitted to make it seem more relevant. And people will pounce on that as a reason to dismiss the information in those flyers.

            Banks said what he said, I’m not questioning that. What I’m saying is it’s better to be completely upfront about things so as not to give your opponents an option to debate the details rather than the content, which is exactly what’s happened here.

            Either way, Banks will likely come back with something like “Look I’m not going to debate things I said in the 1970s” and the MSM will let him away with it.

            • QoT 5.1.1.2.1.1

              I’m with Ben, I’ve got to say. Banks is such a scumfuck that his critics certainly shouldn’t need to resort to even unthinking dishonesty or spin to bring him down.

          • Joe Bloggs 5.1.1.2.2

            If you pull a quote by Jesus from the King James bible, what would you do, not reference the bible? hello face – meet hand slap!

            In this case Joule hasn’t cited the KJV but has cited the NZ Herald instead.

            The pamphlet would have been a little more credible if the citation had included a reference to the date when the words were originally spoken and the publication in which they appeared, followed by a comment to the effect “as reported in the NZH…”

            That’s how citations of words quoted 30+ years later normally work – brush up on your APA style CV

        • Blighty 5.1.1.3

          I tried to read this but stopped at “boo hoo hoo, don’t quote Banks’ racist and homophobic remarks, people might like him even less, boo hoo hoo”

  6. Ianupnorth 6

    Two words – Exclusive Brethern – when they were attacking Labour and the Greens the right were quite happy that it was happening. But poor Banksie, all upset because someone is doing the same to him.
     
    As has been stated here before there is far more dirt to come!

  7. tsmithfield 7

    Regardless of the rights and wrongs of this pamphlet, I am not so sure it is such a good idea.

    After all, there is probably a fairly substantial percentage of the voting public that would agree with the sentiments expressed.

    • Colonial Viper 7.1

      Let them vote Banks then. Its not like they don’t already know he is a red neck brother.

  8. Blimey, have any of you actually been through the Epsom electorate?
    Despite the fact that this is dirty pool it will probably ring a bell in that electorate for Banks*
    Now lets see some “sell everything” quotes from Goffs past.

    *I live in Northland and would vote for Sue Bradford before I would cast a vote for Banks.

  9. Political Bear 9

    There is nothing legally or technically wrong with the leaflet. It is bloody obvious that EVERY law was complied with by the author.

    These crocodile tears are pathetic. National/Act aren’t getting their own way in Epsom and are now engaging in a smear campaign on a kid who is standing up for what he believes in promoting quotes attacking demographics he belongs too.

    Its just hypocritical. It ok to make blindingly misleading quotes about homosexuals, Pacific people, Maori and Women (as the four leaflets highlight) at an attempt to get an electoral bounce out of prejudice and bigotry but dirty tactics in calling someone up on it.

    Banks has never apologised for those views and people should know about it.

    • Joe Bloggs 9.1

      It ok to make blindingly misleading quotes about homosexuals, Pacific people, Maori and Women (as the four leaflets highlight) at an attempt to get an electoral bounce out of prejudice and bigotry but dirty tactics in calling someone up on it.

      So where do you stand on Trevor Mallard calling Finlayson Tinkerbell?

      Is that OK because its an attempt to get an electoral bounce out of prejudice and bigotry? Or is that just dirty tactics?

      • Political Bear 9.1.1

        I oppose it. If he has been doing that, then it is a disgrace and he should apologise. But, it begs the question- how does that negate my original position?

      • mickysavage 9.1.2

        Ho hum another diversion.  Joe how do you feel about Banks’ statements?

  10. randal 10

    Well I hope the SST does sue.
    Lets see what they are made of.
    I hope the standard sends soemone along to the hearings.
    The SST and banks and his mob are right into punishment.
    They love inflicting pain because maybe they were abused as children and now they want to get even.
    Hate to see what sort of B&D they get into when no-one can see them.
    Meanwhile they have skewed the whole system and made everyone afraid.
    instead of doing something to alter the psychopathology that runs rife in this community they make it worse by offering the same punshment as the crimes and committing the government to massive spending programmes of stuff instead of doing something with people.
    they just sik f*ks.
    What the hell is the media for. Just for reporting the crap and advertising the contracts for stuff like new prsions and electric fences, and smoking porogrammes that dont work etc etc etc.

  11. Anthony 11

    When I read those flyers I assumed they were crazy “hollow men” style comments that were made recently.

    Definitely misleading, but the right love bringing up Goff’s business from that period and claiming it represents his views now so diddums tbh.

  12. Uturn 12

    Did they ever catch “the maori criminal”? What did he do? Did he died?

    I saw a polynesian looking fellow eating some lollies while I was on the bus. He was also driving the bus. But the sign did say no eating or drinking. So that’s urinating, punching, eating lollies and driving buses to add to the rap sheet. When will it end?

  13. interesting 13

    So….if it is fine for left leaning people to remind the publi of things that Banks said 30 years ago (cos clearly it seems impossible for any of you to believe that people can change their convictions over time)….. can people start putting out pamphlets of phil goff talking about all the things that he has said over the last 30 years….like for instance how great asset sales are?? how great it is to have a business taxx rate of 28%…..and so on…..or is it only okay to remind voters what mean nasty right-wingers said 30 years ago?

    • Uturn 13.1

      Dunno he would have had much to say about that specifically since his areas were education, housing and employment. But don’t worry, “the world isn’t perfect”. Best we all just accept it.

      • Anthony 13.1.1

        Yep, they’ve tried that one already anyway about asset sales and trying to discredit him as a closet rogernome, shoes on the other foot now righties so handle it.

    • weizguy 13.2

      Both are fine. There’s no reason why Goff shouldn’t have to explain decisions made earlier in his political career. They’re uncomfortable questions, but I, for one, don’t have a problem with them being asked. As I understand it, he’s explained himself.

      Now it’s Banks’ turn. Can’t see it though.

  14. Lanthanide 14

    Here’s a guide to APA style citation. This is a citation using a secondary or indirect source.

    http://umanitoba.ca/student/u1/lac/media/Citing-Secondary-or-Indirect-Sources-07.pdf

    Example #1 – Quotes
    Trost (1986) researched “what holds marriage together,” (as cited in Beaujot, 2000, p.
    110) and found that several typical bonds had weakened.

    You’ll note that the date is given next to the original author, Trost. This is the only example of the style that included the original date that I found on the net in my short amount of googling.

    However it goes on to say this:

    Compared to quotes, paraphrases only require the author’s last name and date of
    publication in both indirect and regular paraphrases, but note that the phrase “as cited in” is
    essential for citing indirect sources.

    Emphasis mine.

    The other examples in the pdf all show the date of the original statement included in the citation.

    • Colonial Viper 14.1

      I’m sure he’ll take all this useful info under advisement for the second lot on Banks he publishes.

      Banks has said a lot of shit over time so no doubt there will be a second lot.

      • Lanthanide 14.1.1

        Hopefully, it would give the banks brigade one less vector of attack. Not that I think anyone is particularly concerned with their attacks.

    • Political Bear 14.2

      I missed the section of the Electoral Act requiring APA? More of a Chicago guy myself.

      The leaflets were accurate and and followed all legal requirements. What’s the issue? Whether he said them now or 30 years ago- they are still inaccurate and bigoted and the leeaflets would only be misleading if he had over that 30 year period retracted them ajnd they then presented them as recent…

      I’m indifferent either way- live by the bigot baiting die by the bigot baiting…

  15. NickS 15

    /smirk

    Awww, poor Banks and friends, crying over having their own toxic behaviours used against them.

    Though the url for the articles those quotes are from should have been included, if only to save time on the odious task of googling them for context.

    Also I find it rather pathetically predictable that the sewer et al are claiming “it labour dat dun it!” without showing any evidence, as not only is Labour not the only party on the left, but there’s also the fact that Banks isn’t exactly well liked even on the right.

    • NickS

      I have seen the article today.  It appears that it is not on the Herald website.  It was part of an in depth article on Banks prior to the election.  So no URL sorry …

  16. millsy 16

    No doubt Whale and his boyfriend would have liberally reproduced Keith Locke’s 1970’s writings about the happenings in Cambodia/Democratic Kampuchea.

    [nothing wrong with a guy having a boyfriend. Although it is a bit of a love-hate thing with those two]

  17. randal 17

    At the monent randal reads ‘TRUE” Conan story about 50foot slug. make good mate for slater.

  18. That’s a very youthful looking John Banks – taken from around the time he said these things?

    Also, is the footer quote (about wearing policies on the sleeve) actually said in 2009?

    That seems a particularly damning quote to me – means you can’t trust anything he says in an election campaign (e.g., the other quotes might not have even been honest opinions but simply said for political advantage).

    Personally, I found the 2010 citation misleading, too – though any attempt to provide sources is a bit of a rarity in political material and, to that extent, quite positive. After all, by providing that source it allowed people to find out that the quotes weren’t said then.

    With no citation many, many people would have just assumed they were recent comments.

    So, in a funny way, having the citation was better for Banks than not having one.

  19. Dotty 19

    Why is everyone assuming these are by Labour/the left?

    I an just as easily see them being spread by a pissed-off Rodney Hide supporter, or a supporter of ACT who is annoyed at how their party has been taken over by Brash and Banks.

    • McFlock 19.1

      The attribution at thebottom of the picture, as per election advertising requirements. As far as I know there’s been no claim that the chap named isn’t responsible for them.
       
      Personally, aside from a relatively minor citation error (there’s no suggestion that the original source isn’t Banks, rather than the secondary source cited), I don’t have a huge problem with it, although the negativity is ookey and not really needed because Banks at this stage isn’t looking like being within a [g]nact’s whisker of anywhere close to winning this time.
       

      • Lanthanide 19.1.1

        It might appear that he’s not on the winning course at the moment, but things can change very rapidly. If National dropped down low enough in the polls to really spook the voters, Act could easily come cruising back in via Epsom. In such a scenario I’d hope that their party vote was low enough to not bring Brash back in, but I wouldn’t count on that.

        Better to kick him while he appears to be down, than to ease off and be stuck with more political corpses smelling up parliament.

        • McFlock 19.1.1.1

          But the more attention he gets the more he can nobly ignore the slings and arrows of dirty tricks.

          Something like this would be much more potent if the target is becoming liked again. At the moment it gives him oxygen. Not that I think that this sort of campaigning becomes the left.

          • felix 19.1.1.1.1

            Meh. Kick him when he’s up, kick him when he’s down.

            The main thing is to keep kicking him.

  20. AB 20

    Very happy to see these old comments from Banks dragged up, because I remember him saying them.
    I was living in the old Mt Roskill (or maybe Mt Albert) electorate in the late 70’s and a first-time voter. He was the National Pary candidate.
    I’ve detested the man ever since and have seen nothing since to change my mind about him.
    He didn’t win in Mt Roskill, but much to my rage, took off to my old home town of Whangarei and squatted there for years as the National MP, spreading his vileness.

  21. felix 21

    Just to be clear, Banks said these things and he fucking meant them. The useful idiots and cretins to my right would have us believe:

    That Banks was a bigot in 1978, and he was a bigot in 1993, but now he’s not.

    Whatever.

    • McFlock 21.1

      the other alternative put forward in the comments is that he was pretending to be a bigot in 1978 and 1993, but isn’t really. Which is so much better.

    • Ari 21.2

      If he honestly wasn’t a bigot anymore, it would still make a difference. (although the man is detestable on so many levels I doubt he’d win even then) I don’t mind when people back down and at least pretend to change their minds, so long as they do it.

  22. Jum 22

    The Colin Craig conservative party must be loving this – they put out the pamphlet and Labour gets the blame. All the moneyed types like business rotundtable and fay richwhite act-alikes that want rid of National are backing the conservative party to wrest the right ground from National.

    There are no act billboards in Franklin. There are big conservative billboards though – funny that…

    Ya think life will be bad with NActU? Try nat/conservatives. Women, especially, watch your freedoms erode even faster.

    • Lanthanide 22.1

      I think if Act finally bites the dust, the conservatives will be ascendant in 2014. There’s not really enough room for both of them with the current vote (Act got 3.65%), unless one or the other can peel off some from National. Brash promised he could do it but abysmally failed.

      In contrast, Mana can probably eke out a small niche from both MP and Green voters.

      • Colonial Viper 22.1.1

        Mana’s challenge is becoming a movement which is more than just a one man Harawira band. Will it be able to, will he allow it.

        Otherwise the entire party will rise and fall with his star, and last two or three terms max before disappearing again.

  23. Craig 23

    Meanwhile, this distracts attention from ACT’s latest internal wrangling, involving Banks’ electoral staff and advisors walking out… because they don’t think he’s a fit or trustworthy candidate, perhaps? If anything destroys Bank’s slender chances of retaking Epsom, I suspect that it may well originate from within his ‘own’ party…

  24. Craig 24

    Jum:
    Yes, you raise a good point about Kolin Kraig and the Konservatives. They seem to be vacuuming up susceptible other microparties (the Kiwi Party and New Citizens, to date). They’re not registering on any opinion polls, though. At the moment, they’re New Zealand’s only militant fundamentalist/religious social conservative microparty. I suspect that they won’t win any seats, and I’d be very surprised if it got as much as one percent. Fundamentalist Christians are prone to factionalism and arcane ideological/theological debates- rather like hardline libertarians or marxist-leninists, in fact.

    Amusing that Family First seems to want Winston back…

    [lprent: Please don’t bother with the K’s and deliberate misspellings, it is too simplistic and gets really stale really fast (the rest of your comment is fine). Eventually I get sick of them and add them to the spammer lists. Learn to be more subtle with the insults so we poor moderators don’t get bored and start making our own fun.. You really don’t want to see what that is like. ]

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  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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
    3 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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 ...
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    5 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 ...
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    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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  • 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

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