Why are the Right acting like losers?

Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, October 26th, 2011 - 165 comments
Categories: election 2011, national - Tags:

It was meant to be so easy. With high polling and several possible support partners, National would breeze into a second term thanks to Brand Key. The man himself would carried around the country by crowds of adoring locals. It would be more coronation than campaign. So, why are National weather-vanes, Farrar and Slater, hitting the panic-button?

Well, let’s count the reasons that the Nats suddenly find themselves on the backfoot:

Double downgrade and ‘Prime Minister’s hour’

The point when it all started to go wrong was when Key was too busy talking about his cat and promising to sort out the moving of Coronation St’s screening time to attend to the affairs of government on a day on which his government earned New Zealand its the first credit downgrades in 13 years. The resulting interest rate rises so far will cost the country over a hundred million dollars a year.

To add insult to injury, he didn’t get Coronation St to stay at its old time.

S&P lies

The video of Key trying to wiggle his way out of his lie that S&P had said a downgrade would be more likely under Labour is almost too painful to watch. But only because I’m laughing so much. Key cannot answer straight questions honestly. And his reaction if pushed is to become aggressive and bitchy. It was an inflection moment for many journos.

Throat-slitting

A distraught man tries to throw himself into the Debating Chamber. Key tries to blame Labour and makes a throat-slashing gesture. It was the nasty face that the public rarely sees.

The ship disaster that must never be mentioned on any rightwing blog.

Rena has become an inflection point for the public’s view of National. It is not just about the mishandled disaster itself. Or about the fact that Key was too busy trying to photobomb pictures of All Blacks to pay any attention. It’s that it has caused people to look again at how National has handled over crises: Pike River, Christchurch, the economy. And there’s a clear pattern of big promises and no real action.

Embarrassing antics at the Rugby World Cup.

Andrea Vance references his ‘me-too’ triple handshake after the RWC final and says “Less important but just as wince-inducing were the, um, exuberant RWC opening ceremony speech where he pronounced trophy ”trotie”, the flag bet with Julia Gillard”. But, for me, the defining moment was when he was on Breakfast and they asked him how he thought the All Blacks were shaping up for the big games and he, not knowing anything about rugby, couldn’t think of anything to say –

Key, biggest grin on: “well, those backs are looking really good, let me tell you (he draws this last part out salaciously). They look absolutely fantastic”.

Awkward silence as Key’s (presumably, unintentionally) homoerotic comments make everyone reflect on the nature of a game that involves 30 men grappling with each other and clambering over each other trying to get hold of an ovoid ball in front of mostly male spectators.

Key: “Yeah, they’re looking really great”

It’s notable that Key’s minders have decided he is over-exposed on the rugby. When he practically tripping over himself to get in shot with the All Blacks on Sunday there were groans from the crowd, and hasn’t appeared at the victory parades.

Kiwisaver policy fizzer

National’s Kiwisaver announcement last week was meant to stop Moody’s downgrading us and pre-empt Labour’s announcement on Thursday. Instead, it sunk without a trace, dismissed as feeble and too little, too late. The Moody’s downgrade is still coming, and everyone is now looking to what bold ideas Labour will present.

Muddle-through PREFU

Treasury could find nothing to positive to say about National’s economic management. They are muddling through, hoping for the world to bounce out of its gloom. If we suffer another downturn, which looks likely, National has no plan. It would just try to spin us that there is no problem. The PREFU basically says ‘if you’re going to vote for National, pray for the economic growth fairies to sprinkle their magic dust, because it sure isn’t happening otherwise’.

Treasury notes: “In the absence of a marked improvement in the external position, New Zealand may be more likely to be singled out in the funding markets in the future. All things being equal, any further deterioration in the ratings outlook could serve to raise debt servicing costs for the Crown as well as borrowing rates for households and businesses.”

In lieu of a plan from National, the PREFU revealed that the promised ‘brighter future’ will again be delayed next year with growth not reaching the 4% promised only five months ago, and that more and more Kiwis are giving up and leaving for Aussie, joining the 100,000 who have already left under Key and National.

Epsom and Ohariu

National’s polling shows Banks is toast and that Dunne is hanging on by his fingernails (he only just beat Chavuel last time, who just needs to take 504 votes off the hair). And if, as seems likely, the Maori Party loses Tamaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tonga, National could be left with only two of the support MPs it started this term of Parliament with. Not an immediate worry if you’re polling 55% (although a long-term strategic one) but, with National plunging into the mid-40s due to their mishandling of the Rena, it’s very serious here and now problem indeed.

It’s worth noting that National’s pollster, Farrar, is clearly worried about Banks’ chances in Epsom.

No wonder, then, that Farrar and Slater are running round like chickens with their heads off. They’re burning up their credibility (OK, only Farrar had any to burn) by going all out to protect Banks. It’s a hopeless cause, of course. And their strategy of whining does Banks more harm than good by bringing wider attention to his nasty racist and homophobic beliefs, and his self-admitted dishonesty when campaigning.

Fancy trying to say it’s a corrupt practice to publish a quote and the source of that quote, or mutter about defamation suits when some suggests that an organisation has donated to ACT (since when was being associated with ACT defaming, anyway?). These aren’t the actions of political players on top of their games and in control. They’re panic reactions – as are the ban on mentioning the Rena and the National Research Unit’s Slater’s bizarre 24/7 stalking of everyone on the Left in an effort to create a story out of every minor social media exchange while never discussing policy at all.

But you can see why they are over-reacting so. The threads are unraveling mighty fast.

165 comments on “Why are the Right acting like losers? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Rob A 1
    26 October 2011 at 9:58 am

    Fantastic post and it goes to show that a week is indeed a long time in politics.
    Just goes to show that those of us who haven’t given up on Labour may well be vindicated

    • Lanthanide 1.1
      26 October 2011 at 10:25 am

      Yes, this is a really excellent post. Good work Eddie!

      • Deadly_NZ 1.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 4:39 pm

        Excellent post Eddie. The biggest pity is that the MSM would never publish anything so detrimental to the re-election hopes of the Dear Leader Shonky Jonkey.

  2. randal 2
    26 October 2011 at 10:07 am

    Why are they acting like losers?
    Because they are!
    They are a bad luck outfit.
    Now the gas is out.

  3. Political Bear 3
    26 October 2011 at 10:12 am

    “It’s a hopeless cause, of course. And their strategy of whining does Banks more harm than good by bringing wider attention to his nasty racist and homophobic beliefs, and his self-admitted dishonesty when campaigning.”

    Hear Hear.

    I’m waiting for the author of the pamphlets to file for defamation against the both of them. He was legally entitled to do what he did, followed the law to the letter. DPF questions his competence and the legality and says he could go to prison under a provisons that do not apply to him.

    Apparently its illegal to be a kid passionate about politics. What a disgrace.

    • mickysavage 3.1
      26 October 2011 at 12:56 pm

      Apparently its illegal to be a kid passionate about politics. What a disgrace.
       
      Well put.
       
      This is what Farrar and the slithery one will do.  They will haunt and stalk and threaten anyone who puts their head above the parapet and dares to campaign publicly.
       
      You would have thought that Levi had made some sort of far fetched allegation about Banks instead of reporting on what Banks has actually said in the past.
       
      Their goal is to scare good people away from taking part in the democratic process.  Their actions are anti democratic and shows their statements about the EFA to be hypocriticalk in the extreme.
       
      They should be ashamed of themselves.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 2:41 pm

        They should be ashamed of themselves.

        They should be but they won’t. Psychopaths don’t have a conscience and so feel no shame.

      • The Voice of Reason 3.1.2
        26 October 2011 at 2:50 pm

        Talking of scaring people off, in my electorate a couple who had the temerity to put a Labour hoarding on their fence have had the hoarding ripped down, the fence tagged and their house spray painted with ‘Vote National’ and similar shite.
         
        Needless to say, these good folk, who have had signs up for every election in living memory, are shit scared and don’t want a repeat attack. There’s your democratic process, folks. There’s your brighter future.
         
         

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.2.1
          26 October 2011 at 3:41 pm

          I hope they’ve gone to the police.

          • The Voice of Reason 3.1.2.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 3:57 pm

            Yep, but there’s not much they can do, Draco. I believe they did a fingerprint check, so if anybody is caught vandalising other hoardings they may be able to prove a link. I’m told hoardings in Palmy North have also been attacked, including one arson, which could have been very nasty if the fire had spread.
             
            I have a feeling that as the polling gap narrows, more Tories are going to want to take matters in their own hands. Tough on Crime (unless it’s our people doing it).

      • The Baron 3.1.3
        27 October 2011 at 5:36 am

        Just like you scared away the thousands of exclusive brethren for daring to have an opinion you’d don’t like, Micky?

        Disgraceful indeed.

        • Colonial Viper 3.1.3.1
          27 October 2011 at 7:14 am

          The Exclusive Brethren could have had their say if they’d put their actual names down authorising their campaign materials.

          Instead of hiding in the shadows behind fake names and fake campaigns.

    • The Baron 3.2
      27 October 2011 at 5:34 am

      Without a valid promoters statement, registration if you want to spend over $12k, and a requirement of relevance and accuracy, then yes it is illegal. At least it is less burdensome than the original EFA.

      Just as it became illegal for a religous group to do exactly the same thing, for which most of the commenters here have condemned all members of that group to constant mockery and abuse.

      The hypocrisy here is staggering.

      • Colonial Viper 3.2.1
        27 October 2011 at 7:17 am

        The Baron, judge jury and executioner? Put in a complaint then, if you are so sure of your facts. Try and chase a young NZer out of political engagement.

        While trying to compare that to dealing with a bunch of crusty old moneyed up Exclusive Brethren trying to play the system from behind the scenes of smoke and mirrors.

        Hypocrisy mate? You write it.

      • lprent 3.2.2
        27 October 2011 at 7:35 am

        Perhaps they should have done it openly, said who it was from, and avoided using fake addresses. They did massive leaflet drop that was almost entirely made up of either lies or what looked like deliberate misinterpretations of greens policies.

        It was their complete hypocrisy that irritated everyone apart from some fools in Act (who seemed to view this as normal behavior) especially since it was not prosecutable. That lead to the changes in electoral rules.

        Of course the other side of putting names addressees on it and doing it openly is the type of cowardly attacks that Whale, David Farrar, and others are doing on Epsom young labour. I had a look at the leaflets and they are accurate. I am sure Banks didn’t intend them to be publicized – but he said or wrote them.

        But I remember Slater and Farrar supporting the brethren’s anonymous lying attack on the greens and calling it “free speech” and “democratic”. But an open attack using the candidates own words is now somehow sneaky and underhand?

        Even you’d have to conclude that both are simply pretty good at having variable ethics? Don’t you view that as being even a wee bit hypocritical?

      • fmacskasy 3.2.3
        27 October 2011 at 8:04 am

        So is your deflection-attempt, Baron…

      • Political Bear 3.2.4
        27 October 2011 at 8:43 am

        Except Baron it had a legitimate promoter statement and was completely legal. So stop being a F*ing moron. Its nothing like the exclusive Brethren- we know who authored the Epsom leaflets, as is right.

        To make shit up about illegality is the disgrace.

  4. Blue 4
    26 October 2011 at 10:17 am

    I would say that National are very close to losing it now. A few more stuff ups from Key and a strong showing from Phil in the televised debates, and things might turn.

    It will certainly be a closer election than any of the chooks predicted.

    • Lanthanide 4.1
      26 October 2011 at 10:27 am

      It’s likely to hang on the minor parties:

      – How many seats do MP get
      – Do Act and Hairpiece get back in
      – Can the Greens maintain their vote

      If NZ First get back in, given the current landscape, I think that would quite strongly favour Labour. Still don’t think they’re going to make it, though.

  5. vto 5
    26 October 2011 at 10:17 am

    ” When he practically tripping over himself to get in shot with the All Blacks on Sunday there were groans from the crowd”

    Really? Groans from the crowd? ha ha.

    You are correct in your post in highlighting the highlighting that these issues have painted onto the shallow facade that is the man John Key. Shouldn’t be surprised I suppose – he has never really done anything worthwhile. A basic, shallow man with little understanding of much at all. Not even rugby ffs.

    Similarly, in the boondocks recently I noticed a quieter hush whenever Key and the election got mentioned, which has been quite different from months previous. It is as though nobody wants to be associated with him now but nobody wants to be the first to admit it.

    • Blighty 5.1
      26 October 2011 at 10:22 am

      “Certainly – and very subtly – the shine has started to come off. Sure, there was still a cheer from Eden Park on Sunday night but it was unmistakably half-hearted. Some even heard groans.”

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/blogs/what-s-he-said/5847475/Our-embarrassing-uncle

    • The Voice of Reason 5.2
      26 October 2011 at 10:39 am

      I’d love to see the video of Key and the IRB guy walking out with trophy again. It wasn’t just groans, I’m sure it was booing (from my admittedly sozzled recollection). Key looked well pissed off about it and gave a sort of pained shrug to the IRB guy as they walked across to the dias. It was the most vivid memory I have of the game, apart from the moment when the NZ No7 deliberately knee’d a french guy in the head as he entered a maul. 
       
      The reason it stuck in my head was that I realised then and there that Key was not going to get any kudos from the AB’s win at all. Then the handshake/grapple move sealed the deal. Key is going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory because NZ is sick of hanging out with a dork.

      • Blighty 5.2.1
        26 October 2011 at 11:34 am

        you might have trouble getting that video. Thank to the IRB.

        “YouTube has been ordered to remove the awkward 3-way handshake between John key, Richie McCaw and IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset. The moment has gone viral across the internet, making way for a Facebook page called “That awkward moment when John Key crashes your handshake”. Popular video streaming site, YouTube, which is owned by Google, has replaced uploads of the video with the message “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by International Rugby Board”. 3 News and RadioLIVE still have the footage and, as of yet, have not been asked to remove the footage.”

        http://www.radiolive.co.nz/VIDEO-John-Keys-3-way-handshake-pulled-from-YouTube/tabid/504/articleID/24021/Default.aspx

        • Lanthanide 5.2.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 12:35 pm

          Apparently they have copyright on anything that happens in the stadium?

          Wankers. This attitude isn’t going to help the game. Fining players $10k for wearing mouthguards with advertising on them (Streisand effect if ever there was one) and the French for their ‘challenge’ is ridiculous.

          • felix 5.2.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 1:04 pm

            Not sure about “anything that happens in the stadium” (highly unlikely) but someone definitely owns the copyright on the actual film recording.

            Concur on “Wankers”.

            • RJL 5.2.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2011 at 2:42 pm

              Even if the footage is copyright you can broadcast it for editorial (i.e. news value).

              You would have a hard time arguing that a 1-2 minute excerpt of a politician at a major public event, funded by the public, was not of some at least marginal news value. It’s not like the YouTube footage is the entire game.

              YouTube, of course, doesn’t care, and will just do what the IRB says.

              • McFlock …
                26 October 2011 at 2:52 pm

                Didn’t Youtube withdraw a pile of Chaser’s War on Everything  clips purely on the basis of a poorly written “infringement” email from a 16y.o. kid?

          • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.1.2
            26 October 2011 at 2:48 pm

            Typical capitalism – restrict anything and everything that may make a profit.

      • Deuto 5.2.2
        26 October 2011 at 1:56 pm

        It is still available on TV3’s website in the video of the full match. Sorry, still learning how to insert links and not up to speed on linking to videos yet.

        The video is available in the Rugby WC section and the presentations etc start at about 1.50.00 or thereabouts, with the presentations to the All Blacks starting after the 2 hour mark. Cheers.

      • Caernarfon 5.2.3
        27 October 2011 at 1:43 pm

        “It was the most vivid memory I have of the game, apart from the moment when the NZ No7 deliberately knee’d a french guy in the head as he entered a maul.”

        Yeah, that would be McCaw taking out Parra leading to a first-aid stoppage.

        There have been reports of Weepu later punching Parra in the head, leading to his retirement in a groggy and concussed state.

        It sounds as though, having lost Dan Carter’s kicking and strategic skills, the NZ side targeted his French opposite number to disrupt or eliminate a similar advantage.

        There have since been leaks from the NZ team about a retaliatory eye-gouge on McCaw.

        Cui Bono ? Who benefits ?

        Henry has retired, Wayne Smith is going to Waikato, and Hansen intends to apply for the job – competing with Kirwan and others who may include Gatland and Deans.

        It would fit the modus operandi of an old ex-copper to selectively leak it to the press.

  6. ak 6
    26 October 2011 at 10:29 am

    Aye, wee Slippery’s looking decidedly green about the gills of late…..the “sleepwalk” tactic with it’s softly-softly “reasonable” approach in blogs and columns is puttering – the dogs sniff something and are getting restless – and layers of intensified hatemongering will be being plastered on the upcoming benny-bash as we speak. Brace yourselves. And watch Winnie occupy the void.

  7. pollywog 7
    26 October 2011 at 10:38 am

    …and Cunliffe has only just started on tearing English a new one. Not that the dipped in shit needs a new one. He somehow manages to spread as much crap around as a man with a thousand arseholes.

  8. Red Rosa 8
    26 October 2011 at 10:43 am

    The complacency displayed in the early days of the Rena grounding, surely one of the worst NZ maritime/environmental disasters, would have sunk Joyce, Key and National for a lot of swinging voters.

    Many out there are now pondering the RWC result and omens for the election. Considered by most of us as an AB shoo-in last week, there was a nail-biting 30 minutes when it was a very close call indeed.

    No wonder the Nats have suddenly gone quiet.

    For when all is said and done, what HAS this government done for Middle NZ? The tax cuts – never saw them. Unemployment – up with a jolt. The gap with Oz – bigger than ever. And so on.

    Mmmmm….

  9. just saying 9
    26 October 2011 at 10:47 am

    It is satisfying that some people are coming out of their trances.

    With some of his most ardent apologists, it can be really hard not say ‘I told you so – you wouldn’t listen…..’ But I don’t (except once).

    What’ll be interesting is how Key will respond to a public and media, that is becoming less and less fawning. I don’t think he should be underestimated. However his ego has grown from the size of a planet to now dwarfing whole solar systems since he has been PM, and its created a dependency that is proving to be his undoing.

    I’d love to see opposing candidates provoke him – challenge him, needle him, laugh at him a bit.

    • pollywog 9.1
      26 October 2011 at 11:02 am

      I’d love to see opposing candidates provoke him – challenge him, needle him, laugh at him a bit.

      I ‘d love to see the general public do throat slitting gestures at him and mock 3way handshakes after mincing towards him.

      Trying to be everyman for all of us was always gonna be his downfall cos he’s not. He’s our prime minister for fuck’s sake. He needed to cultivate an air of reserved composure and inpsire respect for the office and title. In cultivating the good ol kiwi bloke persona, it’s opened him up to be treated as such in perpetuity.

      Long after he becomes an ex PM people will still treat him like an ordinary bloke and feel they can bust up on him in any public setting and have a good ol yarn like long lost school buddies, buy him a beer and chat about the rugby cos that’s the seeds he’s sown in the public’s perception.

      Wouldn’t be surprised if he gets decked in the future by one of his current ‘mates ‘for being a smarmy prick, once he loses the security boofheads.

      Oh well…karma is a bitch !!!

      • felix 9.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 11:33 am

        Wouldn’t count on him hanging around in little old NZ akshully p. He doesn’t really belong here.

        • Bored 9.1.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 4:03 pm

          yeah but he is a citizen of the world of money aka virtual digits in databases marking obligations to pay that might not happen. He might just disappear into the digital ether.

      • Ianupnorth 9.1.2
        26 October 2011 at 4:36 pm

        Can someone please post his movements so we can actually confront him with some very hard and challenging questions?

  10. randal 10
    26 October 2011 at 10:57 am

    Good old God.
    With nationals bad luck we nearly lost the cup!

  11. idlegus 11
    26 October 2011 at 11:00 am

    this gas pipe issue is becoming a big issue, again no political leadership, could be interesting…

    • Lanthanide 11.1
      26 October 2011 at 11:04 am

      Funny how, after the Christchurch earthquake, we had a relatively quiet 7 months. Now all the shit is piling up right at the very end, during the RWC. Quite strange.

  12. Tom Gould 12
    26 October 2011 at 11:12 am

    These are not ‘panic reactions’, more business as usual for these Tory puppets. Throwing up wild accusations and e-stalking and distraction and character assassination and threats have been their stock in trade for years. No change there.

  13. JS 13
    26 October 2011 at 11:16 am

    Every night that Coronation Street is not on at the right time reminds me of that particular broken promise.

  14. Tim 14
    26 October 2011 at 12:13 pm

    Don’t forget this gem on Letterman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXaizTqSRWw

    I was so embarrassed to be a New Zealander when that happened.

    We elect people to run the country and be on top of issues like Rena and the economy – not clowning around on Letterman.

  15. tsmithfield 15
    26 October 2011 at 12:14 pm

    If lefties here truly believe that National is in trouble then you all should be shorting a National Prime Minister after the election.. Currently the National Prime Minister option is running at 93% on ipredict at the moment, so will pay out big if National isn’t re-elected.

    Notice that the probabilities have hardly moved despite the points mentioned in Eddie’s article, which seems to suggest that voters don’t consider them as important as what Eddie seems to.

    • Tom Gould 15.1
      26 October 2011 at 12:26 pm

      And 99 percent of voters have no clue what iPredict is or have ever heard of it. That’s a bankable sure bet.

      • Craig Glen Eden 15.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 12:34 pm

        and with four weeks to go I predict people will get a lot more issue conscious and way less personality conscious, hand shake anyone?

    • Lanthanide 15.2
      26 October 2011 at 12:39 pm

      If Labour ends up winning, I’m going to get a return of $353 on my current position.

      I’ll probably plonk down quite a bit more in the next couple of weeks as well.

      • mickysavage 15.2.1
        26 October 2011 at 1:12 pm

        Yep, me too.
         
        Ipredict has an inherent right wing bias.  I did very well thank you very much when Len Brown won the Mayoralty.  I thought he was a shoe in from the start and his stock were selling at 5c at one stage.

        • QoT 15.2.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 8:18 pm

          Ha, I initially read that as “lprent has an inherent rightwing bias”. Scared the crap out of me.

          • mickysavage 15.2.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 8:56 pm

            Not true …

          • lprent 15.2.1.1.2
            26 October 2011 at 8:59 pm

            But I am and do….

            Fortunately my intellect and knowlege of history (plus a family that tends towards the practicable rather than the ideological stupidity required to be a true right winger) tend to overwhelm the stupidity factors of my base kiwi culture.

            Of course exactly the same factors tend to make me think many on the left really could do with a few years of a bit of management, acounting, and outright people handling to refine their ideas as well. But that is what management, science and programming backgrounds give you.

            Basically analyzing my political leanings is usually a good exercise in the world of it depends…

    • Blighty 15.3
      26 October 2011 at 4:07 pm

      I got in at 5 cents. Made a good return so far but looking to increasing by money 20-fold.

      • Colonial Viper 15.3.1
        27 October 2011 at 7:22 am

        Left wing capitalist!

        Maybe you should apply to Merill Lynch for a job?

        You’re sure to get one if you can find a way to socialise any betting losses you make, say on to your friends, family or neighbours.

  16. Rich 16
    26 October 2011 at 12:40 pm

    So Phil Goff has now decided to cancel his campaign launch.

    It seems to me that they gave up on winning this election three years ago. Why on earth did he take the job in the first place?

  17. JS 17
    26 October 2011 at 12:42 pm

    ipredict only reflects what those with spare money for gambling think will happen. That is only a small and privileged proportion of the population.

    • Lanthanide 17.1
      26 October 2011 at 1:12 pm

      “ipredict only reflects what those with spare money for gambling think will happen”

      That’s not really true. Lots of people gamble with money that they can’t spare.

      • mik e 17.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 9:08 pm

        Thats what Key did for a living now we are gambling with our future all bets are on a $100billion its cost national to buy those sort of odds after the election it all has to be paid back .Meanwhile in the US the states that are doing better are the higher taxed states !

  18. the sprout 18
    26 October 2011 at 12:50 pm

    National should indeed be worried after their and the msm talking up their chances up so much.

    Thankfully the general public are still largely of the misperception that National will romp in. That is a very dangerous misperception for any political party to be lumbered with at the start of an election campaign. Maintaining that perception, or the perception changing to National being in trouble – either way it’s lose-lose for National.

    • Lanthanide 18.1
      26 October 2011 at 1:15 pm

      Yeah, my bf has observed that National are really screwed over Epsom (regardless of any inside info you might have a handle on).

      If Key endorses Brash then it’s a tacit admission that actually they probably won’t be able to govern alone.

  19. Tigger 19
    26 October 2011 at 1:02 pm

    National have banked on getting a mandate for asset sales. Surely anything less than 50% is not a clear mandate. They are desperate because they need to sell assets to keep their friends happy.

    • Lanthanide 19.1
      26 October 2011 at 1:18 pm

      Any coalition where they can get a majority of seats from parties that support asset sales will constitute a mandate.

      Now if they have to rely on Dunne or MP to make up the numbers, I’d certainly agree with you. I’d also hope that if either of those parties are really in a position to force concessions on National’s part, that asset sales would be their main focus. I wouldn’t be surprised if either party buckled under the pressure for other window-dressing concessions though. Probably only a National-Greens coalition could make a significant dent in the asset sales agenda.

  20. TightyRighty 20
    26 October 2011 at 1:33 pm

    you’ve gone and reached the pinnacle of arrogance eddie. Referencing your own arguments to make this argument work. the only external sources you’ve quoted only partially back up what you are trying to promote. Especially as Cameron does reference the rena on his blog and DPF has mentioned it too. Why are labour so keen on hiding Phil Goff? Why are labour behaving like losers and not even launching a campaign?

    • wtl 20.1
      26 October 2011 at 1:45 pm

      Why are labour behaving like losers and not even launching a campaign?

      ?

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5854431/Labour-unveils-election-campaign

      • TightyRighty 20.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 2:29 pm

        Unveiled a campaign sure, but launched it? No. just putting it out there softly so that no one asks where the unelectable un-prime ministerial hopeless wannabe, phil goff, is.

        • wtl 20.1.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 3:01 pm

          So your complaint is that Labour are campaigning but since they haven’t had a traditional campaign ‘launch’ then it means that they are are losers?

          • TightyRighty 20.1.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 4:08 pm

            apart from the fact that labour are losers, if for nothing else than stifling some of the talented young people coming through (a charge often leveled at the private sector and often cited as a reason for the brain drain), it’s unbelievable that their campaign has been launched with as little fanfair as possible unless they mean to lose with the excuse being afterwards that they didn’t really try as the electorate was against them. in a nutshell though, yes.

        • Blighty 20.1.1.2
          26 October 2011 at 4:16 pm

          You mean Labour should have done the thing were they get all the members they can in a room and they clap while the leader walks up to the stage to the background of soaring music?

          A bit twentieth century don’t you think?

          I’m far more interested in seeing the savings policy Goff’s launching tomorrow than I am in seeing a bunch of tories clapping at another Tory while the economy goes up in smoke.

          But each to his own, tighty.

          • Anne 20.1.1.2.1
            26 October 2011 at 9:10 pm

            Blighty you fogot the blue and white balloons released from the ceiling as Lord Key raises his arms at the end and blesses the audience, and the ticker tape and the silly blue and white boater hats.

    • McFlock 20.2
      26 October 2011 at 2:15 pm

      Actually, referencing one’s own work if it is relevent to the topic at hand is perfectly acceptable. 
       
      More to the point, you make claims of fact about kb and wo, yet provide no links yourself. Too many links can be cumbersome, no links whatsoever is just hot air.

      And using the loser-meme against Labour in this thread simply shows the uninspired and unimaginative nature of the Right at the moment – it smacks of a playground “I know you are but what am I?” retort as your biggest political gun.
      Is that really the best you guys can do?

      • TightyRighty 20.2.1
        26 October 2011 at 2:27 pm

        http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2011/10/the-facts-on-the-renas-oil/

        that cover wo not talking about the rena.

        It’s funny how it’s not the left that are acting like losers, just labour and it’s supporters. At least i’ve got better examples of why labour and it’s supporters are acting like losers than self referencing my own garbage

        • McFlock 20.2.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 2:48 pm

          point: failing to include basic links in a comment complaining about poor value links is silly, even if you provide a link later on when someone points out your silliness.

          It’s a bit like the classic line in job application cover letters: “I have excellent communication skills and pay attentoin to detail.”

          • TightyRighty 20.2.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 4:10 pm

            so you get proven wrong, whether it’s in the first or the first or the second comment is beside the point, and all you can do is say that it’s silly that your wrong because of the chronological order in which you get proved wrong.

            • McFlock 20.2.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2011 at 5:21 pm

              Lol. This is a pretty good example of what’s wrong with National’s campaign.

              1: making silly mistakes, like failing to provide evidence for your claims in a comment where you criticise someone for not providing sufficient evidence for their claims.

              2: when challenged on what was either a minor oversight or outright hypocrisy, provide a shred of evidence. Then attack using playground tactics.
               
              3: it’s pointed out that the issue being discussed is not the claim of fact per se, but the casting of the first stone when you yourself are as guilty as sin of the same offence. Response: argue that the entire issue of timely citation is pointless. This kind’ve works against your original criticism of the post, but it’s funny enough for me to get oil on myself visiting your linked evidence. Which turns out to have been posted on the same day as Eddie’s post, so really, your “evidence” proves nothing.

              And all over a simple line “The ship disaster that must never be mentioned on any rightwing blog” – are you really arguing the literal truth of that statement? Particularly when most of WO’s posts on it are along the lines of (if one will allow me to paraphrase) “oh noes, someone said that something bad was happening, but really everything is fine, the birds and whales are happy, and the ship is perfectly all right”. 
               
              BTW, see what I did there? I linked to WO’s Rena tag. It took half a dozen posts before someone else provided supporting evidence for the somewhat pointless claim you made. Let he who is without sin be anal about citation, and all that…

  21. McFlock 21
    26 October 2011 at 2:21 pm

    At the moment, National remind me of Labour in 2008.

    In that case, a competent team were too tired to think of good reasons to vote Labour. Today, National are too incompetent to think of (or simply provide) good reasons to vote National, and their best selling point (smile&wave) has begun to stop working. 
     
    Hark at the little chickens scurrying about in a panic.

    • Lanthanide 21.1
      26 October 2011 at 2:27 pm

      National seem to be using the same campaign tactics from 2008 as well: all bluster and no hard concrete policy outside of populist sound-bites.

    • The Voice of Reason 21.2
      26 October 2011 at 2:41 pm

      Nicely put, McFlock. The funny thing is that it took 3 terms for the HC led Labour to run out of steam, but only 3 years for the Key led Nats. Maybe because Key isn’t even half the leader Helen Clark was?
       
      Lanth, I think it’s telling that they are still running the ‘brighter future’ theme. It was pretty shallow in 08, now it’s looking lame, particularly as things have not got brighter for the majority under Key’s watch. They clearly haven’t got any new ideas that they are willing to pitch in public and they are can’t be honest and campaign on being ACT lite, even if that is what they plan to be if they win. So they are stuck in idea limbo, reliant on everyone’s favourite dorky drunk uncle John to smile and wave them on to victory.
       
      Hmmm, should that be Drunkle John or Druncle John? I feel a pamphlet/billboard campaign coming on …

  22. randal 22
    26 October 2011 at 2:32 pm

    Well Labours jobs policies got the big mention in the biz pages today.
    Its jobs that count.
    thats moeny for everyone.
    Not grabbing the money and running away with it like the last bunch of tories did and this lot want to.

  23. Matthew Hooton 23
    26 October 2011 at 3:15 pm

    Eddie – you say “[o]n Sunday there were groans from the crowd” when Key presented the RWC cup, and I take it you mean the Eden Park crowd.

    I don’t know if you were at Eden Park for the RWC final but I was and Key was strongly cheered by the crowd both when he was announced and when he went to present the cup.

    I also understand (although I wasn’t at either venue) that Key was cheered by the crowd at Queens Wharf at the same points and booed by the crowd at Aotea Square.

    There is something in the points you have made in this post, but why pretend “there were groans” when everyone who was there knows that is at best a misrepresentation?

    • Gosman 23.1
      26 October 2011 at 3:20 pm

      I have a theory about this. Perhaps Eddie wishes to paint the PM in the worst possible light and therefore isn’t interested in getting any balance into his portrayal of how he was received by the various crowds. It is likely in Eddie’s best interest to pretend, or at least ignore the contrary evidence, that the PM is disliked by the masses even though the polls suggest he is extremely popular around the country. Either that or this is just another badly written blog post.

      • Bored 23.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 4:12 pm

        You have a theory….Eddie wants to portray Shonkey badly…no never, he wouldn’t would he?

        I too have a theory: Shonkey is a lying cheating photo op non entity who wants to commit larceny on the public assets for the benefit of his mates.

      • mickysavage 23.1.2
        26 October 2011 at 8:58 pm

        Perhaps Eddie wishes to paint the PM in the worst possible light and therefore isn’t interested in getting any balance into his portrayal of how he was received by the various crowds

        You mean like Farrar and the slithery one do to the left every day? 

    • The Voice of Reason 23.2
      26 October 2011 at 3:31 pm

      Andrea Vance noticed it too, Matthew:
       
      “Certainly – and very subtly – the shine has started to come off. Sure, there was still a cheer from Eden Park on Sunday night but it was unmistakably half-hearted. Some even heard groans.”
       
      Watching on the telly, it was very audible and Key winced. I can’t access it on this computer, but I understand that TV3’s website has the full match and presentations. Try from about the 1hr 50 mark.

      • Tiger Mountain 23.2.1
        26 October 2011 at 3:58 pm

        My son watched the match on TV and told me there was audible booing for ShonKey at Eden Park, confirmed by my partner. I should have watched the match myself given the close score and lack of hubris on the night from the “mighty ABs”. The PM might count himself lucky for being mildly lambasted, Muldoon used to be greeted by pigs heads on sticks.

        • Matthew Hooton 23.2.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 4:16 pm

          TM: Well, I didn’t hear any “audible booing” despite actually being at Eden Park, but here’s the thing: Aucklanders will boo any politician because that’s just the way we are, and I have been at Eden Park when Bolger got absolutely trashed by the crowd. (I’ll take you word re Muldoon and have no reason to doubt you). And while I agree with Andrea Vance that “the shine has started to come off” Key, it just isn’t true to say that he got anything other than a strongly supportive reception. So why does Eddie blog otherwise?

          • The Voice of Reason 23.2.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 4:30 pm

            Perhaps you had to step out of the corporate box to hear it, Matthew! I’m really keen to check the video, because it was really noticeable on the night, and, as I said earlier, Key reacted to it. He clearly didn’t like it. I was watching Maori TV, but I assume the feed was the same on all the channels.
             
            Still, nice to see you agree the shine has come off Brand Key. How many years in the wilderness do you see for National if they don’t scrape through in 30 days?

            • Blighty 23.2.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2011 at 4:47 pm

              but if he wasn’t in a corporate box he would have to buy his own ticket. That’s no life for a successful rightie. Bludging free stuff and seeing it as a just reward for how wonderful they are is what the Hoots of this world are all about.

              • Matthew Hooton …
                26 October 2011 at 5:12 pm

                Your comment totally sums the growing insanity of the Key-hating left. There is an original post about “groaning” towards the prime minister that didn’t happen (or certainly didn’t happen on a large scale), then, when I point this out, you attack me for being in a corporate box, which I wasn’t, and then you say I was “bludging free stuff” when in fact I bought tickets to the game and took my wife. And then, elsewhwere, I have apparently committed a faux pas by comparing Key to Mandela by pointing out that as far as I know the head of govt awards the RWC – and while no comparison can be made between them on world-historical terms the fact of the matter is that they were both heads of govt in countries hosting the RWC. I think National can expect a long period in office as long as all you storm-troopers of the left remain so bizarrely obsessed with this guy.

                • felix …
                  26 October 2011 at 5:19 pm

                  How many heads of state have presented the rwc? I don’t think it’s normally the done thing.

                • Blue …
                  26 October 2011 at 5:30 pm

                  The source for the groans at Eden Park was the article by Andrea Vance linked to in the original post.

                  How about you go and accuse Andrea of being an insane Key-hating leftie?

                  Eden Park’s a big stadium, Matthew. Just because you didn’t hear groans in the section you were in, doesn’t mean there weren’t any at all from anywhere else in the stadium.

                  • Matthew Hooton …
                    26 October 2011 at 5:35 pm

                    Out of 61,000 people, I am absolutely sure that some people groaned, some people booed, some people farted, some people burped, some people were crying, some people were laughing …. but the overwhelmingly majority (unusually) cheered the prime minister of the day. And so to characterise what happened as negative to him is silly. Writers and commentators at The Standard may not like it but that is what happened.

                    • Akldnut …
                      26 October 2011 at 6:17 pm

                      “……but the overwhelmingly majority (unusually) cheered the prime minister of the day.”

                      Mathew these Stadiums are designed to create a cauldron of noise – which would have happened with the majority of people cheering.

                      I’ve been to dozens of games at Eden Park and I’m sure you’ll agree that when the majority of people are cheering as you stated the that the noise is almost deafening.
                      Not the subdued reaction that was heard when Key was announced.

                      One of my In Laws who works for the NZ Rugby union was down on the pitch, at the time he was laughing at the lukewarm reaction and some heckling to Key.
                      Maybe you were only hearing those closest to you and misinterpreted it for the rest of the stadium.

                      I’m guessing you weren’t in the cheapest seats available – and while we’re at it, the cost of tickets to the final just isn’t in the range where the majority of people could afford to go let alone spend that amount of money – which draws me to the conclusion that even if the stadium were full of the more wealthy the reaction was luke warm at best and that people are waking up to his poor management and dismal performance.

                    • mik e …
                      26 October 2011 at 9:20 pm

                      The only people that can afford tickets are most likely National supporters

                  • lprent …
                    26 October 2011 at 6:07 pm

                    I think that there is a smaller cohort of self-voters in those boxes.

                    Update: I’m shocked (totally and utterly shocked) to see in the moderation sweep that Matt wasn’t in one of the boxes. Who have you fallen out with?

                    • felix …
                      26 October 2011 at 7:55 pm

                      Well he has been saying some horrible things about Joyce on the wireless for the last few weeks…

                • Craig …
                  26 October 2011 at 5:33 pm

                  Matthew, the issue is that Key’s ‘imperial presidency’ leadership style is a liability to National’s *own* collective fortunes. Like or not, Clark* lasted for nine years as a Labour Prime Minister because she didn’t wing it on her own, but also relied on Cullen and Maharey where neccessary. Populist cults of personality are ephemeral things- look at what happened to Muldoon in 1984, or Winston in 2008, and if they are at the cost of collective responsibility or collegiality within any government, Cabinet or caucus, then you’re asking for trouble.

                  Similarly, look at ACT (although I concede that it’s hard to do so without gritting one’s teeth). Prebble and Hide hung on to (flawed and populist) leadership for too long, which is a recipe for factionalism and internal intrigue.

                  And one wonders, are you so defensive because Stephen Joyce, a probable eventual Key successor, has now been hamstrung by the Rena disaster?

                  *Rather like Jim Bolger did in the nineties, come to that.

                • Campbell Larsen …
                  26 October 2011 at 9:40 pm

                  Key and Mandela don’t belong in the same library, let alone sentence.

          • Tiger Mountain 23.2.1.1.2
            26 October 2011 at 4:46 pm

            I should have been clearer, at sports functions including horse racing Rob Muldoon regularly got boos. The pigs heads on sticks were only present at more political occasions and union marches as far as I recall.

    • Bored 23.3
      26 October 2011 at 4:16 pm

      Matthew, what good photo op expert would let an opportunity to be associated with somebody who actually did something go by? Whats the point of being PM if you can’t get in front of the lens for every cheap freebie? And it does not even break electoral laws, how perfect.

      • Matthew Hooton 23.3.1
        26 October 2011 at 4:18 pm

        I seem to remember Nelson Mandela presenting the RWC on that dreadful (but also wonderful) night in 1995. You see, its something that heads of government do.

        • tc 23.3.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 4:31 pm

          So that’s 1 leader out of the previous 6 cups …hardly a tradition however mandela’s was purely political to present a united SA to the world just like your man Sideshow John’s was also political.
          The strength is also the weakness Matthew, the emporers clothes are wearing thin and you’ve no Plan B, good luck with that, it may just work still.

          • Chris 23.3.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 5:49 pm

            John Howard also famously did it in 2003 I remember. He was an absolute cock about presenting the winning medals to the English after they beat the wallabies.

            Not sure who else has been up there to present it but I know the Queen has presented it a couple of times. To be honest I would be very surprised if the heads of state weren’t there every time though, Phil Goff would have been up there for sure if he had the opportunity and who could blame him. It’s too good an opportunity for free publicity.

            Unless of course you go for a 3 way handshake and look like a tool…

        • Blighty 23.3.1.2
          26 October 2011 at 4:33 pm

          Plus, that’s Nelson fucken Mandela, not some no-name tosser. The RWC was only there because of the end of apartheid and was a vital part of nation-building.

        • felix 23.3.1.3
          26 October 2011 at 4:36 pm

          Did you just compare John Key to Nelson Mandela?

          Oh Matthew.

          • Blue 23.3.1.3.1
            26 October 2011 at 5:01 pm

            The Herald compared JK to God after he won the last election.

            • felix 23.3.1.3.1.1
              26 October 2011 at 5:12 pm

              Well they do have a few things in common, e.g:

              Neither of them really exist except as carefully assembled abstract constructs,

              All their impressive rhetoric is written for them by others,

              It’s difficult to believe in either of them unless you put all the evidence to one side.

              I’m sure there are more…

              • Fermionic Interference …
                26 October 2011 at 6:28 pm

                +1

                • Gosman …
                  27 October 2011 at 7:16 am

                  You guys are really sad. Trying to make a big deal about John Key being involved with the presentation of the RWC when it is clear that it pretty much the norm for the head of Government to be involved.

        • Bored 23.3.1.4
          26 October 2011 at 4:51 pm

          Mandela to Key, the sublime to the ridiculous.

          • newsense 23.3.1.4.1
            26 October 2011 at 7:13 pm

            Well Kerre Woodham was comparing him to Churchill and ‘Smile and Wave’ to ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’…

          • Tigger 23.3.1.4.2
            26 October 2011 at 7:13 pm

            Hooten bothering to come here and argue a small point (whether Key was booed or not isn’t exactly headline news Matt) makes Eddie’s point for him, the right are in panic mode

            • willie maley 23.3.1.4.2.1
              26 October 2011 at 7:38 pm

              +1

            • Colonial Viper 23.3.1.4.2.2
              26 October 2011 at 7:46 pm

              Hooten bothering to come here and argue a small point (whether Key was booed or not isn’t exactly headline news Matt) makes Eddie’s point for him, the right are in panic mode

              Blue blooded CHOKERS

          • mik e 23.3.1.4.3
            26 October 2011 at 9:50 pm

            Mandela took a whole nation out of slavery Keys putting us into economic slavery building huge Debts for us and our grandchildren to pay off while he sneaks through the election smiling and waving goodbye to our grandchildren as they head to Australia obviously they are not national supporters and are worried about another three years of borrow and hope blingish and the Narcissist Key photo op extraordinary mess they have left the economy in .

        • Tom Gould 23.3.1.5
          26 October 2011 at 7:16 pm

          Key is NOT the head of state. He muscled in for the photo op, with the pathetic excuse that it was in his diary. Or was that the secret meeting with Ashcroft? Fortunately, Lapasset was having none of it, and presented the cup. Oh, and the silly awkward grin was cute, according to the MSM.

  24. aerobubble 24
    26 October 2011 at 3:29 pm

    If National are the largest party, and can only get over the line with the Greens, i hope
    the Greens give them one big finger salute and offer the explantion that nothing
    National has to offer would ever further Green issues.Greens should be
    playing on Nats fears and demanding National actively court them,
    if they want some accomadation after the 26th.

  25. higherstandard 25
    26 October 2011 at 4:23 pm

    “Why are the Right acting like losers”

    For the same reason that activists on the political ‘left’ are acting like losers – they’re all a bunch of useful idiots running round doing the legwork for a bunch of lazy self serving pricks who get voted into parliament every three years and then trough it up large on the public purse.

    Meet the new boss same as the old boss, we won’t get fooled again, yeah right.

    • tc 25.1
      26 October 2011 at 4:38 pm

      Those facty thingys in terms of economic and social performance statistics under the left V the right over the last few decades must be a real annoyance to your myopic view on life….the choice is stark, what a sad world you and your trolling buddies live in.

      • higherstandard 25.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 4:41 pm

        And what a deluded twat you are if you think that the governments of NZ have anything but a marginal effect around the edges of the NZ economy.

        The last major action taken was post Muldoon when we were on the brink of banana republicitis.

        • Bored 25.1.1.1
          26 October 2011 at 4:56 pm

          That is quite possibly the stupidest statement I have heard for….. (well since Jonkey said anything).

          • higherstandard 25.1.1.1.1
            26 October 2011 at 6:22 pm

            Do you always read out loud ?

            Haven’t you been reading your own smegma of late ?

            • Colonial Viper 25.1.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2011 at 7:16 pm

              I do believe that they replaced the real HS a few days ago.

              • McFlock …
                27 October 2011 at 12:33 am

                With one who obviously thinks that ETS, CGT, tax hikes for the rich and even universal compulsory unionism will only have a “marginal effect on the economy”.
                Excellent – all gain for the people, no real effect on the economy. We should do it all.
                 

    • felix 25.2
      26 October 2011 at 4:45 pm

      Best dancing. EVAR.

    • mik e 25.3
      26 October 2011 at 11:39 pm

      hs go to a country where there is no democracy then you’ll be happy Iran China Burma the US . this is the price we pay for democracy and your diatribe is just another conceited flavour

  26. Craig 26
    26 October 2011 at 4:58 pm

    There seems to be an unwritten law that any New Zealand government is limited to three terms at best, before incumbency fatigue catches up with it. Thus it was with Muldoon, Bolger/Shipley and Clark. What happens is that there is an initial honeymoon period, then the cumulative policy errors start to show up, and then factionalism and dissent really starts to set in within the caucus.

    In the case of this government, I suspect that its persistent use of urgency and failure to listen to relevant expertise on ideological grounds, or its animus against the public sector, combined with the continuing failure to kick-start the economy, may end up doing them in at the end of their second term, if one does happen. This may especially happen if we stay with MMP, and engage in some tactical voting in Epsom and Ohariu-Belmont to delete ACT and United Future.

    That way, apart from the Maori Party, there will be no centre-right satellite party for National to cohabit with. As for the Maori Party, I imagine that given the anger from East Coast iwi about the contamination of their kai moana and areas of spiritual significance, they might well insist on an oil drilling moratorium as the price of a coalition with National.

    • Colonial Viper 26.1
      26 October 2011 at 11:47 pm

      they might well insist on increased shareholdings of oil drilling ventures as the price of a coalition with National.

      FIFY

  27. randal 27
    26 October 2011 at 5:43 pm

    Nobody is BIZARRELY obsessed with john keys.
    He just happens to be the public face of a shadowy and particularly nasty bunch of rightwingers who wont show their face in public.

    • felix 27.1
      26 October 2011 at 5:49 pm

      Exactly randal.

      These tools make their entire campaign, nay, their entire government all about one man, and then they say we’re obsessed with him if we dare to criticize their god.

      • tc 27.1.1
        26 October 2011 at 6:31 pm

        Nailed it randal, key’s the hand picked frontperson (well done michelle) with the rags to riches profile they trade off to get in power and try and stay there…..he’s not a leader, thinker or particularly fussed about anything except his own wealth like any trader.

        Problem for the nat’s is that’s finally showing, a decent MSM would’ve ripped off the hollowmens facade years ago, he’d last 6 months tops across the ditch with their media pack hounding him and would’ve gone for the tranzrail issue alone.

  28. aj 28
    26 October 2011 at 5:49 pm

    VoR @ 3:31

    Just checking, in case it was a typo

    Did Key ‘wince’ at the crowd reaction or ‘mince’

    • The Voice of Reason 28.1
      26 October 2011 at 8:27 pm

      Ha! A bit of both, perhaps? It’s at 1.56 on the vid.
       
      The dignitaries get named one at a time, Key is second up. He gets the raspberry and Mike Eagle leans over and says “they think you’re a dork” or something similar and Key says looks embarrassed and agrees that he is indeed a dork. They move along the line and an actual achiever, Jock Hobbes, gets some genuine love from the crowd.

  29. Uturn 29
    26 October 2011 at 6:05 pm

    If the after match noise at Eden Park drowns out the boo-ing for a politician, did the boos really happen?

  30. Pascal's bookie 30
    26 October 2011 at 6:48 pm

    Hooten seems keen to be doing a lot of explaining in this thread.

    • Colonial Viper 30.1
      26 October 2011 at 7:20 pm

      For those new to the realm of politics it is now an aphorism that explaining is losing the political discussion.

  31. newsense 31
    26 October 2011 at 7:11 pm

    It’s good of him to drop by though.

    Surely John Banks bringing up his past verbal spasms will only help him??? I mean he made most of those while he was a cabinet minister right???

  32. randal 32
    26 October 2011 at 7:22 pm

    so now hooton says a mispresentation is a misrepresentation.
    hmmmm. too heavy for randal.

  33. Hilary 33
    26 October 2011 at 7:25 pm

    Interesting piece on 3 news by that political ferreter Patrick Gower about that dodgy mega-rich ultra conservative British lord dropping in to see Key again, just like he did before the last election. Key was evasive again, which just makes him look guilty of something.

  34. fmacskasy 34
    27 October 2011 at 8:13 am

    I concur, Eddie, that something has spooked the Nats. And yes, I suspect their internal polling backs up the Horizon Polling that has National on 36.8% (down 2.7%). http://www.horizonpoll.co.nz/page/159/dont-know-vo

    How else to explain their sudden falling-back on “tough on crime” politics – usually the preserve of NZ First and ACT? http://fmacskasy.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/nats-get-tough-on-crime-nz-first-alleges-theft-of-favourite-policy/

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  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
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    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
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    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
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    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
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    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
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    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
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    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
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    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
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    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
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    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
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    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
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    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
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    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
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    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
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    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
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    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
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    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
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    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
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    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
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    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
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    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
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    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
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    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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