Yes, next Roy Morgan out
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9:54 am, July 12th, 2010 - 93 comments
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In case you didn’t spot it in the papers (who for reason seem to be covering it this time), the latest New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows support for John Key’s National-led Government has strengthened to 58.5% (up 3%), comprising National Party 53% (up 2.5%), Maori Party 3% (unchanged), ACT NZ 2% (up 1%) and United Future 0.5% (down 0.5%):
The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is well up, 7.5pts to 144 with 65% (up 4.5%) of New Zealanders saying New Zealand is ‘heading in the right direction’ compared to 21% (down 3%) that say New Zealand is ‘heading in the wrong direction.’
Support for Opposition Parties has fallen to 41.5% (down 3%); Labour Party 29% (down 4%), Greens 8.5% (down 1%), New Zealand First 3% (up 1.5%), and Others 1% (up 0.5%).
| NEWS : Morgan Poll : | |||
| National-led Government (58.5%, up 3%) further ahead of Opposition Parties (41.5%); National up 2.5% to 53%, Labour down 4% to 29%
The latest New Zealand Roy Morgan Poll shows support for John Key’s National-led Government has strengthened to 58.5% (up 3%), comprising National Party 53% (up 2.5%), Maori Party 3% (unchanged), ACT NZ 2% (up 1%) and United Future 0.5% (down 0.5%). Support for Opposition Parties has fallen to 41.5% (down 3%); Labour Party 29% (down 4%), Greens 8.5% (down 1%), New Zealand First 3% (up 1.5%), and Others 1% (up 0.5%). If a National Election were held today the National Party would be clearly returned to Government. The Roy Morgan Government Confidence Rating is well up, 7.5pts to 144 with 65% (up 4.5%) of New Zealanders saying New Zealand is ‘heading in the right direction’ compared to 21% (down 3%) that say New Zealand is ‘heading in the wrong direction.’ |
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- Release: National restricts access to disability care homes
With disability communities still reeling from the diminishing of Whaikaha, a leaked document now reveals another blow with National restricting access to residential care homes. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt must help save 230 manufacturing jobs
Labour is calling on the Government and Mercury Energy to find a solution to the proposed Winstone Pulp mill closure and save 230 manufacturing jobs. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt shirks its responsibility to Whakaata Māori
The Green Party has called out the Government for allowing Whakaata Māori to effectively collapse to a shell of its former self as job cuts and programming cuts were announced at the broadcaster today. ...2 weeks ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...2 weeks ago - Release: PM fails in constitutional role and leadership
The failure of the Prime Minister to condemn his Minister for personally attacking the judiciary is another example of this Government riding roughshod over important constitutional rules. ...2 weeks ago
- Waititi urges Rotorua Lakes Council to immediately stop works at Lake Rotokākahi
Te Pāti Māori co-leader and Member of Parliament for Waiariki, which includes Rotorua, has written to Rotorua Lakes Councillors requesting they immediately stop sewerage piping works at Lake Rotokākahi in Rotorua. “Mana whenua have been urging Rotorua Lakes Council to stop works and look at alternative plans to protect the ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Patient care at risk from redundancies
Patient care could suffer as a result of further cuts to the health system, which could lose thousands of staff who keep our hospitals and clinics running. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens call on Govt to wake up on child poverty
The Green Party says the latest statistics on child poverty in this country highlight the callous approach that the Government is taking on this issue of national shame. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Police are off the beat under National
Foot patrols around the country have decreased 15 percent since National took office, despite National’s Mark Mitchell claiming otherwise. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Climate denial is an insult to Pacific leaders
Winston Peters’ climate denialism at the Pacific Islands’ Forum is an embarrassing new low. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt must end solitary confinement
The Green Party is urging the Government to end the use of solitary confinement within our prisons after new research revealed some prisoners have been held in confinement for more than 900 days. ...2 weeks ago
- Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis
The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that this country needs. ...2 weeks ago
- Government must respect Court’s Uber employee decision
Today’s court ruling upholding the rights of Uber drivers is a message to the Government that it must not tamper with employment protections. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Uber court decision recognises workers’ rights
The Court of Appeal decision that Uber drivers are entitled to employee rights such as minimum wage, sick leave, holiday pay and collective bargaining is welcome news for the drivers involved and their unions. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour calls on Govt to divest from illegal settlements
The Labour Party is calling on the Government to tell the two major wealth funds, the NZ Super Fund and ACC, to withdraw investments from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt backtrack on fast-track still not enough
Labour welcomes news that the National Government is backing down on its reckless proposal to give Ministers final sign-off on significant projects, but it’s still not enough. ...2 weeks ago
- Government unlocking potential of AI
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...1 hour ago - Promoting faster payment times for government
The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...1 hour ago
- Government releases Wairoa flood review findings
The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...1 hour ago
- Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech
E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward. Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...19 hours ago
- Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses
Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...22 hours ago
- Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test
More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...23 hours ago
- Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction
Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...1 day ago
- Māori Education Advisory Group established
The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...1 day ago
- First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight
Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...1 day ago
- Have your say on suicide prevention
Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...1 day ago
- Action to grow the rural health workforce
Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...2 days ago
- Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost
Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...2 days ago
- Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians
Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris. “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...2 days ago
- Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations
A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report. “It will have the mandate ...5 days ago
- Passport wait times back on-track
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the FMA board
Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...5 days ago
- District Court judges appointed
Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...5 days ago
- Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender
New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...6 days ago
- Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...6 days ago
- Improving access to finance for Kiwis
5 September 2024 The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...6 days ago
- Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia
As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...6 days ago
- Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer
Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations. “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...6 days ago
- More choice and competition in building products
A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...6 days ago
- Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul
On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...7 days ago
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...7 days ago
- International tourism continuing to bounce back
Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...7 days ago
- Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency
The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says. “That is ...7 days ago
- Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape
The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...1 week ago
- Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...1 week ago
- Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review
Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...1 week ago
- Government backs women in horticulture
“The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says. “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...1 week ago
- Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout
The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...1 week ago
- Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants. “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...1 week ago
- New priorities to protect future of conservation
Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...1 week ago
- Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti
A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...1 week ago
- IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand
The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...1 week ago
- Delivering priority connections for the West Coast
A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...1 week ago
- Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington
A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...1 week ago
- Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato
A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...1 week ago
- How can everyone be part of the AI revolution?
AI technology is an increasingly common part of many people’s working lives – but not everyone has the opportunity to benefit equally. Dr Jade Brooks tells Alice Webb Liddall about her research into how workplaces can bridge the digital divide. The vision “that all of us have what we need ...49 mins ago - Is it possible to keep your voice and your soul while writing for an international market?
Sascha Stronach (Kāi Tahu), author of The Dawnhounds and The Sunforge, on fighting US editors on matters of New Zealand slang. I had two knockdown dragout fights with my US publisher: they wanted to call me “a bold and important voice in Māori fiction”; they thought “moggy” sounded like ...49 mins ago
- Fuel shortages and bare pharmacies: we need to talk about what a possible war with China could look ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By William A. Stoltz, Lecturer and expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University Jenari/Shutterstock The intensifying great power competition between the People’s Republic of China and the United States has meant the possibility of future war in the Indo-Pacific region has ...2 hours ago - Meningococcal: what to know about this potentially deadly disease affecting Australian children
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Phoebe Williams, Paediatrician & Infectious Diseases Physician; Senior Lecturer & NHMRC Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock Three children in far north Queensland have recently become unwell with meningococcal disease, a life-threatening infection caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. ...2 hours ago
- The commercial broadcasters’ crisis isn’t new, but can no longer be ignored. What’s next for T...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Lotz, Professor of Media Studies, Queensland University of Technology Stock-Asso/Shutterstock This is the third piece in a series on the Future of Australian media. You can read the first piece in the series here and the second piece here. ...2 hours ago
- One person working on short-term fixes to NZ’s disaster coordination system
The National Emergency Management Agency has just one person dedicated to working on a short-term fix of the disaster coordination system that let people down during Cyclone Gabrielle. ...2 hours ago - Should we follow Australia’s efforts to ban children from social media?
Australia is proposing legislation to impose a minimum age and Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's open to the idea. ...2 hours ago
- Crystals hold a secret history of volcanoes – and clues about future eruptions
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Teresa Ubide, ARC Future Fellow and Associate Professor in Igneous Petrology/Volcanology, The University of Queensland An eruption at Mt Stromboli in Italy. J Caulfield Imagine you had a crystal ball that revealed when a volcano would next erupt. For the hundreds of ...2 hours ago
- The future of the Regent Theatre: why we must preserve not only architecture, but also public use of...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Tregear, Principal Fellow and Professor of Music, The University of Melbourne Regent Theatre, 1954. State Library Victoria The current Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Nicholas Reece, has said that if re-elected he would sell the City of Melbourne’s majority stake in ...2 hours ago
- The stories that defined The Spinoff
An incomplete collection of memorable Spinoff articles. In 10 years (and one day) The Spinoff has published 28,691 stories. Features, opinion, satire, profiles, experiential stunts and anything else you can think of. There really is no way to define our work but here is a futile attempt to track The ...2 hours ago
- ACC needs to cover $1 billion revenue hole
ACC has signalled levies will need to take a significant jump to cover increasing costs. ...3 hours ago
- Cost of living: Are New Zealand households better off now than in 1994?
Here's how modern households compare to those of 30 years ago, and why you might have been better off in 1994. ...4 hours ago
- The human face of the electricity crisis
The closure of two mills near Ohakune will mean the loss of 230 jobs, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in your inbox every weekday morning, sign up here. ...4 hours ago
- Winstone Pulp closures: ‘It’s just a really bad day for those communities’ –...
National's local MP for the Ruapehu District says she is "absolutely gutted" for workers and families affected by the closure of Winstone Pulp International's two mills in the region. ...4 hours ago
- Visa fees and levies don’t stack up – immigration adviser
Overseas tourists and students will be hit with a 'hidden tax' when they apply for visas and they risk being misled about the cost, according to an immigration adviser. ...4 hours ago
- Treaty Principles Bill to go through six-month select committee process
That will take the ACT-led debate past Rātana celebrations and Waitangi Day next year - when the government will likely be challenged again on the issue. ...5 hours ago
- What is supplier diversity, why does it matter and why should I care?
It’s playing a key role in the growth of indigenous and minority businesses around the world. In Aotearoa, the journey is just beginning. Most New Zealanders are likely unfamiliar with the term “supplier diversity”. However, in the business world, ensuring a diverse supply chain is quickly becoming essential – and ...6 hours ago
- Sending money overseas can be expensive. Who does it hurt the most?
There are lots of services promising to make international money transfer more affordable, without adding on the fees that banks charge. But people in New Zealand regularly sending money to Pacific countries have limited options. Every day, people with New Zealand bank accounts transfer millions of dollars to other countries. ...6 hours ago
- Health commissioner ousts chief financial officer after big deficits
Te Whatu Ora is believed to be paying nearly $1 million more in senior executive salaries since Lester Levy was parachuted in to cut costs. An attempt to quietly excise the CFO has turned septic. The post Health commissioner ousts chief financial officer after big deficits appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago - Kay and Karl, the old team
My Catullus poems, which have come and gone at intervals over the past half century, have never been translations from the Latin, though some have borrowed; and never ‘confessional poems’, though how close to ‘truth’ and how far from it has always been unclear. How ‘real’ was my Clodia, who ...6 hours ago
- Like the Treaty itself, Treaty principles bill is drafted to mislead
Opinion: Given Act’s Treaty Principles Bill is not going to proceed, inviting submissions would be a mistake The post Like the Treaty itself, Treaty principles bill is drafted to mislead appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Looking up, from a deeper hole
Opinion: Over the past few weeks we’ve watched most of the July economic news roll in.The good news is that, in nearly all cases, July readings improved from frankly terrible June results. The less good news is that, despite this, most of these indicators remain at subpar levels indicative of ...6 hours ago
- Decision time on Auckland’s shorelines
There’s no sugar coating, no preparation for a soft landing. The message is blunt and to the point, for good reason.“We can’t do nothing. Change can be hard and it can be expensive. But we are already facing environmental change, we must adapt, we must act.”That’s Lara Clarke, speaking to ...6 hours ago
- Luxon’s India hustle hits a hurdle
Comment: The PM’s bid to ink a free trade deal with India suffers its first public setback The post Luxon’s India hustle hits a hurdle appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Govt rules out subsidies for offshore wind
The first permits under a new offshore energy regime could be issued as soon as 2026, with wind farms operating in a decade The post Govt rules out subsidies for offshore wind appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Bees buzzing for worlds after late start to sailing
Not long after Sandra Bees took up competitive sailing at the age of 52, her doctor asked her a question that completely floored her.“At the end of my check-up, he said ‘Is everything okay at home?’” Bees recalls. “I was like, ‘Yeah, why do you ask?’“The doctor said, ‘Well, you ...6 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 11 September
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 11 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 September
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 11 September appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- PNG calls in Sir Jerry Mateparae for Bougainville independence talks
The former governor-general has been chosen to help resolve the impasse over the future of the Bougainville autonomous region The post PNG calls in Sir Jerry Mateparae for Bougainville independence talks appeared first on Newsroom. ...6 hours ago
- Student pressure forces Victoria University Foundation to divest from Israeli bonds
Student Justice for Palestine Pōneke After almost a year of consistent pressure from the student body, the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) Foundation has announced its divestment from all Israeli government bonds and shares of companies listed in Israel. The foundation had previously reported having close to $50,000 invested in ...12 hours ago
- Many strata managers who handle apartments are conflicted: here’s how
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hazel Easthope, Professor, City Futures Research Centre, UNSW Sydney ProximaStudio/Shutterstock Ten of Australia’s leading consumer groups have now written to the federal treasurer calling for an urgent inquiry into Australia’s strata management industry. The open letter from Choice, the Owners Corporation ...13 hours ago
- View from the Hill: Social media age ban all to the good, but can Albanese deliver before election?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been late out of the blocks on a ban on children accessing social media. Now that he has promised to act, pledging to introduce legislation this year, the question is ...14 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Robert French on the realities of a social media age ban
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government has announced it will ban children from accessing social media. This follows work by the South Australian government, which commissioned a report on implementing a ban. That report was done by ...14 hours ago
- Parliament honours Kiingi Tuheitia
The House - Parliament met briefly today, and only to offer respects to the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. ...15 hours ago
- Sewage doesn’t put Labour MP Greg O’Connor off swimming in Wellington Harbour
Asked if he would swim in the harbour if there was sewage, Greg O'Connor said: "Yeah, I do." But Chris Hipkins said he "probably" would not. ...15 hours ago
- 1.2 billion young people will need a job in the next 10 years. The World Bank is trying to help them...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Melissa Conley Tyler, Honorary Fellow, Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne World Bank president Ajay Banga is in Canberra this week. It’s the first time a World Bank president has visited Australia in seven years. Why is he here? It goes to ...17 hours ago
- Methane emissions are at new highs. It could put us on a dangerous climate path
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pep Canadell, Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment; Executive Director, Global Carbon Project, CSIRO Ramon Cliff/Shutterstock The goal of the 2021 Global Methane Pledge is bold: cut methane emissions by 30% by the end of the decade. This is to buy us ...17 hours ago
- What causes food cravings? And what can we do about them?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabrielle Weidemann, Associate Professor in Psychological Science, Western Sydney University Fascinadora/Shutterstock Many of us try to eat more fruits and vegetables and less ultra-processed food. But why is sticking to your goals so hard? High-fat, sugar-rich and salty foods are simply ...18 hours ago
- We found one in six Australian reptile species traded as pets overseas, despite the export ban
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Chekunov, PhD Candidate, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide Sebastian Chekunov Trade in “exotic” pets from foreign countries is a global multibillion-dollar industry. Australian species are highly sought after. Australia banned the commercial export of all live native animals ...19 hours ago
- Coalition torpedoes bipartisan deal on Reserve Bank monetary policy board
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The federal opposition has torpedoed Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ attempt to get a bipartisan deal to install a specialist monetary policy board in the Reserve Bank, claiming the reform would enable the treasurer to “stack” the ...19 hours ago
“In case you didn’t spot it in the papers (who for reason seem to be covering it this time)…”
Yes. Interesting that. On Saturday one of the ZB network stations made it one of the top news stories of the day – every hour and on the half hour. Assume it was widely reported elsewhere. Can’t say I’ve ever noticed any MSM interest in the Morgan Poll before!!
Oh yeah good one so it’s a media conspiracy. Maybe you didn’t notice other media reporting on the morgan poll before because you only look for good news about labour. Sorry to tell you there isn’t any.
Instead of being ignorant if you cared to look for previous reporting of the morgan poll in the herald, you would find it. http://www.google.co.nz/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=morgan+poll+site%3A.nzherald.co.nz&aq=o&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= there’s a good start.
@ Emp
What is it about you wingnuts. Your maturity levels seem to have got stuck at 10yrs of age. I was (mainly) talking about a radio station… didn’t mention Granny Herald.
Nah. It aint a media conspiracy. They just have a rather negative attitude towards Labour… cos it’s cool to be that way at the moment. That should be easy for a 10yr old to understand.
righto, so it’s always easy to be negative to the sulky kid that hides in the bathrooms at lunchtime, eating boogers, and spreading lies about the cool kids?
Which one are you in that scenario TR? I’m lost, sorry – I always think of you as more of a booger-eater than a cool kid.
struck a nerve have I felix? trying to bounce the shame you feel when someone revives old memories for you by being personal?
Can you back up such a ridiculous statement. In fact it is the political Right that has the history of violence and militarism .Franco. Mussolini.Hitler ,Pinochet the list is huge. Even in Aotearoa the political violence has come from the Right. You should read your history EMP. At least twice NZ has almost had a dictatorship. Just remember Muldoon . If that not enough just have a look at the way Sidney Holland acted. Even in recent years the National Party has had some very Right Wing members who would love to use a bit of might to achieve their aims.
Just ask a few of your Nat friends their real beliefs on Capital Punishment and what they believe should be done about unions. Take a look at the way they voted
ouch, high twenties has got to hurt.
There always seems to be a bit of bias in the roy morgan poll in favour of the government du jour though. Maybe it’s not all as bad as the today’s cartoon in the dom suggests
This is just a blip. A honeymoon phase.
Seriously. When National hits over 60% will you finally realise that they represent the wishes of New Zealand
But what does it tell us about the average Kiwi other then that they are ignorant, badly informed and uptight to the point of self destructive. Oh, and did I mention that our mainstream media is owned by international media moguls who really, really like predators such as John Key?
haha, so predictable. Yes the reason why national is popular and labour isn’t is because the voters are idiots. Who’s the stupid one really, the political activist who thinks all voters are stupid and doesn’t trust them to form an opinion, or the activist who takes time to understand and listen to what voters want?
All you socialists resort to tyranny when democracy doesn’t give you the result you want.
I have no allegiance to Labour and don’t give a flying fuck who is in power because as far as I am concerned they are all different faces of the same dragon.
If you ask what most people want it doesn’t make much difference who you talk to. They want to feel safe, have reasonably decent paying job and be left alone to enjoy their lives.
Is that happening under National? We’ll see in the next couple of years when the true destruction they always cause is going to show up and people are beginning to see the results in their own lives.
What NActional are however more apt at then Labour and the Greens is to galvanise the fear of being threatened by scary people, or loose whatever meagre possessions you have been able to accumulate and make you run to whatever seems the safest choice. Horses do the same. Their stable is on fire so that’s what they run to because that is were they feel safe.
And yes, I’m afraid most voters act like horses. Does this mean their stupid? Hmmm.
“If you ask what most people want it doesn’t make much difference who you talk to. They want to feel safe, have reasonably decent paying job and be left alone to enjoy their lives.”
Ha ha, classic!
This from a Green, the party that wants to control our lives more than any other.
Green? Where’d you get that one from?
Oh, further left than the Greens then?
Even the Greens pay their debts – why don’t you?
Obviously better to have multinationals and big business controlling our lives, right BB?
What is it with you lefties and your inability to tell the truth?
Multinationals and big business do not control our lives, you insist on bullshitting the public into believing that it is a choice between business and government.
I know this is not something that you will be familiar with but how about we let people control their own lives.
“What is it with you lefties and your inability to tell the truth?”
You mean tell the truth like this, where you tried to collect on a bet you made with BLiP because you thought you’d won, and then decided it wasn’t really a proper bet after all when you realised you’d lost?
They would be better able to live their lives if they honoured their word – why don’t you?
Yes they do BB but, as you live in a delusion, you just can’t (won’t) see it.
Utter crap Draco.
There is nothing to see, you just keep pushing this bullshit in the hope that the public will believe you.
It is inconceivable to you lot not to have power, this is evident in the arrogant way you are acting nearly two years after the people of NZ told you to bugger off.
[lprent: You’re starting to descend into trolling looking at the last few comments. Very little content, lots of assertions, and some pointless abuse. Reform fast – it isn’t what the sites comments are for.
Sure I’m aware that you’re getting a certain amount of teasing on your bet. Live with it (and avoid taking bets on here in future). ]
Awhile ago I considered power for the sake of power and came to the abrupt conclusion that I can’t tell people what to do. It’s why I’m so supportive of democracy.
NACT came to power and immediately set up councils (Auckland SuperShitty, ECAN) that would do what businesses wanted and specifically against the wishes of the people. Yeah, the evidence is there that business controls the nation courtesy of it’s bought and paid for politicians in NACT.
What is a zombie? You might want to read this Oh oops, that could be describing you there.
If you want to know about my politics which are way beyond the idiotic and artificially maintained and obsolete left/right paradigm, you might want to watch Michael Ruppert’s (US Military, LA Cop, and your typical American redneck until he woke up to some home truths) film Collapse Part 1, 2, 3.
I work together with US military hoipalloi, intelligence proffesionals, Architects, engineers, medical professionals, firefighters, pilots and many many more Texas rednecks who have no connection with the so called left/right paradigm, to try and educate people such as you and if you had any brains at all you’d take some of those lessons but since I do not detect any measurable brain activity in your asinine comments I won’t hold my breath on that one.
Lol..hook, line and sinker.
You always have been such an easy wind up travellerev, it must have something to do with your obvious lack of intelligence.
But please, do go on holding your breath, hold it for as long as you can.
Yep, no discernible brain activity. Amazing.
Thanks anyway for given me a reason and therefore and opportunity to give these links here. You’d be amazed BB how many people actually do want to educate themselves.
You are a good example of how even a brain dead moron can be of service to their wider community. Now go back to sleep and enjoy your day.
Poor old travellerev
Just as irrelevant as ever.
Is that all you’ve got? LOL.
“I work together with US military hoipalloi, Texas rednecks, Gun right activists and a lot of other people who have no connection with the so called left/right paradigm”
Er, that’s three kinds of rightwingers, Trav. They may not understand the left/right paradigm, but it doesn’t mean they’re not part of it.
Sweety, I suggest you check the link to the patriots link and you will find there’ enough people from all over the political spectrum.
I made a point of showing my allegiance not just to people from the “Left side of the paradigm since that was already apparent in BB’s comments.
And actually you’d be surprised how liberal and left leaning some of those US military, red necks and even Gun rights activists are but I’m sure you already realised that being of superior mind. LOL.
Where ever did you get such a ridiculous idea Emp. In fact the violence and militarism has come mainly from the political Right.Franco , Mussolini ,Pinochet the list goes on. Even in Aotearoa we have almost had a dictatorship.Remember Muldoon and his Black Power friends? Have a look at the history of Sidney Holland. Emp you should should ask your Nat friends what their real beliefs are on Capital Punishment and the Unions.
Have a look at their voting record on the Homosexual Law reform and ask them their beliefs on Homosexuals. No EMP its not the political Left that has the History of tyranny its your lot.
“But what does it tell us about the average Kiwi”
It tells us that Kiwis have finally woken up, it tells us that Kiwis do not want big government and it tells us that Kiwis have had enough of socialism and welfare bludgers.
I must have missed those questions – where did it ask respondents their thoughts on socialism and/or welfare recipients…?
I rest my case. LOL
Crikey, Lil’ Blub, I hope Kiwis don’t tire of betting bludgers as well. It’d be such a shame to see you tarred and feathered for your lies and backsliding.
“It tells us that Kiwis have finally woken up, it tells us that Kiwis do not want big government and it tells us that Kiwis have had enough of socialism and welfare bludgers.”
Like hell it does. It tells us that 50-60% of NZ believe that National will deliver what they said they would deliver. Count me in the other 40%.
BTW has anyone seen the Labour party in the last couple of weeks?
Yeah a bit like the average kiwis driving habits.
When the going gets tough the tough……..
………… get troughing ?
LOL
ROFL
When the going gets tough… the Labour Party does nothing, apparently. Key out of the country, Parliament not sitting, you think Labour would take the opportunity to DO SOMETHING.
Hold on, credit where it’s due, I did see that Clare “just discovered the Internet” Curran posted a crucial poll on Red Alert:
“Internet speeds: are they fast enough?”
[ ] YES
[ ] NO
Sub 30…
Depends on who and where theyre polling
more brown turd spin
Labour’s still not connecting with the electorate. And this with a probable 12 months before Elections. Worrying.
You wouldn’t think Labour were worried – the posts I see here seem to focus on the fact that its largely the MSM’s fault that Labour aren’t polling higher or John Key has cast a magic spell on all of NZ.
Or maybe – just maybe – he is doing a pretty good job of it and the majority of NZ’ers think that? Heaven forbid. C’mon MSM, get your act together!! 🙂
How many times does it have to be pointed out that the posters here aren’t even “Labour-affiliated” – if you want that, go to Red Alert.
Still too timid Loota? Take some risks Labour. Use language (and I don’t mean offensive language) that attracts the attention of the media in the first place. I’m sick of the very polite PC stuff which has become the norm for too many Labour parliamentarians. Despite his faults, Shane Jones knows how to attract attention. I hope his period in the shadows doesn’t last too long.
“Shane Jones knows how to attract attention. I hope his period in the shadows doesn’t last too long.”
He he thanks for that I needed a laugh after the early start this morning
Well I see a couple of issues for Labour. One – the belief that any new Govt is going to be given more than one term by the electorate, as long as they don’t fully screw things up. In other words, the feeling that winning in 2011 just isn’t likely. Two – temptation in parts of the Labour hierarchy to try and maneuver to the right to try and capture more votes from what seems like a Right leaning electorate, instead of offering a true progressive Left alternative to NACT. (Witness Gillard’s positioning over in Oz).
First part right – but the second part – Labour have no idea what they stand for except they are not John Key (hell they have no one within a bulls roar of John Key)
Labour – like the Bok of saturday Night gave up at half time. Goff’s and nLabour polling is just awful. The party has no idea how to re-invent itself and catch the imagination of Middle NZ. Even Brash did better than Phil Goff in capturing the mood of NZ.
Your sense of humour is certainly found wanting sometimes comedy. More appropriate to Kiwiblog than here.
Jones wasn’t performing well before the scandal broke. He was a pompous git beforehand and if anything the porngate might have humbled him, which would be a good thing. The one thing he set his mind on before the scandal was to destroy the maori party. Good one shane. Didn’t do that did he. All he managed to do was alienate the maori party from working with labour in the near future. Labour don’t get it, they still think the public were just wrong and they will smarten up, rather than thinking labour is wrong and they have to smarten up.
“Labour don’t get it, they still think the public were just wrong and they will smarten up, rather than thinking labour is wrong and they have to smarten up.”
100% correct, and nicely put. Funny watching people think everyone else is an idiot, and then the truth dawns on them…
Rather than restating my past opinions, it would be simpler to agree with Emp. Perhaps the only other point I would add is the politics of perception – Goff may be capable, experienced, knowledgeable etc but in politics you have to deal with perception. Regretably, and we can blame the Yanks, but TV has changed the game particularly with Reagan – if he sounds like a President, and looks like a President, he must be a good president.
Goff looks old school as does Labour’s shadow govt. Perception or not, Labour’s not picking up on these messages. Likewise, National has done enough to screw the relationship with the MP but Labour seems to be in a competition to outdo them. Where National failed MMP dismally, Labour used to excel.
I don’t believe this is a particularly good National govt but they are doing enough to keep well ahead of Labour. That should be the worry for Labour.
‘Jones wasn’t performing well before the scandal broke. He was a pompous git’
That makes two of you then Emp
Like two men being chased by a tiger – you dont have to be fast, just faster. 🙂
What were all those flash cars doing at David Cunliffe’s place yesterday? No motorbikes sighted though …
Fish and chips or a BBQ?
With Cunners, I would imagine it would be only the finest rib-eye steak, and narry a sausage in sight 😉
I’ve also heard rumours of fondue parties in Nelson …
The media, particularly the print media, are besotted with Key and give him an easy ride. So-called journalists like Duncan Garner and Tracy Watkins need to examine their attitudes, they are doing themselves and the country no favours.
There is always one on this site isn’t there?
I’m not so bothered that the Labour Party is keeping a relatively low profile at the moment. I think there is a need for a whole new direction, with a realignment of the Labour Party’s consituents, and/ or of left alliances more broadly.
Overseas (in the US and Europe), it still seems like the right is using the on-going crisis in capitalism for cutting back on social democracy and welfare. This includes powerful forces/interests that will always push the NZ Labour Party towards the right.
Definitely, the Labour Party, and a lot of the left, needs to re-connect with the grass-roots of communities they should be representing. That may take time. And it may also possibly could be helped by some unforeseen, but major game-changer to come into play.
In the meantime, I think it will be better in the long run, for the left to be working on re-thinking their policies and principles, in terms of social and economic justice for the majority, and for the powerless and the under-supported sections of society.
For me just trying to come up with some (relatively superficial) strategy for getting re-elected, and prior to that for seeing some rise in the popularity polls, regardless of the cost to main principles, is just not that helpful.
I agree, they need to do what their advertising says they do; represent the people rather than focus on popularity thinking that the end game is to be electet so they can do what is good for themselves staying in power.
^ +1 very thoughtful, thanks Carol
“Definitely, the Labour Party, and a lot of the left, needs to re-connect with the grass-roots of communities they should be representing.”
I have to disagree with that. The 29-33% that Labour polls is the Labour grassroots — they are already a reliable voter base. What Labour need to capture is the middle ground, i.e. those who are really not politically aware. People like my wife and my friends for example, whose opinions are influenced by ordinary news from the media. These people, the middle-ground swing voters, don’t even know what left vs right means.
And people in the middle are not even remotely aware of or interested in what we discuss in political blogs like The Standard, Red Alert, Kiwiblog, Whaleoil, etc. And for these people, nothing is really broken in New Zealand, and therefore that implies the NACT government is doing O.K. These people are not going to vote for Labour unless there’s a sense in society that things are real bad. Besides tax cuts from the last budget have been viewed favourably by these people. The NACT government has generally done a good job in keeping them satisfied. The key thing for NACT is that they have not made them angry.
For the rest of this term of government, the NACTs are going to play it safe. They may dog-whistle right-wing policies but will pull back if the electorate does not like them. Their key objective until Election 2011 is to avoid making people angry.
And there’s nothing much that Labour can do to win over these people in the middle. The ball is in the NACT government’s court. May in their next term of government they may take some chances and really implement some policies that make people angry. But not this term.
If Labour decide to go further left, then they may make the 29-33% support even firmer, but they will alienate the majority of Kiwis and their chances of getting back to government will be diminished further.
I don’t see the NACT government taking too many risks until Election 2011, and so I would say Labour will likely to be in opposition again next term. It’s sad, but I am being realistic.
Why should this “reliable voter base” that you speak of, continue to vote Labour if the party is pitching policy at the soft national vote in preference to the 70-odd percent of NZanders who are struggling or just straight-out poor.
Are you seriously suggesting that Labour’s continued competition with National for the right vote is working for the party?
Good luck with that.
And have you noticed that the world is teetering on the verge of a perfect storm of economic, environmental and climactic catatastrophe – or is facilitating you and your friends’ latest kitchen remodellings, and luxury holidays just more important than addressing these crises rationally?
IMHO you are being a lot of things but “realistic” isn’t one of them.
I do agree with you that Labour is unlikely to win next year, but for very different reasons.
Getting back in touch with Labour’s “grassrooots” means getting getting back in touch with people who DIDN’T vote for them last election: ie this is not their core vote who continue to vote for Labour regardless of their ups and downs.
Amongst the people your are talking about, TDaD, are “ordinary”, relatively powerless, working people – the ones that Labour OUGHT to be representing. You just described some of the symptoms that show Labour has disconnected from them.
I doubt that going more left would alienate many of these voters if it was done in a way that Labour waas working for them.
O.K, the consensus definition of grassroots here seems to be the “working class citizens”.
What I am saying ultimately is that in every election, the grassroots vote either for or against the incumbent government (an exception being tiredness of a long-term government). There’s nothing much that Labour can do. If you walk in the streets and talk to people, talk to your friends, talk to workmates, etc, you will find that people at this stage are not feeling any resentment or anger towards the government. The reality is that people will suffer at some stage when but not now. At this stage, the reality is that people perceive things are o.k.
People have that attitude “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke”. Currently nothing seems broken, things are slowly moving along as if there’s nothing seriously wrong. There’s nothing the grassroots (middle working class Kiwis) feel like they can vote against the current government. All the tweaking the government has done so far only affects the core Labour/left supporters whom the NACT government are not worried about. In fact, the grassroots Kiwis, as you define them, don’t feel sorry for those on the low incomes, government servants, etc.
This government is really a Labour-lite government this term. The NACT government has played the electorate well, by being non-threatening and by getting people to think it’s been a smooth transition from the previous government to an improved version of it.
Sadly, it’s a waiting game for Labour. They have to wait for things to anger the grassroots to make them vote against the NACT government. The ball is in the NACT government’s court. Will the government stuff up on issues? Not likely this term. They will manage things carefully and postpone major risky decisions until next term. Until then, Labour will just have to watch and wait. There’s no point for Labour trying to be different, when National has convinced the electorate they are like Labour. Labour have to wait for a well of discontent to build up, and they they can tap into that well of discontent.
I am still hoping for NACTs to stuff up before Election 2011 and present Labour with some openings. But that’s a forlorn hope seeing how the NACTs have so expertly managed the PR and people’s expectations.
To a certain extent I agree, IDaD. But they can be doing a lot, but not necessarily high profile stuff.
They DO also need to re-connect with those you dismiss as not relevant – these are part of Labour’s traditional “grass-roots”.
ie
those on the low incomes, government servants, etc.
… as well as those who may feel like they are doing well right now, but are actually in an insecure, unstable position – the people who will be the first to suffer when the dust settles, the NACT policies come to fruition, and/or some of the other looming dangers/threats become much more obvious.
I am not dismissing them as irrelevant at all. Of course they are very very very relevant. It’s just that there’s not much Labour can do to re-connect.
“those on the low incomes, government servants, etc.”
I think these are already part of the Labour/left core support, part of the 30%, and so re-connecting is not needed because they are already connected. They will not leave Labour unless Labour lurch right-wing which is not likely.
“the people who will be the first to suffer when the dust settles, the NACT policies come to fruition, and/or some of the other looming dangers/threats become much more obvious.”
Yes, Labour need to reconnect with these people. These are the people who hold the key (tempted to use a pun there, but I won’t). Currently, they are not suffering yet. The shit hasn’t hit the fan yet. They are complacent. But scaring them out of their complacency won’t work. Voters are a strange breed. They are happy with the way things are until things go awry and they suffer. Then and only then they will vote AGAINST the government, to give the other lot a chance. And currently the NACT government is doing a good job in dulling the senses of these people so that they don’t see or care about the “looming dangers/threats”. When the looming dangers/threats become reality, then they will feel the need to “re-connect”. They are the ones who will decide when to re-connect with Labour. Labour can only keep the door ajar, with an open invitation.
No its actually quite just and fair because if that happens the people will have spoken.
IDAD, OK this level in the polls is the Labour grass roots – but only from one point of view. From another point of view, the Labour grass roots are the working class citizens of this country and their families. Has Labour connected with them? Has Labour shown them that it will change their lives for the better? At the ~30% support level I suggest that although Labour is holding on to its core supporters it has not connecting with these other very important parts of the community. The ‘grass roots’ of the community, not the ‘grass roots’ of the Labour Party. *They have (dangerously!) drifted apart* and are no longer one and the same. For ex, for every senior manager in an organisation there are 10 waged workers. Or 20. Are all those waged workers Labour supporters? If Labour is successfully connecting with those workers and their families, why would it still be on a poll level of 30%?
‘just saying’ – I read a really disturbing analysis of Gillard in the Sydney Morning Herald (search “Her hair may be red…”). Essentially it says that Labor over there has learnt to take for granted its left wing supporters and doesn’t bother to listen to them any more because they are considered captive. And to win more votes Labor has, and will continue to, lurch to the right. Leaving no true progressive left party.
Sorry loota, my discussions above meant to include you as well. Just a mix-up with the threading 🙂
In this terrain, polls as always are great when they coincide with one’s particular views and obviously suck when it goes the otherway. However polling companies it should be remembered are donkey deep in the MSM, they are not dispassionate observers, sticking a finger in the air to discern which way the wind is blowing.They help manufacture the ‘consent’ and perceptions seen as valuable by their owners aka the capitalist class. And unlike NZ voters polling companies are not prone to engineering themselves an early xmas.
When will Labour realise is time to ditch Goff and the “old guard” once and for all? The longer the decision takes, the lower they go in the polls. It can only be good for National.
The red party is sinking fast.
To all the nutters who believe that big business controls your lives:
When has a business ever compelled or forced you to do anything at any part of your life?
Umm, every day. Had you not noticed?
No I hadnt Armchair. I noticed that I choose to buy products from them with money that I earned. Unlike the government they dont take my money and in return provide me with an assortment of goods and services which as an individual I have very little control over.
Good one Nick. Next time I fill up my car with diesel I’ll think about how much control I have over the goods and services over my oligopoly supplier. Next time I use my cellphone I’ll think about the great service I’ll get if I’m persistent enough to make a complaint like Andrew did. Next time I need to claim on insurance I won’t be referred to as a number.
You are so right, in the eyes of big business I am different. Just like everyone else.
Nick C, the way it works is not to simply ‘force’ people to buy things (I can’t believe I’m having to point this out). Economics (the discipline) is often understood as the explanation for how individuals’ preferences lead to actions (means-ends rationality, etc.). There’s no explanation – in economics – for why people may have particular preferences (it’s not the point of economics).
Therefore, what economists – and, sadly, many on the right – show little interest in is the social and psychological processes that lead to people having the preferences they end up with as adults. Marketers, PR agencies and consumer behaviour specialists, however, have considerable interest in these processes and in using such processes to develop preferences in the first place. It is not coercive control of behaviour so much as developmental control that they seek, and they have been doing so with increasing success (hence the special agencies and divisions within major marketing companies that ‘target’ the 0-2 year olds).
In addition, structural changes which capitalists and others involved in commerce have ‘lobbied’ for (with remarkable success given that they are a small minority and so one would think politicians would not be interested in so few votes – how odd is that?) serve to channel the exercise of preferences into market activity. These structural changes set the boundaries for the exercise of action based on the socially engineered preferences.
In combination, (many) people just find themselves making multiple decisions every day (in the market) that they quickly come to regret and through which only a diehard neo-classical economist could argue had anything to do with their ‘self interest’.
This process (of deliberate preference formation in the population – most notably the preference to consume via the market over engaging in other possible activities) is by no means perfect. It would be fair to say, however, – and there is ample ‘on the record’ evidence of this – that the process has become incredibly refined and more and more sophisticated over the last century. Also, the process is quite deliberate, if we can believe the comments that such people themselves have made and continue to make.
So Nick C, there’s no ‘coercion’, just an increasing ability to control preferences and the parameters in which they are exercised. It should go without saying that this deliberate social engineering has not been done with the population’s well-being in mind.
Nutters? Meh. You must not be aware that big business food corps engineer the taste of their cookies to try and accomplish the perfection of “habitual more-ishness” and make individual cookie sizes just slightly too small to be satisfying so you tend to take a second one out of the pack to munch on.
So you may think ‘control’ is probably too strong a word, fine, but they certainly do f*** with us.
loota, are you travellerev, the Dutch Einstein, in disguise? Another conspiracy theory to explot?
No, no conspiracy theory, these are standard food formulation approaches in the ‘convenience’ and takeaway food industries. Let’s say a corporate has 3 finalists for seasoning options for a new flavour pack of crisps. They are all very similar variants of a ‘honey BBQ chicken’ flavouring. You focus group test each one with a bunch of paid punters; with flavour 1 you find the punters consume an average of 60g of chips before stopping, with flavour 2 – 65g, and with flavour 3 – 70g. everything else being equal the corporate would of course go with flavour 3 – in other words increasing consumption of their product by 17% compared to flavour 1. That is massive. So it makes good business sense.
Coming up on Nat Rad Nine-to-Noon in the next half-hour, I think:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon
Hey Santi,
Thanks for the opportunity. For those of you who are curious about how much the corporate military complex has a say in our daily lives this book written by Nick Turse is a must read. Nothing theoretic about it.
Well they dont “Force’ as you say but they certainly have lots of influence.
Im limited to the daily newspaers I can read , All big business owned and controlled . They own all the food outlets so I have to eat what they supply/{except for home grown ,which is limited to gardeners like me).
Entertainment is all big business dominated so I can only watch what they allow me too.
The banks are all ,except Kiwi, are ll big business run. So I have to abide by what they allow me to borrow ect.
Local body councils are are nearly all dominated by big business. Certainly working people have little or no chance of winning council elections in the big cities/towns , and no chance whatsoever of winning seats in country towns, so I dont have much chance of a say in the place I live in. I could go on but the fact is that although Im not forced as you say Nick C, but the ordinary working person is completly dominated by big business and their friends on the political Right.
Trader! Trader! polling bright
In the bullpen of the right,
What opposing gal or guy
Could front thy frank expediency?
As if the Rainbow faction would ever allow a Labour candidate to be referred to as a girl. Or a guy.
Rob M
The sun may have eclipsed today, but your poetic light will never dim!
As a Team Labour supporter, I have to admit at half-time of the game, it’s all over rover! The other team just need to maintain their composure and stick to their game plan, and they’ve got the game sewn up. Sometimes, you come across games that are “games of two halves”, and that’s what I can hope for, where Team Labour turn the game around and pile up a number of tries in the second half, scoring the winning try with a few seconds left on the clock. And that will only happen if the NACT defence disintegrates in the second-half and leave gaping holes for the Labour team to barge through — and that’s assuming they don’t knock on as they have been likely to do. Not likely though, the other team has been showing great defence and has been throwing some miraculous passes and scoring some great tries (like the Tax Cuts and Credit Card saga).
I can not help but think of the coverage that Shane Jones got from the media and how little went to to the Nats. I thought at the time that there was a hidden agenda from mainstream media. Guess the Morgan poll suggests I may have been right.
The only poll that matters is the one on election day.
See
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2010/s2957620.htm