Election date to be announced
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11:57 am, September 12th, 2008 - 75 comments
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So, Helen Clark is expected to announce the election date at 12.30.
$20 says it’s November 8.
UPDATE: The 8th it is. I’ll be collecting my $20 off each of you in due course.
Full text of the speech over the break:
PM’s announcement on the 2008 General Election
I have called this press conference today to announce the date of the 2008 General Election and the timetable of events which will unfold from the dissolution of Parliament.
This election is about trust.
It is about which leader and which major party we New Zealanders trust our families’ and our country’s future with.
This election is a choice between a government which has shown it can make the tough choices and an opposition which flip flops on almost every major issue which emerges.
It is an election between a government which takes principled positions and an opposition which says what it thinks the audience in front of it wants to hear.
It is an election about who can be trusted to take our nation ahead to a prosperous and confident 21st century, where all our families and communities can thrive.
In this campaign we in Labour will be talking about our vision for the future of New Zealand.
Labour is ambitious for New Zealand. National is ambiguous.
We will promote our plans for innovation, upskilling, infrastructure development including broadband rollout and trade negotiations to drive the economy forward.
In the next few weeks I will be announcing significant new policies in critical areas such as health, education, and housing.
We will be promoting bold initiatives to lift the educational achievements of young New Zealanders.
We will be promoting our major sustainability initiatives, following the passage of the emissions trading legislation.
New Zealand is now a world leader in its action programme on climate change. Labour will keep it that way.
We are committed to keeping up the fast pace of Treaty settlements, and to building a 21st century New Zealand inclusive of all ethnicities and faiths.
We will continue to prioritise the arts, culture and heritage sectors as they contribute so much to defining New Zealand’s unique identity of which we are so proud.
I lead a government which over nine years has brought about a remarkable transformation for the better in New Zealand’s economy and society and boosted the pride and confidence we New Zealanders have in our nation.
There are still big challenges ahead of our country. Our government must lead New Zealand through a time of international economic turmoil, the challenges of an ageing population, and the need to keep improving health and education services and our infrastructure.
Labour has continually rolled out big and new policies to take New Zealand families and our country ahead.
In this last term we’ve
· Rolled out cheaper doctors’ fees across New Zealand so that families no longer have to think twice about taking their children to the doctor.
· Ensured that Working for Families helps 370,000 families with the costs of bringing up children and lifted more than 130,000 children out of poverty.
· Introduced Twenty Hours free Early Childhood Education – saving many families more than $70 a week per child.
· This year we are funding one teacher to every fifteen new entrant children in our classrooms to give small children the best possible start at school.
· In tertiary education, interest free loans have been critical for our students.
· For older New Zealanders, the lift in the rate of New Zealand Superannuation along with increased rates rebates and now a range of entitlements through the Gold Card have made life easier.
· The introduction of KiwiSaver has given New Zealanders the chance to save for their first homes and for greater security in retirement.
· The shared equity scheme joins Welcome Home Loans as a new initiative to help New Zealanders in to their first homes.
· More than 2,500 police staff have been added to the force over nine years, and still more are budgeted for.
· We’ve massively increased investment in all aspects of our nation’s infrastructure schools, hospitals, road and rail and public transport, and broadband roll out.
· We’ve been determined to keep our country clean and green and protect our unique environment The emissions trading scheme, the biofuels obligation, the renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives, put New Zealand in a leadership role on these issues. It’s not in our country’s nature to be mere fast followers.
Our record on the economy is strong with New Zealand well positioned to come through the current international downturn.
Unemployment remains at low levels by Western world standards, workforce participation is high, and the Crown’s balance sheet is strong.
Labour has negotiated the biggest trade deal in New Zealand’s history the FTA with China and has worked hard to open markets for New Zealand exporters.
We’ve cemented in New Zealand’s reputation as a principled and constructive international player across the wide range of issues confronting the international community.
Our time in office has seen a renaissance of arts and culture and a surge of interest in our nation’s heritage, in no small part due to the importance we have placed on boosting these sectors.
We’ve worked hard at home to promote reconciliation through the Treaty settlement process, to work in partnership with Maori as Treaty partners, and to support the inclusion of all ethnicities, faiths, and cultures in our society.
While there have been recent terrible murders, including of serving police officers, the facts are that overall crime rates are at their lowest levels in a couple of decades, and that serious offenders are serving longer jail sentences under Labour
Overall, Labour takes pride in what it has achieved with and for New Zealanders.
We’ve shown that we will take the hard decisions and that we will stand up for New Zealand’s interests at all times.
I will be asking New Zealanders to cast a positive vote for a future they can trust.
Nothing is more important. A lot is at stake for New Zealand families. The policies our families, young and old, have come to rely on are seriously at risk.
National has attacked every major Labour policy aimed at making life better for New Zealanders.
They attacked Working for Families, interest free student loans, 20 Hours Free early childhood education, cheaper doctors fees, KiwiSaver, the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, and our affordable housing initiatives. Any professed conversion on these policies lacks sincerity. National can’t be trusted.
They attacked our government’s buy back of Kiwi Rail and the Air New Zealand shares.
They’ve attacked us on climate change policy.
They attacked us for staying out of the Iraq War.
Their record shows that they stand for a radically different and backward looking New Zealand, and not for a 21st century future for our people.
Worse, their now not so secret agenda includes
· Selling Kiwibank and other state assets
· Borrowing recklessly for tax cuts.
· Privatising ACC
· Imposing expensive tolls on our roading system
Add to that National’s stated policy of
· Pouring more investment into private schools rather than public and integrated schools
· Weakening workers’ rights
· Undermining cheaper doctors’ fees
· Scrapping much of Labour’s new tax incentive for business R & D and all of the major investment we are making in the future of our major pastoral and food export sector.
It’s clear that National and its leader cannot be trusted with the future of New Zealand.
New Zealanders have everything to lose from electing a party which won’t tell the truth about its policies and wants to put the clock back.
I look forward to fighting this election campaign.
The future of New Zealand is at stake.
Labour has shown through its record in office that we can be trusted with the future of New Zealand.
National’s evasiveness, flip flops, and secret agendas show that it can’t be trusted.
I have advised the Administrator of the Government today that the date for the dissolution of Parliament will be 3 October.
Writ day will follow on 8th October and nomination day will be on 14th October.
The general election will be held on 8th November.
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- Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...4 days ago
- Fast-track submissions period must be extended
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...20 hours ago - Release: Progress on climate will be undone by Govt
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...20 hours ago - Release: Dark day for Kiwi kids as a third of Govt cuts affect themNews that 1000 jobs at the Ministry of Education and Oranga Tamariki could go is devastating for future generations of New Zealanders. ...3 days ago
- Release: Alarm as Government signals further blow to school lunchesMore essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...3 days ago
- Release: Quick, submit – stop Govt’s dodgy approvals billThe Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...4 days ago
- Government throws coal on the climate crisis fireThe Government’s policy announced today to ease consenting for coal mining will have a lasting impact across generations. ...4 days ago
- Release: Public transport costs to double as National looks at unaffordable roading project insteadCancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...5 days ago
- Release: Cost of living in Auckland still not a priorityA laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...5 days ago
- Greens look to fast-track submissions on harmful lawThe Green Party has today launched a step-by-step guide to help New Zealanders make their voice heard on the Government’s democracy dodging and anti-environment fast track legislation. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt should stop making people’s lives harder and build more homesThe National Government’s proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act will mean tenants can be turfed from their homes by landlords with little notice, Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said. ...1 week ago
- Release: Melissa Lee missing in action on mediaThe action Melissa Lee promised to protect democracy and the media sector is missing, Media and Communications spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...1 week ago
- Landlord Government leaves little hope for rentersThe Government’s announcement on tenancy rules prove that it does not care about renters. ...1 week ago
- Opportunity to build a more sustainable economyGreen Party co-leader Marama Davidson is calling on all parties to support a common-sense change that’s great for the planet and great for consumers after her member’s bill was drawn from the ballot today. ...1 week ago
- Significant step forward in fixing cruel and unjust pastA significant milestone has been reached in the fight to strike an anti-Pasifika and unfair law from the country’s books after Teanau Tuiono’s members’ bill passed its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Missed opportunity but NZ will surely one day recognise the right to a sustainable environmentNew Zealand has today missed the opportunity to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, says James Shaw after his member’s bill was voted down in its first reading. ...1 week ago
- Release: Don’t cut our lunches – clear message sent to GovernmentTens of thousands of people are demanding the Government commits to fully funding free and healthy school lunches. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt makes U-turn on Suicide Prevention OfficeLabour welcomes the Government’s U-turn on the closure of the Suicide Prevention Office, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- CCC issues warning over further climate delayToday’s advice from the Climate Change Commission paints a sobering reality of the challenge we face in combating climate change, especially in light of recent Government policy announcements. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets lame and lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon targets are lousy example of leadershipIf talk is cheap, Chris Luxon’s “targets” are bankrupt. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Commitment to disability communities missing from Govt prioritiesMinister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds appears to have delayed a report back to Cabinet on the progress New Zealand is making against international obligations for disabled New Zealanders. ...2 weeks ago
- Methane target review is dangerous duplicationThe Government’s newly announced review of methane emissions reduction targets hints at its desire to delay Aotearoa New Zealand’s urgent transition to a climate safe future, the Green Party said. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government must commit to school building project for disabled studentsThe Government must commit to the Maitai School building project for students with high and complex needs, to ensure disabled students from the top of the South Island have somewhere to learn. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: National must take mental health seriouslyMental Health Minister Matt Doocey and his Government colleagues have made a meal of their mental health commitments, showing how flimsy their efforts to champion the issue truly are, says Labour Mental Health spokesperson Ingrid Leary. ...2 weeks ago
- Referendums for Māori wards a racist step backwardsThe Government's imposed referendum on Māori wards is a racist step backwards for Māori representation, and disregards Te Tiriti o Waitangi. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Job losses at Health not worth it for tax cutsNew Zealand will feel the harm of the National Government’s reckless cuts to jobs at the health ministry for generations, says Ayesha Verrall. ...2 weeks ago
- Press release: No Māori initiatives in Government’s nothing planMāori are yet to see anything from this Government except cuts, reversals and taking our people backwards, Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said. ...2 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Thirty six point PR spinThe Government’s ‘36 point’ plan for the next three months is as pointless as it is hollow. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Social housing off Government’s to-do listThe Coalition Government’s refusal to commit to ongoing funding for social housing is seeing the sector pull back on developments and families watch their dreams of securing a home fade away, says Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty. ...3 weeks ago
- Release: Less money in most people’s pockets this AprilChanges to minimum wage and benefit indexation means many New Zealanders will get less this year, as the Government gives a big tax break to landlords instead. ...3 weeks ago
- PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...4 hours ago - $41m to support clean energy in South East AsiaNew Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...20 hours ago
- Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder listThe Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...22 hours ago
- Judicial appointments announcedAttorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...23 hours ago
- Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in SingaporeEducation Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa. The summit is co-hosted ...24 hours ago
- Value of stopbank project proven during cycloneA stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...24 hours ago
- Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visitForeign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul. “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...1 day ago
- Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac DayScience, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...1 day ago
- Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...2 days ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...2 days ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...2 days ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...2 days ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...2 days ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...2 days ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...2 days ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...2 days ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...3 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...3 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...3 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...3 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...3 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...4 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...4 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...4 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...4 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...5 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...5 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...5 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...5 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...5 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...5 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...6 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...1 week ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...1 week ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...1 week ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- Why the pathology bulk-billing campaign is more about driving industry profits than saving you money
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Duckett, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, The University of Melbourne iamharin/Shutterstock For many people, the term “bulk billed” refers to a GP visit they don’t have to pay ...2 hours ago - All about Emma: Three writers talk about the name they share in common
Emmas Hislop, Sidnam and Wehipeihana discuss what’s in a name. Emma Sidnam: Hello Emmas! Thank you so much for agreeing to do this with me. My first question for you is related to what’s been on my mind for a while. It’s very important. You see we’ve recently had some ...2 hours ago - Restoring coastal habitat boosts wildlife numbers by 61% – but puzzling failures mean we can still...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Sievers, Research Fellow, Global Wetlands Project, Australia Rivers Institute, Griffith University Chris Brown Humans love the coast. But we love it to death, so much so we’ve destroyed valuable coastal habitat – in the case of some types of habitat, ...2 hours ago
- Public sector job cuts: Affected staff criticise leaders' handling of announcements
Staff are shell shocked and frustrated, and say leaders handled the announcements poorly. ...2 hours ago - ‘The room went dead quiet’: Josh Thomson on his worst 7 Days momentJosh Thomson on the 80s milk ad jingle he can’t stop singing, the beauty of The Simpsons, why Jersey Shore is as good as Shakespeare and more. For someone who spends a lot of time on our screens, popping up in everything from 7 Days to Taskmaster, Educators to Good ...3 hours ago
- Shadow-boxing turns real for Israel and Iran
In apparent defiance of the Biden administration, the Netanyahu government has now initiated missile strikes against Iran. Last Saturday night (Sunday morning in New Zealand) Iran launched more than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles against Israeli military targets. With the assistance of US, UK and possibly French forces, ...5 hours ago - Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meets KPIs on Southeast Asia missionPower Play - Asked for his own assessment of the visit, the prime minister said he was returning home "excited and energised". ...6 hours ago
- Embracing Māori Representation Enriches Democracy, Not Divides It
Māori representation brings a perspective that encompasses not only the interests of Māori communities but also a broader, holistic approach to environmental stewardship and community well-being, principles deeply embedded in Te Ao Māori (the Māori ...6 hours ago - Anne Salmond: My open submission on this radical, flawed fast-track billThis week in Auckland, a group of young people took over the microphone at a ministerial press conference, to explain why they oppose the Fast-Track Approvals Bill. One young woman said, ‘We’re here because we love Aotearoa New Zealand. We want to raise our children in an environment that’s thriving, ...6 hours ago
- Short story: Finally, by Caoimhe McKeoghThe summer was wonderful. Evie was wonderful, too; finally a teenager, finally worthy of long, hot days. She shaved her legs for the first time and bought cut-off shorts from the op-shop that made them look long. She got a Warehouse singlet so tight on her new shape that her ...6 hours ago
- Thomas James is a master of inventionWhen Thomas James was on his solo camp as part of Outward Bound, the keen outdoorsman didn’t find it too challenging, as others often do. In what might just be the perfect illustration of his character, he saw it as a great opportunity to solve a few problems. “I thought, ...6 hours ago
- All 28 road tunnels in New Zealand ranked from worst to bestFrom the unstable and drippy to the hi-tech and pretty, here’s our ranking of all the tunnels you can drive through in this country. The first tunnel seems to have been built in 2200BC in Babylonia, kicking off a global phenomenon for digging holes in order to get places more ...7 hours ago
- How to make the most of your market haulLucinda Bennett on the art of being greedy but resourceful. This is an excerpt from our weekly food newsletter, The Boil Up. When I picture the market, it is always this time of year. Crisp air, dripping nose, counting coins with cold fingers. Sunlight pale, filtered through specks of dew still ...7 hours ago
- From a library basement comes a fashion historyZoë Colling’s favourite piece in the ‘That’s So Last Century’ collection is a lubrication chart for a sewing machine from the ’60s. It’s about the size of a postcard, and carefully maintained. “I like it that this piece of ephemera highlights that manual and technical side of the skill involved ...7 hours ago
- Rousing farewell for Kiwi doctors flying out to Gaza aid flotillaKia Ora Gaza A passionate haka reverberated through Auckland International Airport as a medical team of three New Zealand doctors received an emotional farewell from a big crowd of supporters before flying to Turkey to join the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza. The doctors, who left Auckland yesterday, hope to ...14 hours ago
- Communities Against The Fast-track Heartened By ‘Overwhelming’ Public Response; Disgusted By ‘...With submissions closing today, Macassey-Pickard says groups around the country have been supporting a huge range of people to make their submissions. ...16 hours ago
- Renters Rights To Drastically Reduce Under Landlord GovernmentThe Government’s announced changes around tenancy rules set renters’ rights back by nearly a decade. ...16 hours ago
- NZPI Submission on Fast Track Approvals BillOur response to the new legislation is informed by targeted conversations with practitioners working in the system and through an implementation lens. ...16 hours ago
- Fast Track Invite List Includes Most Destructive Industries In New ZealandThe new ‘Fast-track Approvals Bill’ would give just three Ministers the power to approve or deny development projects. They would avoid the usual checks and balances that are in place to protect rivers, land, the ocean, and communities. ...16 hours ago
- Eugene Doyle: Helen Clark on why AUKUS isn’t in New Zealand’s national interestCOMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle Helen Clark, how I miss you. The former New Zealand Prime Minister — the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory — gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held ...16 hours ago
- Government releases list of organisations shoulder-tapped for fast-track consentsThe government's released the list of organisations provided with information on how to apply - just hours before public submissions on the bill close. ...17 hours ago
- The Week in Politics: Job cuts surge and Waitangi Tribunal troubleAnalysis - It's been a grim week for public servants, while trouble is also brewing between the government and Waitangi Tribunal. ...18 hours ago
- It never rains but it pours: intense rain and flash floods have increased inland in eastern Australi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milton Speer, Visiting Fellow, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney Before climate change really got going, eastern Australia’s flash floods tended to concentrate on our coastal regions, east of the Great Dividing Range. But that’s changing. Now ...19 hours ago
- Watch: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaThe PM has defended how he's talked up NZ trade on his trip to Southeast Asia, after criticism from his own delegation. ...19 hours ago
- ‘It could be the death of the museum’: why research cuts at a South Australian institution have ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elizabeth Finkel, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, La Trobe University Sia Duff / South Australian Museum In February, the South Australian Museum “re-imagined” itself. In the face of rising costs and inadequate government funds, CEO David Gaimster, who took the reins last June, declared ...19 hours ago
- Government signs off $41m clean energy deal with Asian Development BankThe government has committed $41 million to clean energy transition at the Asian Development Bank's Energy Transition Mechanism. ...19 hours ago
- Are 2 mid-career AFL retirements a sign Australian athletes are taking brain health more seriously?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alan Pearce, Professor, School of Allied Heath, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, La Trobe University This week, Collingwood AFL player Nathan Murphy announced his retirement, brought on by his concussion history and ongoing issues. The 24-year-old’s seemingly sudden retirement, ...21 hours ago
- Luxon: Waitangi Tribunal comments from coalition parties 'ill considered'Comments from ACT and NZ First ministers about the Tribunal were "ill considered" and "that message will be underscored" to them, the PM says. ...21 hours ago
- Mental Health Foundation Facing Staff Cuts From Govt Funding SqueezeThe Mental Health Foundation provides support and resources for those facing the loss of their job, so it’s wrong in the very week the Government adds another 1000 jobs to its tally of cuts, that this is happening. ...22 hours ago
- I wholeheartedly recommend The President: a brilliant revival of a play of decay, terror and revulsi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Howard, Senior Lecturer, Discipline of English and Writing, University of Sydney Daniel Boud/Sydney Theatre Company Decay, terror, revulsion. These are three of the central themes of Thomas Bernhard’s rarely performed play The President. The Austrian is one of the greatest ...22 hours ago
- How the coolest little capital is shrinkingIt's not the first time a government has targeted public servants for job cuts, but this time Wellington is really feeling it. ...22 hours ago
- Many prisoners go years without touching a smartphone. It means they struggle to navigate life on th...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ye In (Jane) Hwang, Postdoctoral Research Associate at School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock You’d be hard pressed to find any aspect of daily life that doesn’t require some form of digital literacy. We need only to look back ten ...22 hours ago
- Ministers accused of Cabinet Manual breach with threats to Waitangi TribunalPrime Minister Christopher Luxon says threats by ministers Shane Jones and David Seymour to reform or close down the Waitangi Tribunal were “ill-considered”, as legal experts say the ministers may have breached Cabinet Manual conventions. “I think those comments are ill-considered and we expect all ministers to actually exercise good ...22 hours ago
- Good news: midlife health is about more than a waist measurement. Here’s whySource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rob Newton, Professor of Exercise Medicine, Edith Cowan University Pexels/RDNE stock project You’re not in your 20s or 30s anymore and you know regular health checks are important. So you go to your GP. During the appointment they measure your waist. ...22 hours ago
- The Friday Poem: ‘Mitochondrial Problem’ by Evangeline Riddiford GrahamA new poem by Evangeline Riddiford Graham. Mitochondrial Problem I. It was long drive to Kansas for the man and his dog but you have to understand he said She doesn’t fly. Which calls to mind not carsick shitting barking or whining but a dog who chooses not to as ...22 hours ago
- The Unity Books bestseller chart for the week ending April 18The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington. AUCKLAND 1 Hemingway’s Goblet by Dermot Ross (Mary Egan Publishing, $38) Hot off the press, this debut ...22 hours ago
- Department of Conservation closing Dunedin centre, but no jobs lostVisitor habits are changing and DOC needs to adapt in a financially sustainable way, its operations director says. ...22 hours ago
- Unions Collaborate With Thousands Of Job CutsWith New Zealand officially in recession, a swathe of mass sackings is currently sending shockwaves through the entire working class. ...23 hours ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon speaks to media in ManilaPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters in Manila after pledging greater defence cooperation with the Philippines. Watch live. ...23 hours ago
- Government sent please explain letter to Wellington City Council over transport disagreementThe contents were revealed in correspondence from Simeon Brown and Chris Bishop to Wellington's Mayor. ...23 hours ago
- Some families push back against journalists who mine social media for photos – they have every rig...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Wajnryb McDonald, PhD candidate in Criminology, University of Sydney Less than 24 hours after Ashlee Good was murdered in Bondi Junction, her family released a statement requesting the media take down photographs they had reproduced of Ashlee and her family without ...23 hours ago
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For once I’d have to agree Tane – but I’d prefer 18 October because Mrs Inv and I are on holiday for a week shortly after that!
Yeah, I think Nov 8 is the worst kept secret in politics – apart from National’s draft policies, that is 🙂
Could be wrong though, you never know.
Good. Let’s do it.
No she’s going to announce Nationals Policy on….
… am sure she can find something else to crow about. Not like she will be in the roost for much longer.
I’m looking forward to it. Election party at my place! (Err, not that any of you know where that is. But I won’t let that stop me – I’m sure you’ve all got your own fun organised!)
OMG SHE”S ANNOUNCINNNGG HER RESIGATION YESSSHHH!!!!!11111oneoneone
(brought to you by Kiwiblog)
It seems what the press conference is about is the worst kept secret, since you’re confirming it’s about the election when Clark has stayed silent on that.
[lprent: Do some date maths. ]
It says it’s ‘expected’. I’ll update the post, but usually if the media say something’s expected to be announced they have a fair idea.
I guess we’ll find out in ten minutes.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it were October 18, your opponent just five weeks to spend their money. I suppose this is the folly of making predictions that can be proven wrong so quickly.
Perhaps she’ll just stagger out into the corridor and mumble … “It doesn’t give my opponents much time either” (hic).
A bit early in the day for that though.
My guess – She is promoting Winston ….
I think it’s interesting she’s talking about trust… that will just set her up for a fall, given the events of the last few weeks.
‘New Zealand has everything to lose by electing a Party which won’t tell the truth about its policies…’
Hear hear.
Yep. 8th.
Winston wins again. Privileges committee now disbanded and look for his other problems to be magically solved if labour manage to scrape back in.
And so it continues…
Nice she has declared it an election about trust, nobody can accuse her of failing in the blind confidence stakes.
Privileges committee now disbanded
Wrong.
No barnsleybill – Parliament, and therefore the Privileges Committee, will not be dissolved until October 3rd.
Who asked the question about the Standard and what was it? couldn’t hear on natrad
Did Clark say something about ‘The Standard’ after being questioned by a reporter?
Captcha: count investigation (funny when they’re relevant)
I did like her “Labour is ambitious for New Zealand. National is ambiguous.” Kudos to whoever thought that up.
Not sure, I was watching on TV and the bastards cut it out as the questions started.
Sky news Australia had all the questions, they asked about the standard!
Ha! Just talked to a mate of mine. Apparently some plonker in the gallery asked whether The Standard knew about the election date. Classic.
That might explain why the site has gotten a little slow just now…
[lprent: Yep – certainly started spiking the CPU]
Tane – does said plonker now owe you $20?
I. Am. Helen. Clarke!
An election based on trust?
Shit thats rich
I was really disappointed in the journo questions actually – the first one was fine (Brent Edwards from Nat Rad maybe? sounded like him) but the second and third were both beltway questions (the possible impact of the US election and did the Standard know respectively). Nice for you guys to get such a mention, but I wonder how much most voters care about those issues? And I hope it doesn’t set the tone for an election campaign where the media is covering the stuff most people don’t care about and ignoring what really matters.
First I saw of the “Ambiguous for NZ” line was from Ari in 08wire’s NACT Slogan Competition
Great speech. Who wrote it ? Churchillian.
A speech with conviction and sincerity. Everything you would expect from Helen Clark.
About time too.
Mind you the journo’s could have asked SP – he was pretty confident yesterday although it would seem obvious that the 8th was the only real option.
Like Julie, I hope the real issues can be discussed now and Labour will start releasing some policy of their own for a pleasant change 😉
Ladies and gentlemen of the standard, we have a problem.
The PM has said that Labour are ambitious. This is a problem becuase much of the denigration of John Key has been about his use of the word “ambitious”. He was a fool when he was “ambitious” for NZ….
What now fellow spin Dr’s and apologists – how do we dig our way out of this denigration hole ?
A speech with conviction and sincerity????? Are you sure you weren’t watching Obama on the other channel??
Her speech was the same old hateful, fear mongering that she does to her base, the usual, “Aunty Helen will look after you”
We don’t need a Prime Minister who is like this, oh well I hope she is enjoying her last seven weeks in office.
Why’s AYB’s post with the PMs speech and my comment disappeared ?
[lprent: beats me – I can’t see it anywhere. Probably a post that was being written and escaped in published state ?]
[Tane: Double up from my post, which he hadn’t seen. Was easier than having two comments threads.]
I see from the responses to this piece of information that the rancid right somehow think their views should be taken into consideration every time the Government makes a decision. well all I can say is watch your blood pressure and inv2 take your holiday on novemeber 9 cause you will need it after national gets their bums spanked!
Well Burt, we look at what Key meant when he said he was ambitious. Key preaching to the (right) choir:
Do we like NZ? NO!!
Can we trust our doctors and nurses? Hell no!
Do we have faith in the police? hell no SIR!
Do we respect our youth? HELL NO!
Do we want to keep state assets? NO!
Do we want to be ‘missing in action again’? NO!
Can we build trains in the Hutt? Hell No!
Are you ambitious for New Zealand? HELL N.. Ah is that meant to be a yes?
Brett – you must have a lot of anger to see the speech in that light. I’m not going to argue with you, I’m sure you’ll always hear what you want to hear. Good luck with that. Hope it doesn’t make you even more bitter!
Brett I hope you are enjoying your last 7 weeks in New Zealand before you leave for Australia with the rest of the National voters.
burt,
Let me spell it out slooowwwlllyyyyy just for you:
John Key gets the piss taken out of him not for being ambitious, but for saying he’s ambitious when any fool can see his “policies” are anything but.
Was that so hard for your delicate little mind?
HS – I think it may have been taken down since it was essentially a duplication of this post (I saw it too, and thought that).
Felix
Drop the “Was that so hard for your delicate little mind?” and your post has some opinion value. As it stands it’s just flapping because dear leader has stolen another National line and tried to make it her own.
Nah, Im not leaving for Australia, who needs to with a national government, the Australian bookmakers though have National as firm favorites to win the election. Labour’s only help is to try and keep the margin of their defeat down.
Thats the way I saw her speech, reminded me of one of Bush’s speech, where he try’s to paint the democrats as the bad guy. The polices of fear wont work this time.
We will finally have some dignity back in the head office of our country.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it were October 18 … I suppose this is the folly of making predictions that can be proven wrong so quickly.
Yup Tim, wrong, but you’re in “good” company, Key was picking Oct 18 too.
I think it’s interesting she’s talking about trust that will just set her up for a fall, given the events of the last few weeks.
No Tim you’re wrong about that too (here and in previous threads). I’m very glad to see trust at the centre of this election. National are all over the place on policy, internal discipline, and their secrete agenda. Can’t trust them on anything.
Now let’s get on with it.
“secrete agenda” was a typo, but the more I think about it, the more appropriate it seems!
Surely the speech must have be written before the Privileges Committee circus – Labour’s “principles” have been exposed as being as self-serving as the other politicians. Given the circumstances, what a dumb statement to make.
Matt Pilot,
“Do we respect our youth? HELL NO!”
Please explain.
What a joy to be able to contribute with a vote against this pack of unprincipled socialist liars!
Let the games begin…
Daveski, it has to be about trust. Labour have earned it over nine productive years in office. National can’t even keep their story straight for 2 days in a row sometimes.
“This election is about trust” was Helen’s opening statement. That’s no mistake, that’s a head on challenge to Mr Ambiguous.
Just a quick recap about our great Government, now the Election date has been announced.
1 – Last Election Labour stole $800,000 from taxpayers for advertising. They then passed a law that made it legal when re-elected.
2 – They refuse to have a referendum of MMP, even though it was promised.
3 – They refuse to let the “smacking’ referendum happen during this election. Labour knows best.
4 – Raised Taxes 9 years ago and refused to give a tax cut until they were behind in the polls.
5 – Abolished the Privy council. We now have a high court. If it wasn’t for the Privy council, David Bain would still be rotting in jail – he was lucky that he was convicted before the Privy Council was abolished. Hope ya never get charged with a crime under Labour!
6 – Working for Families. Instead of giving everyone a tax cut, they reduced hard working people to beneficiaries who have to go to income support for a top up.
7 – Won’t fire the guilty as fuck Winston peters cause they need him to stay in government.
8 – Just passed the Emissions trading scheme. We are the only country in the world stupid enough to have this. It will cost every family approx 3 grand a year. Food, petrol will be more expensive. Good luck if you have 3 kids. $60 a week!
9 – The Electoral Finance Act. Freedom of Speech is now illegal. Put a banner up on your lawn that says “don’t vote labour’ and be arrested. This Act was condemned by the Leftist U.N!
10 – Fireworks! They want to ban fireworks for all of us!!! oh i almost forgot, it will be legal if you’re Chinese or Indian and celebrating new year.
The sad fact is we could go an all day.
This is not the Labour Party our grandparents voted for. This is a far left, socialist, lesbian government that doesnt care about people.
[deleted] IF YOU HATE YOUR COUNTRY!
[lprent: You may hate your country, but you don’t put explicit campaign advertising on here.
Read the Policy before I have to ban you as a (v)idiot troll.
I’ll let others deal with your lack of knowledge evident in the comment. However I’d point out that you are now on my watch list as probable troll. I’d suggest that you lift your Standard fast.]
Righties – could you please provide us with some reasons why voters should trust JK?
Labour campaigning on “trust” will make a great Tui billboard.
“Nine productive years”? Surely you jest, sir? Or did you forget about the ‘chewing gum’ tax cuts that Cullen promised and reneged on at the last election?
[lprent: At least he reads comments. Less like a troll. I’ll pop him into moderation and see if he reads my previous notes. ]
good lord. Vidiot is certainly living up to his name.
But just one sticking point that I absolutely cannot pass up:
#2. A referendum was never promised. People just think one was. A review was promised, and was duly carried out by the appropriate Select Committee. I bet you didn’t get off your ass to go and submit, so don’t give me any shit about how you never had your say.
I know why people on the left stay home on voting day – so they can avoid rabid dipshits like yourself with no concept of reality.
This is not the Labour Party our grandparents voted for. This is a far left, socialist, lesbian government that doesnt care about people.
Vidiot’s other observations are just as intelligent and rational as this one.
forgetaboutthelastone, some reasons to trust JK?
1. When he says he’ll give us a tax cut, he will.
2. If he says something like banning smacking would defy human nature, he wouldn’t then ban smacking.
3. When he says he’ll increase health and education spending, he will – but unlike Cullen, will actually increase frontline spending rather than loading the system with more bureaucrats.
4. When he says he doesn’t have a secret agenda, he’ll actually mean it. Hulun on the other hand: anti-smacking, prostitution reform, civil unions, privy council – all issues not campaigned on or backed by electorate.
Gosh
what a great prime minister she is
r0b – An interesting point and certainly even the most avid rightie would acknowledge that HC in particular has run a steady ship, albeit in pretty calm waters.
The Nats haven’t helped themselves – some of their efforts have been shambolic and amateurish and reek of 9 years in opposition. On the other hand, it may be that they muff their lines through the rehearsals but get it right on opening night.
Labour hasn’t had to go through that yet. Moreover, I suspect that the Peters circus will cost Labour to at least a small degree in the areas of trust, integrity etc. Ironically, as I’ve posted elesewhere, any collapse in vote for NZF could help Labour.
At least we can move on to more substantive debates now.
I agree with one thing Clark said today.
This election should be about trust.
The Spencer trust. A vote for labour is a vote for Winston peters.
Ok, so ignoring my previous rhetoric, a serious question. When will Labour release some actual policies ? All we have seen so far is attempted character assassinations, inane smears and churlish acts (the JK Google Bomb).
If this Election is going to be on ‘Trust’, when will Labour actually put up something to ‘stand behind’.
There is, ‘as of yet’, no positive message coming from the Labour website, it’s all about dragging everyone else down, not about delivering on promises.
[lprent: You’re banned for two weeks. I run this site – Labour does not. I can’t do much about the misinformation outside the site, but I can inside the site. Read the About and the Policy. Bugger I’m feeling generous today…]
Spider_Pig: got any precedent to back up those statements?
I’m looking forward to Mr. Key making good on his previous promises – smaller bureaucracy, $50 tax cuts for everyone and lightning-fast porn downloads for frustrated citizens everywhere!
I’ll believe it when I see it.
3 – They refuse to let the “smacking’ referendum happen during this election. Labour knows best.
That would be the law John Key voted for? They are just following the advice from the departments, they are the expert on it, what happened last time there was a referendum held at the same time as the election?
7 – Won’t fire the guilty as fuck Winston peters cause they need him to stay in government.
Your supporting firing him before the investigation is finished, obviously you know best?
8 – Just passed the Emissions trading scheme. We are the only country in the world stupid enough to have this. It will cost every family approx 3 grand a year. Food, petrol will be more expensive. Good luck if you have 3 kids. $60 a week!
Yes dear, I’m sure it will, pity you have no credibility.
9 – The Electoral Finance Act. Freedom of Speech is now illegal. Put a banner up on your lawn that says “don’t vote labour’ and be arrested. This Act was condemned by the Leftist U.N!
Your a sucker for your own propaganda, get some perspective.
Spider_pig: I’m pretty sure hes going to cure cancer and create world peace while hes at it too.
Ben R, they’re all taggers, all getting into trouble, and need boot camps.
Well that’s what a National Billboard told me, I didn’t think it was true.
Spider_Pig
1 – so when he says he’ll abolish the families commision, he will but he won’t but he’ll merge it, but maybe, then you *know* what’s going to happen? Your blind faith is touching.
2 – Neither did Helen. Another person lapping up the lines they’re fed.
3 – With magical money from fairyland, as best I can tell.
4 – That’s not what his ‘mates’ say about that ‘nice Mr Key’ at cocktail parties. Do some reading – find out what a private member’s bill is, for a start. Follow up with Labour’s Manifesto, which did make some mention of the Privy Council, even if you missed it.
Vidiot
1 – National and most other parties did the same. Unless you think it’s ok to ‘steal’ small amounts of money, you’ll be voting Dunne.
2 – No such referendum promised. How is your petition towards that going? You…you haven’t started one? Maybe you don’t care as much about it as you pretend…
3 – Maybe you should look at what happened to previous elections that included refrenda questions. You want the 3rd term to last until 2009, be my guest.
4 – Voted in on raising taxes. Lowering taxes as economic growth slows. Read a book on Keynesian Economics.
5 – That’s what the public voted for.
6 – Getting your own tax back is a benefit? Hell, National must want us all to be beneficiaries.
7 – Ironic – you’re complaining about the courts two points prior.
8 – Have you heard of Europe? Want to be able to sell goods there? Wonder if they care about climate change, even if you don’t?
9 – What are you doing speaking here then? Starting to transcend into the realms of accidental self-satire.
10 – Oh? I remember Key saying he ‘thought they were going to be banned’. Is the man a spectator, or the leader of the opposition? What a joke.
I hear that Labour and New Zealand First are to merge. The new party will be aptly named;
Labour First.
Nice press conference Helen… Loved the bagging of the nats…
Am excited about the election campaign that will see the left lead this country once again.
Can i ask does anyone know what the polls this weekend are going to show? Espiner on TV1 last nite haf a smirk on his face explaing about there poll on sunday night and the impact the peters saga has had on labour?
would like to hear your thoughts and insights…
Thanks
“Ben R, they’re all taggers, all getting into trouble, and need boot camps.
Well that’s what a National Billboard told me, I didn’t think it was true.”
I thought the billboard said getting them into training not into trouble. I don’t think highlighting issues like tagging equates to demonising youth or not respecting them. Do you think anti-violence campaigns demonise men, or suggest they’re all abusers? I don’t think you’re being very fair on this point.
Spider_Pig:
Those are all statements of blind faith: Because so-and-so said such-and-such, such-and-such will happen… You need to give reasons why we should believe so-and-so about such-and-such.
Maybe it will help to define trustworthiness… From wikipedia:
“A person can prove his trustworthiness by fulfilling an assigned responsibility – and as an extension of that, to not let down our expectations. The responsibility can be either material, such as delivering a mail package on time, or it can be a non-material such as keeping an important secret to himself. A trustworthy person is someone that we can put our worries and secrets into and know they wont come out. In order for one to trust another, their worth and integrity must be constantly proven over time.”
In what way has JK constantly proven his worth and integrity over time?
would like to hear your thoughts and insights
Hi Kinoy001. I don’t have any insights on what this particular poll will show. But in general single polls are not very useful, you need to look at trends over time. See a good discussion here: http://08wire.org/category/pollwatch/
Ben R – you’re right, it was a bit of a cheap shot. If anything, though, it illustrates Brett Dale’s ‘campaigning on fear’ theme though – that plus the boot camps, just what I would describe as typical right-wing fear mongering. There’s some truth to it of course, best to judge by the respective solutions the parties have though.
“best to judge by the respective solutions the parties have though.”
Indeed.
KITNO,
They are just following the advice from the departments, they are the expert on it
Yep, the same department that says the EFA has had a “chilling effect” on public participation in the democratic process.
And thereby Clark neatly sidesteps the Winston Peters issue, avoiding what many commentators had predicted, the need to cut him loose to avoid further damage to Labour’s reputation.
Hey Swampy, notice how she got the ETS through too? Damn she’s good. I look forward to the fourth term!