I get a picture of Angela Eagle, cruising along like her avian namesake, keeping an eye on the ground for any potential morsel, and completely missing the great big bloody obvious and transparent reality that's right in front of her. To date, bar thin and…
Tēnā koutou katoa Can I begin by acknowledging Annette King. Annette is an incredible Deputy Leader and a real source of counsel, wisdom and advice. Can I also acknowledge the local MP David Cunliffe, and Phil Twyford our fantastic housing spokesperson. You’ve never seen Nick…
Women's Refuge are holding their annual appeal. The organisation is criminally underfunded by the NZ Government at a time when our domestic violence statistics are among the worst in the first world. John Key won't help, but you can. Donate here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fl640AgQPk Women's…
Yesterday in the Herald John Roughan offered some thoughts on Labour on the event of its birthday, some of which I agreed wholeheartedly. He is someone who is often criticised by the left but he is capable of very complex views on matters and occasionally…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Andrew Little has announced at the Labour Party's 100 year special conference that Labour in Government will require Housing Corporation to instead of paying dividends to instead build houses. From Radio New Zealand: He said National had used Housing NZ to profit from the most…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Five law enforcement officers have been shot dead in Dallas, Texas. Three suspects have been captured and one suspect, holed up in a garage, has apparently just shot himself. This is the worst day in the history of the city of Dallas since November 22,…
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
Key is looking for someone to blame on the housing crisis - Prime Minister John Key says Reserve Bank needs to 'get on with it' on housing measures Prime Minister John Key was critical of the Reserve Bank Deputy Governor's speech on dealing with the…
Judith Collins is an old style conservative politician. A bit of beneficiary bashing here, some tough on crime there, she salivates at every opportunity to scratch those right wing itches. Her latest effort is to delve deeply into an operational matter, overrule the public service,…
Regrettably I won't be there, so the first thing I'd want is to hear that it was a party. A century is a good stretch for any movement. Its' history is astonishing and its achievements in government both people-building and nation-building. You can buy the…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
A portrait of Helen Kelly, the workers advocate and medicinal cannabis reformer, will hang in the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. Kudos to the Wellington City Council and Mayor Celia Wade Brown for recognising one of the capital city's finest. If you find yourself in Welly,…
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
The Chilcot report has rightfully castigated Tony Blair for his role in the Iraqi war. He ought to hand in his labour party membership. Prosecution for war crimes should not be ruled out. Going to war on a pretext and ignoring the warnings of impending…
In a move that will infuriate many of the disloyal Blairite MPs in his own caucus, Jeremy Corbyn has shown once and for all that he is the moral UK Labour Leader for our times. The Mirror has the full text of Corbyn's speech, and…
The Chilcot report is out and it's more damning of the decision to invade Iraq than expected. Corbyn has apologised on behalf of the UK Labour Party, Blair's legacy is now set, and Cameron is making excuses. The Independent has much more. Now finally, will…
Labour is New Zealand's oldest political party. It was born 100 years ago today as an amalgamation of several groups (including the Socialist Party which dated back to 1901). The basics of Labour's history are set out in this Wikipedia page, and see also the…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
No doubt there will be a range of reaction to this news: FBI rebukes Clinton but recommends 'no charges' in email investigation The threat of criminal charges hanging over Hillary Clinton was finally lifted by the FBI on Tuesday – just hours before the presumptive…
Key in Parliament yesterday: I think it is worth remembering that if you go back and have a look at the first 3 or 4 years when I was Prime Minister, the issue of housing was not a significant issue. Key in 2007: Today, I…
Two years ago it was announced that the Government would investigate the provision of social bonds, a merchant banker type arrangement whereby private investors could invest in the provision of private services. The Government would contract the service out to a non government organisation, the…
The housing bubble is inflating faster than ever: Auckland's average house price will hit $1 million by next year ... Quotable Value figures issued figures for the last three months, showing prices were rising at their fastest rate since 2004. ... Auckland house values shot…
Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Step up to the mike …
Daily review is also your post. This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy). Don’t forget to be kind to each other …
In the spirit of 1951 - Police could be brought in to cover airport security if strike goes ahead The Government is not ruling out using Police or Customs officials to man airport security, in a bid to reduce disruptions for travellers from planned strike…
It's interesting how much the shadow of Tony Blair still hangs over British politics. He'd still often quoted on events of the day (e.g. here arguing to slow the rush to Brexit), and still obviously popular with many Labour Party MPs. But he's having a…