One News Colmar Brunton Poll Oct 2019

The October TV One/Colmar Brunton poll is out. Like yesterday’s devastating TV3 poll result showing National not waving, but drowning, today’s poll confirms that NZ is still heading toward an historic Labour/Green Government, despite the Tories flirting with numbers in the high fifties.

UPDATE: Some weirdness with the numbers: they add up to 101% and 47% does not actually give National 60 seats, so the ‘Poll Says National Can Govern’ headlines are a wee bit optimistic.  TRP.

Accused Labour Party Staffer Resigns

A second resignation has swiftly followed that of Labour Party President Nigel Haworth. The person from the Labour Party Parliamentary team accused of sexual assault has today quit his job.

 

CGT Dumped

The Government has announced that there will be no Capital Gains Tax. It’s a shame, but it’s good politics.

Assange Arrested

Julian Assange has been arrested by British Police inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London after his asylum was revoked.

UPDATE: Assange has been convicted of skipping bail and the US has requested his extradition.

Black Hole

The first image of a black hole has been released. It’s brighter than expected, but kinda underwhelming.

But, Rugby!

On top of RSA bigots baying about the use of a prayer on ANZAC day, rugby fans are getting exercised about the possibility of the Canterbury team changing its obviously offensive name. Apparently empathy with the innocent dead in Christchurch only lasts until kick off.

Brexit: May’s Remaining Options for Leaving

Theresa May is entering the Brexit death spiral. Her last real chance to get her own preferred deal over the line will happen in a Tory cabinet meeting overnight. But what are the other options?

UPDATE: May has now invited Jeremy Corbyn for talks on a soft Brexit. But will the Labour leader be in a mood to help?

Trump: Nyet Collusion!

The Mueller report apparently clears Donald Trump of collusion. However, charges of obstruction of justice against his team remain possible.

Christchurch: The Next Day

It’s the morning after the horrific attacks in Christchurch. 49 are dead, many more injured. The PM is flying to the city, having announced our gun laws are to be immediately strengthened. The country is reeling, but the fascists are bound to lose.

Christchurch Mosque Shooting

There has been a shooting at a mosque in Central Christchurch. Injured people have been seen in the doorway and armed Police are out in force.

UPDATE: The Star is reporting that one person is dead, and there are reports of a second mosque in Linwood being attacked.

UPDATE: A shooter has posted a series of manifestos. It appears to be typical race hate. It also appears that the shooting was live streamed.

UPDATE: The WestPac rescue helicopter is flying over Papanui High School, with what appears to be armed Police leaning out the doors. Papanui is approx 5 kms from the Dean’s Ave mosque. There are also reports that an arrest has been made.

UPDATE: Police confirm an arrest has been made. However the city remains in lockdown until it is clear that there is no further danger. Police also confirm multiple fatalities.

Last UPDATE for the night: 49 dead, 48 injured, 4 fascists in custody. Today has been horrible and tomorrow is going to be a very hard day. Kia kaha, aroha and lets stick together. A people united will never be defeated.

Chelsea Manning Jailed

Whistleblower Chelsea Manning has allowed herself to be jailed for contempt of court. She says it’s a matter of principle. But what principle?

Jihadi Justice

Should we let the ‘Bumbling Jihadi’ Mark Taylor back into NZ? What message do we send the world if we don’t?

The Gun Club 2

Christchurch police have been ordered to carry guns until a wanted man is arrested. Is this a dry run for the permanent arming of our cops?

The Independent Group Grows

In the UK, 3 Conservative MP’s have now aligned themselves with the 8 dissenting Labour MP’s in the ‘Independent Group’. What does this mean for both parties and how will it affect Brexit?

Walls and Bridges

It’s been a horror week for two leaders and a leader who will never be leader.

TRP casts a wary and weary eye over three political zombies whose time appears up.

And, oh, Jeremy Corbyn.

 

Albert Finney

Actor Albert Finney has died. His break out role as an angry young man railing against stultifying orthodoxy at the start of the sixties may be the greatest debut in film history.