Helen Kelly – one year
Helen Kelly died a year ago today. She is missed.
Politics
leadership
Politics or Policy?
Policy is everything, Winston Peters said today. This should not be a surprise. Before every election, he has refused to give any hint of Party support preference until after the vote. But he will have thought a lot about what he might want, as it has long been clear that his Party would decide the outcome. So what are his policies?
An MMP government
On current polling the next government could be Labour + Green + NZF. That would annoy a lot of Nats if they have more votes than Labour alone, but that’s how MMP works. English lied about this in the last debate, but apparently has since walked it back.
Dame Anne Salmond’s final, brief election thought
Salmond “Jacindamania isn’t about personality at all – it’s a collective sigh of relief that we might finally have a kind of leadership that reflects our core values as New Zealanders.”
“Boardroom” backing change
The Herald’s “mood of the boardroom” makes encouraging reading for Labour, with support for change and strong themes of social conscience.
Cartoon “Hurricane Ardern” by Emmerson.
Labour’s first 100 days
Jacinda Ardern has set out an ambitious list of actions for Labour’s first 100 days, including banning foreign, non-resident house buyers by Christmas through an urgent law change.
Labour’s climate change policy – nuclear free moment
Jacinda Ardern has released Labour’s climate change policy – including zero net carbon emissions by 2050. Jacinda has called climate change “my generation’s nuclear-free moment”.
A chance to choose better
A brief extract from one of Jacinda Ardern’s speeches in Hamilton yesterday. Not just for the next three years but for the next ten – we have a chance to choose better…
In the one month since Jacinda Ardern became leader…
Good on ya NZ – choosing Labour policy over Nat tax cut
It is very heartening to see Kiwis rejecting National’s tax cut bribe (and English’s arrogant debate rhetoric) – in favour of supporting each other and backing Labour’s policies for a better NZ.
It’s a new political world
Labour has polled ahead of National for the first time in 12 years. It is only one poll and others may differ, but it has shattered a huge psychological barrier. We’re in a new political world. Time to go hard.
Are Government-business Think Tanks worthwhile?
In America Donald Trump has abandoned business think tanks that he established not that long ago. During the last Labour Government Helen Clark established the Growth and Innovation Advisory Board with mixed results. What should a Jacinda Ardern led Labour-Green coalition do?
Key praises Ardern and Labour
Key: “The camera likes Jacinda. Paul Holmes once said to me ‘on TV they see your heart’ – she responds well to that so that works really well for her…”, “Labour made the right decision to make Jacinda Ardern leader”
Impressed with James Shaw
I have been impressed with James Shaw lately. The Greens may have lost Turei, but they have seen Shaw grow in stature.
How high will Ardern’s Labour go?
If Jacinda Ardern’s Labour can get a jump to 33-36% in the polls in just one week, how high can it go for the election? We need to see further gains coming from National – and they will. We need to see the Green vote recover – and it will…
Two good polls for Labour – and a call to arms for the Greens
Two polls out tonight show a big surge for Labour and Jacinda Ardern. But we need a strong Green vote too. To those whom Metiria inspired – please don’t give up on voting. The Greens need you now more than ever!
The Kelvin Davis effect
Much has been written about the Jacinda Ardern effect that has put Labour so enthusiastically back in the game. But the appointment of Kelvin Davis as deputy is also looking like a very smart move.
Don’t expect the impossible of Ardern
I enjoy a ray of hope as much as the next leftie, and Jacinda Ardern is off to an incredible start, but let’s not burden her with impossible expectations.
The Ardern effect – and why this leadership change was different
With donations and volunteers flooding in, I think it’s fair to say that reaction to Jacinda Ardern has exceeded all expectations. Why was this leadership change different? Two reasons…
Acclaim for Jacinda Ardern
Changing leaders this close to an election was a political gamble for Labour, but it has already paid off. The commentary is almost universally positive, the reviews for Ardern are glowing. Donations are flowing in. Activists are energised and people are talking.
Labour leadership announcement – livestream
The livestream is over. A very impressive performance from Jacinda Ardern.
Thank you Andrew – go well Jacinda!
Unlike lprent I am not discouraged by Little stepping down. New leadership is a real opportunity for Labour. Little: “As leader, I must take responsibility for these results. I do take responsibility and believe that Labour must have an opportunity to perform better under new leadership through to the election.”
Little gone
Andrew Little has stepped down – expects Jacinda to replace him.
Labour leadership meeting
At 10:30 this morning there is a Labour caucus meeting where the subject of the leadership will be discussed. If Andrew Little decides to step down rumours suggest that a Jacinda Ardern / Kelvin Davis ticket is being considered.
Reactions to Metiria – the political and the personal
There are basically two kinds of reaction to Metiria’s bombshell, the practiced “outrage’ of the usual political operatives, and the support of the ordinary people. I think that the louder the operatives shout, the more that people are going to side with the under-dog.
Bravo Clare Curran
Labour MP Clare Curran has been camping in Dunedin’s Octagon to protest against the MSD’s treatment of two homeless mothers. Bravo Clare for putting yourself on the line to draw attention to this issue!
Labour’s plan – billions for health and education
Labour has just released costed details of its comprehensive plan to put $8b more over four years into health and $4b into education. Excellent.
Labour’s Targeted Families Package
As covered by Vernon Small on Stuff: “Labour is promising to scrap National’s Budget tax cut plan. Instead it will funnel the cash into higher Working for Families payments and extra help for those with young children. It’s a package it says will deliver up to $48 a week extra to middle income families.”
Corbyn speech at Glastonbury
Jeremy Corbyn’s full speech to Glastonbury 2017. “Another world is possible…”
Follow the money
Bill English’s texted electorate chair Stuart Davie on 21st February 2016 saying Glenys Dickson was given an extra payout from the Leader’s fund “to avoid potential legal action.” It was the only source available for an extra payout for confidentiality. English said today no-one in February knew there was any issue of illegality. Then what legal action and why an extra payment?
Ratepayers vs affordable housing
The mess surrounding and “affordable” housing development in Manukau highlights a dilemma that sets ratepayers against those in need of a home. This needs leadership from central government. I won’t hold my breath.
Helen Clark farewelled by UN
Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Labour’s leadership team
Big turnouts for Labour meetings. Some commentators just can’t quite get to grips with how well the new leadership team is working.
Labour’s leadership team
Labour’s new tactic of featuring a leadership team seems to be working well.
Labour Green fiscal framework
As widely reported this morning, Labour and the Greens have set out an agreed fiscal framework. Smart politics.
Labour’s Māori electorate MPs will not be on the list
In breaking news, Labour’s Māori electorate MPs to stand as electorate candidates only (not on the list).