Election 2017: the battle lines are drawn
The 2017 election campaign has been set alight by the Greens adopting brave policies that Jeremy Corbyn would be proud of and NZ First adopting policies that would meet with Donald Trump’s approval.
political parties
greens
Lefties on fire
The best of twitter from the weekend.
This is not an image of a Low Flying Penguin.
It’s also is not a picture of a person claiming entitlements who has not felt compelled to bend the truth when dealing with WINZ. Both images would be equally difficult to find.
The Greens’ new welfare policy
“Green co-leader Metiria Turei described it as one of the most important Green policies in her 15 years in Parliament.”
The Greens rock their AGM
Greening the economy not for the sake of the economy but for the wellbeing of the people, the Green Party want us to be an exemplar to the world and lead the way.
The Green Infrastructure Fund
The Greens commit to making NZ carbon-neutral by 2050.
James Shaw Speech to the Green’s conference – Greening the Government
The text of James Shaw’s speech to the Greens Conference focussing on the Green’s policy response to Climate Change.
Who are the real enemies of the centre left?
Simon Wilson recently claimed that left wingers and party members are problems for and enemies of Labour and the Greens. This is why I think he is wrong.
Two polls
Two recent polls, both suggestion that Labour+Green is within touching distance of National.
Waimea a good dam?
The proposed Waimea Dam in Nelson is attracting opposition from the Green Party but support from the Labour Party. Is there such a thing as a good dam project?
Non-news News and News Non-news
A politician said their party would insist on being a part of government depending on the vote falls in September, while another gets called out for his habitual stirring at the pot of ethnic division. In a place like the South Africa of old, we all know which one would be the story. But this is New Zealand and this is now.
Green Party announcement: charging on water bottling and a moratorium on new plants
As part of their water policy the Greens intend to charge bottling companies for water take, and to put a moratorium on new bottling plants until NZ decides what is the best way to protect our water. They also want to improve regulations across the board to make drinking water safe.
This Bloody Vote.
Disentangling the veritable plate of spaghetti that’s been set before us this election.
Does the left do more of the same or does it get radical this election?
Andrew Dean has written an opinion piece for Stuff where he suggests that to win this election Labour and the Greens have to become more radical.
The Green Party clarify their position on immigration
We stand for an Aotearoa that stands up to racism and scapegoating and xenophobia.
Greens to contest Nick Smith’s seat in Nelson
Nelson city councillor Matt Lawrey is to run a two tick campaign with the full backing of the party.
Debt to Income Loan Limits
The possible introduction of debt to income lending ratios will potentially have an enormous effect on New Zealand’s housing market.
Green perspectives on the Point England land appropriation
Modern Day Land Grab or Treaty Settlement?
How to make medicinal cannabis laws based on the needs of ill and disabled people
The Greens’ bill would make medicinal cannabis easily accessible to those in need without hoop jumping or financial barriers.
Trying to wedge the Greens
The political right try it on every election year, in an attempt to sow a bit of discord. I expect this sort of obvious and clumsy wedge politics from Hooton and the like, but I was a bit surprised to see Duncan Garner having a go.
Andrew Little – Last Labour PM of NZ?
A wee bit of speculation for a long week-end.
Green Party List announced
Climate change, human rights, indigenous rights, Māori and Pasifika, and fresh, young faces on the 2017 Green Party List.
Green Party position on National’s 2017 Budget
“The Budget is what allows National to govern. If National failed to pass the Budget, all its legal ability to tax and spend would dry up and the Government would fall apart. There is no way we would vote for the Budget, because that would be supporting the National Government and its agenda.” Metiria Turei and James Shaw, Green Party blog.
Government was advised the Accommodation Supplement increase will not work
Radio New Zealand has reported that the Government ignored two year old treasury advice to implement the increase in the accommodation supplement.
The Greens and voting on the Budget
Wondering about what the Greens are voting for? It might not be what you think.
The Greens on record
Despite rumours to the contrary, the Green Party was highly critical of National’s Budget.
What the feck Greens
The Green Party caucus decision to support the Government’s tax reduction legislation is hard to comprehend and has created a perception of messiness in the way the Labour-Green MOU operates.
The Greens respond to the Budget
James Shaw on National as the masters of the shell game.
The Greens – Budget for All Mothers
Some great ideas in The Greens “Budget for All Mothers”. Surely no “data driven” “social investment” party could be opposed?
Greens launch nationwide Māori Caucus tour
The Green Party’s Māori Caucus is on a national outreach tour to engage with Māori communities, starting in Northland today.
Green power
Lots to like in The Greens’ new power policy.
Green Party criticises US strike on Syria
“We expect and deserve cooler heads than this from our global leaders.”
Avoid big plans and win
To win the 2017 election Labour does not need a broad suite of policies, rather it needs to make sure that it is asking the right questions.
Green Party announces its initial party list
The Green Party has released its indicative party list for consideration by the party membership.
More thoughts on the Labour-Greens Budget Responsibility Rules
The Labour-Green Budget Responsibility Rules announcement this week ought to dispel the notion that Labour and the Greens cannot work together.
Labour Green fiscal framework
As widely reported this morning, Labour and the Greens have set out an agreed fiscal framework. Smart politics.