Hiding the government’s failure on poverty
Thanks to Radio New Zealand, we now know that National got no real plan to address poverty, but also that they really, really don’t want to be honest about it.
Politics
political parties
Right and Righter
Hosking, Henry, National and SkyCity – it’s all so cozy…
OIA: Rotten
As story after story comes out, it shows how much contempt for transparency and the law this government has, and how little it intends to be held to account.
Nats illegally gaming the OIA process
It is clear to anyone who has read Dirty Politics that the National government illegally games the OIA process for political gain. Now we have Key’s confirmation of the fact.
Official advice on poverty
An excellent piece by Brent Edwards on Morning Report today, looking at official advice to the government on poverty. Underneath the politicised process the answer is as obvious as ever.
The final field
Well, the list of Labour leadership contenders has defied the predictions of the pundits (myself included). Here’s my 2c on the final field.
David Parker – my choice for Leader
Heavyweight Cabinet experience, strong egalitarian values, a cool debater, with a passion for manufacturing and a high-value economy, a good deal of steel and with an open mind and a twinkle in his eye – these are the reasons why I support David Parker for Labour Party Leader.
ImperatorFish: A useful terror threat tool
Scott examines our threat level.
And then there were four
Twitter is suggesting that Nanaia Mahuta will enter Labour’s leadership race. Update: Her candidacy is confirmed.
On the unruly parts of the Labour caucus
It has been disappointing in the last few days to see the lack of respect that some of the Labour politicians on the right of the caucus have for the policy of restraint requested by the party. It appears they see themselves to be above such restraints.
The power & the pressure
We need a new green left direction, now and for the future. A future Labour-Green-Mana coalition government could provide such a direction. The original NZ Values Party Manifesto provides an important Blueprint.
Dear David Shearer
David Shearer has chosen to publicly call for unity while at the same time attacking David Cunliffe and the concept that Labour’s leadership should be representative.
Some thoughts on David Cunliffe’s withdrawal
Some personal comments on news today that David Cunliffe has withdrawn from the Labour leadership contest.
David Cunliffe announces withdrawal from the Labour Party leadership contest
Statement from David Cunliffe I am today announcing that I have decided not to nominate for the 2014 Labour Party leadership contest. It […]
Cunliffe to pull out?
Only a rumour at this stage…
Q&A with Andrew Little
I’d like to say thanks to the Standard for hosting me today. I’ve always enjoyed robust political meetings and I’m a firm believer […]
Q&A with Andrew Little 3pm Sunday
At 3pm on Sunday, Andrew Little will be on The Standard for discussion with questions from our audience of ardent left-wingers, greens, those who are just interested, and the odd troll with a fenestration obsession.
Progressive social media
Now that the dust is settling on the 2014 general election it is a good time for progressives to review our and our opponents’ use of social media and what can be done better. And how do we respond effectively to the approach of the right which is now thanks to Nicky Hager painstakingly clear.
Harawira’s recount bid did not “backfire”
The usual Tory cheerleaders have been quick to heap further bile on Hone Harawira.
Then there were three
Andrew Little has formally announced that he is also seeking the Labour Party leadership.
NRT: We don’t need new laws to fight terrorism
John Key has been busy lying about the need for yet more ‘anti-terrorism’ laws. How many do the police and security forces need? As NRT points out, are they just too lazy to use the ones they already have? Or is this just because John Key wants to get his own plastic sword? Surely we pay him enough to buy his own?
Cause of poverty and inequality found!
Good news citizens! The National government has revealed unto us today the cause of poverty and inequality.
NRT: A surprise policy
Remember National’s social housing policy? The one they campaigned on? The one that talked about how much money they were spending and was all about upgrading and investing in state houses? Somehow, post-election, its transmogrified into selling off a third of the state housing stock. John Key lying to voters as usual eh?
Labour Day essay competition (Southern)
“Labour Day is a public holiday celebrated on the fourth Monday of every October. What important events, conflicts and values in history does Labour Day signify? What lessons from that are especially relevant to young New Zealanders working and studying today?”
About those other police complaints …
Police action in obtaining a warrant to search Nicky Hager’s home in politically charged circumstances raises issues why in other politically charged incidents no similar action has been undertaken.
On Navel Gazing and Looking Out.
As the NZ Labour Party stands on the cusp of some soul searching, it might want to note that there are alternatives to pointless navel gazing.
Polity: National’s new ministry: Key fires himself!
Key has basically fired himself from most of his Security and Intelligence responsibilities. This is a big change.
The long reach of “5 Eyes”: re-post
With Chris Finlayson just announced as minister in charge of GCSB & SIS, I thought it appropriate to re-post something I published on The Standard back in July 2013: links 5 Eyes’ attorney generals, cyber-security, Dotcom, etc.
Mediawatch on the media orgy
RNZ’s Mediawatch is a bright spot in the media wilderness! This weekend’s episode examined the media’s orgy of hyperbole and spin on the Labour leadership contest. Well worth a listen.
Starving the universities
NZ’s universities are falling down the world rankings. This should come as no surprise, because National have systematically cut funding to the tertiary sector. How stupid do you have to be to deliberately run down our universities?
A Little Goes A Long Way
Finally confirmed as a Labour List MP, Andrew Little is mulling over a tilt at the leadership. This is good news for the party. Cunliffe is a busted flush and Robertson is too bland to win voters back. Labour needs a circuit breaker. A Little may go a long way.
Taxpayers support Mr “Small Government”
If ACT were made up for a show like “The Thick of It”, or “Veep”, they would be dismissed as too ridiculous and extreme for the audience to swallow…
Unaffordable housing & the culture of greed
Rental housing remains unaffordable for many. The problem is the greed of investors & speculators, supported by a culture in which housing investment is seen as a way to individual prosperity.
Final election results due out today
The final election results are expected to be announced today and I would not be surprised if there is a change in the makeup of Parliament.
Feed the kids
Hone Harawira said “farewell” to Parliament yesterday, in a well attended event. He left behind him a challenge…
A paean about Grant Robertson
Like many on the left, I was disillusioned with the election result. It felt pretty hopeless on election night that John Key could romp home to victory on the back of dirty politics. But there is hope. Here are my ten key reasons why I am voting for and supporting Grant Robertson to be our next Prime Minister.