Tourism and Conservation Fund policy from Labour
Labour has announced a Tourism and Infrastructure fund policy which will raise funds for conservation and infrastructure.
Politics
political parties
National is telling fibs on housing
During the weekend one of National’s rising stars Amy Adams debates housing with Labour’s Phil Twyford. Adams was supremely confident but the data she relied on appears to have problems …
National’s political hit job on Winston Peters
The hit job that has just been performed on Winston Peters is a sign of how desperate National is to divert attention from Jacindamania. But I suspect the attempt will backfire.
Blue Dragons
Mark Jennings: ‘A hundred or so young Chinese wearing blue T-shirts with “Blue dragons” written on the front marched in to the stadium in a highly-organised fashion. I randomly asked two of them why they had come. They seemed to find the question confusing but told me they were overseas students.’
Labour’s Christchurch policy
More new policy from Labour yesterday on Christchurch. Giving locals a say in the decision making process – what a radical new idea!
Nats double down on failed national standards policy
The centerpiece of National’s campaign launch was an education package that doubles down on the demonstrably failed national standards policy. Out of ideas.
Middle East Changes
If there is a change of Government what should Labour do about requests for military assistance in the Middle East?
Ardern’s war paint
John Armstrong coined a memorable headline: That ain’t lipstick – it’s war paint. Jo Moir writes on the Jacinda tsunami in South Auckland, and Liam Dann gives Labour the economic thumbs up. Not a bad weekend for Labour!
Greens commit to Zero Carbon Act in first 100 days
“The Act will mean that climate targets are legally binding, and the Government will be obliged to have a detailed plan about exactly how it will meet those targets, detail that has been desperately missing under National. This is what real action on climate change looks like.”
Garner on Nats’ brighter future fail
Duncan Garner reviews National’s record, and is not impressed: “Because the list of blind spots for National is too long. If this is success then our standards have slipped.”
A tale of two hospital announcements
There were some notable differences between Labour and National’s accouncements of a new Dunedin hospital…
National’s new copyright problem
National may have further copyright problems with the song used in its campaign video sounding remarkably similar to an old Bob Dylan song.
More Nat ACT conflict
ACT is attacking the Nats yet again, calling out their record on housing and crime. Anyone for a coalition of chaos?
Climate change and transport – the Greens’ integrated policy
Designing policy for a low carbon world and good lives, the Greens are standing strong in the need to act now on climate change.
English on poverty – hasn’t read his own PREFU
After nine long years the election is forcing National to acknowledge the poverty in NZ. Bill English is promising to throw money at bootcamps and “social investment” (targeting) – but he hasn’t read his own PREFU.
Words on leaving the House of pain and strength
All gratitude to Catherine Delahunty for this blazing speech.
Armstrong: The tide going out on National
John Armstrong writes on the tide going out on National, and the big swing towards Labour in Ohariu.
Ardern cautious on capital gains tax
Jacinda Ardern will not campaign on a capital gains tax, but will seek advice and will not rule it out in a first term. The Nats have introduced a week form of CGT already. A more robust version needs serious consideration.
Labour’s new campaign ad as Nats go negative
Labour’s new campaign ad is great! Compare and contrast with Nat attack ads…
Caption competition
Greens will finally close property speculators’ tax loophole
The Green Party in government will end the tax advantages property speculators currently enjoy under National by implementing a comprehensive tax on capital gains
A handy link to Labour policy for people who can’t use Google
What it says on the label.
Another DHB in trouble
National found $10b down the back of the sofa for roads roads roads, but is under funding our health system to the point of collapse.
National endorses Dunne in Ohariu – Nek minnit
National’s supposedly well oiled campaign machine is resembling an episode of the Thick of It rather than a Crosby Textor training video.
Giovanni Tiso: Speaking Power to the Truth – The Political Assassination of Metiria Turei
Giovanni Tiso writes on New Zealand media and the swimming of sharks.
Sexist pigs and lipstick
I like some TOP policy I really do, but Gareth Morgan needs to stop being a dick if he wants to get his party over the line.
Vision vs roads
The weekend offered up a pretty clear contrast between Labour and National. Address the problems facing New Zealand, or build more roads that make no long-term sense.
Jacinda’s campaign launch speech
The text of Jacinda Ardern’s campaign speech delivered today.
Labour closes gap to 3%
Labour rising, National falling in the latest poll. Greens steady at 8%. Jacinda Ardern buries Bill English in the “favourability” rating. Will Labour overtake Nats before the election?
Update: Live Labour launch video.
Labour Campaign Launch this Sunday
Labour’s campaign launch is this Sunday in Auckland.
Green Party makes astounding poll recovery in 24 hours!
Can we please get on with the real mahi now?
Guest post – Marja Lubeck – Labour list candidate
Guest post by Labour list and Rodney candidate Marja Lubeck on why she became involved in politics.
Messages to vote for
That 5% threshold and recent polling
Matthew Whitehead on MMP and the threshold, along with some commentary on the current polling situation.
What will the next Labour caucus look like?
Early days but Labour’s surge should result in an outstanding array of talent entering Parliament.
Labour’s momentum – Nat’s fall
What Jacinda Ardern has accomplished here is nothing short of astonishing. As a one-off bump in the polls it rivals Brash’s infamous Orewa speech. But Ardern’s rise is based on optimism and positivity rather than racist dog whistles.