Remember President Obama?
The world has changed dramatically since Barak Obama was President of the United States.
Politics
politicans
Ardern suggests that oil exploration may cease
The Government is reconsidering the future of New Zealand’s block offer process which releases exploration permits to the oil industry for exploratory drilling.
Greens give National their primary questions for oral answer
The Greens have offered National their Primary Questions for oral answer in Parliament without conditions.
Du Plessis-Allan jumps the shark
Heather Du Plessis-Allan has suggested that there is a power struggle happening in the Labour Party. Without the benefit of things normally considered to be important elements of an argument, those things being facts.
Collins: No one cares about National’s abject failure over housing
Judith Collins thinks that no one cares that National oversaw the creation of a significant housing crisis.
Where is our economic leadership?
This government has not yet developed an economic strategy.
Inevitably the crazy old morons remain
In his usual dignified way, Donald Trump announced that he was sacking Rex Tillerson, the American Secretary of State in a tweet. And so the round of musical chairs that marks the White House’s descent into even more incompetence continues. Meanwhile the farce of the Russian election proceeds in their background of state operated terrorism in the UK. But there is some light
Productivity
A more productive economy – and society – has been an elusive goal for many of New Zealand’s previous governments. The last National Government failed. What will Labour do to succeed?
Housing needs a builder not a crusher
Phil Twyford has the perfect response to National’s claim that Judith Collins’ appointment as Housing Spokesperson would cause him to lose sleep.
National announces new line up
National’s new line up has been announced. And there are some heavy hints to a few MPs that their careers may be ending soon.
Andrew Little reflects
Stuff have published online a video interview with Andrew Little where he goes through the circumstances of his resignation as leader, the ascension of Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister and his work as a Minister.
Is youth the new political divide?
There is evidence in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand that youth and not class may be the new political divide.
Tripling down on financial illiteracy with Amy Adams (and MMT)
Amy Adams won’t commit to $11.7b, but she too has now become the third person to fall down the imaginary fiscal hole. How can National claim to have any soundness on finance if they won’t admit their criticisms on the economy are unreasonable and unfounded? And besides, aren’t National actually worse fiscal managers if ordinary people tend to get paid less under their regimes? We dive into some theory to thoroughly dispute even Steven Joyce’s/Amy Adam’s secondary criticism of “fiscal tightness,” although concede that two of the Budget Responsibility rules are probably stupid in order to do it.
Justice for the family carer claimants
National’s constitutionally outrageous attempt to stifle the claims of family carers for compensation for discrimination should be repealed and a just settlement reached with the caregivers.
We need more ministers like Steven Joyce
Rare praise for Steven Joyce from someone on the left.
Who is next?
Steven Joyce’s resignation may be the first of many as National adjusts to the possibility of a lengthy stay in opposition.
Joyce resigns from Parliament
Steven Joyce has announced that he is resigning from Parliament.
Steven Joyce threatens to sue Matthew Hooton and the NBR
Matthew Hooton has been sacked as a contributor to the NBR and Steven Joyce has threatened to sue him and the NBR over claims that Joyce is not popular in caucus and should be sacked.
Simon Bridges’ not very good first week
In this very important first week Simon Bridges has committed two major blunders. He has claimed he was environmentally friendly when any view of his Ministerial history would confirm that this is not the case. And he forgot his Government oversaw the stripping of democratic rights from all prisoners, and adjusted his position when his error was pointed out.
James Shaw’s speech to the Green Summer Policy Conference
Alongside announcing the Greens’ new transparency measures, James Shaw talks about being in government and having the ability to influence, as well as staying true to the Green Party’s values.
Doofus of the week – March 3, 2018
David Seymour has created history by being the first person to win two doofuses of the week awards for blatant misogyny and disrespecting young kiwis who this week won olympic medals.
Jacinda 3, Simon 0
Avid watchers of Simon Bridges’ regular breakfast television appearances debating Jacinda Ardern when they were both relatively junior MPs will recall that 9 […]
Bridges burnt in media reviews
It’s pretty grim reading for the new Nat leader this morning. Pundits reckon he has no show in 2020.
Right wing activists are not happy Bridges is leader
The initial response from right wingers online to the news that National’s new leader is Simon Bridges is a big meh.
National’s new leader is …
The new leader of the National Party has been announced. It is Simon Bridges with Paula Bennett remaining as deputy.
Who will the new leader of the National Party be?
Today we will find out if National is taking a step backwards. Or two steps backwards.
Damien Grant thinks National is stuffed
Damien Grant thinks that National is a relic and should fracture into libertarian and conservative parties.
Why does Criminal Justice have to be so politicised?
Judith Collins has indicated that the chances of a mature debate about Criminal Justice are slim.
Doofus of the week – David Seymour
Hot on the heels on the news that he is going to spend valuable time dancing with the stars David Seymour has engaged […]
Little proposes radical shake up of the Criminal Justice system
Andrew Little has called for a complete change the way criminal justice works. But National’s initial response suggests that the prospects of a mature discussion on the issue are slim.
Arm me with
Teachers in America have responded to Donald Trump’s proposal to arm teachers in response to the Parkland School massacre with a request that they be armed with anything but guns.
The battle of the five political midgets
Steven Joyce and Mark Mitchell have both thrown their hats into the ring for National’s leadership.
Us and them – what will Labour do about WINZ?
What we need is a government that shares power with beneficiaries.
The strange case of the Judith Collins support website
A Back Judith Collins website has been established. And Collins is denying involvement.
Mueller v Russia
Robert Mueller has laid an indictment alleging that thirteen Russians and three Russian entities illegally interfered with the 2016 American Election campaign.
Strong and decisive
Judith Collins has picked on the campaign term strong and decisive for behaviour better described as brutal and obdurate.