The Herald doesn’t want Winston to go with Labour
The Herald has offered a number of opinions this weekend saying that Labour forming a coalition with New Zealand First would be a very bad thing.
Media
the praiseworthy and the pitiful
Good work if you can get it
During the election campaign elements of the farming community protested the possibility of a water tax and of farming being in the ETS on the basis the sector could not afford it. In awkward news it has since come to light that the Chief Executive of Fonterra and senior executives are being paid huge salaries.
Spare a thought for ACT and David Seymour
David Seymour and the ACT Party are back in Parliament but their role this term will be nothing other than nodding lap dog.
Is NZ doomed to lying politics now?
Bill English and the Nats are now running firmly on a platform of lies – Gower calls them on this for a second time this week. Should the political left get down in the gutter too? Is NZ doomed to lying politics now?
The Herald reverts to type
John Armstrong has come out in the Herald swinging wildly and claiming without evidence that Jacinda Ardern’s campaign has stalled, and criticized her policy positions but because he thinks they are only a bit better than National’s.
Our Nation’s Stolen Generation Moment
A guest post by @invisiphilia on the recent Mahinarangi Forbes interview on the Hui on the abuse of children in foster care and why the Government is wrong in refusing to have a proper independent inquiry into what went wrong.
#sheepgate: National paid out money to settle a non existing dispute without legal advice
In a case of extraordinarily bad timing for National it has been confirmed that despite claims to the contrary MFAT never provided National legal advice about the merits of any possible claim made concerning New Zealand’s banning of live sheep exports.
National use opening of Christchurch Justice Precinct for political purposes
National has acted in breach of State Services Commission guidelines for the pre election period by having a flash opening of the Christchurch Justice Precinct even though it was not finished.
After nine long years National discovers there is child poverty in New Zealand
Bill English has finally committed the Government to doing something about Child poverty. But why has he and National taken so long?
Who agrees with you Bill?
Last night Bill English emphatically defended and agreed with Steven Joyce’s lie about a “hole” in Labour’s budget – specifically the disproved figure of $11.7 billion. Jacinda Ardern took him apart with one simple question. English has nothing left now.
Finance debate – Grant Robertson vs big flaming gasbag
The RNZ debate between Labour and Nat finance spokespersons has just concluded – Grant Robertson vs a big flaming gasbag. Robertson very strong, gasbag unable to name One Single Person who agrees with his $11.7bn big lie.
Joyce keeps digging
Steven Joyce is spinning furiously and is now claiming that Labour has set aside no money for budget increases for many Government Departments. But when Labour’s figures are compared to PREFU it is clear that Labour is planning to maintain or exceed National’s propose future spend.
Even Kiwiblog won’t defend Joyce’s $11.7 billion claim
David Farrar has put up and then amended a post suggesting that there is a $11.7 billion hole in Labour’s policy financials. It appears that even he does not believe there is a $11.7 billion discrepancy in Labour’s accounts.
Steven Joyce’s comprehension fail
Steven Joyce’s claim that Labour’s budget forecasts have a $11 billion dollar hole in them raises some concern with his ability to actually understand Government budgetary processes.
National plays the lauranorda card
National is panicking and Paula Bennett has gone full dog whistle in claiming that gang members should have less rights than others.
Revising Nats’ nasty joggers ad
National’s nasty joggers campaign ad captures the essence of the party nicely, ignoring and making fun of those in need of help, running away from problems. But in light of the recent poll-quake it is in serious need of revision…
Mike Hosking feels used and wants to take a shower
Mike Hosking is decrying National’s cynical election campaign and release of its paid parental leave policy and claims that it is nothing more than a corrupt retail exchange.
National does u turn on paid parental leave
National has announced a policy of increasing paid parental leave after complaining last year that it was unaffordable.
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.
WINZ and Super Scandals
Here’s the scandal.
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.
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.
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.
The SST does not understand electoral law
The Sunday Star Times has hinted that there is something sinister with Labour’s art auction fundraisers. But a closer look suggests that the rules are being followed assiduously.
National promises to get tough on youth crime
National has announced its policy to deal with youth crime by reannouncing a military service scheme that already exists, proposing a special category for young offenders that will have some young people seek that status and by proposing to fine parents who can’t keep their kids home at night.
Gower rightly apologises to Greens
“Newshub political editor Patrick Gower has apologised to Green Party leader James Shaw for suggesting a bad poll result drove his co-leader to quit.” If you are angry about this – use your vote…
Corbyn-esque NZ
This post was written and ready to go and then news of Metiria Turei stepping down hit. Some of it might read a little strangely because of that. I’ve changed some of the tenses used.
Bill English’s texts leaked
Some of Bill English’s texts have been released. And they are not what you might expect.
Breaking: calls for Paddy Gower’s resignation as MSM slips in its own bullshit
Last night all the excitement finally caught up with them, leading to calls for Paddy Gower to resign and for MSM organisations to delete their social media accounts.
Metiria for PM
Yes. Quite seriously.
National’s Auckland Transport announcement
In an attempt to take the thunder away from Labour’s Auckland Transport announcement National’s offer was leaked this week to the Herald. But it is uninspiring, and shows a continued commitment to roading as providing a solution.
Paula Bennett says Jacinda lacks “the kind of brain” to lead
Back in May the Nats chose Nikki Kaye as their vehicle to attack Jacinda Ardern. It didn’t work so well. This time round they’ve lead with Paula Bennett. According to Bennett, Ardern lacks the right kind of brain. Keep talking Paula…
The big mo #LetsDoThis
Jacinda Ardern’s ascension to Labour’s leadership appears to have given the Party that most important of campaign phenomena, momentum.
Helen Clark burns Matthew Hooton
Matthew Hooton has been incinerated by a former leader of the Labour Party.
Paula Bennett gets owned by Phil Twyford in question time
This afternoon in Parliament during question time Paula Bennett showed clearly that this Government has no idea what to do about the housing crisis.