National intends to sell another strategic asset

National again intends to sell off publicly owned assets for its own ideological reasons. This time it’s Landcorp farms, thus depriving the government of another avenue for leading the way on environmental protection for farmers and climate change action.

Lets talk about tax policy

Tax is emerging as the big issue of this campaign.  How valid are National’s claims that Labour will introduce a variety of new taxes and what has National’s record been like?  Update: in a smart tactical move Labour has promised no new taxes will be introduced until after the next election.

Open Mike 14/09/2017

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Daily Review 13/09/2017

Daily review is also your post.  This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.  The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).  Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

A meeting in Wanaka

Ad reports on a recent meeting in Wanaka where David Parker addressed farmers face to face on Labour’s water policy.

Open Mike 13/09/2017

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The Bullshit

National up, NZ Labour down, Greens dead? Really!?

Daily Review 12/09/2017

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US presidential campaign heats up along with the hurricanes

The first contender has declared, albeit so far in a humorous manner. Less humorous has been the hurricanes that have been hitting southern states this season. You can understand why the oil industries anti-scientist Scott Pruitt that Trump put in charge of the EPA doesn’t want to talk about it.

Is NZF positioning itself for a 4th term National government?

It’s a timely reminder that 12 days before the election Winston Peters has just reaffirmed the door is very much open to a coalition or Confidence and Supply agreement between National and NZF. If you want to change the government, a vote for NZF is a risk.

“Boardroom” backing change

The Herald’s “mood of the boardroom” makes encouraging reading for Labour, with support for change and strong themes of social conscience.

Cartoon “Hurricane Ardern” by Emmerson.

Open Mike 12/09/2017

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Daily Review 11/09/2017

Daily review is also your post.  This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.  The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).  Don’t forget to be kind to each other …

I’m off to vote today

Voting has opened for advance votes and the expectation is that it will be pretty heavy prior to polling day over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be out there voting today for Jacinda Arden as my local MP, and for the Greens as my party vote.

Below 40% National loses its diversity

Some polls have National below 40%. If that is reflected in the election result then National will lose much of its diversity, setting the party back by many years. The current list was constructed for the “pale stale male”. They need to be better balanced in the future.

Divisions in National

Seems Joyce doesn’t have the credibility to run another planned hit job. Labour insiders report debate and anger within a divided National party.

Open Mike 11/09/2017

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