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?
Greens announce plan to turn trash into cash
The Green Party today announced a progressive plan to protect our oceans and the places we love with a ban on plastic bags, refunds on drink containers, a phase-out of plastic packaging, and a commitment to sending zero waste to landfill by 2050.
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!
Congratulations Black Ferns!
The All Blacks won a game last night, but it is the Black Ferns who own the front page of the (online) Herald today. An overdue sign of changing times. Good stuff.
Open Mike 27/08/2017
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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 billion Indians
The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that privacy is a fundamental right to life and liberty under India’s constitution. Other countries recognise the right to privacy against the state. But commercial interest through social media have access to huge amounts of private information. Why should there be a right of privacy against the state but not corporate interests?
A tale of two hospital announcements
There were some notable differences between Labour and National’s accouncements of a new Dunedin hospital…
Open Mike 26/08/2017
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Daily Review 25/08/2017
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 …
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.
Political Statues
America is experiencing difficulties because of the celebration by the right of statutes of their racist heroes. Why does New Zealand not have this problem?
Jacindamania – international edition
It can’t be many tiny countries that have a leader of the opposition make positive international headlines, but Jacinda Ardern has managed it.
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?
A personal view of a decade of The Standard 2.0
With the distraction of the a looming election, one that is likely to ditch the dead hand of National’s cronyism on our economy and society, I missed that we’d managed to make this site survive and thrive for a decade. I think that deserves some recognition …
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.
The Green Party’s Wellington Transport Plan
The Green Party will save families and students money, reduce pollution, and make it easier to get around Wellington.
Open Mike 25/08/2017
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Daily Review 24/07/2017
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Hosking to apologise to Maori Party
Was it stupid or was it malicious? Either way, Mike Hosking is to apologise to the Maori Party.
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.
Open Mike 24/08/2017
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Daily Review 23/08/2017
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Light Rail no Panacea for Wellington transport
In just a couple of month’s time the Greater Wellington Regional will start an $11m project to dismantle the trolley bus system. Council Tramways Union Vice President Chris Morley talks about why light rail for Wellington is unlikely to ever happen, and why it doesn’t need to.
PREFU
Today is the day for Treasury’s Pre-Election Fiscal Update (PREFU).
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…
Open Mike 23/08/2017
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Election Aotearoa Leaders Debate tonight
The most interesting political parties debate on Māori Television (and livestream), tonight 8pm.
Daily Review 22/08/2017
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 …
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