Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: Now It's On

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  • Alec Morgan,

    Well actually it does matter who wins the election if you agree that the “Nats” job is same as it ever was-redistributing wealth upstairs.

    The indicators speak–minimum wage frozen 1991-4, $1 increase over 9 years under Nat led governments vs. 70% increase since 1999 under Labour led governments. Repeat for other indicators.

    Taser proof vests and coreflute sign stock sales will go through the roof if slippery John wins. They will not be Laour Lite.

    Tokerau Beach • Since Nov 2006 • 124 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Yes, but that's a different failing from the one you alleged in your initial assertion.

    And has she repealed every piece of legislation she was critical of as leader of the Opposition? I don't think so, David, but if you want to prove me wrong I'll accept correction. I don't actually think "insincere" would be a fair attack on Clark.

    And you know something, I think some of the more wing-nutty folks on the right are going to be very disappointed that there won't be a bonfire of the works of the evil Liarbore Dykeocracy if the Government changes. It's certainly far too moderate of their liking. The results of pragmatism (just as Clark was clear no Labour Government could be as ideologically purist as some would have it) or some Damescine conversion? Practically, does it matter?

    But I'll stand by my original comment -- Labour gets to pick the line that National is far too right-wing (and to be avoided at all costs) or not right-wing enough (so why bother upsetting the furniture). Not both.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Gareth Ward,

    Gareth - Isn't that to be confirmed following Nomination Day (14/10/08)?

    Right, I'm not big on process :>
    I thought that National v Labour v Greens for Auckland Central would have already been decided though, if not officially confirmed? As far as I'm aware it's Nicki Kaye vs Judith Tizard vs whoever's-replacing-Nandor....
    Just wondered if there was any kind of analysis/discussion on this level, or if it's all national party vote.

    Auckland, NZ • Since Mar 2007 • 1727 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Well actually it does matter who wins the election if you agree that the “Nats” job is same as it ever was-redistributing wealth upstairs.

    And if you believe that a fourth term is going to see the Liarbore Dykeocracy (finally) show their true colours and turn New Zealand into the Lesbos/Cuba of the South Seas... well, it matters too.

    For those who aren't quite so prone to political Manichaeism, a marginally more sober process of consideration should be in train.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    But I'll stand by my original comment -- Labour gets to pick the line that National is far too right-wing (and to be avoided at all costs) or not right-wing enough (so why bother upsetting the furniture). Not both.

    But they get to cover both by saying "you can trust us and you can't trust them". That's why Clark said "trust" eight times in five minutes.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Tom Beard,

    turn New Zealand into the Lesbos/Cuba of the South Seas

    Actually, that would be great for tourism.

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1040 posts Report Reply

  • Tom Semmens,

    My picks:

    NZ First and ACT are going into electoral oblivion. Winston's personality won't do it this time, and he is noew just a bit to old to campaign like its 1999. Rodney won't hold Epsom, where my spies tell me people are sick of having an even more absentee MP than Worth. The Maori Party will win six of the seven Maori seats. Jim Anderton, The Greens, The Maori Party and Peter Dunne will have 20 seats in a 123 seat house and the rest will be a straight fight between the two big parties.

    I think Labour and Greens will have enough seats to make Tariana Turia the king/Queen maker.

    Sevilla, Espana • Since Nov 2006 • 2217 posts Report Reply

  • Luke Williamson,

    Yeah, bring it on! I'm ready for that election!
    I'll agree with the 45% win to Nats but can't form a coalition cos not enough people like them. Labour/Greens I can live with. And don't forget our faithful labrador, Jim Anderton.
    I'll be sick and bleating if our new Government includes Gerry Brownlee, Nick Smith, Tony Ryall, Lockwood Smith . . . arghhhh! I can't go on!
    By the way, why hasn't there been a headline in the papers yet - "Winnie in the Pooh".

    Warkworth • Since Oct 2007 • 297 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    __turn New Zealand into the Lesbos/Cuba of the South Seas__

    Actually, that would be great for tourism.

    Sorting out the status of the cigars would be a nightmare though.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Tim Michie,

    Gareth, No Greens Auckland Central listed on their site: http://www.greens.org.nz/people/candidates...

    ...yet, I guess.

    Auckward • Since Nov 2006 • 614 posts Report Reply

  • Geoff Lealand,

    Seriously, the way those warty assemblages of 2x4 and posterboard spring up like mushrooms scares and offends me every election season.

    I was visiting Napier and Hastings last week and the roadside view from Bay View (Airport) to Hastings was dominated by Nat billboards. Oh, for a chainsaw and a dark night....!

    Screen & Media Studies, U… • Since Oct 2007 • 2562 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    But they get to cover both by saying "you can trust us and you can't trust them". That's why Clark said "trust" eight times in five minutes.

    And I hardly expected her to say "You know, that John Key wouldn't be a bad Prime Minister." :) But I think she -- and I think Labour is making it pretty obvious that they're going to be running a presidential campaign -- does a better job of it. I just don't know if the 'secret agenda' attacks are quite the winner Labour thinks, but we shall see.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Kumara Republic,

    Let's see.

    Introduced income-related rents for state housing.
    Created District Health Boards, changed health funding, moved away from fee-for-service funding.
    Reversed ACC privatisation.
    Unwound (somewhat) the Employment Contracts Act.
    Bought back Air NZ and Railways.

    There's another biggie to add, although it's not really a roll-back - the trust-busting of the telco sector.

    The southernmost capital … • Since Nov 2006 • 5446 posts Report Reply

  • Mikaere Curtis,

    As far as I'm aware it's Nicki Kaye vs Judith Tizard vs whoever's-replacing-Nandor....
    Just wondered if there was any kind of analysis/discussion on this level, or if it's all national party vote.

    Denise Roche is the Greens candidate for Auckland Central. She's also on the Auckland City Council, representing the Hauraki Gulf ward.

    We're running a Party Vote campaign. We stand in electorates because that's the most effective way of engaging with voters during an election campaign, not because we think we can win the electorate.

    Tamaki Makaurau • Since Nov 2006 • 528 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    Sorting out the status of the cigars would be a nightmare though.

    I lower the tone to crotch level, and you lift it up again. Focus! :)

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Tim Michie,

    By the way, why hasn't there been a headline in the papers yet - "Winnie in the Pooh".

    Because a Public Address discussion got there first a few days ago...

    Rodney won't hold Epsom, where my spies tell me people are sick of having an even more absentee MP than Worth.

    I wish I had your confidence but there's plenty of feeling on the ground in the eastern areas of the electorate that they'd *really* like to try to return Roger. My Mt Eden end of the electorate tends left but is out-voted by actual Epsom et al.

    Auckward • Since Nov 2006 • 614 posts Report Reply

  • 3410,

    Has anyone got a date for when Peter Dunne’s traditional surge in the polls is going to happen?

    Look, that will happen in due time; it's just common sense.

    I really can't understand how ACT will be gone. Anderton & Dunne always get in, and for the same reason, so will Hide.

    Auckland • Since Jan 2007 • 2618 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    I was visiting Napier and Hastings last week and the roadside view from Bay View (Airport) to Hastings was dominated by Nat billboards. Oh, for a chainsaw and a dark night....!

    Thanks for the memories, Geoff. Of course, when you're fielding a hysterical call from an elderly widow who was scared shitless by people vandalising the hoarding in her front garden at two in the morning, it's not so cute. Ditto for when you've had to help remove a hoarding because of the obscene and misogynistic graffiti.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Gareth Ward,

    Denise Roche is the Greens candidate for Auckland Central. She's also on the Auckland City Council, representing the Hauraki Gulf ward.

    We're running a Party Vote campaign. We stand in electorates because that's the most effective way of engaging with voters during an election campaign, not because we think we can win the electorate.

    Thanks Mikaere. I'm looking to get a little more "engaged" in my decision for local representation this year - sounds like the Greens won't be of any use to me in that task.

    Auckland, NZ • Since Mar 2007 • 1727 posts Report Reply

  • Luke Williamson,

    Anyone got any further ideas of whether Labour will lift any Maori seats from Maori Party?

    Warkworth • Since Oct 2007 • 297 posts Report Reply

  • Tim Michie,

    And Denise Roche isn't on their list according to I/S over at No Right Turn...

    Auckward • Since Nov 2006 • 614 posts Report Reply

  • Grant McDougall,

    A lot of the readers' comments at Stuff and the Herald about the election are typically hilarious frothing-at-the-mouth twaddle.

    Dunedin • Since Dec 2006 • 760 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    Ben Thomas at NBR is also picking up on the trust theme.

    Bit of a slowcoach, though. He didn't get a column posted until 1.28 pm ;-)

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown,

    And the responses include this from Peter Dunne:

    "The Prime Minister says this will be an election about who you can trust - she is right. United Future, as the voice of the silent majority, will keep the next government on track, allowing it to earn that trust."

    If anyone's in the vicinity, could you be a dear and pop down and throttle him for me?

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Lyndon Hood,

    Apparently Agenda plans to fill the fact-checking void:

    In a new segment called "Fact Finder" each week the post-graduate students, under the direction of Senior Lecturer, Dr Jennifer Curtin, will research statements made by politicians during the campaign and investigate their accuracy.

    "Agenda" Links Up With University

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 1115 posts Report Reply

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