I work as a relief teacher in EEC. We check sleepers every 9 minutes. In the toddlers room, a teacher sits in the sleep room and checks the children every 5 - 6 minutes until all but the last 2 or 3 are awake, then those 2 or 3 are checked every 9 minutes. This isn't a burden, and it's not likely to change because Seymour thinks it should. Do any of the Act people have children, I wonder? They certainly have no idea of what care for children means. It's another dehumanising move on their part. If childcare people are going to Seymour and asking him to change the rules because they feel it's a burden, they shouldn't be in the childcare business.
I can't think of one thing this govt have done that helps the average kiwi. Labour should be well ahead in the polls but my fear is they will not be heard due to the right wing media!
They also need to come up with a vision and some really good policies. It's not enough to just not be National. It isn't a two-horse race any more - the Greens have well-developed, properly-costed policy. They're the real opposition.
We need to collectively challenge this narrative at every opportunity and with everyone we hear parrot such nonsense. There is nothing insane about wanting everyone to share the economy, to have access to free Healthcare, dental treatment, affordable housing, free education, access to affordable food, and lastly a decent living wage for all! Only selfish people think these are insane wishes. This country has the money, it just needs to be redistributed better!!!!
Yes Mike, and believing this is not deranged dangerous woke nonsense.
We should put Party politics aside and demand better from our Opposition.
They should meet regularly, agree common policy planks on areas of agreement. imo. Such as Health and Housing, Education and Community, Food and distribution, Public Works and Planning, Water Energy and Environment, Full Employment and Wellbeing Choices, Safety and Systems. Otherwise CoC and allies will pick us apart with their money and influential connections..
Yes I agree re your position with the Greens. I like Hipkins I think he’s Prime Ministerial
material. However I think Labour should ask the question who is the best person in their caucus with the talent to really knock back Luxon and Seymour (I think Peters is irrelevant) and galvanise a wave of people that will vote Labour in. Labour should be way ahead in the polls at the moment. It’s slightly ahead in some polls but given how this Govt has marginalised so many people Labour should be absolutely connected with those people - offer them hope via policy direction - and take them forward to vote Labour at the 2026 election - we cannot afford to loose the next election!
It is no longer a two-horse race, with only Labour facing up to the current mess. Greens and TPM are getting stronger, which strengthens the opposition more than if we all just supported Labour. The last time they had a mandate, they threw it away, because they didn't think they needed another party alongside. They do.
In part you're right, however Labour need a transformative program that will offer real change, not the shuffling of deckchairs as we have witnessed so often from a basically RW Labour Party
Totally disagree. Since Lange there has been no Labour leader that spoke for labour over capital. Doing musical chairs to get the same result is no progress whatsoever
Big companies have been given the green light by this government to exploit their customers.
About two months ago I saw a doctor about pain in my shoulder. He said I needed to see a physiotherapist. Because it wasn’t an accident I would have to pay privately. He recommended TBI Health locally. I had to pay $90 for an initial appointment and then $58 per visit after that. The physiotherapist that I saw was very good and there has been some improvement. These appointments are expensive and are eating into my limited savings but I want to get my shoulder pain free. However, on 3 July I went for my appointment and afterwards the receptionist told me I had to pay $80 as the prices had gone up on 1 July. That is a 38% increase! A small increase would have been acceptable as the cost of everything is going up but I refuse to pay a greedy corporation an extra 38% so they can pay their shareholders more dividends. I cancelled my next appointment, told them why and sent feedback on line to the company. I haven’t heard back. They don’t care about their clients just the profit. I’m now looking for a local physiotherapist who is self employed.
It wasn’t so much the actual cost but the fact that the increase was 38%. The receptionist also told me that ACC visits had increased but by a much smaller amount. There can be no justification for a 38% increase.
I had been thinking about Seymour’s comment made in the UK recently about smokers being heroes because they die earlier and save taxpayers money. It’s casts a sinister new light on his support for assisted dying, and now we have this abominable pronouncement that it’s ok to leave sleeping babies in daycare unattended and only checked on every 15 minutes. Add this to his agenda of privatisation of healthcare and it makes one wonder if he believes that a good way to balance the books is to have more people exiting this mortal coil sooner. Could he really be that callous or is he simply a money hungry idiot incapable of understanding consequences? I can’t decide, but I am leaning increasingly towards the former.
You're right about "It’s casts a sinister new light on his support for assisted dying". I remember seeing commentary some time ago that Seymour was associated with a group in Canada that saw assisted dying as a "kind" way of helping to solve the problem of the rising cost of aged care to the community. I think there was a branch of similar thinkers in parts of Europe. Maybe someone else has more details?
I think there is definitely an element of this. All part of the eugenics thinking of seymours type like Thiel, Musk et al. I firmly support the right to voluntary euthanasia but I do have reservations about the way it can be used by these people.
Oh - I absolutely think he’s completely callous as is some of his cohorts like Brooke Van velden - look what’s she’s doing in the area of work place safety!
It's absolutely heart-wrenching to see what this government are doing and how they are treating ordinary kiwis here in Aotearoa.
There is a crystal clear to see just where their values lie and it sure as hell is obvious to anyone with eyes and ears that they have absolutely no interest in those citizens in this country who are struggling and disadvantaged.
What really gets me is that they have absolutely care for anyone other than themselves and there rich mates.
We really need to encourage people to get out and vote because whether they think it or not, their voice matters now more than ever.
"We really need to encourage people to get out and vote because whether they think it or not, their voice matters now more than ever."
Exactly what I'm thinking. But how we do that? Or more appropriately get Labour/Greens to do that? I agree with Nick that we can make this a one-term government but the soft centre that moved to Labour in 2020 but returned to N/A/NZF in 2023 aren't hurrying back again.
So we need to build up the centre left/left. I've always thought that if those most negatively affected by the policies of rightwing governments in Aotearoa voted accordingly, then a government like we're enduring now would never get in.
I don't know how that can be encouraged to happen though.
TPM are focused on getting more iwi to engage and enrol on to the Maori roll. But more is needed for the General roll.
What I really would like to see too is Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori working more closely together.
I'm Māori and I agree with a lot of what they have to say and stand for, but I sometimes feel that they aren't prepared to compromise with Labour in particular.
I on the same page as you Josephine. I would dearly love to see a Labour/Greens/Te Pati Maori Govt but unfortunately I don't think this is going to happen. Seymour and his advisors are experts at digging around and broadcasting from the roof tops every tiny bit of marginal information they can about Te Pati Maori. The general public,who are already being feed misi formation about Maori don't,as a consequence, want a "bunch of looney radicals" running the country. It's dirty politics and it's working.
Well it’s actually time to put the heat on ACT - they are the radical extreme - let’s talk about them in that language.
They are only just 8% of the vote - they are on the Extreme Right of politics and are deeply entwined with the Extreme Right Atlas Network Organisation and carrying out their agenda.
ACT has far to much influence in Govt for the size of their representation!
So ACT says Te Pati Maori is Extreme, I actually think they are actually quite moderate. However ACT are on the Extreme fringe of politics and we need to be saying to Seymour and ACT that they are an Extreme party, and they are!
What an incredible, fantastic and great deal for farmers getting a 20% tax break for new machinery!!
Isn’t our government great!!?
What a convoluted attempt at pulling yet more wool over our eyes, with yet more bullshit. The fact of the matter is that farmers make up around 2-3% of our population, not all who will want or need new tractors. No damage done there, then. But wait, there’s more. Butter consumption far outweighs any economic impact the 20% deal might have, for a simple reason. GST, at 15% on a product which costs $18, will cover any shortfall in the government coffers far more quickly than a product sold at $7 or less. Another win for the government, another loss for consumers.
As for the dreadful proposal by ACT to reduce the number of checks on sleeping babies in childcare centres. Don’t forget, we overrate the value of human life. Just ask BVV. This ties in neatly with the assisted dying bill passed some time ago, another ACT initiative. I understand this concept has its roots in the Atlas
policy that if they’re not financially contributing, seemingly at either end of life, they’re not worth the money spent on them. Sickening, but I believe it’s true. So long as the economy is thriving it doesn’t matter how many lives it takes.
I believe you’re absolutely correct Christine. It’s troubling that people with such soulless tendencies are able to be part of any government in our country. ACT have far too much influence on the other coalition partners.
Then there is the myth that NZ farming 'feeds the world'. We feed ourselves and the population of Tokyo. The world doesn't need NZ.
"According to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand-grown produce feeds over 40 million people, with over 95 per cent of agricultural production exported."
I've seen several recent moves that can only be motivativated by the wish of private ECE centres to keep their costs down An earlier change was to change the ratio of qualified staff required. Now the timing of checking on sleeping babies. Parents need to trust that ECE centres are keeping their little ones safe and engaged. I'm horrified that this gradual erosion of conditions is making centres less safe and with less emphasis on engaged activity to save money.
Re the price of butter etc. on overseas markets - we also forget to ask the producers what are their costs for preparation and delivery, not only are they selling on a par with us, or more here, with these expenses deducted our cost should be considerably lower. Greed, pure greed. Perhaps we need some laws covering such sales which NZ taxpayer is assisting. Thanks Nick again.
I saw something the other day asking how can it be that New Zealand can produce enough food for 40 million people but people here are going hungry because they can’t afford food. It’s a very good question.
I suspect that we’re paying more so overseas customers can pay less, in the belief that it makes our products more competitive and attractive, increases profits and we all benefit from the trickle down apparently.
Checking on babies every 15 minutes is the thin end of the wedge because some unscrupulous child minders will only have to comply with this rule and will have a ready made excuse if a tragedy happens within that 15 minute window. If it was my baby I would be asking the question how,when and why and I would be making surprise visits to ensure they were doing what they say they are doing. There have been many tragedies because of neglect and a “she’ll be right “ attitude and we in Aotearoa are not immune to this for a quick profit. Mark my words he’ll be re regulating aged care next “euthanasia” at a cut price anyone , cheap at the price for Davy boy and Van Velden who already thought there was too much value placed on life during the covid pandemic. Look out granny he’ll be coming for you next.
Labour need to come out with their costed plans , and detail what heinous bits of legislation they will repeal, esp Landlords tax breaks that is an obscenity that we cannot afford .
This far out from the next election Labour can’t afford to advertise what they have planned for our future. As the saying goes they have to “keep their powder dry”What they can do, and are doing is to let the voters know what they will repeal, dismantle and replace the current Bills and policies the coalition has put in place.
The next thing that happens is nominations for List and Electoral Candidates.
It’s not good strategically to publicize policies too soon, as every day things change, and it gives the opposition the opportunity to counter, or dish out dirt, on them.
Right on the money Ange. The coalition hasn’t come up with anything new or constructive so far and will grab whatever they can from wherever. Self pride and honesty are unknown qualities to them.
Another great but depressing Korero Nick. Each time I read another example of the transfer of wealth, safety-nets, health, education, housing et al from the the ordinary Kiwis battler to those already enjoying a comfortable like style I remember Chris Bishop's prophetic statement saying that "we are not going to play by the old rules. We're going to do things differently, and if you don't like it you can throw us out at the next election". We'll hopefully lots of Kiwis who have been ignored or vilified by this coalition will remember their pain and vote accordingly
Ok..so that worked! Introduced by Lam Phan, Marama was inspiring! Scott Willis..knowledgeable, informative and passionate. There were local speakers impacted by the latest weather events, also from the Nurses' Union and local council. Adam McGrath and The Eastern were awesome as always!! Supporting the event for free, singing and playing their hearts out..funny, anarchic, solid to the bone! I was feeling uplifted, positive and energised by 8pm!! Happy Sunday everyone!
Well written Nick. We now say to our CG friends, "Be careful what you say!", because they are now empowered to say racist hurtful and harmful comments. I totally believe what the Te Pati Maori MPs have to go through and all those thrown out or off Emergency Housing but now to compromise the safety of sleeping babies in Childcare is disgraceful and immoral.
National said that “Labour hated farmers.” That was far from the truth!
Labour recognised that farmers were a key part of the economy to assist us getting through Covid19 and beyond.
At the start of Labour’s term mycoplasma bovis was out of control as an outcome of National’s inept management of the outbreak - Labour brought it under control.
Labour negotiated x2 free trade agreements that had benefit to farmers, the Uk and the Eu - that incidentally have requirements built into the agreements for farmers to achieve better environmental and animal welfare outcomes.
Labour put in resources to help the farming and horticulture sectors both in the East Coast NI and in the Tasman area post the devastating weather impacts.
Labour worked with the sector to get better water quality outcomes and better winter grazing regimes.
Labour was on the cusp of succeeding with a climate change agreement with the farming sector but some rouge farming leaders (one of which led Federated Farmers and at election time 2923 stood for ACT and became an MP.) torpedoed the possibility of the agreement crossing the line.
So Labour was actually pro farmers under the excellent stewardship of Damien O’Connor the Minister of Primary Industries.
Yes there were some impacts on farmers but there were significant gains.
As a PS: under Labour live shipments of sheep and cattle to international markets stopped - there were good reasons for this hinged around animal welfare concerns but that aggrieved a segment of the farming sector.
I work as a relief teacher in EEC. We check sleepers every 9 minutes. In the toddlers room, a teacher sits in the sleep room and checks the children every 5 - 6 minutes until all but the last 2 or 3 are awake, then those 2 or 3 are checked every 9 minutes. This isn't a burden, and it's not likely to change because Seymour thinks it should. Do any of the Act people have children, I wonder? They certainly have no idea of what care for children means. It's another dehumanising move on their part. If childcare people are going to Seymour and asking him to change the rules because they feel it's a burden, they shouldn't be in the childcare business.
Nailed it Maggie. Thanks Nick, another awful idea from our self appointed regulator for the sorter sorted.
Absolutely Maggie!
I can't think of one thing this govt have done that helps the average kiwi. Labour should be well ahead in the polls but my fear is they will not be heard due to the right wing media!
They also need to come up with a vision and some really good policies. It's not enough to just not be National. It isn't a two-horse race any more - the Greens have well-developed, properly-costed policy. They're the real opposition.
Yes Greens are great especially Chloe. Unfortunately they are referred to as being 'deranged' by the likes of Sleezemore and Winston
We need to collectively challenge this narrative at every opportunity and with everyone we hear parrot such nonsense. There is nothing insane about wanting everyone to share the economy, to have access to free Healthcare, dental treatment, affordable housing, free education, access to affordable food, and lastly a decent living wage for all! Only selfish people think these are insane wishes. This country has the money, it just needs to be redistributed better!!!!
Yes Mike, and believing this is not deranged dangerous woke nonsense.
We should put Party politics aside and demand better from our Opposition.
They should meet regularly, agree common policy planks on areas of agreement. imo. Such as Health and Housing, Education and Community, Food and distribution, Public Works and Planning, Water Energy and Environment, Full Employment and Wellbeing Choices, Safety and Systems. Otherwise CoC and allies will pick us apart with their money and influential connections..
Absolutely agree Mike
💯% Mike, in fact your summary of what we could have looks a lot like what we did have with the first Labour Govt!
You could see that as a compliment coming from them - clearly feared!
Yes I agree re your position with the Greens. I like Hipkins I think he’s Prime Ministerial
material. However I think Labour should ask the question who is the best person in their caucus with the talent to really knock back Luxon and Seymour (I think Peters is irrelevant) and galvanise a wave of people that will vote Labour in. Labour should be way ahead in the polls at the moment. It’s slightly ahead in some polls but given how this Govt has marginalised so many people Labour should be absolutely connected with those people - offer them hope via policy direction - and take them forward to vote Labour at the 2026 election - we cannot afford to loose the next election!
I'll vote Labour only if they introduce an asset tax and CGT
It is no longer a two-horse race, with only Labour facing up to the current mess. Greens and TPM are getting stronger, which strengthens the opposition more than if we all just supported Labour. The last time they had a mandate, they threw it away, because they didn't think they needed another party alongside. They do.
In part you're right, however Labour need a transformative program that will offer real change, not the shuffling of deckchairs as we have witnessed so often from a basically RW Labour Party
Shuffling deck chairs is better than pushing them off the deck so they break into tiny pieces
Totally disagree. Since Lange there has been no Labour leader that spoke for labour over capital. Doing musical chairs to get the same result is no progress whatsoever
And we're progressing now?
Agreed.
Big companies have been given the green light by this government to exploit their customers.
About two months ago I saw a doctor about pain in my shoulder. He said I needed to see a physiotherapist. Because it wasn’t an accident I would have to pay privately. He recommended TBI Health locally. I had to pay $90 for an initial appointment and then $58 per visit after that. The physiotherapist that I saw was very good and there has been some improvement. These appointments are expensive and are eating into my limited savings but I want to get my shoulder pain free. However, on 3 July I went for my appointment and afterwards the receptionist told me I had to pay $80 as the prices had gone up on 1 July. That is a 38% increase! A small increase would have been acceptable as the cost of everything is going up but I refuse to pay a greedy corporation an extra 38% so they can pay their shareholders more dividends. I cancelled my next appointment, told them why and sent feedback on line to the company. I haven’t heard back. They don’t care about their clients just the profit. I’m now looking for a local physiotherapist who is self employed.
Even under ACC they cost anything upward of $55 per visit.
It wasn’t so much the actual cost but the fact that the increase was 38%. The receptionist also told me that ACC visits had increased but by a much smaller amount. There can be no justification for a 38% increase.
Yes & the physio's are all different some charge more there seems to be no set standard charge.
I had been thinking about Seymour’s comment made in the UK recently about smokers being heroes because they die earlier and save taxpayers money. It’s casts a sinister new light on his support for assisted dying, and now we have this abominable pronouncement that it’s ok to leave sleeping babies in daycare unattended and only checked on every 15 minutes. Add this to his agenda of privatisation of healthcare and it makes one wonder if he believes that a good way to balance the books is to have more people exiting this mortal coil sooner. Could he really be that callous or is he simply a money hungry idiot incapable of understanding consequences? I can’t decide, but I am leaning increasingly towards the former.
He's both - callous and money hungry.
You’re right unfortunately
You're right about "It’s casts a sinister new light on his support for assisted dying". I remember seeing commentary some time ago that Seymour was associated with a group in Canada that saw assisted dying as a "kind" way of helping to solve the problem of the rising cost of aged care to the community. I think there was a branch of similar thinkers in parts of Europe. Maybe someone else has more details?
Well he is a member of the Atlas Network, I think that was why he was in Canada, and I think that might well be their view.
I think there is definitely an element of this. All part of the eugenics thinking of seymours type like Thiel, Musk et al. I firmly support the right to voluntary euthanasia but I do have reservations about the way it can be used by these people.
Oh - I absolutely think he’s completely callous as is some of his cohorts like Brooke Van velden - look what’s she’s doing in the area of work place safety!
I just think he's a sly nasty idiot
It's absolutely heart-wrenching to see what this government are doing and how they are treating ordinary kiwis here in Aotearoa.
There is a crystal clear to see just where their values lie and it sure as hell is obvious to anyone with eyes and ears that they have absolutely no interest in those citizens in this country who are struggling and disadvantaged.
What really gets me is that they have absolutely care for anyone other than themselves and there rich mates.
We really need to encourage people to get out and vote because whether they think it or not, their voice matters now more than ever.
"We really need to encourage people to get out and vote because whether they think it or not, their voice matters now more than ever."
Exactly what I'm thinking. But how we do that? Or more appropriately get Labour/Greens to do that? I agree with Nick that we can make this a one-term government but the soft centre that moved to Labour in 2020 but returned to N/A/NZF in 2023 aren't hurrying back again.
So we need to build up the centre left/left. I've always thought that if those most negatively affected by the policies of rightwing governments in Aotearoa voted accordingly, then a government like we're enduring now would never get in.
I don't know how that can be encouraged to happen though.
TPM are focused on getting more iwi to engage and enrol on to the Maori roll. But more is needed for the General roll.
Totally agree Gavin.
What I really would like to see too is Labour, Greens and Te Pāti Māori working more closely together.
I'm Māori and I agree with a lot of what they have to say and stand for, but I sometimes feel that they aren't prepared to compromise with Labour in particular.
That's just my thoughts though.
I on the same page as you Josephine. I would dearly love to see a Labour/Greens/Te Pati Maori Govt but unfortunately I don't think this is going to happen. Seymour and his advisors are experts at digging around and broadcasting from the roof tops every tiny bit of marginal information they can about Te Pati Maori. The general public,who are already being feed misi formation about Maori don't,as a consequence, want a "bunch of looney radicals" running the country. It's dirty politics and it's working.
Well it’s actually time to put the heat on ACT - they are the radical extreme - let’s talk about them in that language.
They are only just 8% of the vote - they are on the Extreme Right of politics and are deeply entwined with the Extreme Right Atlas Network Organisation and carrying out their agenda.
ACT has far to much influence in Govt for the size of their representation!
So ACT says Te Pati Maori is Extreme, I actually think they are actually quite moderate. However ACT are on the Extreme fringe of politics and we need to be saying to Seymour and ACT that they are an Extreme party, and they are!
Absolutely right and enabled by a PM who is either desperate for power or unbelievably weak. Probably both.
Very obvious when you put it that way and very good point!! We need to make the average Nat voter uncomfortable about supporting these extremists!!!!
Hopefully there are a lot more people that can see through their bullshit.
I really really hope so. I try to talk to as many people as possible.
What an incredible, fantastic and great deal for farmers getting a 20% tax break for new machinery!!
Isn’t our government great!!?
What a convoluted attempt at pulling yet more wool over our eyes, with yet more bullshit. The fact of the matter is that farmers make up around 2-3% of our population, not all who will want or need new tractors. No damage done there, then. But wait, there’s more. Butter consumption far outweighs any economic impact the 20% deal might have, for a simple reason. GST, at 15% on a product which costs $18, will cover any shortfall in the government coffers far more quickly than a product sold at $7 or less. Another win for the government, another loss for consumers.
As for the dreadful proposal by ACT to reduce the number of checks on sleeping babies in childcare centres. Don’t forget, we overrate the value of human life. Just ask BVV. This ties in neatly with the assisted dying bill passed some time ago, another ACT initiative. I understand this concept has its roots in the Atlas
policy that if they’re not financially contributing, seemingly at either end of life, they’re not worth the money spent on them. Sickening, but I believe it’s true. So long as the economy is thriving it doesn’t matter how many lives it takes.
What a heartless world we live in.
I believe Act knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing
I believe you’re absolutely correct Christine. It’s troubling that people with such soulless tendencies are able to be part of any government in our country. ACT have far too much influence on the other coalition partners.
And the Nats are backing them every step of the way.
And the Nats are backing them every step of the way.
Hence Seymour’s callous comment about smokers. He sees them as good citizens killing themselves to save the country future expense.
Martyrs to the ACT cause. Aren’t they wonderful!?
Then there is the myth that NZ farming 'feeds the world'. We feed ourselves and the population of Tokyo. The world doesn't need NZ.
"According to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, New Zealand-grown produce feeds over 40 million people, with over 95 per cent of agricultural production exported."
https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/producing-food-to-feed-the-world/
I've seen several recent moves that can only be motivativated by the wish of private ECE centres to keep their costs down An earlier change was to change the ratio of qualified staff required. Now the timing of checking on sleeping babies. Parents need to trust that ECE centres are keeping their little ones safe and engaged. I'm horrified that this gradual erosion of conditions is making centres less safe and with less emphasis on engaged activity to save money.
Re the price of butter etc. on overseas markets - we also forget to ask the producers what are their costs for preparation and delivery, not only are they selling on a par with us, or more here, with these expenses deducted our cost should be considerably lower. Greed, pure greed. Perhaps we need some laws covering such sales which NZ taxpayer is assisting. Thanks Nick again.
I saw something the other day asking how can it be that New Zealand can produce enough food for 40 million people but people here are going hungry because they can’t afford food. It’s a very good question.
I suspect that we’re paying more so overseas customers can pay less, in the belief that it makes our products more competitive and attractive, increases profits and we all benefit from the trickle down apparently.
Checking on babies every 15 minutes is the thin end of the wedge because some unscrupulous child minders will only have to comply with this rule and will have a ready made excuse if a tragedy happens within that 15 minute window. If it was my baby I would be asking the question how,when and why and I would be making surprise visits to ensure they were doing what they say they are doing. There have been many tragedies because of neglect and a “she’ll be right “ attitude and we in Aotearoa are not immune to this for a quick profit. Mark my words he’ll be re regulating aged care next “euthanasia” at a cut price anyone , cheap at the price for Davy boy and Van Velden who already thought there was too much value placed on life during the covid pandemic. Look out granny he’ll be coming for you next.
Labour need to come out with their costed plans , and detail what heinous bits of legislation they will repeal, esp Landlords tax breaks that is an obscenity that we cannot afford .
This far out from the next election Labour can’t afford to advertise what they have planned for our future. As the saying goes they have to “keep their powder dry”What they can do, and are doing is to let the voters know what they will repeal, dismantle and replace the current Bills and policies the coalition has put in place.
They are working on it.
The next thing that happens is nominations for List and Electoral Candidates.
It’s not good strategically to publicize policies too soon, as every day things change, and it gives the opposition the opportunity to counter, or dish out dirt, on them.
Right on the money Ange. The coalition hasn’t come up with anything new or constructive so far and will grab whatever they can from wherever. Self pride and honesty are unknown qualities to them.
Another great but depressing Korero Nick. Each time I read another example of the transfer of wealth, safety-nets, health, education, housing et al from the the ordinary Kiwis battler to those already enjoying a comfortable like style I remember Chris Bishop's prophetic statement saying that "we are not going to play by the old rules. We're going to do things differently, and if you don't like it you can throw us out at the next election". We'll hopefully lots of Kiwis who have been ignored or vilified by this coalition will remember their pain and vote accordingly
Ok..so that worked! Introduced by Lam Phan, Marama was inspiring! Scott Willis..knowledgeable, informative and passionate. There were local speakers impacted by the latest weather events, also from the Nurses' Union and local council. Adam McGrath and The Eastern were awesome as always!! Supporting the event for free, singing and playing their hearts out..funny, anarchic, solid to the bone! I was feeling uplifted, positive and energised by 8pm!! Happy Sunday everyone!
Well written Nick. We now say to our CG friends, "Be careful what you say!", because they are now empowered to say racist hurtful and harmful comments. I totally believe what the Te Pati Maori MPs have to go through and all those thrown out or off Emergency Housing but now to compromise the safety of sleeping babies in Childcare is disgraceful and immoral.
National said that “Labour hated farmers.” That was far from the truth!
Labour recognised that farmers were a key part of the economy to assist us getting through Covid19 and beyond.
At the start of Labour’s term mycoplasma bovis was out of control as an outcome of National’s inept management of the outbreak - Labour brought it under control.
Labour negotiated x2 free trade agreements that had benefit to farmers, the Uk and the Eu - that incidentally have requirements built into the agreements for farmers to achieve better environmental and animal welfare outcomes.
Labour put in resources to help the farming and horticulture sectors both in the East Coast NI and in the Tasman area post the devastating weather impacts.
Labour worked with the sector to get better water quality outcomes and better winter grazing regimes.
Labour was on the cusp of succeeding with a climate change agreement with the farming sector but some rouge farming leaders (one of which led Federated Farmers and at election time 2923 stood for ACT and became an MP.) torpedoed the possibility of the agreement crossing the line.
So Labour was actually pro farmers under the excellent stewardship of Damien O’Connor the Minister of Primary Industries.
Yes there were some impacts on farmers but there were significant gains.
As a PS: under Labour live shipments of sheep and cattle to international markets stopped - there were good reasons for this hinged around animal welfare concerns but that aggrieved a segment of the farming sector.
We absolutely must get rid of these greedy grifters and replace with those who care
When the Wright Foundation gets into private prisons they will bring the same respect for the lives and dignity of their ‘customers’