Louise Upstart was on the DPB as was Paula Bennett and said they were the hardest days of her life. She then proceeded to make it harder for other single women who are raising children. Wtaf 😡
Another great newsletter and one that I agree with completely. Granted Chippy is no Jacinda Ardern, that wāhine is something special, but I have always liked Chippy. He has always been genuine, caring and empathetic putting the welfare of all Kiwi's at the forefront of every decision he makes. That's in stark contrast to the leadership we have now.
Chippy in my opinion has copped a shit-load of unfair criticism both from the right and even from some on the left for not showing any mongrel and not being as progressive as someone would like, but I don't think anyone can deny that he and his government have always been the party who puts people first, especially those who are vulnerable.
Just on the Blackcaps, by god I'm proud. I pulled a couple of all-nighters particularly in this final test and we definitely punch well above our weight.
A couple of thoughts. Firstly, we know the NZ electorate is inherently conservative and very susceptible to right-wing media manipulation. We also know that the 6th Labour Government bit off more than it could chew, and was the target of hate for 3 Waters, despite that policy being in the same voters' best interests (looking at you, Waimate). Consequently, this time correcting the injustices of the last three years and introducing a genuinely progressive CGT while focusing on health, education and housing is both practical and sensible. We run the risk of losing the good in a quixotic quest for perfection on the left. If voters signal support for a wealth tax by voting Green, then let that be reflected in the post-election negotiations.
The concern I have is how are Labour going to pay for their promises, including reinstating things the coalition cut? A CGT that isn’t retrospective in a flat market will bring in virtually no revenue in the first few years, I can only assume they’re looking at a top tax bracket similar to that proposed by the Greens.
🤷 Not sure why it is a "concern" when as yet MOST of the policies including the economic strategy in total has not yet been released? And as I have learned by reading learned rational economists (as opposed to right wing think tank types) in fact the govt, as David has pointed out, can "find/fund" money if it chooses to, quite apart from tax policy changes. BTW on the tax front more people in work PAYING tax, generating GST from spending, and REDUCING govt benefits, would be a really good start? 👍
Nick, as a sovereign currency issuer, the Government has lots of options on how to fund stuff. The challenge is right now we don't have the fiscal policy from Labour, so as mentioned by Bernard Hickey in his post today, they're either keeping the proposed changes to their fiscal approach close to their chest, or they aim to follow the current model; which is a real problem if its the latter.
BTW I completely agree Chippy is a way better PM than the current model. However the clock is ticking and there isn't much time left to explain what leaving the 30:30 rule behind.
Barbara Edmunds is emphatic on costed policies; there is definitely more to come! I can imagine that they do not want their policies superseded.. so yes close to the chest until closer to time.
I thought Kieran McAnulty did an excellent interview with Jack Tame.
Thanks David. I expect that Labour's tax policy will be as announced so far - the CGT with a degree of caution so as not to alarm the horses too much. Despite that, I hope that they'll seize the opportunity to exempt the first $10k of income, inflation-adjusting the tax bands and reversing the CoC's tax breaks for landlords, tobacco merchants and addressing the fake tax cut that saw so many of us get an additional $250/week. Not optimistic, however. Their focus will be on reorganising existing income rather than adding too much more. Don't fall for the "we can't afford it" nonsence.
I know the negative that is said about Chris Hipkins, but I also challenge, and wonder, is it any ‘truer’ than that said about Jacinda Ardern? The media has influenced us all in some way. For me I know I fight even harder for the person being rubbished, that I believe in.
As Josephine notes above, Jacinda was an amazing wāhine and very much the first of her kind in such a prominent role in Aotearoa. But I’m not convinced Chris doesn’t have those same strengths and passions but in a different package. How would people react if he hugged everyone like Jacinda did after the massacre? Society’s norms would challenge that. He is wise enough to know that.
I definitely think he has what it takes. He has the values, commitment, honesty, political savvy and intelligence; exceptional debating skills , integrity. Is this more polished mongrel?
But most importantly he has the heart. And is connected to the heartbeat of the people.
He aha te mea nui o te ao?" (What is the most important thing in the world?).The full answer is:"He tangata, he tangata, he tangata" — It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.”
Well said Jo - agree and support all of your points - Chris Hipkins and Labour all the way, in coalition with the Greens. Also, he is surrounded by talented and equally empathetic colleagues - bodes well for the next government led by him.
Chippy is experienced, considered and empathetic I feel we would be in very capable hands with Chippy compared with the ongoing punchdown and erosion of the kiwi way with this current mob!
Its not about making up huge fancy policies that you can never aspire to achieve, as National has shown , but to keep it simple and stick with the basics. Hopefully Wellington might get some new plumbing as well.
I didn't know that Penelope Keith had died.....I have enjoyed her very much over the years. Les Mills has also died, a good man who cared deeply for those less fortunate.
Chippy would be a great PM, you won't find him hiding away in a cupboard somewhere too scared to come out.He knows his stuff too so he also won't be making a twit of himself on a regular basis.
A great read Nick and agree with what you say. Maybe Barbara Edmonds, Craig Renny and Bernard Hickey could put together a most believable budget by kicking neo liberal economics for touch.
The thing about Chris is he has no ego (unlike Chris-Tropher). He is just Chris who wants to do the best he can for our whanau, our country and all people. But regardless all the way to the election, Labour will be called the tax and spend party - not only by the fools on the right, but also the media. I wish we were mature enough to have a debate about the 30:30 rule ; the strict guideline that tax and net public debt should both be kept at below 30% of GDP. I just don't think we are. It Is all about choices, and there's also many things that don’t involve government spending ; changing workers rights for the better is one. Yeah bosses will squeal you're going to ruin us. But let them.
💯% 👍 I was impressed by Chris Hipkins in ALL his roles in govt, and especially during the crucible of COVID. That depth of experience shows when he is being interviewed or answering specific questions by journalists on random subjects, as 99.99% of the time he can answer with facts & evidence, as well as good humour - a stark contrast to Luxflakes, who has shown he doesn't have the intellect & the work ethic to compensate for his lack of experience.
🤔 So far I have liked all the Labour policy announcements - in an ideal world I would like them to throw out ALL the bad stuff & start with a clean slate, but it is not possible either operationally or electorally - being seen as too "radical" works in some places (New York CITY in this timeline) but in a basically "conservative" with a small "c" COUNTRY like Aotearoa realistically right now I think the people-centred policy approach is smart rather than alienating voters who don't understand the nuts & bolts of govt economic levers. After being in govt for a couple of years & addressing the urgent & cruelty based policies of this coalitiion, the work they will be doing behind the scenes for going forward can be rolled out & implemented on a foundation of "promises made promises kept" and having improved the economy & not tanked it like the coaltion. That would be MY strategy for Labour anyway 😁
But first we have to ditch the 💉s in 26 & get a strong left-centre left coaltion managing the purse strings 💪 with pragmatism and 💛
All of which you write Nick is emphasis of the failure of our system of politics, and a misconception that money represents value. Politics as a contest that rewards division - encourages division. Money only has value associated with trade of goods and services - of itself it has no physical presence.
A heartfelt korero Nick with much to agree with. Your final point that Chris's Labour Party will not be transformative is the reason I will continue to place my vote with the Greens. Until Labour IS prepared to redirect a small portion of the massive wealth of the few to help the many, then it's really just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, albiet with a kind face.
Was amazed to learn this morning that Dame Penelope Keith had just one line in the first episode of The Good Life. The writers realised what they had in her and Margo's part grew.
Louise Upstart was on the DPB as was Paula Bennett and said they were the hardest days of her life. She then proceeded to make it harder for other single women who are raising children. Wtaf 😡
Mōrena Nick and Nick's Kōrero whānau.
Another great newsletter and one that I agree with completely. Granted Chippy is no Jacinda Ardern, that wāhine is something special, but I have always liked Chippy. He has always been genuine, caring and empathetic putting the welfare of all Kiwi's at the forefront of every decision he makes. That's in stark contrast to the leadership we have now.
Chippy in my opinion has copped a shit-load of unfair criticism both from the right and even from some on the left for not showing any mongrel and not being as progressive as someone would like, but I don't think anyone can deny that he and his government have always been the party who puts people first, especially those who are vulnerable.
Just on the Blackcaps, by god I'm proud. I pulled a couple of all-nighters particularly in this final test and we definitely punch well above our weight.
Have an awesome day Nick.
A couple of thoughts. Firstly, we know the NZ electorate is inherently conservative and very susceptible to right-wing media manipulation. We also know that the 6th Labour Government bit off more than it could chew, and was the target of hate for 3 Waters, despite that policy being in the same voters' best interests (looking at you, Waimate). Consequently, this time correcting the injustices of the last three years and introducing a genuinely progressive CGT while focusing on health, education and housing is both practical and sensible. We run the risk of losing the good in a quixotic quest for perfection on the left. If voters signal support for a wealth tax by voting Green, then let that be reflected in the post-election negotiations.
The concern I have is how are Labour going to pay for their promises, including reinstating things the coalition cut? A CGT that isn’t retrospective in a flat market will bring in virtually no revenue in the first few years, I can only assume they’re looking at a top tax bracket similar to that proposed by the Greens.
🤷 Not sure why it is a "concern" when as yet MOST of the policies including the economic strategy in total has not yet been released? And as I have learned by reading learned rational economists (as opposed to right wing think tank types) in fact the govt, as David has pointed out, can "find/fund" money if it chooses to, quite apart from tax policy changes. BTW on the tax front more people in work PAYING tax, generating GST from spending, and REDUCING govt benefits, would be a really good start? 👍
Nick, as a sovereign currency issuer, the Government has lots of options on how to fund stuff. The challenge is right now we don't have the fiscal policy from Labour, so as mentioned by Bernard Hickey in his post today, they're either keeping the proposed changes to their fiscal approach close to their chest, or they aim to follow the current model; which is a real problem if its the latter.
BTW I completely agree Chippy is a way better PM than the current model. However the clock is ticking and there isn't much time left to explain what leaving the 30:30 rule behind.
A brilliant commentary Nick, thank you.
Barbara Edmunds is emphatic on costed policies; there is definitely more to come! I can imagine that they do not want their policies superseded.. so yes close to the chest until closer to time.
I thought Kieran McAnulty did an excellent interview with Jack Tame.
Thanks David. I expect that Labour's tax policy will be as announced so far - the CGT with a degree of caution so as not to alarm the horses too much. Despite that, I hope that they'll seize the opportunity to exempt the first $10k of income, inflation-adjusting the tax bands and reversing the CoC's tax breaks for landlords, tobacco merchants and addressing the fake tax cut that saw so many of us get an additional $250/week. Not optimistic, however. Their focus will be on reorganising existing income rather than adding too much more. Don't fall for the "we can't afford it" nonsence.
Beautifully captured again.
I know the negative that is said about Chris Hipkins, but I also challenge, and wonder, is it any ‘truer’ than that said about Jacinda Ardern? The media has influenced us all in some way. For me I know I fight even harder for the person being rubbished, that I believe in.
As Josephine notes above, Jacinda was an amazing wāhine and very much the first of her kind in such a prominent role in Aotearoa. But I’m not convinced Chris doesn’t have those same strengths and passions but in a different package. How would people react if he hugged everyone like Jacinda did after the massacre? Society’s norms would challenge that. He is wise enough to know that.
I definitely think he has what it takes. He has the values, commitment, honesty, political savvy and intelligence; exceptional debating skills , integrity. Is this more polished mongrel?
But most importantly he has the heart. And is connected to the heartbeat of the people.
He aha te mea nui o te ao?" (What is the most important thing in the world?).The full answer is:"He tangata, he tangata, he tangata" — It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.”
Well said Jo - agree and support all of your points - Chris Hipkins and Labour all the way, in coalition with the Greens. Also, he is surrounded by talented and equally empathetic colleagues - bodes well for the next government led by him.
Chippy is experienced, considered and empathetic I feel we would be in very capable hands with Chippy compared with the ongoing punchdown and erosion of the kiwi way with this current mob!
Its not about making up huge fancy policies that you can never aspire to achieve, as National has shown , but to keep it simple and stick with the basics. Hopefully Wellington might get some new plumbing as well.
I didn't know that Penelope Keith had died.....I have enjoyed her very much over the years. Les Mills has also died, a good man who cared deeply for those less fortunate.
Chippy would be a great PM, you won't find him hiding away in a cupboard somewhere too scared to come out.He knows his stuff too so he also won't be making a twit of himself on a regular basis.
A great read Nick and agree with what you say. Maybe Barbara Edmonds, Craig Renny and Bernard Hickey could put together a most believable budget by kicking neo liberal economics for touch.
Hells bells, Mac..."kicking neo liberal economics for touch"...dare we have such hopes??
The thing about Chris is he has no ego (unlike Chris-Tropher). He is just Chris who wants to do the best he can for our whanau, our country and all people. But regardless all the way to the election, Labour will be called the tax and spend party - not only by the fools on the right, but also the media. I wish we were mature enough to have a debate about the 30:30 rule ; the strict guideline that tax and net public debt should both be kept at below 30% of GDP. I just don't think we are. It Is all about choices, and there's also many things that don’t involve government spending ; changing workers rights for the better is one. Yeah bosses will squeal you're going to ruin us. But let them.
Labour and Chippy are doing it just right. The electorate is sick of brash promises and empty rhetoric. Little and often will wear away at the polls.
💯% 👍 I was impressed by Chris Hipkins in ALL his roles in govt, and especially during the crucible of COVID. That depth of experience shows when he is being interviewed or answering specific questions by journalists on random subjects, as 99.99% of the time he can answer with facts & evidence, as well as good humour - a stark contrast to Luxflakes, who has shown he doesn't have the intellect & the work ethic to compensate for his lack of experience.
🤔 So far I have liked all the Labour policy announcements - in an ideal world I would like them to throw out ALL the bad stuff & start with a clean slate, but it is not possible either operationally or electorally - being seen as too "radical" works in some places (New York CITY in this timeline) but in a basically "conservative" with a small "c" COUNTRY like Aotearoa realistically right now I think the people-centred policy approach is smart rather than alienating voters who don't understand the nuts & bolts of govt economic levers. After being in govt for a couple of years & addressing the urgent & cruelty based policies of this coalitiion, the work they will be doing behind the scenes for going forward can be rolled out & implemented on a foundation of "promises made promises kept" and having improved the economy & not tanked it like the coaltion. That would be MY strategy for Labour anyway 😁
But first we have to ditch the 💉s in 26 & get a strong left-centre left coaltion managing the purse strings 💪 with pragmatism and 💛
All of which you write Nick is emphasis of the failure of our system of politics, and a misconception that money represents value. Politics as a contest that rewards division - encourages division. Money only has value associated with trade of goods and services - of itself it has no physical presence.
A heartfelt korero Nick with much to agree with. Your final point that Chris's Labour Party will not be transformative is the reason I will continue to place my vote with the Greens. Until Labour IS prepared to redirect a small portion of the massive wealth of the few to help the many, then it's really just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, albiet with a kind face.
Was amazed to learn this morning that Dame Penelope Keith had just one line in the first episode of The Good Life. The writers realised what they had in her and Margo's part grew.
??????