Nick, as a paid subscriber, I am MORE THAN HAPPY for you to make your newsletter free to everyone, as often as you like. We need thoughtful, left-leaning voices like yours to get out there as widely as possible.
Me too, but realise it will likely stop others subscribing if they don't feel they need to. Someone's got to pay to feed the Purple Bra cricket team from over the fence :-)
It’s Labour Day and I’ve been thinking about the loyal hardworking, faceless mostly, public servants who are probably about to lose their jobs. Given National and especially ACT talking about decreasing public administration, this means loss of these jobs. Years ago I went through this because of a change of government and different policies. I understand they want to bring in policies for change according to their philosophies, but the way it’s often done is brutal to employees. For me it was a redundancy, for a single mother with two boys at high school and a mortgage. The stress was extreme. Luckily I moved into another job easily but planned to try and be more financially resilient and so later I became self employed as I felt I could trust this ‘employer’ more than my previous ones. Ha ha. But I still have little trust in the employment system we have, where people are numbers and fewer numbers can be counted as actually increasing productivity, which seems to be a holy grail in business. And more immigrants are seen as cheaper labour, as became very clear during Covid, when many employers bleated loud and long about the lack of them - or maybe the media only presented their views. Enough now, enjoy your Labour Day.
Me too. As I endorse all you say - It's great to have your realistic and logical kōrero shared. Yes we needed to definitely push what the tax cuts purported to be - were actually going to be for the populous, and yes we shoukd have worked and planned with the Greens and yes leave Chippy in it for us. I felt my heart sink a little when no form of a Wealth Tax was proposed, and the GST off fruit & veges as a ' nice to have' offering. I might be wrong but I also felt both these weren't fully supported by Grant - who is a favourite for PM amongst my pals. Loved the clip - our united strength must now be in Opposition.
Yes, the GST off fruit & vege was a little bit "meh"...but, what have we got now? Nought, I would say. I was also pretty pleased my kids could haven the benefit of free basic dental care. I hope more workers (the other 98%) realise quickly what they have done in voting for "things before people".
Another very good overview of where the left is at Nick and I so agree with all you say. In my view it is way past time Labour and the Greens sat down and devised a strategy whereby they worked together to better ensure a victory for the left. This alliance must also include Te Pati Maori who have some great policy that could be endorsed and fought for, not during but, well prior to the election cycle. As long as the big money from the right continues to be in play it is imperative that an aligned opposition presents policy of benefit to the majority. Through division we will continue to be out of Govt. All hail Samuel Parnell. Wonder how the 8/8/8 aligns with the digital age?
Dear Nick, I thoroughly endorse everything you’ve had to say this morning! Today’s writing is an absolutely perfect overview of our situation on this Labour Day. Thank you for putting it so precisely and so well. I love what you had to say about labour and greens. Do hope that in the future they will be able to follow your recommendation, they are both good parties. Happy Labour Day to you and thank you so much for your amazing input on such a regular basis.
You’re so right M E K. He won’t take a portfolio because he wouldn’t be able to take the heat. In question time we might get Bishop et al protecting him with points of order like “the prime minister does not have ministerial responsibility for......” I too am looking forward to seeing the squirming. But will the media report it?
Yes, the problem is...people don't really see this. Otherwise, how could they have failed to see Luxon & Willis aren't in the same league as Chippie & Grant Robertson?
Thanks for the great newsletter as per Nick & as others have said, I too have no qualms whatsoever with it being free. The more your words are shared the better & those of us who can support you will continue to do so & you'll encourage others to do so too I'm sure.
Loved the clip reminding us where Labour's roots came from & how ruthless National's were (& are!) with a lot of help from bloody Roger Douglas. What a cold-hearted piece of work he was & obviously Seymour's idol. I still have trouble believing he was a Labour MP at one time.
Happy Labour Day to you & yours but don't mention the war I mean cricket just yet ...buggar.
Not the best result last night, still they're going well.
Yep that bastard Douglas caused so much damage to the party and the country, it is hard to believe that people would opt for that again with the latest incarnation.
Thanks for the support, hope you and yours have a lovely day.
I always remember Roger Douglas and Colin Moyle ( then minister of agriculture) fronting up to farmers at the Addington showgrounds, Christchurch circa 1986. They had no security and a farmer gave them some eggs to take home. The farmer said they are fresh and he couldn't throw them at two brave men. I am paraphrasing.
I bet Luxon and Willis would be far too gutless to front up to disgruntled tenants and former public servants anywhere.
Happy Moon Day, Nick and Family. Chippie lost me the moment he ruled out a wealth tax. He could have ruled out certain types of wealth tax (CGT, for example) but effectively saying tax inequality is now a Labour Policy is really disappointing. I voted Labour Christchurch Central, but Party Vote Greens - for Marama and Chloe (not so much James whose choice of Climate Commissioner was a sick farce).
Agree TOP needs to be a Think Tank, not yet another Left Vote splitter. They have great ideas but even the excellent Raf Manji got nowhere near National in Ilam.
A number of people I spoke to from TOP said they had previously voted ACT and/or National. I suggest the TOP votes would have gone to all other parties in equal proportion; therefore little effect on the final seat count.
The reason TOP stays stubbornly around 2% is the narrative of a wasted vote. In my opinion, TOP has far better policies than all other parties combined.
I like your comments about the election outcome Nick especially:
"Labour and the Greens, soon to be in opposition, need to not only be relentless in highlighting inequalities and unfairness from the next government but also in offering a very clear, bold, and positive plan for our country. People will be looking for one before too long".
The left need to collaborate and work together. Agreeing to a set of values and some important policies based on the values will go along way. Wishing you a lovely Labour day
I am happy that you do post your newsletters for free. We need people like you disseminating balanced and correct information. I am so so over our News Media. Labour was never given a chance from day one! Those not really engaged in society or politics only hear what they want to hear, and if it's what's being broadcast by the media they just go with it. I hope you are watching Warnie, Nick. The first episode last night was really good. Bring on the cricket season. Happy Labour Day to you and long may it continue. For without the labour workforce nothing exists.
Great article Nick, and I'm happy there wasn't a paywall, as many people as possible need to read it. I totally agree with you on not replacing Chippy, he didn't lose the election the party lost the election and in my humble opinion Chippy hasn't really had a chance to show how effective he can be. It's time for them to work with the Greens and formulate fair tax policies, tax churches and work solidly on climate change. I really hope that Labour and Greens settle down and find their way again, so they win in 3 years. They also need to increase the term to 4 years, and cap the amount of money that can be spent on elections. We had #LyinLuxon rammed down our throats from the time he was elected as LOTO, we can't let that happen again, because people either believe his BS or they switch off and won't bother to vote.
I do enjoy, and benefit from, your writing and I am happy to support it.
Labour lost me in the 1970s when the world’s first environmental party arose in Aotearoa. The Values Party eventually morphed into the Green Party and MMP gave me hope that social and environmental politics would win. But, I don’t think we have ever had an MMP election. The media have only ever used FPP rhetoric and I think that has lead to the current situation. In my community (blue and boring since the electorate was first established) there was no talk of policies other than those of the big two parties. How can we ensure that the voices of all parties (i.e.all Kiwis) are heard? Or, will media companies always only support the business parties?
This time the "minor" parties got an extra debate with the cancellation of the Press one, but yeah the media still talk so much more about the two bigger parties as if we have a presidential or two party race. I think it's ridiculous that there was no occasion during the campaign where for example Labour and the Greens were on the same stage.
Happy for you to share your writing, the more people who read your thoughtful and well researched words the better. Thank you also for the brief history of the Labour party, it readily demonstrates how Labour builds, and National smashes down. Why oh why? It is impossible to understand the reasoning. It is patently obvious that this small country would be so much better off if the Superannuation scheme of 1974 had been allowed to continue.
Also obvious is the aftermath of the destructive policies introduced by Ruth Richardson. One has to be particularly sadistic to attack the poorest in such a cruel way. Now she is busy helping ACT. Sad, sad, sad.
Nick, as a paid subscriber, I am MORE THAN HAPPY for you to make your newsletter free to everyone, as often as you like. We need thoughtful, left-leaning voices like yours to get out there as widely as possible.
Me too
Me too, but realise it will likely stop others subscribing if they don't feel they need to. Someone's got to pay to feed the Purple Bra cricket team from over the fence :-)
Hah true
100%
Totally agree!
I agree Val
Yes, me too.
Apologies for the typo on "hard won rights", corrected now but not in the email of course, and all the others that you might notice.
It’s Labour Day and I’ve been thinking about the loyal hardworking, faceless mostly, public servants who are probably about to lose their jobs. Given National and especially ACT talking about decreasing public administration, this means loss of these jobs. Years ago I went through this because of a change of government and different policies. I understand they want to bring in policies for change according to their philosophies, but the way it’s often done is brutal to employees. For me it was a redundancy, for a single mother with two boys at high school and a mortgage. The stress was extreme. Luckily I moved into another job easily but planned to try and be more financially resilient and so later I became self employed as I felt I could trust this ‘employer’ more than my previous ones. Ha ha. But I still have little trust in the employment system we have, where people are numbers and fewer numbers can be counted as actually increasing productivity, which seems to be a holy grail in business. And more immigrants are seen as cheaper labour, as became very clear during Covid, when many employers bleated loud and long about the lack of them - or maybe the media only presented their views. Enough now, enjoy your Labour Day.
One of the best, if not the best ever written Nick (and you write well)
Brings joy to my heart & soul to read what already sits deep in my intuition.
Well done!!
Long long live our caring community! ❤️
Thanks Leonie for that lovely piece of feedback, I'm glad you like it 🙂
It was awesome! 💯💯💯
Me too. As I endorse all you say - It's great to have your realistic and logical kōrero shared. Yes we needed to definitely push what the tax cuts purported to be - were actually going to be for the populous, and yes we shoukd have worked and planned with the Greens and yes leave Chippy in it for us. I felt my heart sink a little when no form of a Wealth Tax was proposed, and the GST off fruit & veges as a ' nice to have' offering. I might be wrong but I also felt both these weren't fully supported by Grant - who is a favourite for PM amongst my pals. Loved the clip - our united strength must now be in Opposition.
Yes, the GST off fruit & vege was a little bit "meh"...but, what have we got now? Nought, I would say. I was also pretty pleased my kids could haven the benefit of free basic dental care. I hope more workers (the other 98%) realise quickly what they have done in voting for "things before people".
Another very good overview of where the left is at Nick and I so agree with all you say. In my view it is way past time Labour and the Greens sat down and devised a strategy whereby they worked together to better ensure a victory for the left. This alliance must also include Te Pati Maori who have some great policy that could be endorsed and fought for, not during but, well prior to the election cycle. As long as the big money from the right continues to be in play it is imperative that an aligned opposition presents policy of benefit to the majority. Through division we will continue to be out of Govt. All hail Samuel Parnell. Wonder how the 8/8/8 aligns with the digital age?
Dear Nick, I thoroughly endorse everything you’ve had to say this morning! Today’s writing is an absolutely perfect overview of our situation on this Labour Day. Thank you for putting it so precisely and so well. I love what you had to say about labour and greens. Do hope that in the future they will be able to follow your recommendation, they are both good parties. Happy Labour Day to you and thank you so much for your amazing input on such a regular basis.
Thanks Judith, appreciate the kind words and a happy Labour Day to you and yours too 🙂
100% agree with Judith.
The election polls were self-perpetuating, which was the intention of the RightWing institutions that create them.
I'm moving on, WITH CHIPPY. He will, as you say, cripple lux-on in the House.
Lux-on will find every excuse not to be there.
He's refused to take up a portfolio because he's incapable. He's a (failed) CEO, a hired hack, a bully; all traits that will be his downfall.
I shall enjoy live coverage of Parliamentary Debate.
You’re so right M E K. He won’t take a portfolio because he wouldn’t be able to take the heat. In question time we might get Bishop et al protecting him with points of order like “the prime minister does not have ministerial responsibility for......” I too am looking forward to seeing the squirming. But will the media report it?
Yes, the problem is...people don't really see this. Otherwise, how could they have failed to see Luxon & Willis aren't in the same league as Chippie & Grant Robertson?
To be fair, when I worked fulltime I couldn't watch unfiltered Parliamentary debate.
And certain demographics lazily rely on newsmedia sound bites, curated to bend it in Nact's favour.
Thanks for the great newsletter as per Nick & as others have said, I too have no qualms whatsoever with it being free. The more your words are shared the better & those of us who can support you will continue to do so & you'll encourage others to do so too I'm sure.
Loved the clip reminding us where Labour's roots came from & how ruthless National's were (& are!) with a lot of help from bloody Roger Douglas. What a cold-hearted piece of work he was & obviously Seymour's idol. I still have trouble believing he was a Labour MP at one time.
Happy Labour Day to you & yours but don't mention the war I mean cricket just yet ...buggar.
Not the best result last night, still they're going well.
Yep that bastard Douglas caused so much damage to the party and the country, it is hard to believe that people would opt for that again with the latest incarnation.
Thanks for the support, hope you and yours have a lovely day.
I always remember Roger Douglas and Colin Moyle ( then minister of agriculture) fronting up to farmers at the Addington showgrounds, Christchurch circa 1986. They had no security and a farmer gave them some eggs to take home. The farmer said they are fresh and he couldn't throw them at two brave men. I am paraphrasing.
I bet Luxon and Willis would be far too gutless to front up to disgruntled tenants and former public servants anywhere.
Love the paraphrasing! No, I imagine Luxon and Willis will only be appearing in carefully stage managed appearances.
Wonderful piece of writing, Nick. With an added bonus for me of receiving an honorable mention!
Happy Moon Day, Nick and Family. Chippie lost me the moment he ruled out a wealth tax. He could have ruled out certain types of wealth tax (CGT, for example) but effectively saying tax inequality is now a Labour Policy is really disappointing. I voted Labour Christchurch Central, but Party Vote Greens - for Marama and Chloe (not so much James whose choice of Climate Commissioner was a sick farce).
Agree TOP needs to be a Think Tank, not yet another Left Vote splitter. They have great ideas but even the excellent Raf Manji got nowhere near National in Ilam.
Cheers :-)
A number of people I spoke to from TOP said they had previously voted ACT and/or National. I suggest the TOP votes would have gone to all other parties in equal proportion; therefore little effect on the final seat count.
The reason TOP stays stubbornly around 2% is the narrative of a wasted vote. In my opinion, TOP has far better policies than all other parties combined.
I like your comments about the election outcome Nick especially:
"Labour and the Greens, soon to be in opposition, need to not only be relentless in highlighting inequalities and unfairness from the next government but also in offering a very clear, bold, and positive plan for our country. People will be looking for one before too long".
The left need to collaborate and work together. Agreeing to a set of values and some important policies based on the values will go along way. Wishing you a lovely Labour day
You too, thanks - have a great day.
I am happy that you do post your newsletters for free. We need people like you disseminating balanced and correct information. I am so so over our News Media. Labour was never given a chance from day one! Those not really engaged in society or politics only hear what they want to hear, and if it's what's being broadcast by the media they just go with it. I hope you are watching Warnie, Nick. The first episode last night was really good. Bring on the cricket season. Happy Labour Day to you and long may it continue. For without the labour workforce nothing exists.
I wasn't aware of that programme, thanks for the heads up. A very happy Labour Day to you and thanks for the support.
Yes it's on tv1 after The Casketeers.
Great article Nick, and I'm happy there wasn't a paywall, as many people as possible need to read it. I totally agree with you on not replacing Chippy, he didn't lose the election the party lost the election and in my humble opinion Chippy hasn't really had a chance to show how effective he can be. It's time for them to work with the Greens and formulate fair tax policies, tax churches and work solidly on climate change. I really hope that Labour and Greens settle down and find their way again, so they win in 3 years. They also need to increase the term to 4 years, and cap the amount of money that can be spent on elections. We had #LyinLuxon rammed down our throats from the time he was elected as LOTO, we can't let that happen again, because people either believe his BS or they switch off and won't bother to vote.
I do enjoy, and benefit from, your writing and I am happy to support it.
Labour lost me in the 1970s when the world’s first environmental party arose in Aotearoa. The Values Party eventually morphed into the Green Party and MMP gave me hope that social and environmental politics would win. But, I don’t think we have ever had an MMP election. The media have only ever used FPP rhetoric and I think that has lead to the current situation. In my community (blue and boring since the electorate was first established) there was no talk of policies other than those of the big two parties. How can we ensure that the voices of all parties (i.e.all Kiwis) are heard? Or, will media companies always only support the business parties?
This time the "minor" parties got an extra debate with the cancellation of the Press one, but yeah the media still talk so much more about the two bigger parties as if we have a presidential or two party race. I think it's ridiculous that there was no occasion during the campaign where for example Labour and the Greens were on the same stage.
Happy for you to share your writing, the more people who read your thoughtful and well researched words the better. Thank you also for the brief history of the Labour party, it readily demonstrates how Labour builds, and National smashes down. Why oh why? It is impossible to understand the reasoning. It is patently obvious that this small country would be so much better off if the Superannuation scheme of 1974 had been allowed to continue.
Also obvious is the aftermath of the destructive policies introduced by Ruth Richardson. One has to be particularly sadistic to attack the poorest in such a cruel way. Now she is busy helping ACT. Sad, sad, sad.