This is such a heartbreaking, personalised attack on an individual who has mana, intregrity, warmth and humanity, to say the least.
In the area of personal relationships, every one of us could be challenged on some level. However, there is never a winner, and everyone involved loses something. But the most vulnerable lose the most, the children. Those who Chris Hipkins has consistently protected. For their mother, we can only send love and hope, that one day she can see that (again?) and find peace.
Thanks, Jo. It is a sad situation all around on a personal level. But on a political level, it is completely unacceptable. I hope the mother finds peace and more constructive ways of dealing with her hurt.
Yes very sad and to see her 'friends' are amongst those who are total opposite to what Labour values are-so that must be the 'conflict of interest" but seriously who would want a friend who belongs to the Union of free speech who supports people like Posie Parker! Sound like she has had the wrong people in her ear ...
Thanks for writing this Nick. You won't be surprised I know Chippy well because we were MP colleagues way back and I was junior whip to his senior whip. Whips have to deal with not only what happens in a Parliamentary day, but also MP's leave and pastural care for MPs and staff. We met with the union who represented our Parliamentary staff frequently. He was aways friendly, constructive, warm and supportive. I never saw a mean bone in his body. He used to call me the Fentonator! I remember when he got with Jade he was so happy. I feel for my friend. He is a good man and will be a great PM. Can we now talk about the war?
A very clear, emotive view on how NZ politics has become so dirty. Chippy is a decent man and this is reflected in everything he does and says. My belief is many New Zealanders are sick of the government and their disastrous leadership and policies. They are failing to understand the mood of the country. I’m sure that this is a political ploy to erode Chippy and Labours popularity. As for the media, I shake my head at the damage they have caused by making a mountain out of a molehill!
This ploy will be an epic fail among the more intelligent, thinking voting public. The CoC must be worried if they are stooping so low at this stage of the election cycle.
Depending on the level of decency in this country ( and I do have my concerns) this incident could well backfire on the right wing, and see the left wing move forward. 🙏👍🫰🙏
Excellent, Nick. It is good to see other rational commentary as well, though I am very disappointed in a Newsroom in which we are told by a male journalist what women of the left will think. As a woman on the left, I think quite differently. Let's continue the support and get the relevant and urgent election issues back to the forefront.
I noted that as well, Juliet. I think the journalist's gross generalisation was planting seeds that they can return to again and again in the months to come. Like you, I think differently, as many others will.
On Facebook this morning, I read a post from someone who had identified a right wing troll on his page as none other than Sam 'Bedleg' Uffindell using a fake profile to attack Hipkins. When outed, Uffindell gloated: 'How much longer has your leader got? 24 hours? 7 days?' This seems to confirm the suspicion that this is a dirty politics campaign. Ew.
Thanks Nick. That video was triggering for sure! Disgraceful behaviour from the media over this. It was heartbreaking to see him so upset. Once again the dirty politics starts. I hope Chippy can stay and not be bullied. And when he said this, he was dead right "The online world is a bit of a sewer pit, and it seems that no one has any hesitation in adding to that," - This may swing back and smack those 'journos' in the face and show them to be the 'vultures' they are. Jenna was positively frothing when she intercepted him at the airport. It was shocking to watch.
Didn't I read Jenna's spouse is something high up in the ACT organisation? I think we need to stop using "journalist" with her while she has such obvious political ties - she shouldn't be anywhere near political reporting IMHO🤷
So many thingsthey can try and 'trip' him up on. Social housing, Capital gains tax.... policies everywhere, but they slink into the gutter and meddle in people's live. So gross!
Yesterday I wrote a post about the similarities between what was done to Colin Moyle in 1976 and Chris Hipkins in 2026. The big difference of course is the advent of social media. Many years after that affair, I discovered that someone who I regarded as a personal friend had been one of the covert perpetrators of the successful attempt to assassinate Moyle's character. It has given me a perspective I would not otherwise have had.
Hipkins' ex wife, Jade Paul appears to be associated with a number of well-known right-wing individuals just like my former friend and it is likely they, who have been advising Paul and encouraging her to consider worst case scenarios to the point she now believes them to be true. One obvious example is the apparent claim that Hipkins had been unfaithful to her during their marriage. Easy enough to convince her that it happened, even when it almost certainly did not happen.
I do not in any way defend the action Paul has taken, but it does help to understand how it might have come about. Dirty Politics started 50 years ago under the Muldoon regime.
The coalition government is so in love with the US administration that they happily adopt Trump’s sneering derogatory comments at every media event. When unable to justify their actions to punish people who need help and support, they sink to a level of disrespectful behaviour by attacking the personal life of those who challenge them.
People in government are role models. The public comments made stirring up intolerance have real life consequences in the streets of New Zealand.
And I remember pics of Chippy working in a hospital room - I had thought it was because his child was in there, but maybe the ex? - in any case this is NOT a man who abandons his whanau. THe worst of gutter politics and Jenna Lunch, Glen O'Connell and Sinead Boucher have the morals of the sewer. As do the predictable dirty players, NZME included, but from a wannabe 'neutral' publication their colours are firmly tied to the mast now. Ugh
Totally agree with you Nick. Willis accused Labour of gutter politics - this attack on Hipkins, which I have no doubt is instigated by the CoC, is amoral and an all time low. As a side note, the trogs' fixation with Dame Jacinda continues - I rather like how she occupies so much space in their otherwise empty craniums!
As Chippy tearfully said, he cares about his children. Which is more than what can be said of their mother. Not one person is without sin. Has our politics become a free for all, no holds barred? Nothing is off limits! The scene has been set to roll out all Politicians private lives? Scandals and rumours? Salacious gossip to feed the frenzy? Which leading politician had an affair with another member? Whose been cosying up to whom! 😳
Meanwhile, war, cost of living, oil prices, people struggling, climate change, violence. Not on any politicians radar. Getting paid to do Jack?
A few weeks ago I suggested, on an American Substack post that the way the Trump administration is going about their business, that The Star Stangled Banner should be removed and Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” should take its place. There were some who agreed and none that didn’t. Perhaps going into this year’s election, National and the scum which swims in their cesspool of lies, more lies and misinformation, regardless of the damage it does, might consider it as their theme song for their own campaign. They are legendary for their dirty politics. Perhaps they could be honest about one thing. I won’t hold my breath.
Yes on this side of the fence we all agree that he is a decent man and doesn't deserve this. But unfortunately that doesn't seem to count anymore in modern politics. Pouring dirt on anyone who is not doing dirty politics seems to be a favourite thing. That is all beyond me. Destroying somebody because it is such a fun 😡😥. I fear that he will not survive that politically.
Tautoko on every level Nick 🥹
This is such a heartbreaking, personalised attack on an individual who has mana, intregrity, warmth and humanity, to say the least.
In the area of personal relationships, every one of us could be challenged on some level. However, there is never a winner, and everyone involved loses something. But the most vulnerable lose the most, the children. Those who Chris Hipkins has consistently protected. For their mother, we can only send love and hope, that one day she can see that (again?) and find peace.
Thanks, Jo. It is a sad situation all around on a personal level. But on a political level, it is completely unacceptable. I hope the mother finds peace and more constructive ways of dealing with her hurt.
Agree I agree totally again.
What I didn’t say. It appears, she,and her pain, have been played and manipulated. I hope she sees that and those despicable individuals
Yes very sad and to see her 'friends' are amongst those who are total opposite to what Labour values are-so that must be the 'conflict of interest" but seriously who would want a friend who belongs to the Union of free speech who supports people like Posie Parker! Sound like she has had the wrong people in her ear ...
Thanks for writing this Nick. You won't be surprised I know Chippy well because we were MP colleagues way back and I was junior whip to his senior whip. Whips have to deal with not only what happens in a Parliamentary day, but also MP's leave and pastural care for MPs and staff. We met with the union who represented our Parliamentary staff frequently. He was aways friendly, constructive, warm and supportive. I never saw a mean bone in his body. He used to call me the Fentonator! I remember when he got with Jade he was so happy. I feel for my friend. He is a good man and will be a great PM. Can we now talk about the war?
Thank you for those insights. Are we allowed to mention the war?
Heh. As long as you don't mention the USA without Winston's permission.
A very clear, emotive view on how NZ politics has become so dirty. Chippy is a decent man and this is reflected in everything he does and says. My belief is many New Zealanders are sick of the government and their disastrous leadership and policies. They are failing to understand the mood of the country. I’m sure that this is a political ploy to erode Chippy and Labours popularity. As for the media, I shake my head at the damage they have caused by making a mountain out of a molehill!
This ploy will be an epic fail among the more intelligent, thinking voting public. The CoC must be worried if they are stooping so low at this stage of the election cycle.
Depending on the level of decency in this country ( and I do have my concerns) this incident could well backfire on the right wing, and see the left wing move forward. 🙏👍🫰🙏
Excellent, Nick. It is good to see other rational commentary as well, though I am very disappointed in a Newsroom in which we are told by a male journalist what women of the left will think. As a woman on the left, I think quite differently. Let's continue the support and get the relevant and urgent election issues back to the forefront.
I noted that as well, Juliet. I think the journalist's gross generalisation was planting seeds that they can return to again and again in the months to come. Like you, I think differently, as many others will.
On Facebook this morning, I read a post from someone who had identified a right wing troll on his page as none other than Sam 'Bedleg' Uffindell using a fake profile to attack Hipkins. When outed, Uffindell gloated: 'How much longer has your leader got? 24 hours? 7 days?' This seems to confirm the suspicion that this is a dirty politics campaign. Ew.
Uffindell has misplaced what grey cells he had and is bereft of a moral compass.
Talk about the pot calling g the kettle black. As if Uffindell can stand and make judgement. What an arse!
Thanks Nick. That video was triggering for sure! Disgraceful behaviour from the media over this. It was heartbreaking to see him so upset. Once again the dirty politics starts. I hope Chippy can stay and not be bullied. And when he said this, he was dead right "The online world is a bit of a sewer pit, and it seems that no one has any hesitation in adding to that," - This may swing back and smack those 'journos' in the face and show them to be the 'vultures' they are. Jenna was positively frothing when she intercepted him at the airport. It was shocking to watch.
Didn't I read Jenna's spouse is something high up in the ACT organisation? I think we need to stop using "journalist" with her while she has such obvious political ties - she shouldn't be anywhere near political reporting IMHO🤷
Yes. He is in ACT. And I agree - journalist is a stretch for sure when the bias is so obvious.
Yes, Andrew Ketels.
Yes, Ingrid Hipkiss was smugness personified on rnz this morning, hounding Chippy on whether he would stand down. Disgusting.
So many thingsthey can try and 'trip' him up on. Social housing, Capital gains tax.... policies everywhere, but they slink into the gutter and meddle in people's live. So gross!
Yesterday I wrote a post about the similarities between what was done to Colin Moyle in 1976 and Chris Hipkins in 2026. The big difference of course is the advent of social media. Many years after that affair, I discovered that someone who I regarded as a personal friend had been one of the covert perpetrators of the successful attempt to assassinate Moyle's character. It has given me a perspective I would not otherwise have had.
Hipkins' ex wife, Jade Paul appears to be associated with a number of well-known right-wing individuals just like my former friend and it is likely they, who have been advising Paul and encouraging her to consider worst case scenarios to the point she now believes them to be true. One obvious example is the apparent claim that Hipkins had been unfaithful to her during their marriage. Easy enough to convince her that it happened, even when it almost certainly did not happen.
I do not in any way defend the action Paul has taken, but it does help to understand how it might have come about. Dirty Politics started 50 years ago under the Muldoon regime.
There is a line. It was crossed. Again….
The coalition government is so in love with the US administration that they happily adopt Trump’s sneering derogatory comments at every media event. When unable to justify their actions to punish people who need help and support, they sink to a level of disrespectful behaviour by attacking the personal life of those who challenge them.
People in government are role models. The public comments made stirring up intolerance have real life consequences in the streets of New Zealand.
And I remember pics of Chippy working in a hospital room - I had thought it was because his child was in there, but maybe the ex? - in any case this is NOT a man who abandons his whanau. THe worst of gutter politics and Jenna Lunch, Glen O'Connell and Sinead Boucher have the morals of the sewer. As do the predictable dirty players, NZME included, but from a wannabe 'neutral' publication their colours are firmly tied to the mast now. Ugh
Totally agree with you Nick. Willis accused Labour of gutter politics - this attack on Hipkins, which I have no doubt is instigated by the CoC, is amoral and an all time low. As a side note, the trogs' fixation with Dame Jacinda continues - I rather like how she occupies so much space in their otherwise empty craniums!
As Chippy tearfully said, he cares about his children. Which is more than what can be said of their mother. Not one person is without sin. Has our politics become a free for all, no holds barred? Nothing is off limits! The scene has been set to roll out all Politicians private lives? Scandals and rumours? Salacious gossip to feed the frenzy? Which leading politician had an affair with another member? Whose been cosying up to whom! 😳
Meanwhile, war, cost of living, oil prices, people struggling, climate change, violence. Not on any politicians radar. Getting paid to do Jack?
Bring back integrity!
Thanks Nick- I too feel very strongly that Chris Hipkins is the one to lead us - even more so now
A few weeks ago I suggested, on an American Substack post that the way the Trump administration is going about their business, that The Star Stangled Banner should be removed and Don Henley’s “Dirty Laundry” should take its place. There were some who agreed and none that didn’t. Perhaps going into this year’s election, National and the scum which swims in their cesspool of lies, more lies and misinformation, regardless of the damage it does, might consider it as their theme song for their own campaign. They are legendary for their dirty politics. Perhaps they could be honest about one thing. I won’t hold my breath.
Yes on this side of the fence we all agree that he is a decent man and doesn't deserve this. But unfortunately that doesn't seem to count anymore in modern politics. Pouring dirt on anyone who is not doing dirty politics seems to be a favourite thing. That is all beyond me. Destroying somebody because it is such a fun 😡😥. I fear that he will not survive that politically.
Yes this an EXCELLENT summary of this bad situation, thanks.