I think itsxtime to review our system if "democracy" MMP coalitions are throwing up government by minority parties.
We need some rules around what positions in government/ caucus, minority parties should be able to hold.
If we agree that a % of vote entitles non elected individuals into parliament, then a % of the vote also should apply to portfolio distribution. Especially for deputy PM.
We currently have situation where people rejected by voters now sit in cabinet with a portfolio, in my view this is ridiculous.
Good points, and there are a few issues this coalition has raised around our current system.
Firstly, I doubt those designing the system imagined we would have such clear left/right blocs and essentially nothing in between. Secondly, they probably didn't imagine that a "major" party leader would give so much away to minority parties. In my view, this farcical Treaty Bill situation is due to Luxon's unprecedented cowardice and lack of understanding of Aotearoa rather than flaws in MMP.
Having senior ministers who are untouchable because they represent third parties is unworkable. I'm sure if Luxon could have, he would have demoted someone like Casey Costello by now, but he can't without jeopardising the government. There needs to be some accountability to the government overall, not just to the minor party, as seems to be the case. All Ministers should serve at the PM's discretion.
The issue of parties hiding unpopular/poor performers isn't new. A safe seat under FPTP was almost as good as a high-list placing, making MPs nearly invulnerable. I like the Greens' approach that the party membership determines the final list order.
More independents might help where there are particular individuals a community trusts, regardless of party affiliation.
Does anyone else have any thoughts? I appreciate that I've provided more questions rather than much in the way of answers.
🤔 With the advent of modern technology, possibly a role for citizens initiated referenda on specifc issues that take place within a week of receiving 100,00 (or 200,000 or 500,000) signatures) - then a requirement for a decent % of voting population majority for or against. Needs a bit of finessing, but there needs to be a way to stop Mr 8% & others even introducing terrible bills ⁉️
⁉️ Not sure... I just think BIlls like Treaty Principles, Fast Track, Regulatory standards et al should be able to be stopped by the population - for one it would put the brakes on these rabid rats, but also save lots of time & money because we KNOW that IF the govt changes in 2026 these will be "gone by lunch time" most likely 🤷
Great points you're makeing there Nick. I do like the Greens idea of party membership that should hopefully lead to greater political participation. Clearly the mess this lot have got themselves and the country in does lend to the debate as to whether we have got it right or not. Let's hope something worthwhile comes from the ashes they will undoubtedly leave.
🤔 I hope whoever leads in place of Trudeau stands up to Trump even more forcefully & hands him his ass - but given the craven nature of most "leaders" these days???
One possible positive, might Davey Seymour fly the coop and try to be Canada’s next PM? He does have experience with their system… Agree to leave Mrs Luxon alone is a good idea, she is suffering enough already
Why don’t you give him a call Keith? Sounds like an excellent idea to me. I’ll even give him a ride to the airport. Would probably have to get my car disinfected afterwards but it would be worth it!
Some good news of our ailing health system. While on holiday in Kuratau my husband broke his femur. The health system kicked in and from the first call to the ambulance to his final discharge from Rotorua hospital it was plain sailing and excellent service. A public health system there when you need it.
🙋All right 👍 Positive it is... The sun is shining through ny window, there is a gentle breeze rippling the leaves on my peach tree (rather than a gale trying to rip the fruit off before it ripens as in the last few days/weeks/months), and my live feeds of birds around the world shows me - a Royal Albatross sitting on a soon-to-be-hatched egg at Tairoa Heads, Otago - baby Bald Eagles being fed in a nest in the USA - Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Kestrels & smaller birds having food put on on a snowy day/night in the UK - a view of the sea washing in towards the seals at the Blue Penguin colony in Oamaru (& if I rewind I can watch again hundreds of adorable Little Blue Penguins surfing & scurrying ashore in the evening). And what is even BETTER than seeing these actual things live, is knowing there are communities all over the globe watching & caring & supporting this conservation work at exactly the same time as me 💜😁 Part of my coping mechanism on top of long walks & writing submissions 💪
🤷And BTW, agree about Mrs Lux-flakes - unless she runs for an elected or govt appointed position she is an irrelevancy, and it behooves those who don't like it done to Jacinda, Chloe, Marama et al by the trolls on the right to avoid emulating the worst of the worst eh⁉️👀 Won't waste my time watching/listening as she is of no interest to me - as someone said... trying to rehabilitate Humpty Dumpty to prevent his big fall ⁉️😱
Happy vibes here this morning as the ride-on mechanic has diagnosed and fixed what I thought would be a gut wrenching expense turned out to be just a branch jammed around the roller brushes making the belt scream and emit blue smoke ... then he said with a smile when asked about the cost? "ah I'll catch up with you next time Vick" i.e. no charge - this after a 44 km drive out from town bless him. I wonder if Mrs Luxon gets a similar thrill from such unexpected kindnesses or from the rare times her weekly food shop isn't as horrendous as she'd budgeted for on a tight pension - oh wait .....
Respect for you Nick keeping Amanda out of the discussion, I wasn't as kind! call me cynical.
Just so Nick .... 2 years ago I'd given him some of my late husband's tools (strange antique ones that took his eye) and he was really chuffed at the time ... so yes, it's a lovely thing is gratitude :)
I'll never forget it Christine! ... I swore at the TV at the time! - what an absolute precursor to just how out of touch this hollow man is with the realities of life for the average New Zealander!
The sun's shining here in Waitakereland. It's cooler and a soft breeze is blowing. The builder is here, playing nice music as the renovations of two former junk-filled rooms move along. Big decision this week ; paint colours? Trying to not get overwhelmed by Jan 6 in the US stuff going on. And I bet me and John could dance better than Amanda and Chris-topher. But our moves would be different!
Positives from me. I'm alive, healthy and I have an awesome whānau who are there whenever I need them.
Another positive is YOU Nick and Nick's Korero which I get huge enjoyment from so THANK YOU.
My last big positive starts from last year when this government was sworn in (please bear with me) is the way in which Te Iwi Māori and non-Māori have come together in Kotahitanga to peacefully stand up against this lot that are in power.
My last positive and something I'm proud of is that I sent in my submission opposing this stupid Treaty Principles Bill.
I agree with your positive perspective; as a Pākehā, I have been delighted to see Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti united in opposition. Although last year was challenging, I believe many individuals will find it has altered their views and opened their eyes, even if it merely strengthens feelings they already held.
yep we do sooo need to try very hard to be positive in this awfully un positive world ..so heres my thrill for early 2025..have just bought my first ever brand new sewing machine and am to have an hour long lesson with it at the fabulous ribbon rose shop where i bought it then onto being creative and crafty making a quilt for my beautiful grand girl..sadly she now resides across the ditch..thats jan 29th thrill then in early feb off up north to cable bay with my fav sister to visit another fav sister for a few days of freedom frivolity and downright fun ...cannot wait..have as good a year as you can everyone much aroha to all and have a spendid waitangi day..at the very least we wont have to endure the giant bald thumbs ugly mugg disgracing that sacred place..so that a HUGE POSITIVE for us all .. happy happy joy joy
Thank your for not subjecting us to an Amanda analysis, Nick. God knows, the pj party pics are quite enough to try to avoid. As for positivity, it is an A+ day outside my window and Summer is fighting hard for supremacy. At last Yay!
Isn't it so nice to have some sunshine and warmth. Always the way, as soon as people go back to work we get the good weather. Almost like we should move our summer holiday a month later to late Jan/early Feb.
I'm looking for my word for the year. I'm torn between: 'Action', 'Thrive' and Inspire. So I might have to have three. And this could be 'twenty, twenty thrive'! (not mine, I read it somewhere) What's your word or words? Something positive to get your head in the game? I've seen some great ones: Maximise, Bold, Completion, Growth, Explore, Motivation, Pace, Persistence, Possibilities, Elevate....
I guess endure or withstand are a little less positive than what's intended; how about overcome? Hmm, if that is still too negative - I do like Thrive, we all need to Thrive - despite this government. Life doesn't go on hold, we make the best of it while taking the time to say, "I see what you're doing - stop it".
Creativity - such an evocative word having been stuck in a bleak grey fog of stasis for these past 4 years - my Muses are starting to prod me at last and I'm hopeful I will finally make those short 30 steps back into my studio this year.
Thank you Raewyn :) ..... I have 3 commissions from locals patiently waiting all this long time, their understanding and compassion has been wonderful, I hope I reward their patience with quality work - I'll certainly do my best!
Actually our 'first lady' is Queen Camilla. Our 'second lady' is the Governess-General. This makes Mrs Luxon the 'Third Lady'. That makes Mr Luxon 'The Third Man'.
If I remember the plot correctly, the 'Third Man' was some anonymous sap who was murdered and buried in the arch-villain's coffin so that the arch-villlain could feign his own death.
Reminder: today is the last day to get your submission in opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Deadline is 11:59pm tonight (Tuesday 7th January). Do it!!
That's a tough one today for a grumpy old man Nick. To keep it positive I always enjoy this site and all the good people who write comments here. Long may it continue. Can I be grumpy again tomorrow please?
They are infomercials, really, aren't they? I find the whole "First Lady" thing very strange, especially for RNZ of all places. It makes me wonder if it started as a joke or if they're just kissing ass.
I think itsxtime to review our system if "democracy" MMP coalitions are throwing up government by minority parties.
We need some rules around what positions in government/ caucus, minority parties should be able to hold.
If we agree that a % of vote entitles non elected individuals into parliament, then a % of the vote also should apply to portfolio distribution. Especially for deputy PM.
We currently have situation where people rejected by voters now sit in cabinet with a portfolio, in my view this is ridiculous.
Hi George,
Good points, and there are a few issues this coalition has raised around our current system.
Firstly, I doubt those designing the system imagined we would have such clear left/right blocs and essentially nothing in between. Secondly, they probably didn't imagine that a "major" party leader would give so much away to minority parties. In my view, this farcical Treaty Bill situation is due to Luxon's unprecedented cowardice and lack of understanding of Aotearoa rather than flaws in MMP.
Having senior ministers who are untouchable because they represent third parties is unworkable. I'm sure if Luxon could have, he would have demoted someone like Casey Costello by now, but he can't without jeopardising the government. There needs to be some accountability to the government overall, not just to the minor party, as seems to be the case. All Ministers should serve at the PM's discretion.
The issue of parties hiding unpopular/poor performers isn't new. A safe seat under FPTP was almost as good as a high-list placing, making MPs nearly invulnerable. I like the Greens' approach that the party membership determines the final list order.
More independents might help where there are particular individuals a community trusts, regardless of party affiliation.
Does anyone else have any thoughts? I appreciate that I've provided more questions rather than much in the way of answers.
🤔 With the advent of modern technology, possibly a role for citizens initiated referenda on specifc issues that take place within a week of receiving 100,00 (or 200,000 or 500,000) signatures) - then a requirement for a decent % of voting population majority for or against. Needs a bit of finessing, but there needs to be a way to stop Mr 8% & others even introducing terrible bills ⁉️
Cindy do you mean something similar to the system used in Switzerland both in the Cantons and National decision making?
⁉️ Not sure... I just think BIlls like Treaty Principles, Fast Track, Regulatory standards et al should be able to be stopped by the population - for one it would put the brakes on these rabid rats, but also save lots of time & money because we KNOW that IF the govt changes in 2026 these will be "gone by lunch time" most likely 🤷
Great points you're makeing there Nick. I do like the Greens idea of party membership that should hopefully lead to greater political participation. Clearly the mess this lot have got themselves and the country in does lend to the debate as to whether we have got it right or not. Let's hope something worthwhile comes from the ashes they will undoubtedly leave.
Perhaps, with Trudeau's resignation, we could persuade the Canadians to take back Wee Mental Davey?
Boom tish! ... that made me smile John :)
My first thought was maybe Musk will become Canada's next PM
😂🤣😂🤣I think they've got enough problems.
🤔 I hope whoever leads in place of Trudeau stands up to Trump even more forcefully & hands him his ass - but given the craven nature of most "leaders" these days???
Snap!
Winner
One possible positive, might Davey Seymour fly the coop and try to be Canada’s next PM? He does have experience with their system… Agree to leave Mrs Luxon alone is a good idea, she is suffering enough already
Why don’t you give him a call Keith? Sounds like an excellent idea to me. I’ll even give him a ride to the airport. Would probably have to get my car disinfected afterwards but it would be worth it!
Yeah look who the poor lass is married to
She chose him!
Some good news of our ailing health system. While on holiday in Kuratau my husband broke his femur. The health system kicked in and from the first call to the ambulance to his final discharge from Rotorua hospital it was plain sailing and excellent service. A public health system there when you need it.
Rotorua Lakes Care 5 stars from us as well.
🙋All right 👍 Positive it is... The sun is shining through ny window, there is a gentle breeze rippling the leaves on my peach tree (rather than a gale trying to rip the fruit off before it ripens as in the last few days/weeks/months), and my live feeds of birds around the world shows me - a Royal Albatross sitting on a soon-to-be-hatched egg at Tairoa Heads, Otago - baby Bald Eagles being fed in a nest in the USA - Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Kestrels & smaller birds having food put on on a snowy day/night in the UK - a view of the sea washing in towards the seals at the Blue Penguin colony in Oamaru (& if I rewind I can watch again hundreds of adorable Little Blue Penguins surfing & scurrying ashore in the evening). And what is even BETTER than seeing these actual things live, is knowing there are communities all over the globe watching & caring & supporting this conservation work at exactly the same time as me 💜😁 Part of my coping mechanism on top of long walks & writing submissions 💪
🤷And BTW, agree about Mrs Lux-flakes - unless she runs for an elected or govt appointed position she is an irrelevancy, and it behooves those who don't like it done to Jacinda, Chloe, Marama et al by the trolls on the right to avoid emulating the worst of the worst eh⁉️👀 Won't waste my time watching/listening as she is of no interest to me - as someone said... trying to rehabilitate Humpty Dumpty to prevent his big fall ⁉️😱
"The sun is shining, the weather is sweet..."
I love the thought of those communities all over the globe sharing that, and I love a penguin.
Happy vibes here this morning as the ride-on mechanic has diagnosed and fixed what I thought would be a gut wrenching expense turned out to be just a branch jammed around the roller brushes making the belt scream and emit blue smoke ... then he said with a smile when asked about the cost? "ah I'll catch up with you next time Vick" i.e. no charge - this after a 44 km drive out from town bless him. I wonder if Mrs Luxon gets a similar thrill from such unexpected kindnesses or from the rare times her weekly food shop isn't as horrendous as she'd budgeted for on a tight pension - oh wait .....
Respect for you Nick keeping Amanda out of the discussion, I wasn't as kind! call me cynical.
I confess I did start writing it - then I looked at it and thought - yeah/nah, that's not helping anyone.
Good news on your mechanic, I bet that person feels good all day, too, that's the beauty of small acts of kindness.
Just so Nick .... 2 years ago I'd given him some of my late husband's tools (strange antique ones that took his eye) and he was really chuffed at the time ... so yes, it's a lovely thing is gratitude :)
Remember when CL said his weekly grocery shop was $60?!!!
I'll never forget it Christine! ... I swore at the TV at the time! - what an absolute precursor to just how out of touch this hollow man is with the realities of life for the average New Zealander!
The sun's shining here in Waitakereland. It's cooler and a soft breeze is blowing. The builder is here, playing nice music as the renovations of two former junk-filled rooms move along. Big decision this week ; paint colours? Trying to not get overwhelmed by Jan 6 in the US stuff going on. And I bet me and John could dance better than Amanda and Chris-topher. But our moves would be different!
And I can guarantee that you and John would have better music, the best music.
Positives from me. I'm alive, healthy and I have an awesome whānau who are there whenever I need them.
Another positive is YOU Nick and Nick's Korero which I get huge enjoyment from so THANK YOU.
My last big positive starts from last year when this government was sworn in (please bear with me) is the way in which Te Iwi Māori and non-Māori have come together in Kotahitanga to peacefully stand up against this lot that are in power.
My last positive and something I'm proud of is that I sent in my submission opposing this stupid Treaty Principles Bill.
Get better Nick.
Thanks Josephine 🙂
I agree with your positive perspective; as a Pākehā, I have been delighted to see Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti united in opposition. Although last year was challenging, I believe many individuals will find it has altered their views and opened their eyes, even if it merely strengthens feelings they already held.
And yay for you on the submission.
If Luxon is such a good dancer he should enter "Dancing with the Stars". Wonder if he can twerk.
Hmm, thanks for that mental image. 😂
Sad thing is, I wouldn't be entirely surprised.
That should have come with a warning Janette! - it's not always good having a vivid imagination! :/
yep we do sooo need to try very hard to be positive in this awfully un positive world ..so heres my thrill for early 2025..have just bought my first ever brand new sewing machine and am to have an hour long lesson with it at the fabulous ribbon rose shop where i bought it then onto being creative and crafty making a quilt for my beautiful grand girl..sadly she now resides across the ditch..thats jan 29th thrill then in early feb off up north to cable bay with my fav sister to visit another fav sister for a few days of freedom frivolity and downright fun ...cannot wait..have as good a year as you can everyone much aroha to all and have a spendid waitangi day..at the very least we wont have to endure the giant bald thumbs ugly mugg disgracing that sacred place..so that a HUGE POSITIVE for us all .. happy happy joy joy
That is so lovely; I'm often writing to the rhythm of Fi's sewing machine across the room, she is making similar at the moment.
Yeah, I'm hoping Waitangi will be really positive; maybe this time, it's a case of challenging the government the other 364 days of the year.
Thank your for not subjecting us to an Amanda analysis, Nick. God knows, the pj party pics are quite enough to try to avoid. As for positivity, it is an A+ day outside my window and Summer is fighting hard for supremacy. At last Yay!
Isn't it so nice to have some sunshine and warmth. Always the way, as soon as people go back to work we get the good weather. Almost like we should move our summer holiday a month later to late Jan/early Feb.
No... because that's when I take my leave for the very reason the weather is better and holiday spots and travel much quieter!
😱No! That is one of the "perks" of retirement... Going travelling & walking & camping with less people gumming up the works everywhere 😁
I'm looking for my word for the year. I'm torn between: 'Action', 'Thrive' and Inspire. So I might have to have three. And this could be 'twenty, twenty thrive'! (not mine, I read it somewhere) What's your word or words? Something positive to get your head in the game? I've seen some great ones: Maximise, Bold, Completion, Growth, Explore, Motivation, Pace, Persistence, Possibilities, Elevate....
I guess endure or withstand are a little less positive than what's intended; how about overcome? Hmm, if that is still too negative - I do like Thrive, we all need to Thrive - despite this government. Life doesn't go on hold, we make the best of it while taking the time to say, "I see what you're doing - stop it".
Creativity - such an evocative word having been stuck in a bleak grey fog of stasis for these past 4 years - my Muses are starting to prod me at last and I'm hopeful I will finally make those short 30 steps back into my studio this year.
Creativity!! Yes! It's a liberating feeling to be creating. Good on you for getting back into it.
Thank you Raewyn :) ..... I have 3 commissions from locals patiently waiting all this long time, their understanding and compassion has been wonderful, I hope I reward their patience with quality work - I'll certainly do my best!
Wonderful news Vicky. We are all with you in spirit xx
Thank you Patricia :)
Hey Jude, The Beatles
Comfortably Numb, same version as Jeremy
You can’t always get what you want, Rolling Stones
Hope never to hear again:
Anything by the Doors
Big Spender by Shirley Bassy (long story)
Anything by The Carpenters
Actually our 'first lady' is Queen Camilla. Our 'second lady' is the Governess-General. This makes Mrs Luxon the 'Third Lady'. That makes Mr Luxon 'The Third Man'.
If I remember the plot correctly, the 'Third Man' was some anonymous sap who was murdered and buried in the arch-villain's coffin so that the arch-villlain could feign his own death.
Just saying...
Reminder: today is the last day to get your submission in opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Deadline is 11:59pm tonight (Tuesday 7th January). Do it!!
That's a tough one today for a grumpy old man Nick. To keep it positive I always enjoy this site and all the good people who write comments here. Long may it continue. Can I be grumpy again tomorrow please?
Of course, although I'm not sure you're very good at it - you've always got the nicest comments. 😉
I'm looking forward to everybody going back to work/school and the bays empty out. Then I'll go sailing for a month or three.
As for Mrs cluxon, I'm tempted to complain to RNZ about becoming a commercial station with ads.
They are infomercials, really, aren't they? I find the whole "First Lady" thing very strange, especially for RNZ of all places. It makes me wonder if it started as a joke or if they're just kissing ass.
Maybe, because of holidays, it was just extra fodder to plug gaps.