I remember the 5th of December 2016. A buzz of excitement went around the office - “Have you heard the news?”, John Key had resigned. I felt absolutely elated, it was like an early Christmas present - a really good one. People were excited and smiling, it was a pretty progressive crowd.
I will say it again that Jacinda Ardern WFPM will go on to do wonderful things for and in the world. Aotearoa-nz has been privileged to have had her here through the most diffucult of times in our modern history. We wish her well ♡♡♡♡
Oh Nick, I cried a wee bit reading that, and I could feel your pain too. I'm with you in all you say. I still feel gobsmacked, shaken, upset... It's not so much that Jacinda resigned, but that a bunch of vicious people could put her in such an unsafe place that she had no choice. (Why can these people not spell? Always curious about that!) Anyway, let's try and have a good one on this sunny day. Thanks again for your writing.
Thanks Alison, I suspect a few people might feel the same as you have described. I think it will be a lovely day. It will be interesting to see the announcement when it comes through. Thank you for your support :)
Yes-that is what has hit me. Also- as a feminist since a young woman I had imagined a lot of the progress women have made over the years would hold and continue. Instead the patriarchy and the women who pander to them have turned that progress back on us. Who expected Roe vWade to be reversed and abortions denied to so many women in the USA. I have likened the abuse women in public roles have suffered as being the modern day equivalent of the witch trials of old. In fact some of anti-Jacinda comments describe her as a witch and a small rabble celebrating her resignation outside the place where Labour are having their retreat were sieenging Ding, Dong, the witch is gone/dead and so on. Jeremy Clarksons comments about Megan Markle referencing a scene from Game of Thrones also emphasises treatment meted out to a woman seen as being a witch. Some of the younger women in my family who came together to celebrate and farewell a great niece who is about to embark on a role as a Doc ranger in one of our small islands discussed Jacinda's resignation and admitted to tears at the news. One young great niece has not yet been put off politics- she is in her second year at uni.majoring in political studies. She has already done an internship in Megan Woods office so has been introduced to the rough side of politics. As an elderly feminist I despair at the extreme violence of the images, and comments against Jacinda Ardern. I recall when Julia Gillard was PM in Australia the Liberal party apparently had a fund raising breakfast where the various dishes were named for parts of Julia Gillard's body. Can you ever imagine that happening to a man.! I thought it was an Australian uncouthness, and couldn't happen in this country. I know better now-unfortunately. We now have a Nelson bar advertising a celebration of Jacinda's resignation with 20% off food and drink, and an image of Jacinda in a wood chipper, being pulled behind a hearse. How foul!
As a feminist too (72 years old) I am horrified and scared at how far we have regressed. In a way, I think it's to do with the resistance to strong women having to get stronger and more vitriolic and threatening to try and force us to know our place ... The same thing has happened in other civil rights battles - it's happening here with the racism and misogyny over 3 Waters, anytime any one of colour steps up, whether tangata whenua or Pasifika, and it continues in the USA (look at the vitriol and hate for Barack and Michelle Obama, and the ongoing killings of people of colour over there).
The upshot of this is that we need to keep advancing, and not allow ourselves to retreat, no matter how scared or tired we get. We can pass the baton to others for a while and come back to the battle when refreshed.
And I bet that's what Jacinda will do - like Tom Scott once said when he took some time out to go to Ireland during Muldoon's tenure: I'll be back, but I need a long run up ...
Agree totally. It’s one of the reasons after being upset, that I’m now feeling angry. I raised my daughters to believe they could take on any role including leadership. It doesn’t look vety safe right now. It is a kick in the guts after fighting my corner for womens rights for many years, to have this level of abuse and personal attacks in 2023 It would wear anyone down. The ‘red witch is gone’ parties promoted on facebook, retail signs including hospo, chill me to the core. I’m not just sad anymore. I’m hopping mad.
Thank you Nick, for putting into words that express how many of us are feeling. I have seen some of the appalling abuse on line, and of course the "News" has shown us some of the demented people chasing her vehicle. My hope is that Jacinda will first have a good rest, then go on to more greatness in a less toxic environment.
You are welcome Anne. For the first time I have just found myself not reading any comments - or much at all outside my bubble. And for these few days I am happy with that and grateful for the kind people I interact with. Jacinda will go on to do more wonderful things, but as you say a good rest should be the first order of the day.
Excellent comment. I also hope so. Stephen Colbert has suggested she has a rest then stands in the USA's 2024 election for president.lol whatever she choses to do in the future I am sure she will be successful, and demonstrate the same grace, kindness, intelligence, and steadfastness she has shown as our Prime Minister.
Thank you for your writing Nick, I have been feeling shocked, numb and sad. I didn’t go to work yesterday, couldn’t be stuffed with hearing all the reckons.
Today I just feel really pissed off at these really hateful cretins in our community.
One positive thing is I am only reading your work, David Slack and David Farrier at the moment. All the comments from readers are thoughtful and heartwarming, I hope Jacinda gets to read these comments. She is an amazing person .
Jan 20, 2023·edited Jan 21, 2023Liked by Nick Rockel
Who knows what the reality will be on Sunday 9am. My hope though is the wedding is still on for a venue in Gisborne Tūranganui a Kiwa. Just before the election eh. Well a month or so before, to give time for the Woman's Weekly photo spread to become a collector's item. I'll buy one. The magazine's fee will pay for the spread too of course which will not be included in the Party electioneering expenses even though it will be - a party. As for the curmudgeon down the road from me who spoiled the last attempt at nuptials, well, I can imagine him spewing in his soup. His venue, which is actually quite nice, in ye olde my lords and ladies sense, will not be chosen.* Of course the MP for Gisborne, the Hon Kiritapu Allan, will be a resplendent member of the wedding party and Neve and Hiwa, delightful flower girls who may squabble for the cameras. The Prime Minister will be permitted to say a few words but instructed to avoid any mention of legs.
Sounds good. Stephen Colbert has just offered to be a flower girl lol. He spread around petals on his tv show to demonstrate his flower girl credentials. He obviously likes Jacinda very much, and I'm sure will be at the wedding. I think the timing could boost Labour just before the election. National trolls have been saying for the last five years that Jacinda would use her wedding to get positive publicity. No reason why she shouldn't do so to get a boost for Labour, and prove them wrong at the same time.
Good plan to use the wedding as a boost. And having Stephen Colbert there plus a number of world leaders would be just the ticket! Can they extend Gisborne's runway in time? Best get started right now!
I am joking, but bloody hell, it's tempting and a delicious thought that arises when picturing the steam from the ears of Luxon and Seymour ..., not to mention the angry toilet brush and his cohort...
What strikes me most is the photo of Jacinda and Clarke - the love in his look and her smile is palpable.
Aside from that, the Labour team is strong as a unit and they will continue to be so. Just heard that Chris Hipkins is the new PM - a good choice. We will all be right behind him, supporting, enabling, awhi-ing him if I can misuse a wonderful word in te reo.
Together we stand, and let's not let ourselves be divided.
I was following a van yesterday , sign written with the compnies details, Feild Rubber Ltd, and on the rear window were two labels - Arden Must Go and Unite against Cindy 23 , and company that allows this sort of disgusting filth on a branded vehicle - needs to be boycotted.
It has occurred to me in recent years that the very thing that made PM Adern such an asset might be also becoming a liability. The crazies clearly believed she (and perhaps her partner and toddler) literally ran the whole country. To some extent that spilled out into the wider community. I'm not sure it's good for one person to be perceived as the whole Government, even though I see there are reasons (and some of them may have a Freudian explanation) we tend to do so.
I support and am active in a party which has co-leaders. But I'm also in the tiny minority who thinks we shouldn't necessary have party leaders (old timers tell me that was discussed and rejected when the charter was drawn up - nowadays people just look at me uncomfortably and change the subject). But why not? Every successful workplace I've been in has been a team effort. Why should our Government be any different?
Thanks for your thoughts. Sadly I think the crazies will turn their anger towards who ever is in charge, I don't even think it would matter which party was in government.
I believe it is a matter of perception that some people saw Jacinda as "the government". Journalists like Andrea Vance added to this perception- I have more than once pointed out in response to articles she has written such as one entitled "Jacinda Ardernis not always right" that, that is a self evident tuth which is why Jacinda works as part of a team i. a caucus, and a cabinet. However, Vance will always- whatever she is investigating re the govt. reference Jacinda. She seemed obsessed by her. Other journalists, and media people have been the similar Jose Pagani is another one who always ties her critiques of the government to Jacinda.
They all need reminding that the PM, whoever they are, have one vote in Cabinet and one vote in caucus. That the clue is in the name PRIME - not ONLY or SOLE CHARGE...
Hi Quentin, I am of the view that all teams need a leader - not to be followed necessarily but to coalesce the focus and decision making. Jacinda was such a leader in my view - someone who empowered, using her power TO rather than using it OVER, and with the courage to lead from the front when required.
Well said Nick, and I agree about the 50: elation:heartbreak...it's a bit nuts, isn't it? Chris Hipkins will make a fantastic PM, and I sincerely hope he is voted in by the majority in October. He seems to be the one they turn to when something needs fixing, and his resilience is surely something of a gold standard?
Add to that his brilliant sense of humour, with another gem today:
"I think it was about time we had a ginger at the top," Hipkins said, when asked by a (fellow ginger) reporter if he was the first of the hair colour to become prime minister.
Thank you for those words. I love the idea of the teddy bear in the window as a quiet thank you, wouldn't it be wonderful if we all did that? Enjoy the lovely HB, hope you have a good one.
Geoffrey - I'd like to include the end of your message about putting a teddy bear in the window in my next newsletter. I have made it anonymous but would happily credit you if you would like.
Thanks Nick for expressing it all so well.
I will say it again that Jacinda Ardern WFPM will go on to do wonderful things for and in the world. Aotearoa-nz has been privileged to have had her here through the most diffucult of times in our modern history. We wish her well ♡♡♡♡
He tangata
He tangata
He tangata
I'm glad you liked it. And you are right - it is people, it is people, it is people in those great words.
Oh Nick, I cried a wee bit reading that, and I could feel your pain too. I'm with you in all you say. I still feel gobsmacked, shaken, upset... It's not so much that Jacinda resigned, but that a bunch of vicious people could put her in such an unsafe place that she had no choice. (Why can these people not spell? Always curious about that!) Anyway, let's try and have a good one on this sunny day. Thanks again for your writing.
Thanks Alison, I suspect a few people might feel the same as you have described. I think it will be a lovely day. It will be interesting to see the announcement when it comes through. Thank you for your support :)
Me too ❤️
Tautoko. As a feminist from way back I feel so sad that it has come to this: it is not safe for a woman to be in the role of PM of NZ in 2023...
Yes-that is what has hit me. Also- as a feminist since a young woman I had imagined a lot of the progress women have made over the years would hold and continue. Instead the patriarchy and the women who pander to them have turned that progress back on us. Who expected Roe vWade to be reversed and abortions denied to so many women in the USA. I have likened the abuse women in public roles have suffered as being the modern day equivalent of the witch trials of old. In fact some of anti-Jacinda comments describe her as a witch and a small rabble celebrating her resignation outside the place where Labour are having their retreat were sieenging Ding, Dong, the witch is gone/dead and so on. Jeremy Clarksons comments about Megan Markle referencing a scene from Game of Thrones also emphasises treatment meted out to a woman seen as being a witch. Some of the younger women in my family who came together to celebrate and farewell a great niece who is about to embark on a role as a Doc ranger in one of our small islands discussed Jacinda's resignation and admitted to tears at the news. One young great niece has not yet been put off politics- she is in her second year at uni.majoring in political studies. She has already done an internship in Megan Woods office so has been introduced to the rough side of politics. As an elderly feminist I despair at the extreme violence of the images, and comments against Jacinda Ardern. I recall when Julia Gillard was PM in Australia the Liberal party apparently had a fund raising breakfast where the various dishes were named for parts of Julia Gillard's body. Can you ever imagine that happening to a man.! I thought it was an Australian uncouthness, and couldn't happen in this country. I know better now-unfortunately. We now have a Nelson bar advertising a celebration of Jacinda's resignation with 20% off food and drink, and an image of Jacinda in a wood chipper, being pulled behind a hearse. How foul!
Thanks for your comment Janis, a good read. That Nelson bar is just disgusting, I hope there will be some sort of repercussions for them.
They had to take it down because so many people pointed out how foul it was.
I am pleased about that. I hope they go out of business! Regardless of whether they have taken it down, I would never go there.
Some peaceful picketing would be useful...
As a feminist too (72 years old) I am horrified and scared at how far we have regressed. In a way, I think it's to do with the resistance to strong women having to get stronger and more vitriolic and threatening to try and force us to know our place ... The same thing has happened in other civil rights battles - it's happening here with the racism and misogyny over 3 Waters, anytime any one of colour steps up, whether tangata whenua or Pasifika, and it continues in the USA (look at the vitriol and hate for Barack and Michelle Obama, and the ongoing killings of people of colour over there).
The upshot of this is that we need to keep advancing, and not allow ourselves to retreat, no matter how scared or tired we get. We can pass the baton to others for a while and come back to the battle when refreshed.
And I bet that's what Jacinda will do - like Tom Scott once said when he took some time out to go to Ireland during Muldoon's tenure: I'll be back, but I need a long run up ...
Agree totally. It’s one of the reasons after being upset, that I’m now feeling angry. I raised my daughters to believe they could take on any role including leadership. It doesn’t look vety safe right now. It is a kick in the guts after fighting my corner for womens rights for many years, to have this level of abuse and personal attacks in 2023 It would wear anyone down. The ‘red witch is gone’ parties promoted on facebook, retail signs including hospo, chill me to the core. I’m not just sad anymore. I’m hopping mad.
Absolutely agree. The response by your young whānau members is heartening ♥️
Thank you Nick, for putting into words that express how many of us are feeling. I have seen some of the appalling abuse on line, and of course the "News" has shown us some of the demented people chasing her vehicle. My hope is that Jacinda will first have a good rest, then go on to more greatness in a less toxic environment.
You are welcome Anne. For the first time I have just found myself not reading any comments - or much at all outside my bubble. And for these few days I am happy with that and grateful for the kind people I interact with. Jacinda will go on to do more wonderful things, but as you say a good rest should be the first order of the day.
Excellent comment. I also hope so. Stephen Colbert has suggested she has a rest then stands in the USA's 2024 election for president.lol whatever she choses to do in the future I am sure she will be successful, and demonstrate the same grace, kindness, intelligence, and steadfastness she has shown as our Prime Minister.
Thank you for your writing Nick, I have been feeling shocked, numb and sad. I didn’t go to work yesterday, couldn’t be stuffed with hearing all the reckons.
Today I just feel really pissed off at these really hateful cretins in our community.
One positive thing is I am only reading your work, David Slack and David Farrier at the moment. All the comments from readers are thoughtful and heartwarming, I hope Jacinda gets to read these comments. She is an amazing person .
Emily Writes is also a good follow ♥️
Oh yes, def!!
Who knows what the reality will be on Sunday 9am. My hope though is the wedding is still on for a venue in Gisborne Tūranganui a Kiwa. Just before the election eh. Well a month or so before, to give time for the Woman's Weekly photo spread to become a collector's item. I'll buy one. The magazine's fee will pay for the spread too of course which will not be included in the Party electioneering expenses even though it will be - a party. As for the curmudgeon down the road from me who spoiled the last attempt at nuptials, well, I can imagine him spewing in his soup. His venue, which is actually quite nice, in ye olde my lords and ladies sense, will not be chosen.* Of course the MP for Gisborne, the Hon Kiritapu Allan, will be a resplendent member of the wedding party and Neve and Hiwa, delightful flower girls who may squabble for the cameras. The Prime Minister will be permitted to say a few words but instructed to avoid any mention of legs.
*Disclosure: my son was married there.
Sounds good. Stephen Colbert has just offered to be a flower girl lol. He spread around petals on his tv show to demonstrate his flower girl credentials. He obviously likes Jacinda very much, and I'm sure will be at the wedding. I think the timing could boost Labour just before the election. National trolls have been saying for the last five years that Jacinda would use her wedding to get positive publicity. No reason why she shouldn't do so to get a boost for Labour, and prove them wrong at the same time.
Good plan to use the wedding as a boost. And having Stephen Colbert there plus a number of world leaders would be just the ticket! Can they extend Gisborne's runway in time? Best get started right now!
I am joking, but bloody hell, it's tempting and a delicious thought that arises when picturing the steam from the ears of Luxon and Seymour ..., not to mention the angry toilet brush and his cohort...
Just the thought of this has made me smile.
What strikes me most is the photo of Jacinda and Clarke - the love in his look and her smile is palpable.
Aside from that, the Labour team is strong as a unit and they will continue to be so. Just heard that Chris Hipkins is the new PM - a good choice. We will all be right behind him, supporting, enabling, awhi-ing him if I can misuse a wonderful word in te reo.
Together we stand, and let's not let ourselves be divided.
I was following a van yesterday , sign written with the compnies details, Feild Rubber Ltd, and on the rear window were two labels - Arden Must Go and Unite against Cindy 23 , and company that allows this sort of disgusting filth on a branded vehicle - needs to be boycotted.
Shall do. Thank you.
Let's out these people and have them feel some impact of their words!
lovely writing, thank you. i hope that Jacinda will get to speak at waitangi just before her exit from the job of PM. She has so much mana.
Tautoko Nick. Thanks for this account.
It has occurred to me in recent years that the very thing that made PM Adern such an asset might be also becoming a liability. The crazies clearly believed she (and perhaps her partner and toddler) literally ran the whole country. To some extent that spilled out into the wider community. I'm not sure it's good for one person to be perceived as the whole Government, even though I see there are reasons (and some of them may have a Freudian explanation) we tend to do so.
I support and am active in a party which has co-leaders. But I'm also in the tiny minority who thinks we shouldn't necessary have party leaders (old timers tell me that was discussed and rejected when the charter was drawn up - nowadays people just look at me uncomfortably and change the subject). But why not? Every successful workplace I've been in has been a team effort. Why should our Government be any different?
Thanks for your thoughts. Sadly I think the crazies will turn their anger towards who ever is in charge, I don't even think it would matter which party was in government.
I believe it is a matter of perception that some people saw Jacinda as "the government". Journalists like Andrea Vance added to this perception- I have more than once pointed out in response to articles she has written such as one entitled "Jacinda Ardernis not always right" that, that is a self evident tuth which is why Jacinda works as part of a team i. a caucus, and a cabinet. However, Vance will always- whatever she is investigating re the govt. reference Jacinda. She seemed obsessed by her. Other journalists, and media people have been the similar Jose Pagani is another one who always ties her critiques of the government to Jacinda.
They all need reminding that the PM, whoever they are, have one vote in Cabinet and one vote in caucus. That the clue is in the name PRIME - not ONLY or SOLE CHARGE...
Very true, some of this has been lazy journalism as it's very easy to just say "Jacinda" and not explore what really goes on in cabinet.
Hi Quentin, I am of the view that all teams need a leader - not to be followed necessarily but to coalesce the focus and decision making. Jacinda was such a leader in my view - someone who empowered, using her power TO rather than using it OVER, and with the courage to lead from the front when required.
Well said Nick, and I agree about the 50: elation:heartbreak...it's a bit nuts, isn't it? Chris Hipkins will make a fantastic PM, and I sincerely hope he is voted in by the majority in October. He seems to be the one they turn to when something needs fixing, and his resilience is surely something of a gold standard?
Add to that his brilliant sense of humour, with another gem today:
"I think it was about time we had a ginger at the top," Hipkins said, when asked by a (fellow ginger) reporter if he was the first of the hair colour to become prime minister.
What a wonderful read Nick. I enjoyed and agreed with every word. You said it all. Thank you !
I agree with MEK below!
Thank you for those words. I love the idea of the teddy bear in the window as a quiet thank you, wouldn't it be wonderful if we all did that? Enjoy the lovely HB, hope you have a good one.
Can you ask Gerard Otto to promulgate this idea too, please Nick?
Cheers, Marilyn
I have my teddy ready. Great idea
Geoffrey - I'd like to include the end of your message about putting a teddy bear in the window in my next newsletter. I have made it anonymous but would happily credit you if you would like.
Love the teddy bear idea - am doing that for sure!