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Kim Shaw-Williams's avatar

The fact that Nash thinks Peters is so great is highly revealing: they are both reactionary thinkers. Hence with age they have become increasingly authoritarian, turning into old farts who's ever-more-facile opinions have, as the old saying goes, "hardened with their arteries". Furthermore, neither of them has ever taken a long-lasting solid political stance, based on ethical considerations, in their lives. Probably because when young they were good looking pretty boys that thus tended to easily get women's votes, and so ventured into politics because they were looking for a cushy slot to gain a steady income. Not a single original thought has ever formed in their narcissistic brains; in short, they are only in politics for the money and/or the fame. They remind me of B-grade Hollywood actors like Reagan, or flashy casino managers like Trump.

Patricia Flinn's avatar

That's how I see Peter's. Someone who has never done a genuinely productive day's work in his life. He has zigged and zagged politically to make sure that the Tax payer is always paying his daily sustenance.

Darien Fenton's avatar

I liked Stuart when I was in Parliament in the background of get togethers of lowly back benchers, when we first came in, but I knew he was a lad's lad and right wing at that. One tale out of school. When he was Chief of Staff to David Shearer and the POAL strike/lockout was on, he rang me as the Labour spokesperson to suggest we should stay away from the action. As if! Shearer (and I) did't take his advice. Talking about the roots of the Labour Party! Even Shane Jones joined the picket.

Jacqui Duncan's avatar

Thanks Nick,

I was unaware of Stuart Nash's political comments and ambitions. His apparent self-serving behaviour is why trust and respect for politicians is so low by the NZ public

Diana Coleman's avatar

Exactly. To many politicians like that, they need to be reminded they are Public Servants. The clue is in the name. Despite what he has said on several occasions, Winston has always been in it for the baubles of office, and sounds as Stuart Nash is the same.

Peter Olsen's avatar

You can add Shane Jones to that list.

Annie Blackwell's avatar

I wish these has-beens would stay out of commenting on what they have already failed at. Why should we take their advice? Would you use a consultant who has failed at the job themselves?!

... And praise for Winnie?? I rather like that he had a go at Luxon. He can be relied on for making trouble, but sometimes we see flashes of his long-lost promise. Overall, NZF? Nah. They're still wearing tinfoil most of the time...and some of the time we should be, e.g. when Jones has anything to say! Save us from aliens!!!

Phil Malpas's avatar

Wow Nick - that takes me back a bit! I went to school with Jim Anderton (Seddon Tech), he was a couple of years ahead of me. I also met Walter Nash at a debutante's ball, partnering my girlfriend (I did not wear a ball gown?). I also well remember the Roger Douglas Sell-off, to the very advisers who promoted the New-lib concept, then borrowed the money to buy those very items.

Recent politics seems like a complete screw-up, the "political system" is back to the old concept of a "Ruling Class" over the workers - partisan for the benefit of said Ruling Class. Party politics is for the politicians - NOT for people - but hang-on, all business, all the rich and sorted, ALL rely on the workers - to do all the work that keeps them in luxury. So actually WE HAVE THE POWER!

All we have to do is figure out how to use that Power, and that is not difficult!

Diana Coleman's avatar

Workers do have power, which is why the employment contracts act was brought in, to break up the unions and diminish the power of the workforce.

Now there’s a push for more automation and the use of AI to replace people. The power of the people is being chipped away at the world over, which is why our nations respond to the TPB was so powerful and important. Unified people power is our best weapon against political parties and politicians who don’t want to do what’s best for the country, and abuse their power for personal gain. This week should have given them a heads up on what to expect.

Phil Malpas's avatar

We agree, but any time I ask - all people do is tick "Like" - and that is doing nothing!

Diana Coleman's avatar

I have just followed your profile icon and found your Substack. You’re right about political neutrality and apathy.

Anne L's avatar

Nash was sacked by Ardern because of a serious indiscretion. He had a reputation for such behaviour and I suspect it was the straw that broke the camel's back. He had to go. Like most self centred individuals, he now holds a grudge against Labour. He is probably more suited to Peters and his party of red-necks and rabbit-hole dwellers.

Sian's avatar

Nash is the NZ equivalent of RFK jr in the political heritage stakes.

kathleen Murdoch's avatar

Great work Nick.

I had great hopes for the Alliance too and worked hard to see them in Parliament. We got Kiwibank thanks to Jim.

Nash is typical of a rich brat schmoozing with Winston, eeeugh. it makes sense now to see why he swings right.

Maggie Hillock's avatar

Nashville jumped ship a long long time ago. His grandpa would be very disappointed.

Patricia Kay's avatar

Excellent article Nick . We always thought the Nats had inside knowledge and he did do a very devious deed by sending confidential information onto to his donors and was it the first time? As for the his sycophantic statements on Peters they are vomit inducing. Not to be trusted in anyway.

kerin greville's avatar

Totally agree with you Nick. Entitled, narcissistic twat. Perfect fit for NZ First.

Lesley Hill's avatar

Thank you for your frank appraisal of Nash. Like you, I never trusted him.

Mike Friend's avatar

Just another grubby ex-politician desperate to get his snout back into the trough of the public purse. To support Druncle Peters just shows Bash has no credibility whatsoever

Ange Boland's avatar

Why on Earth is the media giving this waste of space any airtime?

He has no integrity, so no surprise he’s sucking up to NZ First.

Janet Peters's avatar

Agree Nick!

Christine Hayvice's avatar

You summed him up well Nick.