Has the tide turned for Labour, gaining six points in a fortnight, with National falling three points. Is the Key honeymoon now over? Has the New Zealand public realised that the recent gaffs by National is a sign of their fragility, incompetence, lack of political nous and a lack of viable policies.
The New Zealand Morgan Poll puts Labour on 39 per cent, up six points from its last poll just over a fortnight ago.
Support for National fell three points to 45.5 per cent.
The result was Labour's highest in the poll since February and National's lowest since April.
It cements a trend in several recent polls of growing support for Labour despite National still holding a clear lead.
The poll puts the Green Party down 2 per cent to 7.5 per cent support, New Zealand First remained unchanged on 3 per cent, the Maori Party down slightly on 2 per cent, United Future steady on 1.5 per cent and ACT on 0.5 per cent.
The poll of 808 voters was conducted during the first two weeks of October and has a margin of error of around 4 per cent.
The polling period followed a fortnight in which National came under fire for several aspects of its policies.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Labour Day is a meaningless holiday in New Zealand...
Today is LABOUR DAY in New Zealand, celebrated on the fourth Monday of October every year. Once it celebrated the real value of workers to New Zealand society and the economy, now its a holiday with a very shallow meaning. To most workers its just another holiday off work. Most know their work is not really valued by their employers. In this the year of 2007 they are just another number, another commodity in the market economy.
Back in the new British colony of Wellington, New Zealand, in 1840, a carpenter by the name of Samuel Parnell( an existing suburb in Auckland was named after him)refused to work more than eight hours a day. He is famous for his statement that there is 8 hours to work, 8 for recreation and 8 hours for sleep. Parnell encouraged other tradesmen in the new colony to support him; and in October of 1840 a resolution was passed in support of his proposal.
On the 28 October,1890 the 50th Anniversary of Parnell's resolution was celebrated with a parade through the streets of the colony. In 1890 the Government of the now emerging dominion legislated for a public holiday from 1900. Because some shrewd seamen were celebrating the new holiday on different dates in diferent provinces, employers sought government help to curb the practice. As a consequence the holiday was 'Mondayised' from 1910.
It is, as I stated above,now just another holiday with no real meaning. The recognised eight hour day has long gone. The Employment Contracts Act of 1991, introduced by a New Right market- obsessed National Government, changed the face of employment law and employment practices in New Zealand, probably for ever. The fact of the matter is that in New Zealand, many workers work regularly more than an eight hours a day, and often for no extra pay or overtime, especially if they are salaried workers.
Samuel Parnell would turn in his grave today. Trade unions in New Zealand are still struggling to turn back the excesses of the 1990's and are slowly building up their membership, and continue to celebrate Labour Day and what it meant.
I know other countries celebrate a Labour Day. I wonder if their employment laws allow for an eight hour day? Some how I don't believe it! Enjoy your holiday when it comes round.
The Writers Lounge
Back in the new British colony of Wellington, New Zealand, in 1840, a carpenter by the name of Samuel Parnell( an existing suburb in Auckland was named after him)refused to work more than eight hours a day. He is famous for his statement that there is 8 hours to work, 8 for recreation and 8 hours for sleep. Parnell encouraged other tradesmen in the new colony to support him; and in October of 1840 a resolution was passed in support of his proposal.
On the 28 October,1890 the 50th Anniversary of Parnell's resolution was celebrated with a parade through the streets of the colony. In 1890 the Government of the now emerging dominion legislated for a public holiday from 1900. Because some shrewd seamen were celebrating the new holiday on different dates in diferent provinces, employers sought government help to curb the practice. As a consequence the holiday was 'Mondayised' from 1910.
It is, as I stated above,now just another holiday with no real meaning. The recognised eight hour day has long gone. The Employment Contracts Act of 1991, introduced by a New Right market- obsessed National Government, changed the face of employment law and employment practices in New Zealand, probably for ever. The fact of the matter is that in New Zealand, many workers work regularly more than an eight hours a day, and often for no extra pay or overtime, especially if they are salaried workers.
Samuel Parnell would turn in his grave today. Trade unions in New Zealand are still struggling to turn back the excesses of the 1990's and are slowly building up their membership, and continue to celebrate Labour Day and what it meant.
I know other countries celebrate a Labour Day. I wonder if their employment laws allow for an eight hour day? Some how I don't believe it! Enjoy your holiday when it comes round.
The Writers Lounge
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Were the raids carried out by armed police in recent days justified?
Were raids carried out by armed police in recent days justified? From what we have been told so far, probably yes!
You would expect the victims of such raids to maintain their innocence. Tame Iti's general behaviour has long suggested he could well be involved in anti- social activities. The others involved have been closed books as far as our society has been concerned; the books are about to be opened, so to speak.
In my opinion you have to look at the thought processes of people from his area. The Tuhoe claim they are an independent nation, which is a load of unadlterated crap. There is only one nation - the New Zealand nation, and Tuhoe are part of that nation. So therefore some Tuhoe behaviour could be construed as bordering on treason against the New Zealand state. Such treason is punishable by a life sentence in prison - the death penalty existed until recently.
Some of the attitudes of many Maori in general should be considered to be of some concern too.
These Maori need to grow up and realise they live in the 21st century and not in the times of their ancestors who may well have been treated badly by the British authorities and settlers of the times. We have the Waitangi Tribunal to take care of disputed land.
Maori need to realise that they too, are descendants of immigrants,in their case from East Polynesia - they were the first human residents in New Zealand from the mid 13th century onwards. Maori are therefore not indigenous, but New Zealand's first people.
But having said all this, I expect some "real evidence" to be produced by police prosecutors at coming court hearings.I await this evidence with bated breath.
You would expect the victims of such raids to maintain their innocence. Tame Iti's general behaviour has long suggested he could well be involved in anti- social activities. The others involved have been closed books as far as our society has been concerned; the books are about to be opened, so to speak.
In my opinion you have to look at the thought processes of people from his area. The Tuhoe claim they are an independent nation, which is a load of unadlterated crap. There is only one nation - the New Zealand nation, and Tuhoe are part of that nation. So therefore some Tuhoe behaviour could be construed as bordering on treason against the New Zealand state. Such treason is punishable by a life sentence in prison - the death penalty existed until recently.
Some of the attitudes of many Maori in general should be considered to be of some concern too.
These Maori need to grow up and realise they live in the 21st century and not in the times of their ancestors who may well have been treated badly by the British authorities and settlers of the times. We have the Waitangi Tribunal to take care of disputed land.
Maori need to realise that they too, are descendants of immigrants,in their case from East Polynesia - they were the first human residents in New Zealand from the mid 13th century onwards. Maori are therefore not indigenous, but New Zealand's first people.
But having said all this, I expect some "real evidence" to be produced by police prosecutors at coming court hearings.I await this evidence with bated breath.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The death penalty is not an option in New Zealand - appropriate sentencing is...
The death penalty is not an option in New Zealand despite the emotional outbursts from Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesman, Garth McVicar. This is a pro-National lobby group in any case. What is needed is appropriate sentencing. In some cases a life sentence, should be just that - natural life! There are other options available: No remission for certain crimes, and no concurrent sentencing for multi - charges. Violent criminals could be given significant levels of solitary confinement.
Please read the news story below:
The government has added its voice to an international campaign to outlaw the death penalty worldwide
New Zealand is joining an international effort to have the death penalty abolished worldwide.
Helen Clark has made the announcement while speaking to Amnesty International representatives at Parliament.
A total of 83 people were executed for murder and one for treason between 1842 and 1961, before the death penalty for murder was abolished in New Zealand. The last execution in this country was in 1957, when Walter Bolton was hanged at Mount Eden prison for killing his wife Beatrice. He had slowly poisoned her by putting arsenic in her tea over a period of a year.
Capital punishment was available as a possible sentence until it was finally removed in 1989.
Helen Clark says the Government is working with other countries to put a resolution to the United Nations to abolish what she calls the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. But the Sensible Sentencing Trust believes the move shows Helen Clark does not want to be re-elected as Prime Minister next year.
Trust spokesman Garth McVicar says while there are no calls yet to re-introduce the death penalty in New Zealand, this is simply another example of putting offenders' rights before those of victims. Mr McVicar says he is shocked because the Trust deals with victims who have had loved ones murdered, and there is no worse form of treatment than that.
He observes that two countries New Zealand is working at achieving free trade deals with - the United States and China - carry out the largest number of executions each year.
Petes Life and World Events
Please read the news story below:
The government has added its voice to an international campaign to outlaw the death penalty worldwide
New Zealand is joining an international effort to have the death penalty abolished worldwide.
Helen Clark has made the announcement while speaking to Amnesty International representatives at Parliament.
A total of 83 people were executed for murder and one for treason between 1842 and 1961, before the death penalty for murder was abolished in New Zealand. The last execution in this country was in 1957, when Walter Bolton was hanged at Mount Eden prison for killing his wife Beatrice. He had slowly poisoned her by putting arsenic in her tea over a period of a year.
Capital punishment was available as a possible sentence until it was finally removed in 1989.
Helen Clark says the Government is working with other countries to put a resolution to the United Nations to abolish what she calls the ultimate form of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. But the Sensible Sentencing Trust believes the move shows Helen Clark does not want to be re-elected as Prime Minister next year.
Trust spokesman Garth McVicar says while there are no calls yet to re-introduce the death penalty in New Zealand, this is simply another example of putting offenders' rights before those of victims. Mr McVicar says he is shocked because the Trust deals with victims who have had loved ones murdered, and there is no worse form of treatment than that.
He observes that two countries New Zealand is working at achieving free trade deals with - the United States and China - carry out the largest number of executions each year.
Petes Life and World Events
Monday, September 17, 2007
A Christian Fundamentalist Party is born with a Key blessing...
A Christian Fundamentalist Party is born with a Key blessing...
A Christian Fundamentalist political party is to be formed with the blessing of John Key and the National Party, because National has no obvious coalition partner other than Act NZ. At least it will be out in the open now. No more sneaky behind the scenes intrigue ridden controversial pseudo religious claptrap - this could backfire on the National Party badly. Most New Zealanders are basicly decent people even if some are badly informed on political matters, especially if they believe that National and Christian fundamntalists will make New Zealand a better place to live and bring up families. This coalition of so-called Christian fundamentalists and an unholy National Party will carry out the devils work in Spades! What sort of future will National have with Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki's Blackshirts? Even now there appears to be dispute amongst the Christian alliance; what will be the relationship with the Tories?
Read the following press story:
'Destiny New Zealand will no longer be a political party.'
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki announced the party will be de-registered from Tuesday, making way for a new Christian political party.
"The reality is if we, New Zealand's Christian community and those who care about family values are to have a genuine voice in parliament, we will be far more effective together than we are apart," Tamaki said as he made the announcement.
Tamaki won't be drawn on whether he will stand in next year's parliamentary elections.
He says he will be on the party's National Advisory Committee but standing for a seat in parliament could be an option.
He says if he decides to stand it will have to be considered by the committee.
Tamaki says more details on the new party will be released in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, National leader John Key says he will talk to the newly formed party if it means being able to form a coalition government.
Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis will co-lead the new party, along with independent MP Gordon Copeland.
They are hoping to put forward a unified Christian option for voters at next year's election, but say they will only be a part of a National-led government.
Key says under MMP, the new party will have to get above the 5% threshold.
He says it is a big achievement to reach that mark, but if they do they will talk to them like they would talk to any party if they were able to form a government.
Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB
Headlines
And now wait for history to record its inevitable downfall!
A Christian Fundamentalist political party is to be formed with the blessing of John Key and the National Party, because National has no obvious coalition partner other than Act NZ. At least it will be out in the open now. No more sneaky behind the scenes intrigue ridden controversial pseudo religious claptrap - this could backfire on the National Party badly. Most New Zealanders are basicly decent people even if some are badly informed on political matters, especially if they believe that National and Christian fundamntalists will make New Zealand a better place to live and bring up families. This coalition of so-called Christian fundamentalists and an unholy National Party will carry out the devils work in Spades! What sort of future will National have with Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki's Blackshirts? Even now there appears to be dispute amongst the Christian alliance; what will be the relationship with the Tories?
Read the following press story:
'Destiny New Zealand will no longer be a political party.'
Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki announced the party will be de-registered from Tuesday, making way for a new Christian political party.
"The reality is if we, New Zealand's Christian community and those who care about family values are to have a genuine voice in parliament, we will be far more effective together than we are apart," Tamaki said as he made the announcement.
Tamaki won't be drawn on whether he will stand in next year's parliamentary elections.
He says he will be on the party's National Advisory Committee but standing for a seat in parliament could be an option.
He says if he decides to stand it will have to be considered by the committee.
Tamaki says more details on the new party will be released in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, National leader John Key says he will talk to the newly formed party if it means being able to form a coalition government.
Destiny New Zealand leader Richard Lewis will co-lead the new party, along with independent MP Gordon Copeland.
They are hoping to put forward a unified Christian option for voters at next year's election, but say they will only be a part of a National-led government.
Key says under MMP, the new party will have to get above the 5% threshold.
He says it is a big achievement to reach that mark, but if they do they will talk to them like they would talk to any party if they were able to form a government.
Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB
Headlines
And now wait for history to record its inevitable downfall!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
What's John Key's memory like I wonder?
What's John Key's memory like I wonder? Not the best I would suggest. Memory's are made of this, goes an old song.
Back in 2002 John Key was saying the DPB was, for the want of a better word, breeding for business - bit of an inane comment I would also suggest. But, however, this was disputed by his colleague Katherine Rich, who by contrast said most people who were on the DPB were pretty motivated people who have the same dreams and aspirations as anybody else. Benefit bashing was a most unsatisfactory practice that didn't achieve any positive outcomes at all. Katherine Rich resigned from her shadow cabinet post in protest, disillusioned with people such as Don Brash and John Key.
National's polling has been described as "push polling" during which supposed independent telephone pollsters ask questions containing damaging allegations about government politicians to turn voters off a particular candidate ie " Would you support a particular candidate if you knew something(derogatory)about that person", something that may actually not have happened at all - but too late after the election to disprove.
This sort of polling is obviously at the forefront of Key's publicity tactics. This form of polling was used by Don Brash, John Key and the National Party before the last elections. An election that National actually lost, but not according to the National Party? The people of New Zealand elected the Labour- led Government for a three year term.
The National Party has been white- anting this Government from Day One. I would suggest they pull their collective heads in and create policy that would make New Zealand a better place for all its people with a change of government in twelve months time - not the elite of New Zealand society on $250,000 plus per year and able to send their offspring to some elite private school. But that is the Key way ahead of New Zealand with a millionaire potential prime minister.
John Key was part of the decision making that led to Mark Textor and others from Australia who made many visits to this country, including one in late November of 2004, and many more up to September of 2005. A number of telephone calls and written reports were also made and sent to the National Party here.In one of the reports the National Party was urged to raise finance for two election campaigns - the second election was meant to take place when the Labour coalition government broke down, and other parties wouldn't have the finance available to campaign successfully a second time against the National Party. Slim hopes for the dreamers in dreamland. Labour would always be able to raise sufficient funds for an unexpected election. National should always remember that!
Back in 2002 John Key was saying the DPB was, for the want of a better word, breeding for business - bit of an inane comment I would also suggest. But, however, this was disputed by his colleague Katherine Rich, who by contrast said most people who were on the DPB were pretty motivated people who have the same dreams and aspirations as anybody else. Benefit bashing was a most unsatisfactory practice that didn't achieve any positive outcomes at all. Katherine Rich resigned from her shadow cabinet post in protest, disillusioned with people such as Don Brash and John Key.
National's polling has been described as "push polling" during which supposed independent telephone pollsters ask questions containing damaging allegations about government politicians to turn voters off a particular candidate ie " Would you support a particular candidate if you knew something(derogatory)about that person", something that may actually not have happened at all - but too late after the election to disprove.
This sort of polling is obviously at the forefront of Key's publicity tactics. This form of polling was used by Don Brash, John Key and the National Party before the last elections. An election that National actually lost, but not according to the National Party? The people of New Zealand elected the Labour- led Government for a three year term.
The National Party has been white- anting this Government from Day One. I would suggest they pull their collective heads in and create policy that would make New Zealand a better place for all its people with a change of government in twelve months time - not the elite of New Zealand society on $250,000 plus per year and able to send their offspring to some elite private school. But that is the Key way ahead of New Zealand with a millionaire potential prime minister.
John Key was part of the decision making that led to Mark Textor and others from Australia who made many visits to this country, including one in late November of 2004, and many more up to September of 2005. A number of telephone calls and written reports were also made and sent to the National Party here.In one of the reports the National Party was urged to raise finance for two election campaigns - the second election was meant to take place when the Labour coalition government broke down, and other parties wouldn't have the finance available to campaign successfully a second time against the National Party. Slim hopes for the dreamers in dreamland. Labour would always be able to raise sufficient funds for an unexpected election. National should always remember that!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Votes not polls will decide the next government
Votes not polls will decide the next government!
I really get a buzz out of the reactions of rabid rightwing National Party supporters whenever National has one of their extended periods of popularity as they have enjoyed in recent times. A lead of just on 15%, get real! Labour is still enjoying its successful election night percentage. National has just cannibalised most of the third party potential vote.
This is now an MMP political scenario - no party, including the Labour Party will ever enjoy such a percentage in the real vote. It is simply a protest poll result that will not change the present Government one iota. The only poll that matters is the one on election day. And that is nearly 15 months away!
That is not to say that Labour has not taken any cognicance of the situation. They will be fully aware of the potential public reaction to such results over an extended period. Labour's job is to govern the country to the best of their ability; that's exactly what has been happening. National should be opposing the government - that's their role. What is different is that there has been a distinct lack of real opposition to government policies and the Governmet for most of the last eight years. The media just can't handle the situation; they and the Government aren't used to it.
John Key thinks he's the one in charge, but there are no role models in the National Party anymore to show him. Bill English can't, and Don Brash as useless as he was is not around anymore. So John Key performs as though he knows what alternatives there are to the Labour led administration. The simple fact of the matter is that National doesn't really have any alternative policies that haven't already been discredited.
There are tax reductions and tax reductions, which would not kick in until a second term of an imaginery National Government in any case. Didn't you know that?
They also claim that the total privatisation of state assets will not begin until the second term - things like Kiwi Bank, NZ Post, Air New Zealand, all of the state housing stock, hospitals, schools and whatever else is left; according to National the state has no business being in business. Yeah right! Just what would they do? Attack beneficiaries, workers and National superannuants like the last time, but with a greater vengeance! Do you really want a pack of political shysters like National?
I really get a buzz out of the reactions of rabid rightwing National Party supporters whenever National has one of their extended periods of popularity as they have enjoyed in recent times. A lead of just on 15%, get real! Labour is still enjoying its successful election night percentage. National has just cannibalised most of the third party potential vote.
This is now an MMP political scenario - no party, including the Labour Party will ever enjoy such a percentage in the real vote. It is simply a protest poll result that will not change the present Government one iota. The only poll that matters is the one on election day. And that is nearly 15 months away!
That is not to say that Labour has not taken any cognicance of the situation. They will be fully aware of the potential public reaction to such results over an extended period. Labour's job is to govern the country to the best of their ability; that's exactly what has been happening. National should be opposing the government - that's their role. What is different is that there has been a distinct lack of real opposition to government policies and the Governmet for most of the last eight years. The media just can't handle the situation; they and the Government aren't used to it.
John Key thinks he's the one in charge, but there are no role models in the National Party anymore to show him. Bill English can't, and Don Brash as useless as he was is not around anymore. So John Key performs as though he knows what alternatives there are to the Labour led administration. The simple fact of the matter is that National doesn't really have any alternative policies that haven't already been discredited.
There are tax reductions and tax reductions, which would not kick in until a second term of an imaginery National Government in any case. Didn't you know that?
They also claim that the total privatisation of state assets will not begin until the second term - things like Kiwi Bank, NZ Post, Air New Zealand, all of the state housing stock, hospitals, schools and whatever else is left; according to National the state has no business being in business. Yeah right! Just what would they do? Attack beneficiaries, workers and National superannuants like the last time, but with a greater vengeance! Do you really want a pack of political shysters like National?
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