I share the general disappointment expressed here, but wonder /hope there is some strategising in Labour's stance. It won't frighten the swinging right Blue vote and might interest those on the right side of the Green. But remains a large climb down in any potential coalition with Greens. I can only hope both Green and Red have done their homework.
I doubt it, Hipkins is so focussed on the swing vote that he's completely ignoring all of his current voters. He will end up with the middle vote alone :(
Unfortunately they will collectively take 70% of the votes cast, so have no incentive to change. In Nats case they enthusiastically embrace neo liberalism. Labour are timid and scared of tax reform despite rising inequality, preferring to tip toe around the edges, which in a way is worse behaviour than the Gnats.
You should always leave room for manoeuvre Labour has no need to rule options out like this though maybe wait to see if they have grown a pair and propose a wealth tax.
Perhaps increasing revenues through new taxes may enable more investment leaving the core output measures of debt ratios etc intact. Not holding my breath though…
I'm disappointed labour have no vision for the future. If labour really believe that they can fight the next election by competing for the center, they will lose. Almost all media still standing belongs to the right and they will drown out and misrepresent whatever labour has to say.
Norm Kirk was the last truly labour Prime Minister (and that was decades ago). even gentleman Bill Rowling wasn't truly Labour. Roger Douglas and the lawyers Lange, deCleene, Prebble, etc. etc, etc destroyed the Labour party. Palmer was(is) another lawyer. Clark was(is) a capitalist who owned(still owns?) a multitude of residential properties. neither Ardern nor Hipkins are labour people,
New Zealand desperately needs another Labour government that will (for a start) reform the banking system in New Zealand and remove the private banks ability to expand New Zealand's money supply.
It is essential that NZ governments cease/stop allowing the banks to expand New Zealand's money supply and take that function on themselves, and loan to the banks the finance they require. Justice and morality require that the expansion of New Zealand's money supply belongs to all NZ citizens and not to the owners/shareholders of the private banks.
Edmonds is a career buearaucrat and political operative, much like Willis and Robertson. She has moulded herself to what neoliberalism demands of our politicians - managerial, stable and lethargic governing.
Interesting in light of a comment made yesterday at a talk Dr Ayesha Verrall gave in Christchurch about the lack of vision and leadership shown by Labour at the previous elections.
Barbara Edmonds is going to be in Christchurch with Craig Renney next month so this will be my question.
Bernard, could you invite Barbara Edmonds to the Hoon? Or have an interview with her asking these hard questions?
As much as some would like to believe the Greens and TPM can be the next govt I think it more realistic that they will need Labour to form one. So it's in our collective interest that we know what they plan on doing.
I don't think she would rise to it. She's lad out her table on several occasions and it's clear she's just a slave to the Treasury Plutocrats. No sign of intelligent and independent thought whatsoever.
Funny, my wife and I were just discussing a friend who we're certain was a National voter, but who has recently been absolutely scathing of the coalition's cruel policies. Given how National are essentially now a little puppy leashed to NZF and ACT culture war and libertarian bullshit, we wondered who they might now vote for to deliver on their economically-conservative desires... Turns out, it's Labour!
I have a very similar friend who is also horrified at the coalition’s cruel policies. I suspect she is mostly right leaning but liberal and empathetic as well. She told me the other day she will probably vote Green in the next elections. So interesting times ahead.🤔
It's a glum looking future. Labour again missing the moment.
National, Labour and the Treasury all on the same page in believing the myth that we have a borrowing crisis.
So vote Labour for more of the same crap.
Very disappointing.
How depressing that the most Labour seems to be able to offer is “I’ll have what she’s having.”
Both major parties working hard to lose the next election
Excellent ! Enter Marama and Chloe, Debbie and Rawiri
I share the general disappointment expressed here, but wonder /hope there is some strategising in Labour's stance. It won't frighten the swinging right Blue vote and might interest those on the right side of the Green. But remains a large climb down in any potential coalition with Greens. I can only hope both Green and Red have done their homework.
I doubt it, Hipkins is so focussed on the swing vote that he's completely ignoring all of his current voters. He will end up with the middle vote alone :(
Unfortunately they will collectively take 70% of the votes cast, so have no incentive to change. In Nats case they enthusiastically embrace neo liberalism. Labour are timid and scared of tax reform despite rising inequality, preferring to tip toe around the edges, which in a way is worse behaviour than the Gnats.
Working hard to negate democracy by policy convergence.
You should always leave room for manoeuvre Labour has no need to rule options out like this though maybe wait to see if they have grown a pair and propose a wealth tax.
Perhaps increasing revenues through new taxes may enable more investment leaving the core output measures of debt ratios etc intact. Not holding my breath though…
I'm disappointed labour have no vision for the future. If labour really believe that they can fight the next election by competing for the center, they will lose. Almost all media still standing belongs to the right and they will drown out and misrepresent whatever labour has to say.
The Labour party in NZ ceased being a labour party decades ago.
Not sure about decades ago. They certainly did under Ardern with her never in my political lifetime comment.
Norm Kirk was the last truly labour Prime Minister (and that was decades ago). even gentleman Bill Rowling wasn't truly Labour. Roger Douglas and the lawyers Lange, deCleene, Prebble, etc. etc, etc destroyed the Labour party. Palmer was(is) another lawyer. Clark was(is) a capitalist who owned(still owns?) a multitude of residential properties. neither Ardern nor Hipkins are labour people,
New Zealand desperately needs another Labour government that will (for a start) reform the banking system in New Zealand and remove the private banks ability to expand New Zealand's money supply.
But, isn’t the Govt. debt to GDP % quite a few clicks below 50% ?
So wouldn’t that give a labour govt headroom to borrow 10 s of $billions for infrastructure ?
It is essential that NZ governments cease/stop allowing the banks to expand New Zealand's money supply and take that function on themselves, and loan to the banks the finance they require. Justice and morality require that the expansion of New Zealand's money supply belongs to all NZ citizens and not to the owners/shareholders of the private banks.
It gives National headroom over the next 18 months to 4.5 years headroom. this is just nonsense from Labour.
Good interview with Hipkins, I can't help but think when it comes to Labour;
When you try to appeal to lots of people, you appeal to no one.
Yes, this. He was terrified of offending either side last time and is apparently going down the same path. He HAS to step up in support of something.
Edmonds is a career buearaucrat and political operative, much like Willis and Robertson. She has moulded herself to what neoliberalism demands of our politicians - managerial, stable and lethargic governing.
They are the same people it seems.
Liquidators not leaders.
https://open.substack.com/pub/tadhgstopford/p/prisoners-of-the-crown-nzs-murdersuicide?r=59s119&utm_medium=ios
Interesting in light of a comment made yesterday at a talk Dr Ayesha Verrall gave in Christchurch about the lack of vision and leadership shown by Labour at the previous elections.
Barbara Edmonds is going to be in Christchurch with Craig Renney next month so this will be my question.
Bernard, could you invite Barbara Edmonds to the Hoon? Or have an interview with her asking these hard questions?
As much as some would like to believe the Greens and TPM can be the next govt I think it more realistic that they will need Labour to form one. So it's in our collective interest that we know what they plan on doing.
Excellent idea to get Edmonds on…
I don't think she would rise to it. She's lad out her table on several occasions and it's clear she's just a slave to the Treasury Plutocrats. No sign of intelligent and independent thought whatsoever.
Agree. I’ve had several breaths in the time since I posted that 😉
Good point and idea. Will work on it
Very much enjoy listening to you.
Maybe they will have the same fiscal goals but surely they will achieve them in a completely different, more democratic way.
Funny, my wife and I were just discussing a friend who we're certain was a National voter, but who has recently been absolutely scathing of the coalition's cruel policies. Given how National are essentially now a little puppy leashed to NZF and ACT culture war and libertarian bullshit, we wondered who they might now vote for to deliver on their economically-conservative desires... Turns out, it's Labour!
I have a very similar friend who is also horrified at the coalition’s cruel policies. I suspect she is mostly right leaning but liberal and empathetic as well. She told me the other day she will probably vote Green in the next elections. So interesting times ahead.🤔
I think Labour is a lost cause - just as disappointing as they were in government apart from dealing with the major calamities.
My heart sank reading this. Was hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel that didn’t lead to Australia…