Ohokaman 5,841 Report post Posted August 10, 2017 Some sense at last... BUSINESS John Drinnan: Jacinda mania a step too far 11 Aug, 2017 6:00am 4 minutes to read Jacinda Ardern's elevation has had some commentators reaching for the superlatives. Picture / Nick Reed By: John Drinnan John Drinnan is the Media writer for the New Zealand Herald. jdrinnan@xtra.co.nz @Zagzigger2 As the election campaign heads into full swing, nobody would have predicted the sorts of upheavals that have engulfed both Labour and the Greens. In Labour's case, it was not hard to detect a degree of bias in some coverage of Jacinda Ardern's sudden elevation. True, Labour's new leader has not put a foot wrong so far. But my giddy aunt, some of the coverage has been way over the top. Why did some media people transform Ardern from the leader of a failing party rating at just 23 per cent in the polls, to some sort of Joan of Arc figure? ADVERTISEMENT Advertise with NZME. In my opinion, some media folk began channelling the views of Labour supporters who were excited to see the party back in with a chance. Another factor, I think, was feminism, and some people seeing special significance in the prospect of another woman Prime Minister. There has been a largely positive reaction to Labour's attempt to improve the party spin machine, by appointing political veteran Mike Munro as a strategic adviser. After working in the Press Gallery for papers including the Herald, Munro was Helen Clark's chief press secretary for six years, and has a wealth of other PR experience. I believe he will be a clever choice, who knows the multifaceted demands of election campaigns. But Munro has been out of journalism for a long time, and I do wonder how important the Gallery is these days when it comes to selling the parties' brands. Over the past nine years, John Key and National ministers have become used to talking to voters over the heads of journalists, who ask difficult and often negative questions. After all, who wants to deal with Guyon when you can chat to Jay-Jay? Just the numbersNational Party election organiser and Finance Minister Steven Joyce says the consultancy firm Crosby Textor will have a comparatively small role in the upcoming election. Partner Sir Lynton Crosby has managed campaigns for right-leaning parties in a variety of countries. He has been pilloried by some in the UK for the $4 million - $85,000 a day, according to some reports - he was paid for his work on the Conservative Party's election campaign, which ended with Prime Minister Theresa May losing her majority. Joyce said National had always focused on Crosby Textor's polling, unlike some parties in other countries which had made wider use of its services. Meanwhile, Joyce says a team of young staff has been building up for the election, including co-ordinator Clark Hennessy. Hennessy has worked as a press secretary, including for deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett. He has also worked further afield. For 12 months he worked for the right-wing US "Daily Caller" website, run by the high-profile conservative commentator Tucker Carlson. Hennessy worked for the popular website as a director of communications. He was also an intern for Texas Republican congressman Mike Conaway and a communications and research fellow for North Carolina congressman Richard Hudson, also a Republican. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uriah Heap 481 Report post Posted August 10, 2017 On 10/08/2017 at 9:16 AM, Ohokaman said: This surge for Labour is understandable if a bit mystifying. If it's "Mystifying" to you then you haven't been observing world politics over the past two years.....and i know you have. To me, the surge in Labour's polling, following Adern's elevation, was highly predictable. The Water policy will be an interesting battle. Labour will pitch it as overseas companies exporting our precious commodity and giving NZ nothing in return. National will say "poor farmers" and costs passed on to NZ consumers. It will depend who we listen too. Right now I'm listening to Jacinta, because she's prettier than Bill. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 10, 2017 Ardern will be well and truly tested over the next 6 weeks, if she doesn't measure up with both her personal style and demeanour and Labour's policies, then she will be cast aside by voters, just like Metiria Turei. I'm looking forward to it, as with Little, Labour were just sleep walking their way to defeat, at least now we have a contest Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohokaman 5,841 Report post Posted August 11, 2017 2 hours ago, Uriah Heap said: If it's "Mystifying" to you then you haven't been observing world politics over the past two years.....and i know you have. To me, the surge in Labour's polling, following Adern's elevation, was highly predictable. The Water policy will be an interesting battle. Labour will pitch it as overseas companies exporting our precious commodity and giving NZ nothing in return. National will say "poor farmers" and costs passed on to NZ consumers. It will depend who we listen too. Right now I'm listening to Jacinta, because she's prettier than Bill. Don't be dumb Uriah, you know what I meant. Any new leader always gets a bump, particularly if the females like them. Whether that lasts up until election day, we will have to wait and see. The thought of that mob, along with the Greens and that bloody annoying Yank, running the country should help the emigration figures if nothing else. What is mystifying is that so many see her as a Joan of Arc figure who will put everything right, despite having a CV which reads under "Achievements".....Sweet FA. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
globederby12 1,495 Report post Posted August 11, 2017 Same book different cover, Dave. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crustyngrizzly 1,701 Report post Posted August 12, 2017 Interesting to see that the GREENS won't reinstate Kennedy Graham because he breached their code of conduct,and yet they wouldn't sack their co leader. I would love to read this socalled code of conduct. Belinda 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aquaman 1,352 Report post Posted August 13, 2017 I think the feminists have taken over the Green party. All blokes out. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevy86 2,707 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 On 8/13/2017 at 2:43 PM, aquaman said: I think the feminists have taken over the Green party. All blokes out. What happened to the gender quota?? I guess it is down to shaving armpits and chins or not to get the "balance'. This election looming as a bloody nightmare. Time Dunne got the shove, racist "Maori" party deemed to be just that, racist.Greens just plain scary. Belinda 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigosz 287 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 I believe it is more than a bump for Labour in polls. What Jacinda has done is get some young people excited enough to at least enrol. Whether that makes any difference come Election Day well who knows but I hope so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevy86 2,707 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 Interesting that Jacinda is keeping well away from any forum where there is intellectual gravitas or political experience. Photo opportunities have been at her old school, university, street meetings, etc. But then again she has a degree in "media studies". Will be found out by the "Hosk" asking difficult questions but the clincher to get the young mobilised will be free fees as I alluded to some time ago. I notice the press is only showing weak Bill and people like Coleman as alternatives. No Paula, Judith, Nikki etc to counter Jacinda. Mind you National has done themselves no favours with Bill's Clutha amnesia and Nick Smith's dreadful fingerprints all over some dodgy legislation. I am certain there will be a change of government but what a mess it will be--another step backwards for democracy as we know it . meomy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 14, 2017 11 minutes ago, chevy86 said: I am certain there will be a change of government but what a mess it will be--another step backwards for democracy as we know it . Correct me if I'm wrong, but whoever polls higher out of National and Labour, has the first option to form a government, so still a big ask Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevy86 2,707 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 1 hour ago, hesi said: Correct me if I'm wrong, but whoever polls higher out of National and Labour, has the first option to form a government, so still a big ask You are right hesi--I cannot see the wood for the trees. So maybe National/NzFirst/Act and consign that racist Maori Party to history, and Winnie would have gone full circle back to his natural position. They have the same conundrum in Australia with the Aborigines pushing for a separate constitution and liberal academics entertaining the apartheid set-up. Good journalism by Alan Jones, Andrew Bolt,Graham Richardson , Peta Credlin doing their best to keep it at bay but up against the state-funded ABC full of leftie tribalists. meomy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 14, 2017 15 minutes ago, chevy86 said: So maybe National/NzFirst/Act With a resurgent Labour likely to take votes off National, it looks the most likely option, so Winston will get a carte blanche with Racing. Then again, Labour are going to appeal to the female of the species, which is over 50% of the voting populace and the young, many of whom never bothered to vote before, but now find there is an issue that is affecting them directly, namely housing affordability, particularly in Auckland. So maybe Labour could get first shot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevy86 2,707 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 Sanders, Corbyn, Macron--going to be a very interesting night on Sept 23rd and Labour may well get the numbers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohokaman 5,841 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 1 hour ago, hesi said: With a resurgent Labour likely to take votes off National, it looks the most likely option, so Winston will get a carte blanche with Racing. Then again, Labour are going to appeal to the female of the species, which is over 50% of the voting populace and the young, many of whom never bothered to vote before, but now find there is an issue that is affecting them directly, namely housing affordability, particularly in Auckland. So maybe Labour could get first shot Now they are promising students free driving lessons FFS.....is there anything some of these people won't do...? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eljay 1,720 Report post Posted August 14, 2017 I hope Jathinda next promises to double the oldies super. We need it to pay for all the extra tax we will be forced to pay just to satisfy their egos! rdytdy, globederby12 and Brown Fox 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uriah Heap 481 Report post Posted August 15, 2017 On 14/08/2017 at 8:38 PM, hesi said: With a resurgent Labour likely to take votes off National, it looks the most likely option, so Winston will get a carte blanche with Racing. Then again, Labour are going to appeal to the female of the species, which is over 50% of the voting populace and the young, many of whom never bothered to vote before, but now find there is an issue that is affecting them directly, namely housing affordability, particularly in Auckland. So maybe Labour could get first shot Not only the female population Hesi. A snap poll of one young, first time voter in our house showed a sharp move away from Greens when their leader noted she'd defrauded WINZ; followed by a warm embracing of the new young attractive Labour leader. Ahhh the young - On such minor matters as a small fraud and a good looking chick is our nations future decided. meomy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crustyngrizzly 1,701 Report post Posted August 15, 2017 On 14/08/2017 at 9:51 PM, Ohokaman said: Now they are promising students free driving lessons FFS.....is there anything some of these people won't do...? No such thing as free driving lessons.You and i will be paying big time and the AA and their mates will be rubbing their hands with glee. meomy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloke 1,232 Report post Posted August 15, 2017 Crusty it is highly unlikely that most of these young people today will be ever able to afford to purchase a home so I am not going to decry them some free driving lessons. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crustyngrizzly 1,701 Report post Posted August 15, 2017 I suppose they can always get out and work their arse off so they can get a house. One of my sons got a low paying job but worked 12 hr shifts,he got a house. Another son worked 8 to 5, spent his spare time partying,golfing and just generally being lazy. He ain't got a house. Attitude is the problem. meomy 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 15, 2017 2 hours ago, Uriah Heap said: Ahhh the young - On such minor matters as a small fraud and a good looking chick is our nations future decided. Oh yee of little faith, it's still a democracy we live in not a dictatorship, although Piggy Muldoon tried hard to disprove that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 15, 2017 3 minutes ago, crustyngrizzly said: I suppose they can always get out and work their arse off so they can get a house. One of my sons got a low paying job but worked 12 hr shifts,he got a house. Another son worked 8 to 5, spent his spare time partying,golfing and just generally being lazy. He ain't got a house. Attitude is the problem. That's got to be the 8th wonder of the modern world Crusty, how did he save 200k and how does he afford a 500k mortgage. What sort of nefarious activity does the boy get up too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
crustyngrizzly 1,701 Report post Posted August 16, 2017 2 hours ago, hesi said: That's got to be the 8th wonder of the modern world Crusty, how did he save 200k and how does he afford a 500k mortgage. What sort of nefarious activity does the boy get up too A few add ons. Met a lovely lady on same wavelength after about 3 years of saving. Moved into a rental with 2 other couples.(not something i would do) Lived in this situation for 18 months until the inevitable happened. Combined kiwi saver benefits and purchased own home. Not in Auckland Still working 12hr shifts and more if available. Working hard now to make it easier later. meomy and aquaman 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohokaman 5,841 Report post Posted August 16, 2017 2 hours ago, crustyngrizzly said: A few add ons. Met a lovely lady on same wavelength after about 3 years of saving. Moved into a rental with 2 other couples.(not something i would do) Lived in this situation for 18 months until the inevitable happened. Combined kiwi saver benefits and purchased own home. Not in Auckland Still working 12hr shifts and more if available. Working hard now to make it easier later. Tell them to move further North...much better value and Coopers Beach is booming.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Report post Posted August 16, 2017 2 hours ago, Ohokaman said: Tell them to move further North...much better value and Coopers Beach is booming.... My Dad bought a beachfront section at Coopers Beach many years ago for 7,000 pounds I think. You're right though Coopers Beach and Mangonui have become the new Parnell and Ponsonby, still a very scenic place to visit though. That Mangonui Fish and Chip shop is grossly over rated though Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...