The pressure mounts
August 30th, 2006 at 6:51 am by David FarrarI am very pleased to see Labour’s Pacific Vice-President call for Field to go, as it restores credibility to a key group.
No, not Labour of course who are beyond redemption, but the PI community. Former Labour PM Mike Moore has now twice spoken out on his deep concern that some members of an ethnic minority seem to automatically rush to defend one of their MPs, even when they have done very bad things – Awatere-Huata is the other example. Such automatic defences, regardless of the merits of the case, are what lead to a lessening of respect for that group.
Tapu Misa writes defending the PI community against Moore’s claims, and I have sympathy for her position that there is no sole community view etc. The problem I suppose is that the only PI views the media have reported to date have been defending him. Incidentally Tapu Misa also speaks a lot of sense on the religion in schools issue – well worth a read.
The Press also reports on the Labour Pacific VP calling for Field to go. I find it fascinating that despite being a Party Vice-President she is not having her calls returned by the President or Leader. Not a healthy sign. Taue also knocks through the spin from Clark that it is up to the party to take action against Field, and nothing to do with her. Taue points out the reality is Clark and the President will decide.
And finally the Press Editorial today is called “Field must go” which really sums it all up.
August 30th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Field’s problems are only just beginning if Plod finally decides to get into gear. I note Field was reported to be consulting with Russell Fairbrother MP who is an experienced former criminal lawyer. Now Clark has to use all her considerable political skills to cut herself and the Labour Party free of this mess. The way she set up the Ingram inquiry which was deliberately set up to fail was a considerable insult to most New Zealanders. She seems to making the obvious politcial problems for the Labour Party especially its pacific islands coalition, problems that the public at large have to endure. The messy and odd coalition that is the Labour Party might be starting to unravel and a damn good thing too.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 8:18 am
If you lie enough, You start to believe your own Lies, BOSS HOGG RULES, and helen cannot get rid of him,BUGGER
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 8:30 am
i..of course…am a bit miffed at the press knicking my headline of tuesday august 29th..
“field has gotta go”…
(have they no shame..?..)
phil(whoar.co.nz)
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 9:12 am
Their headline didn’t sutter and drool.
It wasn’t yours.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 9:44 am
Yes, it wasn’t inundated will multiple full stops, questions marks and lack of capitals.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 10:08 am
From the Herald article-
“Prime Minister Helen Clark has said that part of her reticence about taking a harder line on Mr Field was caused by concerns about a Pacific backlash.”
Jesuz H Christ on a bike.. what did she say?? Isn’t this an outright admission of putting Labour party interests before the interests of New Zealand. That Labour holds the Westminster system in utter contempt is apparent to anyone who watches Question Time, but hell, how could Klark so casually and so arrogantly expose such a shameless self serving and cynical intent and such a barbarian disrespect for NZ’s parliament??? So a bunch of local Labour party supporters, selling their vote to that party in return for handouts, are unhappy that one of their cronyist mates might get fired. So bloody what??? NZ’s overall interests should always be the first priority, and I know this is seldom the case with the power obsessed left, but Jezuz, to see Klark being so utterly blatant about it in this instance is just staggering..
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 10:58 am
It’s a tribute to the power of incumbency during good economic times that Labour isn’t dead-and-gone in the polls by now. They’ve been totally inept in their handling of every scandal since Cullen’s 2005 budget, or arguably even since Orewa 1, yet their numbers hold up. It’s incredible because they’ve misjudged everything in that time.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 11:08 am
Or maybe it’s a tribute to how crappy the Oppostion is at its job? The Nats look impotent and incompetent, because so many of them are. But they know they’ll still get a fat pay cheque whichever side of the House they’re on.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 11:24 am
The Dear Leader may want TPF to stay. Every day he stays it makes the rest of the retards in the Liar bore party look good in comparison.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 11:54 am
Like all ethical and moral retards Klark and her Socialists mates and supporters are so blind that they dont see the train wreck coming.The wonderful thing is that when it happens as it is now they give so much ammunition to those who both oppose them and can demonstrate a higher ethical and moral position.Its almost a feeling of guilt that one can take the high ground and treat her and the rest with the disdain and contempt they have shown us all these years.And try as they might their moral compass keeps pointing in the wrong direction as they stumble and fumble. Oh how are the mighty fallen.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
I read the column by Tapu Misa with some interest. However, I think her defence of God in schools was centred on an ecumenical but very Christian only God. Taken a step further it’s the American evangelical line that while the USA has no “established church” it is somehow a Christian nation with a virtual (unstated) “established religion”.
This may reflect the Polynesian community view, but undermines the other point about explaining a more “nuanced” Polynesian view on TPF.
If one is genuinely linking spirituality of non Maori to the Christian God, this would be offensive to those of all faiths not Christian, let alone the human being of the diversity between deism, agnosticism and humanist ethical rationalism (sometimes centred on an almost spiritual aspect of homo sapien continuance amidst life in the environment).
If our schools are to be welcoming to all (and reflect the reality of parents rather than using schools to foist religion on other people’s children) as equal in our society, there can be no reference to any “kind” of God. But do those promoting prayer in public state schools (providing for all) assemblies want to bother if it’s a God without Christian reference?
I once wrote to the columnist concerned when she took up her job and suggested she advocate for Maori (there are so few Maori columnists then and now) when the occasion came up. What she needs to note, regarding Maori sovereignty, is that we have a bi-cultural aspect to Maori language and cultural continuance but we have no established religion. Maori culture belongs in our school society, what is NOT an established religion does not. The Christian religion is not Pakeha culture, nor is the culture of our immigrants.
Where I will agree, is that there is a place in social studies for a knowledge about the different peoples in a multi-cultural society. This includes religious difference. However religious instruction itself, should have to be an opt in by parents.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:22 pm
When the National Party wins the next election it will inherit an economy that is riddled with problems emanating from a global oil market that is in intractable decline. Firstly, oil prices will keep on increasing which will result in spiralling inflation (this is already beginning to happening), which the monetarists like Brash will try to alleviate by upping interest rates – this will cause the housing market bubble to burst, leading to massive turbulence in the stock market. This will also be occurring globally so our export markets will be shrinking. Eventually, when oil prices really start to skyrocket Unemployment will shoot skywards, and we will have a recession that makes the 1930s look like the garden of Eden. As Don Brash preys to the invisible hand for providence, all he will find is a litany of dead end technologies like “hydrogen fuel cells”, “coal to liquids”. and “liquefied natural gas” that can never replace the 2-3% cumulative annual decline in global oil production. All these things are predicted in an independent report (the Hirsch report) completed for the US government in 2005. This document can be found at http://www.oilcrash.com/articles/hirsch.htm
When you look at the trivialities of things like the pledge card issue and the Field affair in comparison to the issue of peak oil, they really appear as a sandpit set against the background of WW11. Reassess your priorities before it’s too late for all of us.
For intelligent discussion of issues surrounding peak oil go to http://www.theoildrum.com/
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
When the National Party wins the next election it will inherit an economy that is riddled with problems emanating from a global oil market that is in intractable decline. Firstly, oil prices will keep on increasing which will result in spiralling inflation (this is already beginning to happening), which the monetarists like Brash will try to alleviate by upping interest rates – this will cause the housing market bubble to burst, leading to massive turbulence in the stock market. This will also be occurring globally so our export markets will be shrinking. Eventually, when oil prices really start to skyrocket Unemployment will shoot skywards, and we will have a recession that makes the 1930s look like the garden of Eden. As Don Brash preys to the invisible hand for providence, all he will find is a litany of dead end technologies like “hydrogen fuel cells”, “coal to liquids”. and “liquefied natural gas” that can never replace the 2-3% cumulative annual decline in global oil production. All these things are predicted in an independent report (the Hirsch report) completed for the US government in 2005. This document can be found at http://www.oilcrash.com/articles/hirsch.htm
When you look at the trivialities of things like the pledge card issue and the Field affair in comparison to the issue of peak oil, they really appear as a fight in a sandpit set against the background of WW11. Reassess your priorities before it’s too late for all of us.
For intelligent discussion of issues surrounding peak oil go to http://www.theoildrum.com/
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Mikeybill – What about National makes you label them as “impotent and incompetent” apart from your partisan desire to think that way?
The left always *say* that National is incompetent, but it seems to be a simple reversal of the old rightist trick of saying “only we can be trusted”… except usually one provides evidence!
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Mikeybill – What about National makes you label them as “impotent and incompetent” apart from your partisan desire to think that way?
The left always *say* that National is incompetent, but it seems to be a simple reversal of the old rightist trick of saying “only we can be trusted”… except usually one provides evidence!
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:45 pm
Apparently some investment experts are saying that because of house price revaluations of recent years, New Zealanders have suddenly saved more for their retirement than they needed (ignoring the need to sell down to afford rates and). Of course, if our savings eggs are all in one basket, this is an easy come easy go scenario.
pj I agree, Bollard would do the predictable, if Brash introduced large tax cuts in an environment with only 3% unemployment and rising oil prices.
However unless the currency level increased with the flood of uradashis (it might not because of the trade deficit/BOP deficit), we might need more workers and they would need housing etc. Thus high house prices and interest rates and mortgagee sales and families forced into rentals.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:51 pm
Camryn was the GST oversight deliberate (a way to compete with Labour) or an act of incompetence by business savvy managers?
I do not assume the latter. I wionder if National deliberately tried to match Labour’s overspending and then claim their’s was simply incompetence, where Labour’s was corrupt.
Is it incompetence or their part in the corruption?
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 12:58 pm
Oh God, Phillip John, could you please attempt to stay on topic instead of beating your (oil-filled) drum?
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Look who just found their voice…
They must not have been reading the papers over the past few months…
What a farce.
Field loses major union’s support
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10398828
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
Mr Millar, I’m so sorry that I’m making you think about such unpleasant things. It just so happens that Mr Frarr hasn’t been willing to post anything on this blog about the iminent event of peak oil, which, put quite frankly, is going to completely screw this country’s economy in the next 3-10 years. This isn’t the ravings of a luny fringe dweller. I hold a first class honous degree in political studies, and have researched the issue thoroughly, and have found the arguments to be undeniable. The number of experts in the oil industry who doubt the urgency of peak oil are dwindeling fast. If we think of the distribution of their opinions as a bell curve we get about %10 saying that peak oil happend from 2004 till yesterday, another 20% saying it will happen from 2007 to 2009, another 40% saying 2010 to 2015, 20% saying from 2015-2020 and the final 10% saying that there is no visable peak.
So the smart money goes on 2010-2015.
Once again I apologise for being off topic, but this is just too important to ignore.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:34 pm
There’s nothing so unpleasant as a political feeding frenzy. Field’s demise is inevitable however as others have noted, he can make it very messy and do a lot of damage to more than just the Labour party in the process.
I grew up and went to school in the Mangere electorate, I have far more faith in the various community groups than has been expressed here/in other threads – that said, I’m trying to remember the last time a MP did the decent thing when confronted by evidence of wrongdoing or parliamentary/caucus disapproval?
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
the crook has decided to stay on as a labour MP
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:36 pm
Phillipjohn-It is not neccessary to apologise to anyone for your comments (relevant or not) especially to Graham Miller.
Miller has a reputation for being egotisitcal and shouting down other people’s opinions. This is a blog. Write what you like.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
Phillip John if you think peak oil is so important I suggest you create your own blog where you can write about it until the cows come home. Personally I couldn’t give monkeys about peak oil it’s a bit like global warming with a lot people screaming the sky is falling when in fact it’s not.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:41 pm
Miller has a reputation for being egotisitcal and shouting down other people’s opinions
What a ridiculous claim.
I’ll let others judge that for themselves, Julian, but if you’re referring to the recent dialogue with AJ Chesswas in the “Boobs on Bikes debate” then I’ll politely suggest that you review those threads very closely.
I rather suspect that this reputation you speak of is in your own mind, Julian. I’m generally respectful of others who post here, but you’re most welcome to disagree if you know better.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:45 pm
AGJ your comment that “Personally I couldn’t give monkeys about peak oil it’s a bit like global warming with a lot people screaming the sky is falling when in fact it’s not.” Betrays your ignorance of issue. I bet you haven’t spent more than 5 minutes to formulate that opinion. I challenge you to provide an argument to support these claims.
You also say: “if you think peak oil is so important I suggest you create your own blog”.
I would do just that if I thought that you average National voter might read it. The point of these posts is to get ordinary New Zealanders thinking about the issue.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:47 pm
I merely made a comment that you tend to shout down other people’s opinions-the ‘Boobs on bikes’ debate is one such example.
And if you are respectful (as you say you are), then you will not find it difficult to let people blog what they like while restraining your urge to respond with unneccessary and repellant criticism.
I shall say no more.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
I merely made a comment that you tend to shout down other people’s opinions-the ‘Boobs on bikes’ debate is one such example.
And if you are respectful (as you say you are), then you will not find it difficult to let people blog what they like while restraining your urge to respond with unneccessary and repellant criticism.
I shall say no more.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
This is actually DPF’s blog – not a soapbox.
The subject of this thread, chosen by DPF, is the mounting pressure for Taito Phillip Field to resign. Everyone else seems quite capable of sticking to the knitting. Those who want to write on other topics are presumably welcome to set up their own blog or elsewhere on DPF’s blog under a more appropriate thread.
Quite simple, really.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
SPC – Well, either way really. Neither of the options you’ve given me are the basis of a claim that National are unfit to run the country compared to Labour! Ooooh. One issue! Good work.
For the record, I think it was a miscommunication between National and their media booking agancy. National presumably knew the spending limit was GST-inclusive (the major thing to be competent about) but sent the figure to their agency without commentary and the agency assumed the figure was GST-exclusive. It’s not total competency, but it’s hardly a reason to say “unfit to govern”.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
“This is actually DPF’s blog – not a soapbox.”
That’s funny, I thought they were the same things
Seriously, I take your point, but to me having a public that is informed about this issue is more important than bog etiquette, on a thread this trivial. Sorry if that sounds disrespectful.
BTW – when does Frarr ever have a thread related to peak oil?
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
“beating your (oil-filled) drum?”
Surely beating your soon to be empty (oil-filled) drum.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Field is standing firm , he is remaining a Labour MP. Helen can say to everyone it is not her decision that he go. She focuses on her role as Prime Minister but as Party Leader she has responsibility but refuses to Act. She is doing her level best to take Field’s vote but distance herself from his actions.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
Julian…”I shall say no more.”
The timing of a double post, couldn’t be better.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
Phillip John the only ignorance I see is that you believe my posting a few website that the whole world (including National voters) should believe that peak oil is a fact. I suggest you do something more useful with your first class honors degree than hijacking someone else’s blog.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Phillipjohn- for all your first class honours degree in political studies you talk a lot of S……. and honours is spelt honours.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Phillip John…Like other socialists, Chris Trotter, for example you are now excusing serious corruption and that is never trivial. The oil problem you foretell may indeed occur and if it does a corrupt socialist goverment is unlikely to handle it better than an honest conservative one..If labour was to manage the employment situation better, in such an event, it would be because they would employ an army of beaurocrats to procrastinate about the dilemma,each shuffling responsibilities between themselves.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
AGJ – “Phillip John the only ignorance I see is that you believe my posting a few website that the whole world (including National voters) should believe that peak oil is a fact.”
WTF?
PJ- “for all your first class honours degree in political studies you talk a lot of S…….”
WOW! Good point! I stand refuted.
baxter- Phillip John…Like other socialists, Chris Trotter, for example you are now excusing serious corruption and that is never trivial.
This field thing is a storm in a teacup, buit pertly because Labour didn’t fire him straight away as they should have. Aside from that, it’s simply a matter of scale. Peak oil, the perennial slimy politician trying to get away with a few fringe benefits – what’s more important?
……. and I’m still waiting for someone to present an argument to me about why we shouldn’t be worried about peak oil.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
As party leader Helen has responsibility – perhaps – but not – technically – power.
She doesn’t officially have the power to have him kicked out of the party (though she can not doubt influence the party in this – I’m sure a complaint from the leader would carry weight) and she DEFINITELY can’t kick him out of Parliament. Remember Awatere-Huata? Remember how hard that was? Well, the party-hopping legislation isn’t there anymore.
Constitutionally, I wouldn’t want her to have the official power to do either. It’s odd (well not actually odd, it serves them fine) that the Nats keep demanding that she – personally – do so.
If he really wants to stay as an MP, he will until he’s convicted of something serious or unelected.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I think phillip john gets the award for the most persistent attempt at a thread hijack in face of total lack of interest.
Not that peak oil isn’t a big issue, it’s just not the issue of this thread. You don’t really want to tar peak oil theories with the brush of apologizing for corruption? Find another blog thread for it.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Phillip John the reason no one is giving you an argument about peak oil is that this thread believe it or not, is about Phillip Field (shock horror) not fucking peak oil. Idiot!
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
The reason I’ve been so persistant is because of the complete lack of debate apparent in public forums about peak oil – particularly on the right.
Have you ever seen a right blog that is explicitly concerned with peak oil. Mr Farr, do you have an opinion? If so maybe you should state this opinion at the head of a blog thread?
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
The reason I’ve been so persistant is because of the complete lack of debate apparent in public forums about peak oil – particularly on the right.
A public service broadcast for Phillip John:
This is the Phillip Field show, not the Phillip John show.
Sir Humphrey’s is normally known as a domain of left-leaning partisan hacks – but you’ll get your kicks at http://www.sirhumphreys.com/andrei/2006/aug/29/david_parker_is_going_to_the_movies
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
“Phillip John the reason no one is giving you an argument about peak oil is that this thread believe it or not, is about Phillip Field (shock horror) not fucking peak oil. Idiot!”
Indeed it will be idiots like you that bury their heads in the sand a we approach economic ruin. I have alerted a few people to the issue of peak oil that would not have otherwise thought about it, that’s all I can do. I’ll leave. People like you AGJ with you head firmly placed in your rectum, while you continue to get your daily dose of political soap opera.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
phillipjohn,
Take your fringe ideas to a more appropriate thread. It may well be Aunty Helen’s habit of distracting people from the real political issues, but that’s no excuse for you to follow suit on this blog by spamming DPF’s posts with comments that have nothing to do with the thread.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:37 pm
Run along Phillip big people are talking.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Lyndon – with Helen’s closeness to the upper echelon of the NZ police, certainly she could use her wide ranging influence to bring pressure to bear on Field.
It’s come in very handy thus far in her tenure, nothing has ever been in the public interest to be taken further, maybe this one will be different?
That’s one way of getting rid of the man if he won’t go quietly.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Phillipjohn, I thought about for awhile, then decided to buy a really big fuck off V12 sportscar while I can.Why, because I can afford to buy petrol even at $5 a litre. Also no doubt when the world crashes I’ll be able to put solar power on my roof and recycle the runoff water to my swimming pool to toilets, washing machine and through a filter for drinking etc. Also I live in a really fucking expensive house in a suburb 15 minutes walk from my office.So I dont actually need a car. And besides I own several horses so theyll do. Mind you, one is looking like glue if it doesnt sort its shit out.
Vote:Hell, I’ve been reading to many Insolent Prick posts!
Oh, what will I do with the car when theres no petrol? Mount it on the swimming pool wall thats what. I reckon it will look shit hot.
August 30th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Phillipjohn, I thought about for awhile, then decided to buy a really big fuck off V12 sportscar while I can.Why, because I can afford to buy petrol even at $5 a litre. Also no doubt when the world crashes I’ll be able to put solar power on my roof and recycle the runoff water to my swimming pool to toilets, washing machine and through a filter for drinking etc. Also I live in a really fucking expensive house in a suburb 15 minutes walk from my office.So I dont actually need a car. And besides I own several horses so theyll do. Mind you, one is looking like glue if it doesnt sort its shit out.
Vote:Hell, I’ve been reading to many Insolent Prick posts!
Oh, what will I do with the car when theres no petrol? Mount it on the swimming pool wall thats what. I reckon it will look shit hot.
August 30th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
baxter – “corrupt socialist goverment is unlikely to handle it better than an honest conservative one”
I do hope that youre not saying that these are the only type of socialist/conservative governments?
I think its a pretty safe bet to say that there are, have been, and always will be crooks, cheats and general shitheads on all sides of the political spectrum.
Being in government just gives them their chance to ‘shine’.
But to keep it on topic:
Im not as well read on the issue as some. But my gut reaction is that TFP is up to no good and the sooner he is gone, the better for everyone.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
graham – “Sir Humphrey’s is normally known as a domain of left-leaning partisan hacks”
Is it?
not trying to stir shit, ive just never known anyone to interpret it that way.
whoops sorry – that was off topic
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 5:13 pm
Go david!! philllipjohn even if Peak oil is a fact just like most of the stuff we all pontificate about on DPFs fine site WTF.Fact is those of the population ( and its only a tiny number) who know about this and other sites think we are a bunch of anal retentives.We are viewed as extreme odd balls, As someone else had posted we are Beltways.The big thing is not to get too upset and carried away about the issues Kick back and relax my man.Lets enjoy the experience and rejoice that the men in the big black boots or in the white coats most likely wont come a knocking at your door tonight. Think of it as therapy I do Instead of paying a shrink a large amount of money I can come here and elsewhere and let it all hang out for free.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 5:15 pm
Fraser – I was speaking in jest. It should be obvious, even to Phillip John, from the “Department of Unspin” insignia that the opposite is the case.
For what it’s worth, Helen Clark required Dover Samuels to stand down from his ministerial post when allegations were, as she put it, swirling around him. In this case allegations are swirling around TPF like a bubbling whirlpool.
But it’s difficult to see how TPF can claim to be exonerated by the Ingram inquiry and then fall on his sword.
So, for my money, it’s either going to be a case of a “managed exit” (which requires a buy-in from TPF) or a journey into Alamein Kopu-type political isolation. Even Donna Awatere-Huata felt the pinch when her former Act colleagues deserted her. As I suggested yesterday on a separate thread, it’s indeed timely that the Law Commission has decided – just this week – to announce a review of public inquiries in New Zealand.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 5:55 pm
I heard Deborah Coddington say on Larry William’s show that a poll is due out tomorrow showing “National strongly pulling ahead of Labour”. She surmised this was due to Labour’s recent scandals – Philip Field & election spending
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
regarding the herald story about the EPMU pulling the plug on TPF. They’d actually been making not so veiled hints for some time (ie in relation to the minimum wage abolition bill and the 90 day probationary employment bill) Check the media releases on their website if you want. It’s just the first time they’ve got serious coverage.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Graham, Helen’s dealt with Field’s Ministerial responsibilities (and aspirations I’d suggest) its his membership of the party that’s at issue now and she doesn’t control that.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:16 pm
Damian:
Perhaps – and on the circuit, poll result are the worse kept secret this side of Nicky Watson’s sex life – but don’t major polling organisations tend to release their results over the weekend? I’m pretty sure National and Labour are doing internals as we speak, but that never gets released publically.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
Craig,
Apparently it’s a Herald digipoll that’s coming out tomorrow.
Agree about the timing but they may have brought it forward due to the type of result.
Roy Morgan should have one out this Friday too.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Field says: “”Opponents are making more allegations, which I either reject as completely false or have no knowledge of.”
Vote:But the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Helen Clark, says the situation for Field is “awful”.
Who is telling the truth?
August 30th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
Helen says ‘take it to the Police’
Vote:They tried with a falsely sign painting, speeding car,doone affair,dirty blood etc..
Police senior management choose not to upset their funding or promotion source.
August 30th, 2006 at 6:31 pm
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10398841
Nats surge ahead in latest Herald poll
5.00pm Wednesday August 30, 2006
National has opened a strong lead over Labour in the latest New Zealand Herald-Digipoll.
Results from the poll of 751 people show a major change from recent polls which have had National and Labour neck and neck or National edging just ahead.
The Herald poll comes amid the continuing furore over the Taito Phillip Field affair. Up until now the Government has believed that the issue of whether Field, who holds Mangere for Labour, should resign over allegations he acted inappropriately as an MP, was doing it little harm.
Prime Minister Helen Clark two weeks ago dismissed it as a “beltway” issue, referring to the beltway motorway which rings Washington DC, cutting the American capital off from the country.
But polling by the Herald – to be published over the next three days – finds that Miss Clark is out of touch with feeling in the country.
Two weeks ago, a TV One/Colmar Brunton poll showed National just ahead on 45 per cent support, two points ahead of Labour. The Greens, New Zealand First and the Maori Party were each on 3 per cent.
The Herald poll shows National opening up a substantial lead, with the Maori Party on a roll but New Zealand First taking a hit.
* The first details of the poll will be published tomorrow in the New Zealand Herald and on nzherald.co.nz.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
Helen says ‘take it to the Police’
Vote:They tried with a falsely sign painting, speeding car,doone affair,dirty blood etc..
Police senior management choose not to upset their funding or promotion source.
August 30th, 2006 at 7:00 pm
So why doesn’t someone with some BALLS just join the Labour Party and write an Open Complaint to the National Council and precipitate a showdown.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 7:25 pm
Without much detail (and no complaint from those who gave koha gifts, or any tax investigation of any undeclared income kept rather than handed on to the Labour party electorate or nationwide party) about the birth certificate matter, the problem for Field appears to be the difference between his versions to the investigation (not employed) and to the Samoan (an employee) government.
I have no great problem with the overstayer preferring to go to the islands and do work in return for board while waiting for the immigration review (rather than going back to Thailand), but it seems someone has given him poor advice about his testimony.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Phillip john there is a site called “coast to Coast” everynight they discuss a different topic 5pm to 9pm NZ time usually fringe topics a few weeks ago peak oil was the topic. I strongly suspect that you would not be happy with what was said it seems peak oil is a big issue in the US especially amongst democrats, sound familiar, who like you beleive we are all doomed. Anyhow this can be downloaded if interested but you will have to be a member (costs).
Vote:As for National leading in the polls, great news would be worried if they were not. Lair bore is munted and may their demise be long and painful.
August 30th, 2006 at 8:01 pm
Radio NZ has Field stating He isn’t going anywhere as he has the full support of Helen Clark, go figure.
Great – every day this clown stays is another point in the polls for every other party. Go you good thing.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
Does anyone remember the polls, to and fro from day to day in the election run up?
Or even the trouble Labour was in during the winter of 2000, yet how easily they wion in 2002?
As they say to those who arrive in parliament, breathe through the nose (it’s mostly newspapers trying to do their own business at our expense).
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Clark was reasurring us this morning that Field was “reconsiderinfg his future as an MP”. Well Field has made her look like a fool.
What does it take for Labour to to deal with corruption.
Vote:August 30th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
Yay 2 more years of questions for oral answer! Excellent. What more could National want, it certainly won’t become tiresome for this voter.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 12:05 am
SPC
Whilst I admire your dogged support for Labour at what point will you recognise that your view is out of step with MSM & increasingly the public, even HC is realising that support is dribbling away from her govt through the TPF saga and even if he cannot be shown to have committed anything illegal his behaviour has offended many and the stench created attaches to those who defend what is increasingly undefensible.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 12:06 am
SPC
Whilst I admire your dogged support for Labour at what point will you recognise that your view is out of step with MSM & increasingly the public, even HC is realising that support is dribbling away from her govt through the TPF saga and even if he cannot be shown to have committed anything illegal his behaviour has offended many and the stench created attaches to those who defend what is increasingly undefensible.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 1:32 am
Peak oil eh?
You are aware that the stone age didn’t end because they ran out of stone?
And the bronze age didn’t end end because they ran out of bronze?
And the iron age…
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 5:42 am
Neil Morrison
National Storms To Poll Lead
Vote:New Zealand Herald
31 August 2006
August 31st, 2006 at 10:25 am
“You are aware that the stone age didn’t end because they ran out of stone?
And the bronze age didn’t end because they ran out of bronze?
And the iron age…”
Yes, I do believe that there will be life on earth after oil. The problem is that there is no way we can continue an economy this energy intensive after oil production begins to decline. There are no technologies that can “replace” oil, and no resources. Coal will substitute for a while, in a very dirty way – i.e. current coal reserves have 10 times the amount of CO2 that our oil reserves do. Also, coal converted to liquid, which will more and more begin to replace oil in our transport sector, will be much more expensive than oil – we’re talking roughly $5 a litre, and coal will run out eventually too. i.e. in the US they have enough coal to completely replace oil for 10 years – in NZ it’s about 75 years though we will be selling it on the international market.
The fact is that we’re going to have to radically change the way we do things in the next 10 years. And the sooner we get started the easier it will be for us.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 11:19 am
phillipjohn,
Vote:Can you tell me your understanding of the size of “Shale Oil” reserves in USA and what are we planning to do with
Basket Willow at Taupo NZ ??
August 31st, 2006 at 11:33 am
Back again PJ? Glad you are. One thing I forgot. At the last Guy Fawkes party in our neighbourhood we discussed how would we grow veges when they will probably be rotten by the time that fucking slow train gets to the city from Pukekohe. We thought we would just buy a few houses, demolish them and put market gardens in.Leave the parks for our kids. Then we will hire some recently made redundant Political Science graduates with First Class HONOURS to do the weeding. We’ll pay them in carrots but only cause we aint going to grow peanuts. So I suggest you give us your phone number so you can be at the head of the queue. Btw we all wonder why you chose that to study given your belief in the aPEAKolypse (TM pending) coming. We also hope you pay off your student loan real quick as you will be unemployable then.
Vote:So there you go, we have thought about it, alot and I think we are pretty well covered.
August 31st, 2006 at 11:40 am
Yes, the shale oil resrves in the US are huge, but pruduing it is very energy intensive and therefore expensive – also it is very slow to produce – it doesn’t simply gush out of the ground like Saudi sweet light crude, very much like the Canadian and Venezualan oil sands really. Simply put it will never replace current conventional oil production. Anyway, oil deamand is growing annually at 3% cumulatively. To give you some idea of what this means, the US now consumes as much oil as the whole world did in 1965.
Not really too sure about what you mean by “Basket Willow”.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 11:44 am
“Anyway, oil deamand is growing annually at 3% cumulatively. To give you some idea of what this means, the US now consumes as much oil as the whole world did in 1965.”
I meant to finis by saying that the US now consumes 20 of oil consumed globally, meaning that gobally oil consumption has increased five fold in the last 50 years, doubling on average once every 10 years.
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 11:45 am
“Anyway, oil deamand is growing annually at 3% cumulatively. To give you some idea of what this means, the US now consumes as much oil as the whole world did in 1965.”
I meant to finis by saying that the US now consumes 20 of oil consumed globally, meaning that gobally oil consumption has increased five fold in the last 50 years
Vote:August 31st, 2006 at 11:53 am
What storming National lead – it’s close to the polls pre-election in 2005?
Earlier the ones post Orewa and those in 2000.
And when compared to
“Helen Clark remains preferred prime minister on 52.4 percent, more than double the figure for Don Brash.”
the credibility of the Labour leader seems strong.
With the NZF party either going to leave parliament or revive at the expense of National’s vote share (as may United), National’s lead of the moment looks a little shaky.
Vote: