Audrey on National Conference
June 8th, 2009 at 12:00 pm by David FarrarAudrey Young blogs on the National Party conference:
After a few Billy T James – style Maori fella jokes, Sharples spoke seriously about the relationship with National. He talked in general terms about the personal and political hurt the Orewa speech (former leader Don Brash did not arrive until today) on separatism caused and about the new leadership “showing us a better way.”
He gave his perspective on the mana whenua seats proposed by the royal commission in the supercity plan and his take on the foreshore and seabed act which he actually got right – saying it was a theft of the right of Maori to go to court. (Makes a change from the nonsense often whipped up by the Maori Party that the law stole the foreshore and seabed from Maori).
He said the Maori Party was show “respect” by the National party – despite the Maori party voting against National on many measures.
“Our voice is listened to. People listen when we debate….that’s why I am here. I want you to know how authentic our relationship is.”
I missed the speech, but heard from many people it was great.
It was the first time in anyone’s memory that another party leader has spoken to a National Party conference. There is a more ethnic diversity here and a large number of young people than I recall in recent years. But of course a party is never in greater heart than the year after an election win.
It was younger and more diverse than I have seen.
Auckland Mayor John Banks – or Super Mayor as Key called him – has been here .
His quip has of course sent certain other Mayors sky high. They should be less precious. No one thought Helen Clark was backing John Banks, but she worked with him professionally.
There are also rumours afoot that Winston Peters might have a go at the super-mayoralty contest next year. Imagine Key having to work with “Sir Winston” as would surely become as Lord Mayor of Auckland after ruling out working with him in Government! That
Heh that would be a nightmare for John. But Auckland has never been a stronghold for NZ First, and Peters would not make double digits.
The conference is being held at the Trusts stadium in West Auckland. Among the apologies tendered last night was Richard Worth’s. A fun debate between politicians and personalities was cancelled by regional chair Alistair Bell because of the Worth issue. It seemed an appropriate decision in the circumstances not to be having a jolly old time when many delegates were feeling shell-shocked at recent events.
I remember the last time an MPs vs Young Nats fun debate was cancelled – it was at the conference held the day after Sir Robert Muldoon died.
Related posts:
- My 100th National Party conference
- Audrey on National Standards
- National conference votes for same sex adoption
- National – Maori Party Agreement
June 8th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
As a Nat I am pleased to see the Maori party bedding down so well in the present government set up.
Vote:The media are always looking for things to shaft them with. I think the media and commentators are thinking that it’s about time the National honeymoon comes to an end.
More likely the expected result in Mt Albert will restore a bit of sanity to some of our party members who ran around at the South Island convemtion raising money for Mt Albert to pour down a black rat hole.
I was amazed at the wild comments made by that jerk Mayor from North Shore city about super city John Banks. I would assume that Key said that with a broad smile, in good humour with no political aspects about it.
Silly Williams is all upset about nothing. Wiliiams seems to be a travelling train wreck, with the gift of the gab to put his foot in it. What political persuasion is he ?
June 8th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Party vote Alcoholics Anonymous.
Vote:June 8th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
John Banks is a super mayor. Unlike most local body politicians he is a self-made success story.
Vote:This is in direct contrast to Andrew Williams who is anything but super. A lame duck candidate at the last election who beat the incumbent with no policy other than “don’t raise the rates”. North Shore residents should hang their heads in shame for electing such a loser. The turnout was so low that the actual percentage of North Shore residents voting for him was 13.9%.
His behaviour reminds us why there are significant advantages with respect to the Super City proposal.
June 8th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
“A fun debate between politicians and personalities was cancelled by regional chair Alistair Bell”
Oh dear I would have loved a few laughs. But the grey heads ( or in this case the black head) want to be the Fun police.
Just as well the cock tail party wa still on . Plenty of one chasing the other….. but my lips are sealed especially since this storm in a teacup or whiskey tumbler over my old friend Dickie Worth
Vote:June 8th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
What the hell with this cosying up to the racist party?
Hey Nats, this party and its ideals are totally contrary to what you stand for, and you apparently, as a collective, and in leadership terms, (John Key in particular) don’t seem to have a damn clue about that.
Think its a good idea??
Watch this video-
Morgan Freeman has it dead right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO214IFRW1M
Pity the pandering Nats and John Key didn’t see it this way.
The right way.
As for Sharples.. no hope.
Hat Tip- Crusader Rabbit
Vote:June 8th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Under first past the post, that might be enough
Vote:June 8th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Dare I say it, I and many other National voters would have more respect for John Key if he had told the Maori party to go fuck themselves. We would also like to see the promised tax cuts and welfare reform sooner rather than later. So far this National government has hung onto everything they bagged Labour for. WFF, interest free student loans, etc. The budget did very little for those who vote National, but maintained the status quo for those who vote(d) Labour.
Vote:June 8th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
“Dare I say it, I and many other National voters would have more respect for John Key if he had told the Maori party to go fuck themselves.”
Nah, don’t think so Murray.
The Nats have a strong record in Maori issues. I daresay conservatives understand them a lot better than the lefties. All the lefties ever do is bribe them for their votes and manipulate their leaders so their leaders can strut and preen and *pretend* to their people that they have influence.
Nats aren’t like that. By their actions, you can see that neither Graham nor Shipley nor Bolger was like that. Hulun was though, I think Goff will be as well. Key however is continuing the Nat’s strong tradition in this field.
As for the rest of your comment, ever heard of the GFC?
Vote:June 9th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Can somebody tell me what GFC is?
Vote: