It was predictable that Trevor Mallard would cop a shellacking for his scalping, and so it panned out. Gerry Brownlee got in a nice slap on a non-Point of Order.
But it was Steven Joyce, ably assisted by Tau Henare delivered a superb smacking:
I’m not sure what David Shearer’s advisors are thinking after the first week back in parliament finished on Thursday.
They certainly won’t be lauding it as a huge success, that is unless they are following National’s playbook on leadership minimisation that they last used when Don Brash was their leader.
Back then, after he rolled Bill English, National’s brains trust thought up a way to protect the thoroughly intelligent policy wonk who was in reality politically dim.
Their method was a couple of tame questions focussing on areas of Don’s expertise and then more questions by other “stars” of the caucus would enable them to avoid the inevitable scrutiny that would eventually trip up the affable leader.
It didn’t work because back then Labour just ignored him and waited, and waited until the inevitable lack of traction and then pounced, bashing him up one side and down the other in the house. Don Brash had to change, he was forced into it by Labour.
Then came Orewa.
I don’t think David Shearer has got an Orewa speech in him. I just don’t see it. But right now he is being protected, or is it perhaps ignored by his caucus. The questions he asked in the house this week were tame, weak actually, ineptly delivered and ineffectual. Even Trevor Mallard refused to call him his leader instead preferring the term “colleague” in what can only been a calculated slight against the leader.
Labour’s caucus isn’t united. They simply weren’t cleaned out as badly as National was in 2002. The factions still exist. Now there is the oldies faction. You know they still have control because Annette King is still fronting against Steven Joyce on NewstalkZB. Trevor Mallard struggles to his feet to defend the young ones and Winston and Phil Goff is sitting there looking over Shearer’s shoulder with Darien Fenton scowling at us all as though we were the enemy.
Right along the opposition benches too is Winston Peters who after this week can claim the title of Leader of the Opposition, not because of his performance, which was dreadful but simply because Shearer ceded control of the opposition benches to Winston and his motley crue by being missing in action.
About the only things that David Shearer hasn’t done which Don Brash did is work his way through the skirt relentlessly, described his favourite dishes made with corned beef or washed his undies in motel sinks. Things are going to have to change otherwise Labour is ceding their role as opposition to the fools of NZ First.
Right now from where I am looking at it, David Shearer and Labour certainly look like Don Brash and National prior to Orewa.
The other day Steven Joyce spoke of a bunch of can’ts who are holding this country back. Today absentee MP David Cunliffe has spoken to the Herald and proved he is a “can’t”:
“There’s just not a huge upside in further deregulation and in fact there’s real downside risk to our clean green brand.”
He added that removing more roadblocks and “simply exporting more of its existing product basket” would not close the gap with Australia.
“We can’t simply milk more cows, ship more logs, dig more coal and close a 40 per cent value gap, there isn’t enough water, you run into environmental constraints, there’s not enough arable land, so therefore an alternative strategy is required that will require the migration of parts of the economy to higher value activities.
No David, you can’t. There is a reason you are called Silent T. Perhaps we should now call you David Can’t-liffe.
Like Boris Johnson in the UK, Steven Joyce has explained in an op-ed piece about why we are struggling in New Zealand, basically because a bunch of can’ts keep stopping us:
The people who say “we want jobs” but then in the next breath say “but you can’t do that … you can’t build that there … you can’t expand that … you can’t explore for that there … you can’t live here … you can’t invest in property here – you just can’t do that!”
And very quickly we start limiting our options. Through the 2000s, as a country, we progressively boxed ourselves in more and more to depend on fewer and fewer industries based on what the “can’ts” said. At the end of it the government of the day was pretty much down to talking only about two of the ingredients – skills training and subsidising entrepreneurs that don’t use resources (the so-called clean-tech sector) – as the bits the “can’ts” were most comfortable with. The rest was off the table.
Lots of Can’ts.
The irony is a lot of the “can’t” behaviour is designed to protect a Kiwi way of life that wouldn’t be here if those who say “you can’t” had applied their rules 50 or 100 years ago.
The reality is you don’t build an economy by lopping off an arm and both legs before you start. A small country like New Zealand has to make the best of all its natural advantages to lift incomes and give more people more chances to make it while staying right here.
We therefore need to stop the endless debate about which industry will save us and focus on all industries where New Zealand has a natural advantage. That’s why the Government is implementing and further developing its 120-point action plan that will help build a stronger, more competitive economy.
That doesn’t mean you don’t take care. Big developments need to have the right environmental protections and mitigations, industry needs good health and safety law, and foreign investment should be sought where it adds value. Ensuring those safeguards are in place is a far healthier approach than just saying no.
We live in a world increasingly without borders – at least not as our grandparents knew them. People these days can base their skills, their capital and their ideas just about anywhere. They don’t have to be in New Zealand.
So when we think about the “you can’ts” we need to think about the mobility of people and money. Each time we say “you can’t” carries a cost. That doesn’t mean we should always say “yes”, but we do need to carefully weigh up the consequences of saying no.
And we should learn to stop listening to people who in the one breath chant “more jobs, more jobs” and then in the next breath say “but don’t do that, or that, or that”.
We need to encourage the development of all of our opportunities if we are to prosper.
I have long held the view that when people say “you can’t” what they really mean is they can’t.
This weekend is Labour’s summer school where they probably indoctrinate impressionable young people that the warped left wing world view actually can work. Somewhere. At some point in the future. They probably also teach how to bugger drunks draped over swiss balls and get away with it too, but that is probably not mentioned much in public.
Fair play to Labour. They had their worst result since 1928 last year, have a party broke and that selects useless, nasty and damaging candidates on the list ahead of good ones like Stuart Nash and Kelvin Davis, but they still run a summer school.
Why National doesn’t run a summer school is a total mystery, much like the rest of Peter Goodfellow’s tenure as President. He seemed to think it was a party time sinecure, not a full time job. It is hard to think of a single successful initiative within National that can be attributed to Peter’s leadership.
Nope, I thought about it, there isn’t a single one. The accolades for the election strategy and success can be rightly awarded to Steven Joyce and Jo de Joux. John Key can take credit for keeping everything under control with his MPs and remaining personally popular which papered over the yawning chasms in the party machine. Even fundraising was largely conducted by people other than the President, though he is busy trying claim credit for that in between going to war with bloggers who are actually on the same team.
In point of fact the only news that featured Peter Goodfellow was bad news. Compare that with Judy Kirk, who worked tirelessly in the background picking up cheques and putting in place initiatives like the Candidates College . Unfortunately most of Judy’s legacy has been squandered by an indolent president.
So a big credit to Labour, that despite all the hurdles that they face, they are focussing on training and the future by having a Summer School.
As the union goes to the media talking about the protection of “their” jobs and calls are being made for the missing in action Len Brown to step up, it may be useful for Whaleoil readers to know who the roll call of names are in the snowballing Ports crisis. Here are the major figures, a brief history, and their involvement
Garry Parsloe – tough, gruff and staunch leader of the Maritime Union of NZ. A lot smarter than he is given credit for, but not smart enough to avoid an asymmetrical war with a blogger. Supported by his union, desperate to hold on to the benefits and working conditions of the 1980s (ironically the last time he appeared in newspapers for all the wrong reasons), and avoid contracting or competition for labour at the ports, even if it means pay rises for their workers. Those who start work at the wharves are ruthlessly drilled on the history of the Ports, and reminded of the “struggles” of their forebears for the perks they now enjoy. The Maritime Union is an old red leftist union of old communists still practicing “internationalism”. They have as recently as September of this year supported the Port of Longview in Washington, USA, for their strikes against management. MUNZ have also expressed political views on global mining, Pike River and Mexican labour disputes. They are a political organisation – make no mistake of that.
Mike Lee – ex wharfie, now supercity councillor, who rose to become chairman of the old Auckland Regional Council, which bought back the 20% of the Ports which were owned by shareholders around 7 years ago. As Chairman of the ARC, Lee used Ports of Auckland dividends to pay for his transport projects, and by owning 100% was able to demand excessive dividends out of the eye of the public. (therein is a good reason why having a mixed ownership model is good for SOEs – it keeps the govt honest). During the aftermath of the global financial crisis, the Ports were in serious trouble with their debt levels, and were mercifully bailed out in part by the National government buying Queens Wharf, ostensibly for tourism reasons. Will be marshaling the left forces on council to stay strong for the union badged workers, even though this hurts the Auckland Council position.
Len Brown – It is highly likely that Len Brown is sympathetic to the union cause, though would be keen to stay out and not get involved in the conflict. However, Mike Lee will be exerting massive amounts of pressure on Brown to stay staunch to the workers, while the Herald this morning asks “where is the Mayor”. Brown’s strategy of turning off the cellphone and only replying by email belies the fact he will be sweating profusely over being smoked out on an actual position that would then require leadership, especially one where he would be at odds with his left-wing instincts and left wing mates.
Other left-wing councillors – Sandra Coney, Richard Northey and Cathy Casey will be other staunch left-wing councillors backing the unions against the Ports asset they are tasked with the responsibility to oversee.
Tony Gibson – the CEO of Ports of Auckland, who took over from the mild-mannered Mr Magoo Danish Jens Madsen. Gibson knows he is up against a union that will play nasty and brutally against attempts to bring Ports labour practices into the 21st century. Gibson has the strong support of the Ports Board.
Gary Swift – Chief Executive of Auckland Council Investments Ltd who are tasked with monitoring the ownership of the shared that the council owns in investments like the Ports, Auckland Airport etc. Swift is a professional company director, ex Watercare, and under no illusions as to what he is up against with the unions. ACIL received the support of a number of councillors at a December 8 council meeting, which fell down a centre-right/ independent and left/Maori divide. The Labour/City Vision/left bloc, along with the Maori statutory board members, voted against supporting the Ports of Auckland business plan.
Chris Fletcher – leader of the C&R bloc on council. Though Fletcher’s history as Mayor was uninspiring and her political views seen as fluffy centrist, her timing and handling of the Ports crisis has so far been excellent. Her leadership in pushing the Mayor to take a position and back the Ports Board has sent shockwaves through the independents on council who have so far been timid and compliant in the Mayor’s hands. Her role will have cemented her as the leader of the opposition on council, and given some hope that C&R remains the pre-eminent centre-right force in Auckland.
Steven Joyce – the Minister of Infrastructure has avoided any public commentary so far, other than a bland statement that they would only enter the dispute if asked to intervene. However, the issues of industrial labour strife will not have been lost on Joyce and the National led government. They will be watching developments here like a hawk, and probably have some strategies up their sleeves if asked to make a statement. Is thought to favour a long term alliance between POAL and Ports of Tauranga, without compromising the independent ownership of each Port.
Mark Cairns – CEO of the Port of Tauranga, who though is sympathetic with what POAL are trying to do in having industrial relations practices that are similar to Tauranga, can simply not believe his luck in having a bunch of Auckland union drongos drive profits into the hands of PoT and Infratil, the majority owners of the Port of Tauranga. Is probably working the phones hard over summer with every major shipping company, importer and exporter to shift business to the Bay of Plenty. “Hello, is that you Toyota?”. PoT’s share price is up around 6% since December 1, not a bad rise in price for a utlity company that is supposed to be a defensive yield based stock.
Infratil – the only people in New Zealand who can run infrastructure properly in New Zealand. Majority owners of the Ports of Tauranga. CEO Marko Bogoievski and Executive Chairman Lloyd Morrison are highly regarded as top NZ businessmen – actually, the whole Infratil board looks like the who’s who of NZ business. They will be delirious with joy at the opportunities being presented to them.
UPDATE: Infratil are no longer on the PoT share register. They did own 24.7% at one stage, then owned ~5% around 2005 and sold down completely in 2006/2007. The PoT majority shareholder is Quayside Securities (subsidiary of BOP Regional Council) who own 55%.
I have had the shareholding of BOPRC described as a fantastic cornerstone shareholder (because that is how they behave despite owning a majority shareholding) as they allow the Board and Management complete autonomy to run the port commercially as the Port Companies intends.
We have had quite a few nominations. I have decided to not include John Key because as the captain and coach he would win hands down. So the nominations for the Whaleoil Awards – Best Minister are:
Tony Ryall – has there been a single Health related PR disaster in his time at the helm? I can’t think of one. The fact that he wanted a second term at this job when it traditionally has been the graveyard for many a political career speaks volumes of his tenacity.
Judith Collins – smacked around Corrections, implemented container cells and launched private prisons again, replaced Barry Matthews. In Police she turned around morale, gave Howard Broad his beans, sidelined useless contenders for his replacement and got in a solid Commissioner that the troops respected. She also stepped up to take the hard jobs that Simon Power refused to do, the implementation of 3 strikes, car crushing legislation and dealing with a wayward Supreme Court judge. One of the things she pushed for as well as Minister for Veterans Affairs is the funding of travel for Veterans going to commemorations. Wayne Mapp dropped the ball on that one and Crusher again stepped up to clean the mess.
Lockwood Smith – I am nominating Lockwood Smith for bringing respect and gravitas back tot he role of Speaker. I suspect though that Winston Peters will make life difficult once again, but Lockwood has dealt to him int eh past beating him a selection battle many years ago.
Steven Joyce – nominated for implementing the Kopu Bridge, early and under budget. Also for studiously ignoring the bleating attempts at extortion from Len Brown and his fellow travelers for billions of other people’s money to build a stupid train-set.
Best Minister
Total Voters: 611
Loading ...The new Kopu Bridge is finally open.
I well remember years and years of sitting in long queues at the Kopu Bridge waiting to go to Pauanui for my holidays, originally as a passenger in Dad’s car later as a driver when I would be towing the Hobie cat or a trailer. I once even road across the old bridge bridge when my Scout Troop cycled from Auckland to Pauanui one weekend.
I also remember the extensive lobbying that occurred in the 90s when Maurice Williamson was Transport Minister. Jeanette Fitzsimons when MP for Coromandel vociferously opposed anyone even speaking of the bridge.
Maurice never did get the drive built, despite my father ringing him every time he was stuck in traffic at the bridge and reminding him.
Steven Joyce has however managed to get it all done.
The Biggest Loser: Steven Joyce & National
So focused on protecting his own power Joyce refused to let John Key give the David Cameron speech to get rid of MMP.
As I have been predicting for a long time, National will not have viable coalition partners in 2014. Joyce’s short term focus on protecting his own power means the political environment became much, much tougher for National long term. You can see the proof of this in the gloating posts from left wing sites who know that the real battle was won in the referendum.
Biggest Winner: Russel Norman
Russel somehow managed to get the batshit crazy wing of the Green Party not to speak too much. He was was greatly aided by the departure of Keith Locke, Sue Bradford and Sue Kedgely and ran a professional, disciplined campaign that didn’t go off on a stupid leftwing tangent. 13 MPs is a huge tribute to Russel.
Unfortunately for Russel he is going to continually have to contend with the kind of dickhead that wants to sabotage National signs. Joylon and his merry men caused a massive diversion and embarrassment, and while the looney activist wing of the party are still around Russel is always going to have to watch the enemy within harder than the enemy without. Russel still managed to emerge from this with some credit with his prompt and unconditional apology to National and offer to remedy the situation.
Steven Joyce has released the Twelve biggest Lies of Labour. It was only going to be 11 but Phil lied about the Police last night:
12. Labour left the economy in good shape. WRONG - The economy had been in recession all year in 2008, floating mortgage rates were at 10.9 per cent, government spending was up 50 per cent in five years, and Treasury was forecasting debt to rise out of control forever.
11. National has cut hundreds of millions from early childhood education. WRONG – ECE funding has risen 40 per cent over the past three years.
10. ‘We will get back into surplus the same time as National.’ WRONG – Under any straightforward scrutiny of Labour’s revenue and expenditure numbers over the next four years.
9. ‘We will only borrow $2.6 billion more than National over the next three years.’ WRONG – Latest calculation is $15.6 billion extra over four years (excluding the Greens).
8. ‘Labour would forgo power company dividends and reduce prices.’ WRONG – Labour now says it will keep dividend income in government accounts.
7. ‘National will sell Kiwibank’ – WRONG
6. ‘Borrowing money to buy assets in the Super Fund is not borrowing.’ YEAH RIGHT
5. Fruit and vegetable prices ‘continue to spiral upward’. WRONG – currently same price as November 2008.
4. Prices have risen four times faster than wages in past three years. WRONG – After tax wages up 18 per cent in last three years, prices up 8 per cent.
3. Mixed ownership means forgoing dividends of $6-700 million per year. WRONG – Actually, around $220 million per year, and save that amount at least in reduced interest.
2. The income gap withAustralia has widened. WRONG – After tax incomes here have risen faster thanAustralia over the past three years.
1. Police recruitment being cancelled for all of next year. WRONG – One intake only postponed two months because of increased staff retention.
“Labour said they would campaign on the issues, but in fact they’ve gone back to the old Labour way of making things up, and hoping if they make a false allegation often enough people would start to believe it.”
