If you think today’s National Board minutes leak was interesting – just wait until documents are tabled in the case Collins plans to take.
Explosive.
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Nat Board has a no Lusk policy
Posted by Trevor Mallard on May 8th, 2012Every now and again infighting gets so bad in the Nats that some gems are delivered to me. In this case it is a set of their Board and Board committee minutes.
You can view these documents from the Audit Committee here, the Communications Committee here, and the Board here.
The Audit committee outs McCully and his organisation as being slow to pay their levy. And Hunua too though less relevant when it comes to National Party leaks.
The most interesting section relates to their unofficial trainer Simon Lusk. See some of his previous history including his involvement in Nat pre selections and the failed anti MMP campaign here.
Candidates College
Michael reported that he has had a discussion with those MPs that have had an involvement with Simon Lusk. He has let them know that it is not appropriate for any MPs to engage with any alternative Candidates’ School that is not sanctioned by the Party. He said that this has been understood by all.He noted that these discussions had given rise to further discussion about the Party’s Candidates College and the gap in content that it potentially has.
He reported that Simon Lusk is running a further meeting purportedly aimed at educating local body aspirants. This has led some in Caucus to ask where the Party is positioned with local Body politics particularly in Auckland. Some Caucus members feel that they should be involved in this training programme. Michael believes however that they should remain distant and will have that discussion with those MPs.
Update on Simon Lusk
Michael reported a disturbing discussion that he has had with Simon Lusk that highlighted his motivations and a very negative agenda for the Party.
It was agreed that light needs to be shed on these issues with key influencers within the Party.
It was further agreed that his agenda represents a serious risk to the Party and this issue will be followed up with a further meeting between the President and the Whip.
There is a bit further into the minutes that relates to a Hutt South strategy. I’m honoured.
This week on Back Benches
Posted by Trevor Mallard on May 8th, 2012FOR SALE: Last Friday, a hikoi of 5000 marched to Parliament to protest the Government’s plan to sell state assets. The vote in Parliament will be close. Which way will the small parties fall? Did the 2011 election give the Government have a mandate for a mixed ownership model? Was the prospect of asset sales not scary enough to voters? Why do we need to own these assets? Is privatisation a dirty word?
GIMME A LOAN: The zero budget has brought big changes to the student loan scheme. Students will have to pay back their loans more quickly. While access to student allowances is tightened. Are these changes unfair to the youth of NZ? Are the students of tomorrow paying the prices for the students of yesterday who haven’t paid their loans? The money will be reinvested in tertiary education—so isn’t this a good thing?
PLAYING POSSUM: Playing possum, the NZ drinking game, which has some Dunedin students boozing until they fall out of trees has made international headlines. So, perhaps a good sign we’ve got a bit of an issue with the drink? Here are some proposals from the Alcohol Reform Bill—split purchase age, sales ban between 4am-7am, and parental permission for under-18s to drink at a party. Will these changes do the trick? Do they go far enough? Or are we over-reacting to a few stupid apples who ruin the cider for the rest of us?
Live pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 9th of May from 9:05pm and on TVNZ7.
The Panel: Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty, Labour MP Shane Jones, New Zealand First MP Brendan Horan and National MP Mark Mitchell.
iPredict – Banks won’t last
Posted by Trevor Mallard on May 2nd, 2012iPredict is often biased by inside information -so this is interesting :-
Act Leader and Epsom MP John Banks, and his colleague National MP Maurice Williamson, are both expected to be stood down as ministers by 15 May, with Mr Banks picked to be sacked or resign altogether before Budget Day on 24 May, according to the 6800 registered traders on www.iPredict.co.nz.
The New Zealand online predictions market is already offering 20 stocks on issues related to the growing scandal involving political donations from Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom, who is facing extradition to the United States on racketeering, money laundering and copyright charges. Other stocks will be added as events unfold.
According to prices at 1pm today, there is a 62% probability Mr Banks will stand down as a minister before Tuesday 15 May and a 56% probability for Mr Williamson.
(more…)
What Key said as Oppo leader – contrast with his action today
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 30th, 2012Key on Peters and Clark
“Governments and Ministers must enjoy the confidence of the Parliament and, ultimately, the public. Faced with today’s revelations, it is no longer acceptable for Mr Peters to offer bluster and insults where simple, courteous, honest answers are required.
“It is no longer acceptable or credible for Helen Clark to assert a facade of confidence in her Foreign Affairs Minister and to fail to ask the plain questions of him that she has a duty to the public to ask.
“Faced with today’s revelations, Helen Clark must stand Mr Peters down as a Minister. That is what I would do if I were Prime Minister.
Back Benches this week
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 30th, 2012THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES: Watch Wallace Chapman, Damian Christie, the Back Benches Panel and special guests discuss the week’s hottest topics.
POLITICAL ROUNDUP: This week has been full of political hot topics…the state of the parties, the state of their donations and dealings with the police. The Government is still riding high in the polls? So are the Greens. Meanwhile, Labour is trying to make a dent in their approval ratings. Do they have a problem of style vs. substance? Meanwhile, ACT’s John Banks is in hot water for campaign contributions. Do we need full disclosure over contributions to politicians and/or political parties? Is it a matter for police?
SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRY: Does New Zealand need a sex offender registry? Will a registry prevent new sex offenses? Or will a list merely stigmatise people who have served their time? In recent weeks, we’ve seen stories about convicted sex offenders—one a teacher, the other a school bus driver. Would a registry prevent that? Are we just naming and shaming? Are sex offenders different—do they ever serve their time? Does the proposed sex offenders registry go far enough? Do we need full public disclosure? How would you feel if a paedophile moved in next door?
A TIME TO DIE: Should we be able to decide when it’s time to die? New poll shows more of us support voluntary euthanasia. Labour’s Maryan Street as a “End of Life Choice Bill” would allow Kiwis to say when and how they die. But opponents say allowing euthanasia would lead to abuse. The bill has failed to pass twice before—but are we now more open to change? Should there be limits on who can determine their death? Perhaps reserved for the terminally ill?
Live pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 2nd of May, 9:05pm and on TVNZ7.
The Panel: Green Party MP Denise Roche, Labour MP Phil Twyford, Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell and National MP Maggie Barry.
Thanks Needle
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 28th, 2012Fred Allen died today.
His exploits as a soldier, All Black (every game as Captain), and unbeaten All Black coach are well recorded elsewhere.
I was lucky to spend a bit of time with him over the last couple of decades. He was always up for a chat about sport and/or politics. And right up to the RWC celebrations he was as sharp as his nickname.
And his advice certainly could not be described as politically correct, notwithstanding his praise of our first elected woman PM, nor gentle, despite him being a gentleman.
We are a better country because of him. Thanks Fred.
Show us your cards, John
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 18th, 2012
The Sky City deal that John Key has cut looks deeply dodgy. Is legislation for sale in NZ? Labour is committed to asking the questions that need to be asked around this deal and exposing the cronyism for what it is.
Check out our website on this and take a minute to email John Key and tell him what you think.
iPredict update
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 16th, 2012Key Points:
Bridgecorp directors awaiting sentencing all expected to be jailed for at least 3 ¼ years
John Wilson and Colin Armer lead in race to succeed Sir Henry van der Heyden as Chairman of Fonterra
Tertiary Education Commission and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise both expected to be swallowed into Steven Joyce’s new superministry, and David Smol overwhelmingly picked to be first CEO
Judith Collins may be getting cold feet on suing Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little
NZ Government to increase price of smokes and booze
Kim Dotcom not expected to be extradited to US until 2014 at the earliest but Julian Assange off to Sweden in July
Back Benches this week
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 16th, 2012THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES:
WHAT THE FRACK?: Fracking—the mining process which blasts a mixture of water, sand and chemicals deep into the earth to extract gas or petroleum. We’ve been doing it for decades but now there is Parliamentary inquiry into process. The Greens are calling for a moratorium on fracking until the inquiry is over but the Government says that’s not necessary. It’s controversial—the practice has been blamed for groundwater contamination and earthquakes. Is fracking safe? Is there enough oversight? Oil and Gas exports bring about $3 billion to the economy. Can we say no to the practice?
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: A bill by Labour’s Sue Moroney says 6 months(26 weeks) rather than the current 3.5 months/14 weeks. The Government says that is unaffordable. Do we need more time for the country to recover financially? Key has left the door open for the future—but will our country EVER be able to afford extended leave? Is it ever a good idea to borrow money for additional entitlements? Or are there benefits, bigger than financial to consider?
Live pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 18th of April, 9:05pm and on TVNZ7.
The Panel: Green Party MP Gareth Hughes, Labour MP Annette King, and National MP Katrina Shanks.
iPredict this week
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 11th, 2012Key Points:
• Georgie Pie may be on its way back
• Judith Collins to remain Minister but defamation action won’t succeed
• Nathan Guy favoured to be Primary Industries Minister by year’s end
• NZ Government to increase tobacco and alcohol excise duties
• Pengxin Group to get Crafar Farms in May
• Winston Peters to be Kingmaker in 2014; Labour to govern
• China and Australian economic stocks launched
(more…)
Back Benches this week
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 10th, 2012THIS WEEK ON BACK BENCHES—YOUTH WING SPECIAL
PAY IT BACK: The kids have been bludging from the taxpayer too long by buggering off to the UK or Oz rather than paying off their school loans, right? True or not, the Government is tackling student debt by making those borrowing more accountable. How? A shorter repayment holiday and the IRD chasing you down. Will this lower the debt? Is the Government being too tough? Is it in the country’s best interest for our youth to get a uni-degree? Do students understand what they’re getting into? And how many are dodging vs. how many are broke?
GETTING THE JOB: Now that you’ve got the student loans, it’s time to get a job. How on earth do you start? Does University prepare you for the work force? What on earth do you do with a BA in History? What are employers looking for? Are there jobs for the Uni-grad? And should we be advising our young what’s in demand?
TIME FOR BABY: How long should new parents stay home with baby? A bill by Labour’s Sue Moroney says 6 months(26 weeks) rather than the current 3.5 months/14 weeks. Is that affordable? Do we need the time for the country to recover financially? Will our country EVER be able to afford extended leave? Or should the leave time be longer? Are there benefits, bigger than financial to consider?
Live pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: Wednesday, 11th of April, 9:05pm and on TVNZ7.
This week the panel is representing the Youth Wing of the parties: ACT on Campus Hayden Fitzgerald, Young Greens Wilbur Townsend, Young Labour Glenn Riddell, New Zealand First Youth Curwen Rolinson, and Young Nationals Sean Topham.
Back Benches this week
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 2nd, 2012HOUSING CRUNCH?: Are we in a Housing Boom or a Housing Crunch? Perhaps it depends on whether you’re a renter or an owner? Should you buy or rent? Which is more affordable? Rents are on the rise and affordable housing is becoming more scarce. Why are rents going up? Does there need to be a limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent? Is this a local council issue? Should this be a national government issue? Or should we let the marketplace decide what it can bear?
SAVE THE DOLPHINS: Just 55 little (adult) Maui Dolphins are left. Is it time for urgent action to save the endangered animal? Can they be saved? Do we save endangered animals no matter the cost? Is a sanctuary or a net ban the solution? And do we need to have a big look at our fishing industry? Do you eat sustainably or do you throw a little Snapper or Bluefin Tuna on the grill?
The Panel: Green Party MP Steffan Browning, Labour MP Charles Chauvel, New Zealand First MP Andrew Williams, and National MP Tim Macindoe.
Live pub politics from the Backbencher Pub: 9:05pm Wednesday, 4th of April and on TVNZ 7.
Apology to Minister
Posted by Trevor Mallard on April 2nd, 2012Received via intermediary an email (part of one of a series, copied below) which caused me to review my suggestion that Joyce was involved in the Lusk/Act coup.
I have subsequently looked at my posts and thought again about the material I received at the time. I relied too heavily on one source and was probably wrong. The (partial) email below slaps me a bit so I thought I should share it.
Boag is close to senior Ministers and party figures. The Collins/Lusk camp needed to get her out of the way to then use her relationship with the others to target them. I won’t name who they are but the Collins/Lusk endgame is for Collins to emerge as the leader of the party, and Lusk to take over running of the party organisation. Yes, it is that insane.
Simon Lusk is the organiser behind Collins’ machinations. He is persona non grata within most elements of the National Party. Mallard fingered him in the House last year for his involvement in the Brash coup in Act, which he did organise. However Mallard got it spectacularly wrong when he claimed there was a secret deal between Joyce and Lusk for Lusk to take over Act. Joyce hates Lusk and was happy for Lusk to be severely embarrassed when it backfired.
So while I don’t think Joyce is a good Minister I was probably wrong in this instance and for that I apologise.
Herald gutless but suspect should out himself
Posted by Trevor Mallard on March 29th, 2012The Herald this morning reports that a former National MP is under investigation for assault.
A former National MP allegedly punched another customer in the face as shocked tellers looked on at an inner-city Wellington bank after an argument over a parking space.
Wellington police yesterday confirmed receiving a complaint from a man alleging he had been assaulted by another man on Monday last week in Courtenay Place. They said the incident was still under investigation.
Westpac spokesman Chris Mirams said there was an incident in the bank’s Courtenay Place branch that day and said Westpac was co-operating with the police.
The Herald has spoken to the victim of the alleged assault who said the incident arose from a disputed car park outside the bank.
The man, who did not wish to be named, said he had parked his car in a space outside the bank which another motorist had been intending to use. Words were exchanged, and while he was retrieving items from his car the other motorist, who had by that stage parked his vehicle elsewhere, tried to shut the car door on his legs.
Although “it didn’t really hurt at all”, the man said they exchanged further words when both were in the bank a few moments later.
However once the motorist completed his transaction “he just turned around and gave me a good old whack … a swinging right arm across the face”, the man said.
I’m not sure when former MPs deserve the protection that members of the public get while their cases are being investigated – but the problem with this story is that dozens of former MPs are implicated. While it is unlikely that Simon Power or Simon Upton were involved they are in that group of male former Nat MPs. I didn’t mention Don McKinnon because the suspect was driving and Don seems to be driven these days 
The Herald should have named the suspect.
And if the suspect is on the Nat list John Key should get on the phone and tell him to do the decent thing.
