If National wins ...

[elZorro]

Of course you think that. She's not a Labour MP, and therefore obviously guilty.

Labour wouldn't be as lazy or arrogant in promoting someone who can bully the press, into a very senior position - without knowing the full background for certain. And only a born-to-rule person with that known and possible history, would put their name forward for the job, one which needs the highest standards to be achieved to represent NZ voters.

I am growing increasingly proud of Labour's links with the Green Party.

They had their AGM yesterday, releasing the policy of carbon neutrality for NZ by 2050. And unlike National's policy of predator free NZ by 2050, all done with a few million dollars (when billions are needed) it's not impossible. You could argue that we have to do it, this not a nice-to-have policy. It's no use pretending to save our special species here in NZ, when all around us the entire world is heating up, and we're recklessly helping the process along.

https://www.facebook.com/nzgreenpart...4553143081372/

[fungus pudding]

Labour wouldn't be as lazy or arrogant in promoting someone who can bully the press, into a very senior position - without knowing the full background for certain. And only a born-to-rule person with that known and possible history, would put their name forward for the job, one which needs the highest standards to be achieved to represent NZ voters.

I've heard National relentlessly search the late night bars, the knock-shops, the drug and gambling dens and other drop in and drop out centres, desperately searching for new party members to promote to senior positions.
Have you heard that too?

[elZorro]

I've heard National relentlessly search the late night bars, the knock-shops, the drug and gambling dens and other drop in and drop out centres, desperately searching for new party members to promote to senior positions.
Have you heard that too?

In this case, they probably succeeded.

[Baa_Baa]

Of course you think that. She's not a Labour MP, and therefore obviously guilty.

Not obviously guilty or innocent, probably somewhere in between, though even as a National supporter I think these allegations should be tested and dealt with regardless of the outcome. It is a moral obligation and the right thing to do, otherwise leaving it to speculation taints the party and risks a festering sore exploding nearer the election, or after it.

Deal with it National!

[BlackPeter]

In this case, they probably succeeded.

Better tread with care, eZ. While I have no insider knowledge into Paula's past and no desire to learn more about it, but if it is what you are insinuating, it sounds like she would be an amazing candidate to represent Labour's main clientele . Be very afraid ...

However - more importantly - the difference between Bennett and Little is that Little may not even make it back into parliament - just listen to the populist you hold in such a high regard - he might have another good point (after calling the Greenies racist ...):

https://www.nbr.co.nz/article/peters...ment-ck-205320

Not that I particularly like the man, but he looks from day to day better than Little (which is admittedly not hard to achieve).

[Bjauck]

...
If somebody is populist it means that this person tries to be popular by promising simple solutions to complex problems which don't work (but sound good, particularly for simple minds and brains under the influence ...).
...

Under that definition, isn't national a populist party? It may support the status quo (and appeal to its voter base) by offering simple (do next to nothing) solutions to various issues. Its housing "policy" being case in point. Reform in several areas may be needed.

Modern USA and France were born in populism, populist solutions and consequent horrors? Not all policies provide immediate improvement.

[BlackPeter]

Not obviously guilty or innocent, probably somewhere in between, though even as a National supporter I think these allegations should be tested and dealt with regardless of the outcome. It is a moral obligation and the right thing to do, otherwise leaving it to speculation taints the party and risks a festering sore exploding nearer the election, or after it.

Deal with it National!

Depends which of the accusations you talk about. If you are talking about the alleged fraud cases, than I agree. Should be as well quite easy to check. However - wouldn't it be the role of the police to sort that out? Just wondering why EZ is not just reporting his insinuations to the police instead of alleging that there might be mud he could throw if he would have the balls.

If she is found guilty (after a proper investigation and trial), than sure - lock her up. However - if this is just the next attempt of the Left to influence the elections by spreading false accusations (as they do), than I hope that the accuser will go behind bars. Too much unfounded mud throwing in our society.

[BlackPeter]

Under that definition, isn't national a populist party? It may support the status quo (and appeal to its voter base) by offering simple (do next to nothing) solutions to various issues. Its housing "policy" being case in point. Reform in several areas may be needed.

Modern USA and France were born in populism, populist solutions and consequent horrors? Not all policies provide immediate improvement.

Look, it is easy to point to individual issues which could be still better. No matter who is in government - there are always things you can improve. As well - it is the nature of democracy that any party needs to implement a certain amount of populist policies ... problem is that the population typically does not vote based on past outcomes, but based on future pointing policies ... and this means the policies can't be optimised for good future outcomes, but they must be optimised for what the average voter (not understanding complex systems) thinks might be best (but is not).

However - if I compare the modern New Zealand with most other countries, than I must say that our current government did a pretty good job. As a country we have some of the lowest public debts, we have one of the best (and still affordable) health systems in the world (even if there is always something to improve), we have a reasonable education system, we have one of the lowest levels of corruption of all countries in the world, we have a very low rate of unemployment, we have a good legal system (again, despite much room for improvement), and our social system is (if we compare cost and benefits) actually quite good as well in comparison. You find us probably in all of these disciplines somewhere in the top 10 countries in the world.

Sure - we always like to moan, but if National / ACT / United / Maori party really achieved this enviable positIon (compared to other countries) by doing nothing, than maybe this was the best thing the government could have done. Why change something which is not broken? Not sure, though why you call this "populist"?

[fungus pudding]

In this case, they probably succeeded.

I've found the problem eZ. You're getting Paula Bennett mixed up with the Greens deputy leader, Maturia Turei. She was obviously aware of your confusion, so admitted to benefit fraud at their annual meeting today. That should be enough for Mr. Plod to polish up the handcuffs.
No doubt you'll be ready, willing and able to accuse her of all those other things, e.g. prostitution, drunkenness, and pot smoking as well.

[elZorro]

I've found the problem eZ. You're getting Paula Bennett mixed up with the Greens deputy leader, Maturia Turei. She was obviously aware of your confusion, so admitted to benefit fraud at their annual meeting today. That should be enough for Mr. Plod to polish up the handcuffs.
No doubt you'll be ready, willing and able to accuse her of all those other things, e.g. prostitution, drunkenness, and pot smoking as well.

There's probably a statute of limitations on this, Metiria is fairly safe.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-...its-single-mum

She didn't use multiple frauds to help pay off a house or anything, she was doing a law degree. I expect she knows how to say hyperbole, that's also useful when representing NZ. As for there being a whisper out there that Paula Bennett, currently Deputy Prime Minister of NZ, may have been on the game at some stage - well that's a whole new saga.