1. Media. NZME and Stuff appear particularly weak especially on critical matters such as healthcare. Therefore most Kiwis don’t know the full extent of what is happening.
And/or are bamboozled by two siding issues and/or deception e.g. we”have to” privatize health care because Labour!”
A lack of fact checking and context is also harmful
Places like Newstalk are basically places for this government coalition to advertise themselves and it’s why eg Casey Costello went there but not other places
2. They are actively cultivating and harnessing grievances and fears to increase their power base among voters - particularly anti Māori sentiment - and I expect them to electioneer on taxes and scaring Kiwis in this way too closer to 2026
I have started sharing your articles since I found you and they are getting lots of likes and shares. I kind of feel that we need articles that pull the facts while the rest of us use it to discredit and mock him. he must be seen as a joke as much as possible. He's dangerous so the more he isn't taken seriously the better. I truly believe Luxon wants him doing these things because he wants it himself and then use him as the fall guy... why else would you give this guy a stint as deputy PM.
As our country struggles with the impact of child obesity and its associated long term health problems (and costs) we're swapping healthy, locally made lunches for industrial scale processed "food". While we may save a few dollars this year (and I say may) the long term cost is likely to be frightening. Seymour is teaching our kids that this slop is food - it's not.
These articles are both clear and vivid. I wish we could see such work in more widely read media (or perhaps more positively, these became more widely read!)
A lot of the current government's actions appear to be designed to reduce faith in expertise, you know those annoying nutritionists and educational experts. It's not unlike the current Trumpian project in the US. They aren't taking advice and they are implying we should not either. Fast track is a classic example, Marsden funding changes another. Speed Limits a particularly egregious one. We even see it in the TPB. Look at who is submitting for an against. Against - many respected institutions from F&B to Specialist Medical Colleges. Against - former TV personalities and a bunch of cranks. But the framing is that these are essentially just different sides of a "debate".
It's all an intentional strategy - but it didn't originate with this current government. It originated by the right and their junk tanks. They've long cultivated animosity towards those with expertise, coining the term "elites" in an attempt to discredit them. This government, as usual, is just using cheap second hand tactics employed by their affiliates and in some cases, Ministers themselves.
Same as those who write that Mountain Tui's work is on par with Russia Today - these are all insipid propaganda techniques intended to malign, misinform, and distract.
Hi MT. An excellent rebuttal of the arrogant prick. And re shame: I don't think Seymour suffers from shame or guilt- left out of his makeup sadly for the rest of us. Or deprogrammed by Atlas.
An easy-to-follow expose of NZ's acting PM. He is a well-trained actor of the ACT company of players. This government's School Lunches launch is clearly a fail
👏My observation that even as a pacifist I think he has the most punchable face on TV! Next A & P Show or whatever they should have one of those spring-loaded punching bags with his face on it & raise funds for feeding kids 🤔🫂
Dear MT what an earth would we do without you and several of your very good colleagues? I enjoyed reading this morning’s column because it was so factual so truthful and so meaningful! Our friend Seymour doesn’t see more at all but sees less – less about the welfare of people in New Zealand Less about the food values of school lunches and the necessity for these to be healthy and balanced and attractive. Children do meet matter! Children are the wealth of the future. They need to be healthy and educated. So when is this government going to recognise their obligations? Thank you MT
Once again a well researched article which was well worth a read. You successfully highlight the hypocrisy of ministers in this govt and especially the Act Party comments.
"Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got til it's gone..." Joni Mitchell was so right 👍 We swapped a flawed but kind & principled leader 🫂(or rather, drove her out by relentless bullying 🤷) for a Coalition-of-Cruelty seemingly run by this "arrogant prick" with support from his lawless & empathy-less cohort of Nats, ACT, & NZ1st "arrogant pricks". (So sad that one of them, Bayly, is no longer a Minister 🥹 🤣😂😁)
It beggars belief that ANYBODY would take his word about ANYTHING without unimpeachable evidence to support him, as he has proven to be a serial liar 🤷- I can only assume those who do are CHOOSING to because he says what they WANT to believe because it is certainly nothing to do with his charismatic personality 😱🤮
The Teflon Ter'rist, mutant Jack Russell, aka Smarmy Dave Seymour is Bullet Point Proof and isn't interested in addressing any of his obvious favouritism of Privatisation to the Dark Side Corporatist Global Chess Board. He's on a Roll!
No Stick (No flies on me) Teflon wears off in your Food, and eventually makes you sick enough to pitch the Frying Pan it's coated with! So whens that gonna happen???
Grin, Deflect and move on quickly is Smarmy's game plan, knowing that the Boss is terrified of losing power, therefore allows him Free Rein to do whatever his sick Libertarian mind comes up with. He's got the big Portfolio's and he intends to use them to his ideological advantage as often and cockily as possible to get his own way.
Winston knows better than mess with ole Smarmy when he's in his "I know you are, but what am I - 6 year old stage, that happens every time he walks into Parliament & Don's his Atlas, Tea Pot Cozy Suit and horrid Tie collection that everyone under their breath murmur "Really???".
You can learn all about Smarmy Dave from his interview shortly following the Election with Jack Tame. Deny, Deflect and change the subject while avoiding the simple questions while running his mouth off like a Diarrhetic Kereru with the runs after gobbling down a tree full of fermented Crab Apples full of Worms.
Nobody on his side of the Benches hauls him up, so he takes that to mean everything is fair slather, if he personally thinks he's entitled to be the Arrogant prick he is. It has become a trademark with ole Smarmy.
He thinks he's cute & you're dreaming if you think he would own up to anything he says, or does. Deny, Deflect and slip out the Backdoor like a thief in the night robbin the Ryman Old Folks Home.
He's our very own Ted Cruze, without the Evangelical Overcoat. The Flasher at the bus stop, shocking old Ladies comes to my mind, with this Primary School level Prankster mind & I know you are, but what am I attitude. No Flies on me, they're all on YOU!
Luxon needs to be held to account for Dave, but Luxon is desperate and clings to power like an Out of Survey Life Raft with BF Holes in it, adrift at Sea in a CAT 5 Typhoon without a compass, or a paddle.
A No Confidence Vote is just another Blink & Pole away & I'll pick ole Smarmy as the last Straw that breaks the Camels Back in upsetting this goofy Coalitions Tea Service.
Growth, Growth, Growth, sounds more like a Cancerous Tumour at this stage than any future we can expect from these Clowns. They're coming apart at the seems and shedding MP's at pace as their Jumper unravels and falls to bits. Just a matter of time now...
Labour should be rebuilt and ready to rock by the end of this year if they're going to be able to stem this irrational and Irresponsible, king-size Tide.
Hurry up Chippy, Shed the Snake Skin and get back to your Roots! A general Election a year early would be just fine with me, if you learn to share the next time around!
He's untouchable in his l'il mind & won't let up, as he knows he's got Luxons Nads in his pocket. Dangerous as a hungry snake with a cornered Mouse in its sights..
Well written Mountain Tui. Thank you for exposing the hypocrisy and ‘alternative facts’ as bare-faced lies.
My question is: how can this sort of behaviour go on?
They can do this via two means
1. Media. NZME and Stuff appear particularly weak especially on critical matters such as healthcare. Therefore most Kiwis don’t know the full extent of what is happening.
And/or are bamboozled by two siding issues and/or deception e.g. we”have to” privatize health care because Labour!”
A lack of fact checking and context is also harmful
Places like Newstalk are basically places for this government coalition to advertise themselves and it’s why eg Casey Costello went there but not other places
2. They are actively cultivating and harnessing grievances and fears to increase their power base among voters - particularly anti Māori sentiment - and I expect them to electioneer on taxes and scaring Kiwis in this way too closer to 2026
Agree, we must step up the mahi; thank you for helping us in what will be a ferocious battle!
So true!
I have started sharing your articles since I found you and they are getting lots of likes and shares. I kind of feel that we need articles that pull the facts while the rest of us use it to discredit and mock him. he must be seen as a joke as much as possible. He's dangerous so the more he isn't taken seriously the better. I truly believe Luxon wants him doing these things because he wants it himself and then use him as the fall guy... why else would you give this guy a stint as deputy PM.
Seymour loves lying about things that were said to him. Loves that by the time an OIA proves he was lying, no one cares anymore.
Precisely!
As our country struggles with the impact of child obesity and its associated long term health problems (and costs) we're swapping healthy, locally made lunches for industrial scale processed "food". While we may save a few dollars this year (and I say may) the long term cost is likely to be frightening. Seymour is teaching our kids that this slop is food - it's not.
He doesn’t care.
Agree fully.
Good point about the processed nature of the food. I haven’t seen a single fresh fruit or vege.
Did you see the Q & A on child poverty?
And the positive results of decent school lunches?
The thing is, I suspect Seymour wants minions.
These articles are both clear and vivid. I wish we could see such work in more widely read media (or perhaps more positively, these became more widely read!)
A lot of the current government's actions appear to be designed to reduce faith in expertise, you know those annoying nutritionists and educational experts. It's not unlike the current Trumpian project in the US. They aren't taking advice and they are implying we should not either. Fast track is a classic example, Marsden funding changes another. Speed Limits a particularly egregious one. We even see it in the TPB. Look at who is submitting for an against. Against - many respected institutions from F&B to Specialist Medical Colleges. Against - former TV personalities and a bunch of cranks. But the framing is that these are essentially just different sides of a "debate".
You have hit the nail on the head, Quentin.
It's all an intentional strategy - but it didn't originate with this current government. It originated by the right and their junk tanks. They've long cultivated animosity towards those with expertise, coining the term "elites" in an attempt to discredit them. This government, as usual, is just using cheap second hand tactics employed by their affiliates and in some cases, Ministers themselves.
Same as those who write that Mountain Tui's work is on par with Russia Today - these are all insipid propaganda techniques intended to malign, misinform, and distract.
Russia Today?! I mean seriously....fck my life!
Hi MT. An excellent rebuttal of the arrogant prick. And re shame: I don't think Seymour suffers from shame or guilt- left out of his makeup sadly for the rest of us. Or deprogrammed by Atlas.
An easy-to-follow expose of NZ's acting PM. He is a well-trained actor of the ACT company of players. This government's School Lunches launch is clearly a fail
Aced argument!
Also, to let myself be petty the mans muppet smiling puppet face when interviewed makes me feel like someones pulling their nails down a blackboard.
👏My observation that even as a pacifist I think he has the most punchable face on TV! Next A & P Show or whatever they should have one of those spring-loaded punching bags with his face on it & raise funds for feeding kids 🤔🫂
Dear MT what an earth would we do without you and several of your very good colleagues? I enjoyed reading this morning’s column because it was so factual so truthful and so meaningful! Our friend Seymour doesn’t see more at all but sees less – less about the welfare of people in New Zealand Less about the food values of school lunches and the necessity for these to be healthy and balanced and attractive. Children do meet matter! Children are the wealth of the future. They need to be healthy and educated. So when is this government going to recognise their obligations? Thank you MT
Great response to those supporting Seymour's stance. He should be so very ashamed of the harm he has caused.
Yes, Aunty was right about Seymour.
If he lies in our mainstream media forest and the media isn’t there, does anyone hear?
Or are there and close their eyes - to be fair TVNZ did a smashing job exposing his lies
Still waiting for NZME and Stuff to broadcast it
And RNZ have been extraordinary in following up on health and school lunches & Newsroom still doing great pieces (just ignore the NZI pieces)
If you're waiting for an apology it'll be a long time....this person is unbelievably arrogant.
Once again a well researched article which was well worth a read. You successfully highlight the hypocrisy of ministers in this govt and especially the Act Party comments.
"Don't it always seem to go, you don't know what you've got til it's gone..." Joni Mitchell was so right 👍 We swapped a flawed but kind & principled leader 🫂(or rather, drove her out by relentless bullying 🤷) for a Coalition-of-Cruelty seemingly run by this "arrogant prick" with support from his lawless & empathy-less cohort of Nats, ACT, & NZ1st "arrogant pricks". (So sad that one of them, Bayly, is no longer a Minister 🥹 🤣😂😁)
It beggars belief that ANYBODY would take his word about ANYTHING without unimpeachable evidence to support him, as he has proven to be a serial liar 🤷- I can only assume those who do are CHOOSING to because he says what they WANT to believe because it is certainly nothing to do with his charismatic personality 😱🤮
The Teflon Ter'rist, mutant Jack Russell, aka Smarmy Dave Seymour is Bullet Point Proof and isn't interested in addressing any of his obvious favouritism of Privatisation to the Dark Side Corporatist Global Chess Board. He's on a Roll!
No Stick (No flies on me) Teflon wears off in your Food, and eventually makes you sick enough to pitch the Frying Pan it's coated with! So whens that gonna happen???
Grin, Deflect and move on quickly is Smarmy's game plan, knowing that the Boss is terrified of losing power, therefore allows him Free Rein to do whatever his sick Libertarian mind comes up with. He's got the big Portfolio's and he intends to use them to his ideological advantage as often and cockily as possible to get his own way.
Winston knows better than mess with ole Smarmy when he's in his "I know you are, but what am I - 6 year old stage, that happens every time he walks into Parliament & Don's his Atlas, Tea Pot Cozy Suit and horrid Tie collection that everyone under their breath murmur "Really???".
You can learn all about Smarmy Dave from his interview shortly following the Election with Jack Tame. Deny, Deflect and change the subject while avoiding the simple questions while running his mouth off like a Diarrhetic Kereru with the runs after gobbling down a tree full of fermented Crab Apples full of Worms.
Nobody on his side of the Benches hauls him up, so he takes that to mean everything is fair slather, if he personally thinks he's entitled to be the Arrogant prick he is. It has become a trademark with ole Smarmy.
He thinks he's cute & you're dreaming if you think he would own up to anything he says, or does. Deny, Deflect and slip out the Backdoor like a thief in the night robbin the Ryman Old Folks Home.
He's our very own Ted Cruze, without the Evangelical Overcoat. The Flasher at the bus stop, shocking old Ladies comes to my mind, with this Primary School level Prankster mind & I know you are, but what am I attitude. No Flies on me, they're all on YOU!
Luxon needs to be held to account for Dave, but Luxon is desperate and clings to power like an Out of Survey Life Raft with BF Holes in it, adrift at Sea in a CAT 5 Typhoon without a compass, or a paddle.
A No Confidence Vote is just another Blink & Pole away & I'll pick ole Smarmy as the last Straw that breaks the Camels Back in upsetting this goofy Coalitions Tea Service.
Growth, Growth, Growth, sounds more like a Cancerous Tumour at this stage than any future we can expect from these Clowns. They're coming apart at the seems and shedding MP's at pace as their Jumper unravels and falls to bits. Just a matter of time now...
Labour should be rebuilt and ready to rock by the end of this year if they're going to be able to stem this irrational and Irresponsible, king-size Tide.
Hurry up Chippy, Shed the Snake Skin and get back to your Roots! A general Election a year early would be just fine with me, if you learn to share the next time around!
Ironically this debacle has put him on blast.
He's untouchable in his l'il mind & won't let up, as he knows he's got Luxons Nads in his pocket. Dangerous as a hungry snake with a cornered Mouse in its sights..