I’ve noticed for a while now that National have been goading Labour to release their policies.
This latest is from Chris Penk —
He’s not the only one.
Why?
I asked this question last night, and the answer is fairly simple - we have a winner1
Mind, you, National are not the only ones clamouring for detailed answers.
Many on the left are also impatient, but personally, I urge folks to keep their powder dry.
Labour needs time to go through their internal processes, as Darien Fenton pointed out this morning on her page.
National are also very impatient, but have been giving us previews about how they will build on their big lies2 from the last few years
This is one example -
National know Labour are the party to beat here.
The right’s materials are ready, and prepped.
They ran this game the first time round too -
By the way, Labour’s response to the attacks were accurate pre- 2024 election - but not enough listened —
The NZ Council of Trade Unions could not have been more bang on -
The Green Party also tried to warn us -
Regardless - my view is there is absolutely no rush for Labour to release their policies.
And my very, very personal stance is the later, the better in this case.3
This is a well resourced, moneyed up machine the left is up against, which at least out-moneys the left 11 to 1.
And that’s just on official channels.
As well as enjoying the favour of NZ’s uber-wealthiest, media conglomerate NZME’s Chair is Steve Joyce, who was also awarded King’s Honours4 this year on Cabinet’s recommendation.
Finally, National / ACT / NZ First also appear friendly with a series of affiliate organisations - this includes Groundswell, Taxpayers Union, Free Speech Union, Ratepayers Alliance etc.
In other words, the right is well prepared and resourced, and ready to blanket anyone who is not well versed in political affairs.
Let me be clear -
National really, really, really wants Labour to release their policies.
My take:
We should keep our powder dry, no mater the desire for instant gratification right now.
The objective is to stop the destruction and libertarianism of our country - that means, to prevent a second term of the ones who will sell it off.
Hold the line, folks - if you can.
Hold the line.
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National is selling New Zealand to the wealthy and foreigners, paving the way so they can easily do so - with Winston Peters’ support.
The Overseas Investment Act submission closes in two days - submit at Parliament by Wednesday 23 July 11:59pm
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Thank you Gary
I will be writing about this topic, but they include the common attack phrases used by National
What this government is doing, and has done, will take much to rectify, if at all - from 10 year health privatisation contracts, to under-funding our GPs, to using our money to embed corporate healthcare into our culture, destructive environmental policy, allowing more sewerage into our freshwater, playing toxic American culture wars, slashing workers’ rights, attacking pay equity - the list goes on…
Ruth Richardson was also nominated and received the honour
Prior to this government, I was pretty apathetic when it came to politics. I was a public servant and we had to be politically neutral.
However, I’m not a public servant anymore, and I’m angry and frustrated.
For the first time in my life I’ve become a member of a political party. Kieran McAnulty is my local Labour MP and he inspires me.
I’ve been to several meetings now, and I am much more enlightened to the political process. And it is a process.
Thank you MT and Darien for putting up the image showing the process.
The Regional conferences have happened, which is where the regional electorate groups can suggest policy.
The next step is confirming nominees for electorate candidates.
Then the National conference is in November as Stephen D mentions. This is where Regional policy suggestions are tabled.
So policies are underway, but won’t be publicized until after the National conference. The basic core focus is on the Labour Party website, but more detail is coming.
Strategy is important, especially when countering the CoC’s lies.
I encourage you to join and support your chosen Candidate and/or party (whoever it may be).
If they are opposition (which is likely since you are a MT reader), they need all the support they can get. And you’ll meet like minded people 😊
Excellent perspective on why the left should stay quiet on policy. I had not thought about this before. Those orgs that support the right and have tons of money all have 1 thing in common, Jordan Williams. He's the founder of TPU, FSU, Groundswell (although he likes to hide that one), Auckland Ratepayers etc. If you thumb through any Atlas Network annual report from the last few years you'll often see his face pop up prominently. He's one of their favourite guys due to all the stirring he's done. Some of his staff are now also popping up in their annual reports. As Friedman said RW think tanks made the policies of Thatcher and Reagan possible... and they're still doing that today.