Sorry, only commenting right now about what you say at the top of the page. I think we have a duty either to complain formally or at least to text 2101 and complain about Ingrid Hipkiss when we hear this stuff.
I've just done so about this interview, and have done so a couple of times before. Not long ago, she interviewed Chris Hipkins, and it was a hatchet job: she was rude, shut him down and was cutting and dismissive, and I could only applaud him for maintaining his courtesy and equanimity. She should not be on political topics, she has no understanding, and what seems clearly to be political bias really shows. If RNZ wants Morning Report to get its numbers back, it needs to put the good people there. Grrrr. ❤
Sorting out Hipkiss is just grist for the mill Susie. Frankly, the left should just practice their debating tactics on her and have fun tying her in knots. It will be good practice for what’s coming. There will be much worse.
I wonder if Hipkiss is looking over her shoulder. The recent release of the inquiry that looked at RNZ and why they are shedding listeners hand over fist stated that some presenters were useless and shouldn't be there or at the least have further training.
I personally would put Hipkiss in this basket.....she's useless. That performance this morning was disgraceful. She let that bloody Willis interrupt repeatedly. How can they possibly tout this new program on Morning Report as serious politics?
I listen to Kathryn Ryan's political interview on Monday morning but find she overtalks and swings to the right quite regularly. I went off her a big way sometime ago after she described Ardern as being flakes.
Another day in paradise MT, but this one I savoured.
I won’t lie, watching Willis implode was a guilty pleasure. Thanks Ingrid, that was the best-worst interview I’ve ever seen. What a joke of session that was. 100% amateur. I’m not sure we should even call it an interview. Maybe go back to the weather. Just a suggestion.
And wow, Willis was verging on paranoid. She is really rattled. There is shit going on behind the scenes in National and it leaked out through a thoroughly vile Nicola Willis. I hope she does replace Luxon, she will make them even more unpopular….if that’s possible.
No, really, these guys are cooked. What we saw is all they’ve got. Of course, the wealthy and sorted they work for will be getting uncomfortable too. You’re bang on about the right’s war chest MT. It’s going to be overflowing, but you can’t carry on like this government is and get away with it. It’s the vibe and their vibe is loser. They’re gone-burgers. Yes, I know, rein it in, back you come, chill, settle down mate. I get it, it’s a big call, but I’m making it…with one caveat. Ready, here it is.
Labour needs to deliver sensationally good, forensically researched, game-changing, policies hardwired to deliver genuine economic, environmental, and societal transformation. Yes, goodbye status quo. And no fluffing the execution. You’re right about their copywriting and messaging MT. That’s a fine art. Their messaging needs to be surgical and it needs to be emotional if they want people to engage enough to take action and vote.
But the government is vulnerable. You don’t lose your shit like Willis did if you’re winning. Luxon is no better. Look at him, he is in outright panic. He knows he is a one-termer. It shows on his face. Shortly the three coalition parties will start thinking about 2026, which makes them even more vulnerable. And as you’ve pointed out MT, if the left votes, the left wins. Frankly, that works. It tells people on the left they have agency. They can throw this lot out.
Come on Chippy, Chlöe, Debbie, get it together. Surely parties representing the worker and the environmentalists and the indigenous can get rid of a bunch of greedy pricks who don’t care about any of those things? People, planet, and places are all connected. Start by deconstructing the governments disastrous tenure to date. Let’s be frank here, they’re an out and out f**k up. They haven’t got a commercial leg to stand on. They are chumps, class clowns, a circus act.
Willis’ yodelling or screeching parrot or whatever that shit show of an interview was says it all. The government is out of gas. Chippy, take Sun Tzu off the shelf tonight mate, read up, and make a plan. I can’t wait to see it, but do not let them settle down again. Dial into your inner killer instinct, start eating some steaks - regenerative of course. Ramp up the pressure, even if it’s subtle. Do them slowly if you like, but do them. And remember, always take a gun to a gun fight. Good luck.
It’s the vibe MT. My caveat is the quality of the messaging on the left. What is there message going to be? If it’s lame, all bets are off, but Luxon and Willis are rattled and that’s with the media ostensibly on their side.
One thing I remember from when Gareth Morgan started TOP is that they did some research to determine what percentage of voters consider policy when they are deciding who to vote for. It came out as 6%. The policy platform is really important to me, and writers and readers I engage with here, but most voters are voting on vibe, or traditional allegiance.
If we can conceive it, we can achieve it. Nah, seriously, they look like they’re out of ideas. The fallout of their incompetence is widening. As an example, Kitchen Things just went into liquidation today, so even relatively robust businesses are tipping over now. They were directly linked to the housing economy and that has failed to fire. Willis has drained the tank and the economic engine is spluttering. Luxon has spun himself and his government into oblivion. Can they hold? I don’t think they can unless the left drop the ball.
Reading on further below your main post, the screen shot about Nurses who refuse to be redeployed from ICU to wards (where they don’t have the correct training to perform that role) being docked 10% of their pay (that they’ve already earned by working in ICU) if they refuse…. I’m gobsmacked, please tell me this isn’t true. If it is that’s just employer abuse, how can that be legal?words fail me!
Absolutely agree, and also concerning for nurse and patients when the nurse from a general ward is sent to do a shift on an understaffed intensive unit! Would be illuminating to monitor nurses' blood pressure - oh, I forgot, nurses are disposable - no need for such niceties.
The ever-nigh implosion of the coalition (anyone else notice the recently deposed deputy PM left hand tremors on parl TV today - he clasps it with his right) means an early election for sure
Mmm I wonder if he has early stage dementia? Winston has always been a quick wit, but these days he seems mean - for sport - and is so smug about his own ‘jokes’.
He's very mean....seems to barking at every passing car in a nasty way. I have never supported him but I have enjoyed his outrageous humour. It's gone.
Oh dear! The same stuff keeps popping up! Does anyone still doubt my contention that journalists would prefer to make the news rather than report it?
I think you are right that we are looking at a "dirty" election—one that will see little truth coming from the National Party. I do hope Nicky Hager has his pen poised.
But, of course, one of the ways to combat false and misleading propaganda is to state and restate the truth, and then state it again. And the truth about Labour's spending during the Covid years is that it was neither excessive nor reckless. How many of us did NOT die as a result of the pandemic? How many of our smaller businesses did NOT succumb as a result?
So did the government of the day overspend? Was it reckless? The facts speak for themselves. I wish only that some journalists would seek these facts for themselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented global situation, compelling governments to borrow heavily to fund public health measures, support businesses, and provide household income relief which led to a sharp and significant increase in public debt across all developed nations. For a small economy like New Zealand, entering the crisis with a comparatively low debt, the scale of the outcome over the pandemic is notable when compared to other countries. The total cost of the pandemic response over 2020-2025 is estimated at NZ$66 billion, equivalent to over 20% of GDP. This spending caused New Zealand's net debt to rise from 9.3% of GDP in 2019 to 21.5% by 2023.
However, while our debt-to-GDP ratio has more than doubled, our per-capita debt at NZ$16,718 remains the lowest among nations we might compare ourselves with, even though the sharp increase from a low base represented a significant burden. The larger economies, already carrying substantial debt, saw their per-capita liabilities deepen considerably. The United States, for instance, saw its total federal debt reach US$33.1 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2023, pushing the burden to nearly US$100,000 per person. The UK′s public sector net debt reached £2.7 trillion, or around £39,300 per person, half that of the US and more than 5 times our debt.
The irony of the current business situation in our country is that we are seeing the demise of some enterprises that were supported by Labour during the pandemic, failing because of the economic circumstances engendered by the egregious actions of the present government. I know it is an exhausted cliché, but can this lot lie straight in bed?
Sorry, only commenting right now about what you say at the top of the page. I think we have a duty either to complain formally or at least to text 2101 and complain about Ingrid Hipkiss when we hear this stuff.
I've just done so about this interview, and have done so a couple of times before. Not long ago, she interviewed Chris Hipkins, and it was a hatchet job: she was rude, shut him down and was cutting and dismissive, and I could only applaud him for maintaining his courtesy and equanimity. She should not be on political topics, she has no understanding, and what seems clearly to be political bias really shows. If RNZ wants Morning Report to get its numbers back, it needs to put the good people there. Grrrr. ❤
Sorting out Hipkiss is just grist for the mill Susie. Frankly, the left should just practice their debating tactics on her and have fun tying her in knots. It will be good practice for what’s coming. There will be much worse.
Cheers, James
Hope someone tries!
Oh yes there will be worse. And with private media - not much you can do about their editorial policy.
Just not accepting this on RNZ.
You’re right Susie, it’s rubbish. Hipkins should be ashamed of herself. I didn’t realise she was such a rabid right winger. I’m learning. 😁
I dunno James, but if it talks like a duck . . .
Yep….webbed feet, yellow feathers, loves water…..
As always M T gives the facts and contests the hypocrisy and deceits of individual members of the COC. Thanks.
I wonder if Hipkiss is looking over her shoulder. The recent release of the inquiry that looked at RNZ and why they are shedding listeners hand over fist stated that some presenters were useless and shouldn't be there or at the least have further training.
I personally would put Hipkiss in this basket.....she's useless. That performance this morning was disgraceful. She let that bloody Willis interrupt repeatedly. How can they possibly tout this new program on Morning Report as serious politics?
That felt extremely unserious to me, is this her usual standard?
Yes
Grim!
Unfortunately, yes.
Back to weather.
I listen to Kathryn Ryan's political interview on Monday morning but find she overtalks and swings to the right quite regularly. I went off her a big way sometime ago after she described Ardern as being flakes.
Sadly, the ‘flakes’ are in office now aren’t they Cheryl. Ironic.
Another day in paradise MT, but this one I savoured.
I won’t lie, watching Willis implode was a guilty pleasure. Thanks Ingrid, that was the best-worst interview I’ve ever seen. What a joke of session that was. 100% amateur. I’m not sure we should even call it an interview. Maybe go back to the weather. Just a suggestion.
And wow, Willis was verging on paranoid. She is really rattled. There is shit going on behind the scenes in National and it leaked out through a thoroughly vile Nicola Willis. I hope she does replace Luxon, she will make them even more unpopular….if that’s possible.
No, really, these guys are cooked. What we saw is all they’ve got. Of course, the wealthy and sorted they work for will be getting uncomfortable too. You’re bang on about the right’s war chest MT. It’s going to be overflowing, but you can’t carry on like this government is and get away with it. It’s the vibe and their vibe is loser. They’re gone-burgers. Yes, I know, rein it in, back you come, chill, settle down mate. I get it, it’s a big call, but I’m making it…with one caveat. Ready, here it is.
Labour needs to deliver sensationally good, forensically researched, game-changing, policies hardwired to deliver genuine economic, environmental, and societal transformation. Yes, goodbye status quo. And no fluffing the execution. You’re right about their copywriting and messaging MT. That’s a fine art. Their messaging needs to be surgical and it needs to be emotional if they want people to engage enough to take action and vote.
But the government is vulnerable. You don’t lose your shit like Willis did if you’re winning. Luxon is no better. Look at him, he is in outright panic. He knows he is a one-termer. It shows on his face. Shortly the three coalition parties will start thinking about 2026, which makes them even more vulnerable. And as you’ve pointed out MT, if the left votes, the left wins. Frankly, that works. It tells people on the left they have agency. They can throw this lot out.
Come on Chippy, Chlöe, Debbie, get it together. Surely parties representing the worker and the environmentalists and the indigenous can get rid of a bunch of greedy pricks who don’t care about any of those things? People, planet, and places are all connected. Start by deconstructing the governments disastrous tenure to date. Let’s be frank here, they’re an out and out f**k up. They haven’t got a commercial leg to stand on. They are chumps, class clowns, a circus act.
Willis’ yodelling or screeching parrot or whatever that shit show of an interview was says it all. The government is out of gas. Chippy, take Sun Tzu off the shelf tonight mate, read up, and make a plan. I can’t wait to see it, but do not let them settle down again. Dial into your inner killer instinct, start eating some steaks - regenerative of course. Ramp up the pressure, even if it’s subtle. Do them slowly if you like, but do them. And remember, always take a gun to a gun fight. Good luck.
This is so good.
It’s the vibe MT. My caveat is the quality of the messaging on the left. What is there message going to be? If it’s lame, all bets are off, but Luxon and Willis are rattled and that’s with the media ostensibly on their side.
One thing I remember from when Gareth Morgan started TOP is that they did some research to determine what percentage of voters consider policy when they are deciding who to vote for. It came out as 6%. The policy platform is really important to me, and writers and readers I engage with here, but most voters are voting on vibe, or traditional allegiance.
So true
Ooohhh I do hope you’re right James! A couple of excellent speeches in parliament today - Kieran & Ginny - wonderful to listen to!
If we can conceive it, we can achieve it. Nah, seriously, they look like they’re out of ideas. The fallout of their incompetence is widening. As an example, Kitchen Things just went into liquidation today, so even relatively robust businesses are tipping over now. They were directly linked to the housing economy and that has failed to fire. Willis has drained the tank and the economic engine is spluttering. Luxon has spun himself and his government into oblivion. Can they hold? I don’t think they can unless the left drop the ball.
Reading on further below your main post, the screen shot about Nurses who refuse to be redeployed from ICU to wards (where they don’t have the correct training to perform that role) being docked 10% of their pay (that they’ve already earned by working in ICU) if they refuse…. I’m gobsmacked, please tell me this isn’t true. If it is that’s just employer abuse, how can that be legal?words fail me!
Absolutely agree, and also concerning for nurse and patients when the nurse from a general ward is sent to do a shift on an understaffed intensive unit! Would be illuminating to monitor nurses' blood pressure - oh, I forgot, nurses are disposable - no need for such niceties.
A shocking account!! There is certainly no honour among the thieves!!
Wait, wait wait!!! Hold up!!!
Did Aunty Nicky say $8.9B is debt servicing costs(?)
How much did they spend in tax cuts again???
How much did they increase the defence budget by...again?
The ever-nigh implosion of the coalition (anyone else notice the recently deposed deputy PM left hand tremors on parl TV today - he clasps it with his right) means an early election for sure
Mmm I wonder if he has early stage dementia? Winston has always been a quick wit, but these days he seems mean - for sport - and is so smug about his own ‘jokes’.
He's very mean....seems to barking at every passing car in a nasty way. I have never supported him but I have enjoyed his outrageous humour. It's gone.
Yes me too Cheryl - I suspect Patricia is right about the Parkinson’s. He shud retire while we can remember his Gold Card 😉
Definitely not as fast on his feet these days but then neither is this one. Hoping he gets a posting before he gets a pasting
That could be Parkinson's disease. I notice he seems far less robust in the last while, and he has lost some of his fluency in his sentences.
Thanks MT. A further examples of NZers being let down by publically funded media.
Oh dear! The same stuff keeps popping up! Does anyone still doubt my contention that journalists would prefer to make the news rather than report it?
I think you are right that we are looking at a "dirty" election—one that will see little truth coming from the National Party. I do hope Nicky Hager has his pen poised.
But, of course, one of the ways to combat false and misleading propaganda is to state and restate the truth, and then state it again. And the truth about Labour's spending during the Covid years is that it was neither excessive nor reckless. How many of us did NOT die as a result of the pandemic? How many of our smaller businesses did NOT succumb as a result?
So did the government of the day overspend? Was it reckless? The facts speak for themselves. I wish only that some journalists would seek these facts for themselves.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented global situation, compelling governments to borrow heavily to fund public health measures, support businesses, and provide household income relief which led to a sharp and significant increase in public debt across all developed nations. For a small economy like New Zealand, entering the crisis with a comparatively low debt, the scale of the outcome over the pandemic is notable when compared to other countries. The total cost of the pandemic response over 2020-2025 is estimated at NZ$66 billion, equivalent to over 20% of GDP. This spending caused New Zealand's net debt to rise from 9.3% of GDP in 2019 to 21.5% by 2023.
However, while our debt-to-GDP ratio has more than doubled, our per-capita debt at NZ$16,718 remains the lowest among nations we might compare ourselves with, even though the sharp increase from a low base represented a significant burden. The larger economies, already carrying substantial debt, saw their per-capita liabilities deepen considerably. The United States, for instance, saw its total federal debt reach US$33.1 trillion by the end of fiscal year 2023, pushing the burden to nearly US$100,000 per person. The UK′s public sector net debt reached £2.7 trillion, or around £39,300 per person, half that of the US and more than 5 times our debt.
The irony of the current business situation in our country is that we are seeing the demise of some enterprises that were supported by Labour during the pandemic, failing because of the economic circumstances engendered by the egregious actions of the present government. I know it is an exhausted cliché, but can this lot lie straight in bed?
Too good. Too good. Thank you.
Thanks for the breakdown so we can get our heads around how the coalition is managing to dominate debates.
You're welcome.
MT Have you been able to verify the nurses pay cut threat?
Denise I’m back (a few minutes later lol) - I’m pretty sure it’s ACT’s law that I pasted above. They are applying it to penalise the nurses.
Hi Denise, I have not but it fits in with this new ability ACT gave employers -
https://www.thepost.co.nz/business/360516512/govt-moves-let-bosses-dock-pay-partial-strikers
Ahhhh, now the penny drops!
I’ll explain more in article