http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885
and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the
architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a
leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On 29/01/2017 4:56 p.m., Rich80105 wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885
and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the
architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Pity the left have the same comprehension failing as Rich. As for the
union selected leader of the Labour party's comments on English's
failure as a leader he seems to suffer from Richie's selective memory
unless he's suggesting Clark failed as a leader.

But guess when your as well brainwashed* as Rich and many on the so
called left it isn't surprising they keep pushing the same
misinformation even though the facts show the lefts 'leadership' do
suffer from extreme comprehension failure in all counts.

Pooh

*Many may feel this is impossible to do to Richie and the left as it
suggests they may actually at some time have had more than one
functioning brain cell.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:22 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and >>http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885
and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority: >>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the >>architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a >>leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English
seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to
claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in
what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump >administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the
stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from
some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but
that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by
others: >http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his
family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those
fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or
refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t
imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come
from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We
appreciate you. We have your back."

I missed posting this from Andrew Little - its sets it out more
directly than the link from him above http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/andrew-little-nz-must-say-no-to-donald-trump-s-poisonous-prejudice.html

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and >http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885
and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority: >http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the
architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a >leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English
seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to
claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in
what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump
administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the
stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from
some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but
that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by
others: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his
family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those
fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or
refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t
imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come
from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We
appreciate you. We have your back."

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On 31/01/2017 12:03 a.m., Rich80105 wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:22 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885
and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the
architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a
leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English
seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to
claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in
what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump
administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the
stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from
some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but
that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by
others:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his
family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those
fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or
refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t
imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come
from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We
appreciate you. We have your back."

I missed posting this from Andrew Little - its sets it out more
directly than the link from him above http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/andrew-little-nz-must-say-no-to-donald-trump-s-poisonous-prejudice.html

Pity liddle Andy has such a poisonous prejudice towards democracy and
suffers from the same inability to comprehend anything but his own blind
faith in his ability to drag Labour/Green from the cess pit they created
for themselves.

Pooh

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:03:07 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:22 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html

and >>>http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and >>>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885 >>>and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority: >>>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy, >>>instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the >>>architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his >>>first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a >>>leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English
seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to
claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in
what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump >>administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the
stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from
some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but >>that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by >>others: >>http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his >>family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those >>fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or
refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t
imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come >>from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We
appreciate you. We have your back."

I missed posting this from Andrew Little - its sets it out more
directly than the link from him above >http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/andrew-little-nz-must-say-no-to-donald-trump-s-poisonous-prejudice.html

And here's some more leadership: https://www.facebook.com/groopspeak/videos/1098360616958353/

Our Prime Minister and relevant Ministers are just hiding from the embarrassment - they thought a possible trade deal was the only thing
that mattered, and now they can't find it in them to criticise one of
their own . . .

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On 31/01/2017 11:20 a.m., Rich80105 wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:03:07 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:22 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html
and
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885 >>>> and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need
for a far broader priority:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy,
instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the
architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking
out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader,"
says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his
first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a >>>> leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has
failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English
seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to
claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in
what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump
administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the
stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from
some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but
that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by
others:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his
family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those
fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or
refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t
imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come
from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We
appreciate you. We have your back."

I missed posting this from Andrew Little - its sets it out more
directly than the link from him above
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/andrew-little-nz-must-say-no-to-donald-trump-s-poisonous-prejudice.html

And here's some more leadership: https://www.facebook.com/groopspeak/videos/1098360616958353/

Our Prime Minister and relevant Ministers are just hiding from the embarrassment - they thought a possible trade deal was the only thing
that mattered, and now they can't find it in them to criticise one of
their own . . .

Just another loopy lefty displaying his need for a change of Treasures
Rich. Now if the Labour party could find a leader who could actually win
a seat and wing a bogus leadership election without having to rely on
his union bully boys support you might have the beginnings of an argument.

However as your quasi leader doesn't have to worry about behaving like a
real leader guess he'll just keep on being an embarrassment to New
Zealand and continue to spout similar bullshit to that issuing from you
Rich and the muppets misreporting the facts in the msm.

Pooh

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 11:20:17 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:03:07 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Tue, 31 Jan 2017 00:00:22 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com>
wrote:

On Sun, 29 Jan 2017 16:56:56 +1300, Rich80105<rich80105@hotmail.com> >>>wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/labour-greens-launch-blitz-on-failing-bill-english.html

and >>>>http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/patrick-gower-labour-green-combo-best-left-vibe-in-years.html
and >>>>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11790885 >>>>and an example of using personal experience as an example of the need >>>>for a far broader priority: >>>>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/88872481/andrew-little-uses-own-cancer-battle-to-highlight-labours-health-policy

From Newshub:
" . . .Ms Turei says Mr English only does what is politically easy, >>>>instead of what is politically right.

"We have a new Prime Minister who believes Government can do no more.
A Prime Minister who won't end poverty. A Prime Minister who is the >>>>architect of the housing crisis. A Prime Minister who accepts locking >>>>out an entire generation from warm, safe, and affordable housing."

"We got a new Prime Minister last year, but we don't have a leader," >>>>says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has failed his >>>>first tests of leadership.

"Bill English is a competent bean counter, but he's showing he's not a >>>>leader," says Mr Little. "Since taking the reins, Bill English has >>>>failed his first tests of leadership.

Since there has been no comment, I'll add to the above.

The other element of leadership is of course principles. Bill English >>>seems to believe that money is all; and even then he is timid. It is
all very well to underpromise in the hope of over-delivering, but to >>>claim as he did on one issue that government has reached its limits in >>>what can be done is just craven cowardice. Now he has said in relation
to international trade: "So we will work with whatever the Trump >>>administration produces. That's what you have to do when you're a
small country."

Sorry, Bill, on matters of principle New Zealand can make up its own
mind - it has in the past, and we expect our government to take the >>>stance that we will endeavour to promote what is good for our country
and the world - our size is irrelevant in relation to good ideas and
the will to promote them. As.Ms Turei says Mr English only does what
is politically easy, instead of what is politically right.

Now in relation to Trumps latest debacle over restricting people from >>>some countries from entering the USA, world leaders have been
outspoken in their criticism - Bill English says he doesn't agree, but >>>that's really as far as he wants to take it. Doubtless he was waiting
for a focus group to guide his response - again National shows they
are focused only on popularity and themselves.

Contrast the slow and weak response from National with statements by >>>others: >>>http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/world/323342/world-leaders-decry-trump's-refugee-ban
and
http://www.labour.org.nz/where_is_bill_english_on_trump_muslim_ban

and from Justin Lester:
"Wellington is a welcoming city. We stand up against hate and
intolerance and no matter where you come from, you are welcome here.

One of the best parts of my job is getting to run citizenship
ceremonies, to welcome new Kiwis to Wellington. I meet hundreds of
people each year who love New Zealand, like Keerti Sadacharam and his >>>family who want to start a life here, who want to contribute to their
new communities.

Right now it seems like there are more and more voices around the
world promoting division and intolerance.

To see the President of the United States banning refugees and those >>>fleeing persecution is appalling. I think of the young immigrant or >>>refugee families I see at those citizenship ceremonies and I can’t >>>imagine what it must be like for them to see the most powerful man in
the world talk about them like that.

So let’s be clear: here in Wellington it doesn’t matter where you come >>>from, what you look like or what you believe. We welcome you. We >>>appreciate you. We have your back."

I missed posting this from Andrew Little - its sets it out more
directly than the link from him above >>http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2017/01/andrew-little-nz-must-say-no-to-donald-trump-s-poisonous-prejudice.html

And here's some more leadership: >https://www.facebook.com/groopspeak/videos/1098360616958353/

Our Prime Minister and relevant Ministers are just hiding from the >embarrassment - they thought a possible trade deal was the only thing
that mattered, and now they can't find it in them to criticise one of
their own . . .

Even a long time National supporter - Audrey Young - recognises the
danger for National of English 'cruising' - he appears to be in
holiday mode:

"When English finally spoke to the news media about an issue that has
horrified New Zealanders, the best he could do was to say he
"disagreed" with the Trump move and that is was "discrimination."

More astonishing than the flaccid response was English's insistence
that it amounted to criticism of the US policy.

English was slow to respond to an issue causing anguish around the
world and his response was inadequate.

For the first time in a while, Labour and the Greens look sharper and
more focused than National.

Andrew Little in his state of the nation said New Zealand had a new
Prime Minister but not a leader.

English came close to proving him right yesterday."

I am surprised that the normal National supporters have not made any
attempts to defend the lack-lustre and disappointing response to
current issues from National - but perhaps they see that National's
posisibion is becoming indefensible.

To go back to the beginning of this post - Labour and the Greens are
provising the confidence in New Zealand and themselves, andthe
identification of priorities that the country is looking for. It seems
that without John Key National is flailing without leadership -
effectively following their own examle of wimping out at the next
by-election and thinking they don't need to even represent our
country, let alone address problems. Arrogance or stupidity? Do we
care?

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)