New Zealand is currently suffering from a lot of cuts to employment and increasing costs. There are strikes, lock outs and a move by companies towards flexible employment. Petrol is almost a high as it
has ever been at $2,20 a litre it hurts to stop at the pump. The first of the regulations for asset sales passed by only one vote. It seems that the gloss has come of the government and the public profile is falling away.
Special Votes Tomorrow
Results of special votes will be released tomorrow and there are tow seats that are very close. It will be interesting to see what the final result is.
National Returned
The National Party has been returned for a second term. Key does not have a large margin but enough to govern with a little help from Act & United future. Green Party have an increased number of seats
A little time to take stock
Spent the day in the garden. We can learn a lot form this type of experience. Gardens are a lot like life there is always change, They never stand still, plants live and die and new life comes from tiny seeds. Care and attention brings colour and harmony. But it all require time effort and energy just like every other aspect of our life.
National & Labour Head to Head
The two leaders again went head to head again in Christchurch. Hard to determine outcomes but more than 600 people attended. I am sure that it will stimulate interest and get people thinking and talking.
Leaders Debate
First leaders debate was held last night. Phil Goff surprised a lot of people ans the consensus seems to be that they were evenly matched. Both men were strong and forceful and looked a bit stressed. It will bw interesting to see how things develop over the next few weeks.
Political Parties Begin Campaign
The main parties have launched their campaigns tonight the two main parties used different approaches try to win the electorates support or at least get votes thinking about what they will do with their vote on the 26 November. Two unusual issues have been raised those of youth pay rates and Superannuation Age.
Oil and containers
Oil has come ashore on the east coast in the Bay of Plenty. Many people have been cleaning up and tons of waste has been taken to the Waikato. Many feel the government was too slow to act and the problem escalated as a result. Containers have fallen from the ship and are also a major problem. Many people see this incident as a critical one and will not put it aside lightly. Votes will be influenced by inaction
What of the future?
With an election pending and the economic situation in a state of flux it is hard plan for the future. We need to do some serious thinking and planning for the future. It is essential that all decisions made are considered and based on the best possible data available. It is certain that we won’t get it all right but we need to aim to get as much as possible right.
Bi-election
The bi-election coming up in Botany will test the government. It will give some indication of peoples feelings and current attitude to the present government.