Forum posts to 'Politics'

Re: American Election

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:24:00 +1200

I am extremely frustrated that he won. I think people seemed to 'jump on the band wagon' when they got excited over him. Everyone seemed to think he was the man for the job just because he had the ability to be the first black President. So far he has said he will do a lot of things and done absolutely nothing. Evident by the flak thrown his way after receiving that Noble Peace Prize. (And no, disliking him and the fact he is President does not make me racist. People who think that also frustrate me)

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Re: American Election

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:35:25 +1300

I'm very glad that he won.

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Re: American Election

Fri, 08 May 2009 21:09:02 +1200

I am extremely glad he won the election.

i can't exactly explain my perspective but i believe that Obama is a very sincere man who will be good for america. He was all about change and Having him as the first black president definitly brought about change to many americans. I would believe he will be good for America

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Environment and Youth

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:10:12 +1300

when it comes to the environment generally there is education, interest and personal application over most age groups, young and old. however once you leave primary school, all of a sudden other things take personal priority e.g. homework, conformity, friends, afterscholl jobs and for a few years the hot topic of the Environment and sustaining our environment by reducing our carbon foot print is'nt such a 'hot' topic.
i'm interested in knowing what you are doing, if it's anything or nothing, to reduce your carbon footprint. i know that there are so many people out there doing great things who don't get any recognition for what it is that they do!
does anyone have any idea in how we can involve more of our youth into caring for and looking after the environment? before it's too late!

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Re: American Election

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:59:52 +1300

I am, very.

Kind of ironic that I supported the more left-wing US party but I want the more right-wing party to get in here in NZ, lol. Maybe it's a thing to do with the colour? =P

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American Election

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:04:16 +1300

Who else is glad that Obama won the presidency?

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Re: Election

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:45:49 +1300

I'm voting Labour.
And I have to say that I don't want to see a coalition made with the Maori Party, whether with National or Labour. I think they're too extremist.
I'd like to see the Greens and Act in government

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Re: Election

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:53:28 +1300

It is beyond my understanding why anybody would vote for national. Politics are yet to worry me, but I think they would if National took charge. I'm not all "in the know of the go" but from what I do know comparing National and Labour, National are just a clumsy bunch of fools with their hmmmm political points? in a massive muddle. Not only that but the green party is looking promising I hope they get enough seats to be able to make a few of their own changes for New Zealand. Plus student wise Labour is looking to be a much better choice for us. With them maybe I'll survive my student loan which I'll be having on my shoulders soon enough.
Labour all the way!

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Re: Election

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:50:04 +1300

Its interesting to read all the opinion on here. I was surprised at how many of us young people know party policies... and not surprised by how many dont. I mean, frankly guys, voting for the Greens because you have a vague sense that they might be better than the other 2 is rather pathetic. Do you even know what they stand for? I confess I was drawn in too, then read what they believe in and found their beliefs conflicted entirely with mine.
So heres a call to education and research! Don't vote on a whim, or because a party is dangling a nice student-orientated policy infront of your face (thats what Labour did last time), read what the party lines are, and which way they vote in parliment. Try to work out whos honest and whos not (hard, I know) and make a decision based on fact as well as your personal beliefs.
Make use of your new rights! (eighteen, hell yea!)

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Re: Election

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 01:24:51 +1300

HELL NO!! Helen made a good point today on t.v...
she convinced me and i'm only 15
Maori Party and LAbour is the way to go..
you need to realise that goverment groups that are set up will be cut because of Nationals promises which means there will be a decrease in jobs!
Think about it

edikum rep

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Re: Election

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:42:01 +1200

I know this post is soo far away but hopefully it is worth it.
We hear all this stuff about change and new policys but the thing that scares me the most is that the government is making all these decisions without us. We are the people they are representing but sometimes the power gets in the way and bang we are out of the picture. Overnight policy making are going to affect some of us kiwis in different ways. Sometimes afect us mre than the mps thmslves. owhy o we not get our own say on those issues?
If I could vote, I would want a party that communicates and cares for what we as New Zealanders think and want.

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Re: The big issues

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:09:28 +1200

Firstly: the economy.
New zealand needs to realise that the only way to have a successful economy is CAPITALISM! its fundamental. free trade (within nz and with overseas) is the only way.
Smaller government: its crazy that the money we pay in taxes is used so.. crappily. (only word i could think of). there is so much red tape nowadays that people need permission in triple to do the smallest things.
privatization: hasn't anyone realised that private hospitals are so much better than public ones, private schools better than public? now if we didn't have taxes to apy for the public ones, we could affprd to go to the private ones! its so simple!

And in response to the person above me.
try libertarianz..
=]

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Re: Election

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:01:47 +1200

to be honest both of the main parties (national and labour) seem to be preaching the same sort of message. one that i don't want a part of, the greens want to save the environment while having no regard for the economic stability of the country. the maori party want more taxpayer funded proggrams for everyone. (just like labour and national) NO. what we need (well what i want :] ) is less tax i.e. more money in hand. the only party i know that does this and actually means it is the libertarianz. And before you look away rolling your eyes, this party actually wants to help the average citizen, not just help themselves. this party wants you to live your life, not to be told how to live it. it wants you to learn from experience, not to not learn at all. A vote for labour or national is a vote wasted.

It's enough to make you want to vote libertarianz.
to check it out go to http://www.libertarianz.org.nz/
trust me its worth it.

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Re: The big issues

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:59:37 +1200

The Main Issues for me:

Constitutional: The party most willing to resolve New Zealands Constitutional Crisis will have alot going for it.

Nuclear: The party that abolishes New Zealands Nuclear Free policy would also gain alot of my support.

Republic: The party who pushes the most towards a New Zealand Republic would also gain my support.

Environmental: The government that gives a logical and feasible attempt to combat climate change will get some support Labours ETS is not the answer..... save the polar bears.

Industry: Stop Forests being cut down for farm land.

Defense: Sack the Head of the defense force and resurrect the armed forces. Increase the Army Navy and Air Force, all trained to the level of the SAS. Keep a wing of fighter aircraft for use in Air Recon missions. Resurrect ANZUS

Law & Order: Abolish Parole completly. Abolish Bail for anyone accused for violent, sexual or Drug offenses. Institute hard labour. Institute Death Penalty. Reform the Youth Justice system in line with the finding of the Law and Order Select Committee of Youth Parliament 2007

Education: Institute a curriculum that is of any use to New Zealand students. Institute civics education. Institute world education. Institute free tertiary education.

Taxes: Adopt a Scandinavian Tax system, to be spent in regards to their methods.

Bureaucracy: Cut it right back.

Youth: Hold Youth Parliament Annually, each parliament meets three times a year.
Lower the Voting age to 16

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Re: Election

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:22:43 +1200

Personally i am not convinced entirely by either party perhaps less convinced with Labour than National. Helen Clark is the worst prime minister New Zealand has had perhaps even rivaling David Lange. Labour has been in power for far too long as has made it's restrictions on democracy even tougher. Since 2000 Helen Clark has refused to answer questions on perhaps the most important topic for New Zealand, and that whether or not we have a valid constitution, I now am forced to accept her evasion of the questions as an admission that it is not. In regards to which party i will vote for to become the next Illegal government, I will decide that the day before. I will either vote National to get rid of Labour or if i think that is not an issue, vote ACT so we can have some National Policies. I am strongly against Nationals Policy to stop the ban on Thermal power stations and just as much against their refusal to alter New Zealand's flawed Nuclear Free policy, which is the dumbest thing that has come out of New Zealand. I will not vote for the Green Party as to be honest they are not a true green party, maybe once the likes of Fitzsimons and Bradford are gone, it may head to where it should. And if i did not think this election so important to get rid of this Labour Government i would give my vote to the South Island Party.... it is about time the South Island became independent!

As for treaty of waitangi claims, I would only hear claim in regards to offenses before 10th January 1920, when under International law the Treaty of Waitangi became null and void. But the main question is... do you want some change, or do you want this country to collapse in on itself. A vote for Labour might as well be a vote for fascism. I don't trust National... but i trust them a hell of a lot more than Comrade Helen.

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Re: Your Voice is Valid

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:19:56 +1200

you could tell people that if they stopped winging about politics and told someone who cared, they'd feel much better about it?

I personally get really sick of those people who continuously winge about politics, but only to their peers and never try to contact local politicians or anything.
they're only wasting time!

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Re: Election

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:05:18 +1200

labour.

Everyone complains every year about who got elected, it never changes.
Anywho.

Labour has a better Arts and Culture Curriculum.

And i personally believe that John Keys is mainly focused on how best to make money. force people into low-paid hard labour, to speed up the economy. this does nothing for us as a country because these people don't get a chance to gain higher skills.
He's focused mainly on the economy when what we really need is to focus on the social issues.
Too many murders, too many suicides.
it's only lately that these issues are really being faced and if Key gets elected these issues will be set back another 2 years.
I'm pretty sure we can deal with petrol prices if it means we get to live in a safe community.
Besides, The safer the community is, the happier we'll be with taking a bus or walking to work or school, which is a better option anyway.

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Re: Election

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:02:44 +1200

a vote for national is a vote for change?
go and watch hollow men.

a vote for national is a vote for a party who doesnt even know its own policy or the needs of its people.Maurice Williamson, a senior member of the national party told the nation on agenda (tv1) that if national were elected that there would be road tolls of up to $50 a week but then John Key says that its not true. Bill English also proposed to sell kiwibank after the elections (which John key also denies). National are open to selling states assets, opposed upholding the treaty of waitangi, they want to get rid of the Maori seats blindly promise tax cuts but dont give any real indication of what its tax cut policy is, and are obviously in the pockets of extremist religious parties. Women and Maori are also completely under represented within the National party.

National does not have the countries best wishes at heart.
Giving your party vote for Labour is the only viable option for having a centre left government running NZ.

Sue Bradfords anti smacking bill was not stupid. what is stupid was that before the law change children who were being beaten by their parents with horse whips and iron chords could get away with it because they call deemed it reasonable force under the law. Are you opposed to stopping child abuse?

a vote for national is a vote for change in the wrong direction.

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Re: Election

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:41:09 +1200

I'm National all the way. It's time the government had a change.

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Re: Your Voice is Valid

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:22:03 +1200

Hey Amy

If you got that on Tv it would get the message across. You should get on 60minutes or something and I would watch it.
Well what you want to do sounds like a great idea. So I hope it all works out.

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Re: Your Voice is Valid

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:42:13 +1200

Mebbe tell people that if they want to change the way things are they need to be heard (obviously). I've learnt from experience that if you don't step forward and say what needs to be said that people stay in denial and repression and nothing ever changes. I especially apply this concept to bullying and politics.

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Re: Election

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:37:08 +1200

Can't vote at the moment but if I could it would be Labour or Greens, because National seems to be way too business oriented.

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Your Voice is Valid

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 17:36:34 +1200

Hi there,

I am a emerging filmmaker in Wellington and I want to put together a 2-3 min documentary that is designed to amp people up about the up and coming elections. After spending time in Venezuela in 2006 where I witnessed the power of a mass voice I want New Zealanders to have the same passion. The Sunday Star times have labeled 18-30 somethings as 'generation why bother' and that we live for the weekends. I want us to shake this label and show that we do have a voice.
The documentary is designed to reach those who dont feel that their voice/vote matters.
What I would love to hear from you is what type of imagery, music and any other ideas that you may have about what would catch your attention and others around you to watch a doco that has a political theme
By the way this doco doesnt have a political agenda about what party is best its purely about getting people excited about voting for others around the world would kill for a voice.
Thanks

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Re: The big issues

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:40:49 +1200

This is what it's gunna be, for sure -

1. The Economy
2. Smacking
3. Environment
4. Transport & Infrastructure.

Personally the idea of "more money" in students pockets doesn't excite me. I'm going to be a student, and I'd prefer to get a job - our parents had to do it, a lot of people do now. So why should we be any better? Because we'll vote for the Labour Party because we're Generation Y?

Unlikely.

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Re: Election

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:36:48 +1200

Hear Hear Ashton - what a fantastic dialogue on what this country needs.

And what a ridiculous notion that National will bring nuclear back. How absolutely ridiculous. It'd kill their chances at an election and we'd all be stuck with Helen at the helm - something NO ONE should be extremely pleased about.

I personally will be voting for National. I am a big fan of the infrastructure plans - studying economics helps me to understand the fundamental idea that indeed we have a growth problem, not a debt problem. A 2% increase in debt isn't going to kill our economy, like Labour would try to have everyone believe. Dr Cullen has already said that 2% is prudent - what's the difference? Because it's not him proposing it?

Personally, I'm sick of the arrogant nature our Government has attained. After meeting a lot of the National Party MP's and Candidates, I can only say they are extremely friendly, approachable, and are indeed "ambitious for New Zealand".

Key's got my vote, without doubt.

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Re: Election

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:25:12 +1200

I'm not going to be old enough to vote this year, but I have to say I'd be voting for National. I myself am going to be a student next year at Uni, but I am not attracted to Labour for its policies. Our country has had the same prime minister for almost 9 years. WE NEED CHANGE. Everyone seems so anti to the idea of change, whether it be selling of State Owned Assets, privatisation, increasing debt for more investment. (some needs to be done, lack of it in recent years. And now is being left up to tax payers through petrol taxes for roads and public transport in Auckland). We need an investment in our future now! And if you look Nationals plan is $4.5b more than Labour. Also it seems National has a sense of enthusiasm for the country, while Labour seems to be announcing the same old policies, just with different figures on the page. We need a leader who is looking to the future for our country, in terms of economics, taxes, student loans, debt, education and violent. A vote for National is a vote for change.

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Re: The big issues

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:27:40 +1200

Big things for me would be:
Global warming, I want to be able to enjoy the world and all its beauty in the future.
Crime, there seems to be a new homicide, kidnapping, etc on tv every night and its really sad that nothing seems to be happening to stop it.
And education, I getting really worried about whats gonna happen to me when I go to Uni and am living completely independently.

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Re: Election

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:53:29 +1200

I don't know. Labour's plan to not means-test families for student allowance is such a good bribe, though hopefully National will announce to do it too, due to fact that that's how Labour won the elections last time, by bribing students with the interest free student loans.
I'm fond of the Green Party, but they have Sue Bradford, and her stupid bills haven't gotten us anywhere, and have just caused huge debates over her idea to stop smacking, which we all know didn't actually stop kids getting abused and killed by their parents, so didn't achieve anything.
So, I'm waiting until closer to the elections before I decide.

Edit: I just read someone's post about National being nuclear. Then there's not a chance I'd ever vote for them. I had no idea they were pro-nuclear, but no pro-nuclear party would ever get a vote from me.

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Re: The big issues

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:31:25 +1200

Funding for the basics: Housing, education, medical care. There's no such thing as a 'surplus in the budget' when poverty exists. Set up more community projects, where people can work together to lift themselves above the poverty line. More education, better housing, help with medical costs.

Student loans: There's too little being done to support our up-and-comers. I'm not impressed with politicians harping on about us Kiwis moving overseas after we graduate. Mate, if we could afford to stay most of us would. With our huge loans, it makes sense to go somewhere with better pay and benefits (like Aussie).

Gangs and violence: I don't feel safe going out at night. Sometimes I don't feel safe visiting certain areas during the day. This isn't right. Make it better. On that note, increase the budget for our police force. We need more officers. They're overworked, underpaid, and not nearly as appreciated as they should be.

The cost of living: Rents are going up, Mortgages are defaulting, house values are dropping. Petrol costs are high and still rising. What once were household grocery staples are fast becoming luxury items instead. It's cheaper for me to buy a couple of bags of chips instead of a loaf of bread. The big companies continue to profit. When will the government stop corporations from bleeding us dry?

Privatization: I'm not feeling it.

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Re: Election

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:45:22 +1200

I'm either voting for Labour or the Greens at the moment. Being a low income earner, National's policies don't do anything for me at all.

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