Campaign blog: 22 October - Rt Hon John Key

23 Comments
22 October 2008
Campaign blog: 22 October

I had another busy day on the campaign trail yesterday in Hamilton and Auckland.

Following our announcement on the Waikato Expressway in Hamilton, I got out and about in Papatoetoe and Botany. The reaction was heartening.

Not everybody was saying they would vote National of course, but many people were, and I got a fair hearing wherever I went.

A particular issue raised with me consistently by people I met in both areas was law and order.

This is a huge concern for many members of the public I speak to, and yesterday was no exception.

On Monday I announced National's plan to boost frontline police numbers in south Auckland by 300. And since late last year we've also announced policies on parole, policing tools, victims, gangs and the drug ‘P', and youth justice.

Like the economy, I believe law and order is one of the core issues of this election campaign. Security is top of mind for many, many people.

Last night I got a great reception at a public meeting organised by the party at the Pukekohe Town Hall, which was attended by more than 600 people.

Unsurprisingly, there were a number of questions on law and order.

I will have more to say on that issue today when I visit New Plymouth to campaign there.

John Key

National Headlines: Keeping you up to date

Labour exploits loophole in election law

National Party Shadow Leader of the House Gerry Brownlee says New Zealanders will not be surprised to learn that Helen Clark is still trying to exploit electoral laws.

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Tell us what you've spent, Helen

National Party Finance spokesman Bill English says Helen Clark should say how much she's booked against future budgets for the spending promises she has already made in this year's election campaign.

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Labour plans for a plan on aged care

"Health Minister David Cunliffe's guilt ridden promise of a funding boost for aged care will be seen for exactly what it is - a cynical pre-election catch-up wrapped in more bureaucracy," says National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall.

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Nine years and Labour can't get the basics right in health

National Party Health spokesman Tony Ryall says the Labour Government has been negligent in its failure to even get the basics right in the health system.

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Waikato Expressway: Road of National Significance

National will complete the construction of the Waikato Expressway within 10 years, says National Party Leader John Key.

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#1 - R Quinn 2008-10-22 12:01 - (Reply)

John, why wouldn't National urgently change the NZ Visa entry regulation that would allow a Retirement Visa, restricted with their own Medical insurance plan, and $2m plus in investment in the NZ market? This would have an immediate and very healthy impact for NZ as a whole.

#2 - Dominic Costello 2008-10-22 12:36 - (Reply)

I am concerned that you repeadedly state that your government will not work with Act yet you are not prepared to state that you will not work with the maori party or the greens. Both these parties are diametrically opposed to National policies and are a large part of the reason we find ourselves in this position.

#3 - Trish Paris 2008-10-22 12:43 - (Reply)

Great to hear the day to day issues that get raised by the public when you visit areas but I still cannot see where you are agressive enough with your statements. Please get stuck into the labour party a bit more over their "All About Trust" statements. This is a worry that they can even use this on their billboards. As a reader said in the Press "she would trust her dentist." Another reader suggests we check Labours record. he states that "now that we can barely afford tax breaks, Labour is offering them and other bribes when once there was 6 years of revenue surplus and this didn't go to the taxpayer." Go John and get stuck into them.

#3.1 - Carole Wright 2008-10-22 13:36 - (Reply)

I agree. By requoting back to them statements on what we can/cant afford over the last few years, it will undermine the "Trust' issue. Dont be too nice!.

#4 - Christopher said:
2008-10-22 13:29 - (Reply)

From Tony Ryall's release. 'Labour has spent millions of dollars on various health IT projects and bureaucrats, but it still can't keep track of important letters from GPs and other hospitals. "This is basic stuff. If hospitals can't communicate with each other effectively, then the system breaks down. And patients suffer." Of course Tony is correct, this is so simple - their thinking is not quality based, they are consumed with process, not outcomes. There is no linkage between wanting to improve health outcomes and the actual delivery of a range of services. To paraphrase a well used quality management line into improving health outcomes; 'if you are not providing medical care to a patient, you are supporting someone who is'. When each health worker has this line of sight we will be well underway for positive change.

#4.1 - Rod Hinchco 2008-10-22 14:08 - (Reply)

John, this is all very well and I'm sure that this site instills in some a higher degree of trust and recognition of what National stands for. Might I then, request that all of your standing MP's and Candidates read it as well. I among a growing number of other National supporters grow increasingly concerned at the gaffs put out by supposedly senior politicians, in particular, National members or candidates. Bill English, Maurice Wilkinson, and Lockwood Smith have all become liabilities. They are like half educated louts and it is high time you started showing some spine by putting them squarely in their respective places. I fear, that by the day National come closer to losing this election, and the people become more and more likely to be faced with yet another 3 years in Helengrad

#5 - Noel Cooper 2008-10-22 13:54 - (Reply)

John, We require 85 good seasonal workers to work in our kiwifruit business, - picking, packing, pruning etc. We have many unemployed able bodied beneficiaries here in Wanganui, who are sent out to us by WINZ, who just do not want the work. They prefer to be paid by the Govt. for doing nothing. They come to work late, work one day then take the next 2 days off, they make every endeavour to get fired, they smoke drugs and drink beer at lunchtimes, many have no respect (rude & abusive). We feel that this is an indictment on our country, when hard working, tax paying family businesses like ours struggle to get able bodied peolpe to willingly get off the dole.

#6 - Bruce McMillan 2008-10-22 14:45 - (Reply)

John, The Police need all the help you can give them. With one arm tied behind their backs and laws to restrict their investigations it is a miracle that anyone ends up in court let alone convicted. You say you will really do something about it this time, I believe you but we have heard it all before, several times. It is not just extra police. The justice system from top to bottom is designed to let offendors go free. I seriously wonder if your "govern alone" (lets be positive) government, even with a clear majority in the house, will have the horsepower to undertake the top down law changes that now suggest themselves as necessary. The situation where ordinary small business people get charged for defending themselves against violent criminals is just appalling whatever explanations the Police put forward.

#7 - Diane Moult 2008-10-22 15:26 - (Reply)

Well done John , keep it up. Great to see you out there meeting the people where they are at. I particulary enjoy your daily reports. and hearing about the many challenges that people are asking about. None of us are alone with our challenges and concerns and unless we air them, nothing will be done. We need a proactive goverment for the long term, not a reactive goverment whose kneejerk reactions result in a greater mess to cleanup in the long term.

#8 - Lauren Edwards 2008-10-22 16:19 - (Reply)

A few things stand out as opportunities for the National Party Campaign and I wonder why they are not being mentioned: It is not in the Kiwi nature to "stick with what you know" and be hesitant and risk averse. We are a country of innovators, lovers of change, passionate about creating solutions and better products and services. We like to think of ourselves as leading edge. NZ doesn't need more head in the sand, don't change, trust us to run things mentality. We are a nation who embrace change and it embodies our culture. Also, why are the Greens are taking sides? Surely Mother Earth is neither left or right. The greens should be taking the same stance as the Maori Party, that they will back whichever party policy most closely defends their beliefs and values. Lastly where is the most influential voter in all the comments being made - the silent voice of small & medium sized business who prop up this country??? What will National be doing for them. They are the ones paying most of the wages, taxes and levies. They are the one who will carry the burden of all the new emissions trading costs, who pay ACC levies (!!!) and who are hurting the most through economic downturn. Make some bold statements now John that will endear the 80% of the business world in NZ who will want a fairer deal.

#9 - A Miles 2008-10-22 16:27 - (Reply)

John. What is your party going to do about *TRUANCY* ?. It is in my opinion the start of many criminal careers.

#10 - vivien graham 2008-10-22 17:04 - (Reply)

Good on you, John, for plans to strengthen the police and other vital law and order issues. It's way past the time for a change of Government in NZ.

#11 - Ronald A Palmer said:
2008-10-22 17:33 - (Reply)

John Key you run a great risk of turning off true NZder's if you don't support your senior fellow candidates such as Maurice Williamson and Lockwood-Smith. for god's sake show some intestinal fortitude otherwise many National voters will either not vote or vote for ACT. Both Williamson and Lockwood-Smith surely told the truth and of coarse a road toll could be charged at $1 or $2 or $3 or even $5 if the distance is long enough. All we should worry about is the policy that there will always remain an alternative free road. If it's economical or convenient I will pay up to $5. Further,Lockwood-Smith was correct, Asians are more dexterous and more suitable for some vineyard orchard jobs. Some Pacific Islanders do need training in using flush toilets, electric stoves and the like. That doesn't mean that they lack hygene habits or they are dirty because they are not. Flush toilets and electric stoves are not the norm in the Pacific Islands. It seems that we are just going to get more of this PC rubbish if a National Government is elected. John Key show some guts.

#11.1 - RJM 2008-10-23 10:52 - (Reply)

Ronald Palmer. I agree, basically you dont apologise for telling the truth even if it does upset the idiotic PC factor that has become so strong. Its a shame but I feel national is losing votes and we are going to end up with a mixed bag of parties lead by the treaded Clark. J Key is not showing the strength enough to indicate he has a goal & is going to get there come hell or high water. Ray

#12 - Julie Fowlie 2008-10-22 21:04 - (Reply)

John, I am a party member and a great supporter, and am doing all the 'little things' in my area to help get National elected, BUT with Lockwood Smith and Maurice Williamson speaking 'out of turn' and the predictable snide comments from Labour, are not helping. Even though we may think their remarks are true, are they just not giving fuel to Labour to ridicule their comments? and make us look stupid and racist? I have spent the day on the telephone and everyone says the same thing 'What were they thinking' ' the two of them are old hands at politics and are speaking without thinking, good grief'. Please feel free to rattle their cages!!! Lets just get elected first.

#12.1 - Ronald A Palmer said:
2008-10-22 21:47 - (Reply)

Julie Fowlie get into the real World. If you and your colleagues think that Lockwood-Smith and Williamson spoke out of turn and made racist remarks you all need to get your noses out of the Chardonnay"s or join the Maori Party. Better still if you want to be dishonest join the Labour Party - the biggest liars in the history of NZ Politics. I know National should get elected first but lets put a bit of honesty back into politics and at least show some intestinal fortitude. That seems to be lacking with John Key. Show guts that's what made NZ and we will win more votes that way.

#13 - Vettori C 2008-10-22 22:55 - (Reply)

John, many thanks for regular updates. LAW & ORDER is now the most important theme for New Zealanders for the election. Little mini-crims and wanna-be-crims are running aorund unchecked. You've talked about youth justice. Have you considered: 1. Further funding to NZ Cadet Forces. A mere $3M to Output Class 15.2 of Vote Defence would DOUBLE their budget and take LOADS of troubled youth off the streets and provide them a ribust, prove, sound training programme but very Cool alternative to mischief. Kids love it too - where else do you get cool uniforms, flying round in military aircraft, leadership, skills, fun training and generally having a great time with peers; only thing missing for them is blowing up stuff like letterboxes hehe - which is strictly not allowed! NO POLITICIAN YET HAS PUSHED THIS and its a vote winner with a bargin price tag; sort the countries youth with a proven programme that the taxpayers will love; all except the left-wing-pacifict-dreamer-anti-war-anti-military-prostesters who frankly will never vote for you anyway

#14 - Howard Smith said:
2008-10-22 23:19 - (Reply)

Why not use the slogan - 'The Key to New Zealand is with National' ? HOWARD SMITH

#15 - Robin Grieve 2008-10-23 08:36 - (Reply)

There is much talk about the maori seats and abolishing them. Yes they should be but I would like to hear is why. Apart from the point about one franchise. A lot of people won't understand that, use simple language. eg Maori would get better representation from being in the general role. That the Maori seats are good for the Maori party but not necessarily good for Maori. Maori are marginalised outside the General role. Many electorate seats are National because the Maori are in the Maori role.

#16 - Ronald A Palmer said:
2008-10-23 12:37 - (Reply)

I attended a political meeting in Upper Hutt on Tuesday night. Was expecting to listen to the local candidates but they did not front - Not there fault I believe - but some retarded organisation thought the local candidates were not experienced enough. Instead the small gathering that wasted there time listened to present members of Parliament or high ranking party list candidates which included Finlayson (Nats) Mark (NZF) Turner (UF) Bradford (Greens) Hughes (Lab) Garret (ACT). Had I wanted to see another Muppet show we would wait for the next session of Parliament being televised or the daily screening of Homer Simpson. The latter has more credibility than Bradford, Hughes and Mark. Bradford does appear more of a retard live than what she does on TV - Imagine - a retard with a plush office, paid electorate office and staff member together with her wages and travel well in excess of $500,000 a year. This is not the cost of democracy - she like her Green colleagues and NZF members were never ever voted into Parliament. Mark is standing as a candidate in Upper Hutt (Rimutaka Electorate) What an unfair advantage he had over all the other candidates who were denied exposure. What was the local electorate committees thinking about to let a candidate have such an advantage. I would support National even if there only policy was to hold a referendum on Mickey Mouse Politic (MMP). Also on law and order it is time to think about a referendum on Capital Punishment for the worst rapist, murderers, and other heinous felons that NZ has more than its share of.

#17 - Gloria McAlesse 2008-10-24 07:54 - (Reply)

Labour has failed in so many areas and too many of our high achievers both Maori and European have left for countries that offer a higher standard of living. Labour seems hell bent on running our economy into the ground. I don't want to think of the upshot of another Labour Government. National has to win but I think National isn't appealing to Maori/Polynesian voters because the party image lacks any Maori component. The recent return of the medals in Waiouru would have given Key the opportunity to get Maori representation into the picture. Maori are well represented and successful in the armed forces. Sports are another area which the National Party or fully immersion Maori schools. I think the National Party should try and reflect things that Maori have done well to gain Maori support. Gloria

#18 - DM 2008-10-24 14:37 - (Reply)

You need to think very hard before you put the old HBDHB board back to micromanage the place again. Look at what the comissioner has done before you act precipitiously and go back to the bad old days. Use you head not the HB old boys network to do your thinking.

#19 - David 2008-10-24 21:52 - (Reply)

Good policies John on Law and Order, but you need to make sure that when your colleagues are out on the campaign trail that they have some ammunition to throw back at Labour on Law and Order when in debates. I attended a meet the candidates event on the North Shore recently and was astounded to hear the Labour candidate reassure the audience that they lived in one of the lowest crime areas in Auckland. This was shortly after being told that we had enjoyed a well managed, strong, growing economy for the last 10 years!. This a week after a young woman was assaulted as she walked home just down the road from where we live, and not far from where a couple of young kids minding their own business were hit around the head with a baseball bat by a group of thugs claiming to be gangsters. Our neighbours were broken into and they were told by the police helpline service that they should be grateful and that they were lucky that the burglers didn't try and attack them or their 3 kids! I routinely see graffiti being cleaned from bus shelters nearby, almost daily sometimes and often pick up beer bottles and cans that others have thrown onto the road and grass. Despite all this the audience mainly nodded or kept silent when the Labour candidate spoke...including the National candidate. I mean...COME ON...I ended up leaving the meeting thinking crikey, Labour might still win this election..because noone is pointing out what is going wrong. Its not like you don't have enough material to attack Labour with, after all. I think you need your candidates being as aggressive and switched on as you were in your TV debate, and come to meetings ready and prepared, having armed themselves with examples of where things are going wrong under Labour and what National would do to sort things out - using local, relevant, and timely examples. Otherwise you risk losing the election, because all the Labour clap trap in debates like the one I attended is met with nodding heads and a long silence.

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