Campaign Blog: 23 October - Rt Hon John Key

20 Comments
23 October 2008
Campaign Blog: 23 October

There were two distinct parts to my visit to New Plymouth yesterday.

John with Chris Tremain in Taradale, 23 October In the morning I visited an Irish-designed dairy facility called "Supershed" in rural Taranaki. It's an impressive state-of-the-art milking facility that includes a viewing theatre so people can watch the cows being milked.

They even have video cameras (and a webcam) to monitor the milking operation.

I spoke to a group of more than 80 people there about National's vision for New Zealand, including issues of particular concern to farming communities like the emissions trading scheme.

I told the group that while we must play our part in the fight against climate change, we shouldn't be the world leader, because that will come at the expense of our economy.

That's why we will amend Labour's emissions trading scheme so that we balance our environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities.

It's a simple principle, but an important one. I see no sense in New Zealand exporting emissions - and jobs - to another part of the world.

But at the same time, we must play our part and that's why National supports a sensibly-designed ETS.

After the visit, I travelled to the grounds outside the New Plymouth courts to announce National's policy on parole, bail, and sentencing.

Features of our plans include a much tougher approach to home detention, bail, and sentencing for particularly horrific murders and crimes of violence, abuse, and neglect, against children.

These policies are driven by one concern over all others - the need to put public safety first.

Today I'm on the campaign trail in the Hawkes Bay.

John Key

Posted by admin in News release, Newsletter Trackbacks: (0)

Trackbacks

Trackback specific URI for this entry

No Trackbacks

Comments

Display comments as (Linear | Threaded)

#1 - John Ryersson 2008-10-23 13:10 - (Reply)

We should sign up to the Kyoto Protocol when China does. It's economic sabotage as it is.

#2 - Francis L. Fielding 2008-10-23 13:16 - (Reply)

I have some concern about the comment in today's Herald that you have removed Mr. Lockwood-Smith from your list of probable cabinet ministers because of his recent comment on the size of asian hands etc. It is time that political correctness be replaced by some decent honesty, and in any case - it is more than likely that the comment was one that was taken out of context by the media.

#2.1 - Bridget 2008-10-23 13:47 - (Reply)

I agree with your thoughts Francis but I think John should be supporting Lockwood & pointing out that he was quoting what the growers were telling him, good on him getting right to the crux of the matter. The opposition have their snoops out there everywhere & twist what was said in public, yes he should, maybe have just worded things slightly differently but quash the damaging statement, not put Lockwood down. I thinks if John made a stand & backed Lockwood up straight away the story might have gone away instead of being aired on talk back radio all day !!!!

#3 - Carole Wright 2008-10-23 13:19 - (Reply)

2 points. Please try and stop these throw away comments by various prospective cabinet ministers. It is not a good look. In uk WW2 there was a saying 'loose lips lose wars". Certain people should pay heed to this. It gives the others ammunition. Secondly a law and order story. My daughter has a rental in Auckland. Last week the tenants were robbed. They are decent hard working people. The police wouldnt even come out to talk to them. Another neighbour reported her son had been at a local house where the children were boasting about burgling the very property. The eye witness, ( their children had been shown all the items ), even agreed to go down to the station and make a statement naming those involved. Quite a noble gesture. The police do not want to kknow !!. What kind of signal is this sending to our youth. A trip to a cell and a good stiff warning/community service may well have helped change a childs choice in the future. Will the new policies help people like this to feel that they are important, and deserve to feel safge in their home.My daughter has spent $700 installing an alarm to help them feel secure.We need to be much tougher on "entry level crime".

#4 - Elaine Cradock 2008-10-23 13:29 - (Reply)

Hi John Yes, we must be sensible about the EMS. The need to balance the worlds resources, but not to hit working families too hard in the pocket. National has put out sensible polices and good positive campaigning to balance Labours negative aproach to the voters. I look forward to National in government with you at the helm. Elaine

#5 - Alois Schatzdorfer 2008-10-23 13:48 - (Reply)

The EmissionTrading Scheme It is correct that we have to be seen to do our part for the Environment and lowering Carbon emission is part of it, but we do not have to have an ETS this is a Scam Helen hooked into becouse she thought it will make hundreds of millions for NZ, but it turned out to be the otherway round. With the economies around the world going downhill, NZ does not need this ETS Millstone around its neck and drag us down for years to come. Alois S., Pakuranga

#6 - Clive Brumby 2008-10-23 13:48 - (Reply)

I notice that many people talk about carbon emissions in the same breath as sustainability and confuse the two. Helen’s reply on TV last week was one in particular which shows how misinformed many are on the whole global warming issue. I will support any efforts on sustainability which is all about protecting non-renewable world resources and has nothing to do with carbon emissions directly. Carbon emission by humans on the other hand is being blamed for the current climate change the world is going through. The science on this subject is non conclusive and controversial at best. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities is extremely low when compared to natural phenomena. If we concede that man is causing global warming and NZ was to play it’s part by turning off all emissions including stopping our animals from farting or shitting; what difference would it make on a world scale?....Absolutely nothing! Then why should we part of the international carbon trading scheme and be forced to pay say Russia because of their land mass Vs population? I say we pull out of the Kyoto Agreement and look after our own back yard. Play out bit by looking after our resources and become sustainable as practicable. Do not be clouded or confused by carbon emissions. Clive

#6.1 - chris 2008-10-23 14:13 - (Reply)

Some very informed comments here, from the people I talk to they seam to be part of the silent majority. Including cattle in the ETS is just the fart tax by another name, why are you now supporting it? Methane gas from natural sources (swamps, animals etc) is not the problem (if there is one) and should be excluded. Why aren't we marketing NZ's overall carbon footprint offshore to our customers, that includes all of the carbon sequestering carried out by pre 1991 forests and not just blindly accept the pen pushers who have shafted us by drawing a line in the sand of 1991. Helen should be strung up for signing up to that in the first place. Where has our soverinty gone? You need to get tougher on this legislation or there will be a few more people voting ACT over this one policy alone.

#7 - Bill 2008-10-23 13:53 - (Reply)

John make some noise about Helen admitting to John Glenn that Labour have no business experience the media seem to be concentrating on Lockwood's comments that are of little importance Labour not knowing much about business is a real worry !

#8 - Albert Turner 2008-10-23 14:04 - (Reply)

It is past time that National got rid of the old school of members they have been there far to long, they have no new ideas just mirror others and get out of line when prodded by Hellen Clark and her cohorts. Bill English almost destroyed National when he and Shipply ran the party, what makes you think they will be any better now. There are four or five other supposadly experienced members that will always be an embarasment to any leader of National. Let them join the growing list of retired MP's living on a parliamentary pension and perks that far exceeds that which the average New Zealande'r is forced to live on. Albert

#9 - JOHN SQUIRE 2008-10-23 14:05 - (Reply)

I WOULD LIKE JOHN KEY TO ANNOUNCE NATIONAL'S POLICY ON LEAKY BUILDINGS IF HE HASN'T DONE SO. IT SURELY MUST BE A VOTE WINNER WITH HELEN CLARK AND LABOUR'S POOR RECORD! THOUSANDS OF NEW ZEALANDERS MUST BE AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM WITH THIS PAST YEAR THE ISSUE BEING IN THE NEWS SO OFTEN.

#10 - Vincent Gray 2008-10-23 14:16 - (Reply)

It is a scandal that farmers are included at all in the Emissions Trading Scheme. Farm animals do not eat fossil fuels; they eat grass, and they sink most of the carbon into meat, milk, wool, and blood and bone fertilizer. They should receive carbon credits for doing so. A small proportion is emitted as methane which has a stable concentration in the atmosphere and farm emissions will make no difference as methane in the atmosphere is converted rapidly to carbon dioxide, which helps to regenerate the carbon in the grass. I burn wood on a wood burning stove, and, so far, I am not subject to the ETS because the carbon dioxide is recycled to grow more wood. Farm animals do better than this. by actually removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere yet they are penelized for it. The main source of methane emissions in the world is from wetlands, yet the Government prevents farmers from draining wetlands. If they really believed in reducing methane, draining of wetlands should be encouraged. There is, in any case, no evidence whatsoever that increases in greenhouse gases are harming the climate. Global temperatures have been falling for ten years. Temperatures in New Zealand have been unchanged for at least fifty years, so they could not have influenced glaciers. Ice in the Arctic is currently increasing. The Emissions Trading scheme will have no effect on the climate and it represents yat another burden on the economy at a time when we are in trouble. We just do not need it.

#11 - Dave 2008-10-23 14:24 - (Reply)

As a traditional National voter, I am finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the wimpish approach to the news media, as demonstrated by the response to the reported comments of Lockwood Smith. John's response was to admonish a long serving and respected MP and thus fall for the liberal media's trap. This shows a degree of isolation from the mainstream National voters. Did he not stop to read what Lockwood had said before condemning him? This wimpish middle ground approach does us no good at all. It certainly discourages voters like myself from giving my party vote to National

#12 - Ron 2008-10-23 15:14 - (Reply)

So-called "climate change" is just a monstrous myth. The climate has varied since the world began - and will continue to do so regardless of us. I endorse the comment - sign up for Kyoto when China does! Until then - clean up our act within reason but don't screw the economy in the process. We are *NOT* world leaders - and neither is Helen Clark despite her unbridled arogance and ambition. Well done removing Lockwood Smiths portfolio - I just hope it removed his inane set grin as well! So, too old chinless the loose canon! He can't even make us his mind whether or not to hide his facial failings with a beard.

#13 - John Newsham 2008-10-23 21:12 - (Reply)

Global warming - probably a 'myth' - it's cyclical change and always will be. The most common 'gas' in the atmosphere is not CO2 it is water vapour. Pull out of Kyoto before it's ruins us.

#14 - Dale 2008-10-23 21:39 - (Reply)

I’ve been a supporter of you and National for some years. I think, however that you may have miscalculated your kiwisaver changes. I agree with reducing the minimum contributions to join to 2% which would be matched by a 2% employer contribution but think it is wrong to change the contribution levels for those who have joined the scheme – these people have joined the scheme on the basis of a 4% employer contribution and it is morally wrong to change this. What do you do with employers who have already moved to the maximum 4% in good faith, they will not be able to reduce their contributions. Unfortunately I feel the backlash from this move supposedly compensated by small additional tax cuts will not help Nationals chances of becoming the government which means we may have another 3 years of Nanny Helen and handouts instead of hand ups. I urge you to have another look at this policy – I have to admit that if I were to vote based on this issue it could not be for National, mind you I just couldn’t vote for Helen either so perhaps I would have to look to Rodney or God forbid Winston (just kidding!!).

#15 - Kieran 2008-10-24 19:47 - (Reply)

Folks, re: Lockwood's comments. Sure, he just relayed what he was told, which to anyone with any sense is fine. But when you get the media desperate for a story, bleating it about out of context, along with a bunch of rabid, power crazed dogs in opposition playing it up, what could Mr Key do? He had to make it perfectly clear that he does not condone any form of racism. Unfortunately, this has meant he has had to ask Lockwood for an apology. Mr Smith, as has been said, has been around long enough to understand this standpoint and take it on the chin. If he doesn't accept this, then boo-hoo to him. As for the ETS - what a bloody joke. Scrap the thing, and spend the money elsewhere - hey, plant some more trees rather than ship our cash to some corrupt vodka infused socialst commune.

#16 - Piri White 2008-10-27 07:44 - (Reply)

John I think you may have rather bungled a reasonable coalition opportunity with the Maori Party. The history of the Maori seats, goes back to and before an agreement made between Michael Joseph Savage and T W Ratana in the 1930s, where certain conditions applied and certain Treaty expectations existed. This in itself is a rather interesting affair that I believe may be found in Parliamentary records as well as Ratana archives. I wont go into that here but suffice to say Maori held the balance of power in the 1930s and enabled NZ its first Labour Government. Labour has fallen short of its promises to the Maori people and nearly 70 years of coalition with them is now, more or less at an end. The irony being, that National has done more to address the Treaty issue than Labour itself . I believe it is only fair for National to be given the opportunity to prove itself as a real Treaty Partner. You cannot dismiss this aspect with a flagrant arrogance, it will not avail a National led Government on Nov 8. I really believe your inexperience on this matter may affect the outcome of whether National governs, please confer with your deputy on this matter as he may have a better appreciation and experience, than you. I have been impressed by his diplomatic and tactful handling of these matters, of recent and previously when he was leader. Please concede your limitations - like all good Managers. While both parties may represent diametrically opposed views, I think that this is the very reason why you both need to govern together. By doing this, Maori and Pakeha in our country, may be given some sense of resolution if they see their leaders working together on this longstanding issue that has affected the very identity and conscience of our Nation. I think you need to reposition yourself clearly and tactfully on your relationship with Maori. Perhaps a rethink on your policy and an apology is in order? so as to regain a standing with a Maori constituency that is weary of you. Or a resignation? How committed are you to getting into power? Unto falling on your sword? I am neither being facetious nor rhetorical. This coalition potential maybe the difference between a National Government and a Labour Government. Ms Clark has enjoyed the power she has wielded for her considerable term and her lust for power has not gone unnoticed. Many New Zealanders' want change and resolution - We are tired of the political mavericks like Winstone Peters etc etc. I dont think you are doing the National Party any good in its chances if you do not in some profound way, address the Maori Party as a serious coalition partner. You seem to have done an admirable job thus far for a short term politician, however ...... You've dropped the bloody ball John, now pick it up and do something with it or hand it to Bill English to do something with it, before we end up in "Helensland" for another bloody term.

#17 - Graeme 2008-10-27 09:46 - (Reply)

John, for two weeks now we have seen first liarbour then the greens take initiatives with the campain. I have followed closely your campaining around the country and it makes good sense what you and the others are saying. However this alone won't win - remember aside from ACT we (National) have no other allies in parliamement - emphasised by you in the '5 headed monster' speech on the West Coast. National need and must secure the 62 seats to govern. There has been some narrowing on the recent polls - not necessarily with Liarbour closing but the Greens gaining popularity - If only the population knew what their real agenda was .... With two weeks to go I sincerley hope this campain will be 'ramped up' and all members of your team are seen to go on the attack -including media advertising. There are a lot of swinging voters out there - its them that will make the difference. Remember its not who's in front at the start but who's in front at the finish will win the election.

#18 - Karen 2008-10-27 17:43 - (Reply)

Couldn't agree more - why aren't we hearing more!

Add Comment

Name
Email
Homepage
In reply to
Comment	E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly. Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:
	Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry
Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed.