Jacinda Ardern – First impressions as Leader

By
Martyn Bradbury
-
58
20

What’s that weird, totally unfamiliar feeling I’m feeling watching Jacinda Ardern take over Labour?

Hope.

Watching Jacinda do her first press conference as Leader was jaw dropping in her ability and performance.

National should be shitting themselves.

Jacinda was bloody impressive.

And her message to Winston Peters?

“I like single malt”.

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Mic. Drop.

She is the first Gen Y candidate for Prime Minister and it is that electorate who have the worst voter turn out.

Jacinda could be the game changer.

She isn’t our Corbyn, but she could be our Trudeau.

Matthew Hooton should be careful what he wishes for.

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58 COMMENTS

  1. I was delighted to here someone talking about the philosophy of the Left.
    Finally.

    Andrew was and is a good bloke, but as a typical lawyer he was laser-focused on the detail and the specific, here and now.

    Good to hear someone able to raise their eyes to the horizon. I was skeptical that this was the right move. I look forward to being proven wrong.
    Good luck, Jacinda.

    • I’m looking forward to Ardern’s first address to Bennett,

      “Zip it sweetie”

      Gotta love Jacinda got there before Bennett and can never ever see Bennett becoming leader of anything. Go well Jacinda.

      • @ Bert … I suspect the Bennett woman will be spitting tacks, to think Jacinda has become leader of a major political party, while she (Bennett) is nothing but second fiddle to Natz scaly wart English!

  2. Holy moly… I never really did like Adern too much , but that interview was pretty damn impressive… she politely but firmly shut up a few of the old guard reporters with their worn out tactics of searching for weak points…

    ”Would you like to tell me why you think I cant ? ” …

    There was micro flashes of Helen Clarke when she was resolute and decisive , intermixed with that trademark big smile and good humour…

    And Kelvin ,… well… maybe he will be the man. He certainly has got the ability to go on the offensive when needed.

    This could be a very real threat to the National party and their MSM lackeys.

    I hope so.

    Hhaaha… that’s what you get for being an evil little gremlin , Hooten ,.. your Bonney comeuppance …

    Eat it.

  3. She could pull off in NZ what Justin Trudeau pulled off in Canada, I guess.

    Muffins and tea with the middle class conservatives, and Malt Whiskey and chardonnay at evening garden parties and clubs at night.

    Perhaps she may drink a cold beer with blue collar workers also, does she???

  4. Yes, despite of all doubts, her first press conference did also give me some strange feeling of hope, albeit with a caveat.

    Jacinda certainly knows how to deal with the media pack, it seems.

  5. Martyn

    Will Jacinda be suggesting “tipping” underpaid workers ? That resourceful nutter Paula Bennett seriously put it out there as a solution for the widespread poverty she has created.

    A Hoot of an idea obviously. Or was it a Hosk ? Nah – it was Strong Arm. Endorsed by Billy Lies English.

  6. I hope and I pray, and I am not religious, that Jacinda can perform what would be a political miracle.

    I also like Davis, he reeked of leadership potential right from the get go.

    But Labour’s fate rests on those barely interested in politics.

    May she have that X factor that great leaders have, the gut instinct to know what to do and how to do it.

    And lastly I hope she comes out of the next few months well.

    Now, about those damned billboards.

  7. Geez now this is what I’ve been waiting for – kia kaha ra koe Jacinda but keep an eye on your Deputy. he can work but not sure he’s got the intellectual grunt enough to go the distance without occasional supervision!

  8. “She is the first Gen Y candidate for Prime Minister and it is that electorate who have the worst voter turn out.”

    By which you seem to be admitting that Millennials are obsessed with identity politics over substance and policy.

    I’m sure you’re right; her age will win her some votes. So will her gender. Remember all of those people in 2016 who said rubbish like “it’s time we had a woman President”? If you think Clinton’s policies were better; vote Clinton. If you thought Clinton was bad, but Trump was worse; vote Clinton.

    But to vote Clinton simply because… ‘muh… equality’ is inane.

    As an aside, I am speaking as a Millennial; and I certainly never felt the need for an MP to be a born in the same decade as me in order for me to feel ‘engaged’.

    • Clinton and Ardern are not comparable, for so many obvious resons.

      But yeah, I agree with your point that young people vote on policies instead of image or the age of the candidate. Corbyn and Sanders, for example.

      • There was a ripple when the mention of a game changing policy around students and clearly student fees that could be so radical the student vote will flock to Jacinda, watch this space…

  11. Jacinda will make a fantastic prime minister, and I am also really happy to see Kelvin Davis assume the role of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

    I know of many 40-50 year olds that have the upmost respect in the way Jacinda Adern approaches politics.

    Jacinda has also brought a level of dignity to politics that has not been seen in the last 9 years within the current National Government. Jacinda has stood above personal attacks on her appearance and does not involve herself in petty/ and or dirty politics which is refreshing to see.

    Yet at the same time Jacinda will not back away from asking the hard questions of the current National government, both through the press and within parliament. So if you ask me who I would be comfortable with as being the next female prime minister of New Zealand when comparing Jacinda Adern, with say, National’s Paula Bennett, Nicky Kaye, etc, Jacinda wins easily through her advanced intellect and greater emotional intelligence.

    And I am looking forward to seeing Kelvin Davis’ and Jacinda Adern’s greater prominence resonate in a manner that will be positively embraced by the Maori population as a whole, so that Labour, as part of the wider left movement is seen as a fresh and credible option for support this election so as to displace the National Government who have failed New Zealand’s middle and lower (for which Maori are over represented in) classes over the past 9 years.

  12. Jacinda will make a fantastic prime minister, and I am also really happy to see Kelvin Davis assume the role of Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.

    I know of many 40-50 year olds that have the upmost respect in the way Jacinda Adern approaches politics.

    Jacinda has also brought a level of dignity to politics that has not been seen in the last 9 years within the current National Government. Jacinda has stood above personal attacks on her appearance and does not involve herself in petty/ and or dirty politics which is refreshing to see.

    Yet at the same time Jacinda will not back away from asking the hard questions of the current National government, both through the press and within parliament. So if you ask me who I would be comfortable with as being the next female prime minister of New Zealand when comparing Jacinda Adern, with say, National’s Paula Bennett, Nicky Kaye, etc, Jacinda wins easily through her advanced intellect and greater emotional intelligence.

    And I am looking forward to seeing Kelvin Davis’ and Jacinda Adern’s greater prominence resonate in a manner that will be positively embraced by the Maori population as a whole, so that Labour, as part of the wider left movement is seen as a fresh and credible option for support this election so as to displace the National Government who have failed New Zealand’s middle and lower (for which Maori are over represented in) classes over the past 9 years.

  13. I’d say it would be fairly difficult to pull the wool over Jucinda’s eyes. Making something of a hospital pass will be hard for her though. Remember a tory has no real fun in life other than a little vindictiveness. Good luck.

    • “Remember a tory has no real fun in life other than a little vindictiveness. ”

      +1

      Well put, Jack.

  14. They could start by updating their website.

    The latest on Labour’s official website is their campaign ad featuring Andrew Little.

    That should now be quickly replaced with Jacinda’s first press conference as party leader.

    • Yes Martyn well said I feel that we are seeing the national vote now slip mate with this combo.
      Hope strings eternal so I will live ion hope from today that we see the end of the most corrosive administration in our history and end up with the best all three parties labour/Green/NZ First have to offer us from this day.

  17. ‘Hope’ as a brand has been pretty much demolished by Obama..and Trudeau, the guy who “promised Camelot and delivered, well, Ottawa.”

    What the undecided non voters need is a clear message that its not going to be ‘business as usual’.
    While Labour have to some extent hamstrung themselves with their budget balancing austerity limitations on spending, the media, and ‘the board room’, like Jacinda, so now, hopefully, Labour can get their message out there.

    Question is…is that message convincing to the proletariat??

  18. “New boss same as the old boss.” Nothing will change with the perpetual popularity politics.
    What a fuck’n bore this election is. Maybe with the Labour partys tri-annual BloodFests at election time, they should make these ”New Leader” announcements at Blood Donor Clinics to get some buy in?

    The plus is; the Maori Caucus has got their shit together and running a solid campaign! Maybe they should be running the entire Labour partys Election campaign & “Benches”too!

  19. Fantastic start by Jacinda – great to see how she handled Gower. I was close to tears when Kelvin was asked a question in Te Reo & answered back flawlessly – Labour is the only party which can span our bi cultural society- great omen for the future!

  20. WOW, another ‘game changer’ on the left! How many has that been? Every Labour leader…McCarten on board, .Coms moment of truth, Dirty Politics book launch etc etc..seems if there is any change on the right it means disaster for the right, any changes for the left and its a wonderful game changer!! Jacinta is an airhead who will be so out her depth she will end up with pity votes only!

    • Yep, pity votes to the left, bought and paid for votes on the right. Although I’M RIGHT in saying National is looking decidedly sick in the latest polls and Judith is standing by with the knife. I’M RIGHT in saying English is O and 1 for elections as leader. Hardly a ringing endorsement of Bullshit Bill.

      Bill and Todd could run a bar in Balclutha I suppose.

  22. So, the ABC’s still hold sway.
    As it was for David Cunliffe, so it is for Andrew Little. Two guys I have immense respect for. Both potentially very good Prime Ministers. Way better than the skulking gangster Key and the current sack of shit masquerading as PM.
    But both brought down from within.
    By the party that asks for our loyalty, yet displays none itself.

    I am unsure where to park my Party vote now.
    It was going to be for Labour, but now nothing short of a full renouncement of Rogernomics will get me sailing in that particular waka in any hurry.
    The Labour Party needs some serious healing. They need to become the Party of the Workers again.

      • The greens are unfortunately viewed as not creditable to govern in any form and as per the last election will lose ground on election day.
        The greens are actually holding Labour back due to their perceived radical and wacky policies, maybe Labour should denounce the understanding as the benefits are all in the Greens favour.
        The accommodation will not change the government.

        • “creditable” (don’t you mean credible?) to govern simply means accepting neo-liberalism according to the halfwit political commentators.

          When was that shit ever a fucking measure of credibility?

  26. Leader and deputy from the upper North Island. OK.

    Well, us in the rest of the country will need to look elsewhere

    • Sorry Tom, but the current situation isn’t working for many others either, so may I suggest Australia.

  27. I actually really like Jacinda Ardern, ever since I heard her parliamentary maiden speech. I like that she’s been thrust into leadership, it makes for a better leader, rather than power hungry wannabees grabbing at the reins.

    However, I’m still blocked form commenting on Labour’s Facebook page. They still have no policies that benefit blue-collar-workers or visionary ideas. I’m not sure Labour understands that children can’t vote – someone might want to school them up on that one.

    Grant Roberson is a disaster waiting to happen. I get the impression that Jacinda and him are friends … unfortunately Grant Roberson doesn’t understand ‘modern money mechanics’. When I hear these two comparing the government budget to a household budget I cringe.

    They don’t understand that when governments borrow money they can potentially get all of it back through taxation, unlike households. Governments make money when they borrow/spend money. Labour’s latest policy offerings, especially family tax credits remind me of a box of tangled up cords. Grant Robertson is very, very damaging to Labour and the fact that he has Jacinda’s ear is very concerning.

    I like Jacinda, I hope she can turn the party around but she needs to axe Roberson and his ridiculous policy ideas ASAP – keep it simple stupid. Sorry, TOP still has my vote.

  29. Well my 79 year old mother is ready to vote for Jacinda, and she hasn’t voted in about 20 years. I’m not really a “personality” voter – if she tweaks the policy a bit, with a particular emphasis on creating a at least some distance between corporate (especially foreign/banking) interests and party policy, I’d give Labour a shot if only as a protest vote. Frankly, I don’t think ANY NZ parties share my viewpoint at this stage, which is why I’m still either not voting at all or defacing my ballot.

  31. Labour’s problems go far deeper than just which talking head is at the top.

    Just like the Democrats in the US, New Zealand’s Centre Left are at war with the Left.*
    Allowing the Right to come up through the middle.

    *(both outside, and on the inside of their Party)

  32. My emotions today… Anger at the shits in the media like sharks after blood.
    Despair of the Labour movement. Sadness for Andrew,
    Optimism listening to Jacinda on radio.
    Delight watching her and Kelvin handle the media with charismatic benevolence and a touch of mongrel.
    Hope!

  33. What a day, what a 24 hours, what changes, a totally new leadership for Labour, a breath of fresh air, but how long will the MSM give Jacinda and Kelvin the honeymoon they will enjoy for a while?

    I do not quite know what to make of it, but the press conference hey held at midday was done quite well and professional, and it did even impress me.

    Going by the past many leaders of Labour, I fear that soon enough some in the media will start chipping away at Labour’s new leaders again. Also will we see that there may be a fresh appearance, but not all that much new substance on offer, e.g. policy.

    Let’s wait and see, the revolution is on hold for now.

  34. The Labour Party need to address the racism in their party

    Labour need to stand with Maori and promise to repeal the Seabed & Foreshore legislation, (including National’s repackaged version), and return Kaitiaki back to Maori.

    Labour need to restore their Maori MPs list rankings to match their worth as Members of Parliament, equal in to non-Maori MPs.

    The Labour Party need to address the deep seated support for the fossil fuel lobby and climate change denial in their party

    Labour need to stand with the Greens and oppose deep sea oil drilling.

    Labour need to stand with the people of the Pacific and end all new coal mine developments.

    http://www.scidev.net/global/climate-change/news/pacific-islands-global-ban-coal-mines.html

    The Labour Party need to address the support for monetarism in their party

    Labour need to stand with the working poor and beneficiaries and remove GST from basic staples.

    Labour need to reject flat taxes like GST and return to a more progressive tax system.

    Labour need to repeal the benefit cuts of Ruth Richardson and make benefits inflation adjusted.

    And finally, The Labour need to reject neo-liberalism root and branch, which is the fuel for their racism for their climate change denialism and for their monetarism

  35. A very classy act indeed. Charisma, determination, and a smile that outshines a nuclear bomb.

    But what is the substance?

    If there IS no substance (and I’ve yet to see any), if the message is going to be more neo-liberal lacklustre gloom and austerity, they may as well pack up and go home right now. Austerity and placatory caution is NOT the answer.

    Being locked in Thatcherite economics for the past 30 years is what has put us in this utter shit pit of starving kids, dying patients, and freezing pensioners.

    Change the fucking economic model for Christ’s sake…

  36. Having watched Question Time on Parliament TV, I noted how many MPs on the Natsi benches were looking rather grim and worried today. They have realised, they now have a softy neoliberal, modern day, youngish and popular centrist woman leading the opposition.

    Their voters that fell for the cunning, charming John Key may well take a liking to Jacinda. She is apparently popular with some in the MSM, same as Key was, she was on the news, the Project on TV3, on RNZ and Radio Live in the afternoon and early evening.

    Whether she will actually fight for some profound progressive policy remains to be seen, I have my doubts, but the right leaning politicians fears nothing more than an enemy that can appeal like this to the slap happy, the block watching urban middle class voters they have been bribing with little tax cuts and some morsels for years.

  37. Did anyone else see the burn of Act’s David Seymour on T.V. When ask what he thought of Jacinda being leader and possible P.M. he said Jacinda’s far to you at 37. The reporter then asked Seymour ” how old are you”? to which Seymour replied 34. There are 3 years between them but Jacinda’s maturity is years ahead of Seymour.

    What a twat.

    My response to Seymour is, if your good enough, your old enough.

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