Dunedin Election Blog

Last Post . . . for a while anyway

2005-09-21T12:53:00.000+12:00

Now the election is over, I'll be returning to my general Victor Billot blog.

I'm going to keep this Dunedin election blog alive though: who knows, there might even be another election sometime.

I'll keep mixing in the political posts in my VB blog, however I thought I would just fill people in on where things are at.

The Alliance didn't poll well on Saturday night: in fact very low. The main reason I think is that a lot of those who agreed with our ideas chose to support Labour/Greens: in a sense, the election was a vote against National more than an uncritical vote for Labour.

Also the Alliance has had a bumpy ride over the last few years, with some bad decisions taken by former leaders. Now, despite all the hassles, I am actually quite happy with the party we have. There is a range of views, but we seem to be a party that has a strong member-driven organization. The party is well run by volunteers.

The Alliance is the voice of the principled left in New Zealand.

A large team helped out on the campaign in Dunedin: we actually got extensive media coverage and overcame the view that we were no longer around. A note of thanks to all the local crew who did the volunteer work:
Julie, Chris, Eunice and Harry, Marvin, Robert G., Kay, Jim, Bob and Jean, Les, Andrew W., Norm and the rest of the Oamaru crew, Dave M., Mark Baxter, Sam M., Gail and Keith, Sandy, Jen, Andrew G., Sheri H. and Mark M. at Port Chalmers, Ryan, David T. for the ute, Jimmy, Don, the International Socialists, OUSA and OPSA for inviting us to the forums, the Mystirtron guys, the local journalists who gave us a fair go and fair coverage, the Maritime Union Port Chalmers branch for sponsoring me with a generous donation, the forum organizers who included us – CTU, Forest and Bird, Church Groups amongst others. Hope I haven't forgotten anyone – I will have.

If anyone would like more information about where we are going from here on in, please get in touch via my website.

11pm on the big night

2005-09-17T23:12:00.000+12:00

Just past 11pm on election night and the result is very close. Looks like Labour have the numbers but who knows. A hijacked plane threatened to fly into the Sky Tower and crashed into Auckland harbour. Jenny Shipley appeared on TV with chunky black specs, a leopard skin coat, and purple hair. It has been another strange evening.

I am proud to say I think I may have got the highest number of electorate votes of any Alliance candidate (251) in Dunedin North. Chris Ford came second for the electorate vote in NZ with 177.

The Alliance vote was tiny nationally. This is not surprising; with all the talk of tactical voting I think many of our voters went to Labour and Greens.

We've been having a small party round at my parents which has seen the local team come round for a few drinks to watch the fun. Thanks to Julie, Eunice, Harry, Chris, Kay, Marvin, Robert, Gail, Keith, David, Elaine, and the students from Mystertron Logan, Dan and David. As Logan said, a lot more people agree with our ideas than voted for us, simply because of the close election.

Good on all the team for keeping the voice of the true left alive. The Alliance was the only party to highlight casualization, the need for public control of electricity, and free education.

The next year will be a very interesting time. Bird flu, the collapse of the American economy, or oil hitting $9000 a barrel: whoever gets to be Government will be dealing with some very strange currents. All the more need for a principled voice on the left.

And just a few final words . . .

2005-09-16T19:24:00.000+12:00

The last few days have gone in something of a blur as the last newsletters are delivered and final meetings are held.

Today was largely concentrated on ensuring all the signs came down on time around town; small teams from all parties were to be seen around town retrieving their signage, or at least that which had survived the vandal attacks.

After tomorrow, I'll probably take the opportunity to make some analysis of the results and where things are heading, before moving back to my non-election blog.

Just a few thoughts before the Big Day:

So many things about this election have been defined by the right wing. The left is still in conservative mode, and this approach over the last six years has made us vulnerable to exactly the type of appeal to mindless, short term greed that the right thrives on. We need to start setting the agenda: people and planet, not corporate profits.

The only vote that is "wasted" is a vote wasted on something you don't believe in.

Let's vote for each other, for justice, democracy, respect and tolerance for all. Let's vote for a positive future. Let's take back the world off the greedheads and give it back to the rest of us who have to live in the mess they're creating.

See you at the polling booth.

TV story on Dunedin North electorate

2005-09-15T21:38:00.000+12:00

Dunedin North electorate story on Channel 9 here

It has an interesting shot of me waving my arms behind the Progressive candidate, which Meteria Turei seems to find funny. But that's about as mean as politics gets in friendly old Dunedin.

Media guerilla

2005-09-15T08:02:00.000+12:00

You can see Dr Cullen being haunted by an Alliance sign (carried by myself) on Channel 9

Also today at 10.45 I will be on Radio One – check out the live stream here.

Not forgetting the last forum at Otago University at 12.30 today at the University Union – the small parties faceoff.

Countdown

2005-09-14T22:32:00.000+12:00

It's getting close to the line, the pressure is on and the campaign is hotting up.

Actually, around Dunedin I've been surprised at the quietness of meetings and appearances by politicians. Today at Otago University a mild mannered crowd enjoyed a mild mannered speech by Dr Cullen, which I felt dutybound to razz up a little bit with some questions. And I managed to get on Channel 9 news apparently.

A union-organized forum tonight saw National MP Katherine Rich not turn up (surprise!). As a result poor old Mark Peters got a roasting from the freezing workers about United Future's policies as he was the next best thing. Mind you, United's policies are right wing, and their weasly deal cutting approach is no longer getting the desired response from the punters. My advice to Mark is next election, try to understand that what is wrecking the family is the capitalist free market system, not social engineering.

Here is a photo of life on the campaign trail, talking to the students at Otago University.

University Forum Thursday – last chance to hear it live

2005-09-13T11:55:00.000+12:00

Confirmed speakers for Thursday 15 September 12.30pm at the Otago University Union are:

Victor Billot (Alliance)
James Boyack (Progresive)
Alan Heward (New Zealand First)
Willy Martin (Act)
Mark Peters (United First)
Metiria Turei (Greens)
Bob Warren (Demcrats for Social Credit)

The general topic will be the part your party will play in
the new government, what your policy priorities will be and
who you'd be prepared to work with to achieve them. There'll
be questions from the audience too, which could be on
anything and everything.

If 100 000 people realized this, then life would never be the same again . . . it would be very much better.

2005-09-12T21:12:00.000+12:00

Excerpt from an email received today from an overseas voter enrolled in Dunedin North:

"On Politics: I have to admit, I had (until recently) been thinking of voting for Hodgson again, but your email has helped solidify my choice against him. I didn't want to 'waste' my vote (you know what I mean) by voting further left than I think the electorate will go, but a light just dawned on me: that is exactly what I am supposed to think!

I AM left. So I am bloody-well gunna vote left. Stuff them.

I respect and thank you for getting back to me, and for your committed and eloquent ideals."

North Poll

2005-09-12T12:34:00.000+12:00

Not forgetting the result of the Critic non-scientific poll for Dunedin North

I don't believe in polls anyway.

Media mayhem part 17

2005-09-12T12:19:00.000+12:00

Notorious Dunedin tabloid Critic have run their own candidate reviews for Dunedin North this week.

And local TV station Channel 9 is running candidate forums at 4.45pm today which Chris Ford and myself are appearing on.

Weekend update

2005-09-11T18:54:00.000+12:00

The weekend has been busy with the final phase of leafletting. In Dunedin North, a number of helpers and supporters have lent a hand . . . thanks again all. As a result we have managed to cover a large area on a tight budget.

Last Thursday I attended a small but well organized forum at the Knox Church focussing on social issues, which included an excellent lunch. The lunch was free and I noticed both the National and ACT candidates enjoying it, so don't believe them when they say there is no free lunch.

On Friday I had a bit of light entertainment at the Otago Polytech quiz night, which was being run as a fundraiser for the International Socialists. A good turnout and top marks to QuestionMeister Mark Baxter and Andrew Tait, who showed an unusual flair for showmanship during the prize raffles – perhaps the Selwyn Toogood of the new Left?

Today Sunday I attended a rather tame candidates "debate" at the University, organized by National Radio. The debate was actually between Kim Hill and each of the candidates . . . personally, I think she'd make an OK Prime Minister, and she certainly had the edge on any of the other contenders.

A brief rundown:

Brian Donnelly (NZ First): Winston Peters learned more from his mentor Muldoon than his politics. He also picked up the trait of surrounding yourself with grey characters who cannot challenge you. The word mediocre may be too harsh, but if Winston goes, then his tribe of grey characters will evaporate with him. Cannot actually remember anything he said except that they were "between Labour and National." Obviously it is going to be a tight squeeze with United Future in that budgie cage.

Deborah Coddington (ACT): A stylishly dressed and gleaming eyed fanatic, Debs warmed up the crowd by telling them "the market will provide." Obviously she hasn't been following Hurricane Katrina. Soon to join fellow ACTors such as the poison dwarf Rodney Hide and pinstriped squatocrat of the High Country Gerry Eckhoff back at the "grassroots" of politics.

Trevor Mallard (Labour): Trev followed the script but caused some concern with his unbuttoned shirt. Tried hard to sound left wing enough for the PPTA members in the audience, but right wing enough to reassure the upper classes their children will continued to be subsidized in elitist private schools to give them the extra edge against the nobodies. Would like to "do more" to help the student debt problem – as long as it doens't involve raising taxes on millionaires.

Meteria Turei (Greens): Got the most audience support and seemed more focussed than usual. I was a little concerned as she was quoting my speech from the last meeting I was at, but as a socialist I am happy to share my ideas for free. But the Greens never mention how they are going to pay for it. Would their support wilt like overcooked green spinach if the well-heeled sector of environmental crusaders had to front up with the higher tax?

Bill English (National): Bill was wearing his unusual "all grey" combination and seems like a man going through the motions. The motions of what is hard to say – drowning? He seems to lack punch. However he occasionally makes a dry observation that overcomes complete inertia.
Seemed a little annoyed about some PPTA ad that apparently paints him as being responsible for a beaten woman? I haven't seen it so can't comment.

Bernie Ogilvy (United): I cannot say anything about United that was not said by T.S. Eliot in his famous poem of 1925 "The Hollow Men":

We are the hollow men
We are the stuffed men
Leaning together
Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!
Our dried voices, when
We whisper together
Are quiet and meaningless
As wind in dry grass
Or rats' feet over broken glass
In our dry cellar

Shape without form, shade without colour,
Paralysed force, gesture without motion;

Those who have crossed
With direct eyes, to death's other Kingdom
Remember us -- if at all -- not as lost
Violent souls, but only
As the hollow men
The stuffed men.

Monte Ohia (Maori Party): Monte was a genial character who filled the room with goodwill and a winning smile. However, it was patently obvious he had no policies. Told the audience that it would have been better if there were no student loans. As the Maori Party support lowering corporate taxes, how they are going to fix the problem will be interesting to see. Perhaps with goodwill and a winning smile.

I was interested to hear the Progressive person talk about their support for free education. I wonder how they are going to achieve this when they can't be seen to disagree with their "coalition partner" Labour. Perhaps as their local candidate James told me, it will be done by "playing the game" and with Jim "having a word in Helen's ear at the cabinet table." Or perhaps it will come from people supporting the Alliance Party, which has principles?

However for much of the debate I was watching Kim Hill's strange body language and waving hand movements. After the debate we walked back to the car and saw Bill English looking lost and standing alone with his briefcase and cellphone in the middle of the carpark. I thought he would look much better with a loyal dog and a swanndri standing in a paddock near Lumsden. I think he would also look happier.

Some more coverage in Otago Daily Times online

2005-09-08T21:27:00.000+12:00

Chris Ford

Victor Billot

Writeup in ODT

2005-09-08T16:23:00.000+12:00

Some coverage in the Otago Daily Times . . .

Candidates Forum TOMORROW

2005-09-07T23:54:00.000+12:00

12.15pm Knox Church, George Street, Dunedin, Thursday 8 September 2005

Also a Newstalk ZB pre-recorded radio spot on in Dunedin between 11 and 12 noon for local listeners . . .

and thanks to Marvin for the Hills AM interview the other day.

A few surprises in Maori Hill

2005-09-07T23:21:00.000+12:00

Some good coverage in the Otago Daily Times in the last couple of days.

The candidates meeting at Maori Hill Hall last night was a surprise,
this is a well-off neighbourhood and I was expecting a tough crowd,
however it was the National and ACT candidates who got heckled by the
audience.

To quote a few excerpts from the ODT report:

"There was little appetite for tax cuts among those who went to hear
a meet the candidates forum at the Maori Hill Community Centre last
night . . .
The meeting reached a crescendo every time Alliance Party candidate
Victor Billot rose to speak, with his booming delivery apparently
designed to reach some way down Drivers Road from the Highgate
Venue . . . speaking first, he noted the way in which the poor of New
Orleans had apparently been abandoned following Hurricane Katrina.
'You have to ask yourself, why were they left there? They had no
money, that's why' he said. Some of the parties on the stage wanted
to take New Zealand the same way, he said.
Taking up that theme later, a member of the audience asked Mrs Rich
whether her party would cut the domestic purposes benefit if in power.
Mrs Rich said it would not."

A brief review of other candidates:

Pete Hodgson (Labour): Getting progressively more grumpy, probably because of his earlier involvement in a fracas with some lunatic fundamentalist at Otago University during Helen's photo op. Time to turn on the charm offensive, Pete!

Katherine Rich (National): Where are her supporters? Looking more and more ratty as every meeting she is met with a barrage of heckles and jeers. Still opens every meeting by telling us she has "gained a reputation, I am told, as an effective local MP."
The head prefect mannerisms aren't going down well though and she left immediately after the meeting with a small group of Nats, it looked like a defeated Sith Lord abandoning ship with a bunch of imperial troopers. The positive "winner" vibe is beginning to crack.

ACT guy: Some stand in from Auckland, hopefully nothing too serious has happened to their local accident prone candidate Willie Martin. The new guy was a real case study, dressed like Tom Cruise in Top Gun, and came across as a bit of a sociopath. Unlike Willie, he wasn't rattled by the hostile crowd. I called him a zombie, but he didn't seem to mind that either, so a point for keeping cool under heavy fire.

Brent Daglish (Destiny): Brent has followed my recent advice in this blog and now appears in a sober and stylish grey suit, having abandoned the zany red tie and black shirt look. Continues to be generally friendly although briefly lectured me that if I kept on disrespecting his spiritual leaders, he would "bite back."
I must wear some heavy woollen garments to the next meeting.

Mark Peters (United) was briefly astonished when asked if he would change policies if his party went in with National or Labour. I saved him by saying I would go into coalition with him and shook his hand. The audience laughed and hopefully Mark hasn't lost too much sleep thinking he has signed a coalition deal with the socialists.

Alan the NZ First candidate is apparently an ex-cop, which is disturbing considering he makes thinly veiled racist comments about something called the "Bro-ro-cracy" at every meeting. However he does have a very good understanding of what a load of hogwash "free trade" is. I had an interesting conversation with him after the meeting about "leadership." He was very big on it. What will he do when his leader is trounced in the election? Who will he look up to then? I must ask him at the next meeting.

Phillippa Jamieson (Greens) gave one of her best speeches so far, especially in defence of progressive taxes.

Earlier in the day I met the local Progressive candidate, an earnest young chap by the name of James. He kept on telling me I had to "play the game." I think he was talking about politics, because there weren't any Ludo sets around. He did tell me that the Progressive's had two members in Dunedin. Hopefully Jim "Get things done with my enormous and embarrassing 67 year old ego" Anderton won't sack him for divulging the secret Progressive masterplan to "get things done."
He also let me in on the secret of how Jim Anderton gets things done – it's because he gets to have a "word in the ear" of Helen Clark at cabinet meetings. I asked young James what "Get Things Done Jim" had actually got done in the last three years, upon which he walked off looking depressed.

Socialist candidate speaks at Maori Hill

2005-09-06T16:25:00.000+12:00

I am speaking tonight at a "Meet the Candidates" evening in the Maori Hill Community Centre, 607 Highgate, Dunedin at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday 06 September, 2005.

Could be a good one!

No questions please – this is a photo opportunity

2005-09-06T16:00:00.000+12:00

Helen Clark spoke at the University today, to a large and docile crowd.

I was one of the only people who asked her a question she didn't like answering – about the fact that many people, especially the elderly and low income families, have trouble paying their power bill. Why won't Labour take back the power into public ownership?

Could all the big talk about social justice just be so much election PR?

As you will see from the photo above it was a pretty big crowd – but fairly uncommitted, despite the fact the Labour Party had filled about twenty thousand balloons, to fit in with the hot air theme.

What has happened to today's students that they will regard cutting the interest (but keeping user pays education) as somehow "radical"? Is it because we've been trained after a generation to accept the unacceptable, and to allow ourselves to be gulled by agenda-setting rulers?

Even the journalists were saying what a flat crowd it was. One said to me, isn't it strange how the only questions were from the left? (I think he was referring to me).

No sign of National, a few ACT dudes with their bad yellow banner . . . bad colour choice, especially next to the pale and spotted complexions of the ACT boys.

I talked to a few people in the crowd, but apart from the celebrity factor there didn't seem to be a huge amount of interest in the actual election or politics itself.

Meanwhile a gaggle of press gallery journalists waited patiently and eventually filed up like a row of dutiful ducklings after the PM.

What a laugh!

New Orleans

2005-09-03T13:53:00.000+12:00

Like many people, I have been following the disaster in New Orleans with horror and amazement.

I just read a report on The Guardian where a UK reporter is on the scene as thousands of local people are still trapped and in many cases seriously ill.

This is in a nation which is spending $5 billion plus a month in running a "war" in the Middle East with the most advanced technologies and most well resourced military in the world.

It is becoming apparent that US President George W. Bush is completely out of his league. His speech on the disaster was appalling and makes disturbing viewing. Don't take my word for it – see the original at the White House website.

This is what the New York Times said in an editorial on the subject:
"George W. Bush gave one of the worst speeches of his life yesterday, especially given the level of national distress and the need for words of consolation and wisdom. In what seems to be a ritual in this administration, the president appeared a day later than he was needed. He then read an address of a quality more appropriate for an Arbor Day celebration: a long laundry list of pounds of ice, generators and blankets delivered to the stricken Gulf Coast. He advised the public that anybody who wanted to help should send cash, grinned, and promised that everything would work out in the end."

I agree with the New York Times in this case.

The disaster has been made far worse by the fact that under the "leadership" of a self-interested, arrogant elite, it is the poor, the old and the sick – and in this case - the black – who have been left without help.

It is a disgrace that such a thing could happen in the world's wealthiest country.

Looking at some local photos by people on the ground there is disturbing and shocking.

All the authorities can do is talk about "shoot to kill." They represent a sick system.

They must go – and their New Zealand equivalents must not be allowed to take power here.

Guest candidate review

2005-09-03T13:42:00.000+12:00

There was a nuclear free forum late last month that I never got a chance to do a review on . . . but that's OK because Bren has done a review for us.

Let's keep those candidate reviews coming. Let's see if we can collapse the polls and shock the pundits by starting a BLOG REVOLUTION.

Candidate Reviews Part Three

2005-09-02T10:12:00.000+12:00

The campaign trail has begun to get crowded. I haven't had a chance to comment on some of the recent meetings I've attended and spoken at. So here are some more reviews of my fellow candidates that I make after sitting through several of their speeches – once again I don't review myself, in the interests of fairness.

(If you would like to email me a review, please do so!)

Willie Martin (ACT): Willie has been turning up at most meetings, but his campaign has been dogged by disaster. At one meeting, he failed to show because his car broke down. Then at the next meeting he showed up with a broken arm. However to his credit he has battled on. However he has failed to take my previous advice on this blog.
He has the bad habit of making strong sounding statements like "We're gonna get tough on crime!"
Unfortunately whenever he gets heckled, he breaks down in confusion and starts whimpering.
Quote of the week: "We believe people should be free to do whatever they want to do!" (Long silence). "Within the law of course!"
(Cue audience laughter).
Style: 2 points for carrying on in the face of disaster, oblivion and hostile crowds. Content: Minus three. The ACT party is simply mean.

Katherine Rich (National): Katherine has started turning up at a few meetings for a change. She spends her entire speech talking about what a hard working local MP she is, and avoids discussing anything to do with National Party policies. Possibly this is because of the shouts, catcalls and boos that result whenever she mentions them.
I have the feeling she doesn't want National to win, so she can replace Don Brash when he gets the sack, and become New Zealand's Margaret Thatcher. Scarey thought.
Style: 3 points for her bland, well-trained professionalism. Content: No rating, as no content.

Mark Peters (United): Mark is a good bloke, and he hasn't mentioned social engineering once since I ripped into his speech at an earlier meeting. He has the charming habit of spending much of his speeches saying nice things about the other candidates, and often asks for their approval or comments. He seems to have a weak grasp of party policy and reads from notes. He is just too nice for politics. I think he has probably realized that United are a waste of time and is just going through the motions because of a misguided sense of loyalty.
Style: public speaking 1 point for trying. In person, six points for being a good bloke. Content: 1 point for bringing along the entire one hundred page policy statement and reading it in a monotone

Pete Hodgson (Labour): Pete can only handle speaking for these public meetings for about an hour until he cracks and starts snarling at the other candidates and audience. He ended last night by snarling into Willie Martin and it was like watching a crazed ferret shred a helpless rabbit. His political personality type seems to be technocrat with a subtext of Hannibal Lecter.
I have picked up a few standard Pete-isms that he will need to watch. One is saying "but wait there's more!" (he doesn't sound enthusiastic when he says it) and the other is accusing questioners of being ignorant ("our policy is great blah blah . . . why didn't you know that?")
Style: seems ill at ease, can be patronising and grumpy. 3 points for being able to string a sentence together unlike many other candidates. Content: 6 points for knowing his stuff.

Phillippa Jamieson (Green): Phillippa is the original Green. She is as Green as you get. If you wanted to select a person who typefies the Green Party in human form, it is her. She works on organic farms. Her email address includes the name "Ecowitch." She wears a purple denim jacket and works as a freelance writer.
She usually makes a good fist of it, but last night fell down on the very simple and important question, where is the money coming from?
Either she got flustered or genuinely didn't know, but she couldn't answer. Perhaps it is because the Greens don't want to have to tell their liberal, middle class voters they are going to have to pay more tax?
Style: 7 points, because she rang me up and let me know when the meeting was on. Thanks Phillippa!
Content: 5 points. Phillippa is well versed in all Green policies from composting toilets to peak oil, but she needs to read the Green tax policy and memorize.

Short reviews:

Robert Wansink (Restore all things in Christ Party): This guy is amazing. He told the meeting the other night that all the other candidates represented the anti-Christ and that if we did not vote for him we would burn in hell for eternity.
Just for emphasis he added: "And eternity is a very long time."
A very well read fanatic, Robert quotes Thomas Aquinas and Plato as well as the good book.

Brent Daglish (Destiny): Brent is most put out by the fact that there is a even more impressive fundamentalist running against him in the form of Robert. Brent must be the classic Destiny supporter – a working class guy who has been sucked into some weird cult/business franchise.
Brent continues to tell other candidates that we basically all believe the same thing, which is wishful thinking. Like most fundamentalists, he is uneasy when challenged in a public forum to justify his beliefs.
He also keeps on going on about "unlimited wealth creation". I never read that in the Bible. I did read "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24.)
(I'm an atheist by the way.)
Style: Brent gets a generous 5 points for fronting up and speaking well (apart from the time he told the audience at St Marys Church that one of the Ten Commandments was "Thou shall not shag thy neighbours wife!" – way to go Brent!)
Also he has this great black shirt and red tie combination, that makes him look a bit like Bob Geldof in Pink Floyd's "The Wall". Bogan high fashion in 2005. Content: No rating, I hate the Destiny Church, their phoney moralism, their unlimited wealth creation for that Elvis impersonating self-appointed Ayatollah Brian "Hair Gel" Tamaki, and their desire to return us to some kind of dark ages where gays are burnt at the stake, etc.

Alan someone or another (New Zealand First): Quite a nice guy apart from when he starts saying things like the "Bro-roc-cracy" and banging on about the immigrants who are apparently responsible for everything bad in the world. God I hate New Zealand First. What a pack of mean-minded, narrow, bores. The spirit of Rob Muldoon lives on, sadly.

That's it for now. Any reviews on my own campaign will be gladly received.

Another candidates meeting tonight – Opoho.

2005-09-01T09:18:00.000+12:00

I will be attending the following candidates meeting tonight:

Meet the Candidates Meeting
Opoho Presbyterian Church
Thursday 1 Sept, 7.30 pm
5 minute addresses from each candidate, followed by questions from the
floor

Election forum report

2005-08-31T09:42:00.000+12:00

Last night we had what was supposed to be the "big" election forum at one of the Town Hall rooms. A full report will be given later as there were some bizarre moments and some bizarre characters. In the meantime:

Rebecca Fox writes in todays Otago Daily Times:

Tax cuts, energy dilemmas, and family issues dominated discussions by 16 candidates at an election forum in Dunedin last night.
The forum, organized by the Star and the Otago Chamber of Commerce, attracted about 50 people to the Dunedin Centre's Fullwood Room.
It gave all candidates equal opportunity to outline their parties election platforms, and to speak about three issues suggested by members of the public – tax cuts, energy and abortion.
All parties were promising tax relief in some form, with Alliance's Victor Billot, of Dunedin North, getting a round of applause for advocating a tax cut for ordinary people, not the ones needing a "second BMW or spa pool."
National's Katherine Rich, of Dunedin North, defended her parties policy, saying it was fair, simple and hit people who needed it, unlike the "bossy boot" Labour Government policy.
Labour's David Benson-Pope, of Dunedin South, bit back, by saying the Working for Families pledge was affordable, did not require borrowing, and targeted those most in need.
Green Party candidate Peter Tomlinson, of Dunedin South, got a round of applause for saying Labour's policy was about children, not adults.
Many candidates were claiming to be a little green when it came to addressing increasing demand for electricity and plans to avert a power crisis.
National's Conway Powell, of Dunedin South, described himself as "blue green" when it came to conservation.
"We're all in the poo together."
Mr Billot called for the country's power to be returned to the people.
"It's our power, and should be provided at a reasonable price."

PS Chris Ford also attended the meeting and spoke very well. We were both well received by the audience.

Upcoming Forums in Dunedin North

2005-08-29T20:39:00.000+12:00

A whole bunch of meet the candidate events coming up:

Tomorrow night Tuesday 30 August the local community newspaper the Star have organized a public forum for candidates at the Dunedin Centre (Town Hall) Fullwood Room at 7pm, which both myself and Chris Ford will be attending for the Alliance.

Up next is a candidate forum at the Maori Hill Community Centre, 607 Highgate, Dunedin at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6 September where I will be speaking on behalf of the Alliance.

At 12.15 pm on Thursday 8 September I will be speaking at the Knox Church Hall, this forum organized by the Presbyterian Church is focussed on social issues.

The local trade unions have organized a forum on Wednesday 14 September 2005, 7pm at the Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, which I will be speaking at.

Alliance in the news

2005-08-29T20:31:00.000+12:00

The Alliance campaign in Auckland received an interesting boost when Otago Daily Times journalist Dene McKenzie called in recently. You can read about it online on the ODT's election website.

Alliance candidate for Wigram Tom Dowie has taken a stand (and a tent) against Meridian Energy and their price hikes – check out the story here.

Environment Forum Review

2005-08-23T18:45:00.000+12:00

The campaign trail is getting busier by the day and I have attended many meetings and spoken to many people.

Today there was an environment forum at Otago University where I spoke along with a number of other candidates. Here is my review of the forum. I don't review my own performance in the interests of fairness.

The forum was held in one of the main common rooms for the students. Once again only a fairly small crowd of around 100 attended. I guess this is because the right wing have suceeded in turning many young people into self-focussed individuals who have no interest in these things. Or perhaps the students don't see politicians as relevant to their lives.

Jeanette Fitzsimons (Greens) was first up. She came across as mild mannered except for when she got into some argument with the ACT party guy about the Fiordland marine reserve. The Green campaign has been terrible on a national level. Their billboards are unreadable, they seem to have no one on the ground for a party with a whole bunch of MPs, and they're entirely concentrating on cuddling up to Labour and going for the "respectable" vote. This means that their policies on free trade and GE will be "toned down" as they seek to portray themselves as reasonable. The result will be ineffectiveness.
Jeanette's speech content was a solid 7, but her style and enthusiasm barely makes a 5.

David Parker (Labour) came in next. He is a very low profile MP for Otago, but managed to summon up some fire in his verbal battles with ACT Otago list MP Gerry Eckhoff. They had a face off at the microphone but middle-aged men trying to be tough always look a little embarrassing. Anyway, David has no hope in winning back Otago as it was only due to the fact National stuffed it up so badly in 2002 that he won anyway. A good speaker, although a little whiney at times, but it all seemed a bit formulaic.
David receives a 6 for content, and a 6 for style and enthusiasm.

Gerry Eckhoff (ACT) is a bizarre character. He comes across as some kind of upper class caricature with his private school tones and pinstriped suit. Today he must have had a good breakfast because he managed to spark up a bit. Only candidate there who said he didn't believe the greenhouse effect was real, or at least human beings had nothing to do with it. Hopefully his high country farm turns into a desert.
Relegated to the bottom of the list for ACT, he knows his time is up, and tries to cover a forlorn air with bluster.
In his favour, he did concede to me there was a difference between Stalinism and democratic socialism in a post debate conversation.
Gerry has improved his form marginally with a 5 for content, and a 6 for enthusiasm (no style though.)

Guy with a beard (United). A forgettable character from Wanaka, like all United candidates has no idea. This bloke was from the fishing and hunting wing of the United Party, as opposed to the Smoking in Pubs or crazed fundamentalist Christian wing of the United Party. Tried to follow the leader and kept on repeating "common sense" then looked confused when no one clapped. One of my pet hates is people who get involved in politics for these single issue causes like fishing and hunting. Everyone else is trying to talk about the future of the country and all they are interested in is fishing and hunting. Like big boys who have never grown up past the toy soldiers and matchbox car years. Give us a break.
Guy with a beard wins 3 for content, based on the fact he did know about fishing and hunting, if nothing else. 3 for enthusiasm, based on the fact at least he came down from Wanaka.

Conway Powell (National). I feel more and more sorry for Conway. The candidate for Dunedin South has spent all his campaign energy turning up at the tough debates which Katherine Rich is ignoring. Obviously Katherine is hoping Don Brash is going to lose the election, so she can step forward as New Zealand's version of Margaret Thatcher. In the meantime, she is nowhere to be found.
Conway is trying to plug the gap, and occasionally tries to talk tough with New Right economics, but his heart doesn't seem in it and he always ends up coming across kind of middle of the road. A kind of pale ghostly local image of Bill English on a bad day.
Conway wins 4 for content, and 4 for enthusiasm. Points off for the weak jokes, but a small credit for the fact that he is a trained botanist. Then again, loads of points off for the fact that he represents a nasty party that will launch an all out attack on workers, beneficiairies, students and the poor. Boo!

So there we go. Hi to the students who came up afterwards and discussed things. To the guys at the "MysterTron" flat – I'll be in touch about the sign.

Alliance media coverage

2005-08-20T16:26:00.000+12:00

The Stuff news website has a good rundown on the Alliance as part of its 2005 election feature.

The Alliance television presentation is TV One tonight between 7.30pm and 8.30pm as well.

Forum TONIGHT at Mornington

2005-08-19T11:15:00.000+12:00

I have managed to get onto the panel at an election forum tonight at the last moment!

Question the candidates meeting at 7.30pm, Friday 19 August, St Marys Hall, Lawrence/Whitby Streets, Mornington. Free admission.

Knox College talk

2005-08-19T11:13:00.000+12:00

I spoke last night to the students at Knox College. It was great to get an invitation to go along, and I was surprised at the good number of students who turned up and asked questions . . . lots of questions. I was there for an hour and a half.

National would prefer to ladle out huge tax cuts to the already rich while students and workers go to the wall

2005-08-17T12:40:00.000+12:00

Published Otago Daily Times, Wednesday 17 August:

National Finance spokesperson John Key says no interest on student loans means students will be spending more money on booze.
What a joke.
Most students probably could live for a month for the cost of one of the corporate dinners he attends.
National would prefer to ladle out huge tax cuts to the already rich while students and workers go to the wall.
Then Labour MP Trevor Mallard says that John Key received his education for free.
But so did Trevor Mallard.
Labour's interest free student loans election bribe is a cynical attempt to draw attention away from the fact they introduced user pays education into New Zealand.
The problem is not the interest.
The problem is student loans and a $7 billion dollar debt getting bigger by the day.
The Alliance policy is to scrap the student debt, introduce free education for all and have universal student allowances.
The cost of this will be partially covered by increasing tax on John Key and Trevor Mallard, and others on their income level.

Catch the Alliance election address on TV1 this coming Saturday, August 20.

2005-08-17T12:27:00.000+12:00

It was produced and edited by Vanguard Film's Rod Prosser who put a great amount of time, effort and creative energy into its production. Vanguard made the anti-New Right documentaries "Someone Else's Country" and "In a Land of Plenty". Alister Barry, the producer of these documentaries, helped out with the Alliance presentation. Well known film-maker Steve LaHood directed the film shoot.
A radio version airs on National radio the same evening.
The Alliance election address will be broadcast during the following time slots.
Times:
TV1, 7.30pm - 8.30pm, Saturday August 20
National Radio, 8.05pm - 9pm, Saturday August 20
Spread the word.

Dunedin North Alliance campaign releases THEME SONG

2005-08-16T10:07:00.000+12:00

I am pleased to announce that the ALLIANCE PARTY CAMPAIGN FOR DUNEDIN NORTH . . .

now has it's very own Theme Song.

The track is "Communicate", the work of underground electronic artist MC 8 BIT, who has donated his righteous beats and direct word stylings to the campaign.

Download Communicate here in mp3 format.

Forest and Bird Forum – what happened?

2005-08-13T14:38:00.000+12:00

The Forest and Bird Forum was last night. I spoke with a number of other candidates and there were probably over 100 people in attendance. It was an interesting meeting and I'll probably make some further posts about it later.

In the meantime, the Otago Daily Times says today:

"Alliance Party Dunedin North candidate Victor Billot proposed total public control of conservation land and power generation, and warned the corporate and international economy would destroy the environment if left unchecked."

Billboard demolition attacks on the motorway

2005-08-13T14:28:00.000+12:00

We had an attack on the Northern Motorway billboard recently. All the party billboards had been wiped out and spray painted, although ours was repairable.

The strange thing was, all the vandalized signs had "Destiny NZ" spraypainted on with a big tick. Either there is a vandal out there with a strange sense of humour or a rogue gang of moronic fundamentalists.

Local National MP Katherine Rich had fangs and horns drawn on her photo, and Don Brash had been touched up to resemble a certain German dictator.

And from the Otago Daily Times today . . .

"Victor Billot of the Alliance was contacted yesterday, having spent many hours replacing the damaged billboard."

"We make a point of not having faces on our billboards now, because it just asks for trouble."

TV interview with parrots in the background

2005-08-13T14:22:00.000+12:00

I was interviewed briefly on Channel 9 about the Alliance's stance on the environment yesterday before the Forest and Bird Forum.

You can download the interview at the Channel 9 website.

We did the interview at the Botanic Gardens, next to the parrot enclosure. I like the parrots.

You can check out the full Alliance environmental policy on our website.

Middle-aged National candidate ruins hiphop styles with funky chicken dance

2005-08-10T17:27:00.000+12:00

The Otago Polytech "Political Idol" contest was today. It involved highly undignified things like a three legged race and a rap contest where candidates had to rhyme their policies over a phat hip hop beat.

Candidate rating:

Conway Powell (National):
Conway listened to my advice from last time and told the students the truth. National weren't going to do anything for students. Then he launched into a speech about freedom from the State which apparently is interfering in our lives. Presumably he means things like health and safety laws at work which help stop workers getting killed and injured. (But I guess that's OK – as long as the corporates are making those fat profits, National are more than happy.)
Conway had a good "rap" style, but unfortunately he ruined it by doing this strange kind of funky chicken dance.
Marks: 6 out of 10, less apologetic than last time and good skills on the mike, but marks off for the chicken dance.

Lesley Soper (Labour):
Because Dunedin's two Labour MPs Pete Hodgson and David "Tennis Ball" Benson-Pope are too busy to bother with doing too much campaigning in their "safe" seats, they have been sending Invercargill based list MP Lesley Soper along to talk to the students.
Lesley established her street cred with the students by telling them she used to work as librarian, before making a credible attempt at hip hop with her rap. Her rhymes were good but she lacked the battle MC technique and could barely be heard over the tinny sound system.
My theory is with Labour is they shouldn't bother turning up to meetings at all, because they always get more applause at the start than at the finish.
Marks: 6 out of 10, needs to improve microphone technique though.

Phillippa Jamieson and Peter (Green):
The Greens have an unnerving habit of turning up to meetings in twos, asking if they can take turns speaking, and then both of them end up speaking all the time thus getting them twice as much airtime. Perhaps under that cover of consensus and peace, they are really Machivellian characters.
Phillippa's rap was very old-school, more like a late seventies Ska song. Peter did a rap, he had more of a gangsta style, but this didn't gel with his novelty cap which he wore backwards. Probably better than others, but once again the hat turned him from gangsta rap to high school English teacher just like that.
Marks: 7 out of 10, but need to stop attending meetings in twos like they are unable to get on a stage by themselves.

Willie Martin (ACT):
Willie did better this time as he didn't have any hecklers, he goes to pieces when they start shouting at him.
I can't help thinking how depressing it must be being an ACT candidate. They are so wound up on being successful and all-round winners, so it must be quite difficult to face the fact you are going to be completely wiped out in the election
Marks: 6 out of 10, but all his thunder was stolen today by Conway.

Once again, I will not give myself a mark for reasons of bias.

We had a digital pic taken on a mobile phone . . . that's me on the left (funnily enough) with my Alliance sign.

Billboard Fever

2005-08-07T20:49:00.000+12:00

Saturday: eleven hours of billboarding. Dunedin voters will see our large Alliance billboards all over town.

The only other billboards around are National and Labour. Neither tell you what they stand for. They just say things like "vote for me" or feature ugly larger than life pictures of Don Brash with a fake grin plastered over his mug.

Next week we are putting round our smaller signs at peoples houses – if you would like a small "Vote Alliance" sign to display at your house, let me know and we'll get you one.

Thanks to the billboard team: Julie, Jimmy, Marvin and Harry who took care of the construction work . . . and also Auckland Alliance for the great signs.

Alliance confirmed at Environment Forum

2005-08-05T19:37:00.000+12:00

I will be speaking on behalf of the Alliance Party at a Forest and Bird Society Election forum, together with other candidates.

The forum is at the Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum, on Friday August 12 from 7.30pm.

Update, political idols and knox college

2005-08-03T22:08:00.000+12:00

Busy times. In fact so busy I haven't had times to do any new posts.

This weekend the local campaign team will be out and about putting up our mega sized billboards around Dunedin, which are already having a good impact around Auckland suburbs.

We are also putting smaller billboards up on peoples front lawns and fences – if you would like one, let us know – my contact details are on my website – link is on your right.

The other big project is a mass leafletting of Dunedin. We need volunteers. We already have a good team but it is a big job! I have done a lot of work on our national election publication which should be out in the next week or so.

Upcoming events include the "Politician Idol" event at Otago Polytech on Wednesday 10 August and I have been invited along to Knox College on Thursday 18 August. One of the students there, Efa, has taken it upon herself to organize visits by candidates to speak to the students. So who said students were apathetic?

And of course . . .

2005-07-25T21:40:00.000+12:00

Today the election date was announced.

It's Saturday 17 September.

The campaign trail starts here . . . (officially).

We already have a good number of leafletters and people prepared to put up an election billboard on their property . . . but we are always looking for more. Please email me at the link in the wee box on your right if you can help out by doing either of these things.

New blog from Dunedin South Alliance candidate

2005-07-25T21:37:00.000+12:00

We welcome Chris Ford to the blogosphere . . .

Radio interview with Dunedin Alliance candidates

2005-07-25T21:33:00.000+12:00

Dunedin North candidate Victor Billot (that's me) and Dunedin South candidate Chris Ford have a joint radio interview . . .

Tuesday, July 26, 2005: Interview with Marvin Hubbard for 'Community or Chaos' on Hills AM Radio, 1575AM in Dunedin. Time: 11am.

Most people want good health and good education – and they're prepared to pay for it

2005-07-20T18:53:00.000+12:00

The majority of voters would be happy to pay more tax to improve health and education.

Yet those same voters may end up voting for politicians who will instead:

(a) slash public spending on health and education, and attack workers to squeeze out more profits for big business (National)

(b) continue to insist that "things are improving" when student debt has ballooned, free trade deals threaten jobs, and poverty indicators such as poor, overpriced housing and foodbanks continue (Labour)

What can explain this strange difference between what people want – and who they vote for?

Is it because they have been lied to and manipulated so often that an attitude of "who cares" has taken over?

But if so – why do they still indicate they value things like publicly funded, collective provision of health and education, and despite constant propaganda from the establishment and media, they are prepared to pay more for good services?

It sounds like there are a lot of Alliance voters out there: because that's what we think too.

Billot bellows?

2005-07-19T09:40:00.000+12:00

Some more coverage of the debate at Otago University from the Critic magazine .

My only point of contention is that the students may have been snoring – but this can hardly be blamed on me, as I was up last, and they would have had to sit through the common "bland out" technique that status quo politicians use to take the heat out of an issue. It nearly put me to sleep too.

Follow the leader – a few observations

2005-07-17T18:35:00.000+12:00

One of the great things about the Alliance is how it's a member driven party which is run and organized from the bottom up.

Unfortunately we can't say the same for some of the others. For example, as soon as Winston overdoses on hair gel, what will happen to the New Zealand First personality cult?

The same fate of megalomania seems to have overtaken the Progressive Party – now renamed Jim Anderton's Progressive Party, just in case you didn't know who was running the show. What happens when Jim finally retires? I guess they'll have to change the name again.

Two of the Progressive policies are cutting the corporate tax rate, and their ongoing war on drugs – ideas that position them fairly closely to Destiny New Zealand – or should that be, Bishop Tamaki's Destiny New Zealand Church and Political Party?

Tax cuts socialist style

2005-07-17T18:30:00.000+12:00

The following article on the Alliance's tax policy – a central part of our plan to rebuild a society where all people have a good basic standard of living – appeared in many NZ newspapers in the weekend.

Where's the money coming from?

2005-07-11T21:46:00.000+12:00

The new Alliance tax policy can be viewed here.

more debate blogging

2005-07-11T20:23:00.000+12:00

As my good friend Joe Hendren has pointed out, the debate today is already creating shockwaves in the blogosphere.

This other perspective can be found at Bren's blog.

Debate on campus: the scores

2005-07-11T19:32:00.000+12:00

I had a good time today talking to the students down at Otago University who turned up to listen to a debate organized by the Green Party.

Here's my quick summation of the speakers and local candidates who turned up:

Willie Martin (ACT).
Willie came up to me before the debate and introduced himself, seemed like a nice guy. Sadly, however, Willie's writeup on the ACT page reveals him to be completely nuts, raving on about a "Cuba" style Labour Government etc. Forget it Willie – the only thing Cuba about this Labour Government is what goes into their Lambton Quay lattes. Not that I'm any great fan of old Fidel. Presumably Willie prefers more freedom loving Latin American role models, like General Pinochet's Chile – a free market heaven. Anyone who got in the way of the free market there was put in a helicopter and dropped into the Pacific from a great height.
But despite all the tough talk on Willie's ACT party webpage about political correctness (yawn) and getting tough, Willie wimped out big time in the debate and murmured politely that education did have public good elements, and so on, lulling the audience into a polite doze. The ony point in his favour is that he is better at public speaking than the ACT candidate in Dunedin South, who is truly terrible.
RESULT: Disappointing. 3/10 for Willie. My advice: Time to walk the talk Willie. Get out there and tell those whingeing scarfies where to go, then let the market decide at the polling booth.

Phillippa Jamieson (Greens).
I have known Phillippa for some years and like her as a person. She gave a conscientious speech but started out quite middle of the road and then swung to the left when I gave my speech and it went down well with the crowd. This is the problem with the Greens I think. They are trying to position themselves to the left of Labour but don't want to be seen as too "radical" and as a result never mention the fact that their policies are going to cost (someone) a lot of money. This may be because they don't want to scare their middle class liberal voting base who may have to cough up? I don't know. I think their idea of a bonding scheme stinks as well. Generally moving in the right direction but lacking the clarity and punch of the Alliance policy.
RESULT: Good effort but needs more focus. 6/10 for Phillippa. My advice: more Red and less pale Green.

Dr Conway Powell (National)
Conway was another friendly character who came up and shook my hand, full of smiles (that was before the debate though.)
A highly qualified gentleman who picked up his PhD back in the good old days (1973). Once again, lacked all conviction, came across as a liberal one minute and conservative the next. His most interesting statement was that National's education policy was basically the same as Labour's. That's what Bill English said too. Came across as inoffensive but out of touch.
RESULT: Needs to get a bit hard and stop trying to say what people want to hear. Everyone knows National hates students so he might as well be honest and get some points for being upfront. 5/10. In his favour - he didn't blab on for hours.
My advice: Don't give up the day job - being a National candidate in Dunedin means he is on a real hiding to nothing.

Leslie Soper MP (Labour)
Leslie is the archetypal Labour MP these days. A former public sector bureaucrat turned trade union official rewarded for loyalty and helped by the machine into parliament. She made a big deal about how she was a socialist and a feminist in her maiden speech to Parliament, but today in the debate we just got to hear about a hundred minor changes the Labour Government have made to the student loan scheme, which funnily enough still keeps on getting bigger and BIGGER by the second.
So obviously socialism and feminism are off the agenda for this election campaign as Labour "plays it safe" and sticks to looking after the interests of the swinging voter.
Boring overall but she finally showed some teeth and had a go at the Alliance who could promise anything etc because they were never going to be in Parliament unlike the "realistic" Labour Party with the wonderful Dr Cullen etc etc. Then again perhaps a shred of left wing conscience was bothering her.
RESULT: 6/10. Seemed more confident than the above speakers. Gave the usual Labour Party line and ended up annoying people by telling them how good they were getting it with Aunty Helen in charge.
My advice: The Labour Government had a chance to capture the imagination of people by offering a vision. They've failed to build a constituency for change, and have sat on their laurels. Now the turkeys are coming home to roost. If you're going to be a socialist and feminist, don't defend policies that hit at the young, the poor and women - like user pays education.

Of course, being the other speaker at the debate, I couldn't give you a rundown on my own speech. But feel free to leave a comment below if you were there and have an opinion.

Radio One interview mp3

2005-07-11T19:30:00.000+12:00

I had an interview on Radio One with Jo today.

You can download an mp3 copy of it here.

Alliance Workers' Rights policy 2005

2005-07-07T19:40:00.000+12:00

The low-down

Increases in profits usually come at the expense of workers. Low hourly rates and the loss of overtime rates mean low-paid workers are worse off in real terms than they were 15 years ago. Workers often work long hours just to make ends meet.

The economy grew 4% last year, but the average worker only saw a 2.7% rise in pay.

Unemployment is at an all-time low, but many jobs are part-time or casual. These workers often miss out on basic entitlements and are easily dismissed from their jobs.

The Alliance increased the minimum wage when we were in Government and we scrapped youth rates for 18 and 19 year olds. But the minimum wage is still too low at $9.50.

The State contracts out health services such as aged care to private providers, or cleaning in hospitals, but does nothing to ensure workers get a living wage and decent conditions.

The next steps

Increase the minimum wage: The Alliance will push for a minimum wage of $15 an hour. We oppose discriminatory youth rates. Everyone (those with jobs and beneficiaries) should get a living wage.

Excessive hours: We will fight for a 35-hour working week with no loss of pay, and immediate introduction of 4 weeks annual leave. Workers should have the right to refuse unreasonable hours or shift work.

Responsible contracting: Where employers get public money to deliver services, we say they should be required to meet national standards in pay and conditions.

Protection for casual workers: We will make sure there are protections for casual and part-time workers and make it possible for them to carry over service from job to job so they qualify for sick leave and parental leave. Casual workers should get a day in lieu if they work on a public holiday like everyone else.

Redundancy: All workers should have the right to a minimum redundancy payment, but many do not have the power to negotiate this. Minimum redundancy should be 4 weeks pay, plus 2 weeks for every year of service.

Pay equity: Pay inequities will be reduced when we have free childcare, after-school care and when the work that women commonly do is rewarded with decent pay.

Paid Parental leave: The Alliance says there should be 12 months paid parental leave for primary caregivers and their partners should have 2 weeks paid parental leave.

National pay and conditions: The Alliance would strengthen collective bargaining to move from multi-employer and multi-union collective agreements to national pay and conditions across industries and occupations. We would remove restrictions that allow free-loaders to get out of paying bargaining fees.

Right to strike: The Alliance supports workers’ right to strike to enforce their Collective Agreement, to oppose lay-offs, to support other workers and for political reasons.

Workplace democracy: Workers should have a say in the way work is organised. The Alliance would push for employment legislation to ensure greater workplace democracy.

Debate at Otago University Monday 11 July

2005-07-07T13:21:00.000+12:00

Topic: Tertiary education: public good or private good?

Chair: Steven Sutton, OUSA President.

Speakers: Lesley Soper (Labour), Conway Powell (National), Victor
Billot (Alliance), Willie Martin (ACT), Philippa Jameison (Greens).

Venue: OUSA Common Room (same place as last time)
Date and Time: 1pm, Monday 11 July 2005

Under Labour and National Governments, student debt has grown to over $7 billion, in order to ensure big business and the already wealthy get lower taxes.

The Alliance supports totally free public education to ensure that no person is disadvantaged. This will be paid for by a progressive tax system that means corporates and the already wealthy contribute more to the basic costs of running society.

Radio Interview

2005-07-06T09:36:00.000+12:00

I have an interview on Monday 11 July 10.20am Radio One, Dunedin on 91 FM

or for those not in Dunedin, if you have a decent internet connection, you can listen in on streaming internet radio at:

Radio One website

G8 protests

2005-07-05T19:58:00.000+12:00

It has been good to see people getting involved in the protest against the G8 in Scotland. The current problems faced by the world are inter-related and in the end an international solution is required.

The Scottish Socialist Party have some interesting photos and news at their site, as well as Indymedia .

Campaign on camera

2005-06-29T14:42:00.000+12:00

Blogger.com have just launched their new image upload function . . . so now I will be able to post some snaps of the campaign in action. Here's one of Alliance list candidate Bob Harrison (on left) and myself campaigning down at the Otago University a little while back. More to follow.

The Alliance and Education

2005-06-29T14:18:00.000+12:00

Here is an article I recently contributed to Gyro – the student magazine at Otago Polytechnic.

The two student leaders down there seem switched on. Rachel Dibble, the polytech student president, came along to put some tough questions to the politicians at the recent forum at Otago University.

And the Otago Polytech students vice-president Natalie Absalom writes in Gyro:
"We need a Government that is prepared to invest in education and sadly Labour is not going to do it on its own conscience. Therefore I would personally advocate a party vote for the Alliance, the Progressives, the Maori Party and perhaps the Greens is a vote well spent."

And below you will read why the Alliance is the best choice of those four . . .

The Alliance sees education as one of the central investments and public goods that New Zealand can spend money on.
The Alliance is the only party that supports totally free public education.
This means that all education from early childhood to tertiary (university and polytech level) will be publicly funded.
The Alliance in Parliament would fight for the abolition of student fees.
The Alliance supports universal student allowances at the level of the unemployment benefit (which would be considerably higher under an Alliance Government.)
Student debt is out of control and an Alliance Government would write off all student loans and cancel the student debt, with an immediate goal of cancelling interest payments.
It is terrible that students are having to borrow money to pay the rent and buy food.
Our policies would have a cost. Where does the money come from?
Labour and National Governments in the last twenty years have cut the amount of tax paid by the rich and by large companies.
They have transferred the cost of education, that is vital for a economically secure and democratic society, onto those with no or little money – often younger New Zealanders.
So students have in effect paid for tax cuts to big business and the rich.
Half a million New Zealanders have borrowed well over $7 billion under the Student Loan Scheme since it was introduced by the National Government in 1992.
The average student today owes more than $18,000 and the student loan scheme is riddled with inequity. Young people from low-income families are under-represented in tertiary education.
The Alliance would fund our policies by raising tax on higher incomes and on business profits.
We would also save money by cutting Government funding to many private education providers.
We expect that many of the students who benefit from free education will earn good incomes, and then contribute back to the cost of a free education system. through a more progressive taxation system.
The Alliance estimates that the amount of money we need to spend to implement the Alliance policy of fully funded public tertiary education, including a living allowance for all students, is $1.15 billion.
This is not an expensive option when you consider the social benefits.
Instead of investing the Superfund overseas, we say it should be invested in our younger generation.
By doing so we would rebuild the trust between generations – we promise to look after our young people, to educate them to their fullest potential, and in return they would contribute through taxation to superannuation and the other important costs of running a civilized society.
This is the only fair solution. Otherwise working class and low income New Zealanders will be priced out of education. The Alliance is the party which stands for fairness and equality.

Introducing Chris Ford

2005-06-28T10:49:00.000+12:00

My friend Chris Ford is running in Dunedin South for the Alliance, and it's good to have someone of his calibre on the same ticket in Dunedin. He is also number twelve on the Alliance Party list.

Here is a letter of his published in the Otago Daily Times yesterday:

The downgrading of our health and aged care services continues under Labour. First it was the denial of $2.2 million to the Montecillo War Veterans Home. Second, it was the effective privatisation of the District Health Board's laboratory services. Now it is the plan to close Otago's 66 so called 'old-fashioned' dental school clinics. Where will it end? National cries crocodile tears over the downgrading of health and aged care services. Will their tax cuts for the rich help anything - the answer is no. And nor will Labour's indifference and inaction over health, especially when there are budget surpluses.
Chris Ford, Alliance candidate for Dunedin South

If Don Brash is mainstream, then we are in serious trouble

2005-06-28T10:14:00.000+12:00

Normally I believe in keeping positive, but today I am feeling like I need to express myself in a different way.

The reason for this is the fact that a lot of people seem to believe in a thing called a "tax cut."

A tax cut when offered by someone like Don Brash is a simple concept.

What it means is that millionaires and corporate managers will receive huge amounts of money back, and people on moderate incomes will receive small amounts of money back.

In exchange, public health services are slashed, student fees skyrocket, social welfare declines and crime grows as people become desperate, children grow up in poverty, the gap between the mega-rich and the ultra-poor widens, and we generally get to exist in a squalid, selfish, fearful and brutal system while the big money is siphoned off to the global corporations who now own everything.

What a great tradeoff.

And who is the visionary behind this scheme, the leader who will forge the path to the promised land?

I have come across this product of the comfortable post-war welfare state before.

Don Brash came along to my journalism class one day. A man whose idea of heaven would be . . . low inflation.

Let's remember that, strangely enough despite his attacks on public servants, Brash was a highly paid bureaucrat himself – insulated from the harsh realities of the free market that he wishes to drop on the rest of us.

My question is, for New Zealanders:

What do you not understand about Don Brash?

These people simply DO NOT CARE is hundreds of thousands of people miss out on the basic standards of a decent life.

They believe in a world of where profits come first, a small wealthy elite live in ostentatious privilege, and the working people learn their place as hard working cogs in the machine, scared to put a foot wrong in case they lose even the little they have.

Do people not remember what has happened in this country over the last twenty years – or do they not know?

The people of New Zealand have been fleeced. We are slowly turning back to a dark past where inequality and injustice was how it was – something that the human race has slowly been pulling itself out of as working people have slowly gained the right to live as human beings rather than as drudges.

Brash is a hyprocrite of the worst kind, pandering to ignorance and fear simply to gain votes. Whip up racism against refugees fleeing from torture and brutality. Whip up hatred against anyone who doesn't fit into his square box view of reality.
Whip up hatred against trade unions who protect low paid workers. Whip up hatred against the people whose land you stole and funnily enough wonder if they can have a little bit of compensation. Whip up hatred against the people you import as cheap labour for factories but who are no longer required by the system. Whip up the narrow-mindedness, the blame, the hate, the fear, the anger, against the sick, the marginalized, the struggling.

The funny thing is, I guess I fit the format of the "mainstream New Zealander" Brash must want to appeal to.

I'm white, male, straight, university educated, on a reasonable income, and have a short haircut. Yet I absolutely despise everything he stands for. The pinched, self-righteous moralism. His obvious narrow experience of life, where he feels comfortable in denouncing and harrassing people whose struggle for existence he simply would not be able to comprehend.

It is a vision of reality that goes back to the nineteenth century.

Let's face it – that is what the National Party, at heart, is all about. They were formed in the 1930s to keep the working people down. They are motivated by the basic tenets of selfishness, fear and social snobbery. Their mission in life is to "keep us in our place."

But the people who Brash attacks can unite and advance our plan for the future: a world where everyone has a place, where everyone is entitled to dignity and a good standard of living, and where we are valued as human beings not as money-making units for corporations.

That is why we should get active and fight for a better society – and why I am standing for the Alliance Party.

Alliance newsletter

2005-06-16T10:55:00.000+12:00

A copy of the latest Alliance newsletter can be downloaded in pdf format here

MP3 download of "fire and brimstone" speech

2005-05-30T17:05:00.000+12:00

Here is an audio version of my speech from last Friday at the Otago University political forum where I went up against Pete Hodgson, Bill English and Rod Donald. The one in which the Otago Daily Times described me as "breathing fire and brimstone." I take that as a compliment!

It is an mp3 file, about 4.8 MB, so recommended only for those with faster internet connections, unless you're very patient.

Television interview with Victor

2005-05-28T08:48:00.000+12:00

Those of you with faster internet connections will be able to check out the local TV channel coverage of the Otago University debate including an interview with myself

Alliance breathing early fire into election

2005-05-28T08:45:00.000+12:00

From the Otago Daily Times, 28 May 2005, page 5

Breathing early fire into election
by Neal Wallace

The main political parties may not have been in campaign mode at the University of Otago yesterday, but Alliance Dunedin North candidate Victor Billot came out breathing fire and brimstone.
It was all very low key for the 150 mainly students who attended the public meeting with four political candidates at the Student Union, until Mr Billot launched an impassioned assault on behalf of students, workers and lower classes, who, he said, were being trampled on by the current free market policies.
He was the only speaker to attract sustained applause in what was otherwise a lacklustre meeting which, without an election date, was without real focus.
Dunedin North sitting MP, Labour's Pete Hodgson, National Party education spokesman Bill English and Greens co-leader Rod Donald also spoke on the level of student debt and tertiary policies in general.
Three are signs the election is looming, with Act New Zealand leader Rodney Hide, also visiting the city this week.
Mr English said Labour and National differed little in their policies towards the $7 billion of student debt.
He said Labour had taken for granted that they had the student vote and student leaders had not badgered the Government on the level of debt to turn it into an election issue.
National believed student debt contained few student votes for them.
"We are not going to promise the earth. We are not going to get into a student auction over debt," he said.
Mr Hodgson said the Government had made changes to the scheme to make it more affordable, while Mr Donald said his student daughter worked five nights a week to keep her debt under control.
A Green Party Government would introduce a student allowance equivalent to the unemployment benefit, debt write off for graduates staying and working in New Zealand, a cap on courses and an emergency unemployment benefit for students.

Child poverty in New Zealand

2005-05-25T16:55:00.000+12:00

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)'s annual post-Budget breakfast heard on Friday that following this year’s Budget measures our child poverty levels, recently estimated as among the developed world’s bottom four, will continue to be unacceptable for a comparatively rich country like New Zealand.

Economist Susan St John says: Is it any wonder that despite a sustained economic boom the Auckland City Mission’s foodbank parcel numbers have doubled since 1998? CPAG considers that current levels of reliance on foodbanks like those run by ACM are totally unacceptable in a food-producing country like such as ours.

Read the rest of the article here.

Only a radical change in our priorities as a society will ensure that we can overcome this situation, that is ignored by well-off politicians and "decision makers" because it doesn't affect them.

Read the Alliance policies here.

Alliance on the airwaves – this Friday 11am

2005-05-25T16:51:00.000+12:00

Prior to appearing at the Otago University forum debating Pete Hodgson and Bill English this Friday, I am being interviewed on Radio One at 11am on the political news show.

Local listeners can tune in on 91FM or if you're further afield get the Radio One live stream off the internet.

Alliance takes on the political establishment at Otago University

2005-05-24T16:57:00.000+12:00

The Alliance will be showing how its different from the Labour/National Party this week at Otago University.

The Alliance will be represented at the first of OUSA's election year forums, to be held in the Otago University Union from 12-1pm on Friday the 27th of May. The topic of the forum will be tertiary education, with the focus on student support.

Speaking will be:

Pete Hodgson (Labour)
Bill English (National)
Rod Donald (Greens)
Victor Billot (Alliance)

ACT, United Future, NZ First and the Maori Party can't make it along. Obviously they're not too worried about students.

Number 8 . . .

2005-05-19T18:54:00.000+12:00

Well it has been a busy time lately. Last weekend I was up in Christchurch for a national planning meeting for the election.
I'm pleased to say that as well as being Alliance candidate for Dunedin North I am also number 8 on the party list.

You can read about the rest of our candidates here.

Good press in Gisborne

2005-05-11T21:44:00.000+12:00

I've always found that some of the provincial newspapers in New Zealand actually have a much more open-minded approach to politics than the papers in the so-called sophisticated metropolitan areas.
This article in the Gisborne Herald shows some good insight.

Mauled last time out the Alliance is far from being a spent force

by Iain Gillies
Wednesday, 11 May, 2005

THOUSANDS of workers were sorry to see the mauling the Alliance received in the 2002 election.

The party seemed to self-destruct but appears to have picked itself up to contest this year’s election with 12 constituency candidates and a substantial party list.

Missing will be the party’s high-profile politicians which gave the Alliance 10 seats in Parliament in 1999 until its disastrous split before the last election.

But its fundamental policies remain unchanged, focusing on left-wing economic bread-and-butter issues.

It expects to field a party list of about 30 candidates, to be finalised at a national meeting in Christchurch on May 14-15.

It is also likely to opt for two co-leaders, one of whom could be party president Jill Ovens of Auckland, an organiser for the Service and Food Workers Union.

Gone are the days when the Alliance represented a group of constituent parties comprising the Liberals (now defunct), the Green and Democrats (now standing in their own right), Mana Motuhake (possibly aligned with the Maori party) and NewLabour.

Though NewLabour has been formally dissolved many former members represent a solid core in the Alliance.

As a founding member of NewLabour, and now Dunedin North candidate for the Alliance, Victor Billot says: "We’re no longer an alliance of parties, but the name is an identifiable brand.

"I think the parties were united by what they were against rather than what they were for; in advocating a strong opposition to the new Right."

The Alliance is now only a small player, but it is a descendant of the ideals of the original Labour Party.

Today’s Labour Party talks Left and walks Liberal. Its message to traditional supporters must leave confusion in its wake. Some say it is a pragmatic approach, but it doesn’t ring well with many.

The Alliance is advocating policies which are quite different, not just a different shade. While Labour seeks to manage society in a slightly different way, the Alliance seeks to transform it.

But it has a hard row to hoe.

May Day Dunedin coverage

2005-05-02T09:59:00.000+12:00

The following article about May Day events appeared in the Otago Daily Times on Monday 2 May 2005.

Supermarket workers press wage claims

Supermarket workers are the latest to target a 5% wage increase, launching their campaign on May Day yesterday.
National Distribution Union (NDU) retail sector secretary Judy Attenberger said its "fair share" campaign followed good profits for supermarket owner Progressive Group.
"This is an Australian company . . . and 70% of what they make goes offshore. We want a share of that profit that's been made over the last few years. It's not that they cannot afford it."
The Progressive Group owns Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown supermarkets.
In Dunedin, May Day was marked with a gathering in the Octagon addressed by trade union, Alliance and Green Party speakers, as well as a representative of the University of Otago based group International Socialist Organization.
Dunedin North candidate for the Alliance Victor Billot told the small crowd the widening gap between the rich and poor in New Zealand was a concern.
A recent study out of the University of Otago Wellington School of Medicine had shown higher mortality rates among poorer New Zealanders, Mr Billot said.
It was wrong that people on lower incomes died sooner and had a lower life expectancy.
May Day, International Workers Day, marks the occasion in 1886 when American trade unions went on strike for the eight hour day.
National Party industrial relations spokesman Wayne Mapp issued a press release saying workers would be better off campaigning for a tax cut than taking part in strike action.

May Day

2005-04-27T16:05:00.000+12:00

May Day – the international day for working people – is being celebrated in Dunedin with a couple of events kindly organized by the local branch of the International Socialists.

A social event is being held on Saturday 30 April 7.30pm onwards at Mojo cafe in Leith Street with entertainment and a small entry koha/donation.

A rally will be held on May Day Sunday 1 May at 12 noon in the Octagon with speakers including myself for the Alliance, Meteria Turei of the Greens, and Brian Roper of the International Socialists.

International Workers Memorial Day

2005-04-27T16:02:00.000+12:00

The International Workers Memorial Day is to "honour the dead and fight for the living."

Too many people are killed or injured on the job. Casualized work and lack of health and safety are a big part of the problem. Working people are seen as production units rather than human beings.

The Dunedin trade unions are having a memorial service on Thursday 28 April 11.30am at the Market Reserve to commemorate the occasion and also to raise awareness of the issue.

Support from Port Chalmers

2005-04-27T15:57:00.000+12:00

The campaign had a good morning today. I spoke to the Port Chalmers branch of the Maritime Union who were holding their regular stopwork meeting and the meeting unanimously voted to sponsor my candidate deposit of $300.

This will help the local campaign and help get the message of secure jobs and good working conditions out there.

My thanks to the Port Chalmers waterfront workers and maritime workers for their support. The local Maritime Union members are generous supporters of the local port community.

Wealth and health in a class society

2005-04-25T23:20:00.000+12:00

The last two decades of hard line capitalism in New Zealand have divided our society.

The free market fans have always claimed the key to a better life is through 'growing the economic cake.' However, the hard facts show that life for the rich is getting better while those with less money are being left behind – especially in areas such as health.

A major study into the health of New Zealanders has found that growing inequality between rich and poor has confirmed the widening divisions in our society.

One of the authors of the study Associate Professor Tony Blakely says: "Money can buy you better health by the ability to afford a healthier diet, live in a nicer neighbourhood, relieve stress by going on holidays, and so on. Therefore, it seems an inescapable conclusion that some of the increasing inequalities in health during the 1980s and 1990s were a result of increasing income gaps between the rich and poor."

He adds "Looking to the future, then, if the gaps in income between the rich and poor are closed, we should reduce (or at least slow down the increase in) health inequalities. Moreover, as differences in health exist right across the range of incomes (not just for the poor compared to the rich), the majority of the population stands to benefit in health terms."

The full study can be found at the University of Otago.

The overall policies of the Alliance Party address the problems of distribution of wealth, as well as ensuring that good quality health services are available to all. This is both a more humane solution, and one that in the long term will mean a healthier and more productive society.

Vege crisis symptom of a sick system

2005-04-23T21:23:00.000+12:00

I always amazed at how New Zealand has been sucked into the free trade myth.

Government seems to work hand in hand with powerful private corporations to sell the idea that we should sign up to free trade deals which will provide endless riches for everyone.

The reality is international trade deals serve the interests of big business. They take away our power as citizens of a democracy and replace the sovereignty of the people with "rules" dreamt up by bureaucrats.

The idea of access to markets like China has long been a kind of holy grail promoted by the free market fans. Apparently it will be one of those win win situations they teach you about in Business School.

We get cheap products made by workers who aren't allowed a free vote, freedom of speech or independent trade unions. They get our farm produce.

But across the Tasman, farmers have realized that this fantastic system is not working. Vegetable growers are under pressure from imports grown in countries where there are lax environmental regulations and where labour exploitation is rife.

Ausveg chairman Michael Badcock said 900 of Australia's 4300 growers would be forced out of the industry if a free trade deal was signed with China, and about 5000 of the 23,000 processing jobs would disappear.

The Alliance supports fair trade – where trade serves the needs of all communities and their need for security, not where the short-term motivations of corporate profits are the goal. The current system is environmentally and socially wrong. There are better alternatives.

Alliance voice needed in Parliament

2005-04-20T23:20:00.000+12:00

The Alliance will be the only socialist party on the ballot paper in this year’s General Election and while the Greens will be strong competitors for the left vote, that does not necessarily mean they are a “Left” party, Alliance members say.
The Alliance is gearing up for its election campaign after a series of regional list conferences held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin last Saturday.
Party members ranked their top regional candidates in bands of three and elected two co-leaders, Jill Ovens and Paul Piesse, both trade union organisers.
Mr Piesse, from Christchurch, says the Alliance is running a campaign to win List votes, but is also standing 12 candidates in working class electorates in each of the main centres, as well as Otaki where clothing workers have been hard hit by the removal of tariffs.
“There needs to be a left-wing party representing working people in New Zealand. In the 2005 election, this will be the Alliance Party,” Mr Piesse says.
He says Party members are mindful that some who have voted Alliance in the past may be thinking of voting for the Greens or the Maori Party because the Alliance has dropped from the media radar.
“The Alliance Party still has the only comprehensive democratic socialist policies and voice. We need to be offering an alternative vision for all New Zealanders,” Mr Piesse says.
Tom Dowie, the Alliance candidate for Wigram, told members at the Christchurch list conference he was “not into a utopian view of a green planet while the poor, sick and elderly suffered from a lack of affordable electricity”.
He said he supported the Maori Party’s struggle, but was concerned about reported statements of Maori Party leader Tariana Turia that the Party would consult its people for advice on potential coalitions and that it remained open-minded about possible partners.
”I am not interested in gambling my vote in the hope that they will go left. I would feel like a right Wally if they drifted right instead. While others might consider my vote for the Alliance a wasted vote, I see it as voting for the type of society that I wish to see. That is why the vote was developed in the first place.”
Members at the regional list conferences selected representatives for the Party’s List Committee which will meet May 7/8 to rank the candidates.

Those on the Alliance List are:
Kelly Buchanan
Victor Billot
Tom Dowie
Sandra Ethell
Julie Fairey
Quentin Findlay
James Flynn
Chris Ford
Eric Gamble
Robert Harrison
Francie Haslemore
Joe Hendren
Marvin Hubbard
Margaret Jeune
Greg Kleis
Peta Knibb
Andrew McKenzie
Norman MacRitchie
Gail Marmont
Kane O’Connell
Jill Ovens
Paul Piesse
Colin Pounder
Paul Protheroe
Len Richards
Robert van Ruyssevelt

A Critic-al view of the Alliance

2005-04-17T19:25:00.000+12:00

The following article appears in the latest edition of Critic, the student newspaper at Otago University.

Whatever happened to the Alliance?
Posted: 2005-04-15 11:09:09

Remember the Alliance? The small left-wing party that went from being in government with Labour to polling less than the Outdoor Recreation Party in 2002? John Campbell voted for them. So did quite a few people I know. But apparently they were the only ones. Following their implosion and election drubbing three years ago, very little has been heard of the Alliance, but they still exist and are contesting this year’s general election. To kick off Critic’s wide and varied election year coverage, Editor Holly Walker talked to the Alliance’s Dunedin North candidate, local musician and 1995 Critic Editor, Victor Billot, about the future of his embattled party.

Billot was a founding member of Jim Anderton’s New Labour party; he joined in 1989 while he was still at high school. In that time he has certainly witnessed plenty of change within his party, which became the Alliance (incorporating the Greens and Mana Motuhake) in 1991, was the Labour government’s first coalition partner in 1999 before falling victim to the apparent curse of coalition (obscurity) and finally collapsing due to internal factionalism and disagreement over the party’s stance on Iraq in 2002. This culminated in the departure of figurehead Anderton to form the Progressive Coalition and the poll defeat of the remaining Alliance, led by political poster girl Laila Harre. Harre, once hailed as a promising junior MP with the potential to rival Helen Clark, has since taken up the position of New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation spokeswoman and will not be contesting this year’s election.

According to Billot, the Alliance’s drubbing in 2002 was disappointing but not surprising. Many thought the party would disband, but, while Billot admits there “were a number of suggestions about the best structure to continue with”, it was decided that the party had a distinct identity and clear policies that made it worth continuing. He says the party did some serious soul searching, though. “The main lesson I think we have learnt is that it is important for a left-wing party to base itself on good policies and grassroots activism, rather than relying on high profile media personalities”, he says. Here, Billot is referring not only to Anderton, but to former party President Matt McCarten, who took over the leadership from Harre but left to become a strategist for the Maori Party last year, only to be asked to leave that position earlier this year because of his simultaneous involvement with another new political party, the as yet un-launched Aotearoa New Zealand Party. Billot won’t be drawn on feelings within the party towards Anderton and McCarten, whose rivalry was the catalyst for the implosion of the party, other than to say, rather cryptically, “Whenever I get annoyed with individuals I just remind myself that in my lifetime we will see massive environmental and social upheaval”.

I put it to Billot that despite bad experiences in the past, having a charismatic and well known figurehead may be the Alliance’s best chance of regaining Parliamentary representation (it works for New Zealand first and worked for Act under Prebble, after all), but he firmly rejects this suggestion. “We need to build support for an idea, not a cult of personality. We want independent minded, politically aware members, not a bunch of sheep”. While the Alliance’s party list has not yet been finalised, a visit to the website reveals few familiar faces and a distinct lack of former Alliance MPs in key spokesperson roles. “The Alliance Party has changed a lot in the last few years”, says Billot. “One problem we don’t have is opportunists looking for an easy ride into Parliament”. As an interesting aside, students of political studies will be interested to know that well-known POLS 101 lecturer and general academic guru Jim Flynn is the Alliance’s Finance Spokesperson.

In light of the desire to avoid personality politics, the party has decided not to appoint a leader in the traditional sense this time around. Instead, leadership of the party will probably be shared by the top two candidates on the party list, in a manner not dissimilar to the Greens, whose co-leaders are Jeanette Fitzsimmons and Rod Donald. The comparison with the Greens is telling on other levels, as on most issues the two parties’ left wing manifestos are very similar. On the student front, both advocate free tertiary education, the abolition of the student loan scheme, and universal student allowances. Economically, socially and environmentally, their policies are also very similar. Since the 2002 election, which the Greens contested on primarily environmental grounds, the absence of the Alliance in Parliament has allowed the Greens to place more emphasis on leftist economic and social policies that previously had been championed by the Alliance. With so much policy cross-over, it’s somewhat surprising that the Alliance has not merged with the Greens since 2002, (funny, given that the Greens once existed under the Alliance umbrella). Yet this does not appear to be on the cards in the foreseeable future. “These days with MMP I don’t see why there is any reason we can’t have Alliance and Green MPs in Parliament”, Billot says. “In countries like Germany that have an MMP style system, you have socialist parties and Greens all in parliament”. But why would a lefter-than-labour voter want to vote Alliance when the Greens have similar policies and a far, far greater chance of Parliamentary representation? “I think the Greens are a party that appeals to a certain alternative lifestyle, liberal middle class element in the community”, Billot says. “They have a very strong environmental policy … The Alliance seeks to be a party of the working people of New Zealand. Our prime focus is on poverty, and on how working people are getting it in the neck”.

It seems highly unlikely, to state it mildly, that the Alliance will gain Parliamentary representation in the election later this year. Their leaflet, which has been sitting on my desk all week, has been noticed and commented on by a number of people, all with the same reaction: “The Alliance? Do they still exist? Ha”. The party faces an uphill battle to dislodge this perception, which has no doubt taken root in the minds of most New Zealand voters. Billot says, “lots of people believe in what we do. We just need to show them that we are still here”, and doing that will prove no mean feat. Billot is pragmatic in accepting that they won’t be in Parliament any time soon, but says their goal at the moment is simply to re-establish the Alliance as a voice in the political scene. He is also adamant, however, that the Alliance will be back in the House at some point in the future, “because there is a space for [us] in New Zealand”. “At the moment the sun is shining because the international economy has treated New Zealand well in the last few years. As soon as the inevitable crunch comes, a lot of people are going to be badly burned. Young people are trapped in debt, student debt, mortgage debt, credit cards, low paid jobs, high living costs. They will be looking for answers. The Alliance is going to represent those people. We are not going away”.

By Holly Walker

Supporting aged care staff

2005-04-14T19:31:00.000+12:00

At lunchtime today I joined a demo in the Octagon where members of the Service and Food Workers Union and the Nurses Organization were building awareness of their "Fair Share for Aged Care" campaign.

Workers in the aged care sector in New Zealand are not getting a good deal. It's wrong that the workers who do this vital job of looking after our older people get paid crummy wages. It's a reflection of the society we live after years of right-wing economic policies which do not have the best interest of working people at heart.

You can read about and support the campaign at their website Fair Share for Aged Care

The Alliance has strong policies to boost the minimum wage and protect workers from contracting out and casualization when these are being used to attack wages and conditions.

Poverty and debt in Dunedin

2005-04-14T09:13:00.000+12:00

Many people in New Zealand are having a hard time. The church based organization Presbyterian Support Otago published a report in 2002 about poverty in Dunedin which makes disturbing reading, but comes as little surprise.

An update they put out in October 2003 confirms the impact that debt is having on low income people. The report says that debt and managing debt remains a major factor in family stress for New Zealand families. "In a period of low inflation New Zealanders are using high cost credit at an increasing rate . . . high cost credit also features large as a way of trying to manage very low incomes."

Alliance at Otago University

2005-04-12T20:45:00.000+12:00

Tomorrow Wednesday I'll be at the Radio One market day over lunchtime at Otago University, we have a group of volunteers running this stall in the morning and afternoon. Pop up and say hi. The big fundraising earners at the moment seem to be homemade woolly hats and garden plants.

Also we have our Alliance Party University Branch meeting at the University of Otago on Thursday 14 April, 12 noon, at Room 6 at the Clubs and Socs Building on Albany Street. All interested welcome.

Sea change

2005-04-12T20:34:00.001+12:00

New Zealand is dependant on maritime trade. Yet National and Labour don't want to do anything about the serious problems in this area. In the 1990's, the National Government opened up the coastal shipping trade to international shipping companies. New Zealand shipping is now barely in existence. In the 1980's, Labour legislated to protect international sea freight from competition law. The idea behind these so-called reforms was always to reduce the cost to business.

Of course, in reality, it means that New Zealand is being ripped off by multinational shipping operators who are all working hand in glove with each other.

A recent report in the Sunday Star Times showed how even big business is getting upset about the greed of the shipping companies.

The Alliance wants to see the return of cabotage, where priority is given to New Zealand shipping companies employing New Zealand seafarers on decent wages and conditions.

I am also personally going to be pushing the idea that we need to have a public owned shipping company to ensure that transport rates are kept down, and the rights of foreign seafarers in New Zealand waters are protected as well.

The debt elephant

2005-04-11T22:09:00.000+12:00

I've been spending some time over the last week down at Otago University. The Alliance has always had good support from students here, as well as working class suburbs such as North east Valley and Port Chalmers. The student population are one factor that makes Dunedin North a unique and interesting electorate.

It's also a factor as to why Labour and National politicians should be afraid. The student debt monster has grown and grown. A lot of students just take the plunge and take out the loan. It's only a few years down the track when they realize the effect this debt has on them, when combined with mortgages, other loans incurred while studying, and those nasty pieces of plastic called credit cards. Debt is one issue that I think is having an enormous and little understood effect on the lives of working people, and especially the new generation who are getting hit with it.

Over the next week or two, I am going to bring up the issue of debt, and how our younger generation are being sold out to the interests of an anti-social and self-interested financial system.

I like the idea of the Victoria University Students Association who say:
"This year, students intend to make it very clear to the Labour Government that it will not win votes from debt - laden students and their families. Students are in debt to the tune of $7 Billion, and still rising. In the last five years Student debt has more than doubled."

It's like trying to hide an elephant under a rug. It's the issue that the establishment parties don't want to mention. It's too big, too ugly, and they brought it into the world. Why thank National and Labour with your vote at this election? The Alliance stands for free education funded by progressive taxation.

Charity Health comes to New Zealand

2005-04-07T21:29:00.000+12:00

Alliance health spokesperson Tom Dowie put out the following statement today. I agree completely with his comments and am pleased to say Tom is going to be one of our Alliance candidates this year.

CHARITY HEALTH SAD DAY FOR NEW ZEALAND

“It is a sad day for New Zealand health when the government is so derelict in
its duty that charity groups have to set up their own mobile surgery units for
the poor,” said Tom Dowie, Alliance Party Health Spokesperson today.

”Christchurch is about to get its first such unit - a bus. Volunteers from
the health sector are set to begin providing free surgery in a bus for
patients who cannot access the public health system,” said Tom Dowie

“To quote from the charity groups spokesperson: "Future[charity] hospital
patients could be those with hernias not considered serious enough to be
treated under the public system, but which left them unable to do their jobs".
When the government decides that disabling hernias are no longer serious
enough for funding, then the public should be very worried about what is
happening to our public health system.”

Tom Dowie said that Alliance policy is to fully fund the public health system
and not have regions competing for funding as under the failing 'Population
Based Funding' scheme operating at present.

“Given the charity hospital proposals – which are to extend beyond
Christchurch to other New Zealand centres – Kiwis need to be more than careful
where they place their ticks in the up-coming election,” said Tom Dowie.

For more information: Tom Dowie (Alliance Party Health Spokesperson)
03 960 6169

Labour's Tamihere given a weeks taxpayer funded holiday for being a bigot

2005-04-05T20:19:00.000+12:00

It was interesting to see the reaction to John Tamihere's recent interview with the trashy Investigate magazine when he revealed his true colours by ripping into women, unions and gays - as well as the rest of his colleagues.

The Prime Minister gave him a week's leave. How nice.

Any other working person who bad-mouthed their employers in the media would be down the road. But that just goes to show you that the elite live to a different set of rules to the rest of the human race.

The other interesting thing is how the media have been prattling about how Tamihere is somehow speaking out for the embattled kiwi male. What garbage.

Actually, Tamihere, like others of his ilk, represent a long and ugly history in this country: the ignorant, snarling, would-be tough guy who likes to keep the women in their place, sneer at minorities, and attack those who refuse to sit down and shut up like good little serfs, such as unionists.

Tamihere's comments read like the rantings of a would be tinpot dictator. If there was any evidence that the Labour Party has well and truly strayed from its once proud history as a progressive party of the working class then this is it. The fact that this yahoo has been given a week's holiday is a disgrace.

Any one considering voting Labour at this election should remember they are helping the career of a politician who said (in the one interview):

ON UNIONS
"They don't deserve to have that level of influence [in Labour]. I'm going to lead a charge against that very shortly because the party has to be updated to reflect where our societies and communities are, as opposed to where they were."

ON HOMOSEXUALS, LESBIANS
"I've got a right to think that sex with another male is unhealthy and violating."

ON MEN'S HEALTH
"Men's problems are traditionally dealt with by the criminal justice system. Women, on the other hand, get a bloody Cartwright inquiry and get millions of dollars thrown at their breasts and cervixes."

ON NATIONAL'S FINANCE SPOKESMAN, JOHN KEY
"He's going to be very good. I've got the greatest regard for John. One more term, he's a formidable character. He's the one that scares the s ... t out of me the most out of the whole bunch. I could go to bed comfortable at night knowing that he was in charge - fair dinkum, not a problem."

The Alliance Party has a different approach. We want to see unions build and grow as the democratic organizations of working people.
We support the positive changes in our society that have seen women and men become more equal, but we are still concerned that many women are disadvantaged by low-paid, casual jobs and other economic injustices.
We are also concerned about making sure men have access to health care.
We are against discrimination on the grounds of sexuality.
And we will not go to bed comfortable at night knowing that the National Party is in charge.

The Alliance has a very different vision of the future than Mr Tamihere of the "Labour" Party.

The Yes Men

2005-04-05T20:08:00.000+12:00

I've just been watching some shorts on The Yes Men website. Recommended viewing for 2005.

Talking about the World Trade Organization, I recall that former Labour Party Prime Minister Mike Moore served as head of that organization. I remember Mike visiting Dunedin in 1990 to campaign amongst the students. I got up and gave him a bit of a heckle and he told me the Labour Government had done great things for the economy, the sharemarket was going well etc. Not the best thing to tell a bunch of students without major sharemarket equity, and experiencing that innovative scheme introduced by the Labour Party and helped along by the Nats - student fees.

The people have spoken: no more asset sales

2005-04-04T11:54:00.000+12:00

A report in the Sunday Star Times on 3 April 2005 quotes a specially commissioned poll that shows that nearly 80% of New Zealanders are opposed to any Government selling state owned enterprises or shareholdings in other companies – including 71% of National voters.

This is more conclusive proof of the vast gap that exists between the free market ideas of the establishment parties, and the voting public.

Why have the Labour and National parties been such enthusiastic privatizers over the last two decades? They have consistently put the interests of the elite ahead of the public – the people who would benefit from publicly owned assets working for the public benefit rather than private profit.

It was disturbing to read Labour Party President Mike Williams say that people opposed privatization because it had been a "cock up." How wrong can you get - the privatization that Labour and National Government's carried out went exactly to plan - corporate predators moved in and cleaned up, while any risk or bungles were paid for by the public. It went exactly to plan.

Mind you, this is the same Labour Party that accepts big fat sponsorship from the corporates that benefit from their free market policies. So I suppose Mr Williams would say that.

Of course the Alliance goes one better – we intend to put all major infrastructure back in public hands, such as power, telecommunications and the national airline. For the public benefit - a concept that the right wing National and Labour politicians can't stand.

A Government of callous, greedy, power-mad women

2005-04-03T19:55:00.000+12:00

Recently one of our Alliance members in Oamaru, a retired lady, received a letter from the Labour Party seeking her vote.

The Otago electorate where our Alliance member lives does not have an Alliance candidate this election – although of course all voters have the opportunity to vote for the Alliance party list, and voters in Dunedin (and many other areas) can vote for Alliance electorate candidates.

I thought her letter in reply to the Labour Party summed up things very well and I have reproduced a slightly shortened version of it here, with her permission:

"Thank you for your letter. Yes, I intend to vote for David Parker in the forthcoming elections, only because I don't want the strong local candidate for National, Jacqui Dean, to represent this constituency.

I respect Mr Parker as a person, but I see the present "Labour" Government as the direct successor to the monetarist policies of Roger Douglas, Richard Prebble etc.

Since Helen Clark, who was a member of that team, came to power, the social fabric of New Zealand has deteriorated and continues to do so.

1. There is a widening gap between rich and poor
2. Health, education, aged care, policing have all worsened in quality, thanks to Government penny pinching
3. In spite of high levels of employment, there is a desperate shortage of skilled tradesmen
4. Young people who should be setting up home and raising families are debt slaves to the Government, which charges them interest on the cost of their training
5. Employment conditions for uneducated people on low wages are often harsh and stressful, obliging them to do shift work, long hours, no weekends or public holidays to be with friends and families (viz the Australian owned goldmine at McRaes Flat)
6. Cheap foreign goods are allowed to flood into New Zealand, wrecking local industries eg clothing, shoes, houseware, ceramics, whiteware, car assembly etc.
7. The rail transport system run down and inadequate
8. Foreign competition undermining fishing and coastal shipping
9. Fresh food taxed at 12.5%, milk dearer than harmful coloured and sugared bottled drinks, no provision for school milk or healthy lunches
10. A ruthless disregard for human rights when it suits them (eg the Sri Lankan teenager forcibly deported February 2004, and Ahmed Zaoui.)

All in all a Government of callous, greedy, power-mad women.

Which is why I am a member of the Alliance Party.

Yours truly
Jenefer Haig"

Well done, Jenefer, I think you have summed up why we need the Alliance!

List Conference in Dunedin

2005-04-01T12:19:00.000+12:00

The Otago/Southland Alliance regional list conference is from 11am till 3pm, Saturday, April 16, Brian Arnold Room, Community House, Cnr Moray Pl and Great King St, Dunedin.

All members are welcome to come along and have their say on the Alliance Party list for this years General Election.

University meeting

2005-04-01T12:17:00.000+12:00

The Alliance Party is holding a meeting at the University of Otago on Thursday 14 April, 12 noon, at Room 6 at the Clubs and Socs Building on Albany Street.

All interested welcome and i'll see you there.

Radio Waves

2005-04-01T11:56:00.000+12:00

Just had a good interview on local station Radio One.

On before me was Willie Jackson, former Alliance MP, who said he thought it was a good thing that the Maori Party didn't have too many policies as having lots of policies hadn't helped the Alliance.

Well, if you don't have policies, you are left with two things: personalities and good vibes. Neither of which are enough to run a political movement on in the long term.

The Alliance has lots of policies - take your pick.

Otago Daily Times covers Dunedin Alliance campaign

2005-03-30T19:49:00.000+12:00

Some good coverage for the local campaign appeared in the Otago Daily Times on Monday 28 March. I can't put in a link as the ODT has an odd online interface, so hopefully no one minds me posting the full article here.

Poor children missing out, Alliance says
Dunedin candidates selected

by Tom McKinlay

The Alliance Party's Dunedin candidates for this year's General Election expect to find support among the party's traditional left-wing constituency, with a message that the poor are missing out on the good economic times.
The party has selected self-employed writer Chris Ford (34), to contest Dunedin South, while Maritime Union communications manager Victor Billot (32) will fly the flag in Dunedin North.
"There is currently still widespread poverty," Mr Ford, a University of Otago politics graduate, said.
"For example, the Government's Working For Families package doesn't cover beneficiaries at all, just those in the workforce. It discriminates against the children of the poor," he said.
Mr Billot said the party occupied a distinct part of the political spectrum.
"Dunedin North is an interesting seat. I am quite looking forward to having a crack at Pete Hodgson and Katherine Rich. I think we definitely have a different brand to those two," he said.
"There's no other party in our part of the political spectrum."
The Alliance would be concentrating its efforts in the urban centres this year, running about a dozen candidates in all, but mainly targeting the list vote, he said.
Mr Ford said the party nationally might yet top the 5% threshold, but was realistically looking to register a "credible result", perhaps achieving between 1% and 3% of the party vote.
That would give the party a base on which to build for the following election, he said.
Mr Ford operates a small business providing writing and journalism services to customers in New Zealand and offshore.
Mr Billot is also a University of Otago politics graduate and a journalist, having previously worked as editor of the student newspaper Critic.
While the Alliance was bundled out of Parliament at the last election after a disastrous internal rift left it with little more than 1% of the national list vote, it has previously polled more than 10% of the party vote in both Dunedin electorates.
Former Alliance President Matt McCarten has been reported as setting up a new party of the left, the Aotearoa Party, but neither Mr Ford nor Mr Billot expected it to trouble the Alliance vote this year.

Start Up

2005-03-27T21:49:00.000+12:00

Last Thursday night I was selected as Dunedin North candidate for the Alliance Party in the 2005 election.

I am going to be keeping a regular record of the campaign at this blog.

It's going to be an interesting six months . . .