Media Release

3 June 2001

No Time for Silly Politicians to Play Silly Politics

Responding to media requests on superannuation, New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today said that New Zealanders would be disappointed if New Zealand Politicians choose to continue to play silly politics on this issue.

“New Zealand had negative savings last year, is totally dependent on foreign savings for development, and owes in excess of $106 billion in total debt. These are not the fundamentals of an economy which would tolerate political backbiting and point scoring for some selfish advantage at the expense of the people and their economy.

“Whilst New Zealand First is not happy with Labour’s superannuation cost smoothing plan it is nevertheless better than nothing. We are in serious discussion with Labour about their proposal and if we are convinced that it will stand up and have some potential to endure then New Zealand First will support it.

“Dr Cullen has approached New Zealand First seeking discussions and we have agreed pending further work by officials. The Party has a full day Caucus on Monday 11 June in which we will be discussing this matter further,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>