Media Release

New Zealand First’s 8th Birthday

New Zealand First President Doug Woolerton said today, on New Zealand First’s 8th Birthday, that since the Party’s launch in 1993 there had been many achievements to justify the Party’s establishment.

“Back in 1993 New Zealand’s assets were in the hands of foreigners, our health system had people waiting in corridors to be treated, the superannuation issue was unresolved, and educational standards were slipping while costs were rising and New Zealanders were concerned about increasing violence in our society.

“ What is different today? Perhaps that parties like New Zealand First have a pivotal place in our political system under MMP.

“I am particularly proud of the fact that we abolished the surcharge, began changes to get the dollar down for exporters, made doctors visits free to under-sixes, beefed up education and health expenditure, look to be making ground on superannuation, and much more.

“During our 18 months we accomplished a lot, but there is still much left to be done.

“That is why we are currently experiencing a renaissance. Our membership base is growing and the Party is gaining considerable strength at the grass roots level. Politically we continue to play a critical role in the current MMP environment and are poised to be in a position of political influence after the next election.

“Our Annual Convention, to be held in Tauranga on 1-2 September, will show the country and political commentators alike the true strength of the New Zealand First party organisation.

“ We also look forward to announcing candidates in several key seats before the end of the year,” concluded Mr Woolerton.

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>>