43 Comments
07 November 2008
Campaign Blog: 07 November
Yesterday I started my whistlestop of eight centres around New Zealand.
We flew in a chartered plane to Napier for a breakfast BBQ organised by the party, then on to Taupo to address supporters.
We travelled on to Christchurch for a rally and walkabout in the Square (complete with a handful of protesters) and a mall visit.
Then it was on to Nelson for a brief stop before ending in Wellington last night. Today we fly to Palmerston North, then New Plymouth, and finally Auckland.
Our campaign bus will then take me to a closing rally in the Helensville electorate.
It’s been an amazing four weeks, starting just before the campaign proper with our economic and tax package.
The best part of the campaign has been meeting New Zealanders from all walks of life and talking with them about the challenges they face, and we all face, as a country.
One anecdote suffices about the mood of the country. During the mall visit in Christchurch a builder told me he’d been a life-time Labour voter but was changing his vote to us this time because he has had enough of Labour.
He told me he had just lost valuable work because of the stifling effect of the Resource Management Act. National has a plan that includes reforming that law, to help get New Zealand moving again.
John Key
Special video message: Party Vote National www,youtube.com
Tweet#1 - Darrell Comber 2008-11-07 19:43 - (Reply)
Thanks for the email. We will be out early to vote tomorrow and will hopefully see the end of this pathetic government. We have grandchildren and I really do not want to see them brought up under such a regime where good morals and encouragement for individuals to help themselves has been turfed out. Good Luck. Darrell
#2 - Lyn Thomasen 2008-11-07 19:43 - (Reply)
Thankyou very much for your updates. Good luck for tomorrow, I know you are going to win. Kind Regards Lyn Thomasen
#3 - Steve Preston 2008-11-07 20:32 - (Reply)
I have always been a national voter and financial member for several years. I know you will win, John, just keep your promises. The downside is being dumped pretty quickly.
#4 - Jacqueline Havea 2008-11-07 20:43 - (Reply)
Victory, victory, victory is ours for the taking I cant wait to go and vote tomorrow morning. Its been a priviledge just being a part of this campaign which I have never ever done before. Thank you John and the team, for allowing me to give comments to this Blog.
#5 - Kaye 2008-11-07 20:53 - (Reply)
My 8 year old granddaughter said it all when she met you yesterday. She is sad because her friend is moving to Australia to escape Helen Clark. She like the rest of us are right behind you and the National party. Good luck you will make a difference. Your family must be very proud of how you have handled this campaign with dignity - we certainly are.
#6 - Audrey Jackman 2008-11-07 20:54 - (Reply)
Good luck for tomorrow John. It's only just the beginning ! Audrey Jackman.
#7 - Matthew Jones 2008-11-07 21:04 - (Reply)
You on ya John! saldy im only 15 but next time I'll be voting to have you re-elected! Your an inspirational leader! Good luck with the election! God Bless you and the National Party
#8 - RJM 2008-11-07 21:12 - (Reply)
Just a comment on consents for projects. How the hell does a construction job like the so called whole in the ground in Auckland get so far and then be stopped by by some sort of protest or whatever, this is pure madness, & I guess no one will be held accountable, it should not of been allowed to start or be allowed to finish one or other. A little tiddle nation like NZ seems to be void of commonsense to often. Ray
#9 - Ralph King 2008-11-07 21:16 - (Reply)
Hey John, I have got the Champange on ice already. As far as I am concerned youre Prime Minister.Lets hope the useless Labour Party get well and truly thumped tomorrow.
#10 - Saliman and Ian Griffith, Motueka 2008-11-07 21:37 - (Reply)
All the best for tomorrow. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Kind regards Saliman and Ian Griffith, Motueka
#11 - Sue Lunjevich 2008-11-07 21:42 - (Reply)
Good luck for tomorrow, John. We voted yesterday as I am at work on Saturday. I am proud to have been part of this with you - thanks for the opportunity to say my bit. You are a dignified man unlike Helen who is like a pitbull. And good luck to my man John Carter. Have fun tomorrow, Sue.
#12 - Anonymous 2008-11-07 21:46 - (Reply)
If it wasn't for my computer I wouldn't have heard a thing from you party this election. Very disappointed
#12.1 - J.v 2008-11-09 10:11 - (Reply)
Congrats on Your Victory, Lang val hij Leiben, - May you live long
#13 - Jeannette H.K. Cavanagh 2008-11-07 21:47 - (Reply)
I will be doing my best to help you and our local candidate Tim McIndoe get elected to-morrow. We do need a change and we need a person of your integrity, strength of character and astute intelligence to bring this about. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on a well run campaign and especially for not bowing down to the shoddy tactics of the Labour party. Good Luck to you and your team to-morrow. Regards, Jeannette Cavanagh
#14 - Margie Miskelly 2008-11-07 21:58 - (Reply)
Hi John Just can't wait for tomorrow to be over and done with and see you as our new Prime Minister so you and your team can get on with the work to put this country back in the first world.
#15 - Nikki 2008-11-07 22:31 - (Reply)
Good luck for tommorow we are from your electorate and everyone we have spoken to around Greenhithe will be giving you both ticks.
#16 - Paul & Steph Conaghan 2008-11-07 22:37 - (Reply)
You have our votes! Our country needs a leader like you & party that will bring this country through the tough times ahead. Hope you get a good majority tomorrow.
#17 - Liz Haining 2008-11-07 22:44 - (Reply)
Good luck for tomorrow John, and another two ticks from Greenhithe.
#18 - Gray Jamieson 2008-11-07 22:56 - (Reply)
I've already voted for you this time and so has my family. Trying to run a business has always been stymied by the buracracy with the RMA and the Conservation Act. It's about time someone in Govt can see the wood for the trees as we have been saying this forever. Don't sell Kiwibank, we need to see our hard earned money stay in this Country.
#18.1 - Mark Denize 2008-11-08 11:10 - (Reply)
Hi John, after voting National for years I thought I would let you know why now of all times I have chosen not to. The environment I live in (the Malborough Sounds) is being trashed by aquaculture and the expansion of this has cost my community hundreds of thousands of dollars fighting the expansion through the courts. Your stance pro development, against the RMA and against any government that includes the Greens (i.e.sustainable use of our evironment) means that I cannot vote for you. As a diver I ask you to go for a dive under a marine farm (particulalry a salmon farm) before you consider loosening up the rules allowing such unrestricted use of public space and I hope that you consider sustainabilty of what we have before you consider that growth is more important. Good luck today.
#19 - Graham & Raewyn Jarrett 2008-11-08 08:20 - (Reply)
Best wishes for today John. Thanks for keeping us up to date with your emails, have enjoyed hearing about your travels and policy. Will be off shortly to do some scrutineering for you in Hamilton East. Lets hope the trips have finished and the great journey is about to begin.
#20 - The Bruce Family 2008-11-08 08:31 - (Reply)
Good luck John - You have certainly got our vote!!!
#21 - Mary 2008-11-08 15:27 - (Reply)
Dear John We are looking forward to a new colour - one of change and hope. If Obama has proven that change is possible, there's nothing to stop us in New Zealand from believing that change can happen. Best wishes from our family. Mary
#22 - Mark 2008-11-08 18:59 - (Reply)
Two ticks to the Blue camp at 5 past 9 this morning, my fingers are crossed, go well John !
#23 - Tony Benner 2008-11-08 19:27 - (Reply)
Dear John, Living in Sydney I have enjoyed and been hearten by your activities. My mother in Te Puke has voted the right way for you. Best wishes for a resounding result!
#24 - Tory 2008-11-08 19:39 - (Reply)
Hi John. Although I am unable to vote, being a youth, I would like to let you know that I am a strong supporter of party and a need for change, I would also like to let you know that 90% of teenagers that I have talked to support your party, because of your policies treat us like people not cattle! Its time for change. Good luck for your campaign
#25 - Gill 2008-11-08 20:38 - (Reply)
Dear John Voted today, support you all they way, you & Bill English, bring back firsts past the post. Regards Gill Queenstown
#26 - Mary 2008-11-09 00:31 - (Reply)
Dear John CONGRATULATIONS!!!! It's been a great evening! My daughter has been given her best birthday present - this afternoon, she gave her two ticks for her favourite colour, and we told her that she'd be getting her birthday present when she wakes up on Sunday. She got it at 11pm instead. We can now look forward to seeing New Zealand move ahead once again, to live up to the potential that we believe this little country has. Thanks John, for running a clean campaign, for being the gentleman and staying above the muck raking, and WINNING!!! All our best wishes for the 3 years ahead and beyond! Mary and Family.
#27 - Bob Woodhead 2008-11-09 00:58 - (Reply)
Well Done John, well done National! you had the support of our whole family (Kids grown up now and can vote) as National has for the last 12 years. Now it time to show the world what we can do! great result!
#28 - Selina 2008-11-09 08:35 - (Reply)
Hello John, I don't know you very well but congratulations on being elected the new Prime Minister. I didn't vote for your party but even so I would like to say that whoever gets in power has a big responsibility and hope you can handle the job. You cannot be all things to all people but you must think of the public good in whatever you do. When you say 'we must make it under our own steam' I think that is very honourable and good, but also please don't forget to have compassion for people who work hard for their living. Not everyone goes in for investment banking and is able to get rich off other people or exploiting the land and resources. Lots of us would love to start our own busineses and be our own bosses but we do need public services when we are starting on our journeys. This means schools, good health care, and housing. I notice that you may cap public services. As a public servant (I am a librarian) obviously I am concerned, not because I am a lazy sod who gets paid by the government but because it seems many people don't realise just how hard dedicated Public Servants work to make the country a better place. We work FOR the Public, not ourselves. We are often not appreciated, and it is not money that is the problem it is the perception that we are expendable because we are not 'productive' ie not contributing to the GDP. Well let me tell you we would have no GDP if it were not for strong public services in educating, building up the country and caring for others in our Public Service professions, especially for those of us who are not yet able to afford the very best. Thank you and thanks of taking the time to read this post. Good luck and all the best for the future. Selina
#29 - Sue Lunjevich 2008-11-09 09:03 - (Reply)
Congratulations John. You did it!! You got rid of the commies and the greenies!! YIPPEE!! Now we can look forward to a brighter future with a referendum on MMP, No ETS and more of our citizens staying in NZ. I'm so excited I can hardly stay still - I just want to dance. Very best wishes, Sue
#30 - Ken & Doreen 2008-11-09 09:53 - (Reply)
Hi John; Thanks for keeping us in touch with your travels. We both wish you and your team all the best in getting us out of this mess generated by Labour & its stupid partners. You have had a wonderful victory.
#31 - Karen Dexter 2008-11-09 10:48 - (Reply)
Congratulations on your win last night!! Now the real work begins. I wish you all the best! With one work of advice! Keep Roger Douglas as far away as possible. Some of us remember the downside of his polices only too well. He shouldn't even be there he was voted out years ago. We have voted for you and National and what you have said you will do for this country. Stay true to yourself All the Best Karen Dexter
#32 - Bevin 2008-11-09 13:44 - (Reply)
Congratulations on your win last night. I've been impressed with your campaign emphasis on inclusiveness and also on increasing NZ's productivity. Well done on moving more to the centre of NZ politics rather than the traditional trickle-down economics of the Tories. In the spirit of the hope that Obama has engendered in the USA and to replicate that energy in Nz for a genuine new start and unity, I suggest you do the statesman things and appoint one cabinet minister from each of the minor parties: Maori, Green, and Act. Each has special skills you need: Maori on their future and how they will buy into programmes, the Greens on sustainable transport and energy, Act on keepin us all results focussed and not too wooly. This would lift National into true leadership and cement National's role as a visionary leader. I'd like to talk with you more about this, but cannot find a direct conatct for you that you may see faster than this. Please reply, John. if you wish to email me I'll give you an Auckland phone number.
#33 - Robert Hemmin 2008-11-09 14:01 - (Reply)
New Government! Congratulations!!! I suggest that the 'Sour Years' are over - irrespective of the issues of government ahead! Sour for many reasons! Attititude of politicians, attitude and arrogance of government, patronising style/ideology of government, not to mention old Sour Puss herself! Not that I've ever particularly liked Helen, but I never thought much of her signing a painting she did not paint herself - for charity - and try to pass it off as her own....let alone hanging out the police to dry over the more recent high speed drive to the airport - saying, 'Oh, I didn't realise we were going so fast' - or, words to that affect! I would also hope that the National MP's (and coalition members) can maintain a very high standard of personal responsibility and behavior - certainly the likes of which we did not see from numerous government members who got into trouble these last 9 years....
#34 - victoria rasmussen 2008-11-09 17:16 - (Reply)
CONGRATULATIONS JOHN, We are looking forward to a great new start to 2009, with a fresh new face to lead us. I am very proud to be a New Zealander. Thank you for all your hard work.
#35 - James Clark 2008-11-09 22:11 - (Reply)
I am onme VERY releived New Zealander and National party supporter and member. I am very excited at the prospect of You (John and your team) leading us all to prosperity. The past 4 weeks of the cut and thrust of the political "goings on" has probably cost me 40n hours in chrage out - but today I feel invigorated and have some purpose - so will work hard to make the time up and make a difference. All the very best John - bloody well done!! James Clark
#36 - Kera O'Regan 2008-11-10 09:39 - (Reply)
Hello John, Firstly I congratulate you on your win. However, I am concerned that your policies neglect the looming ENVIRONMENTAL crisis in favour for tackling the current ECONOMIC crisis. Let us think of it this way- Say, one of your houses was in dire need of re-decoration, had a cockroach infestation and said house was ALSO on fire- which issue would you deal to first? And so, if the country's roads need upgrading, economy is hitting rock bottom, AND the whole planet is suffering in a huge environmental oven- which issue SHOULD you deal with first? If we destroy our planet and so send our OWN species, as well as thousands of others into extinction- then what use will having boosted our economy have done? I hope that in your term as prime minister you seriously contemplate the effects that global warming will have on our society- I respect your will to 'save' our country from this recession, but please do not do so by subjugating the needs of the very environment which nurtures this society. As a teenager, I KNOW that in future years these issues will really come into play for we voters of the future -and will be able to make or break the continuation of the national Party in New Zealand, so I urge you to consider this and be the first Primeminister to REALLY do good for the environment and set the bar high for following primeministers and other leaders world wide! Good luck, and thank you -Kera O'Regan
#37 - warren harrington 2008-11-10 14:39 - (Reply)
Dear John, On behalf of Marilyn and myself, WELL DONE..!!!!! Looking forward to the remainder of this year and far beyond. Good luck..!!!! Warren Harrington
#38 - Jill 2008-11-10 15:47 - (Reply)
Congratulations John - so glad the party did it - got rid of nasty Labour and Green plus NZFirst - so many lies from both first and last leaders - cannot trust them at all - get rid of the EMT as soon as possible as that will impact on elderly on fixed incomes - so badly it is not funny at all - anyway as a former farmer (hurt badly 1983 -1988 Labour Government) the weather changes every day it always has and always will - all farmers know that!!! Good luck with forming the Government - the Labour lot have left a huge mess that you will have to try to come to terms with - they have spent money hand over fist not worrying about saving anything for a rainy day - Every best wish from us both Ray and Jill Jackson
#39 - Don Shute 2008-11-10 17:45 - (Reply)
Congratulations to you and the National party on the win. I have been hearing some concerns about the party tampering with the Kiwi Saver in lieu of tax savings. Would it be possible to keep the Kiwisaver the same for people already in the scheme and make the adjustments for people who come into the scheme now or make any adjustments over a period of say 4 years? Also I am very interested in the direction that the roading policies have been going over the last few years. Items such as the way the Auckland Hamilton road has progressed has been very in-efficient in the concept designs. I would like to suggest other ways that I believe the job could be done better. I am a person in my sixties with a civil engineering degree and background and experience. Also I have managed businesses and now own and manage a manufacturing business with about 15 staff. With this background and interest in alternate concept designs I would like to be involved in roading proposals with a view to throwing alternatives which are more cost effective and efficient for motorists. On many occasions in NZ we imagine we are a bigger country than 4M. These concepts would be hopeless with a Labour government as they lack innovation skills. A National government are more innovative and can look a wider issues without a huge bureaucracy. Could you advise where ideas could be discussed, I would offer my services on Boards and other committees where these ideas could be considered. Regards Don Shute.
