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But is National currently bullying someone with obvious mental health issues?Or Todd Muller
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The thread centers on New Zealand's upcoming election, primarily debating the economic management and policy differences between the center-left Labour government and center-right National/ACT opposition. Key criticisms target Labour's fiscal stewardship, citing ballooning government expenditure #7#272, housing unaffordability, and unfulfilled promises like KiwiBuild and dental care expansion #16#12. A user #7 highlighted Labour's annual 9% spending growth versus 1.5% under previous governments, arguing this fueled inflation. National's tax-cut policy faced scrutiny over funding gaps and legality, with user #215 questioning Luxon's reliance on "trust me" assurances.
Leadership competence emerged as a critical theme, particularly in later posts. Luxon drew heavy criticism after a contentious interview where he struggled to defend policy details #194#199#211, while Willis faced backlash for her economic credentials. Hipkins garnered fleeting praise for articulation but was ultimately seen as representing poor governmental outcomes #45#119. A trusted user #308 presented expert economic analysis contradicting Treasury optimism. Infrastructure issues—like Wellington's water crisis and the dental school staffing shortage—were cited as examples of systemic mismanagement #235#12. Notable policy debates included road-user charges for EVs #220, immigration impacts on rents #299, and coalition scenarios involving NZ First #182#258. Early fringe discussions on candidates' rugby allegiances gave way to substantive policy critiques, culminating in grim Treasury forecasts discussed in posts #271#304#308. User #168 also revealed concerns about Labour rushing regulatory changes to entrench policies pre-election.
Economic Policies, Housing Crisis, Leadership Competence
But is National currently bullying someone with obvious mental health issues?Or Todd Muller
6 o'clock closing for pubs and the wives and kids getting the bash would go hand in hand back in the day! He his old enough to remember them days!Agree with Labour, should freeze funding in light of comments by King. He has lost the plot by the sound of it.
While I am not knocking the guy in any shape or form.Its not a great look at all. I think King has chosen his words very poorly but has also been jumped all over for it. Certainly seems like the media are taking a line and making it a headline.
From King:
“Alcohol is not a problem for people with mental health issues.
“It’s actually the solution to our problem and until you come with a better solution …
“It stops those thoughts,” he explained.
“I would suggest to you that alcohol has prevented more young people from taking their own lives than it actually makes them take their own lives.
“I mean, I’m a drug addict, an alcoholic; my whole life, I’ve used drugs and alcohol to stop that little voice inside my head that told me that I wasn’t good enough, that I was useless.
“It’s a release, it’s like a video game.
“It’s like methadone, it keeps us going until some help comes along. It’s our life jacket.”
and from Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson
Robinson said he believed King’s heart was in the right place, and suggested King may have been confused when making those comments on the radio. Robinson said King may have intended to say that self-medication was a reality many faced, rather than saying it was a good option for people.
“I do agree [with King] that many people experiencing mental distress use alcohol as self-medication because they don’t have any other option,” he said.
I don't believe that King believes that alcohol and drugs is the 'cure' or 'solution' to mental health.
Can recall him on celebrity treasure island last year. He had a meltdown, seems like he has some wicked issuesWhile I am not knocking the guy in any shape or form.
Having had something to do with him I wasn't surprised by his comments/attitude.
I can't help wondering what Dave Letele is thinking“I mean, I’m a drug addict, an alcoholic; my whole life, I’ve used drugs and alcohol to stop that little voice inside my head that told me that I wasn’t good enough, that I was useless.
The telling part when he said those comments.
He’s a few screws loose and has always been open about it.
No allowance for the poor guys mental health?
Seemed to be an adequate excuse every time a Labour MP screwed up!
I thought Dave Letele was just as worthy and he got zilch.Stuff
www.stuff.co.nz
Over the years, I've had a bit to do with Dave..... absolutely sucks that his money has dried up.I thought Dave Letele was just as worthy and he got zilch.![]()
We need to improve people's health and the other part is helping people who are struggling and need assistance.I thought Dave Letele was just as worthy and he got zilch.![]()
I don't think he would have begrudged Mike King getting funding either. He was quite scathing of the previous government not doing anything and a member of the nutters club. It shouldn't be an either or scenario. Both require funding.We need to improve people's health and the other part is helping people who are struggling and need assistance.
Letele going from an overweight boxer to someone pushing health is a great story.
A shame he has found it hard to keep things going. Listening to him being interviewed he sounded worn out so I can understand.
I don't think he would have begrudged Mike King getting funding either. He was quite scathing of the previous government not doing anything and a member of the nutters club. It shouldn't be an either or scenario. Both require funding.
Post from 3 years ago:
View attachment 9887
In regards to mental health, yes I think he would hold that same view.![]()
'Absolute disgrace': Dave Letele says government doesn't 'care for poor people'
Pacific Mornings hosted a panel with budgeting service mentors and financial analysts to speak on the current reality for struggling families across Aotearoa.pmn.co.nz
He’s also been quite critical of the current government. I wonder with some hindsight now whether he still holds the same view? At least he had funding before. Looks like both governments have been a letdown in this regard to him
Letele has the right to be dirty on both governments. Seems like a straight forward type of guy.In regards to mental health, yes I think he would hold that same view.