Party Blog
Labour’s Labour Weekend Party
Jenny Michie | 16th July 2009 | 5:45 am
All across NZ Labour supporters will be hosting get-togethers or parties over Labour Weekend (Oct 24 to Oct 26) the long weekend brought to you by the Labour movement.
But campaigns are expensive - the Mt Albert by-election cost us $40,000 and we need a campaign fund of $2million to fight the next election and we aim to raise $500,000 of that this year.
A cunning plan
We've come up with a fun and easy way for members and supporters to help raise money and have a good time with people they like.
All across NZ Labour supporters will be hosting get-togethers or parties over Labour Weekend (Oct 24 to Oct 26) the long weekend brought to you by the Labour movement.
We're asking each electorate to give at least 10 parties. The parties can be any fromat; breakfast, brunch, lunch, a picnic at the beach, a barbie or a formal dinner.
10 x $10 x 10 x 70 = $70,000
The host asks at least 10 people to come along and then the guests are asked to give $10 to the Labour Party fund. That's $100 per party, $1000 per electorate and $70,000 all up.
The Party Pack
Each Party host gets a Party Pack that includes:
* Preprinted invitations and envelopes
* Menu ideas from celebrity chef Lois Daish
* DVD of Labour Leader Phil Goff welcoming guests and asking for the $10 donation
* Labour Day fridge magnet
* Balloons, serviettes, special Labour money box and reply paid donations envelope
Everybody's doing it
Don't miss out, be host or a guest but make sure you're part of Labour's Labour Weekend Party
Conact jenny.michie@labour.org.nz to register your event and to make sure you recieve your Party Pack
Goff Report: July 10
David Talbot | 12th July 2009 | 9:31 pm
Phil Goff reports on a recent trip to Northland to meet with community groups and businesses as well as progress on the Auckland supercity and foreshore and seabed issues.
NORTHLAND VISIT
It's recess so I'm again taking the opportunity to get out and about New Zealand to touch base with communities.
It's quite heartening to see communities banding together to help out those less fortunate.
Earlier this week I spent time in Northland. Several of my caucus colleagues joined me as we stopped in at a number of community groups, businesses, and also some of those hit by the recent tornado in Kaitaia.
The community rallied around superbly to help those affected. It is incredible no one was hurt by the 1000s of tiles that were ripped off roofs.
Unemployment in the region has doubled in the past year but I picked up a real sense of community spirit as I met with locals who are toughing it out in these difficult times.
Communities are filling the void being left by the Government at the moment and they need to be commended for that.
Northland is a wonderful part of New Zealand which I love visiting and the locals are always willing to give us advice.
A personal highlight for me was to meet Stacy Jones' grandfather Danny Jones at Stacy's cousin Shane Jones's marae in Awanui.
Click here to see more of our trip to Northland.
AUCKLAND SUPER CITY
This week, the first, the last, and only, chance for Aucklanders to have their say on the shape of the Super City got under way with Select Committee hearings held in Auckland.
On Monday I sat in on proceedings and listened to arguments both for and against the Government.
Submissions to the Select Committee on the second Bill before Parliament reflect support for Labour's position and there are signs National is backpedalling fast.
It shows that even in Opposition, you can have an impact in making sure people's voices are heard.
Soon Aucklanders will know what really is at stake in their city and whether the government has finally listened.
Phil Twyford's Members Bill was plucked from the ballot last week.
Phil's Bill aims to protect Auckland's major public assets by requiring a referendum before they can be put up for sale.
Phil Twyford is regularly blogging on the issue on Red Alert. Click here for the latest direct from Labour MPs.
FORESHORE AND SEABED
Travelling through Northland and discussing and listening to debate around the Foreshore and Seabed review was enlightening.
The bottom line is to protect Kiwis access to the beach while also recognising customary rights.
Our submissions on the review of the Act sets out a way to do this which National may well adopt.
One thing is for sure, a broad consensus on the issue needs to be achieved. Old wounds need not be reopened. And preying upon fears and prejudices will not advance the situation for Maori and Non Maori.
We will not go down that track by playing politics.
LAST WORD
Bill English is off to do a deal allowing Kiwis who've worked in Oz to bring their Super back home. This was a deal started under Labour and it's a great thing Kiwisaver's there to allow that to happen isn't it!
COMING UP
Next week, touching base in south Auckland! You can follow my progress on Twitter at http://twitter.com/phil_goff
Situations vacant - Labour Party General Secretary
David Talbot | 8th July 2009 | 3:27 am
Labour Party General Secretary Mike Smith announced this weekend his intention to retire at the Party’s Annual Conference in September and the search has commenced for his replacement.
Labour Party General Secretary Mike Smith announced this weekend his intention to retire at the Party's Annual Conference in September and the search has commenced for his replacement.President Andrew Little says Mike has been the General Secretary since 2001 and has seen the Party through three elections.
"Mike will leave a huge gap in institutional knowledge and history of the Labour Party."
Andrew Little says the Party is in a phase of refreshing, renewing and rebuilding its systems ready for a big campaign leading up to the 2011 general election.
"Advertising starts this week and we hope to have an appointment in time for the Party Conference in September."
Download the job description here and details of how to apply here.
