OPINION: Election year is almost here.
But before we get started on that, Stuff's gallery team has come together to award our ruling class both brickbats and bouquets for 2019.
Quote of the Year: "They are us." Jacinda Ardern in the hours after the terror attack in March making absolutely clear that the victims of the attack represented New Zealand far more than the alleged shooter.
Runner-ups: "Okay boomer" Chloe Swarbrick sent an already-existing meme into the stratosphere when she chided a (Gen X) National Party MP. Swarbrick ended up basically killing the meme, but this was only possible because those two words speak so well to how young people feel about their forebears right now.
"If [Nelson] Mandela can walk out of Robben Island after 27 years and forgive his oppressors, so can I." Winston Peters discussing his relationship with the news media.
"One person's misinformation is another person's fact." Simon Bridges takes a trip away from objective truthin a Morning Report interview.
Chris McKeen/Stuff
Winston Peters was a runner-up for Quote of the Year.
The Michael Cullen award for the funniest House moment: David Seymour's euthanasia bill finally passed in November after a two-year slog. Naturally the moment was joyous for the MPs and activists who had worked to make this happen, but the House waits for no man, and before the clapping and hugging had stopped Todd Muller was already rising to start speaking on his "Companies (Clarification of Dividend Rules in Companies) Amendment Bill" which is somehow more boring than it sounds. As he did this Labour MP Kiri Allan saw his plight and started cheering him on, screaming "let's go, Todd! let's do this!" as loud as she could across the chamber.
Ken Bone award for unexpected bipartisanship:National's finance spokesman Paul Goldsmith, for hisadmission that Grant Robertson's public debt settings were "about right" which briefly ended decades of National and Labour squabbling about fiscals.
KEVIN STENT/STUFF
National Party leader Simon Bridges put questions over his leaderhip to bed in 2019.
Steven Joyce award for hole-digging: Simon Bridges was asked earlier this year to describe new UK PM Boris Johnson, and started out by noting a "buffoon-like quality". Realising this may have been slightly impolitic, he attempted to back-pedal, saying many others had noted this quality, that it was a term of endearment, and he was someone who"sometimes gets a bit of marmalade on his chin, who sometimes doesn't say quite the right things, whose personal life can be interesting".
The Edward Snowden award for cyber-security:Treasury, whichmanaged not only to putconfidential budget data online but also to describe the accessing of that data using a search engine as "hacking".
Worst members' bill:Slim pickings this year, with no absolute shockers like Clayton Mitchell's bill to make English an official language (2018) or anything to do with lost luggage. Matt King's bill to stop the media reporting the name of a police officer involved in a shooting is definitely a law going in search of a problem the media don't do this by convention anyway.
KEVIN STENT/STUFF
Justin Lester had insult added to injury by the prime minister after she forgot he had run as a Labour candidate.
Aaron Gilmore award for not knowing who someone is: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, clearly seeking to distance herself from former Wellington mayor Justin Lester after he lost his election, noted he had not run as a Labour Party candidate. He had. Talk about adding insult to injury.
Ross Geller award for being a terrible friend: Opshop frontman Jason Kerrison for trying to secure some low-level immigration help from minister Kris Faafoi and then going to the media when Faafoi wasn't as helpful as he'd hoped.
Martin Luther award for angering the Catholic church: Brooke Van Velden, the David Seymour staffer (and potential ACT MP) who did the most to make sure the End of Life Choice bill passed through Parliament, against the considerable efforts of the Catholic church (and others besides), ably channelled through former prime minister Bill English.
National list MP Jo Hayes sent this nasty tweet late on Friday night, seemingly unprovoked.
The Sean Plunket award for worst tweet of the year: Jo Hayes, the National MP who wasbeaten forselection in the Palmerston North electorate by 17-year-old William Wood, randomly replied to a months-old tweet from a former Labour candidate late at night to say: "OMG Youre such a nastyperson and i hope that people checking you out for future work will visit your twitter page and see how ugly you really are [sic]."
The hurry-it-up award for slowness in public office: To the Serious Fraud Office, which hasbeen looking into the allegations against the National Party made by Jami-Lee Ross for months and months and months. The party is not yet cleared but not yetcharged either. The closer we get to an election the worse the timing will look just ask James Comey.
Rookie on the rise: National MP Hamish Walker has a long career ahead of him. This year he made a lot of political hay over the downgrading of the Lumsden Maternity Centre, to such a point that he entered the preferred prime minister polls. Not bad for a guy who was only elected in 2017.
KEVIN STENT/STUFF
Nicola Willis wins backbencher of the year for the second year in a row.
Backbencher of the year: National MP Nicola Willis, for the second year running. This year Willis, a former staffer for John Key, ran a strong campaign against Julie Anne Genter over Wellington transport. One to watch.
The Postman Pat award for actual policy delivery: Climate Change Minister James Shaw got bipartisan support for his Zero Carbon Bill this year, is passing a law to (technically) bring agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme, and is looking to limit emissions at 2020 levels.
Party leader of the year: Simon Bridges began the year with the rot of the Jami-Lee Ross saga hanging over him, and the airing of real questions over his leadership. He's put those questions to bed and has kept the party vote up in the polls.
Politician of the year: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a year for the history books. Her response to Christchurch hit the exact right note not just rhetorically but also legislatively. It was not a perfect year but it's unlikely to be one she will ever top.
Read more here:
Stuff's political awards for 2019: The best and the rest - Stuff.co.nz
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- Euthanasia | Define Euthanasia at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: December 12th, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 12th, 2016]
- Taking Life: Humans, by Peter Singer - Utilitarian [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Free euthanasia Essays and Papers - 123helpme [Last Updated On: December 21st, 2016] [Originally Added On: December 21st, 2016]
- Half a Life (Star Trek: The Next Generation) - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: January 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: January 20th, 2017]
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- New Law in Taiwan Halts Euthanasia of Stray Animals - Seeker - Seeker [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after discovery of euthanasia drug - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Evanger's dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in one batch - WHIO [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's goals: save money, collect organs - One News Now - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- RECALL: Canned dog food has traces of animal euthanasia drug - KUTV 2News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- US dog food recall after euthanasia drug found - BBC News [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2017]
- Taiwan bans euthanasia of stray animals - Yahoo - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Euthanasia reform moves forward in the senate - Deseret News [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Wheeling-based Evanger's recalls dog food found to contain euthanasia drug - Chicago Tribune [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in can. One dog dead. - Washington Post [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2017]
- Dog food sold in Minnesota recalled over euthanasia drug - TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Imagining a future with compulsory euthanasia - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Euthanasia 'Safeguards' Soon Seen as 'Hurdles' - National Review [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Dog food recalled after euthanasia drug found in it - CNN [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Bill to Ban Gas Chamber Euthanasia Moves to the Senate - Good4Utah [Last Updated On: February 9th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 9th, 2017]
- Religion in the courtroom: Neil Gorsuch's faith and writings draw close attention - The Denver Post [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Dutch doctors against euthanasia for advanced dementia patients - NL Times [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Canadian study touts euthanasia's cost 'benefit' - Brnow [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2017]
- Pug Dies After Eating Dog Food Contaminated With Euthanasia Drug - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Patients Rights Council [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- New euthanasia debate in Spain - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2017]
- Labour will not introduce private members bill on euthanasia - Scoop.co.nz (press release) [Last Updated On: February 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 12th, 2017]
- MP's personal story behind euthanasia support - Clarence Valley Daily Examiner [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Could laser therapy help dog owners avoid euthanasia? - 12news.com [Last Updated On: February 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 13th, 2017]
- Speaker receives citizens' initiative on legalisation of euthanasia - YLE News [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2017]
- Euthanasia's march Down Under - Catholic Herald Online (blog) [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2017]
- Another company issues recall after euthanasia drug found in dog ... - KATU [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Medical Council against euthanasia: 'We don't want youths euthanising their grandparents' - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- More dog food recalled because it may contain euthanasia drug ... - Q13 FOX [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Law students accuse Medical Council of twisting their euthanasia arguments - MaltaToday [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Hanson, Hinch launch passionate arguments for euthanasia law - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2017]
- Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch get riled up about euthanasia - Starts at 60 [Last Updated On: February 17th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 17th, 2017]
- Brigit Forsyth on euthanasia, internet dating and whether she'd consider Likely Lads revival - ChronicleLive [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- FDA confirms euthanasia agent pentobarbital in dog food | Food ... - Food Safety News [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Oregon's Euthanasia Bill Is Intentionally Ambiguous - National Review [Last Updated On: February 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 18th, 2017]
- Conservative leaders argued drugs, euthanasia, and fiscal policy in Langley - Langley Advance [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- New German film addresses Nazi child 'euthanasia' - euronews [Last Updated On: February 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 20th, 2017]
- How Did a Euthanasia Drug End Up in Dog Food? - Care2.com [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2017]
- Why euthanasia slippery slopes are inevitable - National Right to Life News [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Oregon's euthanasia bill awash with 'ambiguity' - OneNewsNow [Last Updated On: February 22nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 22nd, 2017]
- Adoption center works to reduce euthanasia - The Dominion Post [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- Police stance was to not answer questions over details of euthanasia checkpoint - Stuff.co.nz [Last Updated On: February 23rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 23rd, 2017]
- WA election: Euthanasia, Safe Schools hot topics as Liberal, Labor leaders face Christian voters - ABC Online [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Lessons from indigenous wisdom in the euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Dying man gathers his family together for final hours before ... - 9Honey [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Quebec Moves Toward Euthanasia for Alzheimer's | National Review - National Review [Last Updated On: February 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 24th, 2017]
- Once Euthanasia Voluntary, It'll Become Irresistible, Ask the Dutch; Real Humility; and More! - National Catholic Register (blog) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- APA Position on Medical Euthanasia - Psychiatric Times [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- Pike County animal shelter reduces euthanasia rates - WYMT News (press release) [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- BioEdge: Should Quebec's Alzheimer's patients be eligible for ... - BioEdge [Last Updated On: February 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 25th, 2017]
- 45 Rescued Cats and Dogs Are Facing Euthanasia But One Woman is Fighting to Build Them Shelter - One Green Planet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Minnesota Euthanasia Advocates Introduce Legislation to Legalize ... - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Italy: tetraplegic DJ stirs up euthanasia debate by assisted suicide in Switzerland - euronews [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Euthanasia and Alzheimer's: Canada takes a step in the wrong direction - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Choice is an Illusion President Margaret Dore States Hawaii ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2017]
- Evanger's expands recall because dog food may contain euthanasia drug - The Seattle Times [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Last Wishes mobile pet euthanasia service adds storefront hospice for pets - Chron.com [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide stirs up Italy euthanasia debate - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- The euthanasia debate is polarised, yet shared concerns unite all sides - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2017]
- Jagged Vision Streaming "Euthanasia" - Metal Underground [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Paralysed Italian DJ takes own life in Swiss clinic after fruitless euthanasia campaign in his native country - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 2nd, 2017]
- Mane Attraction hosts Beauty to the RESCUE to fight animal euthanasia - 12news.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Finnish parliament debates legalising euthanasia - Expatica Netherlands [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia Advocate Changes Her Mind After Watching the Euthanasia Deception Documentary - LifeNews.com [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- In places where it's legal, how many people are ending their lives ... - EconoTimes [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- DJ's assisted suicide fuels Italy's euthanasia debate - MercatorNet [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Corgi pit bull with lopsided jaw saved from euthanasia - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Euthanasia: What to Expect When Your Dog is Put Down [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]
- Gentle Journey Phoenix Arizona In Home Pet Euthanasia [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2017]