From NZ Herald · · 3m
NZ First candidate keeps head down as election campaign ends
NZ First's Michael Laws avoids public appearances amid sexism backlash as election campaign concludes.
In brief
NZ First's Michael Laws avoids public appearances amid sexism backlash as election campaign concludes. NZ First candidate Michael Laws will not appear publicly after controversial comments about female candidates, with National ruling out his government role. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
NZ First candidate Michael Laws
NZ First candidate Michael Laws will not feature on his weekday talkback show today as his future as an MP appears set to be decided by the party’s board.
Controversial comments
Laws faced significant political backlash after comments about the Opportunity Party’s female candidates, comparing them to primary school teachers, commenting on another’s hemline, calling them "stern" and "princesses" and questioning what their face would look…
Party board decision
Leader Winston Peters confirmed NZ First’s board would meet after the election to discuss Laws’ future, given he is sixth on the party’s list and almost guaranteed to become an MP on current polling.
Laws' response
Laws said he supported Peters’ decision and would accept the board’s call. He was unclear when speaking to the _Herald_ about whether he still wanted to be an MP, although said he was dedicated to…
Injury claim
Laws wouldn’t feature on his usual weekday talkback show on The Platform today, citing a broken arm that "requires attention". He has appeared on his show each day this week.
National's stance
National leader Christopher Luxon ruled out Laws being a minister in a future Government, repeating on Thursday that the language used by the NZ First candidate was "disgusting".
National's compatibility
Luxon said while National and Act were different parties, they had proven over the past three years they could work together, pointing to areas of alignment such as the economy, law and order and public…
Labour's response
Labour leader Chris Hipkins zeroed in on Luxon not ruling out working with NZ First, which National would likely need to return to power.
Labour's criticism
Hipkins said NZ First "has been an absolute stain on the quality of political discussion in New Zealand over the last few years" and he didn’t regret ruling out Labour from working with the party.
Treasury data
The data showed the deficit at the end of September was $2.8 billion (using the operating balance before gains and losses, excluding ACC metric), about $1.3b smaller than expected.
National's economic claim
Luxon and National finance spokeswoman Nicola Willis said it showed their party’s economic plan was working, reinforcing recent surveys showing economic optimism and hiring intentions are increasing.
National's economic claims
Willis said exports are booming, the manufacturing sector is on a tear, and economic growth is outpacing countries like Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.
National's economic claims
Willis added that New Zealand is navigating global uncertainty better than most international counterparts and kiwis can look forward to benefits flowing to households.
Labour's economic view
Hipkins said the data could come down to timing, noting higher tax revenue and lower government spending but cautioned it might be temporary fluctuations.
Final campaigning
Friday is the final day of campaigning before the election day blackout. Luxon and National will complete their North Island roadie, with the party’s bus travelling from Rotorua to the leader’s electorate of Botany.
Labour's focus
Hipkins and Labour will focus their efforts on Wellington and the wider Hutt Valley region, including the leader’s electorate of Remutaka.
The big picture
NZ First candidate Michael Laws will not appear publicly after controversial comments about female candidates, with National ruling out his government role.
