...it seems they did. And they said 'That's quite enough of those, thanks!'.
In a poll published in December, Labour's popularity slipped one per cent to 33 per cent while the country's major centre-right party, National, rose one point to 38 per cent. Nine months out from the October 14 election, Labour looked like it was headed for the exit door and something had to change - but nobody predicted Ms Ardern's bombshell resignation on Thursday.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, eh?
New Zealand’s annual bird of the year competition could usher in another round of controversy, with perennial favourite the kākāpō struck from the ballot after twice winning the competition.
Wait, what? I know New Zealand is fast becoming the most picturesque open air insane asylum, thanks to its bonkers premier, but c'mon!
This year, however, it will be conspicuously absent, amid concerns that its continued dominance could divert the spotlight from less charismatic candidates.
It's so popular, they want to ensure it doesn't win again.
“No, not banned from entry. It’s a hiatus. It’s definitely not a lifetime ban,” Forest & Bird spokesperson Ellen Rykers said.
“You know, if the same bird keeps winning every year, that might make it not so interesting.”
Rykers said in an earlier statement that “Of course, the election remains fundamentally democratic”, adding that the competition was hoping “to channel … love to some of our feathered friends that may be overshadowed by their flashier, chonkier or louder cousins”.
I really think you need to look up the word 'democratic'. I don't think it means what you think it means...
Organisers are attempting to boost the profile of less glamorous birds – dubbed “underbirds” – that usually get negligible votes. Candidates in this category, including the grey duck and shore plover will be highlighted on the online ballot, in an attempt to spark underdog sympathies among voters.
Who knew the modern mantra of 'prizes for all!' now extended to our feathered friends?
A surveillance team and special tactics group monitored the man at all times and plain clothes officers were able to shoot and kill him within 60 seconds of launching the attack after detectives were so close they 'heard' the commotion.And yet despite that, six victims are tonight fighting for their lives in hospitals in Adern's New Zealand.
Ardern revealed that the suspect was considered one of the nation's most dangerous extremists and had been watched 24/7 since 2016, adding she was 'gutted' he was able to carry out the attack despite being on the terror watchlist.
If he'd been deported back to his home country, he wouldn't have been able to do it, would he? Whoever he is. Because despite him being stone cold dead, the law in Adern's nightmare land forbid him from being identified...
Due to suppression orders that are already in place, Ardern says there is information about the man's identity and details of his past criminal history that cannot yet be revealed.
She vowed to share any further details 'within the confines of the law' if the court lifted suppression orders in the wake of his death. But Auckland's mayor Phil Goff said it is 'frustrating' that Ardern cannot reveal more details about the attacker.
It's more than just frustrating, it's utterly insane. The lands down under have turned into places that even North Korea probably regard as a bit bonkers.
