Is this where we have got to?

Gordon Campbell's latest opinion piece in the Kapiti Observer has really got me wondering. In it he concludes that Labour and Jacinda Ardern are too nice, a fatal flaw. Is this where we have got to? Where being nice is regarded as a character flaw? The weakest link in the election campaign? What hope is there for humanity, or indeed the planet, if this is the case? The article also describes Jacinda as "a well meaning princess", and with international womens day foremost today, the mysogeny came through loud and clear. I noted that Jacinda has no problem taking it to the Nats or the Aussies if this is warranted.

I bet those people working on the minimum wage didnt think the raise they got was "too nice" they probably thought it was long overdue. Single mums and people with disabilities who couldnt afford to plug in the heater, didnt think the winter energy payment was too much, and people struggling with medical bills didnt regard the reduction to $17 for a consultation as over the top either. But then, media celebs are probably not the people most helped by the changes Labour has made.

And the good thing about being nice, is that it stands out in stark contrast to the indifference of the last National government.

More messages from your neighbours

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff Enter Here