Politicians rated least trustworthy

WELLINGTON: Trust in politicians remains low, recent polls showing only 22% of New Zealanders give them the thumbsup.

Research NZ managing partner Emanuel Kalafatelis said national and local body politicians had received low trust and confidence ratings over the past 10 to 15 years — and the latest survey showed they were still the leasttrusted group.

‘‘It’s the nature of the job, but at the same time we did elect them to represent us and represent our best interests, so it’s a bit of a slap in the face when we rate our trust and confidence in them at only 22%,’’ Mr Kalafatelis said.

‘‘Particularly given some of the things that have been happening in the leadup to this year’s general election, in terms of resignations and dismissals even, the idea of a code of conduct for parliamentarians may in fact be a good idea.’’

National Party leader Judith Collins has lashed out after two billboards were stolen from her Auckland electorate.

Ms Collins took to Twitter yesterday morning to lambast her political opponents, who she says are responsible for the theft of wood and hoardings in Papakura.

‘‘Stupid behaviour from our opponents,’’ she said.

However, the accusations didn’t go down well with many of her Twitter followers, who accused her of making the claims without any factual basis.

One took the opportunity to test her sense of humour, writing ‘‘Sorry I can’t see your eyebrows to know if you’re just joking or not.’’

The comment is in regard to Ms Collins telling media last week people can tell she’s joking when she raises her eyebrow.

New Zealand First has continued its attacks on the Greens’ wealth tax policy with a mocking online post that features raining $100 bills, pixies, flying pigs and a pinkmaned unicorn.

The image was posted by New Zealand First on its official Facebook page on Thursday.

It lampoons Greens coleaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson with the fairytale symbols, accompanied by a caption that says: ‘‘But unfortunately money doesn’t just fall from the sky . . .’’

Political lobbyist Matthew Hooton has resigned as a National Party staffer.

Mr Hooton said the prospect of continuing to commute to Wellington helped him decide to resign from his job with the National Party, just months after he was hired.

Mr Hooton drew scrutiny and withdrew from media commentary in May when he offered advice to Todd Muller before Mr Muller’s challenge for leadership of the National Party. He was then hired by the new leader. — RNZ/The New Zealand Herald