Trolling of Ardern appalling
Thank you Alison Mau for calling out the appalling behaviour of New Zealand’s misogynist underbelly (‘‘Shame on our misogyny: It’s no wonder Ardern was driven out’’, Opinion, January 22).
The targeting of our greatest prime minister in living memory by low-life trolls (not all men, by the way) is a national disgrace.
It may be fed by internet mafia from Donald Trump supporters in the United States or Vladimir Putin’s ex-KGB mates, but too much is homegrown.
It beggars belief that the likes of the bottom-feeders of Counterspin are not already behind bars for the rest of their natural lives for the sheer level of venomous threats.
It is not helped by the National leader minimising the behaviour – such response shows he’s not fit to govern.
Andy Maciver, Rangitikei
I absolutely agree with Mau and want to thank her for her clear viewpoint. It is the personalising of the vitriol that was directed at Jacinda that made me cringe. I was especially saddened when women said such things. It is about fear and control and a lack of willingness to see the whole picture. The personalising, I feel, is a very Kiwi thing and a national shame.
Ardern has had the grace to lead even in the way she has resigned. She is a queen of grace, intellect and kindness. A wa¯ hine toa.
Jan Simmons, Auckland
Initially the general criticism of Ardern was from National Party supporters who simply didn’t accept the 2017 election decision. Then we had the conspiracy groups, then the anti-mandates, then the anti-vaxers.What a turgid mix of rotten apples, even though they were dotted with previously well-meaning people caught up with feeling disenfranchised (their own choice)!
When Labour was returned in 2020, governing alone, its critics must have become more enraged, despite the pandemic. So anger went off like a powder keg.
We were the privileged ones to have Ardern, as frankly she is too good a person for the negative side of New Zealand!
I hope the Disinformation Project can trace the worst of the online abusers and bring them to justice.
Christina Smith, Christchurch
Where was Mau’s outrage when Judith Collins was constantly pilloried in the mainstream media and on social media? It’s only misogyny when vitriol is directed at a left-wing woman.
Bruce Baldwin, Whanganui
Mike Brooke and Andrea Vance both provoked debate with their opinions (January 22). Sir John Key undoubtedly made millions in a very short period of time, but to rank his entry to Parliament as a sacrifice is somewhat amusing in the context of his immense wealth.
Vance is premature in implying that Luxon has the pole position for the 2023 elections. Chris Hipkins is quicker off the mark in debating situations, while having performed most of his tasks with sound judgement. Luxon will have to present the electorates with verifiable policy statements rather than vague sound-bites.
By leaving now, Ardern leaves Hipkins free to introduce a capital gains tax; and that would help to stop rampant property speculation. Maybe Luxon should offload his multiple investment properties tout de suite.
Hugh Webb, Hamilton
Leaders lack mana
As you say (Editorial, January 22), Hipkins is a lightweight like Luxon.
Neither has the mana or gravitas to lead New Zealand.
Hipkins has the deadweight of all the hopeless policy that Ardern introduced.
The divisiveness she caused will be hard to eliminate because Labour have done nothing except talk and spin. Ardern was a master at that and Hipkins has that legacy to try to eliminate.
The economy will be his downfall. And the gross waste of taxpayer funds used in policies such as Three Waters and the Radio NZ/TVNZ merger will be hard to explain away.
Hipkins has been a leading figure in a Government that has oversold itself and achieved very little. New Zealand has had enough of this crowd and they must go.
Richard Tweedie, Wellington