Sign in

ralph9.bsky.social

@ralph9.bsky.social
54 followers 68 following 29 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Hayden Donnell @haydendonnell.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
story does contain some fun quotes from Wayne Brown
Brown is engaged in a long-running feud with Act, who he accuses of being “CAVEs” – constantly against virtually everything. 

He’s frustrated with the party’s opposition to a bed night levy, which would be used to fund concerts and sports events, and Seymour’s resistance to dense housing in Epsom.

“They don’t want any concerts in Auckland. They don’t want any sports events because they’re opposing the bed night levy. They don’t want people living intensively. They want us all to live in tents in Maungaturoto.”Brown says he was fine with the original plan to zone for a capacity of two million houses and may try to go back to it if the government exerts more pressure to downzone in what he considers to be key areas for intensification, including Parnell and Epsom.

“Two million: I was happy enough with that. Just let the market sort itself out. Act is meant to be about the marketplace. They’re the most anti-marketplace outside of Russia,” he says.
35311
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Dylan Difford @dylandifford.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
4/ The most dishonest referendum campaign in the UK during the 2010s was the No2AV campaign, and it's not even close.
41078
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
“There's much to welcome in the Govt’s proposals, including the reduction of the voting age to 16. But there's a danger that young people’s enthusiasm for our democracy will be dampened because our First Past the Post excludes so many of their voices from our politics.” 💬 @lisasmartmp.bsky.social
12012
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 25/06/2025
Plenty still scoff at idea of an AOC run. But the Mamdani success should remind us how formidable a candidate she will be in the Dem 28 primary. And she'd be formidable in the general too. Because like Trump, she is one of the few politicians to truly grasp the media age we're living in.
3361770
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
Latest RNZ poll is the best ever polling result for NZ First while they’ve been in govt
010
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 01/06/2025
AP reporting Red Cross hospital in Gaza saying at least 21 people killed and another 175 injured in Gaza as they went to receive aid from an Israeli-backed foundation.
36206120
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Anandamide @anandamide.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
I made this meme less than three months ago for something entirely different yet somehow it's relevant again 🙃
Simpsons Principal Skinner meme: Am I morally repugnant? No, it's the Quakers who are wrong.
236884
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Rebecca Matthews @rebeccamatthews.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
The Golden Mile project spans three mayors and councils. It’s not a recent or rushed decision, been consulted on many times & supported in multiple elections. The work of this council stays in place largely until halfway through the next council term. This is how local government works!
rnz.co.nz
Unethical for Wellington council to sign more Golden Mile contracts, Andrew Little says
Wellington mayor says project has been given the green-light, and it appears Little did not understand council process.
411634
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
psheth.bsky.social @psheth.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Honestly don't understand the people who want to "leave Courtenay Place alone." I walk/cycle through it every day and it's a complete dump. No one stops there except to grab a takeaway. What are these people desperate to preserve? It desperately needs rejuvenation, and it will thrive afterward...
0438
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Paul Fairie @paulisci.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Early exit polls suggest the new pope did particularly well with male voters aged 45-79.
206126461834
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Thomas Nash @thomasnash.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
What is really baffling here is that one of Andrew Little’s most prominent commitments so far is to “make public transport cheaper” and while that is actually impossible for him to do (wrong council), what he could deliver is more bus improvements, including the long overdue ones on the Golden Mile!
37413
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Rebecca Matthews @rebeccamatthews.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
Andrew Little on why we shouldn’t complete Golden Mile contracts. He’s wrong. Yes big decisions taper off after July recess up to the election, but this is not a new decision. This work has been coming for years, through multiple decisions over multiple councils. It’s happening.
1410818
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Eddie Clark @dreddieclark.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
AV isn't a perfect electoral system by any means (has some of the same pathologies as FPP), but I can guarantee to you we won't, in the Aus election this weekend, see an utter absurdity of a result like this where the winner in no way meaningfully represents the majority in the electorate. FPP, man
Nanaimo-Ladysmith results:

Con candidate wins with 35.2% of the vote. Liberal candidate got 27.9, NDP candidate 18.3, and Green candidate 18.2.
23611
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
I didn’t actually realise till now but at the start of the month they also announced they’re going to disenfranchise thousands of people who enrol on election day itself
110
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 29/04/2025
Not since the 1940s has a Canadian Party enjoyed four or more wins on the trot. Quite something that Donald Trump would become the saviour of Canadian progressivism and Davos man Mark Carney the standard bearer of Canadian nationalism.
825428
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Electoral Reform Society @electoralreform.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
The last government's Elections Bill broke the way we elect our mayors, allowing candidates to sneak in with low levels of public support. We could easily see a new record set on May 1st for most unpopular mayor. www.electoral-reform.org.uk/are-we-going...
electoral-reform.org.uk
Are we going to see Mayors elected with even lower levels of public support in 2025?
Four Combined Authority mayors will be elected on 1 May 2025, but changes to the rules could see mayors taking power with little public support locally.Voters are going to the polls in
042
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Rebecca Matthews @rebeccamatthews.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
I'm running! With our city (and world) the way it is, there's a need for constructive, pragmatic people at the table. If I'm lucky enough to receive the Greens nomination, I'll be asking for your help - for housing, infrastructure, for a Wellington where everyone can thrive.
2630767
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Joel MacManus @joelmacmanus.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
I suspect that Andrew Little entering the race actually helps Tory Whanau's candidacy. It means she isn't the sole target of attacks from the right, and it means she can run to Little's left, positioning herself as the change/transformation candidate despite being the incumbent.
6587
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
utopia deferred @utopia-defer.red · 16/04/2025
American exceptionalism is electing a pariah government so repugnant that it tanks the electoral prospects of aligned right wing governments across the entire anglosphere
236115672224
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Kinda appropriate that the “Great” in MAGA refers to the Gilded Age
000
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Rustie @rustie.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Petition to the Telecommunications Commissioner to make all our phones play the "Goodnight Kiwi" video at 11pm then switch social media off for the night.
media.tenor.com
a gif from gifkaro shows a cat and a rabbit in space
ALT: a gif from gifkaro shows a cat and a rabbit in space
514442
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
New poll from Labour Together that really underlines just how utterly negligent it was not to change the electoral system for mayors back to ranked voting.
A poll showing that the Conservatives are on course to win the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough mayoralty with 31 per cent of the vote.
25356102
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
💯 The government can and should reintroduce a fairer system for mayor and PCC elections ⚠️ But what would be truly negligent is failing to address First Past the Post for general elections... ...a system Labour policy recognises is "flawed" and driving "distrust and alienation" in politics
0108
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
💯 "If you want to make the argument that the system is rigged and there’s an out-of-touch elite that’s basically running a kind of closed shop, well, the electoral system makes that argument easier right now." - @robfordmancs.bsky.social hits the nail on the head
politico.eu
How Nigel Farage could smash open Britain’s electoral system
He’s an unlikely pin-up for electoral reform campaigners — but a 2029 surge that’s not matched by House of Commons seats could see Farage turn up the heat on a “rigged” system.
12320
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
👏 MPs from across Parliament challenged the Government's inaction on First Past the Post yesterday... A voting system Labour Party policy describes as "flawed" and "contributing to the distrust & alienation we see in politics" 🏛 We need a National Commission for Electoral Reform
68357
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Tze Ming Mok 莫志明 @tzemingdynasty.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Amnesty International official Prisoner of Conscience designation when
13112
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Dylan Difford @dylandifford.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Got to hand it to Canada, nobody does electoral turnarounds quite like they do.
1303
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Travis R. Eby @travis-robert.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Time for the congestion pricing summary again: Traffic inside zone: down Traffic outside zone: down Injuries: down Deaths: down Honking: down Pollution: down Transit use: up Transit speeds: up Foot traffic: up Business receipts: up Restaurant reservations: up Revenue targets: hit
316454
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
83.5% of Germans participated in yesterday's election. In the UK general election last year, just 60% took part. Studies show that countries with proportional systems have higher turnout. Voters engage more when they have a real choice and know that they can make a difference.
13519
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
The German election results are "provisional". What votes are still to be count and/or is there a recount of the votes? It seems like BSW at 4.97% could potentially get over the 5% threshold completely changing the government formation negotiations but no-one reporting this
000
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Steve Reeves @stevereeves.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
JAG: “All the statements about parking being a nightmare...I understand people have that perception, but the reality is, you can't hold aside all the land in your city for parking and also have an efficient transport network, and take action on climate change, and have affordable housing...”
0141
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Russell Brown @publicaddress.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Assuming this is an accurate summary of the discussion, the esteemed panelists really did seem to run dry as soon as Julie Anne Genter asked about the actual things that councils do. The "vision" seems remarkably flimsy. www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/3605...
stuff.co.nz
James Cameron directs a new vision for Wellington
There was a large turnout for panellists discussing the future of the capital at Vision for Wellington’s first event.
86411
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Make Votes Matter @makevotesmatter.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
Labour won the last election on just a third of the vote. Now Nigel Farage believes he can do the same. Right, left or centre - NO ONE with minority support should have 100% of the power. That's why we demand Proportional Representation.
A graphic with photos of Boris Johnson, Keir Starmer and Nigel Farage saying: WE NEED PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION BECAUSE...
NO ONE WITH MINORITY SUPPORT SHOULD HAVE 100% OF THE POWER
18644
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Joel MacManus @joelmacmanus.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
The same councillors who decry excessive spending on pet projects just voted to pump millions of dollars into a house for flowers. thespinoff.co.nz/politics/18-...
thespinoff.co.nz
Windbag: Begonia House and the hypocrisy of ‘nice-to-haves’
The same councillors who decry excessive spending on pet projects just voted to pump millions of dollars on a greenhouse for flowers.
15216
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Rebecca Matthews @rebeccamatthews.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
I love this one @misswhanau.bsky.social
1397
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Philip Matthews @secondzeit.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
We can really say it's ... goneburger
1294
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Eddie Clark @dreddieclark.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
No shit. Speaks incredibly ill of the CPS in the UK that she was even charged. www.theguardian.com/football/202...
theguardian.com
Sam Kerr found not guilty of racially aggravated harassment of police officer
Matildas and Chelsea star had denied charge and was cleared at Kingston crown court
0133
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Politics for the Many @politics4many.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
"It's great to see the Employment Rights Bill...but under First Past the Post, the gains we make are too often lost once the pendulum swings...& the Tories get back in." says @reded66.bsky.social from @cwunews.bsky.social in #HeartUnions week #TimeForPR politicsforthemany.co.uk/changing-our...
politicsforthemany.co.uk
Changing our voting system can help embed new employment rights
For the political junkies amongst you in the trade union movement who enjoy dissecting election results, you’ll have noticed how many of media outlets are now running stories telling us what Parliamen...
067
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Dylan Difford @dylandifford.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
The two main things fuelling Reform are dissatisfaction with immigration policy and dissatisfaction with/distrust in politics/the system. It's odd that the big two parties only ever go in for the fight they can't win (you just can't out anti-immigration Reform), with no real interest in the other.
1113555
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
🏛️ Cross-party MPs used last week's debate on Proportional Representation to call for a 'National Commission for Electoral Reform' 🚨 First Past the Post isn't working. The public knows it, the parties know it, and MPs know it 🚀 It's time for action, starting with the launch of a National Commission
youtube.com
MPs call for a National Commission for Electoral Reform
YouTube video by APPG for Fair Elections
23929
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Bernard Hickey @bernardchickey.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
FYI evidence on results of previous corporate tax cuts. For the cabinet paper...
03211
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Unsurprising that the Ministry of Justice is not preparing for a referendum - it's the Electoral Commission that would deliver a referendum
stuff.co.nz
Ministry of Justice says Treaty referendum comes with ‘significant risk’
The ministry is not preparing for a referendum on the Treaty Principles Bill but has advised Cabinet that a public vote would be risky.
000
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Labour4PR 🌹🗳️ @labour4pr.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
💥 Every single Labour MP has been asked by their constituents to attend this debate & support Proportional Representation 📨 Write to your MP now: www.l4nd.org.uk/write-to-mp 🚀 The government must grasp the nettle & set up a National Commission for Electoral Reform 🌹 #Labour4PR
labourforanewdemocracy.org.uk
Write to MP — Labour For A New Democracy
Write to your MP
15530
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
"Canada’s Justin Trudeau recently aired his greatest regret: I do wish that we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country." ✍️ @pollytoynbee.bsky.social joins calls for a National Commission to address the electoral system before the next general election
theguardian.com
There's a way to beat a far-right takeover in the UK. So why has Starmer gone silent about it? | Polly Toynbee
With Trump back in the White House, democracy is in danger across the west. Electoral reform is the best way to protect it, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
22621
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Chris Hayes @chrislhayes.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
It’s funny Zuck says “I started building social media to give people a voice” when in fact, he started building social media to publicly rate the hotness of undergrads.
568280274772
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Lewis Goodall @lewisgoodall.com · 05/01/2025
On the day Farage and Tice have taken to the airwaves to defend him, Musk says that Reform needs a new leader. Big moment. Apparently no Musk money for Reform. At least while Farage is leader.
1661278186
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
Thomas Nash @thomasnash.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
The Media Council has upheld my complaint against NZME, saying Barry Soper’s article on Tory Whanau made a “serious error that cast unfounded doubt on the legitimacy of the process that led to Ms Whanau becoming mayor.” They agreed the correction both fell short and confused the matter further. 1/
Screenshot of the Media Council decision upholding my complaint against NZME.
1023666
Reposted by @ralph9.bsky.social
APPG for Fair Elections @appgfairelections.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
❌ "I think that's a mistake and I think it was a mistake for Tony Blair back in the 90s." Anushka Asthana talks about parties "not seeing Proportional Representation as a priority" when in government 🧭 From the #ItsBloodyComplicated podcast by @compassoffice.bsky.social
32014
ralph9.bsky.social @ralph9.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
genuinely interested to know - why is everyone having the same age for UK state pension a massive scandal?
100