

Currently released so far... 12648 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/08
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AORC
AF
AU
ASEC
AMGT
AS
APER
AR
AG
ARF
AJ
AA
AINF
APECO
AODE
ABLD
AMG
ATPDEA
AE
AEMR
AMED
AGAO
AFIN
AL
ASUP
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AID
ASCH
AM
AORL
ASEAN
APEC
ADM
AFSI
AFSN
ADCO
ABUD
AN
AY
AIT
AGR
ACOA
ANET
ASIG
AMCHAMS
AGMT
AADP
ADPM
ATRN
ALOW
ACS
APCS
AFFAIRS
ADANA
AECL
ACAO
AORG
AROC
AO
ACABQ
AX
AMEX
AFGHANISTAN
AZ
AND
ARM
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
ACBAQ
AC
AUC
ASEX
AER
AVERY
AGRICULTURE
AFU
BR
BTIO
BY
BO
BA
BU
BL
BN
BM
BF
BEXP
BK
BG
BB
BTIU
BBSR
BRUSSELS
BD
BIDEN
BE
BH
BILAT
BC
BX
BT
BP
BMGT
BWC
CS
CA
CH
CD
CO
CE
CU
CVIS
CASC
CJAN
CI
CPAS
CMGT
CDG
CIC
CAC
CBW
CWC
COUNTER
CW
CT
CY
CNARC
CACM
CG
CB
CM
CV
CIDA
CLINTON
CHR
COE
CR
CIS
CDC
CONS
CF
CODEL
COPUOS
CIA
CFED
CARSON
CL
CROS
CAPC
CTR
CACS
CN
CBSA
CEUDA
COM
CONDOLEEZZA
CICTE
COUNTRY
CBE
CKGR
CVR
COUNTERTERRORISM
CITEL
CLEARANCE
CARICOM
CSW
CITT
CDB
CJUS
CTM
CAN
CLMT
CBC
EAID
ECON
EFIS
ETRD
EC
ENRG
EINV
EFIN
EAGR
ETTC
ECPS
EINT
ES
EIND
EAIR
EU
EUN
EG
EPET
ELAB
EWWT
EMIN
ECIN
ESA
ER
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EAIG
ET
ETRO
ELTN
EI
EN
EUR
EK
EUMEM
EPA
ENGR
EXTERNAL
EUREM
ELN
EUC
ENERG
ENIV
EZ
ERD
EFTA
ETRC
ETRN
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ESENV
ENNP
ENVI
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECINECONCS
EFINECONCS
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EXIM
ERNG
ECA
EINVEFIN
ETC
EAP
ECONOMY
EINN
ECONOMIC
EXBS
ECUN
ENGY
ECONOMICS
EIAR
EINDETRD
ECONEFIN
EURN
EDU
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ECIP
EFIM
EAIDS
EREL
EINVETC
ECONCS
ETRA
IC
IV
IAEA
IR
IO
IT
IN
IS
IZ
IMO
IPR
IWC
ICAO
ILO
ID
ICTY
ICJ
INMARSAT
INDO
IL
IMF
IRS
IQ
IA
ICRC
IDA
IAHRC
IBRD
ISLAMISTS
IGAD
ILC
ITU
ITF
INRA
INRO
IDP
ICTR
IEFIN
IRC
ITRA
ITALY
INRB
INTELSAT
IBET
IRAQI
ISRAELI
IIP
ITPGOV
ITALIAN
INTERNAL
INTERPOL
IEA
INR
IZPREL
IRAJ
IF
ITPHUM
ISRAEL
IACI
KBTR
KPAO
KOMC
KCRM
KDEM
KHIV
KBIO
KTIA
KMDR
KNNP
KSCA
KTIP
KWMN
KIPR
KCOR
KRVC
KFRD
KPAL
KWBG
KE
KTDB
KUNR
KSPR
KJUS
KGHG
KAWC
KCFE
KGCC
KOLY
KSUM
KACT
KISL
KTFN
KFLU
KSTH
KMPI
KHDP
KS
KHLS
KMRS
KID
KN
KU
KAWK
KSAC
KCOM
KAID
KIRC
KWMNCS
KMCA
KNEI
KCRS
KPKO
KICC
KPOA
KV
KDRG
KIRF
KSEO
KVPR
KSEP
KTER
KBCT
KFIN
KGIC
KCIP
KZ
KG
KWAC
KRAD
KPRP
KTEX
KNAR
KPLS
KPAK
KSTC
KFLO
KSCI
KIDE
KOMS
KHSA
KSAF
KPWR
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KFSC
KRIM
KVRP
KENV
KNSD
KCGC
KDDG
KPRV
KTBT
KWMM
KMFO
KMOC
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KPAI
KO
KVIR
KREC
KX
KR
KCRCM
KBTS
KOCI
KGIT
KNUP
KPAONZ
KNUC
KNNPMNUC
KERG
KTLA
KCSY
KTRD
KNPP
KJUST
KCMR
KRCM
KCFC
KCHG
KREL
KFTFN
KLIG
KDEMAF
KICA
KHUM
KSEC
KPIN
KESS
KDEV
KWWMN
KOM
KWNM
KRFD
KMIG
KRGY
KIFR
MARR
MOPS
MASS
MX
MNUC
MCAP
MO
MR
MEPP
MTCRE
MAPP
MEPN
MZ
MT
ML
MA
MY
MIL
MD
MASSMNUC
MU
MK
MTCR
MUCN
MAS
MEDIA
MAR
MC
MI
MQADHAFI
MPOS
MTRE
MASC
MG
MARAD
MRCRE
MW
MP
MOPPS
MTS
MLS
MILI
MEPI
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MCC
MIK
MAPS
MV
MILITARY
MDC
NATO
NZ
NL
NO
NK
NU
NPT
NI
NG
NEW
NSF
NA
NPG
NSG
NE
NSSP
NS
NDP
NSC
NAFTA
NH
NV
NP
NPA
NSFO
NT
NW
NASA
NORAD
NATIONAL
NGO
NR
NIPP
NZUS
NC
NRR
NAR
NATOPREL
OEXC
OTRA
OPRC
OVIP
OAS
OIIP
OSCE
OREP
OPIC
OFDP
OMIG
ODIP
OVP
OSCI
OIC
OECD
OIE
OPDC
ON
OCII
OPAD
OBSP
OFFICIALS
OPCW
OHUM
OES
OCS
OTR
OSAC
OFDA
PGOV
PREL
PM
PHUM
PTER
PINR
PINS
PREF
PARM
PL
PK
PU
PBTS
PBIO
PHSA
PE
PO
PROP
PA
PNAT
POL
PLN
POLITICAL
PARTIES
PCUL
PAK
PGGV
PAO
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PAS
PGIV
PHUMPREL
PCI
PG
POGOV
PHUMPGOV
PEL
POLITICS
POLICY
PINL
PP
PREO
PAHO
PBT
PMIL
POV
PRL
PDOV
PTBS
PRAM
PREFA
PSI
PAIGH
POSTS
PALESTINIAN
PARMS
PROG
PTERE
PRGOV
PORG
PS
PGOF
PKFK
PSOE
PEPR
PPA
PINT
PMAR
PRELP
PINF
PNG
PFOR
PUNE
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PSEPC
PNR
POLINT
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PDEM
PECON
PROV
PGOC
PY
PHUH
PF
PHUS
RU
RS
RO
RW
RP
RFE
REGION
REACTION
REPORT
ROOD
RCMP
RM
RSO
ROBERT
RICE
RSP
RF
RIGHTS
RIGHTSPOLMIL
RUPREL
RELATIONS
SENV
SU
SCUL
SOCI
SNAR
SL
SW
SMIG
SP
SY
SA
SHUM
SZ
SYRIA
SF
SR
SO
SARS
SN
SC
SIPRS
SI
SYR
SEVN
SG
SPCE
SK
STEINBERG
SH
SNARCS
SAARC
SCRS
SENVKGHG
SAN
ST
SIPDIS
SNARIZ
SNARN
SSA
SPCVIS
SOFA
SEN
SANC
SWE
SHI
TW
TU
TBIO
TSPL
TPHY
TRGY
TC
TT
TSPA
TINT
TERRORISM
TX
TR
TS
TN
TD
TH
TIP
TNGD
TI
TZ
THPY
TP
TBID
TF
TL
TV
TK
TO
TRSY
TURKEY
TFIN
TAGS
UN
UK
UNSC
UNGA
US
UNESCO
UP
UNHRC
UNAUS
USTR
UNDP
UNEP
UY
UNCHR
UG
UZ
UNPUOS
USEU
UNMIK
UNDC
UNICEF
UV
UNHCR
UNCHC
UNCSD
USOAS
UNFCYP
USUN
USNC
UNIDROIT
UNO
UNCND
USPS
USAID
UE
UNVIE
UAE
UNODC
UNCHS
UNFICYP
UNDESCO
UNC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 07WELLINGTON604, OPPOSITION NATIONAL PARTY CONFERENCE RALLIES TROOPS, OFFERS
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07WELLINGTON604.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
07WELLINGTON604 | 2007-08-19 19:55 | 2011-04-28 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Wellington |
VZCZCXRO4111
RR RUEHNZ RUEHPT
DE RUEHWL #0604/01 2311955
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191955Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4590
INFO RUEHNZ/AMCONSUL AUCKLAND 1436
RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 4921
RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 0563
RUEHBN/AMCONSUL MELBOURNE 0106
RUEHPT/AMCONSUL PERTH 0025
RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA 0615
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0351
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 WELLINGTON 000604
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR STATE FOR EAP/FO, AND EAP/ANP, INR, STATE PASS TO USTR
PACOM FOR J01E/J2/J233/J5/SJFHQ
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ETRD NZ
SUBJECT: OPPOSITION NATIONAL PARTY CONFERENCE RALLIES TROOPS, OFFERS
FOREIGN POLICY INSIGHTS
Ref: Wellington 538
¶1. Summary (SBU) The opposition National Party, riding high in the
polls, recently held its annual conference in Auckland from August 3
- 5. The party used the conference to portray itself as a
government-in-waiting and to make its case against Labour. National
spokesman made it clear National foreign policy would differ little
from Labour's current policy. Party leader John Key's conference
address, which focused on housing and welfare, sought to showcase
his prime ministerial credentials in spite of Labour accusations
that he is substance-free and a lightweight. End summary.
National Party bashes Labour, looks ahead to 2008
--------------------------------------------- ----
¶2. (U) The opposition National Party held its annual conference in
Auckland from August 3-5, 2007. Buoyed by strong polling and a
popular and capable leader in John Key (ref: Wellington 538),
confident party faithful heard National MPs make their case for a
change of government, promise to solve many of ills that affect New
Zealand (without providing too much detail as to how) and criticize
the Labour Government's management of the country.
¶3. (SBU) The conference was light on specifics; National
strategists insisted it is still too early in the electoral cycle
for National to be releasing policy. (Note: The next election is not
scheduled until late 2008. End note.). Although National was not
prepared to unveil policies, the conference was scripted to
demonstrate that the party was rigorously developing new ideas. The
party prominently showcased its shadow cabinet (with a slick video
introduction reminiscent of the opening credits of "The West Wing"),
allowing each member time to explain their thinking in their
respective portfolio areas, all in the hope of portraying them as a
competent cabinet-in-waiting.
A National Government's Prospective Foreign Policy
--------------------------------------------- -----
¶4. (SBU) Shadow foreign minister Murray McCully and shadow trade
minister Tim Groser held a closed-door session on foreign policy for
diplomatic attendees. They emphasized that foreign policymaking in
New Zealand is generally a bipartisan affair and diplomats should
not expect big changes under a National government. They declined
to discuss foreign policy in detail, asking instead that the
diplomatic corps wait for a National foreign policy paper currently
in draft.
¶5. (U) A National government would focus heavily on Asia, but not
at the expense of other regions. Groser summed it up by saying it
would be "Asia first, but not Asia first and last." Groser
applauded the management of the China-U.S. relationship, calling it
"the most important bilateral relationship in the world."
¶6. (U) Groser, a former New Zealand ambassador to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) and chairman of WTO agricultural negotiations,
labeled the WTO as "indispensable" for a small nation like New
Zealand. Although he hoped for success in the Doha Round, he
predicted its demise due to lack of political will. Like the Labour
government, a trade priority for a National government would be a
U.S. - New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Elsewhere, according
to Groser, NZ should "seize trade liberalization opportunities as
they appear in the region."
¶7. (U) Groser criticized APEC as a mechanism to promote trade
liberalization while admitting its worth in promoting political and
technical cooperation in the region. He believes that any thought
of achieving an APEC FTA by 2010 is unrealistic. A National
government would support an APEC FTA only as last resort and
provided there is explicit expression of interest by other APEC
nations to pursue such an agreement. Regarding regional trade
arrangements, Groser said a National government "will support what
is put on the table but won't be a driver of the process."
The Pacific Island: Development and Security
--------------------------------------------
¶8. (U) In the Pacific, McCully said that a National government
would better prioritize and rationalize New Zealand aid to the
region, emphasizing the need for increased cooperation with other
donor countries. National would focus on economic sustainability
rather that poverty alleviation. McCully believes that creating
conditions for economic development is the best way to help
struggling South Pacific nations.
¶9. (U) National supports Labour's Fiji policy and would look to
continue sanctions on the country similar to those imposed by the
Labour government. However, without providing specifics, Groser
WELLINGTON 00000604 002 OF 002
noted that the coup might have been avoided had Labour pursued a
"more judicious" Fiji policy.
Terrorism: NZ Out of Sync on Anti-Terror Measures
--------------------------------------------- -----
¶10. (U) Although differences in national security measures between
National and Labour are few, Groser said, National believes that New
Zealand is out of step with countries such as Australia and Canada
on anti-terror legislation and designation of entities. National
believes that the Labour government's anti-terror approach tilts too
far in favor of civil liberties at the expense of terrorist
suppression. Australia was touted as a yardstick in designating
terror groups in the region and National wants New Zealand to
designate any group or entity that Australia does. As a side
comment, Groser predicted that the Labour government could "fall" if
New Zealand was attacked by a terror group that was not on New
Zealand's watch list but was on Australia's.
Defense: Focus on Capacity and Inter-Operability
--------------------------------------------- ---
¶11. (U) A key defense focus for a National government would be to
identify New Zealand's niche military strengths and to maximize
inter-operability with Australia. Increased defense spending was
hinted at but not promised. McCully said that National would like
to add another frigate to the New Zealand Navy. A National
government would commit to a Defense White Paper, the first since
¶1997.
Climate change: Mixed Messages
------------------------------
¶12. (SBU) Some climate change rhetoric at the conference contrasted
with previous party statements on the issue. Since becoming party
leader, Key has attempted boost his party's environmental
credentials. In a May 14 speech, Key stated that National would
honor New Zealand's international obligations and would not pull out
of the Kyoto Protocol. At the conference, Groser noted that the
Protocol needs significant modification and talked of the need for a
"Kyoto II" that took into account U.S. and Chinese concerns.
John Key's speech
-----------------
¶13. (U) The conference was John Key's first as party leader since
taking the helm in November 2006. The purpose of his much
anticipated keynote speech was to present himself as prime
ministerial material and to offer a vision of how New Zealand would
perform better under a National government. While eschewing detail,
Key endeavored to provide enough of a policy prescription to counter
Labour's efforts to categorize him as a lightweight who does not
stand for anything.
Comment
-------
¶14. (SBU) National Party strategists know that any policy released
so far ahead of the next election would either be forgotten,
appropriated or attacked by Labour. Key himself told ConGen
Auckland PO that any detail laid out at the conference would be
forgotten "in a couple of weeks." It is likely that National will
hold off unveiling details of its key policies, in areas such as tax
and healthcare, until the official four-week election campaign.
¶15. (SBU) The absence of substance at the convention, while
understandable, left a vacuum that the New Zealand media gleefully
filled with the minor gaffes that such a big political show
inevitably produces. Key had to scold one of his shadow ministers
for an insensitive Holocaust reference while Key himself inaptly
referred to his plans to lead a "Labour" government. In the days
before the conference, Key got into a spat with New Zealand's
leading newspaper, the New Zealand Herald, over whether he had
endorsed the Australia-New Zealand drug oversight agency in an
on-the-record interview. Labour believes Key puts too much of a
premium on personal style ahead of policy substance and eagerly
jumped on these minor miscues. While National's "coming up party"
for Key was not a failure by any means, it would be fair to say that
Key and the conference seemed less than triumphal. largely succeeded
in upholding his PM credentials, we anticipate that Labour will
attack Key's 'lack of substance' throughout the campaign period.
With all of that, polls since the conference show National's edge
holding strong. End Comment.
McCormick