BIKOI - When?

[Katman]

Yeah, well. I've heard about your boss......

Yeah, he's a miserable old prick.

[klingon]

Ixion, you are right about the sitting schedule in the House. MPs are in the debating chamber on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from (I think) 2pm until 10pm and Thursdays 2pm until 6pm. That is the only time they are required to be in the Beehive. The rest of the time on those days they tend to be in their offices (somewhere in the parliamentary complex).

On Mondays and Fridays MPs are generally in their 'home' electorates, or travelling elsewhere in the country for pre-arranged meetings.

So if we want to give sympathetic MPs an opportunity to meet with us (and everyone else an opportunity to look out their office windows and see us arriving en masse) then we would be best to be there Tuesday lunchtime-ish. That is also when the political journos are most likely to be there.

[klingon]

I would also like a wee bit of clarification about what we want to do when we get there. I assume it will primarily be a media event so we want the spectacle of us all arriving and gathering, with flags etc.

Will we present the petition to an MP on the steps of parliament? It seems traditional with this kind of thing - and gives the cameras something to focus on. Also gives people who can't make it there on the day an opportunity to add their voice.

I assume there will be a speech from that BRONZ guy - will speeches also be invited from politicians? Others?

[cs363]

I'm lucky. I can tell the boss to go fuck himself.

You're not the only one, if some of the posts on KB are anything to go by...

[Katman]

You're not the only one, if some of the posts on KB are anything to go by...

If I had a dollar............

[klingon]

By the way, my vote is for November 17th

[The Stranger:Me]

I'm lucky. I can tell the boss to go fuck himself.

I'll take off whatever time is nescessary.

I note a lot of people tell your boss to go fuck himself.

[Katman]

I note a lot of people tell your boss to go fuck himself.

Yep, he can't claim he's not used to it.

[veny]

Well this noob poster but long time rider might be keen to make the journey to Wellington. Probably others from the SI. But where the hell would everyone stay? Under the stars? What if it's pissing down?

Or maybe just keep an eye out for a local bikoi...
Except, no parliament down here to make as much of an impact.

[Ixion]

I would also like a wee bit of clarification about what we want to do when we get there. I assume it will primarily be a media event so we want the spectacle of us all arriving and gathering, with flags etc.

Will we present the petition to an MP on the steps of parliament? It seems traditional with this kind of thing - and gives the cameras something to focus on. Also gives people who can't make it there on the day an opportunity to add their voice.

I assume there will be a speech from that BRONZ guy - will speeches also be invited from politicians? Others?

Yes, primarily PR. And, somewhat , to send the "oh-er what a lot of upset voters".

The petition thing is customary- and technically is the reason why they can't keep you out , since every subject is entitled to petition the Crown.


If Mr Smith had the guts to front up (not expecting it) I guess we'd have to let him make a speech. Wouldn't go far as to say that Parliament is the olny place we'd be visiting.

BTW - does anyone know which seats are marginal National?

[klingon]

Also keep in mind it's not just National we are trying to influence. In the end their MPs will be instructed how to vote (this won't be a conscience vote). We are also (more?) trying to influence their coalition partners and/or those who might vote with them to get the legislation through.

Act and the Maori Party will be the ones National expects to be on their side.

Also United Future, Greens, Progressives (Jim Anderton) et al

[Maha]

Also keep in mind it's not just National we are trying to influence. In the end their MPs will be instructed how to vote (this won't be a conscience vote). We are also (more?) trying to influence their coalition partners and/or those who might vote with them to get the legislation through.

Act and the Maori Party will be the ones National expects to be on their side.

Also United Future, Greens, Progressives (Jim Anderton) et al

True, very true, now where does Rodney Hyde hide?
Might invite him for a pillion ride on the day....

[Ixion]

No legislation to get through, it's a Minister's decision.

Other parties aren't likely to figure us being pissed off with them , and voting accordingly.

Though if there are any sympathetic MPs amongst other parties, we'll try to butter them up

So far, we have Rick Barker and Darien Fenton .

EDIT: Strategically, an arguement could be made for trying to persuade Mr Hyde to attach the whole thing to the "privatise ACC" platform - thus at least delaying it. Complicated though, in the short time available .

[Ender EnZed]

BTW - does anyone know which seats are marginal National?

http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/e...atestatus.html

New Plymouth was extremly marginal. But anywhere with a small number in the right hand column (and a National incumbent) would be worth a protest.

[klingon]

http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/Parties/

It's all a numbers game. There are 122 MPs so 61 votes are needed to pass any piece of legislation.

National = 58 MPs
Labour = 43
Greens = 9
Act = 5
Maori Party = 5
Progressive = 1
United Future = 1

So if National can count on the support of either Act or the Maori Party, the legislation will go through. No individual National MP is going to put his/her job on the line by voting against the Govt.