Tim Shadbolt’s courage has always ornamented NZ politics.  He said “bullshit” memorably more than 30 years ago. The left applauded his ‘free speech’ then. He’s been consistent. They were always hypocrites.

Muriel Newman’s site has an interesting account by Tim of his political journey from the knee-jerk left.

Shadbolt’s council can help the defenders of free speech again later this year. The Electoral Finance Act exempts advertising  on council owned land and buildings from the rules that deem rental to be incurred on hoarding sites even where they are free.

Accordingly billboards on council land will not use up the derisory expense allowances of third parties, parties and candidates.

Tim’s council, and others, could make their Town Hall frontages available for banners supporting candidates for free speech (the repeal of the Act).

Law changes in 2002 allowed local government become politically partisan if they want. Labour and the Greens liked the idea of “community representatives” spending ratepayers’ money on activism. Their arrogance assumed that it would favour them.  Good job if they now rue powers of “general competence”.