Hipkins Lacks Empathy
The problem with PM Chris Hipkins is he has difficulties being comfortable around strangers, talking small talk and being relatable. This assessment came from a leading political commentator.
In contrast National Party leader, Chris Luxon has no issues in this regard and is more along the lines in acting personable as a John Key or Jacinda Ardern.
I first saw Hipkins in person some 12 years ago just before a general election when he brushed past me and my Corgi, Taylor when we were fortnightly meet-the-residents visitors at the Heretaunga Retirement & Rest Home.
He was campaigning but ignored me and Taylor as if we were both not potential voters and it was an everyday thing to see a Corgi in the lounge of such a place.
Whilst Hipkins won't be mainly responsible for Labour losing quiet soundly in the 2023 elections, his awkwardness and inability to resonate with people individually is a handicap.
STILL IN THE GAME
The Hurricanes fell short a few metres shy of the finishing line. An inspired Chief's team and three forward passes - with two of them perhaps not so - cost us the Super Rugby Pacific grand final at a packed out Sky Stadium against the Blues.
The weekend was not the best thing happening for Wellington as the Pulse went down in extra time to the Tactics in Christchurch to give up the lead in the netball championship and the Saints move up the basketball championship ladder was halted by the Bulls - also after extra time.
Well in 2024 Wellington in the best regarded domestic and Pacific sport championships still has done and is still doing very well and overall is almost certainly the leading province in NZ sport for 2024.
The Phoenix team stretched their season in the A-League right through to the semi finals. Wellington Firebirds (men) won crickets prestigious 4-day Plunket Shield for the 2023-24 season and the Wellington Blaze (women) won the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield for one-day cricket for yet another season.
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