Translating Laila

The HoS interviews Laila Harre:

Is it your purpose to destroy Prime Minister John Key, as this appears to be a motivation of your party founder Kim Dotcom?

We are determined to change the government of New Zealand come September. The global financial crisis in 2008 and the Canterbury earthquakes had a massive impact on people’s sense of security. This climate led to a rise in conservatism and a fear of change. We are now moving beyond that.

Translation: yes

What do you think of Kim Dotcom, his business practices and the charges he is facing?

He is a world expert in his field – a highly intelligent man who is serious and passionate about this party and public policy issues. I think New Zealanders feel embarrassed by our Government’s treatment of him as well as the misuse of our intelligence agency with regard to a number of other New Zealanders they have admitted to spying on. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the charges against Kim Dotcom.

Translation: He’s paying me $150,000 a year to lead his party before I jump ship to Mana. It’s great. He pays me much much more than the CTU and Greens did.

Your party is targeting young, disillusioned voters, but does a middle-aged woman have the credibility to pull this off?

I am connected to young people through my own two children, who are now young adults. 

You’re claiming a connection to young people, because you’re a parent? Oh dear. That’s exactly what old people say.