Summarised by Centrist

David Barber writes on David Seymour facing backlash when his Guy Fawkes quip which set a “No jokes, please – we’re politicians” precedent for the ongoing election campaign. 

Barber says David Lange, who brought unprecedented humour to New Zealand politics in 1984, was a rare gem. Unlike his predecessor Rob Muldoon, Lange’s humour was never malicious. 

Lange’s wit, however, didn’t spare fools, as seen in his memorable reply to an abusive letter. Since Lange’s departure, politics lost its laughter, leaving the Beehive devoid of joviality. 

Lange maintained that being too serious in the job was a recipe for madness. Foreign dignitaries often left his office bemused by his unapologetic irreverence. 

The current campaign is lacking in fun and cheer.

Read the full story at Point of Order NZ