All that glitters

Written By: - Date published: 11:38 am, March 22nd, 2013 - 89 comments
Categories: Economy - Tags:

2.5% GDP growth last year. The Right’s jumping out of their skin at finally achieving the long-run average growth rate (btw, from 1999 to 2008, the average was 3.4%). But even on their good days, they’re doing it wrong: “The “consumer-centric” mix of growth was understandable, with low interest rates stimulating the housing market while a high dollar throttled exports, but it was the exact opposite of what was required”

89 comments on “All that glitters ”

  1. TightyRighty 1

    Don’t recall there being a global recession between 1998-2008, so your stat is rather pointless.

    • Jackal 1.1

      It’s commonly believed that 3% or less growth is equivalent to a global recession, meaning that technically you’re wrong TightyRighty… There were global recessions in 2001 and 2008. Meanwhile New Zealand posted an average of 3.4% growth in that time frame. In fact the latest global recession ended in 2009… National can no longer use it as an excuse for their economic failures.

      • Rob 1.1.1

        What , you are disputing that there was a recession past 2009, have you been living in hole.

        • Jackal 1.1.1.1

          TightyRighty was referring to the GLOBAL recession Rob, which officially ended in September 2009. However New Zealand had a double dip recession, mainly because of National’s ‘tax-switch’, that raised GST and slowed economic growth.

          • Rob 1.1.1.1.1

            Look Ill pass on your comments and official insight into the recession officially ending in 2009 to the people of Cyprus. I am sure they will take great comfort in your analysis. As for the rest of us , thank god we are staring to see some light in the tunnel.

            • Jackal 1.1.1.1.1.1

              In true RWNJ style, you’re unable to differentiate between a recession in Cyprus and the global recession that ended in 2009. 1.5% growth isn’t a light at the end of the neoliberal tunnel, it’s just more hype to try and make the government look good. We’re likely to see more overblown claims leading up to the next election.

              • UpandComer

                Who said the recession ended in 2009?

              • Rob

                Your link is to a vacuous column by some guy in Europe stating that it is all starting to go well for them in 2009. You should be ashamed. So I suppose the whole Europe GFC crises and Eu implosiosn is all a red herring to you. Again have you been living in hole. Where is your awareness of whats going here. I can understand that you might not like the current Govt in NZ, but there is a bigger game afoot here.

                • Jackal

                  I should be ashamed of a link to an article that reports the OECD stating the global recession ended in 2009… Are you insane Rob? It’s not just the OECD that has said the last global recession ended in 2009, with every other organisation that monitors such things also coming to the same conclusion.

                  The International Monetary Fund is declaring the worst global recession since the Second World War over – CBC Business News – August 19, 2009

                  The issue here is how well New Zealand has done while there hasn’t been a global recession. In my opinion, it’s not doing as well as it should, and a lot of that underperformance is because of Nationals neoliberal agenda that is ensuring a low waged economy.

                  In comparison to most other developed countries, New Zealand hasn’t recovered as well as it should have.

    • Saarbo 1.2

      ok TR, then what happened to the record dairy payouts 2009/10/11, combined with good beef and lamb prices. These record export receipts should have driven good growth, surely…disappeared.

      • Rob 1.2.1

        Farmers like most other people in the community have been very cautious with spending. There is a lot of debt in the farming community due to diary conversions and the like and similar to people I know , most have been head down reducing debt.

        This non-spend focus has affected many local manufacturers pretty hard, especially those in consumer durables.

      • TighyRighty 1.2.2

        Sorry, forgot the whole New Zealand and global economy is only dairy. I’m sitting here writing this on my fonterra ipad connected to the Internet on my anchor broadband “bull” plan.

        • felix 1.2.2.1

          Really? I could’ve sworn you were smearing it on the wall of your cave in faeces.

          • TightyRighty 1.2.2.1.1

            Another awesome comment from the uber contributor felix. Havin offered nothing of value since 2011, he now white knights poor socialists using scatological humour as his standard renowned rapier wit and cynicism have been replaced by feelings of being inadequate.

    • Lanthanide 1.3

      I recall that Australia didn’t go into recession at all. Yet we did, under National.

      • Chris 1.3.1

        We also did under the last Labour government – the recession began in March 08

      • infused 1.3.2

        Your really going there? Most of the world did, apart from aussie. Doesn’t matter what govt was in power in aussie.

    • TR – there was a recession in the late 1990s. If you’ll recall, it also affected property prices, as valuations took a nosedive.

      • Rob 1.4.1

        yes that was the asian crises.

      • TightyRighty 1.4.2

        And? How dad that equate to a global recession? Jesus, you lot. Just admit you aRe wrong for once. The paroxysms you wind yourself into just to be right.

    • Lightly 1.5

      the recession ended (apart from the two auarter double dip) in June 2009. You can’t keep using it as an excuse 3.5 years later.

      Indeed, we usually expect to see stronger than average growth coming out of a recession. Why hasn’t that happened?

      • Rob 1.5.1

        Reallly , how many recessions of this nature have you been through to have that strength of knowledge about the speed of the recovery. I call bullsh*t on that call.

      • TighyRighty 1.5.2

        Export reliant economies rely on the global growth. We’ve done exceptionally well despite the global economy.

        • Colonial Viper 1.5.2.1

          Diary farmers work hard to earn the export dollars

          Then give it to foreign banks

          And that boys and girls is called “doing well”.

          • TightyRighty 1.5.2.1.1

            Says the guy who married wealthy and hates those that support his lifestyle.

            Get rid of social welfare. Less taxes, more money for government investment, maybe funding proper business banking through kiwi bank. Boom, problem solved.

            • Colonial Viper 1.5.2.1.1.1

              Schools and hospitals are an integral part of our social security system. You getting rid of those too?

              Less taxes, more money for government investment,

              Less tax revenues mean the government will have to go cap in hand to overseas bondholders even more frequently.

              Remember, if the Government can issue a dollar bond, it can also issue a dollar bill.

              • TightyRighty

                Confusing social security and social welfare? With do much time on your hands CV I thought you would know the difference. Even if you only use private hospitals and schools

                • Colonial Viper

                  Even Peter Jackson uses our public hospital system, my friend.

                  The social welfare system is integral to the nation’s social security system.

                  • TightyRighty

                    Does he? Got some evidence of that?

                    Social welfare and social security are two vastly different concepts. Stop deflectin and acknowledge the truth

                    1) Cutting the social welfare bill will enable the government to fund investment

                    2) You demand that there are hospitals and education for the people, but only for other people right? Not you and yours. You are the modern labourite.

                    Sneaking in late on a Saturday night to have the last word. So sad. Get a life, stop bludging off you wealthy family. I wonder if they know what you crank on about on the standard. That would be interesting.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Social welfare and social security are exactly the same concept.

                      Cutting corporate welfare and raising taxes on profits will enable the Government to focus on social investments.

                      So sad. Get a life, stop bludging off you wealthy family.

                      They like to spend their money on me. Who are you to tell other people how to spend THEIR money?

                      Does he? Got some evidence of that?

                      Google works.

                    • TightyRighty

                      Wow throwing my own argument back at me. I’m not telling anyone. I think it’s humorous that you tell the wealthy they are too wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their labour.

                      Why should I google it. If its such an easy claim to make, it really should be easy to provide at least one source. I think you are lying, or at least living in a false reality.

                      Social security and social welfare work together but social security does not need social welfare to work. If they were exactly the same concept, they wouldn’t have different names and definitions. Fuck you are retarded. No wonder Clare curran told you to STFU.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Social security and social welfare work together but social security does not need social welfare to work.

                      It absolutely does need social welfare to work. Without social welfare, the people will be socially insecure and broad poverty will result.

                    • TightyRighty

                      So you can’t provide any evidence for your outlandish claim. You are such a clown.

                      Social security works better when social welfare isn’t present. You confuse the two issues, I could go down the path of explaining them, but you are too ideologically wedded to the idea that social welfare is the cure to societies ills to actually register the thought process behind it.

                      Clare curran was right.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      A social security system without social welfare would leave people highly insecure, and poverty rates will sky rocket.

                      Further, a transition to a Universal Basic Income will greatly strengthen and simplify both the social security and social welfare system.

                      The next step after that: ensure that everyone who wants a full time, fair paying job is given one. And then expected to prove themselves in performing it to a good standard.

                    • TightyRighty

                      All of which has nothing to do with what you were saying before A) about sir Peter Jackson and B) about go ernment funds being spent on investment. Clare Curran, you hit te nail on te head in regards to CV.

                      Keep mouthing ideas without being able to prove the ones you previously espoused. I can’t wait till some country tries the fallacy that is the UBI, fails as it of course will and you then deny A) your support and B) that it is the basic fundamental flaw with any welfare system that caused it fail.

                      You are a class traitor to the rich an one of the lefts useful idiots CV. I actually feel a little sorry for you.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Keep mouthing ideas without being able to prove the ones you previously espoused.

                      Sure. Mind you, that’s exactly what the monarchy used to say about democracy and giving people the vote.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      You are a class traitor to the rich an one of the lefts useful idiots CV. I actually feel a little sorry for you.

                      Look at the world briefly TR.

                      You know how they are preparing to take money straight out of the bank accounts of rich depositors in Cyprus i.e. steal peoples and business savings?

                      Do you know who is forcing that move? The international banktocracy. The Goldman Sachs, JP Morgans and ECBs of the world.

                      The top 0.01% are currently in the process of draining the top 10% dry.

                    • Pascal's bookie

                      Why should I google it. If its such an easy claim to make, it really should be easy to provide at least one source. I think you are lying, or at least living in a false reality.

                      Laugh. About that false reality claim.

                      Would that be like being so convinced of your beliefs that you;

                      a) couldn’t be arsed googling a trivial data point because you are so sure you are right,

                      b) basing what you believe to be right on some weird ideological thought about how the world must be without regard to the way it actually is,

                      and c) assuming that anyone who says otherwise is probably lying?

                      coz, ahem:

                      http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/4589305/Peter-Jackson-stomach-ulcer-scare

                      and let’s not even go into the fact that everyone in NZ relies on the public health system because there are all sorts of things that the private system just can’t help you with. Or that employers use the public health system to provide them with a healthy workforce, or any number of other actual things about the way our society works.

                    • TightyRighty

                      Yes, this is all te bankers fault and the pro- euro zone bunnies should take no responsibility. Muppet.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Bankers are the lending experts.

                      If they lent to countries which weren’t credit worthy or good payers – then it’s time they take responsibility for their bad judgement, don’t you think?

                      Added – gee dude don’t you think that the bankers were the most pro-Eurozone of the lot???

        • Pascal's bookie 1.5.2.2

          Reallly , how many recessions of this nature have you been through to have that strength of knowledge about the speed of the recovery. I call bullsh*t on that call.

          Be interesting to see a chart like this for NZ. But it’s pretty clear that this recovery is an outlier in the US in terms of jobs.

          http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2013/02/15/172116698/the-scariest-job-chart-ever-isnt-scary-enough?ft=1&f=1017

  2. ghostrider888 2

    Chasing Growth; a flawed model, anyway
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/education/news/article.cfm?c_id=35&objectid=10872671
    Schumacher (another one) 🙂

    • SpaceMonkey 2.1

      I struggle to understand how the Christchurch rebuild really contributes to GDP. I can see how it fits into the formula but following its perverse logic, if any state wanted to lift its GDP why not just arrange to periodically have infrastructure deliberately trashed so you have to rebuild it again and again? It would have all the illusion of progress and growth while going nowhere.

      • Poission 2.1.1

        The CHCH rebuild is funded ( mostly) through an increase of cash(read money) that has flowed from reinsurance etc.The 10-12b that has flowed from overseas is not entered an external flow onto the books (RBNZ excluded it as a singularity) however it appears in the internal books as a increase in deposits etc which does influence gdp.

      • Colonial Viper 2.1.2

        why not just arrange to periodically have infrastructure deliberately trashed so you have to rebuild it again and again?

        Yep. GDP is really that useless a measure of economic activity.

        Another one is to put unemployed people into prison, requiring the building of more prisons and growing the size of Corrections. That’ll also significantly boost GDP.

        • Lanthanide 2.1.2.1

          That’s the American approach.

        • Hami Shearlie 2.1.2.2

          Well CV, the public already scorn people on benefits and treat bennies like social pariahs/criminals ,egged on by the Natz of course, so it may not make much difference to them. And at least they’ll have food and warmth through winter!!!

    • muzza 2.2

      Might as well call that article

      Destroying life supporting systems, a flawed model!

  3. ghostrider888 3

    on “growth spurt”
    James Weir in todays Dominion;
    -“chance of interest rate “hikes rising by the day”
    -“farm and export sectors under pressure; domestic sector under pressure in the other direction” “somebody is going to get clobbered”
    “the economic picture (is) “and absolute nightmare” for the Reserve Bank.” -Stephen Toplis, BNZ Head Of Research.
    EXCELLENT work Bill and Steven, keep it up.

  4. 2.5% “growth” is going to be a two-edged sword as other aspects of the economy are affected;

    * rising external debt (now at $10.5 billion)

    * property bubble in Auckland, which in turn results in,

    * Reserve Bank increasing the OCR which, in turn,

    * Hurts manufacturers even more as speculators buy the Kiwi $, which hurts exporters, which in turn,

    * Means exports drop, sending our Balance of Payments further into the red, which in turn,

    * increases our external dent, which in turn,

    * attracts the attention of Standard & Moors, Moodies, and Fitch, resulting in a credit downgrade, which in turn,

    * make external botrrowing more expensive… and so it goes.

    Growth by itself is not the ‘silver bullet’, if other aspects of the economy are not balanced properly. Something that this visionless, narrow-eyed “government” fails to address.

    • ghostrider888 4.1

      😉

    • Draco T Bastard 4.2

      It’s not just this government failing to address these issues but every government over the last 30 years.

      • DR 4.2.1

        And that’s your excuse. The reason why the Nats wanted to take over was to undo the wrongs the previous governments have done. And they failed big time!

        • Chris 4.2.1.1

          Are you saying Draco is making excuses for National – that would be a first

        • Enough is Enough 4.2.1.2

          You are new around here aren’t you DR. Draco is not really one to excuse the nAtional Government.

          But Drac is right. And unfortunatley nothing will change if we have a Shearer led Labour government. He will continue the failed policies of Lange, Palmer, Moore, Bolger, Shipley, Clark and now Key.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.3

          The reason why the Nats wanted to take over was to undo the wrongs the previous governments have done. And they failed big time!

          That’s what they said they wanted to do but then they went and followed the same policies that they did in the 1990s which was a follow on of what the 4th Labour government did. This, of course, made things worse as they following a delusional economic paradigm.

          The 5th Labour government may have actually started to make things better but they were still following that failed and delusional paradigm.

    • DR 4.3

      It’s a cycle. I know don’t what economics school of thought John Key and cabinet and the Nats subscribe to. They seem to be lacking in knowledge concerning economic theory and also not knowing that the answers to our economic problems are not in black and white.

      Two terms of this government is too much and a third term will put NZ into catch-up mode, if ever it can do that, to the rest of the world.

      • Colonial Viper 4.3.1

        Two terms of this government is too much and a third term will put NZ into catch-up mode, if ever it can do that, to the rest of the world.

        That train has already left the platform.

      • Draco T Bastard 4.3.2

        We’ve been in catch-up mode for a long time due to going full free-market and falling back into primary producer mode rather than reaching for the stars through R&D.

        • UpandComer 4.3.2.1

          I’ll never ever understand the paradigms of people who think that NZ’s late 70’s, 80’s, 90’s market reforms weren’t a necessary response to a an absolutely critical, awful, abominable economic situation and culture. It boggles the mind. Certainly there were some excesses, but what on earth do you think allowed NZ the growth it experienced from 1999 to 2008? We’d be even better off now, if Helen Clark had let Cullen continue to do a decent job of coasting on a good thing, and not imposed herself on the economy in 2005, from where the surpluses and growth dropped.

          Also, please understand that R & D is not a proxy for growth. There is no evidence that provides a causative link between GNP and R & D so as to make it a natural policy prescription. It depends both on the type of economy, and the type or research, and even when the research is the correct, applied research, there is still no causative link. The relationships are spurious, correlated to either the perfection/age of the concerned industry, or the breadth of the existing technology base, or simply redefining of existing business activities. That’s why the government doesn’t borrow, sorry, or print, a trillion dollars and put it into R & D. The best way to allow companies to invest in R & D is give them ways to lower their costs, through tax incentives, reducing regulations etcetera. If you just throw money at companies, like labour belatedly did, they’ll redefine what they’re already doing to take it, and spend it on whatever the hell they like, not R & D.

          • Draco T Bastard 4.3.2.1.1

            I’ll never ever understand the paradigms of people who think that NZ’s late 70′s, 80′s, 90′s market reforms weren’t a necessary response to a an absolutely critical, awful, abominable economic situation and culture.

            The collapse of capitalism in the 1960s and 70s certainly indicated a need for reform but not a need for more capitalism. It was capitalism that was causing the problem just it is today.

            Also, please understand that R & D is not a proxy for growth.

            I don’t, I am, after all, in favour of a steady state economy. But with the decrease in jobs through increasing demand we need something for people to do and R&D, arts and culture seems to be about it.

            See, the problem with growth is that it uses up more and more resources – resources that happen to be finite with hard limits on them. Opening up to a free-market economy resulted in an even greater increase in demand on those scarce resources which has resulted in our streams no longer being swimmable, our fish stocks taking a dive (even despite our quota system) and our workers having even less time for themselves or their families.

            After the reforms of the 1980s a few people got richer and a lot of people got poorer to the point where, over all, we’re worse off. IMO, there’s a lot of people who recognise that but they’re the underclass that both Labour and National have been ignoring for the last thirty years (in Nationals case, they’ve been ignoring them forever) as they catered to the greed of the rich.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.3.2.1.1.1

              But with the decrease in jobs through increasing demand productivity we need something for people to do and R&D, arts and culture seems to be about it.

              Slight correction.

          • Colonial Viper 4.3.2.1.2

            Certainly there were some excesses, but what on earth do you think allowed NZ the growth it experienced from 1999 to 2008?

            A massive ratcheting upwards of private debt levels flooding the economy with borrowed interest owing money.

            In other words, the money supply does not work how you think it works.

      • Murray Olsen 4.3.3

        They come from the Ayn Rand school of economic thought, but temper things a little to get votes. Anything that transfers wealth to them and their mates is good by definition and anyone who is poor has made bad life choices for which they must be punished. The only difference that I can see is that Ayn Rand depended on welfare at the end or her life, while creatures like Bennett and Key depended on it at the beginning.
        In other words, they don’t have a clue, but are sure that they are superior to the rest of us. That seems to be sufficient for now, but Kiwis will hopefully wake up soon.

  5. All about the growth, all about the numbers, just like the markets in GBR and the states recently reached pre crisis levels while people pay with austerity and cuts to services.

    Bet the 1 – 2.5k Telecom workers getting fucked over will be so enthused by the claimed economic growth.

    • Colonial Viper 5.1

      It’s economic growth for the rich and for the major shareholders

      Uneconomic growth for the rest of us suckers

    • ghostrider888 5.2

      “the highest number of losses, at a single time, from a single company, in NZ history.”
      yet according to Joyce, “unlike the Left, who believe things should stay as they were (sometime in the past) we believe in moving forward” (to paraphrase). Ahhh, the Myth of Progress…

  6. xtasy 6

    Hah, while the Nats under English and Key go on about Russel Norman wanting to create “growth” by “printing money”, the fact is, the NZ economy is exactly benefiting from the quantitative easing in the US, parts of Europe and East Asia.

    That has kept the world economy afloat, and cash to be around, and which has also led to the (in part) artificial boom on stock exchanges. The cash available keeps things ticking along, but the debt issues have not been addressed sufficiently yet. The thick end of things is yet to come.

    Again, like so often, NZ governments are decorating themselves with supposed “achievements” that have nothing to do with the policies they follow and implement. If it had not been for QE in major trading partners, we would be in a deep recession.

    So then leisurely Steven Joyless and Blinglish and Keypone can go around and in smoke and mirror fashion tell the ill informed NZ public about how well they are doing, while indeed they are doing NOTHING of substance AT ALL!

  7. Draco T Bastard 7

    Why Student Debt? What Can We Do about It?

    As famous inventor and monetary reform enthusiast Thomas Edison once put it:

    “If our nation can issue a dollar bond, it can issue a dollar bill. … Both are promises to pay; but one promise fattens the usurer, and the other helps the people.”

    Consider this too: if you don’t want the government creating as much money as they think is good for their short term re-electability (and to hell with the economy), why on Earth would you want private banks creating as much money as they think is good for their short term profitability (and to hell with the economy)?

    There’s never any reason for the government to go into debt. All it does is reward a few people for being rich.

    Once we get the bankster off of our backs by having the government create money rather than leaving it to the banks then our economy can actually serve the people rather than forcing them to serve the banks. We’d be better off and we wouldn’t have to work as hard or destroy our environment.

    • Colonial Viper 7.1

      Pretty much. But what to do about it.

      • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1

        Inform people how the present monetary system works, how it rewards only the banks while making them poorer and then suggest a positive money alternative.

  8. Pascal's bookie 8

    Anyone remember way back when this government was fresh and they were doing job summits that were ‘do fests’ not ‘talk fests’. Sure you do.

    About that time they were also talking about step changing the economy, saying that it was stupid that we invested so much in residential property and that their tax changes were going to fix that right up, re-balancing the economy towards the productive sector by slashing the top marginal income tax rates.

    Now, about that last quarters growth spurt, and the property market. Ahem.

    Remember when English used to go on about how the growth under the last government was a mirage, and the the low unemployment was therefore based on jobs that weren’t real? Ahem, ahem a-hemmity hem hem hem.

    At least there were fucking jobs, Bill.

    • ghostrider888 8.1

      see above. (hope you are having a great day ‘bookie) Sunny here and young people out and about enjoying themselves; had a wonderful brief exchange with a complete stranger from Tonga (seasonal worker) that one would find rare among the majority. Oh what a tangled web we weave…when the wealthy begin to deceive…

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    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    1 day ago
  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago
  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • An announcement about an announcement
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Western Express Success
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    1 day ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
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    3 days ago
  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    3 days ago
  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    3 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
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    3 days ago
  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    3 days ago
  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    3 days ago
  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
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    3 days ago
  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
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    3 days ago
  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    3 days ago
  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    3 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    3 days ago
  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    3 days ago
  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    3 days ago
  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    3 days ago
  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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    3 days ago
  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
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    3 days ago
  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    3 days ago
  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    You talking about me?  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    3 days ago
  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    4 days ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    4 days ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    4 days ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    4 days ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    4 days ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
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    4 days ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
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    4 days ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
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    4 days ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    4 days ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    4 days ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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