National MP Mike Sabin resigns

Written By: - Date published: 11:56 am, January 30th, 2015 - 151 comments
Categories: national, uncategorized - Tags: , ,

Sabin’s statement is here, but it’s fairly short and to the point:

Northland MP, Mike Sabin, today announced he has resigned from Parliament, effective immediately.

Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament.

151 comments on “National MP Mike Sabin resigns ”

  1. Ovid 1

    [I’m sorry Ovid but as a precaution I think it best to remove your comment. Speculation on the identity is dangerous in the circumstances – MS]

    • Tracey 1.1

      Is Mike Sabin a prominent new zealander? Until the rumours of his assault did anyone know who he was? Was he famous or important?

      prominent
      ˈprɒmɪnənt/
      adjective
      adjective: prominent

      1.
      important; famous.
      “she was a prominent member of the city council”
      synonyms: important, well known, leading, eminent, pre-eminent, distinguished, notable, noteworthy, noted, public, outstanding, foremost, of mark, illustrious, celebrated, famous, renowned, acclaimed, famed, honoured, esteemed, respected, well thought of, influential, prestigious, big, top, great, chief, main;
      major-league
      “a prominent member of the Royal College of Surgeons”
      antonyms: unimportant, obscure, unknown
      2.
      projecting from something; protuberant.
      “a man with big, prominent eyes like a lobster’s”
      synonyms: protuberant, protruding, projecting, jutting, jutting out, standing out, sticking out, proud, bulging, bulbous; More
      raised, elevated;
      rareprotrusive, protrudent, excrescent
      “his cheekbones were high and prominent”
      3.
      situated so as to catch the attention; noticeable.
      “the new housing estates are prominent landmarks”
      synonyms: conspicuous, noticeable, easily seen, obvious, evident, discernible, recognizable, distinguishable, unmistakable, eye-catching, pronounced, salient, striking, outstanding, dominant, predominant;
      obtrusive
      “the rectangular fields and straight lanes that are now such a prominent feature of the landscape”
      antonyms: inconspicuous

      noun
      noun: prominent; plural noun: prominents; noun: prominent moth; plural noun: prominent moths

      1.
      a stout drab-coloured moth with tufts on the forewings which stick up while at rest, the caterpillars of which typically have fleshy growths on the back.

      • Realblue 1.1.1

        He’s pretty well known as an anti-drug campaigner and educator, through his Police duties, and of course as the left obsession du jour.

        • Tracey 1.1.1.1

          Pretty sure the herald or SST were the first to speculate about him, not The Standard of the “left”.

        • Colonial Rawshark 1.1.1.2

          He’s pretty well known as an anti-drug campaigner and educator, through his Police duties, and of course as the left obsession du jour.

          He’s pretty well known in Northland for a bunch of different things.

        • Once was Tim 1.1.1.3

          @ Realblue…. I await the sage PU’s recollections of the guy. Mine of him are that he’s JAW (Just another wanker) whose concern over real issues could be valid at times were it not for the driving force being one of self-aggrandisement. Others in that JAW club are the likes of that Christian campaigner in ChCh currently serving out his ego at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

          Anyone know when Brook’s going to resign? (for crimes against journalism)

          • Clemgeopin 1.1.1.3.1

            Anyone know when Brook’s going to resign? (for crimes against journalism)

            I think that is an unfair comment. Not sure why you say that. I have found that Brook Sabin has been careful to be quite professional in his reporting, analysis and comments and has not shown blatant one sided bias as done by so many other RW supporting cringe worthy so called ‘journalists’.

            • Tracey 1.1.1.3.1.1

              concur and if i didnt with his reporting he does not deserve to be punished for anything a family member might have done.

              • Once was Tim

                @Tracey and Clem – I’d agree with you IF IF IF and when Mediaworks declare Brook’s disposition in all of this. Until, and when they do – they deserve all they frikken well get!
                Can you point me in the direction of where and when Brook has declared any potential conflicts of interest or otherwise – because I can’t fine any

          • Once was Tim 1.1.1.3.2

            AaaaaaaaaH Phil ….. I shuda checked further on opinions/comments up and down.
            (Btw ….. one day when the environment suits, there’ll be various anecdotal tales and ekshill evidence of who pisses in “whose” pockets – “Goan Forwid

            I hope it’s before both I, and the cnuts in question kick the proverbial. Cases like this tho’ – woteva the spin aren’t that hard up to pull a positive on. I mean the guy’s of both Edna Evridge (average to the most of us) intel I’m just not that sure that the ‘Little Party’ is that committmed (both to the reality in life of those they purport to represent) Unlike you, I’ll wait a bit longer but the guy is a bit of a muppet and any Andy future make-up artist should get a good earn.

            You know what ….. I think Russel’s reasons for resigning (I mean the REAL reasons) are ekshly quite admirable

            I’ll visit when next I have the patience – it’s just that the online availability (that I Get) isn’t actually that great. SukitnSees, database upgrades, changes you can rely on, tinkering and tapping and wishing and hoping on THIS site are entirely legit – after all …… ’tis he that pays the bills and he shud be commeded for doing so. Once upon a time – in a corporatised environment – I’d have been sekkd.

            There does however need to be more like TS. (Btw – still haven’t werkd eart who’s the top en who’s the bottom but wotever, I’d suggess the botm needs some assertiveness training

            • Lizbet 1.1.1.3.2.1

              Go home Tim, you’re drunk.

              • Clemgeopin

                lol…funny!

              • Clemgeopin

                A joke for you: [For ADULTS only!]

                Three guys are drinking in a bar when a drunk comes in, staggers up to them, and points at the guy in the middle, shouting, “Your mom’s the best sex in town! She sure is!”

                Everyone expects a fight, but the guy ignores him, so the drunk wanders off and bellies up to the bar at the far end. Ten minutes later, the drunk comes back, points at the same guy, and says, “I just did your mom, and she did me too!…it was sw-e-e-e-e-e-t as!”

                Again the guy refuses to take the bait, and the drunk goes back to the far end of the bar. Ten minutes later, he comes back and announces, “Woo hoo!…Your mom liked it a lot too, matey!”

                Finally the guy says, “Go home, Dad, you’re drunk!”

      • phillip ure 1.1.2

        i gave him points for honesty..

        ..for calling the methamphetamine-scare-meme/frenzy he whipped up to ride into parliament on the back of..

        ..meth-con…

        • tricledrown 1.1.2.1

          Yes Phil and one of his own senior police drug squad from Northland was found guilty of stealing police evidence and trafficking methanphetamine.
          Our asurd war on Drugs is just financing gangs and criminals.
          Time to decriminalize all Drugs.
          Misdemeaner fines and provide rehab take the money out of crims hands.
          Alcohol kills 500 to 600 everyear wastes up to 75% of police resources yet this govt does nothing but pander to this $6 billion a year damage alcohol causes.
          All other drugs combined cause less than 20 deaths a year.
          Nationals Hypocritical Rednecks have been promoting this waste of resources on a Drug War that will never be won.Esentially promoting Criminal profitability by pushing the price of illict Drugs up making more profitable for nasty criminal gangs to flourish.
          Mike Sabin the short sighted short tempered Redneck!

      • Treetop 1.1.3

        His son had a serious head injury a few years ago.

      • Sabine 1.1.4

        never heard of him before the posts here on the standard.

        so what ever.

        one more pinhead to bite the dust.

        • phillip ure 1.1.4.1

          head of/remember meth-con..?

          ..they ran around yelling that ‘the sky is falling in!’..’cos of methamphetamine..?

          ..he then rode that whipped-up hysteria into parliament..

          ..’meth-con’..indeed..!

  2. Skinny 2

    By election time I am hearing Paul Henry is considering a nomination. What a circus if that transpires.

    • Tracey 2.1

      from whom are you hearing it?

      • Realblue 2.1.1

        The voices in his head 🙂

        • wyndham 2.1.1.1

          Paul Henry stood for National once before. Wairarapa but fortunately defeated by Georgette Beyer. 1999 ?

      • Skinny 2.1.2

        The same person from within national that said there is a by election in the north after Xmas. I thought the new fella Reti had been outed, there were rumours going around prior to the election.

        Anyway I doubt Key wants him wasted as an MP, Henry is much more useful in the morning talkback slot on their radio station Radio Live.

        • b waghorn 2.1.2.1

          I think it would be brilliant if henry got elected it would only be a matter of time before he made a complete idiot of him self and embarrassed the nats some more.

          • Tracey 2.1.2.1.1

            he would be taking a BIG pay cut and would have to pay second fiddle to key amongst others… anyone seeing him doing either of those things?

    • Treetop 2.2

      Paul Henry has cancer, not sure what type. I doubt he will enter politics at this time.

    • Treetop 2.3

      Nice and tidy for a Friday dump. Heard Key on the topic of Sabin earlier in the week, knew there was something to it as Key would have defended Sabin if his job was not on the line. I thought that Key was waiting for Sabin to resign.

      Hope the Northland voters get it right this time and do not vote for the government. Need to look up Sabin’s majority.

      • Murray Rawshark 2.3.1

        Majority of something like 9000. Nact will win the seat. They won it a few months back with a piece of used bog paper as candidate. They can do it again.

    • Rodel 2.4

      Paul Henry…Please God let it be he. I doubt anyone would vote for him but if he won he would be hilariously embarrassing for National.
      He never got over being wasted by Georgina.

      • phillip ure 2.4.1

        yeah..i wd like henry..

        ..that wd b fun…

        ..henry hissy-fits all over northland..

        ..u cd run sweepstakes 4 what time each day he wd first lose it..

        ..and tanty all over the place..

  3. so..a bye-election..

  4. Ovid 4

    It will be interesting to see who is selected to stand in Northland as it will give an indication on what faction is in the ascendancy in the National Party. If one of Simon Lusk’s proteges gets the nod, it’ll be a bad sign for Key, English and the rest of the centrists (for want of a better term).

  5. Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 6

    Great timing?
    Wait till something pops up regarding another party and then release it quickly at about the same time.
    Well done, chief of staff + comms team.

    • Tracey 6.1

      I think it is good for the Green Party. They can get on with their process and now the media focus will be On Sabin, and Key being all tight-lipped, and pressing Key for not standing him down earlier from the law and Order Committee and covering for Sabin… OR imagining rifts and problems in Greens that don’t exist

      • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 6.1.1

        I haven’t been yet in touch with my contacts on the inside (of Blue or Greens).
        I couched what I said in general terms so that it could be read either being one way or the other 🙂 Suspect it is the way Saarbo is querying at #7.
        Then again, with the Friday dump as LPrent has noted, both could have been scheduled quite separately.

        Parliament sits the week after next, and so it is probably an idea to dump Sabin today to let things run a bit next week and die off by Tuesday week.

    • Skinny 6.2

      I pretty much said on open mike if Norman resigns Key and his spin merchants will use the timing in standing Sabin down. They pushed him out completely.

      Which leads me to where are the hard question from these idiots posing as journalists, relating to Key’s handling of Sabin. So fucking serious were the allegations that Sabin resigns outright. Presumably Key was briefed of ‘these serious allegations’ prior to the election when they first surfaced, and doesn’t do the ethical thing of standing him down or removing him all together. Smells rotten to the core!

      • phillip ure 6.2.1

        “..Presumably Key was briefed of ‘these serious allegations’ prior to the election when they first surfaced,..”

        i guess that will be a question for questiontime..when did he first know..?

        • Skinny 6.2.1.1

          Of course he was you could see it in his eyes (Joyce, Finlayson too) Sabin arranged a invite only forum. At that stage of the election campaign Key was getting hammered over dirty politic’s and Collins, he was starting to doubt himself. The Nats got a pasting (something they weren’t use too) up North thru a couple of media rags. Anyway they distanced themselves from Sabin, it was very noticeable that something fishy was going on.

          Looking back feel for little Brooke, holding back tears, standing proudly/ashamed side by side with big daddy O, both blowing trumpet stoically knowing it was terminal and their Titanic was eventually going down. Brave faces as they cheerily played on trying to ease a very worried looking Captain Key and first officer Joyce.

          • Clemgeopin 6.2.1.1.1

            I have found Brook Sabin to be quite a fair reporter. I think he does a professional job in his political reporting, analysis and comments.

            • Skinny 6.2.1.1.1.1

              No mate he is a slippery little shit who plays a deep cover role. He comes out for team national when needed/told.

        • Clemgeopin 6.2.1.2

          guess that will be a question for questiontime..when did he first know..?

          Answer : “Uum, akshully, I , uum, don’t recall. Honest! I know you will think it is another kind of brain fade, I guess. Of course, you are free to speculate, or what eva, but I am telling you the absolute truth!”

  6. Saarbo 7

    I wonder if he took the opportunity to resign in the shadow of Norman’s resignation.

    • Karen 7.1

      I am sure you are right Saarbo. By doing it now there will be less scrutiny of his resignation and the refusal of Key to answer questions about the police investigation.

      I am wondering whether the Nats found out about Russel Norman’s intentions and that is why Key wouldn’t answer questions the other day.

    • lprent 7.2

      Being the chair of the police oversight was a bit of an issue next week. Was probably programmed as being in the friday dump.

    • Tracey 7.3

      [Careful – MS]

      • rawshark-yeshe 7.3.1

        [Careful guys – MS]

        • rawshark-yeshe 7.3.1.1

          unprecedented secrecy .. not even the district court can be named. hope the msm will pursue with rigour else it will simply highlight it further.

  7. Puckish Rogue 8

    Well it took longer then it should have but at least its done

  8. fisiani 9

    Sensible move. Jump before being pushed. By election in Northland in a couple of months. National down 1 MP till then.

    • Bearded Git 9.1

      So 60-60 on the RMA reforms now. They don’t get through till National wins Northland.

      I hope Labour and the Greens are listening to this and only stand one candidate-a Labour one would be the obvious choice.

      • Tracey 9.1.1

        RMA wont be finally voted on until end of 2015 so a new nat will be in parliament by then

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 9.1.1.1

          Just as well the surveillance bill went through (62 in a House of 121) although Labour was particularly helpful in strengthening the numbers for that

          … and gnats can look forward to Labour’s support again in the future 😉

        • Bearded Git 9.1.1.2

          What I’m really highlighting here is that funny things happen in by-elections. If Labour and the Greens got together and only stood one candidate and then stood on 2 clear issues like:

          -no state house sales
          -no wrecking of the RMA (which a win to Labour would stop)

          you never know.

      • saveNZ 9.1.2

        Totally agree. For once in their lives, be strategic! Only one candidate, Labour or Green. Also lot’s of things can happen so don’t concede a victory for National. If ( Labour) did a big campaign and actually put effort to get the poor out voting and actually bother to look at some local issues etc etc maybe they can win it. They are probably pro jobs and anti pollution up North. So Maybe Labour could do it with Green support? A trial of partnership and strategy?

    • Skinny 9.2

      I might call Peters PA see where the celebration party is happening. Winston will be smiling like a tiger. 🙂

    • Tracey 9.3

      LOL @ thinking he wasn’t being pushed 😉

      • McFlock 9.3.1

        lol yeah

        My only curiosity is as to whether he was phoned this morning and released the previously-arranged statement himself, or whether he simply found out at the same time as the journolists 🙂

    • BobJ 9.4

      Is that right? Proportionality/votes are taken from the party vote so a vacant seat but the same number of votes?

      Also if Labour win the by-election do they lose the last person on the list?

      • McFlock 9.4.1

        Well, it’s solid blue so the question is most likely moot, but my understanding is that the number of list seats are allocated at general election time based on share_of_vote – #_electorate_seats.

        After writ day, the number of list seats is constant until the next general election.

        But unless the national candidate in the by-election is exposed as a horse-fucker during the campaign, Northland will probably stay solidly National. Even then, given Clutha-Southland’s performance electing a floundering tobacco lobbyist (whose daddy had to defend him in the debates, apparently) the nact horse-fucker will probably win (albeit with maybe some sudden announcements of government investment in Northland infrastructure that are “purely coincidental”, of course).

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 9.4.1.1

          Ok.
          Will be good to see NZ First-Greens-Labour working in alignment to get maximum leverage out of the by-election for the Opposition. Can strategists and the appropriate people within those parties keep in touch with each other please.

        • The lost sheep 9.4.1.2

          ” given Clutha-Southland’s performance electing a floundering tobacco lobbyist (whose daddy had to defend him in the debates, apparently) the nact horse-fucker will probably win”

          In Clutha – Southland you could stand the horse and still win by 10,000.

        • greywarshark 9.4.1.3

          Thanks McFlock for the clear and direct explanation of the scenario.
          😀

        • Murray Rawshark 9.4.1.4

          They’ll probably rebuild the Opua Yacht Club. That’d do the trick.

  9. What a loss to the country this retirement is!

    Oops – sorry, wrong thread. This retirement’s a nett gain for the country.

  10. Takere 11

    So the question is …. what did he do? To whom and when did it happen? Why not ask that amazing bright news reporter for a comment, Brooke Sabin! Haha!

    • Tracey 11.1

      are you saying the sins of the father must be visited upon the son?

      • Takere 11.1.1

        Well it’d be a good test for Brooke …. turning the “Mike” on him to see if he can answer a question put to him like he does to others while acting as a professional journo. He just mite learn something about objectivity, impartiality and getting the “facts right?” Haha!?

        • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 11.1.1.1

          I missed the tv coverage where Brooke was pursuing Mike at Wellington airport?? Rats.

        • Murray Rawshark 11.1.1.2

          Brooke should not go anywhere near the story. It is an obvious conflict of interest.

  11. b waghorn 12

    I’ve heard its unlikely for national to lose northland but if they did what does that mean for the stability of the government?

  12. Clemgeopin 13

    The Day Of Restless Resignations :

    11 am : Russel Norman resigns for honourable reasons. Many feel sad.

    12 noon : Mike Sabin resigns/gets pushed for dark cloud reasons. Enigma. Key still doesn’t front up!

    5 pm : PM can’t spin no more and buys a one way ticket to Hawaii 5’O! Bennett smiles.

  13. Tracey 14

    IF this is based on the previous rumour, then KEY has known for a very long time under the “no surprises” policy.

    For those about to do comparisons with Field and Clark, as soon as it entered the public domain I understand Clark stood Field down. THIS story entered the public domain on 21 December 2014.

    • mickysavage 14.1

      The media knew about Sabin’s problems in August last year. It is beyond comprehension that Key has not been briefed on the details.

      • Tracey 14.1.1

        BUT the media buy his denials and no comments…

        Was it reported in August Mickey?

        • mickysavage 14.1.1.1

          No the first time it was reported was in December. I am amazed at the delay. I would have thought the media would have been all over the issue.

          • Tracey 14.1.1.1.1

            Sorry to be dopey, but how did the media know in August?

            • Tracey 14.1.1.1.1.1

              I am asking because of what the National President said in December 2014

              “Party president Peter Goodfellow told the Herald National’s hierarchy was unaware of any allegations, historical or recent, against Mr Sabin before this year’s general election. He refused to comment further.”

        • Alpha 14.1.1.2

          Lots of 2+2=4 below,

          [Sorry Alpha but best if this site does not link to that site – MS]

          • Tracey 14.1.1.2.1

            The mind boggles at what Slater could possibly consider “too horrible for words”.

            and… I may not stop laughing for the lack of self awareness of this from Slater

            “This is the problem you get when you have an ethically challenged party hierarchy.”

            BTW that link also could have alot of 2 + 2 =5

            • Puckish Rogue 14.1.1.2.1.1

              Having read Whaleoil for a while theres really only one thing it could be alluding to (and I’m sure you can guess for yourself what it is) but I don’t want to say it on here in case it gets the Standard in trouble…or myself for that matter

              [lprent: Wise. ]

              • Murray Rawshark

                With Slater, it could be having a beer with Hone that’d be too horrible for words.

            • Neil 14.1.1.2.1.2

              For Slater to be saying “too horrible for words”, it must be bad if he is disgusted by it. Hopefully the truth comes out & is not buried by Key.

            • Macro 14.1.1.2.1.3

              Well yes! That is the task of The Ministry of Truth”:

              As well as administering truth, the ministry spreads a new language amongst the populace called Newspeak, in which, for example, “truth” is understood to mean statements like 2 + 2 = 5 when the situation warrants.

    • rawshark-yeshe 14.2

      could it be fairly said key stole the election by withholding this critical info ? looks like it to me.

      almost have to admire the cold, evil dark place where his heart might have been and his crippling willingness to deliver power for his masters at any cost known to any good kiwi.

      Tracey .. does this blanket secrecy mean nothing can be asked in the house about Sabin ? or can not knowing if it is or isn’t Sabin in the court, can the ones such as Winston ask and be answered ? thx

      • Tracey 14.2.1

        My understanding is that MPs can breach name suppression under parliamentary privilege and be protected from prosecution, but I don’t think any, or many have done it. Perhaps because parliament showing no respect for the Courts is a slippery slope? Also the Courts are only implementing the laws made by parliament so parliament could remove name suppression if they wanted it known.

        If anyone asks questions, it wont be of Sabin, cos he has resigned but no one would be compelled to answer questions about someone else. IMO

        Rodney Hide called on Maggie Barrie to do it, but she didn’t. of course he didn’t have the courage of his convictions to name the person he knew so much about cos going to jail for a few weeks as punishment was too big a price for him to pay. Funny, when you consider the ACT party has tended to describe prison as soft and a holiday camp.

        • rawshark-yeshe 14.2.1.1

          Thanks Tracey .. so if parliament can remove name suppression, could they equally apply it ? Is this what has happened ? Even in extreme cases such as incestuous sexual abuse where victims need identity protection, the presiding court is usually named isn’t it ?

          • Tracey 14.2.1.1.1

            i cant recall the name of the court being suppressed but it may have happened.

            interesting that slater considers the allegations too horrible for words, and if it is the same person granted name suppression today, he has not outted him.

            • rawshark-yeshe 14.2.1.1.1.1

              not yet .. but I guess there will be clues .. and if Key has known since April ? Baby cheeses indeed !

              What a rort of the voters in Northland and a disgrace for NZ.

        • Murray Rawshark 14.2.1.2

          Yeah, but it’s not a holiday camp where Hide could have gotten us to pay for his girlfriend to go with him.

      • Anne 14.2.2

        rawshark-yeshe @ 14.2

        Well, did anyone else notice how stressed and bleary eyed Key looked throughout most of August and early September? I put it down to ‘Dirty Politics’ at the time because there was a clear sense that something other than the campaign had deeply rattled him.

        • Jenny Kirk 14.2.2.1

          To Anne – yep. I thought that he was suddenly looking older and not enjoying the job so much.

  14. Michael 15

    Good riddance.

  15. Tracey 16

    Have the police been called to investigate the leak to Andrea Vance?

  16. Penny Bright 18

    Seen this?

    ‘Nothing to hide – nothing to fear’?

    Why wasn’t NZ Prime Minister John Key ‘straight up’ with the public – regarding (ex) Northland National MP Mike Sabin?

    Given that NZ is purported to be the SECOND ‘least corrupt country in the world’ – shouldn’t we be at least the SECOND most ‘transparent’, and expect our Prime Minister John Key to ‘lead by example’?

    “It is understood the National Party was first made aware of an assault complaint against National MP Mike Sabin weeks before the 2011 election but chose not to ask Mr Sabin to withdraw his candidacy.

    It is also understood that Mr Key was made aware of the allegation in April last year but chose to neither disclose this to the public nor ask the former police officer to stand down as chairman of the law and order select committee. … ”

    But – what sort of ethical standards do you expect from a Prime Minister whose ‘moral compass’, in my considered opinion, is stuck on ‘Wall Street’?

    http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/sabin-resigns-parliament-jb-168018?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NBR%2520Last%2520Call

    “Prime Minister John Key has acknowledged the resignation of Northland MP Mike Sabin for personal reasons, according to a media release from his office.

    Mr Key acknowledged Mr Sabin’s service as an MP since he was elected in 2011.

    The Prime Minister is taking advice on the possible date for a by-election.

    A National Party media release that followed soon after confirmed Mr Sabin’s resignation was effective immediately.

    “Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament. Mr Sabin will not be making any further comment,” the media release says.

    NBR ONLINE first began researching the National MP in September.

    In December, Fairfax media revealed Waitemata police were investigating an assault complaint against Mr Sabin.

    It is understood the National Party was first made aware of an assault complaint against National MP Mike Sabin weeks before the 2011 election but chose not to ask Mr Sabin to withdraw his candidacy.

    It is also understood that Mr Key was made aware of the allegation in April last year but chose to neither disclose this to the public nor ask the former police officer to stand down as chairman of the law and order select committee.

    The Northland MP, 46, has been in Parliament since 2011 and served as a police officer in Northland before 2006.

    This morning, a Whangarei barrister slammed Mr Sabin for maintaining his right to silence in the public sphere while attempting to introduce a bill to Parliament that would remove that right for certain others during police questioning. ”

    ______________________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright

  17. Tracey 19

    Mr Key seems pretty relaxed about it all, and very comfortable with Mr Sabin.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11394142

    • BLiP 19.1

      Heh! I see the Slippery One is ducking behind the manufactured convenience of him not having been informed but his “office”. Such obvious chicanery, although swallowed holus bolus with relish by the compliant MSM, indicates to the observant that the Prime Sinister is not quite as comfortable as he would have us believe.

      • Clemgeopin 19.1.1

        Three quotes from that link:
        The first one seems pure bull shit. The second one is honest. The third one is funny.

        [1] John Key says National ‘did not ask Mike Sabin to quit’ after MP resigns ‘due to personal issues’ Mr Key continued to refuse to comment on when he first found out Mr Sabin’s personal issues, but said today National had not asked Mr Sabin to step down. “Sabin reached that conclusion himself on the back of personal and family reasons he is pursuing. My office was advised by Mr Sabin in the last day or so of his intention to resign. “He’s made that call to go and do that. He’s obviously made the best decision for himself and his family.”

        [2] Labour leader Andrew Little said Mr Sabin’s departure so soon after a general election was unusual and Mr Key should have to answer questions about it.
        “He might want to tell people what he knew [and] when he knew it …”. He said Labour would stand in the byelection but conceded it had little chance of winning. “We polled 16 per cent in the last election so Northland clearly is not a Labour stronghold. But they’ve got issues up there. They’ve got unemployment up round 8.6 per cent, one of the higher levels of unemployment in any country. They’ve got major problems with housing. And these are big issues for us. But it has been a National stronghold for a long time and I doubt whether that will change.”

        [3] NZ First leader Winston Peters also questioned the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation. Mr Peters harks from Northland but would not say whether or not he was considering running in the byelection himself.

        “This is not the plains of the Serengeti where we gather like animals at the first sign of a weak animal.”

  18. One Anonymous Bloke 20

    It’s nice to see Sabin gone. Given his twisted right wing views, I expect he’s done something truly vile to match the truly vile private member’s bills he produced as an MP.

    • BLiP 20.1

      Indeed. Isn’t he know exercising his right to silence – that same very right he’s seeking to have removed from New Zealanders? Wottaguy.

      • Realblue 20.1.1

        The right to silence is only in context when being questioned by Police. If he chooses not to talk to the journos, everyone has that right. You can just say fuck off.

    • Jellytussle 20.2

      Hopefully his obnoxious roadside signs can now be taken down.

      • Jenny Kirk 20.2.1

        They were still up at 1pm today (Sat) – be interesting to watch how long it takes for them to come down – especially with everyone trekking up to Waitangi soon.

  19. Jellytussle 21

    Accusations about sexual offending with underage girls should’ve led to a stand down months ago.

    • weka 21.1

      Unlikely when our PM appears to support one of the heirs to the Crown being entitled to have sex with underage girls.

        • Jellytussle 21.1.1.1

          Nice. First of all I had a good old lol about the association between the PM, Prince Andrew and the horrendous Sabin accusations, then I read the article and was actually pleasantly surprised at the comments from De Boni……

          “It’s actually a story of reducing Government spending, casualising our workforce, taking no steps to cool the property market, selling off our natural assets, ignoring inequality, ignoring high levels of personal debt, ignoring environmental change and privatising essential services. It is the story of the short-term benefits of trickle-down economics”

      • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1.2

        It’s time they changed their name to the Princess Party.

  20. Paul 22

    ‘Mr Sabin said he had decided to resign due to personal issues that were best dealt with outside Parliament.’

    Is it widely known what these issues are?

    • Anne 22.1

      Is it widely known what these issues are?

      Yes. He’s been using fisticuffs or something similar on someone or some persons. We just don’t know exactly who… although rumours are at large.

      We’re talking about an ex- NZ Police Force detective. No wonder the police have donned their hard hats and disappeared into a bunker. Checking on Key’s TV news demeamour this evening I think he’s grabbed his h. hat and has joined them.

      • Paul 22.1.1

        Would it be illegal to repeat those rumours?

        [It depends and we would prefer not to go there – MS]

      • One Anonymous Bloke 22.1.2

        “Fisticuffs” – he’s being investigated for assault, of which there are several kinds.

        Fisticuffs do not usually lead to suppression orders.

        • Paul 22.1.2.1

          What does lead to suppression orders?

        • Anne 22.1.2.2

          I put it in a light-hearted way OAB. Best to err on the side of caution eh.

        • Colonial Rawshark 22.1.2.3

          Judith Collins in 2012:

          Justice Minister Judith Collins said these provisions, which were passed late last year, represent a substantial reform to criminal procedure.

          “Grounds for granting name suppression weren’t always clear, and could be granted too easily and inconsistently – the Criminal Procedure Act changes this. It sets out a clear set of criteria for the courts to use when deciding whether suppression is appropriate or not.

          “Previously defendants could be granted name suppression in situations where publication of their name may have resulted in ‘undue’ hardship to them or others. The test for granting name suppression has now been raised to ‘extreme’ hardship,” said Ms Collins.

          There will be no presumption of extreme hardship simply because a defendant is well-known.

          “The principle of ‘open justice’ is fundamental to our justice system and there is no reason for a defendant to get name suppression simply because they are famous,” Ms Collins said.

          Certain special provisions are also made, for example, to continue to protect victims of sexual offending. Automatic name suppression will continue to apply to victims of specified sexual offending, defendants in cases of incest or sexual conduct with a dependent family member, and child witnesses.

          http://beehive.govt.nz/release/name-suppression-rules-tightened

      • Ffloyd 22.1.3

        Think he needs hi-vis as well. Lily livered little part.

        • Paul 22.1.3.1

          He’s gone back to referring to his office.

          ‘Mr Key continued to refuse to comment on when he first found out Mr Sabin’s personal issues, but said today National had not asked Mr Sabin to step down.

          He said his office was told Mr Sabin intended to resign yesterday.’

          • Alpha 22.1.3.1.1

            {He said his office was told Mr Sabin intended to resign yesterday}

            at first I read that as ‘his orifice was told’!

  21. Ffloyd 23

    I see that little cockroach jkey is reverting to his default position. Non answering his sycophantic news peeps. No comment! Not answering that! Nup,no comment. AND THEY SEEM TO BE HAPPY WITH THAT!! REALLY!!.

    • Anne 23.1

      I didn’t get the impression TV 3’s Lisa Owen was all that happy. She questioned Key’s response and for her pains she got his ‘you little bitch I’ll teach you’ look.

  22. joe90 24

    Who knew?.

    Grimm times ‏@GrimmJayne

    Sabin resigned today but National Party removed him from website on 14 Jan @michaeltarry Still there 13 Jan http://web.archive.org/web/20150114222809/https://www.national.org.nz/team/mps/detail/mike.sabin … #nzpol

    https://twitter.com/GrimmJayne/status/561056426236186624

    • Paul 24.1

      So this was preplanned?
      Did they wait for Norman’s resignation or the first big story to break?

      Just a pity the media aren’t able to research a news story as well as you.

      Sorry they are capable of doing so. They just have political orders not to do so.

    • whateva next? 24.2

      How could Key NOT know? and if he didn’t….well that’s an even bigger worry!

  23. Justme 25

    During WW2 the allies allowed the Germans to bomb cities, that the allies knew they were going to do, because of the German communications being broken into.

    Maybe this is one of those instances, pretending everything is normal, so that the investigation can be completed. Sometimes, like a marriage breaking up, you pretend everything is okay, even though you know where it is really heading, waiting for the right time.

  24. Melanie Scott 26

    Just a ‘devil’s advocate’ question: If a horse could have won the Northland seat for National in the General Election, why couldn’t Sabin have been forced to stand down in favour of a new candidate, by the Nat hierarchy? Is there a ‘rule’ or law requiring proof or something before a party kicks their standing candidate into touch?

    • mickysavage 26.1

      That is why the date of when National’s hierarchy and Key knew about the problems is so important.

    • Pete George 26.2

      It’s been reported that it became known too late to select a new candidate. And it’s quite possible there was scant information initially, with nothing definite or proven.

      It is understood some within National learned Mr Sabin was dealing with issues before the election but he had already been selected as a candidate and it was too late to change.
      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11394367

      I think the more critical timing is how much Key knew when he appointed Sabin chair of the Law and Order committee. If Key knew the potential severity at that stage he was either nuts or more than arrogant. Even if he knew nothing more than Sabin was under police investigation it would seem to have been unwise.

      But we may be left speculating, it’s unlikely more on this will be revealed while it’s subject to legal process. Like it or not that gives Key a right to silence, and possibly a necessity to remain silent on it.

      I think this will go on hold until an unnamed prominent New Zealander appears in court. Media are constrained if name suppression applies but there’s already enough hints in the public domain of an association between stories.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Promiscuous Empathy: Chris Trotter Replies To His Critics.
    Inspirational: The Family of Man is a glorious hymn to human equality, but, more than that, it is a clarion call to human freedom. Because equality, unleavened by liberty, is a broken piano, an unstrung harp; upon which the songs of fraternity will never be played. “Somebody must have been telling lies about ...
    53 mins ago
  • Don’t run your business like a criminal enterprise
    The Detail this morning highlights the police's asset forfeiture case against convicted business criminal Ron Salter, who stands to have his business confiscated for systemic violations of health and safety law. Business are crying foul - but not for the reason you'd think. Instead of opposing the post-conviction punishment and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    58 mins ago
  • Misremembering Justinian’s Taxes.
    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    2 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    8 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    9 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    11 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    1 day ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    1 day ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    1 day ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-19T04:00:01+00:00