Anything substantive to say?

Written By: - Date published: 10:15 pm, January 3rd, 2010 - 25 comments
Categories: scoundrels - Tags: , , ,

My assumption whenever I read Cameron John Slater’s trash over at Whale Oil is to assume it’s just that trash. That’s why I don’t bother reading Cameron John Slater’s daily tirade of garbage anymore unless specifically alerted to something (I do have to admit there was a period where I used to read it regularly for sheer amusement). I didn’t get alerted to this post until recently, and while tempted to just leave him and his sewer system to feed and regurgitate amongst themselves, I’m not the type to be able to sit back and not respond when something can quite easily end up as a google truth (an unrefuted smear sitting in cyberspace).

A couple of weeks ago I was sworn in to the Eden-Albert Community Board. A thing called an extraordinary vacancy was created when the only Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) member on the board defaulted his position by failing to turn up to four consecutive meetings without leave. Interestingly, Cameron John Slater defends this bludger who was paid by the ratepayer for the four months he didn’t do even the miniscule amount of work required by law, i.e. turning up to a meeting once a month.

Cameron John Slater rants about how City Vision ‘stacked the board’ to appoint me. I’m really not quite sure how City Vision can ‘stack’ a board when they already have an outright majority (For those of you outside Auckland, C&R and City Vision are the two main players in local body politics in Auckland). Further, Cameron John Slater moans about how my poor predecessor Ryan Hicks was ‘hounded from the role by the nasty spiteful City Vision members’. While Hicks was the only C&R member of the board, City Vision only had a majority of one. It must sorely disappoint C&R that Eden-Albert voters don’t even want them as their opposition the more moderate but still fairly conservative, third player, Focus Eden-Albert take that place. Does Cameron John Slater allege that Focus Eden-Albert are nasty and spiteful too?

I didn’t quite understand Cameron John Slater’s point about equal representation and transparent democracy. The Community Board had two choices it was too late in the electoral cycle for them to be able to hold a by-election, so they could either leave the position unfilled, or appoint someone else.   In deciding to appoint someone to share the workload and make the board more effective, City Vision really did make the most democratic choice. As Cameron John Slater well knows, I was the next highest polling candidate. I was only defeated by Hicks in the 2007 elections by 188 votes.

I wonder what Cameron John Slater’s views are on what his party in government is doing to equal representation and transparent democracy. For example, the NACT government have raised no objection to the Local Government Commission’s essentially final determinations on ward boundaries under the new Super City (they have said any further changes will only be minor tweaks). Unlike central government electorates which have to be more or less the same size, local government boundaries are supposed to pay more heed to communities of interest.  That said they must still be within a population size difference of plus or minus 10%.  The LGC couldn’t get either of those requirements right. Under the current recommendations, 8 of the 12 new wards will fall outside of the mean population size by more than the allowed 10%.   As for idiotic decisions regarding communities of interest (and I’m sure there’s many examples like this throughout Auckland), try this: both the Mt Eden Village Shops, and the Eden Valley Shops (Dominion Road) will be chopped in half. The half of the Mt Eden Shops on the “volcano side”  (Maungawhau/Mt Eden) will go to the new Auckland Central ward, while the other half will remain in what is effectively Eden-Albert combined with the existing Mt Roskill ward.

I contested the 2007 election because I wanted to make a difference in Eden-Albert and I know that I can do this over the next year (and further into the future, if Eden-Albert will have me). Pretty much my whole life is dedicated to campaigning on issues I care about, and now that I’m a representative for Eden-Albert, a lot of my focus will switch to more local issues. Along with my regular Community Board duties (I have been appointed Community Constable liaison and Youth Affairs Spokesperson) I plan to get involved in many of the local campaigns, such as those opposing the non-tunnel version of the SH20 Waterview connection, those opposing the expansion of the Balmoral McDonalds and St Lukes Shopping Centre, and campaigns on local issues surrounding the new Supercity.

There’s two issues that I really want to push in the next year – 1. Helping the two local groups attempting to set up Community Gardens get underway, and 2. Getting youth involved in local democracy. I don’t care which side of the political spectrum youth come from, getting young people involved and aware of the democratic processes is vitally important. I’m always amazed at the number of people I meet who have no idea what a Community Board is/does. Empowering young people (like myself, but even younger!) to get involved and teaching them what they can achieve has the potential to create engaged and non-apathetic citizens and support the functioning of democracy within New Zealand.

Perhaps what annoys me the most is the assertion that I am some sort of carpetbagger. I do currently live in Parnell (5 minutes drive in traffic or 15 minute walk into the Eden-Albert ward), but my affinity has always been with Eden-Albert. I grew up in Eden-Albert (in a number of different houses), and don’t feel the same connection with any of the other places I have lived. In other places I’ve lived (Christchurch, Tauranga, Auckland City) I wouldn’t be able to tell you much about the local residents or issues.  My Grandparents bought their first house in Eden-Albert and brought up my mother and lprent there. My mother bought her first house in Eden-Albert and only recently moved out of the area. When I moved out of home I lived in an apartment in the ward. Eden-Albert is a nice mix of working class and emerging middle-class wealth. There is something unique about the ward I love its heritage, its cultural diversity and its unpretentiousness when compared with places like Parnell. Eden-Albert is the only place I could legitimately run as a local candidate it’s my home.

Finally, one has to ask, why the big interest in me? Cameron John Slater has attempted smear after smear since I dared carry out a minor geeky prank and google-bomb his dear leader as ‘clueless’. Does he not have bigger targets to focus on? Perhaps this latest post was a favour to Daddy who heads up C&R? Of course all that good work spinning a nothing story was nullified by his final comment:

That said Rocky does actually have a brain and isn’t your usual leftist drone, she may actually do a good job.

Hmmm… why all the fuss then?

25 comments on “Anything substantive to say? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Rex Widerstrom 1
    3 January 2010 at 11:23 pm

    Wait… you were the next highest polling candidate? Then WTF is the problem?! After all, I haven’t heard him (or, to be fair, many other people) complaining about MMP.

    Under MMP people who did not, on their own merits, receive a single vote are elected to Parliament – a body slightly more important (with all due respect) than a Community Board.

    If one should accidentally fall off the gravy train another (who could be said to be doubly unelected since s/he didn’t make it through the first cull) gets to step up and replace them.

    All this is done without a single voter being consulted.

    Whereas, in appointing you, the Eden-Albert Community Board is reflecting the wishes of those few thousand (hundred? however many) voters who indicated they wanted you representing them.

    They did not only the correct thing, but the democratic thing, and good on ’em I say (and congratulations to you, rocky).

  2. Whaleoil 2
    4 January 2010 at 12:43 am

    Nice rant, feel better now.

  3. mickysavage 3
    4 January 2010 at 7:39 am

    WOBH is an unusual person. He said this yesterday in a post where he had confused changes in absorption levels of CO2 with changes of CO2 levels :

    As a christian I couldn’t actually care less if the planet is doomed. It simply means the second coming is upon us, so if Climate Change is the destroyer of all mankind, I say bring it on.

    The biggest laugh of all is thinking that governments that can’t even organise trains to run on time, feed their own people, ensure adequate health care, protect their citizens from the depredations of crime are somehow able to miraculously get it all together to save the planet.

    It is laughable, risible even, to think that the UN is capable of such a feat.

    So I guess that if we want to debate with him what should be done to save the planet he is not interested because he is happy if it is destroyed?

    He should come out and say that climate change is real but it is a good thing because the rapture will happen earlier instead of saying that it will not happen.

    As for his treatment of you rocky his misogyny combined with his hatred of lefties makes him on occasions, well, irrational.

    • lprent 3.1
      4 January 2010 at 9:03 am

      I didn’t believe that even wee Johnnie could misunderstand that they were looking for a detectable decrease in CO2 absorption rates in the oceans.

      Sadly I was wrong. It is a sad indictment of the science training that Johnnie managed to absorb that he misinterpreted this result so badly. Perhaps we should bring this up as an prime example of the need to give better science training to the ministry of education?

      I was so shocked, I even left a comment on the post pointing out what they were talking about on Johnnies blog.

    • quenchino 3.2
      4 January 2010 at 10:21 am

      As a christian I couldn’t actually care less if the planet is doomed. It simply means the second coming is upon us, so if Climate Change is the destroyer of all mankind, I say bring it on.

      Fundamentalism. Nothing to do with actual Christianity.

      • felix 3.2.1
        4 January 2010 at 12:21 pm

        Fundamentalism. Nothing to do with actual Christianity.

        What a strange thing to say. Do you really believe they have nothing to do with each other?

        • Truth is stranger 3.2.1.1
          4 January 2010 at 12:53 pm

          Fundamentalism is not exclusive to Christianity, and in fact is widely misused.
          It is even portable to the new religion, where fundamentalism is where you only believe the dogma from the IPCC and the Hockey Team, and ignore recent empirical evidence (aka facts)

          • felix 3.2.1.1.1
            4 January 2010 at 1:30 pm

            This trend of attempting to equate scientific study with religious belief is interesting in that it immediately outs the writer/speaker as one who possesses no understanding of either.

            Kind of a helpful filtering tool really.

            • Macro 3.2.1.1.1.1
              4 January 2010 at 2:20 pm

              Fundamental “christians” have really nothing much in common with following the way of Christ. eg Our Super “Bishop” for our Super City and the moralistic and perverted ideas of the so called “christian” right. There are many who will pray “Lord! Lord!” But they are false prophets. I think that is what quenchino was saying. It makes me cringe every time people identify Christianity with fundamentalist claptrap.
              And yes fundamentalism is not an exclusive commodity to Christianity as Truth is stranger correctly points out – but he is wrong to suggest that it is Climate Science that is acting in a fundamentalist way. Rather it is the so called “sceptics” and CCD who will reguarly repeat the mantras given them by their priests – the PR consultants of the petro-chemical industries.

        • quenchino 3.2.1.2
          4 January 2010 at 2:11 pm

          The scriptures of all religions use allegory and metaphor to convey abstract ideas such as divinity, justice, purity, compassion, dignity and mercy in concrete terms that our limited minds can grasp. There is never a one-to-one mapping from the abstract to the concrete; all scripture can and should be interpreted from many different perspectives. It is the journey of a lifetime to discover just some of them.

          Science is the tool by which we measure and understand the material domains of this world. Religion is the tool by which we discover the abstract nature of the next.

          Because there is just one creator, and one reality… science and religion must be at some level in harmony with each other… but it is a mistake to think that the tools that work in one, will work in the other.

          There are many atheists for instance, who make the mistake of applying valid scientific tools, such as scepticism and testable hypothesis… when they approach religious matters of faith, love, self-abnegation and sacrifice. They begin their journey equiped with the wrong map, and get lost.

          Religious fundamentalists makes the equal and opposite mistake of mapping the abstract domain of religion into literal materialistic interpretations in this world, no matter how rationally absurd or dangerous they are. This is most often done by ego driven church leaders, who attempt to exert influence and power by usurping the credibility and success of the sciences.

          Atheists and fundamentalists are in this sense brothers on opposite sides of the same mistaken coin; but while the atheist can have been said to have at least set out on a path to find God, the fundamentalists while wearing the garb of believers… have set their feet away from Him.

          (You last comment Felix puts the same case more succiently.)

          • felix 3.2.1.2.1
            4 January 2010 at 4:05 pm

            A lot to think about in there, q. Thanks for taking the time.

          • felix 3.2.1.2.2
            4 January 2010 at 4:15 pm

            Incidentally (or perhaps back to the topic) I find it difficult to believe that Slater is any kind of Christian, Fundamentalist or otherwise.

            I suspect that he just thinks he’s found a convenient new tool for clawing out of holes he’s dug himself and enjoys the bombastic language that goes along with it.

  4. Jenny 4
    4 January 2010 at 8:02 am

    Yaarr beef hooked, Whaleoil, me hearty.

  5. lprent 5
    4 January 2010 at 8:08 am

    I have been appointed Community Constable liaison and Youth Affairs Spokesperson

    Can’t think of a person who could be more qualified….. 😈

  6. grumpy 6
    4 January 2010 at 11:17 am

    Actually Rocky, he has quite nice things to say about you. Probably the most praise he has ever given a leftist activist – are you sure you’re not mates???

    • gitmo 6.1
      4 January 2010 at 11:41 am

      Luke I am your father

      • grumpy 6.1.1
        5 January 2010 at 1:10 pm

        Hi Dad, Mummy wants to know when you’re coming home?

        Can you bring the milk?

        • lprent 6.1.1.1
          5 January 2010 at 2:07 pm

          Both of you were more substantive than than wee Johnnie. I think that he managed to establish that rocky went on to the board and he spelt the C&R bludgers name correctly.

          Everything else that wee Johnnie said was incorrect.. Or did I miss something..

          I suspect that was what annoyed rocky. She has a low tolerance for bullshit.

          • grumpy 6.1.1.1.1
            5 January 2010 at 2:33 pm

            Can’t see it;s an issue anyway. From what I know, Rocky was the next highest polling candidate, it’s called democracy.

            I can’t stand people who put themselves up for election, get voted in and then don’t bother turning up.

  7. Bored 7
    4 January 2010 at 11:28 am

    Seasons greetings and congrats Rocky,

    What a grotty way to start a New Year, but atleast you have the opportunity to do something positive which is something the unhinged aquatic one does not have the ability to do.

  8. Killinginthenameof 8
    4 January 2010 at 3:08 pm

    Lies of omission from Slater, nothing new there. Regular readers (not the righties, they are happy to shut their mouth for the greater good) might notice how often his wild claims and allegations ammount to SFA.

  9. Swampy 9
    7 January 2010 at 9:56 pm

    He had a lot less to say than you, didn’t he. Is this a campaign blog or something. I think you are put out that everyone knows who you are now. Unlike that Cameron John Slater who everyone knows who he is already.

    [rocky: I’ve always been open about who I am (see my very first post!). You’re really starting to annoy me, as I keep having to waste time replying to your uninformed comments.]

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    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 weeks 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 weeks ago

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