Banks must now submit correct return

Written By: - Date published: 11:43 am, September 14th, 2012 - 53 comments
Categories: accountability, democratic participation, electoral commission, Ethics, john banks, john key, local body elections, police - Tags:

John Key is wrong, John Banks has broken the law. He just did not get prosecuted. The return of donations he signed and submitted in 2010 is false, as the Police have stated. He should now correct it, or he is still in breach of the law.

The Local Electoral Act (Section 110) requires that returns of expenses and donations are to be kept and available for public inspection for a period of seven years from the date of the election. Section 109(2) states that the  return “must be in the form prescribed by  Schedule 2 or to similar effect.” Schedule 2 states:

[Here set out the name and description of every person or body of persons from whom or which any donation (whether of money or of the equivalent of money or of goods or services or of a combination of those things) of a sum or value of more than $1,000 (such amount being inclusive of any goods and services tax and of a series of donations made by or on behalf of any one person that aggregate more than $1,000 (inclusive of any goods and services tax)) was received by the candidate or by any other person on the candidate’s behalf for use by or on behalf of the candidate in the campaign for his or her election. The amount of each donation received is to be set out separately. If a donation of a sum of more than $1,000 was received from an anonymous person, the amount of the donation must be stated and the fact that the person who made the donation is anonymous must also be stated.]

We now know from the files released by the Police that John Banks directly and personally sought donations from Kim Dotcom and  from another person, as yet unknown. He was also handed a donation by the Chief Executive of SkyCity in the SkyCity office, who stated it was made clear to John Banks that the donation was not to be regarded as anonymous.

The return that is now to be kept “in the electoral officer’s office, or at some other convenient place to be appointed by the chief executive of the local authority,…for a period of 7 years after the date of the election to which it relates, and during that period the return must be open to inspection by any person” is false.

The reasons that the return is kept available for  inspection are obvious; precisely to guard against the sort of devious behaviour demonstrated by Banks. The return should and must be corrected to protect the record.

Section 133  of the Local Electoral Act states as follows:

(1) Every candidate commits an offence who fails to transmit a return of electoral expenses in the prescribed form to the electoral officer within the prescribed period.

(2) Every person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 and, if he or she has been elected, to a further fine not exceeding $400 for every day on which he or she continues to act until the return is transmitted.

John Banks’ return does not comply with the prescribed form. He is therefore in breach of Section 133.

Section 109 (4) states regarding the return of election expenses that it is “the duty of every electoral officer to ensure that this section is complied with.” Section 138 further elaborates this duty:

 If the electoral officer at any election or poll—

  • (a) receives a written complaint that an offence under this Part has been committed; or

  • (b) believes for any other reason that an offence under this Part may have been committed,—

the electoral officer must report that matter to the Police together with the results of any enquiries made by the electoral officer that he or she considers appropriate.

(2) Subsection (1) does not prevent any person from reporting an alleged offence to the Police.

(3) Despite subsection (1), an electoral officer is not required to report the failure by a candidate at an election to file the return required by section 109(1) within the period prescribed in section 109, if the candidate files that return promptly after being required by the electoral officer to file the return.

So  the proper course of action would seem to be for the Auckland City electoral officer to require 2010 mayoral candidate John Banks to promptly file a correct return in the form prescribed. That is what would happen in a general election. I was required by the Electoral Commission to file amended returns on a number of occasions where I had made mistakes, and in one case I can remember I had breached the law. Correcting the return repairs the breach.

The onus to correct the return in this case is squarely on the candidate John Banks; failure to comply constitutes the offence. In case of failure the electoral officer must, and any other person can, report the matter to the Police.

I presume any Auckland elector or candidate would be able to take this matter up with the electoral officer in Auckland. It would appear still to be an employee of Independent Electoral Services, PO Box 5135, Wellesley Streeet, Auckland 1141, phone (09) 573 1212 and email info@electionservices.org.nz; which one I do not know.

John Banks 2010 mayoral campaign expenses report  in the prescribed form may be two years late; but at least it will be five years correct.

53 comments on “Banks must now submit correct return ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Dr Terry 1
    14 September 2012 at 12:35 pm

    People like Banks consider themselves “above the law”, as do others whose company he keeps.
    Moreover, they deem themselves “above the truth”. Out and out arrogance, egotism, grandiosity, call it what you will.

  2. McFlock 2
    14 September 2012 at 1:22 pm

    Interesting: because schedule 2 specifically outlines that donors’ details must be listed in that section, an incorrect return that fails to list the required donor’s details in fact fails to comply with the “prescribed form”?
         
    Poor people have been convicted on thinner legal interpretations, that’s for damned sure. Banks might face the music yet. $400per day  * 2 years (730 days) =  $292k 🙂

    • Lanthanide 2.1
      14 September 2012 at 2:17 pm

      It’s only $400/day if you win. It’s only $1,000 fixed for the losers, like Banks.

      • McFlock 2.1.1
        14 September 2012 at 3:52 pm

        ah, true – I forgot it was for the failed mayoral campaign, rather than the borough he was parachuted into.
           
        Oh well, at least one might be able to said that finally he’s showing his true convictions 🙂 

        • aerobubble 2.1.1.1
          15 September 2012 at 3:34 pm

          Would the registrar be liable to prosecution if they did not furnish reporters with
          such correct legally available documentation. The public has an obvious interest
          in knowing the documents are accurate, and so a claim to the government Ombusman
          if the Electoral Registrar does not have the correct information and has no taken
          reason steps to get such information after the Police report.

  3. Bunji 3
    14 September 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Dale Ofsoske is/was the electoral officer for the Auckland Council elections. He is the principal of Independent Electoral Services. I’m sure the info email will reach him, but dale.ofsofske at aucklandcity.govt.nz is his direct email address as listed in various places.

    Any journo want to request that correct form from him?

  4. BernyD 4
    14 September 2012 at 2:17 pm

    It’s a good argument to have him stripped of the title “Honourable” bare minimum.

  5. irascible 5
    14 September 2012 at 4:14 pm

    Is there a good legal case to be made to drag Banks, kicking and screaming, into a courtroom where his deviousness can be held to scrutiny under oath and in the public eye?
    The outline of the law Mike has provided certainly implies tat Banks could be held accountable, even now, before a court of law?
    Such an action might yet persuade KeY that he can no longer protect Banks!

  6. Tiger Mountain 6
    14 September 2012 at 4:59 pm

    Banksie could be found meth’ed out behind the K’Rd shops, a school girl in his Bentley, and ShonKey would still support him. “he was obviously just helping her with reading recovery”.

  7. xtasy 7
    14 September 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Very well summarised arguments, I’d say. Yes, Banks should now present a “corrected” report. Am I wrong or right, listening to either National Radio or Radio Live a short while ago, I heard that the president of the ACT Party appears to have expressed his expectation that Banks now does exactly that.

    That may be a bit of a game changer now. Banks is becoming untenable as ACT member and MP.

    I sense somehow, we will soon get an announcement from “Banksie”. This kind of critical exposure is more than he had to face before, and his nerves must be blank and on edge.

    It is now at a point, I think, where he may seriously consider resigning as MP and minister, thus causing a by-election in Epsom!

    That would put a lot of the government’s policy changes on hold, like the partial asset sales, the welfare reforms and more.

    Banks is presently hiding from the media and public, was not in Parliament yesterday, he is “suffering”.

    • McFlock 7.1
      14 September 2012 at 6:46 pm

      To resign you need a sense of shame.
           
      Banks has none – otherwise he would have resigned before pulling the “I can’t know it’s not true if I don’t read it before I sign it” gambit. 
         
      But I’m sure he’ll do the decent thing if he becomes such an embarrassment that Key offers him baubles and bonuses to leave. 

      • xtasy 7.1.1
        14 September 2012 at 8:02 pm

        A sense of shame helps, but it is not necessary for being forced to resign. When a guy like Banks, MP for Epsom, does what he did, and when the media may just up the ante a bit, his colleagues will possibly realise that Banks better goes and makes room for a newly elected MP for Epsom, who will most likely be a Nat anyway.

        Banks is becoming a real liability now, and hanging onto him looks really bad, which the public will not understand anymore.

        • McFlock 7.1.1.1
          14 September 2012 at 9:06 pm

          But his colleagues can’t fire him. He’s not even in the same party.
                
          To get rid of him they’d need to offer something better than the $200k or whatever he’s on right now. 

          • KhandallahMan 7.1.1.1.1
            15 September 2012 at 6:03 pm

            $200k reminds me of a “change of heart” around the Britomart decision…. He campaigned heavily against Christine Fletcher in 2001 for the Auckland Mayoralty in the basis that Britomart was a folly. After he won….”a change of heart”… and he was a great buddy of the Britomart developers. ahhhhh $200k… Cheap…

  8. Dv 8
    14 September 2012 at 6:49 pm

    I hear the re is a Post in London!

  9. North 9
    14 September 2012 at 6:54 pm

    Unfortunately none of this will matter when the weak faced bastard turns New Zealand upon itself with visceral racial division fomented by the weak faced bastard. All to further the weak faced bastard’s determination to hand New Zealand to the ilk of him.

    History will write the weak faced bastard as the worst thing ever to happen to this country.

  10. SAM 10
    14 September 2012 at 9:11 pm

    It’s surprising how given the news in Christchurch and the far reaching and unpopular effects this will have with teachers, support staff etc etc losing their jobs and the effects on students, a story about John Banks is key on this site.

    It is the reason why Labour lags. Do people care about this? No, sort out the fucking real issues.

  11. John Buchan 11
    14 September 2012 at 9:29 pm

    I think the actual Auckland Council electoral officer is now Bruce Thomas, an employee of the Council. Dale Ofsoske/Independent Election Services does the hands on running of elections.

  12. Balanced View 12
    14 September 2012 at 10:00 pm

    John Banks is the best example I can think of as the faults of MMP

    • felix 12.1
      14 September 2012 at 10:28 pm

      What bullshit. I remember Banks as an MP under FPP and he was a corrupt lying bigoted loser then.

      I also remember him elected under FPP as the Mayor of Ak – twice – and he was a corrupt lying bigoted loser then too.

      No matter what system he’s elected under, Key won’t sack him while he needs his vote. And Banks will cling to his last pathetic shred of “power” with every fibre of his rotten, decrepit being.

      Nothing to do with MMP.

      • Balanced View 12.1.1
        14 September 2012 at 10:50 pm

        I disagree.
        John Banks would not be in parliament today had it not been for MMP.

        And MMP is precisely the reason the JK will hold off as long as possible to sack him

        • McFlock 12.1.1.1
          14 September 2012 at 10:55 pm

          John Banks would be a national party cabinet minister under FPP. So at the moment he’s in act. Big change.
              
          The problem isn’t MMP. The problem is the moral bankruptcy of the national party that leads them to laying down with dogs like banks. But then they’e not exactly non-canine themselves.

          • Balanced View 12.1.1.1.1
            14 September 2012 at 11:02 pm

            To quote felix – what bullshit!

            It’s obvious that National – especially JK – barely tolerate Banks. They didn’t before the election, and with all the embarrassment he brings they sure as hell don’t now. He would not be in parliament without MMP.

            And you’re forgetting that the NZ public have given the mandate to National to perform the way they do. National haven’t surprised with anything they didn’t campaign on.

            • Dv 12.1.1.1.1.1
              14 September 2012 at 11:24 pm

              nope he won Epson!!

              >>National haven’t surprised with anything they didn’t campaign on.
              Charter schools.

            • McFlock 12.1.1.1.1.2
              14 September 2012 at 11:33 pm

              the 49% mandate?
                     
              National knew what they were doing when they parachuted him in. If they wanted the electorate wishes to be represented, rather than lining their own pockets, they would have run a candidate to win.

              • Balanced View …
                14 September 2012 at 11:44 pm

                A much stronger mandate than was delivered to anyone else.

                As you know – National only gave Banks a leg up in the hope he brought in some additional members – a big mistake.

                Either way – MMP provided the platform for a mess like this to exist.

                • McFlock …
                  14 September 2012 at 11:54 pm

                  FPP provided a platform for gerrymandering, electorate favouritism and other practises.
                           
                  At least MMP means that a party with e.g. 38% of the vote cannot govern alone with a majority of seats. It would be nice if politicians, especially tory politicians, weren’t moral bankrupts though.

                   

                  • Balanced View …
                    15 September 2012 at 12:06 am

                    It would also be nice if parties that gained 1.43%, 1.07%, and 0.6% of the overall vote didn’t find themselves in strong bargaining positions.

                    • McFlock …
                      15 September 2012 at 12:12 am

                      Better than 40% dictating over 60%.  

                    • Balanced View …
                      15 September 2012 at 12:17 am

                      Actually, it would be 40% dictating over 35%, 10%, 10%, and 5%.
                      I would much prefer this than the mess we have today.

                    • McFlock …
                      15 September 2012 at 12:28 am

                      Actually, if you’d looked at the election results link you’d see that 38.8% dictated over 39%, 20.7% (and 1.6% that didn’t get a seat).
                          
                      Give me MMP over that any day. 

                    • Balanced View …
                      15 September 2012 at 1:07 pm

                      Actually, you’d find that NZs democratically voted individuals into electorates. The party that won the most electorates governed.
                      So every electorate had a representative that could vote on their behalf.
                      That makes perfect sense to me

                    • McFlock …
                      15 September 2012 at 3:24 pm

                      gerrymander. Look it up. It’s even hyperlinked for you.

                    • felix …
                      16 September 2012 at 3:31 am

                      Perhaps it “makes perfect sense” to you because you don’t remember how it actually worked.

                      In reality under FPP large amounts of people effectively had no way to meaningfully vote, purely by virtue of where they lived.

                      I suspect you’re too young to have voted under this system, in which case your confusion would be partly understandable. However it’s no excuse not to listen to and learn from those who did.

                • mike e …
                  15 September 2012 at 11:06 am

                  BV Its Back fired on National big time!
                  So are you upset that National is loosing support over this!
                  time for a cup of tea and calm down and we might get a balanced view!

                  • Balanced View …
                    15 September 2012 at 1:10 pm

                    I’m not upset at all. Good riddance to him.
                    But I am frustrated at minorities getting opportunities to become king makers. That is NOT democratic.

            • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.1.1.3
              15 September 2012 at 12:42 am

              It’s obvious that National – especially JK – barely tolerate Banks.

              Bollocks, Banks is Blue through and through and always has been. National will think he’s a Stirling guy but that he’s stuffed up the PR by not keeping his actions under the radar.

              • mike e …
                15 September 2012 at 9:45 am

                Banks a Christian Yeah Right.
                Honesty Compassion Greed Humility
                A million Dollars Couldn’t buy him the Auckland mayoralty poetic justice.
                Corrupt Conman!

        • mike e 12.1.1.2
          15 September 2012 at 9:54 am

          Balanced view National would have some other RWNJ to do their bidding make no mistake about that.
          While Banks is around the stench will be doing more damage than good politics is a dirty business.
          MMP has national painting its self into a corner.
          Under FPP National always had the upper hand with the rural seats and gerrymandering of the electoral boundaries due to long spells in power.
          They also disenfranchised the itinerants in society by not allowing people to register up till voting day.

        • felix 12.1.1.3
          16 September 2012 at 4:03 am

          BV:

          John Banks would not be in parliament today had it not been for MMP.

          Epsom is and always has been a safe National seat, one of the safest in the country. National can back any candidate they like, wearing a National ribbon or any other ribbon, and that candidate will be elected.

          Banks is the MP because – and only because – National wish it so. If National wanted someone else to be the MP for Epsom, then someone else would be.

          That applies under both MMP and FPP. (Although that’s moot, as Banks won the electorate race which is a FPP contest).

          And MMP is precisely the reason the JK will hold off as long as possible to sack him

          No, the reason Key won’t sack him as a Minister is because Key wants him as a Minister. What are you saying, that the ACT Party Leader would turn around and vote against asset sales?

          Turn it up mate.

  13. captain hook 13
    15 September 2012 at 10:50 am

    does he still remember how to tie his own shoelaces?

  14. captain hook 14
    15 September 2012 at 10:50 am

    lets see his birth certificate too.

  15. Penny Bright 15
    15 September 2012 at 10:51 am

    Looking forward to finding an MP who’s prepared to present the following petition:

    “That the House conduct an urgent inquiry into the findings of the Police investigation into the allegations that the Hon. John Archibald Banks, CNZM QSO, submitted a false donation return in respect to the Auckland Council Mayoral election 2010 – that it was not unlawful for the Hon. John Archibald Banks, CNZM QSO to sign and transmit his candidate’s declaration of expenses without first personally checking and verifying that the information provided (by another party) was accurate.”

    Really do think that this needs sorting – URGENTLY?

    (Given that New Zealand is ‘perceived’ to be ‘the least corrupt country in the world’ – sort of thing?)

    How is it that the signature of the Leader of the ACT Party – which purports to uphold ‘personal responsibility’ – is SO meaningless, and carries SO little weight?

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption campaigner’

    http://www.dodgyjohnhasgone.com

    • Balanced View 15.1
      15 September 2012 at 1:11 pm

      On a scale of 1-10 – where would you place this level of “corruption” in this instance?

      • Huginn 15.1.1
        15 September 2012 at 11:33 pm

        That’s a slippery slope, BV.

      • felix 15.1.2
        16 September 2012 at 3:15 am

        I place it pretty high on the scale BV.

        Politician running for public office promising favours in return for money and falsifying documents to hide the source of the money from public scrutiny.

        It’s pretty much a textbook description of political corruption.

  16. xtasy 16
    16 September 2012 at 11:15 pm

    He is a “married man”, offensive, aye, yeah, right, yet vote for gay marriage, due to pressure by ACT members? What does J.A. Banks stand for again????

    Hahaha, I forgot:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CvRSZxqk_I&feature=fvwrel

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    1 hour 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 day 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 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-25T03:41:35+00:00