Billions of lies

Written By: - Date published: 7:49 am, April 29th, 2017 - 41 comments
Categories: economy, election 2017, infrastructure, making shit up, spin, Steven Joyce - Tags: , , , ,

The Nats are settling in to election mode – smoke and mirrors and they hope we won’t notice – Billions for infrastructure reflects booming economy – Joyce

Finance Minister Steven Joyce yesterday promised to pump an extra $11 billion into new infrastructure over the next four years, spread across new schools, hospitals, housing, roads and railways.

Yeah nah – Joyce’s big reveal not what it seems

Then he got to his announcement, that the Government had decided to invest $11 billion into new capital infrastructure over the next four years, including $4 billion in the Budget he’ll be delivering in about a month’s time. They were impressive figures from a Government finally doing something about our congested roads, exploding school rolls and overcrowded hospitals.

But hang on – the announcement wasn’t quite what it seemed. They’d already said last December they were going to spend $9 billion bucks over the same time. In reality the announcement essentially was about what they’d already told us they were going to do, with an additional billion being tagged on as election lolly this year with another couple of dollops a few years out if they’re reelected.

That’s billions of dollars worth of lies then.

41 comments on “Billions of lies ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. gsays 1
    29 April 2017 at 8:18 am

    How are the 10 Northland bridges coming along?

    • The decrypter 1.1
      29 April 2017 at 8:48 am

      Several bridges have already been sold, but if you want to buy a bridge,” I have a bridge to sell you,”

      • ianmac 1.1.1
        29 April 2017 at 8:56 am

        Aha! You decrypter are really that Joyce chap. And I wouldn’t trust you at all!

      • gsays 1.1.2
        29 April 2017 at 9:18 am

        Hmmm.. how much?
        If you have one called Simon, I would be keen to acquire it for a garden ornament.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 1.1.3
        29 April 2017 at 9:19 am

        Northland didn’t buy the bridges, so none were ever built.

        • gsays 1.1.3.1
          29 April 2017 at 9:21 am

          I remember a public assurance that regardless of result, the bridges were to be built.

    • saveNZ 1.2
      29 April 2017 at 9:19 am

      With a few cardboard boxes under the bridge, (or maybe an ‘upmarket’ container shanty village), the housing crisis can be solved by the Natz!

    • Incognito 1.3
      29 April 2017 at 9:22 am

      The plans have been drawn, approvals obtained, and they are ready to start building. In Minecraft.

      • David Mac 1.3.1
        29 April 2017 at 9:48 am

        Speaking of Northland bridges, I was amused to see 3 men in hard hats in a triangular conversation at the Southern end of the Taipa bridge a few weeks ago. I guess, technically, now the claim can be made “The Taipa bridge widening is underway.”

        I’m not sure how those that use the bridge regularly feel, personally I like it as it is. Rarely do I wait for longer than a minute, it’s a chance to respond to a text or raise a finger to the blokes I haven’t seen for ages coming the other way. NZTA put up temp traffic lights for the loopy Xmas/New Year fortnight.

        The bridge makes us special. Where else is there a State Highway running into a village via a 1 lane bridge? I’d rather see the money building a fight gym out at Whatuwhiwhi and a few of the old folk around the Bay getting new hips and heart-jobs. If it becomes an issue, give a set of traffic lights a go before spending the millions on widening.

        • Bearded Git 1.3.1.1
          29 April 2017 at 10:00 am

          @David Mac Nicely put. You raise an interesting issue. Maintenance and not-always-necessary minor improvements to State Highways cost over a billion a year and with people like Joyce in charge this will never be questioned-there are plenty of vested interests looking for those contracts.

          However, if maintenance was scaled back to say $700m a year imagine what could be done with $300m in terms of community assets (parks, gyms, youth centres, toilets and picnic facilities at free camping areas, school rebuilds [see Chiquita below]) improvements to public transport and walking and cycle tracks, both urban and the long ones the tourists love that cross NZ.

          This government likes to express expenditure figures over several years to impress (hence the equal pay settlement costs $2 billion rather than $400m a year over 5 years). Well redirecting $300m a year of roading expenditure over 5 years would add $1.5 billion to the assets listed above.

          • David Mac 1.3.1.1.1
            29 April 2017 at 10:25 am

            Because the cars are moving slowly, in one direction and the pedestrian way is well protected from the road. It’s safe for children and adults reliving their youth to leap off the bridge to the estuary a few metres below. There is no “Don’t jump off the bridge” sign. We encourage it. A swish 2 lane bridge would see the end of that traditional Kiwi Summer thrill. An afternoon of hooting and laughter with the kids. When the tide gets too low, down onto the mud and into the cockles. Cost: Free. Value: Priceless.

            • Pete 1.3.1.1.1.1
              29 April 2017 at 10:35 am

              So the bridges don’t need to be widened.
              Why did National promise to widen them? And if they are not to be widened so the money can be spent on community assets, what chance that money would be spent on community assets in those Northland communities?
              (And the money on the Holiday Highway too for that matter.)

              • David Mac …
                29 April 2017 at 5:24 pm

                Hi Pete, these are just my thoughts re: 1 of the bridges. The people that use it regularly may feel differently to me. Finding out what the people want is a logical place to start. Ask the people waiting to cross it to visit a website that features the pros and cons, invite visitors to note the suburb they live in and ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

                But we get….”We’re going to build bridges, really fabulous bridges, you wait till you see these bridges…..’Someone else talks like that??’ Is it just a coincidence that Mr Bridges is the minister for Bridges? If Simon Power comes back and gets the Energy portfolio I’m calling for an Enquiry.

                Yes Pete, how do we know the bridge money we saved is building a gym out on the Peninsula? Provided we’re not planting out a forest in the Gobi Desert at the time, it could get spent there. What a wonder true transparency would be.

                A press release like: ‘The people in the Far North have decided to postpone the widening of the Taipa bridge and wish to see the money invested in an extension of the Kaitaia hospital and a gym at Whatuwhiwhi. Tender details for the construction of both buildings will appear in next Thursday’s Northland Age.

                A government that does stuff like that would be cool.

          • Draco T Bastard 1.3.1.1.2
            29 April 2017 at 10:56 am

            However, if maintenance was scaled back to say $700m a year imagine what could be done with $300m in terms of community assets

            You’d get shit like this:

            The tragic rush-hour collapse in Minneapolis of the I-35W Bridge over the Mississippi River is again forcing a reexamination of the nation’s approach to maintaining and inspecting critical infrastructure.

            According to engineers, the nation is spending only about two-thirds as much as it should be to keep dams, levees, highways, and bridges safe. The situation is more urgent now because many such structures were designed 40 or 50 years ago, before Americans were driving weighty SUVs and truckers were lugging tandem loads.

            Cutting maintenance on infrastructure will kill people. I suspect that we actually need to increase it but if we did that then we’d have to raise taxes and rates which would get lots and lots of people complaining about it due to their ignorance.

    • timeforacupoftea 1.4
      29 April 2017 at 10:53 am

      Simon B is dead in the water I would say !

    • mary_a 1.5
      29 April 2017 at 2:05 pm

      @ gsays (1) … well let’s hope the good folk in the Northland electorate are taking notice of the fact they were fed BS by the Natz and vote accordingly this year.

    • John 1.6
      30 April 2017 at 5:23 pm

      The northern motorway extension puhoi to warkworth promised in 2008 has only just started at the end of 2016. Northland always last cab off the rank as it was safe national territority. Until Winston rattled their cage. Not sure if any or how many of the 10 bridges will be built in time for the 2917 election.

    • michelle 1.7
      1 May 2017 at 2:11 pm

      yeah wheres all the bridges they promised bloody liars the only bridge they have provide is simon bridges

  2. Ch_ch chiquita 2
    29 April 2017 at 8:22 am

    Schools in Christchurch are still waiting to be rebuilt with no start date on the horizon, so we all know it is nothing but a good headline.
    I wonder if the punters on social media are going to ask where the money is going to come from like they do whenever Labour is releasing a policy of funding something.

  3. Ad 3
    29 April 2017 at 9:11 am

    This government has altered the entire motorway network across the North Island, and they have set further projects going that will see that progress continue for many years to come (I don’t agree with all of them, but most have been worthwhile). There are plenty of areas that are far safer and faster than they used to be. They deserve credit for that.

    Other than some earthquake recovery works, the projects take so long – usually three terms from plan to ribbon cut – that surely there is no electoral benefit. Even the National Convention Centre is still only a hole in the ground four years from inking the deal.

    I would want that long term country-altering attitude from any government.

    • John up North 3.1
      29 April 2017 at 10:45 am

      “I would want that long term country-altering attitude from any government.”

      Unfortunately apart from the BS RONS (roads of national significance), it seems the other plans and schemes this Nat govt has embarked upon that fit this criteria include but not limited to the following hobbling of our population.
      – Under funding of Education.
      – Under funding of Health.
      – Under funding of Social Services.
      – Under funding of DOC.
      – Under funding of RNZ.
      – Asset Sales.
      – State assisted money laundering (Panama Papers).
      – Ostrich behaviour in regards to Climate Change.
      – ditto our water ways and use/selling of our water.
      – Thoughtless (???) Immigration policy.
      – The housing crisis.

      These are all parts of a long term country-altering attitude (plan?) from THIS government.

      ps: The ??? re immigration policy being thoughtless is because I actually think a lot of thought has put into the current policy, and it works as planned, even Benglish loves our low wage economy.

      • Ad 3.1.1
        29 April 2017 at 10:57 am

        They have continued Clark’s policies almost in total.

        They have, through earthquake storm and flood, taken the “nationbuilder” crown from Labour.

        They have plenty to go to the electorate with.

      • Robert Glennie 3.1.2
        29 April 2017 at 1:35 pm

        New Zealand FIrst has Railways of National Importance (R.O.N.I.), which is a plan to work on improving the capacity of and better using our railways. It includes re-establishing as a major railway the Napier to Gisborne line.

        And just wondering in terms of supplying petroleum to some provinces, whether or not it could not be put on rail instead of a big fleet of rigs on the road.

  4. gsays 4
    29 April 2017 at 9:19 am

    While I am at it, I recall the selling of the power companies was to fund investment in schools, hospitals etc.

    • The decrypter 4.1
      29 April 2017 at 9:53 am

      Good things take time. Anyway how about a Crowd funding or give a little venture to buy an ex railway bridge, many have coastal views, In some cases hemp intrusion clearance required, hence bargain prices

  5. Morrissey 5
    29 April 2017 at 9:58 am

    So Northland will reject National again, and vote for Winston. But what’s the bet that, if the General Election result is closer than we are expecting, the old fool won’t end up in coalition with his former party again?

    • fisiani 5.1
      29 April 2017 at 10:41 am

      Winston had a dislike of Honest John but admires Bill English. So too does Shane Jones. National plus NZF would be over 50%.

      • Johan 5.1.1
        29 April 2017 at 10:51 am

        I count five lies in the above comment, fisiani.

      • Ad 5.1.2
        29 April 2017 at 10:58 am

        Winston for PM either way it goes.

      • ropata 5.1.3
        29 April 2017 at 11:07 am

        who is this “Honest John” you keep mentioning?

        doesn’t sound like any politician i have heard of

        • The decrypter 5.1.3.1
          29 April 2017 at 11:31 am

          Sir john Harrington-well known for developing flush toilets. Sir john key idolised him.

      • WILD KATIPO 5.1.4
        29 April 2017 at 11:13 pm

        @ fisiani

        Something a little off topic.

        But enough to make guys like you suck in your breathe before you spout off anymore and spew your bullshit all over this site.

        And here’s the website to confirm:

        New Right Fight – Who are the New Right?
        http://www.newrightfight.co.nz/pageA.html

        Idiots like you make me want to puke.

        …………………………………………………..

        Mont Pelerin on the Left…. Mont Pelerin on the Right
        By 1990, when a population disgusted with being the guinea pigs for the most radical free market experiment in the Western world, clearly intended to kick the Labour Party out of office, the Mont Pelerinites moved to secure their “revolution.” According to economist David Steele, writing in the March/April 1990 edition of the PSA Journal, shortly before the election, a three man delegation from the Business Roundtable, two of whom were Mont Pelerin members Gibbs and Kerr, met with National Party leader, and soon to be Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, to “request” that Ruth Richardson, a Mont Pelerin asset, be made Finance Minister in his new government. She was, and Mont Pelerins revolution escalated’, as Richardson and the Nationals – again, under cover of a “crisis”suddenly discovered by the treasury – rammed through the Mont Pelerin Society programme of “labour market reforms,” which even Roger Douglas had not been able to do. Such “reforms”effectively end trade unionism as it had been known in New Zealand for decades. Indeed, the infamous Employment Contract Act did not even mention the word “trade union”once.
        Mont Pelerin Society member Gibbs, the close friend and early tutor of Roger Douglas in economics, cashed in handsomely on “Rogernomics”; over the years of the “reform” he and the Mont Pelerin Society had imposed on New Zealand, Gibbs’ personal wealth had soared from $46 million in 1986 to $200 million by 1998, making him the 4th richest person in New Zealand at the time.

        ………………………………………………………..

        Suck on that for a bit and explain your right wing NAZI bullshit if you can.

        That is , – after you have read the whole site .

        I think you might have to have a cup of tea and a lie down after you read it however, it makes you drongos look like glove puppets.

  6. bruce 6
    29 April 2017 at 11:05 am

    I think before money is spent on new infrastructure there is quite a bit to do on maintaining the old. I had to take the road to Whangerai last week and the road is in a terrible state with big pot holes abounding. I can understand the need now for a gas guzzling SUV, in our little city runabout I found the road treacherous .

  7. dukeofurl 7
    29 April 2017 at 12:24 pm

    And the school rebuilding. Nikki Kaye has run around telling all sorts of schools they have approval to get plans.

    Thats all they get as funding wont be coming after the election
    remember this one?

    “Northland ‘slum’ school fix-up very slow”
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/275258/northland-%27slum%27-school-fix-up-very-slow
    The money never came for rebuild, what they got was patchups.
    Once it was high lighted suddenly the funding was there.

    And this bypass for Rotorua announced before 2014 election?

    they even had plans produced.

    cancelled in late 2015.
    The NZ Transport Agency has confirmed that the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA) will not be constructed and that the designation will no longer be required.
    https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh30-rotorua-eastern-arterial/

    That was one hell of a mirror ($100m+) as anyone could see it wouldnt solve anything

    There is whole list of new ‘arterials’ proposed for this election, Whangarei Taranaki Nelson southern link etc

    There is even a $15 m project to improve caess for Fonterras tankers around its giant Edendale plant in Southland.

    https://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/edendale-state-highway-1-bypass/2016-10-14-Proposed-alignment-Option-2.pdf

  8. Sacha 8
    29 April 2017 at 3:54 pm

    From the sidebar, Julie-Anne Genter notes how Joyce and co are spinning their numbers on infrastructure and have wasted $10b on questionable pork-barrel highways https://blog.greens.org.nz/2017/04/29/steven-joyce-spent-billions-on-highways-you-wont-believe-what-happened-next/

    • Muttonbird 8.1
      29 April 2017 at 11:00 pm

      Interesting what she says about the Waterview tunnel:

      The Waterview Connection is about to be a huge scandal: the $2 billion tunnel has been so poorly designed, it will have ramp signals on the tunnel itself. Rumours have it that the opening has been delayed because shoddy concrete under a ventilation tower has collapsed, and that the ramp signals are needed to prevent people asphyxiating if traffic gets backed up.

      I had a theory here a few weeks ago that National had ordered they delay so that the benefits of the new opening would be felt by the public closer to or immediately before the election.

      Now I’m starting to think they’ve ordered the delay until after the election because the thing is going to be so bad when it opens because of poor design and cost-cutting, that there’ll be a severe public backlash.

      • Sacha 8.1.1
        29 April 2017 at 11:31 pm

        Feels like the delay is driven from lower down than govt. Stuff-up rather than conspiracy. Differing stories about what the problem is.

    • Ad 8.2
      30 April 2017 at 7:05 am

      If I were Minister I would stall the opening until that Waterview cycleway is completed.

      July.

      Deep into election season.

      With added bonus of children on bicycles for the tv news slot.

  9. Keith 9
    29 April 2017 at 7:00 pm

    I have it good authority that Kiwirail had a substantial insurance policy in respect of Kaikoura that has saved the governments arse.

    I wonder if this so called “extra” funding for infrastructure includes that insurance money? Because if it does it’s yet again another lie on top of a lie from National for the voting population given with all the contempt that those who do the lying have for people .

    Key may have been the spiv suited wide boy front man for this bunch of liars but Joyce has always been the media strategist.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours 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
    23 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
    23 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    7 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
    1 week 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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-02T05:05:25+00:00