Charles’ valedictory

Written By: - Date published: 8:25 pm, February 27th, 2013 - 104 comments
Categories: Politics - Tags:

Labour has lost a fine legal mind. Good luck Charles, you’ve done good, and hopefully David Shearer will heed your advice.

104 comments on “Charles’ valedictory ”

  1. Yep Charles will be missed. He was one of the few who could be given a bill understand the implications and organise a proper response. His particular skills were quite unique and he was always in demand.

    • IrishBill 1.1

      I’m pleased he called for Phil and Trevor to go (10’50”) it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that.

      • Anne 1.1.1

        Oh well said Charles Chauval. His so sound advice starts… at 10:40mins. Will commonsense finally prevail? Fingers crossed.

        • wobble 1.1.1.1

          A transcription for those who can’t view the video….

          “It’s unproductive to keep trying to locate and exclude the supposed enemy within.

          Instead in order to avoid history repeating it’s time for an honest, open, and overdue assessment of the 2011 election campaign produced Labour’s worst ever electoral result.

          Those responsible for it should make dignified exits, and all the undoubted talent and diversity of the caucus should be included in the shadow cabinet.

          To put it in another way, in Gough Whitlam’s immortal words “the party must have both its wings to fly”.

        • tc 1.1.1.2

          Common sense and doing what’s right isn’t in the old guards vocabulary, like has been out of date management teams a full clear out is required by the shareholders as they aint doing it themselves.

          • Mary 1.1.1.2.1

            Here’s one for DB Breweries:

            “I’m really confident now Annette’s back that Labour can regain its status as a caring party rebuilt on traditional left-wing principles that put people before profits.”

      • Socialist Paddy 1.1.2

        it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that

        Aye but it is sad that an MP only feels that he can say this publicly in his valedictory speech.

        What is going on?

        Why are very good MPs like Lianne Dalziel being demoted and Louisa Wall being ignored because they are on the “wrong side”.

        It is up to the members to get their party back. It has been done before. It is time to do it again.

      • burt 1.1.3

        IrishBill

        I’m pleased he called for Phil and Trevor to go (10’50″) it’s about time someone from caucus came out and said that.

        Yep, that’s the truth…

      • Tom Gould 1.1.4

        How ironic that Charles calls for inclusion and the first out of the blocks finger people for execution.

        • aerobubble 1.1.4.1

          English moves to have mortgages put 20% up front, how ironic. And the silence from Labour, when the mortgage deposit was lowered due to wages failing to keep up with home ownership aspirations, does that mean Labour is out in front demanding wages now rise? No, that’s the Greens job. What does Labour stand for? More Phil and Trevor, of course.

  2. hush minx 2

    A fine and thoughtful speech. I noted there were some less than happy looks on the faces of the front bench at the end. He has set them a challenge that they have failed so far. Now is the time for them to step up, but it’s come at the cost of a good mp who understood the best of what labor can be.

  3. Anne 3

    I noted Moana Mackey and Lianne Dalziell appeared not too far from tears. Two equally fine and intelligent MPs who paid a price for supporting David Cunliffe.

    • Anne 3.1

      My apologies. It’s Dalziel.

      An edit, an edit, our kingdom for an edit. 😈

      [lprent: Working on it. I suspect that if I turn off the RSS aggregator that it will start working. ]

    • George D 3.2

      They’re both talented, and we can’t afford not to have them utilised. I hope sense prevails soon.

  4. xtasy 4

    Two wings of Labour to come together, aye? I would hope and dream, but cannot see it.

    I also note the clear criticism of the media in NZ, and it is hitting and totally correct.

    Yes, while Europe is no longer that influential in this part of the world, it is still to many a beacon of hope, when it comes to democracy, the rule of law and offering people a better life, despite of all the drama the mainly Mediterranean member countries of the Euro Zone have to go through.

    What else is there to choose from? US, China, India, Japan and various other countries not coming close to a humane, democratic and at least attempted fair society as in much of Europe.

    NZ must think carefully and smartly, and not become a peasant nation under adverse influences. I congratulate Charles Chauvel, he will be a loss for Labour, for sure. A smart and sound legal mind with experience always helps.

  5. wobble 5

    Yep. Sad to see Charles go. He’s got good principles and a sharp mind.

    Don’t blame him though. It sounds like caucus isn’t the most fun place in the world to be.

  6. AsleepWhileWalking 6

    Wise words from a smart man.

  7. Ad 7

    with all the couldas and the shouldas and other counterfactuals that run through the mind with that, it kind of makes for a melancholy evening.

  8. KhandallaViper 8

    A sad day for the New Zealand Labour Party.

    And so Aneeeeete, Treev, whatsitsname from further up the Hutt (the anger management boy), Grant (came third to the Greens in Wellington Central) and the hangers-on will have a few from the top shelf to “mark the occassion”.
    Shearer will…of course say nothing genuine…and wonder what the top shelf is.

    • outofbed 8.1

      Yes he sure came third in Welly central on party vote.
      Maybe he should stop splitting the left vote inWC in the electorate vote and not run next time 🙂
      James Shaw of the Greens would be a fine electorate MP IMHO

      • alex 8.1.1

        He would make a good electorate MP, though might not be able to beat whichever stuffed shirt the Nats put up simply because he is a Green.

  9. Craig Glen viper 9

    Sad to see Charles go, Labour actually can’t afford to loose him because sadly this caucus is lacking Mps of his calibre. I can’t say I blame him for leaving though working in a caucus were people leak to the media and the so called senior whip defames an MP because it suits their own purpose must be pretty shit.
    All the best with the new job.

  10. pollywog 10

    Chur chur Charles.

    Ballsy speech. Hopefully you’ll be back when Shearer gets rolled and Cunliffe is running tings proper!

  11. KhandallaViper 11

    When I think of what the biggest issue is for New Zealand, I think “Hollowing Out” of the economy and society.

    When I see a young talent like Charles pushed out by Shearer, I think “Hollowing Out” of the Labour Party.

    I’m sad and angry. What a ******* stupid stupid ignorant waste.

    ref “young”: Shearer was born in July ’57. Charles was born in April ’69.

  12. George D 13

    That was a very direct claim he made about Farrarblog and SlaterOil.

    • Ad 13.1

      …which could hardly be said by National about The Standard and its relation to either Labour or the Greens…

      Hopefully TheDailyBlog goes just a tiny way to filling the space he wanted formed within the media.

    • lprent 13.2

      What was it? I’m a bit short of time looking at javascript conflicts to watch the video.

      Never mind. I can probably find the transcript…

      • Ad 13.2.1

        He said roughly that Whaleoiland Kiwibog act as mouthpieces for National and are fed information straight from Ministers’ offices.

        • lprent 13.2.1.1

          Yep… Just through on the feed. http://www.labour.org.nz/news/valedictory-speech

          Institutions beyond government need strengthening too. Democracy requires a free, well-resourced, unbiased fourth estate. Journalists working in much of our undercapitalized, foreign-owned media are under constant professional pressure. This comes from many quarters, including the constant need to sell newspapers and airtime, and to compete with instantly available online sources. In the case of the two better-known right wing blogs, those online sources are proxies for the present government, with much copy supplied directly out of ministers’ offices at taxpayers’ expense. A general dumbing down, but more importantly a loss of independence, have been among the inevitable results.

          Ummm…

  13. Anne 14

    Wry humour:

    Two posts have appeared today on Red Alert. 1st @ 3:48pm, 2nd @ 9:41pm. Nothing re-Charles Chauval speech. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that site run by Curran and Mallard – with a bit of help from Robertson?

    To be fair if you dig far enough you’ll find it on Labour’s web site.

  14. saarbo 15

    Labour currently have several problems, one of them is a real lack of talent in caucus. Chauvel was one of the members Labour needed to keep, a very clever straight shooter.

    It is probably too late for decent clean out and full re structure of Labour now, it will happen when they lose in 2014.

  15. Tim 16

    +13
    All of the above.
    What stands out for me is the Wiki ref provided by Khandallah Viper in which they quote him thus:
    “…… but I do want to be there for a period of time such as I can get some things done, and leave feeling that I have achieved something.”
    I sincerely hope Charles knows he has achieved something but I suspect it was not as much as he would have wished.
    Comes a time though when pushing shit uphill is a waste of life and one can be more productive elsewhere – even if hopefully at some stage he will be able to return and complete his ‘vision’ (erk – pardon the vision bit).

  16. paul 17

    He was on track to roll the cockatoo in Ohariu too.

  17. Naki nark 18

    Trevor Mallard was campaign manager. Maybe Trevor is what Charles was speaking about.

    But instead of thinking about it Trevor went on Twitter and said ‘My decision to seek Hutt South nomination just reinforced’ after the speech.

    I think that Trevor is very bad for Labour. He makes me cring when he says point of order point or order point of order.Trevor has been the MP for so long that may be he has lost the grip on reality like Chris Carter did.

    I am very angry because Labour is not about one person Trevor!

    https://twitter.com/TrevorMallard/status/306629099105943552

    • Utterly disgusting behaviour by Mallard.

    • Blue 18.2

      He can seek the nomination. But I hope every person who is willing and able fights like hell to make sure he loses.

      • gobsmacked 18.2.1

        And this is exactly why Labour are getting it so wrong.

        I’m not an insider, a rune-reader, so I don’t really know what Mallard’s tweet means (sure, I can guess, but that’s all). What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.

        Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.

        • lurgee 18.2.1.1

          ‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’

          Bit like you see on this thread, you mean “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”

        • lurgee 18.2.1.2

          ‘What we’re getting is a daily diet of innuendo like that, sniping and whispering, while simultaneously the same people are saying “Everybody Unite!”.’

          Bit like you see on this thread, you mean? “Everyone unite … against Shearer!”

          • gobsmacked 18.2.1.2.1

            No. Not a bit like you see on this thread.

            People who don’t think much of Shearer say things like “I don’t think much of Shearer”. See?

            I don’t like Mallard, I think he should leave Parliament. This would help Labour.

            See? Not hard.

        • Colonial Viper 18.2.1.3

          Labour would have been SO much better off having open debates, contests of ideas, and ultimately, a resolution. Instead they’ve got a holy fu**ing mess. And it won’t be solved by purges.

          The funny thing is, the For Free political advisors here on The Standard advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several months.

          And, we are being proven right.

          • felixviper 18.2.1.3.1

            *Years*

            Advised the Labour caucus on this very strongly for the last several *years*.

    • Rhinocrates 18.3

      Christ, what an utter prick.

  18. hush minx 19

    I would have hoped he could have responded with a bit more grace and generosity than that, but then again it is Trevor! He never really has accounted for the poor performance of the last election. Mind you, Grant hasn’t either.

  19. Hami Shearlie 20

    Great speech! And I was happy to hear what he very bluntly, but politely, said about the “ABC” brigade! As my Irish father used to say “He didn’t miss them and hit the wall!” Let’s hope the membership on hearing his speech ( and of course, hearing the main reason he is leaving – i.e. the ABC blockade) put pressure on that group to put the party and the people of NZ first – or GET OUT!!

  20. Olwyn 21

    It is very sad to think that he is now lost to us; he is so smart and clear-eyed. At the same time it is a relief to hear someone from inside the Labour caucus say what he has said, without rancour, in a time and place where no one could shout “crisis” and run to shut him down. I wish you all the best in your new role Charles.

  21. tc 22

    The Hollowmen are pissing themselves at how easy this all is, they got hoots helping the Mallarfia to run labour the way they want, fine MP’s like Charles departing, DC where they want him (out of their way) and no end of MSM flunkeys and bloggers to help with the spin.

  22. One Tāne Huna 23

    Toxic Trevor does his best to steal the show (what a tool), but Chauvel’s speech provides much food for thought.

    “It’s time for an entrenched Bill of Rights and a constitution, including provisions that accord the Treaty of Waitangi appropriate status. Parliamentary procedure needs further reform, including rationalising the number of select committees, and increasing their powers. Our public watchdogs need proper powers and resources. The judicial branch’s independence needs to be safeguarded…

    It’s time for the re-establishment of a strong, independent, well-resourced, multimedia public broadcaster in New Zealand…”

    I don’t really follow the antics of DPF and Mr. Oil, but I’m not sure the National Party wants to be so overtly connected with them 🙂

    And of course the remarks about the Labour caucus, the truth of which Mallard was kind enough to illustrate.

  23. Rhinocrates 24

    What a sad state a once-great party is in, a party I loyally voted for in every election.

    Look at the lineup:

    Mumblefuck – he might be mumble fuck.. or fuckmumble or mumble, I mean fuck, er…

    Goff and King – backstabbers and throwbacks from the 80s who were loyal Brides of Our Blessed Lord Roger Christ.

    Hipkins – a smug little fink of the sort that used to be called a yuppie.

    Robertson – a third-place loser in Wellington Central, a lazy, condescending, dull second-rate Machiavelli wannabe.

    Curran – a bully and blackmailer with an IQ so low the only thing you can do with her is put her in a pot and make sure that she gets watered regularly.

    Sio – AWOL on his employment portfolio, but happily campaigning for bigotry

    O’Connor – another bigot

    Mallard… who’s Mallard – no adjectives or metaphors are necessary.

    Deadwood, all of them. Meanwhile…

    Ignored or exiled: Lianne Dalziel, Louisa Wall, David Cunliffe.

    Driven out: Charles Chauvel.

  24. Jane 25

    Mallard is a toxic influence that needs to be amputated and purged. Everything about him is a disaster, the stupid tweets, the dumb distracting points of order, worst election result in many years, I used to respect him but that was a long time ago and he just must get out now, passed it and distructive. Can someone please find him a job at the UN soon!!

  25. DavidW 26

    What a hell of a way to rip the scab of a long festering wound that was supposedly starting to heal (a bit). A major throwing of toys from the safety of the cot with no regard to the broken toys and broken windows that will inevitable result in the playroom.

    A spray of bile of this magnitude from a weasel running away because he was told that he wouldn’t get the lollipop he wanted can only have one outcome. Those left will definitely have cause to ponder their futures (or lack thereof) and, quite apart from the fact that Parliament will undoubtedly be a better place for his absence, some of real talent will be considering how much of their lives they are prepared to waste while being kept behind the scenes and away from important things like policy formation and party rejuvenation.

    Way to go Chucky!!

    • quartz 26.1

      Hi Chippie.

    • One Tāne Huna 26.2

      It would really suck if it turned out that “DavidW” was in some way connected to the Labour caucus. The last thin Labour needs is this kind of spiteful negativity.

    • felixviper 26.3

      This is the start of the healing, DavidW.

      You are the scab.

      • DavidW 26.3.1

        When ya got an itch, the most natural thing to do is scratch it!

      • DavidW 26.3.2

        Besides, I don’t see any outrage, disassociation or condemnation of toxic Charles speech which would have to be one of the most self-destructive speeches ever given in my recollection. Mr mumble should be all over it like a rash.

        • Colonial Viper 26.3.2.1

          Why would there be any condemnation of a gracious, honest, from the heart speech given by a Labour MP?

          You’re not one of those Charles mentioned looking to hunt down and exclude the ‘enemies within’ are you?

          • DavidW 26.3.2.1.1

            You call that speech “gracious” CV (shudders visibly!) I would hate to hear one that was really loaded. Shearer should have invited him to piss off and not let the door hit his sorry arse on the way out.

            It was not so much a speech as a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership. Might be OK in a gloves-off (very much closed door) session looking at what went wrong last election but to do it in public was to my mind unforgiveable, treacherous and self-defeating.

            • BM 26.3.2.1.1.1

              This, classless tantrum.
              At least Cunliffe took his lumps like a Man ,Chuck on the other hand throws out his toys and runs of to NY to cry in Mums lap.
              Pathetic individual.

            • gobsmacked 26.3.2.1.1.2

              a great big one-fingered gesture at the Leadership, the Party and the membership.

              Classic!

              That’s “the membership” as in “the people”, Stalin’s version?

              Who cares about the membership? Next you’ll be suggesting they should have a say … oh, hang on.

              • DavidW

                “Who cares about the membership?” I would say I’m gobsmacked, gobsmacked but that wouldn’t be true.
                No, I was really talking about the loyal souls who have been continuing to prop up the Party’s dwindling financial resources year after year while the parliamentarians have their noses in the public trough and treat them with contempt in exactly the sort of way you have expressed.

                You know, the people who really believe and can’t pack it in and bugger off to the UN, the people who save enough from their National Super to maintain membership as a matter of trust. Trust that the principles of the workers movement are being upheld and are not sacrificed on the alter of neo-liberal social engineering.

                I would say that more than a few rank and file will be now saying “fuck it” I’ll buy another bottle of that sherry (overpriced because of Jim Anderton’s misguided tax) I like and skip my LP membership this year.

                • gobsmacked

                  You’re very confused.

                  1) Do you understand who Chauvel was criticising? 2) Do you agree with those criticisms?

                  1) Mallard and the ABC

                  2) Yes, you do … if what you say about “trough” and “neo-lberal” means anything sincere.

                  Does it?

                • Te Reo Putake

                  Hmmm, you’re not some sort of bridge dweller are you, David? Your messages are mixed, but I think the anti-Labour sentiment is starting to show through. Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party. Something nobody will ever say of Trevor Mallard.

                  Regarding the membership, numbers are up and will continue to improve as we move into the second phase of the reform process. Finances are also under control and I’m told donations from the private sector are also on the rise, as the likelihood of a change of Government becomes more apparent and business hedges its bets.

                  All in all, there is nothing in Chauve’s speech that party members don’t already know. The great thing about it is its honesty, the downside is that Charles won’t be around for the foreseeable future to help reform caucus.

                  • Anne

                    Chauvel’s speech was pretty dignified in tone and he could have been far more explicit and even nasty if he’d wanted to, but clearly, his loyalty is to the party.

                    Bravo to Charles Chauval for having the courage to say what he did without rancour or anything approaching petty, immature spite.

  26. DavidW 27

    Heh !

  27. johnm 28

    I don’t know what the fuss is. He’s just another self serving bloke on the gravy train, he’s moved onto a better gravy train. What’s so special about having a legal mind. Keyboy is shafting us all with his legal position though 80% want to hold them in Public Ownership. 🙁

  28. bad12 29

    One of the better MP’s was Charles Chauvel, i actually pictured Him as a future Prime Minister more in that role,

    Never mind Charles will be forgotten by next month, nah wait thats a couple of days away, the month after should be enough time in politics to erase Him from most memories,

    Pity as much energy wasn’t expended picking at the SCABS of and that are the National Government as what gets expended here lambasting Labour,

    Changing party allegiance to a more left leaning option would seem to be the best medicine for any perceived wrongs being currently committed by Labour…

  29. js 30

    Charles is smart and a good left winger but he was not so effective as a potential local MP. He needed to better Peter Dunne’s record of turning up to everything and being everywhere in the electorate and then he might have won the seat, but he seemed a bit bored by all that mundane stuff. And didn’t even live there which is always a bit of a negative.

  30. MichaelLP 31

    What a rude fucking prick (Mallard and his tweet).

    Absolute and undoubted proof he is In Labour for himself, not for Labour

  31. pete 32

    A guy who repeatedly loses to Peter Dunne won’t be missed.

  32. Rogue Trooper 33

    Superlative Windsor Knot; Dalziel and Pascoe (pronounced, De al)

  33. QoT 34

    You know we’re fucked when just coincidentally Paddy Gower tweets this – once Charles is out the door, of course.

    Come on, you ABC chickenshits. At least own your catty, juvenile bullshit. Because this constant stream of cowardice just makes me more and more certain that Labour is completely fucked. I thought you’d won and we were all meant to line up behind the strong, committed leadership …

    • karol 34.1

      *sigh*. Juvenile, indeed… and as for Gower’s, Twitter page, hands-in pockets attempt to be cool boy wonder, cub reporter… *snigger*.

  34. Pascal's bookie 35

    Winning: http://t.co/lFbQlRhkZH <– Roy Morgan, not pretty peeps. But don't worry, it's not the leadership's fault, or tactics, or anything really. It's just the wind. Now that Charles has gone it'll pick up; and Mallard has more time to tweet sweet nothings to whaleoil so it's good news actually.

    • gobsmacked 35.1

      So, in summary, the two things that the payroll-cheerleaders like to claim in Shearer’s favour are …

      1) his conciliation skills, he can bring people together, and lead the MMP gov’t like he made UN peace.

      2) the polls.

      Neither are looking great right now.

      Was there something else? I got nothing.

      (Please don’t say “At least he’s not John Key.” I’m not John Key either. Why don’t you get behind me! Unite, so I can be Prime Minister, or else!).

    • rosy 35.2

      So how’s that trend looking now, I wonder?

  35. No surprises with roy morgan,what the hell has to happen ?

    That’s right we have got to say nothing,do nothing, type nothing, blog nothing, just
    follow the leader,left,right,left right all the way to the edge of the cliff,where we all say
    ‘right’ and disappear into the abyss along with our hopes,wishes and dreams,at the moment
    it looks like we really are that powerless.

    Caucus, follow Charles advice and think of the people and the party and relinquish
    your stranglehold on a much needed and wanted party,your time has commeth,give
    it up, we want it back.

  36. Anne 37

    If this trend continues something is going to happen. Don’t ask me what because I haven’t a clue. I don’t have a lot of faith in the voting public, but they do seem to sense sometimes when something is wrong. They may not have a clue what it is, but they know Labour is currently not in a good place.

    My view is the main reason for the malignant behaviour particularly on the part of Mallard is because deep down he knows what Charles Chauvel said is true. But he/they won’t admit it, even to themselves. Have a look at the very end of the video. Jacinda Ardern is doing all the right things (standing and clapping) but she’s furious. The body language and facial expression says it all. (I apologise to her here and now if I have misinterpreted her response.)

    I’m sure Charles would have much preferred to have confined any criticism to the caucus, but I suspect a climate of fear has been created and no-one dares speak up. Sad, but that’s where I think it’s at…

    • karol 37.1

      I don’t think Ardern looks furious at the end of the video, but she doesn’t look very positive. Usually a farewell speech results in congratulations on a job well done. No such response from her. Ardern and Parker are clapping, but most of the time their backs are to Chauvel.

      I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings. I think they were second tier under Clark. They accepted it for that period, but thought that once Clark moved on, their time had come. They seem to believe they truly are top team, leadership material, and now they can do things the way they think they should be done. They are not aware that they are solid, second tier material, but every week they show they are not up to taking the leading roles.

      Clearly they won’t go willingly, and will need to totally fail, or to be usurped. The latter is difficult because a section of the caucus needs renewal. I suppose it really needs the membership to be able to select more suitable new candidates: ones who will recognise the kind of leader parliamentary Labour needs in the current context.

      • Colonial Viper 37.1.1

        Former staff sargeants fancying themselves with Generals stars

      • hush minx 37.1.2

        To me it looked like she was controlled in her anger, or not sure that she’d heard what she thought she had perhaps? But there was certainly a dearth of front bench MPs congratulating Charles. At the very least they should put the site of unity on given they were on camera. Heard there weren’t many MPs at his after function either.

  37. Anne 38

    I agree hush minx. She was angry or maybe shocked because she didn’t think he would do it, but it was well under control. After all they knew the cameras were on them. She and David Parker exchanged a very quick glance at each other after they rose to clap which I thought was quite telling. I guess the reason there weren’t many MPs at the after function was because the ABC Club called an urgent meeting in the caucus room. 🙂

    I don’t think it’s so much that the leadership team know Chauvel is right, but that they aren’t aware of their short-comings.

    That’s sort of what I was saying. Deep down they will know he’s right, but they won’t admit it even to themselves. I’ve seen it all before. They can’t let go of the power, the intrigues, the whole lifestyle. It gives them a feeling of self-importance (even omnipotence in some cases) which is hard to give up. The thought of becoming an ordinary citizen again fills them with horror. 🙂

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

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