Communicating policy

Written By: - Date published: 12:42 pm, April 24th, 2013 - 87 comments
Categories: energy, greens, labour, Media - Tags: , ,

We’re seeing more of these “infographic” approaches to communicating policy. Labour’s most recent effort on NZ Power seems like a good one:

NZ-Power-graphic

(Compare and contrast with a recent National effort.)

Now that we’re getting past National’s histrionics, we’re also seeing some good simple presentations of the NZ power policy, and the responses of various groups to it:
“Power shake up – a beginner’s guide”
“User groups give power plan thumbs up”

Encouraging.

87 comments on “Communicating policy ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Sweetd 1
    24 April 2013 at 1:36 pm

    What is the fair return on capital?

    • quartz 1.1
      24 April 2013 at 1:38 pm

      Global research house Morningstar said Mighty River Power would be hit particularly hard under the plan because the firm generated about 64 per cent of its power from hydro dams.

      Senior analyst Nachiket Moghe said the cost of hydro generation was less than $5 a megawatt hour, whereas the market was now paying about $70/MWh.

      That equates to a $100m hit, or 22 per cent reduction, on the firm’s operating earnings.

      • Tom Gould 1.1.1
        24 April 2013 at 3:22 pm

        I stand to be corrected, but in the bad old socialist days, the ECNZ generated the power and ran the grid, and the democratically elected power boards distributed it. So on the morning star numbers, we could be getting our power at home for maybe 10 bucks a megawatt hour or 1 cent a kilowatt hour? Instead we are paying 25 cents a kilowatt hour plus a dollar a day to be connected. Thanks, Max. Brilliant.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1
          24 April 2013 at 5:53 pm

          That sounds about right. Running a service for a profit does raise the price astronomically.

        • geoff 1.1.1.2
          24 April 2013 at 8:28 pm

          When you consider how much hydro capacity will have when manapouri returns to our supply we should be asking for a shit load more than $300 per year off our power bills. The other nice thing about manapouri is that because it is in rainy fiordland it has a great reliability.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 1.2
      24 April 2013 at 2:03 pm

      What is the fair return on capital? Having taken the Green/Labour proposal into account Morningstar reckon MRP will be returning 12%.

      • AmaKiwi 1.2.1
        24 April 2013 at 4:48 pm

        When I was in the USA (many, many years ago), regulated power companies were considered to be an ultra-safe investment, one step below government stock. Their dividends were a fraction higher than what comparable government stock was paying, say one or one and a half percent higher.

      • prism 1.2.2
        24 April 2013 at 8:06 pm

        A recent discussion on Radionz referred to fair value. I think that one of the issues is that fair value on present valuations is higher than if at takeover all assets hadn’t been revalued to a level of a new one.

    • Enough is Enough 1.3
      24 April 2013 at 2:06 pm

      It is a good question and something Norman needs to articulate soon becuase otherwise we will have another “show me the money” debacle.

      A simple formula or explanation on what fair return on capital is essential. It has to be simple firstly so that Shearer doesn’t fuck it up and secondly so voters can understand it.

      • AmaKiwi 1.3.1
        24 April 2013 at 4:53 pm

        @ Enough is Enough

        Please see my comment above: 1.2.1

        The formula is straightforward. The company’s assets can be valued by accountants. The risk is extremely low. Low risk = low reward (dividend).

        Overseas regulated power companies provide clear examples.

    • Dem Young Sconies 1.4
      24 April 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Most of the electricity generating assets have paid for themselves many times over. Therefore a fair return on this capital would be zero. I’m guessing Labour & Greens would placate the generators though, by letting them get away with a degree of usury under the NZPower scheme.

      • Draco T Bastard 1.4.1
        24 April 2013 at 5:54 pm

        +1

      • Colonial Viper 1.4.2
        24 April 2013 at 6:33 pm

        A fund needs to be built up for replacement and addition of new generation.

        • Draco T Bastard 1.4.2.1
          24 April 2013 at 9:29 pm

          No it doesn’t. The government prints the money at the time and then, over time, taxes take that money back out of circulation.

          IMO, With infrastructure you build from taxes and do maintenance through user charges.

    • Rich 1.5
      24 April 2013 at 2:52 pm

      NZ government bonds yield around 3.4%. That seems like a fair return – if a private company can’t borrow at that rate, it would me more cost-effective for the goverment to do it.

    • Draco T Bastard 1.6
      24 April 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Zero.

  2. indiana 2
    24 April 2013 at 1:57 pm

    Should there be a change of government, what is the planned implementation date of this policy? In other words, will consumers see the intended savings…year 1, year 2 or year 3 when we head to the polls again?

    • Te Reo Putake 2.1
      24 April 2013 at 3:38 pm

      I see you got your talking points email, Indiana. Keep up the good work, the others will be along shortly. Pip Pip!

    • AmaKiwi 2.2
      24 April 2013 at 4:56 pm

      @ indiana

      “what is the planned implementation date of this policy”

      ASAP because getting those prices down fast will pay dividends in the polling booths.

    • Matthew Whitehead 2.3
      24 April 2013 at 7:03 pm

      Hah, you can tell the Right has acknowledged they’ve lost the fight when they’re asking “when will our socialist overlords implement their entirely reasonable agenda?” instead of “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?”

  3. kiwicommie 3
    24 April 2013 at 2:28 pm

    Looks good and is long overdue, like the breaking up off the Telecom monopoly was long overdue. Glad it is happening come 2014-2015. 🙂

    • Sweetd 3.1
      24 April 2013 at 2:48 pm

      Is it happening come 2014-2015? If they can’t answer a simple question like what is a fair return on capital this policy risks being scuttled in its first few days of announcement.

      Looks like it is a rushed policy to get max damage against the MRP offer but as always, the devil is in the detail. Thought they might have learnt their lesson with the short lived Kiwi Build.

  4. Rich 4
    24 April 2013 at 2:56 pm

    I don’t see the point of having multiple retailers once the price is centrally set. How will they differentiate themselves with one product / one price (other than the way they do now with ‘creative confusion’).

    It’d be best if NZPower offer a direct option and retailers are free to put a margin on top of that if people want their power bills on fine parchment delivered weekly by camel or whatever.

    • AmaKiwi 4.1
      24 April 2013 at 5:03 pm

      @ Rich

      “How will they differentiate themselves”

      Pricing and service.

      In highly competitive markets there is rarely any significant difference between competitors. They just try to convince you there is.

      Example: Labour versus National

      OK, maybe that smart assed answer pissed you off. But what is the difference between Shell (now Z), Caltex, BP, and whoever else sells petrol?

      • Rich 4.1.1
        24 April 2013 at 7:15 pm

        Very little. Different grocery store deals, better or worse shops, presence out in the boondocks.

        Electricity even more so – who you buy power from has absolutely zero influence on the chance of a breakdown. It’s like having a choice of tax departments.

  5. dumrse 5
    24 April 2013 at 5:17 pm

    5000 jobs. All sitting around a desk administering the new power policy ? The next headline…. 5000 less unemployed. Sheeps dreamers need to get a fucking life.

    • QoT 5.1
      25 April 2013 at 1:19 pm

      5000 jobs. All sitting around a desk administering the new power policy ?

      I love it when you tr*lls make it incredibly obvious you haven’t done even minimal reading on an issue before trying to spike it.

      • dumrse 5.1.1
        25 April 2013 at 2:20 pm

        The big red “infographic” at the top of the page is what people read and in this particular case it has achieved its aim of telling me that this policy will “Create 5000 extra jobs”. I did indeed do the minimal amount of reading possible to the get the message. The message, that most normal people should get as well, unless of course you are referring to a subliminal message which you and your ilk seem to see all the time.

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.1
          25 April 2013 at 2:38 pm

          It seems like the 5000 jobs will come from the bullet point immediately above: the $450M economic boost.

          • Lanthanide 5.1.1.1.1
            25 April 2013 at 4:59 pm

            Nah, my first thought was “why does NZPower need 5,000 people working there?”.

            It could simply say “Create 5,000 extra jobs throughout the economy”. Simple, not confusing.

  6. BM 6
    24 April 2013 at 6:23 pm

    Needs some unicorns.

  7. Financially literate 7
    24 April 2013 at 8:20 pm

    Some people will believe anything.

    • Pascal's bookie 7.1
      24 April 2013 at 8:22 pm

      Apparently so.

      Goldman Sachs now saying the initial reaction to the policy was irrational. Wonder what was feeding that irrationality huh?

  8. Financially literate 8
    24 April 2013 at 8:31 pm

    You’re telling the story… Excite me… Please say it has a happy ending… I like happy endings…

  9. Rhinocrates 9
    24 April 2013 at 8:45 pm

    Good, finally the focus groups have said something sensible and even moral to Mumblefuck, but it would be nice if the useless prick acknowledged the Green inspiration and contribution… but once again it’s “I, I, I, I…”

    If Labour expects to be in a coalition, then it better start presenting itself as a partner.

    • Te Reo Putake 9.1
      24 April 2013 at 9:04 pm

      Ummm, the Greens talk about it being ‘their’ policy too.* Btw, I’m pretty sure Labour do regard themselves as heading into a partnership, but, having seen Gareth Hughes in action on the matter, there’s no doubt about who the junior partner is 😉

      *From their fb page:

      “The Greens have a plan that will reduce household power prices by up to $300 per year. We are paying too much for our power, with prices rising by 70% since 1992 while the OECD average price has fallen. This is how we’re going to change that.

      We welcome your feedback on this exciting new initiative: http://www.greens.org.nz/energy”

      And while I’m in the mood, ableist abuse sucks.

      • felix 9.1.1
        24 April 2013 at 9:08 pm

        Ableist abuse?

          • felix 9.1.1.1.1
            24 April 2013 at 9:23 pm

            Oh I know what it means, just wondered what you were referring to.

            Was it “useless prick”? Because I don’t think that’s about erectile dysfunction…

            • Te Reo Putake 9.1.1.1.1.1
              24 April 2013 at 9:39 pm

              I believe “disingenuous” was word of the week last week, felix.

              • Colonial Viper …
                24 April 2013 at 9:46 pm

                It can’t be abuse based on disability, if in fact no such disability exists.

                • felix …
                  24 April 2013 at 10:11 pm

                  I reckon TRP is deliberately confusing disability with lack of ability.

                  Pretty lame.

                • Te Reo Putake …
                  24 April 2013 at 10:23 pm

                  So if I call you a fucken jew, when you are not of that faith, that’s OK, CV? And abuse of red headed kids is Ok, because it’s only a perceived disability? Actually, abuse based on ‘otherness’ is um, abuse.

                  Felix, look up disability, there are plenty of definitions on the net you can learn from. If you take the time to educate yourself, you might look at terms like lame differently too. Or stay an ignorant bigot. Your choice.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    24 April 2013 at 10:27 pm

                    Abusing someone for being ginger when they are blonde, or trying to be anti-semitic towards an atheist is…sorta stupid?

                    Actually, abuse based on ‘otherness’ is um, abuse.

                    People aren’t made out of candy glass mate.

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:36 pm

                      Yeak, fuck ’em all, they should just harden up, eh? It must be nice to be so isolated from real life that you have no fucken idea of what people have to put up with because smug and cowardly gits think its funny to bully and abuse ‘others’. Abuse is abuse, CV. Don’t condone it, you’re better than that.

                      http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:40 pm

                      Who do you think is it exactly that Rhinocrates is going to drive to self harm?

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:48 pm

                      Nobody, hopefully. Right now I’m more worried about you two. I kinda thought both of you were a tad more sophisticated than this exchange suggests. Nowt queerer than folks.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:50 pm

                      Found any examples of ableist abuse in Rhino’s comment yet?

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:59 pm

                      Yep, that’s why I made the comment, as you well know. Are you enjoying playing the ignoramus, felix? It’s not very becoming.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 11:03 pm

                      So are you going to share your secret with the group?

                      Or am I too ignorant and unsophisticated to understand it?

                  • felix …
                    24 April 2013 at 10:35 pm

                    So TRP are you going to point out the abuse or not?

                    As a wise commenter said to muzza just the other day ‘if no-one knows what you’re trying to say it doesn’t mean you’re smarter than them, it means you’re communicating poorly’.

                    Or something like that.

                    I reckon once you’ve asked someone to clarify three or four times and they plain refuse, it’s safe to assume they’ve got nothing.

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:37 pm

                      Ha, didn’t I already point out that disingenuous is so last week?

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:39 pm

                      So that’s nothing then. Cheers.

                    • Lanthanide …
                      25 April 2013 at 5:03 pm

                      Also can’t see what TRP is on about.

                      But felix, this is somewhat of the pot calling the kettle black, you often are evasive and take a smarter-than-thou tone with others, instead of just answering straight questions that are asked of you.

                    • felix …
                      25 April 2013 at 7:02 pm

                      Cool, let me know when that invalidates my question won’t you?

              • felix …
                24 April 2013 at 9:47 pm

                Seriously. I don’t see it.

                Is it in a different comment or something?

                • felix …
                  24 April 2013 at 9:53 pm

                  Come on TRP, spill the beans. What’s the ableist abuse that caught your attention.

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    24 April 2013 at 10:31 pm

                    I’m sure the Health and Disabilities Commissioner will want to hear of this, whatever “this” is.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:42 pm

                      We’ll never know. Apparently explaining your points is sooooo last week.

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:49 pm

                      Yeah, felix, keep on being a wanker about it. You’re fooling no one.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:51 pm

                      Still nothing then.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:54 pm

                      I don’t think TRP has the ability to back up his accusation.

                      Is it ableist of me to say that?

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:56 pm

                      Nope, just sad.

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      24 April 2013 at 10:58 pm

                      I hope we’ve all learnt a lesson here. Accusing Key of simply being a superficial “smile and wave” politician (and one with miserable diction) is ableist and needs to be stopped now. You never know what you might drive the man to do if we keep the abuse up.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 11:00 pm

                      lolz, still nothing.

                      What if I said Shearer won’t be able to win a one on one debate with Key?

                      Is that ableism?

                    • Te Reo Putake …
                      24 April 2013 at 11:03 pm

                      Yep, starting to get there, CV, you are at least thinking it through. But not the same thing, actually.

                      And, no, felix, that would not be an abusive statement.

                      edit, much as though this has been terrific fun, I’m off. Early start, dawn service. Feel free to carry on without me.

                    • felix …
                      24 April 2013 at 11:09 pm

                      Why not? I’m commenting on his lack of ability.

                      That’s what you’re so upset about isn’t it? Knocking people for things they aren’t good at?

                      That’s what got you screeching about Rhino’s comment isn’t it?

                      If not, then what?

                      Edit: Good night then. Bit disappointed tbh, thought you were better than that. Also I never got to call you out for your disgraceful ageism.

                    • The Al1en …
                      25 April 2013 at 8:08 am

                      “lolz, still nothing.

                      What if I said Shearer won’t be able to win a one on one debate with Key?

                      Is that ableism?”

                      If you wrote ‘you’d have to be a deaf, dumb, blind retard to believe shearer could win a one on one debate with key’, then yes, although a truism, it would also be an ableism.

                      Monkey shit argument for no reason whatsoever.
                      3/10.

                    • felix …
                      25 April 2013 at 8:14 am

                      Is that to me, Al1en?

                      If so, do YOU know what TRP is referring to? ‘Cos s/he sure as hell doesn’t seem to.

                    • felix …
                      25 April 2013 at 8:23 am

                      ps jumping into a thread without bothering to find out what it’s about: 3/10

                    • The Al1en …
                      25 April 2013 at 8:27 am

                      Just a general comment at face value on a net fight.

                      On the first link, it lists words such as blind, dumb, lame etc… as words not to be used, ’cause they’re ablelist.

                      A really poor piece of arguing, right there, but I’d be in trouble if I said I was ‘bound’ to point it out.

                      Quality, not quantity is the way to go sometimes.

                      ps, Though quoting your comment, my monkey shit argument wasn’t directed at you, it just gave me an in. 😉

                      Peace it out with me and breeeaathe 😆

                    • Colonial Viper …
                      25 April 2013 at 8:37 am

                      I don’t believe in banning or controlling all but the most offensive words and expressions from the English language, it’s the start of Newspeak.

                      Further I can’t believe you used the term “monkey”. The racist overtones and history of that highly abusive and ethnically prejudicial term means that it must always be avoided in polite conversation! Really. It must. Otherwise, you’re being racist or at least, you know, referencing racist overtones, even if, you know, none was meant or even, maybe, if it wasn’t vaguely relevant. 😈

                    • felix …
                      25 April 2013 at 9:29 am

                      Sorry for snapping at you.

                      Would still be interested to know if you have any idea what the ableist abuse TRP accused Rhino of is though.

                    • The Al1en …
                      25 April 2013 at 10:13 am

                      “Sorry for snapping at you.”

                      If it doesn’t leave a mark it don’t count 😉

                      “Would still be interested to know if you have any idea what the ableist abuse TRP accused Rhino of is though.”

                      I’m guessing it’s the mumblefuck effect, though in context of effective communications, is a bit like me saying he’s as good in front of an open goal as my mate one leg pete with his slipper on.

                    • The Al1en …
                      25 April 2013 at 10:15 am

                      Further I can’t believe you used the term “monkey”. The racist overtones and history of that highly abusive and ethnically prejudicial term means that it must always be avoided in polite conversation! Really.

                      That’s the simmionists pissed off, no for those weirdo ape men 😆

            • QoT 9.1.1.1.1.2
              25 April 2013 at 1:25 pm

              Jumping in at the top of the thread: I believe TRP is referring to “Mumblefuck”. He has previous form.

              (Note: in replying to TRP I did compare mumbling to stuttering, which obviously was actually ableist of me. Readers may however note that his “evidence” for “Mumblefuck” being ableist consists of snapping “Truth hurts”, which sadly is not an actual argument.)

              • Colonial Viper …
                25 April 2013 at 1:37 pm

                That and no one has had any problem taking the piss out of Key’s unbelievably bad diction, suggesting that he puts it on, that he’s drunk, etc.

              • felix …
                25 April 2013 at 7:03 pm

                I don’t think that can be it QoT or TeReo would have said so, surely.

  10. newsense 10
    25 April 2013 at 12:49 pm

    This is an issue about competency and trust.

    This is a major change to a vital part of Kiwis lives. Do the electorate trust this Labour and the left coalition enough to make this change without ignoring problematic issues?

    The country has trusted Key and co on asset sales on much the same principal- he said we’ll be better off, ok sure let’s give it a go ‘cos we trust them not to mess it up. Can Labour achieve the same trust with people with misgivings?

    • Colonial Viper 10.1
      25 April 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Maybe we should trust the competency and intentions of foreign investors that they won’t raise power prices on Kiwis.

      Hey wait – unlike the old Telecom kiwishare commitment, these foreign asset sales buyers have made no such promises!

      (Hey it’s too bad you can’t run the racism against Chinese investors line on this as a follow up, as it would undermine your “Ma and Pa Kiwi Investors” pitch. Shame haha)

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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