Drug-peddlers

Written By: - Date published: 3:30 pm, May 15th, 2011 - 50 comments
Categories: health, International - Tags:

Good story from Rob O’Neill in today’s SST. Lobbyist Mark Unsworth of Saunders Unsworth is campaigning against Pharmac, ahead of the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations with the US. They want more money spent on patented drugs. Lloyd Morrison and Gareth Morgan have come to the defence of Pharmac. Morgan describes the messages being spread by Saunders and Unsworth as “misleading and dangerous to our health sector.” Morrison sees Pharmac as a model for the broader public service.

Unsorth is lobbying on behalf of the drug companies’ front organisation, Medicines New Zealand. In this he will be joined by the US Embassy, as Wikileaks showed. The 2004 cable is signed by Geoff Swindells, the Bush-appointed ambassador to New Zealand. Some excerpts:

A possible U.S.-New Zealand free-trade agreement (FTA) offers one last avenue for changing government policies that limit access to pharmaceuticals, several U.S. companies said. Meanwhile, Geoff Dangerfield, chief executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Economic Development, told a U.S. drug company that his government terminated its study of patent term extension for pharmaceuticals to keep the issue as a bargaining chip in the event of FTA negotiations. If FTA talks go forward, most of the drug companies will be looking to the U.S. government to win serious concessions from New Zealand on pharmaceutical issues. Pfizer, which withdrew from RMI early this year, will oppose free-trade negotiations until the New Zealand government alters some of its policies, especially its patent law and reference pricing.

To complement the industry’s efforts, post will work with companies to identify U.S. speakers to be brought to New Zealand and possible International Visitor Program participants, with the goal of educating New Zealand’s health practitioners, policymakers and consumers on pharmaceuticals’ role in health care.

Unsworth says the MedicinesNZ campaign is open and transparent, but I couldn’t find the slides referred to on their website. On the other hand, they clearly are lobbying for concessions to be made in relation to the Trans-Pacific Free Trade agreement. That is certainly not being conducted in an open and transparent way.

We get a good deal for our drug-buying through Pharmac. As the story says, Morrison and Unsworth clashed on Morrison’s Facebook page. Morrison says “I am able to purchase drugs here (from the drug companies) in New Zealand cheaper than they sell to their fellow Americans – the US system is not a system we should seek to replicate in New Zealand.”

50 comments on “Drug-peddlers ”

  1. ianmac 1

    Pharmac is admired overseas. The British equivalent does not have the autonomy that Pharmac has.
    The autonomy and freedom from political interference was breached by Key when he made a unilateral political decision to authorise the Herceptin drug, even though the science did not support a 12 month treatment. Imagine a Pharmac which loses its independence and becomes tossed around to political whim and the avarice of Drug companies.
    Surely our negotiators would not betray our trust for the sake of a few pieces of silver? Trust John Key? You sure…sur…sure ccccan.

    • higherstandard 1.1

      Actually the science at the time only supported a 12 month treatment in the adjuvant setting.

      That being said U believe PHARMAC generally does a very good job on behalf of the taxpayer.

  2. Colonial Viper 2

    Drug peddlers who want to hike prices on users and move more tax payers funds into corporate coffers.

  3. Jim Nald 3

    Saunders and Unsworth

  4. Adele 4

    Teenaa koutou katoa,

    The Herceptin decision was never about hard science and rigid rationality overseeing the day. It was about human emotion, and the fear of loss.

    Pharmac should not be solely about the rigid application of science to its decision-making, there should always be room for a heart.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1

      If buying more of a drug makes no difference then why would we buy more?

      • Colonial Viper 4.1.1

        Not only might the drug make no difference, it might actually cause harm and therefore additional costs and strains on our health system.

      • McFlock 4.1.2

        especially if buying more means that we can afford less in the way of drugs that will actually have a demonstrably positive effect.

    • I think you’re right that, for the women and men who were lobbying for Herceptin to be funded, it was about human emotion, and rightly so.

      I don’t, however, think human emotion came into National’s decision to highlight it during the election campaign. That was quite a deliberate, ‘rational’ decision to back a drug that would win women’s hearts and minds (that part of the vote that had persisted with Clark in 2005).

      I’m left wondering, Adele, where the room is for other hearts (e.g., those suffering from other conditions – and their families)? They feel loss too yet Pharmac – under instruction – hasn’t come to their emotional rescue. (I speak as someone who’s had three family members recently treated for breast cancer, none of which I would want to lose and one of which has had herceptin as part of her treatment.)

      If, as you advocate, drug buying decisions are to be partly driven by ’emotion’ (and, hence, by associated activism in the public sphere) then I expect drug companies very quickly to get into the business of setting up local astroturf organisations fronted by sufferers. I can’t imagine how a remotely just allocation of the drug budget could ever be achieved under those circumstances.

      Also, those who are least articulate, media-savvy, educated and middle class are unlikely to get much action on medications for illnesses that particularly afflict them compared with those illnesses afflicting the articulate, media-savvy, educated and middle class.

    • terryg 4.3

      Sorry Adele,

      but thats the worst thing Pharmac could do.

      Consider the problem of health spending. there is no upper limit on health spending. And EVERY serious case is a tragedy for those involved.

      the ONLY way Pharmac can do their job is by using a purely scientific approach. Because on emotional grounds, everybody is worthy of essentially unlimited expenditure.

      Pharmac were correct with the Herceptin decision; Shonkey was wrong – its just another part of his populist, smile-and-wave technique of getting everyone to like him (rather than, say, think carefully about his performance).

  5. Hilary 5

    We should also get rid of Direct to Consumer advertising, which are all those drug ads cluttering up the media, so that people rush of to their doctor and ask for them by name. Such advertising is only legal in the US and NZ, and no other country allows them.

    • higherstandard 5.1

      Which drug ads are those Hilary ?

      The only things i’ve seen advertised on TV are the PDE5 impotence medications.

      • rosy 5.1.1

        Losec. It drives me mad that there was an ad that people used to pressure GPs to provide a glorified antacid so they can continue with rubbish diets. (Pharmac is now funding only a generic – ‘dr reddy’s’ that is cheaper – but the demand has been built).

        A huge number of people are taking this stuff, although it’s only meant to be used for serious stomach problems, not indigestion, while others who cannot make changes to influence their health status are being denied access to some of the more advanced drugs for their condition.

        • Jim Nald 5.1.1.1

          Saunders and Unsworth.

          Mmm.

          Re direct-to-consumer advertising (note that this post by Mike Smith is about Pharmac) has attracted the response of Barrie Saunders who described it as a “non-problem”,
          eg in the New Zealand Medical Journal 2003 at:

          http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/116-1180/556/

        • higherstandard 5.1.1.2

          Losec is an OTC medicine (i.e. can be bought from a pharmacist without a Rx from a clinician) OTC medicines are advertised in many countries.

          Omeprazole is also an extremely effective medication and at around $2 per patient per month it’s also pretty cheap medication.

          • rosy 5.1.1.2.1

            I was using Losec as an example -When the losec ad started on TV it was an exhortation for people to have the GPs prescribe it. The aim was clearly to create demand. And was around $70/mth (if I recall). Clearly Pharmac have changed to Dr Reddy’s (omeprazole) because it is available at a seriously reduced price.

            It’s one of those dilemma ads for me – I take omeprazole to counter-act the effects of anti-inflammatories because I can’t get access to the drugs that might make the anti-inflammatories unnecessary (they are too expensive). So the losec ad, in particular annoyed me, if they were not able to create demand for trivial uses of the drug, rather than it being for the serious conditions it treats so well, there might be more money for more important conditions than being unable to eat fried chicken.

  6. Adele 6

    Teenaa koe, Hilary

    But aren’t those same ads providing consumers with more choice in terms of controlling their own health care. This discussion is really about how stupid do we believe the average New Zealander really is.

    • Campbell Larsen 6.1

      Adele – ads do not generally ’empower’ anyone, they exist in the most part to convince people to spend their money purchasing something.
      You speak of choice, well I say to you there can be no choice without knowledge and that’s not what people are getting from these ads. The TV is not a doctor. Pharmaceutical companies care about their profit, not about you.

      • Adele 6.1.1

        Teenaa koe, Campbell Larsen

        So, in effect, you think, New Zealanders are in fact stupid.

        • Campbell Larsen 6.1.1.1

          No, I think that advertising has the power to overcome rationality, especially when given a veneer of credibility (think infomercials and Family Heath Diary)

          Attempts to undermine NZ’s Pharmac and the role it plays in affordable healthcare are shameful.

          The TPP must not go ahead, no consultation, no partnership.

        • Puddleglum 6.1.1.2

          Adele, you should read your first comment on this post.

          Human beings are much more than rational decision makers. Their psychology is set up (designed) to respond to rough and ready cues for action – which in the modern environment has a higher chance of being maladaptive than it did in previous social environments.

          Advertisers are very aware of this, which is why advertising operates on a completely different view of human psychology than does the discipline of economics – a discipline which makes a lot of the ‘choice’ argument you have just employed.

    • Draco T Bastard 6.2

      Self-medication, especially when you aren’t trained as a doctor, is usually a bad idea.

      • Murray 6.2.1

        Its an equally bad idea to have blind faith in the medical profession. especially with the huge amount of lobbying directed at GP,s by the drug giants.
        I was one of the unfortunate people who had an adverse reaction to statin drugs as a result I now suffer from a permanent and disabling illness.
        All thanks to doctors who never warned of possible side effects.

        • NickS 6.2.1.1

          The sooner drug companies are forced to publish the full results of drug trials, the better, as they’ll often massage the data sets to ignore low incidence side effects and there’s various other statistical sins, though mostly those apply to the big block buster drugs.

          As for the muscle wasting statins can cause, if I’m remembering my biochem course right, the main issue was that they weren’t tested on large enough populations in the human testing phase. So it was only when it was approved for human use and became widespread that set of side effects become visible. And generally, because animal tests on later statins didn’t show muscle wasting at therapeutic dosages etc compared to earlier discovered statins, it was assumed that it wouldn’t be a significant side effect.

          Though with Cerivastatin Bayer A.G. didn’t release vital fucking test results that indicated it had a much higher risk of causing muscle wasting.

          Generally though, statins should only be used when exercise and dietary changes aren’t available, or when high LDL (the protein that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream) is a congenital condition caused by under active cholesterol regulation. The marketing of them is the classic example of why marketing in the drugs industry should be regulated the ever loving fuck out of because the idiots involved cannot be trusted to present information truthfully.

        • Draco T Bastard 6.2.1.2

          My mother was, for many years, diagnosed as having arthritis and then some other ailment. Finally the doctor sent here to hospital for scans and she was diagnosed as having cancer. She died nine months later.

          So I can assure you I’m not about to have blind faith in individual doctors but I’m going to have a lot more faith in their ability to diagnose and prescribe than mine. If I think the doctor I see initially is wrong, I’ll get a second opinion but I still ain’t going to go around prescribing medicine for myself which is what advertising drugs will encourage some people to do.

          • terryg 6.2.1.2.1

            DTB, its the Bell Curve at work.

            A few professions have the public into believing that every single one of them is utterly brilliant at their job (doctors, lawyers, accountants) – but its just not true.

            even those professions requiring years of university study, and many degrees.

            Alas all having a degree actually proves is that you have a degree, and probably passed at least the bare minimum requirements to get said degree.

            it says nothing about whether or not you are any good at your job.

            by way of example, I know a number of people who were disciplined and studied hard, and were able to remember vast amounts of complex material for weeks on end, and therefore scored very well in exams. All without any real understanding at all. So a few months or years later – its all gone.

            ultimately any human endeavour will obey the Bell Curve (Gaussian Distribution) if there is a reasonable number of people involved. Most will be about average in their abilities, some will be good, some will be bad, a few will be excellent, a few will be utterly atrocious.

            And it doesn’t matter what the job is – this is as true of Ditch-Diggers, Chippies and Schoolteachers as it is of Lawyers, Surgeons and Astrophysicists. because we’re all just people.

  7. locus 7

    Having a heart and funding expensive patented drugs because desperately ill people need them is one thing. It’s another thing to do this without a substantial increase in budget as this may preclude or reduce the chance of funding drugs which other desperately ill people need. Being ‘informed’ by rampant lobbying and marketing by drugs companies that aim to feed the hopes of recovery from terminal illnesses or debilitating chronic pain is yet another.

    • Draco T Bastard 7.1

      Having a heart and funding expensive patented drugs because desperately ill people need them is one thing.

      Actually, it’s just bloody stupid. We cannot afford to try to keep people alive indefinitely.

  8. Clipbox 8

    This doesn’t make it right, but I believe its quite rare for trade agreements to be conducted openly for the public to read about.

    • Jum 8.1

      Clipbox
      The difference between the TPPA and average trade agreements is the control that the US gets over NZ in more ways than just trade.

      As for Herceptin – Key cynically used it as a ploy to get women’s votes even though the medical info stated that there was no proof 12 months use would be better than the Pharmac approved time.

      People aren’t stupid when they want people they care about to be well again. We are all stupid if we believe Key was funding the extra Herceptin use for the women of this country.

      If New Zealanders lived by the dictates of the heart no child would be bashed, refuges would be closed down because they were not needed and Kiwis would have voted for someone other than a narcissistic moneytrader.

  9. KJT 9

    Interesting when they interviewed the US ambassador in Q and A yesterday.

    The implication from what he said, which Holmes missed of course, is that NZ governments can ram through free trade agreements quickly. Unlike US politicians they do not have to answer to their constituents.

  10. Adele 10

    Teenaa koutou katoa,

    I have spent time in two spheres of human endeavour – the health field, and the legal arena. Pillars to rationality, medicine and law.

    Yet, I have seen surgery where even a physician resorts to hope, despite all odds. And, I have witnessed the legal defend even the guilty on matters of principle.

    Pillars of Salt.

    Human based policies, and dare I say, left ideology, should never begin with the numbers, otherwise, how is the left different from the right, again?

    Personally, I am, learning to respect Pharmac, for other reasons.

    However, in defending Pharmac, can we then also defend the WAI 262 claim – which would restrict if not prohibit the multi-national pharmaceutical giant from claiming property and patent rights over indigenous flora and fauna. That really sucks.

  11. felix 11

    Getting a bit sick of these bastards who make a living by actively working against their countrymen and women.

    Unsworth’s actions, if successful, will result in fewer people being able to afford the medicine they need. Some of his fellow kiwis will die for his fat fee.

    Hooten’s work for the tobacco companies directly kills his fellow kiwis.

    These mercenaries almost make John Key’s work to destroy the NZ currency seem mildly evil by comparison.

  12. PeteG 12

    Getting a bit sick of these bastards who make a living by actively working against their countrymen and women.

    Like those who actively try and undermine and disrupt the government of the day?

    • felix 12.1

      No, “One-Party Pete”, that’s obviously not what I meant.

      Trying to stop a government from destroying your country is called patriotism.

      You don’t hate your country do you Pete?

      • PeteG 12.1.1

        No, I don’t hate my country, I hate the whingy hissy fitters who who grossly overstate the situation because they didn’t get their way on election day.

        I support a positive input from multiple parties who have a mandate to be in parliament. You’re the one party stater, you want to destroy any party that doesn’t follow your foolishness, and stuff the country.

        pa·tri·ot·ism – devoted love, support, and defense of one’s country; national loyalty.

        Note the reference to “national”, that means everyone and not just your own selfishness. A patriot in a democracy would support the democratic process and will of the people.

        • felix 12.1.1.1

          Pete.

          You’ve been championing the one-party state here for a while now.

          I realise you’re too thick to know that’s what you’re doing, but nonetheless that’s precisely what follows from your “get-behind-the-ruling-party-whether-you-agree-with-them-or-not” bullshit.

          If you have a coherent argument to show that this isn’t the case then now is the time to state it, but as you’ve declined every previous opportunity to do so I won’t be holding my breath.

          • PeteG 12.1.1.1.1

            As usual you are totally misrepresenting what I say with factless bullshit.

            Supporting a four party coalition that was voted for and is still supported by the majority of the people plus encouraging non-coalition parties to contribute positively is not supporting a one party state.

            Your maths is as bad as your politics.

            When you grow up and actually want to debate rather than play little games you might be taken a bit more seriously, but that may not be what you want.

            • felix 12.1.1.1.1.1

              Do you deny that you’ve been calling for opposition parties to stop opposing?

              Do you want me to provide the links?

              • PeteG

                Provide the links.

                I haven’t suggested opposition parties should stop all opposing. I’ve called for opposition parties to stop being so pathetic, and to pick fights that are justified rather than continuously wailing wolf. They’d be a bloody sight more effective when it really mattered – and they’d have a lot more time to contribute positively.

                • PeteG
                   
                  The factor that has been sending a few of us spare is that your comments about supporting the Government seem to be based on the proposal that they are the Government therefore we should support them.  How about an issue by issue approach so that if the Government appears to be making a silly decision then the opposition opposes?
                   
                  If you accept that then the possible gutting of Pharmac is a doozy.  All that will be achieved is greater costs for drugs and enrichment of overseas corporations.  Why would any Government do it?
                   

                  • PeteG

                    MS, I agree entirely with an issue by issue approach.

                    I also think Pharmac should be maintained much as it is and that so called free trade agreements should not be used to try and force excessive drug prices on us. This topic is about lobbying, I’m not aware of any inclination by our government to give in to it, if that’s what they may do (rather than just being a potential being worried about) then I would speak against it.

                    I don’t like the drug advertising we see here. It’s more likley to put me off being sucked in but when you see the success of the Double Down campaign it’s obvious there are many gullible consumers.

                • felix

                  Ok here’s the first link, in which we discover that Pete thinks opposition needs to be “justified”.

                  To whom? To Pete?

                  Or to Pete’s mythical consensus of opinion in which everyone fundamentally agrees that there’s one right way to get things done and any argument to the contrary (“opposition”) is petty point-scoring?

                  • PeteG

                    That link does nothing to support your claim that I have been “calling for opposition parties to stop opposing?”

                    Do you think opposition parties would be less effective if they chose fewer more important issues to oppose?

                    • felix

                      Yes it does Pete.

                      In the link you state that opposition parties should only oppose when doing so is “justified”.

                      I’m going to walk you through this slowly: To whom do they need to justify their actions?

                    • PeteG

                      T o t h e v o t e r s felix. Is that slow enough for you?

                      If the voters see that opposition parties are dredging up endless trivial crap:
                      – they get the perception it is being done by a trivial crappy politicians
                      – important issues that really need opposing risk being lost in the noise

                    • felix

                      Which voters, Pete?

                      The ones who voted for the governing parties or the ones who didn’t?

                      (“both” or “neither” are also acceptable answers btw)

  13. uke 13
    “A patriot in a democracy would support the democratic process and will of the people.”
    National, then, have not been behaving particularly patriotically .
  14. Kay 14

    This whole pharmac business is terrifying me. I’m completely reliant on prescription drugs to stay alive. One drug I take was branded when I started it, and as soon as that drug lost the patent and generics showed up there were a few scarey moments that I’d have to switch to a generic, which is a very dangerous thing for people with my condition. Thankfully this was recognised by pharmac and I’m able to stay on the brand fully subsidised.
    The problem is, when a drug company isn’t making a profit on one of their products, said product is frequently pulled out of NZ. There are no issues with generics except for people who are settled on the brand and are forced to switch. One of the “incentives” that’s been mentioned in this big pharma lobbying is refusing to supply some of their drugs to NZ (ie blackmail) which means I could lose the branded drug I take.

    While it’s an awful situation for a minority who could benefit from drugs that aren’t subsidised here and who can’t afford to priveatly import it, I think the pharmac system is brilliant, especially for a country our size. That the vast majority of NZers can access medications for most conditions is a pretty good accomplishment.

    I’m sure all the US pharma lobbyists have fully comprehensive insurance that will supply them with any drug they may require. Pity the same can’t be said for their compatriots. They exist primarily for profits, the idea of helping humanity is only a secondary fleeting thought. Problem is we need them.

    Trade negotiators- letting pharma bully you and you’re too cowardly to stand up to them, watch hospital admissions and deaths go through the roof when the population loses access to their medications.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    7 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
    1 week ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-29T13:03:30+00:00