Dunne concerned about “extremely damaging” tax haven label – years too late

Written By: - Date published: 3:35 pm, May 1st, 2016 - 52 comments
Categories: International, peter dunne, tax - Tags: , , ,

Is Peter Dunne waking up at last?

Peter Dunne – tax haven label ‘extremely damaging’

Former Revenue Minister Peter Dunne told TV One’s Q+A programme, ‘if the label ‘tax haven’ is being bandied about now as it is, sticks, then that’s extremely damaging. You think of the way we perceive other countries that we’ve historically labelled as tax havens. We don’t view them credibly, and I think that’s the big risk to New Zealand.
…
Mr Dunne told the programme, ‘ we’ve got to get to the bottom of is the extent of the activity, what the profile of people using these trusts is, what the implications are for our reputation, and how we work in concert with other countries to make sure, as I say, a robust international system can be developed to combat them.’

Better late than never I guess. But this road to Damascus conversion seems to have irritated ex journo Guyon Espiner…

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52 comments on “Dunne concerned about “extremely damaging” tax haven label – years too late ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Stuart Munro 1
    1 May 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Why would anybody listen to Dunne – that boy’s a weathercock. “The issue has moved” No, the issue is exactly the same, it’s just that the Vicar of Bray has woken up to the fact that people are angry about it.

    • Craig H 1.1
      1 May 2016 at 4:15 pm

      The issue has definitely moved – the issue in question, however, is the polling results, not the actual substantive issue…

    • Mosa 1.2
      2 May 2016 at 12:27 pm

      The issue here is not Dunne who has no credibility on this or any other problem as he has never broken ranks on principle while propping up this corrupt regime but Key or McClay who would not front to answer questions on what are serious implications for New Zealand.
      They send in the organ grinder instead. Gosh aren’t we well served!

  2. Incognito 2
    1 May 2016 at 4:01 pm

    Dunne’s defence: ”Ich habe es nicht gewusst”.

    Ignorant, incompetent, and insolent; the hallmarks of this Government.

  3. dv 3
    1 May 2016 at 4:06 pm

    Bugger me that pin head is getting very crowded.

    Who is going to fall off first?

  4. Draco T Bastard 4
    1 May 2016 at 4:17 pm

    Didn’t the IRD have something to say about the foreign trusts issues back in 2011 or earlier?

  5. Sabine 5
    1 May 2016 at 4:49 pm

    i guess he is not running for re-election in 2017? Might it be time to completely retire the Peter EFFn Dunne Party? I don’t think he could squeeze the country for wages and perks any longer.

  6. Di Hickman 6
    1 May 2016 at 4:57 pm

    My Open letter to Peter Dunne
    Dear Mr Dunne,

    Please look at the following and reconsider your support for the TPP legislation changes.

    1. Please note that USA home corporations have instigated 138 ISDS cases and Canadian 39 ISDS cases.
    The PM thinks that the track record for NZ of no ISDS so far means that we are extremely unlikely to get pinged.
    The track records for Canada and US would indicate that there is a strong likelihood of future action ahead for NZ.

    2. For less than 1% increase in GDP by the year 2030, this government, of which you are a part, is prepared to sacrifice part of NZ’s sovereignty, without having consulted the public as to the content of the agreement prior to signing. The ISDS means that NZers will have to pay for litigation if we are deemed to have transgressed the rules written without our input and signed off without our permission supposedly on our behalf.

    3. The current deal is a dog. It is badly flawed. It was designed largely before the climate change crisis and is incompatible with policy changes now required by climate change commitments.
    In no way is the current TPP a 21st century agreement. The TPP will liberalise continued fossil fuel extraction with the help of ISDS. See how ISDS has been used to dis-incentivise the India domestic solar project, a China solar project and the German nuclear power station phase out.

    However, with your help, Mr Dunne, we have a chance to make a new deal, better suited to the current times if we
    •reject this deal
    •and renegotiate, this time with genuine public input,
    •including embedded carbon in global trade
    •remove ISDS (or at minimum exclude all clean low C energy

    This is your chance to leave a legacy for the future world and generations of New Zealanders.
    Kind and hopeful regards,
    Di Hickman

  7. Halfcrown 7
    1 May 2016 at 5:03 pm

    The only problem Sabine as tax payers we will keep this self seeking turd for the rest of his natural when he retires with their Gold plated retirement scheme. He will also still be entitled to all the perks.
    It is a pity he did not lose his seat and went down like a row of shit cans I detest the self seeking prick. only survived because the winning parties needed him to make up the numbers.

    • Sabine 7.1
      1 May 2016 at 5:20 pm

      yep.
      i hope that the voters and the parties in his district will be working to together the next round should that he consider running again.

  8. McFlock 8
    1 May 2016 at 5:26 pm

    Interesting: he feels his job is to shut his eyes to all information except that which comes from the ministry. Doesn’t that just make him a rubber stamp rather than an actual decision-maker?

    Mind you, it is Dunne we’re talking about…

  9. Samantha 9
    1 May 2016 at 6:12 pm

    The Chartered Accountants Association were concerned about the Taxation Bill. You have to scroll through the Hansard Debates at Parliament to read the readings of the Taxation Bill before it was passed. Peter Dunne then Minister of Revenue voted yes all the way with the changes to the Taxation Bill.
    http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/debates/debates/49HansD_20090826_00001266/taxation-international-taxation-life-insurance-and-remedial

  10. Lanthanide 10
    1 May 2016 at 6:12 pm

    Not sure why you call Guyon an “ex journo”, considering he’s still a journalist and on Morning Report on National Radio no less.

    He’s gotten much better in his interviewing of late – doesn’t let people get away with shit and will routinely direct them back to the subject or angle that he wants to discuss.

    Suzie Ferguson is a complete lightweight by comparison.

    • Bearded Git 10.1
      1 May 2016 at 6:33 pm

      +100 Lanth

    • Once Was Tim 10.2
      2 May 2016 at 4:13 am

      +100 @ Lanth.

      The improvements in journalist’s integrity and commitment to the 4thEstate seems directly proportional to the distance between them, Mediaworks and TVNZ management.
      It improves when stardom, ego and huge salaries are no longer the driving factors

    • Chooky 10.3
      2 May 2016 at 9:29 pm

      +100…good when he doesn’t let them off the hook

  11. Herodotus 11
    1 May 2016 at 6:24 pm

    This from Stuff in Aug 2012
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/7521775/NZ-foreign-trusts-among-global-tax-havens

    Originally, foreigners settling a New Zealand foreign trust could do so in perfect secrecy, because a trust is technically just a private arrangement. Not only was there no register of trusts, there was no requirement to tell the government or the IRD about it as long as it had no New Zealand income.
    An overseas taxman was therefore stuffed if he wanted to probe a citizen’s New Zealand trust interests. Even if he asked our IRD for information, IRD simply didn’t have it and had no power to get it.
    http://covisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/PAPER-5-NZ-TAX-HAVEN.pdf
    Thanks to the beneficial Foreign Trust Tax Regime there is a substantial Foreign (O shore) Trust industry in New Zealand. Very brie y, the Foreign Trust Tax Regime prevents the assets and foreign sourced income of a Foreign Trust from being subject to income tax in New Zealand. Whilst New Zealand is traditionally regarded as having a robust tax system that operates with a broad tax base and low tax rates,
    Whilst New Zealand is not generally regarded as tax haven, it is just that, when it comes to O shore Trusts.
    …the absence of a comprehensive capital gains tax and the bene cial treatment of Foreign Trusts from a tax perspective makes New Zealand an attractive choice of jurisdiction for Foreign Trusts.
    Just 2 links found these thin 5 minutes
    Peter, please be not like the 3 monkeys and not see,hear and speak no evil.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 11.1
      2 May 2016 at 9:27 am

      They were being slammed over it back then too: although this story isn’t all about him, even Patrick Gower covered it!

      As usual, The Greens were on the money.

      We’ve become a major participant in a global tax avoidance problem due to our lax taxation laws surrounding foreign trusts.

      It’s time to demand some transparency from our foreign trust regime.

  12. Sacha 12
    1 May 2016 at 8:25 pm

    Mr Dunne is developing a talent for claiming he has believed the right thing all along. When you’ve been in govt for so long, no shame in admitting you have had your errors of judgement corrected, surely? Fess up. Good for the soul.

  13. Stuff the Politicians 13
    1 May 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Buggar off Dunne.

    You are lacking wisdom in so many areas.
    Your time is up.

  14. Hellonearthis 14
    2 May 2016 at 1:31 am

    Are these trusts investing their money into farms and houses, inflating the cost of farms and houses and in turn boosting the value of their own assets…
    There is one documented case in Taranaki, so there must be a lot more undocumented.

    • tc 14.1
      2 May 2016 at 7:06 am

      Yup a farm can hold a lot more than a suburban block when it comes down to it.

      Which it will as that’s why our land is getting hoovered up in a bidding war between cashed up offshore interests.

  15. Psycho Milt 15
    2 May 2016 at 7:28 am

    Once you’re no longer the Minister is the ideal time to become concerned about the ugly shit that was going on under your watch – if you were to become concerned about it while you were still Minister, you’d be responsible for doing something about it, which would involve standing up to the PM and possibly losing your cabinet rank or even the dodgy deal that lets you keep getting elected. No, definitely much better to be utterly horrified about it and bravely speaking out about it now, from a safe distance.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 15.1
      2 May 2016 at 9:12 am

      I think you just answered Espiner’s question. Dunne certainly won’t.

  16. vto 16
    2 May 2016 at 8:07 am

    When Dunne denies something, you know there is an issue.

    When Dunne agrees with something, you know the issue dates wwaaaaayyyyy back and has finally been recognised in the mainstream

    what a useless cock

  17. AmaKiwi 17
    2 May 2016 at 9:30 am

    If we put people in charge of departments they have no training or expertise in, how can we expect anything except constant failures?

    Yet that is our political system. Education ministers who haven’t been to university. Justice ministers who haven’t been to law school. Every member of the Green caucus knows more about the environment than the minister for the environment, who admits she knows nothing. Ron Marks knows 1,000 times more about defense than Gerry Brownlee. Auckland traffic grinds to a halt while Julie Gentner, parliament’s only transport expert, sits powerless.

    Successive elected dictatorships will change anything and everything about our country, except the fact that their ministers are completely unqualified to direct the ministries they lord over.

    The elephant in the chamber: Our political system needs a complete overhaul.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 17.1
      2 May 2016 at 9:42 am

      Simply return to the way the system was intended to work: officials give advice based on real world information, Ministers and the executive give serious consideration to that advice when making decisions.

      The infrastructure is already in place. It needs better policing, with especial attention to the fact that the National Party is a pack of criminals who will do their best to corrupt and destroy whatever you put in place.

      • AmaKiwi 17.1.1
        2 May 2016 at 11:56 am

        One Anonymous Bloke

        “Simply return to the way the system was intended to work.”

        I agree in principle. But how do we embed it in our legal system so “the sovereign” (i.e. parliament) can’t subvert it?

        We used to have unwritten “understandings” between parties and the public. For eight years the Natzies have relentlessly steamrollered over them. Now we need legal guarantees which NO government can change without a binding referendum.

    • Alfor 17.2
      2 May 2016 at 9:50 pm

      Yes Overhaul it, the rot is systemic when the unethical is legal and leadership are crooks. We can struggle on a few more years with patches, tricks, lies, to a very old, slow broken system (not fit for purpose) and acquire even more debt, less security and autonomy OR Get control of our system of government for the majority and fix it now,
      ahead of the rush.
      Consider :
      1.Government to create money not private banks.
      2.Replace all taxes with a financial transaction tax of 1-2%.
      3.Issue a Citizens Dividend $400-500/wk (UBI Unconditional Basic Income)
      4.Install Government by Referendum ( direct daily democracy ).

    • M 17.3
      3 May 2016 at 7:48 am

      Re Amakiwi’s comment on ministerial appointments I have thought that for a long time also. I totally agree. Very well expressed too. And because of the paucity of knowledge and ability, they get shuffled around from cabinet post to cabinet post, in the vain hope that they won’t make too many stuff ups and before they can actually learn anything about the ministry they head anyway.

  18. One Anonymous Bloke 18
    2 May 2016 at 9:36 am

    Dunne forgot to mention the MED’s advice in 2010.

    It’s …odd… that the IRD didn’t have anything to say (according to Dunne, that is): they were certainly aware of the issues (pdf).

    He’s a liar and so is his Daddy.

    • AmaKiwi 18.1
      2 May 2016 at 9:54 am

      “It’s …odd… that the IRD didn’t have anything to say (according to Dunne, that is)”

      Can we see the files to support that?

      Of course not. Concealment is power!

  19. Richard McGrath 19
    2 May 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Dunne was right the first time – legitimate tax avoidance. The only people getting their knickers in a twist are those who want to soak the wealthy even more (regardless of whether said wealth was earned fairly and squarely or not) and want to end the right to privacy.

    • Stuart Munro 19.1
      2 May 2016 at 3:59 pm

      At present NZ wealthy pay half the tax rate their parents did. If there’s a problem, this is the cause.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 19.1.1
        2 May 2016 at 4:06 pm

        Well that neatly exposed the drivel in Richard’s deeply held fantasies.

    • Psycho Milt 19.2
      3 May 2016 at 7:48 am

      Dunne was right the first time – legitimate tax avoidance.

      It says a lot about you that you consider money-laundering to be “legitimate tax avoidance.”

      The only people getting their knickers in a twist are…

      …the people who think it’s wrong to provide money-laundering services to foreign criminals. That’s most of us, isn’t it? Of more interest is why you think it’s OK to trash NZ’s international reputation for the sake of enriching a few lawyers – are you one of those lawyers, or just a complete imbecile?

      • Richard McGrath 19.2.1
        5 May 2016 at 6:02 pm

        There’s a world of difference between transferring earnings offshore legally, and hiding illegally obtained money. You appear to deem these two activities equivalent.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 19.2.1.1
          5 May 2016 at 6:11 pm

          Think of it like a sewer, through which nothing but criminal cash and tax avoidance can pass.

          I say demolish the sewer. Offer welfare assistance and a statue* to all the redundant tax lawyers.

          *terms and conditions apply

          • Richard McGrath 19.2.1.1.1
            10 May 2016 at 2:07 pm

            You weren’t listening. Let me rephrase it for you: money obtained legally can be transferred offshore legally with the purpose of legally avoiding tax . You imply that offshore trusts can only process money obtained through criminal means or for purposes of tax evasion.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 19.2.1.1.1.1
              10 May 2016 at 2:11 pm

              No, I used the phrase tax avoidance. I know it’s “legal”. It relies on the same sewer pipes the drug and pedo money flows through, so boo-hoo if tax avoiders have to build a new sewer at their own expense.

              No, I don’t care how much Cabinet Club fees are: pay your taxes and stop whining.

        • adam 19.2.1.2
          10 May 2016 at 2:18 pm

          Side stepped Psycho Milt I see. Buried you good Richard didn’t he.

          Because even Brash knows this is wrong, when will the fan-boys get it I wonder?

          • Richard McGrath 19.2.1.2.1
            10 May 2016 at 7:15 pm

            What the hell are you on about? I posted an answer to the psychopath.

  20. Chooky 20
    2 May 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Dunne is worried about going down the dunny with jonkey nactional …and is getting ready to do another flip- flop to save his seat …and align himself with Labour

  21. Jack Ramaka 21
    3 May 2016 at 4:45 am

    Systemic corruption has been around a long time in NZ going back to the Settlor Governments and the land confiscations in the Taranaki and the Waikato, the Maori Land Court which was labelled the Maori Land Taking Court, to the recent Winebox Enquiry where the Judiciary found no wrongdoing by the parties involved.

    If you a wealthy and well connected in New Zealand the “World’s Your Oyster”.

  22. Jack Ramaka 22
    3 May 2016 at 4:46 am

    Looks like Peter Dunne has finally woken up and opened his eyes, maybe he thinks he may lose his job at the next Election?

    • leftie 22.1
      3 May 2016 at 2:38 pm

      Well, that’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it? Its not a matter of waking up, its ensuring that he stays relevant for next year’s election, so he can keep his snout in the trough, hence Dunne’s atrocious show of lies and hypocrisy.

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    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

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

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
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