Foolishly banning satire

Written By: - Date published: 7:33 am, August 13th, 2014 - 86 comments
Categories: election 2014, electoral commission, john key - Tags:

What the hell? This isn’t an election advertisement. This is someone expressing their views in music and video. The election commission are usually ok in their assessments. But this one doesn’t appear to have any real basis behind it.

Adam Bennett at the NZ Herald says

But Mr Watson posted on Facebook this afternoon that he had just had a “super interesting chat with The Electoral Commission just now”.

“It appears we may be gagged.”

He later posted that “the story is the Electoral Commission have advised a Access Radio station not to play Planet Key as it may be a contravention of the act.”

The commission this afternoon confirmed it had banned television and radio broadcasts of the song and said it was also considering whether it was an election advertisement which would require a promoter statement to be carried in online video versions.

I rather think that if and when this gets challenged in court that it will be overturned. Apart from anything else, it clearly violates parts of the Bill of Rights Act, and appears to rely on the very very narrow interpretation of the Electoral Act.

Source: vimeo

Planet Key is written and performed by Darren Watson. The video was created by Jeremy Jones from Propeller Motion. This project is entirely self funded so by buying this song you are also contributing to the cost of this work. Think of it as helping with the trickle down.

This song can be purchased at itunes

86 comments on “Foolishly banning satire ”

  1. Molly 1

    Given the recently photoshopped cover of the Rugby News was NOT considered a breach, this seems to be at odds with their previous thought processes.

    With luck, this discussion will promote the video more than any favourable action would have.

    • greywarbler 1.1

      @Molly 7.44
      Thought processes? We are getting into establishment non-thinking here. The entitlement of the wealthy class not to have fun poked at them or be made to look foolish Rules Okay!

      Especially no comment on the correctness of the Emperors Clothes, when his lack of decency is showing.

    • jaymam 1.2

      My re-photoshopped version of the Rugby News cover, with Aaron Gilmore, Don Brash, John Key, John Banks, Claudia Hauiti
      http://i57.tinypic.com/14twy1e.jpg

      Take that, Electoral Commission!

  2. Tracey 2

    If it werent during an election campaign it could have all the air time in the world.

    Unlike rugby news cover, this song is telling people to vote against key.

    I am not sure where I stand on this but am concerned that if the ruling is over turned the big money parties would have yet another way to bash us over the heads with their twisted propaganda.

    Take the so called fall in unemployment being trumpetted. Turns out it is only in christchurch its fallen.

    • Deb Kean 2.1

      “Take the so called fall in unemployment being trumpetted. Turns out it is only in christchurch its fallen.”

      Interesting! I did not know that.

  3. Tiger Mountain 3

    Very interesting Lprent.

    The EC has also given a view on the infamous ‘New Captain Key’ Rugby News cover opining that an exemption applies to “regularly published periodicals”; Standard poster Weepu’s Beard wrote to the Electoral Commission and the reply received is at:
    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/08/12/electoral-commission-censors-planet-key-satire/#comment-238754

  4. wyndham 4

    Key himself seems easy about this.

    From today’s Herald – – – Mr Key said he’d seen the video. “It was quite professionally done. It was anti-us but as a parody it was okay. I take all that sort of stuff in the spirit it’s intended, it’s certainly a lot more professional than the Dotcom video of people screaming and chanting at me.”

    • crocodill 4.1

      He can afford to “seem easy” about it. He has lower-downs do his dirty work. Wouldn’t want to get spittle on his dinner jacket.

      Song sounds ok, didn’t like the video… too personal. I prefer art that doesn’t attack individuals, and art that doesn’t deal in politics is even better.

      • Tracey 4.1.1

        Some of the best art challenges the status quo.

      • phillip ure 4.1.2

        u r wrong crocodil..

        ..it is a witty/intelligence critique put to music..

        ..and the animation is also of a very high quality…

        ..as is the musicianship..

        ..i can’t see it is electioneering..

        ..it’s a bloody song..!

        ..i’m not playing it..but i do have it up @ whoar…

        • phillip ure 4.1.2.1

          would playing ‘big norm’ be electioneering on behalf of labour..?

          ..would playing anything by that rightwing-ratbag country-singer ted nugent be electioneering for the tories..?

          ..no woody guthrie..?..

          ..no ‘masters of war’ from dylan..?..(easily directed @ key..a warmongering satrap for the americans..a man who is killing innocent civilians..in our name..

          ..and who can forget how him and all the other armchair-warriors in national/act were so jonesing to join in the invasion of iraq..

          ..that was where simon power made his defining-political-statement:

          ..’all the way with george w. bush!’)..was his masters-of-war rallying-call/direct-crib..)

          ..whoar..!

          ..it’s a musical-electioneering swamp out there..!

          ..or is it all just..too silly for words..?

          ..(i’m going for the latter..)

          • weka 4.1.2.1.1

            it appears that it’s not political songs that are at issue, but those that advocate voting for or against specific people or parties. Fine line in some cases (can’t remember the lyrics to Big Norm).

      • CnrJoe 4.1.3

        Croc – u dont know what art is

    • Tracey 4.2

      fascinating that he bothered to watch it, you know, given he doesnt care about this stuff… Like it amazes me that he bothers to read oil slicks site.

    • miravox 4.3

      I wonder if Key used to watch A Week of It and McPhail and Gadsby as part of his political education. Would we even be allowed to see those programmes these days?

      • Rosie 4.3.1

        Televised satire is dead in our country, and sadly, it has been for some time.

        Convenient that, as satire is a challenge to the powers, and they can’t be challenged, or people might vote them out and stuff.

  5. felix 5

    What about John Keys scattering his hagiography all over the country?

    How is that not an election ad?

    • Tiger Mountain 5.1

      +1

      the timing of the godKey bio release could be an amazing coincidence but given the lead in times for publishing I’ll go with election advertising

      • Tracey 5.1.1

        they know how to work the rules. Sadly darren needed to release this a couple of months ago BUT he has now got so much publicity it is being viewed by thousands who wouldnt have before.

        • felix 5.1.1.1
          1. I don’t see what the release date has to do with the legality of broadcasting the song.
          2. Is it now illegal for John Keys’ book to be displayed/sold/read?
          • Tracey 5.1.1.1.1

            I understood the electoral act only applies to a specified period.

            • felix 5.1.1.1.1.1

              That’s what I mean. If the act is deemed applicable to the song, then it can’t be broadcast in the election period regardless of when it was published.

              • Tracey

                Sorry, we were at cross purposes. I meant he could have released it a week or three before the period kicked in. In any event it has had enormous coverage.

                Books are somehow exempt, hence the right use them at election time

    • Blue 5.2

      Maybe because it’s so boring? Seriously, I would like to see the sales figures for that thing. I bet it has sunk like a stone.

  6. Tracey 6

    For those who peddle the view that john keys brain fades are understandable and acceptable, watch this video, note his bosses cooments and consider this,

    John Key has a seriously degraded memory/ mind coinciding with becoming PM. Really?

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XxRCjwYcc1I

    • vto 6.1

      Every New Zealander should watch that video around his 2003 share dealings in Tranzrail at the same time he was dealing with rail companies looking to buy in NZ while he was an MP.

      Completely and totally crooked.

      Making use of his personal knowledge and position in Parliament to deal in Tranzrail shares and double his money.

      Crooked through and through

      • Tracey 6.1.1

        And he appears to have had a very sharp mind in the corporate world which began failing him the minute he entered politics…

  7. Adrian 7

    I was personally approached to advertise in Rugby News and I said ” Not after putting that dickhead on the cover, pretending to be an All Black, that jersey has to be earned ” and the reply surprised me ” Aw mate, you wouldn’t believe the shit we’ve been getting over that, the silliest thing we’ve ever done and what pisses me off was it wasn’t even our idea ”
    Oh, really?

    • Weepus beard 7.1

      The editor explained on the Rugby News Facebook page that it was his idea. What you’ve said is inconsistent with that. If not their idea then wonder whose idea it was?

      • Tracey 7.1.1

        You assume what Adrian wrote is factual.

        • Weepus beard 7.1.1.1

          No. I said what I know, and what Adrian said, then asked “If…then…”

          I’ve not made any conclusion, just asked a question.

          • Tracey 7.1.1.1.1

            Sorry, was meant for weka

            • weka 7.1.1.1.1.1

              Do you mean that Adrian might be lying or that what he was told wasn’t the truth? If it’s the former, well I tend to offer a certain level of trust to people until proven otherwise and I have no reason to think that Adrian is lying, if it’s the latter, then that’s irrelevant, it was the rest of Adrian’s story that cheered me up, not the bit about whose idea the cover was.

              • Tracey

                I am a cynical person when it comes to statements on this site purporting to be fact. I dont know Adrian. I may have judged him harshly. Probably have and apologise if so.

                Sorry to have rained on your cheery moment weka.

                • weka

                  I still don’t know what you are considering ‘fact’ Tracey. Do you mean the fact issue that WB raised? Or do you mean the whole comment?

                  • Tracey

                    I mean the fact that adrian was told what he put in quote marks

                    • weka

                      Ok, so you are doubting that they really said that they’ve had lots of complaints or been given lots of shit for the cover? shrug I guess we are different then, the story came across as credible to me.

                      I took the quotation marks as paraphrasing rather than literal.

    • weka 7.2

      Thanks Adrian, that’s cheered me up.

  8. Hi there,

    The Electoral Commission hasn’t (yet) said that this is an “Election Advertisement” under the Electoral Act. Instead, they say it (probably) is an “Election Programme” under the Broadcasting Act. The definition of the two things isn’t the same – in particular, a song/video can be a “programme” without being an “advertisement”.

    Point being – we’ve got even tighter restrictions on what can be put on the radio/TV than we do regarding what can be generally said/sung via the internet or other media. Whether that makes any sense is highly questionable … remember that the Broadcasting Act dates back to 1989 and hasn’t been amended since then.

    • vto 9.1

      There is nothing in the song suggesting people should vote against Key

      There is nothing in the song suggesting people should vote for Key

      People on the left will see a selfish man and not like it

      People on the right will not see a selfish man and like it

      It is the best statement about the New Zealand situation today that is currently in existence. It weaves many threads and strands of our climate in with a great catchy tune and makes everything about Key as clear as a bell.

      • Tracey 9.1.1

        If you want compassion dont vote for me

      • There is nothing in the song suggesting people should vote against Key

        Not even the line “If you want compassion, don’t vote for me”?

        • Andrew Geddis 9.1.2.1

          Oops!

          Sorry Tracey … snap.

        • lprent 9.1.2.2

          Depends if you consider that compassion is an electable trait. There are some who comment around here who do not.

        • vto 9.1.2.3

          As mentioned Mr Geddis, some will see the lack of compassion as a positive. Some see compassion as a hindrance in getting ahead in the world. Some such as John Key himself, for example. Compassion, some say, has no place whatsoever in the business world.

          • Tracey 9.1.2.3.1

            When you apply the law to the lyrics it appears to fall within the EA definitions vto.

          • weka 9.1.2.3.2

            As mentioned Mr Geddis, some will see the lack of compassion as a positive. Some see compassion as a hindrance in getting ahead in the world. Some such as John Key himself, for example. Compassion, some say, has no place whatsoever in the business world.

            EC must be full of namby bamby lefties 😉

            • vto 9.1.2.3.2.1

              I think it is more that the business world is full of nutter extremist bad arse righties

    • weka 9.2

      Hi Andrew, can you please point to the specific bit in the Broadcasing Act that covers this? I’m trawling through but haven’t found it yet.

      http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM155365.html

      Interpretation of an ‘election programme’

      election programme means, subject to subsection (2), a programme that—

      (a) encourages or persuades or appears to encourage or persuade voters to vote for a political party or the election of any person at an election; or

      (b) encourages or persuades or appears to encourage or persuade voters not to vote for a political party or the election of any person at an election; or

      (c) advocates support for a candidate or for a political party; or

      (d) opposes a candidate or a political party; or

      (e) notifies meetings held or to be held in connection with an election</i>

      http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1989/0025/latest/DLM158148.html

      • weka 9.2.1

        Bomber has more in his post. The issue appears to be that third parties aren’t allowed to broadcast programmes that encourage or discourage people from voting for certain parties or candidates. Still can’t find the bit in the legislation that covers this though.

        http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2014/08/12/electoral-commission-censors-planet-key-satire/

      • Weka,

        s. 69 defines “election programme” as you’ve outlined … here s.69(1)(b) is relevant (“encourages or persuades or appears to encourage or persuade voters not to vote for a political party or the election of any person at an election”)

        s.3 then defines a “programme” as:

        sounds or visual images, or a combination of sounds and visual images, intended—
        (i)to inform, enlighten, or entertain; or
        (ii)to promote the interests of any person; or
        (iii)to promote any product or service;

        s.70 then prohibits broadcasters from broadcasting “election programmes” except in certain limited circumstances (none of which cover just playing the song on the radio because it has a catchy hook).

        Now, maybe a court would do surgery on this legislative framework to try and wiggle the song out from under it … but on a plain reading, the Commission’s interpretation seems pretty orthodox (i.e. I’m not sure public agencies should try to read legislation with an eye to what an adventurous judge wanting to bend the law might do in the future).

        • weka 9.2.2.1

          Thanks Andrew, it was the prohibition I was having trouble finding. The word ‘paid’ in the title is confusing. I think many NZers will be surprised about this part of the Act, but I guess it does make sense. eg what’s to stop a right wing radio station from playing lots of songs that are anti-left. Pity we don’t have such neutralising legislation applied to our new media.

    • Tracey 9.3

      Andrew

      What, if anything, covers the publication of books?

      • Electoral Act 1993 … if Roughan’s hagiography of Key amounts to an “election ad”, then it is covered. But it probably doesn’t.

        • Tracey 9.3.1.1

          Is that because the timing is irrelevant in the Act as a consideration of advertising? Or that the book wasnt written by Key or the Nat Party?

  9. Adrian 10

    Weepu, ” Not their idea ” was a sort of throw away line in the conversation, but what interested me was that they, (the ad manager and another who I presumed was the editor or owner by the way he was talking, it wasn’t a formal meeting it was at a public show) admitted how much criticism they had gotten.

    • Tracey 10.1

      Did you get a sense of why? Was it that people thought it demeaned the jersey or was anti key?

    • Rosie 10.2

      Good to hear of your conversation with Rugby News Adrian. Thats kind of a breath of fresh air that the thugby mag has received some backlash about the Key cover.

  10. weka 11

    One of the criticisms of the EC’s stance that I have seen is that the lyrics of the song aren’t saying don’t vote for Key, it’s the video that makes that more obvious. And the issue is about radio broadcast, so the video should be irrelevant.

    • Weka,

      That’s what the song’s writer/singer has claimed. Not sure if the Commission has accepted that view. Also, I think he’s selling himself short – the lyrics are great!

    • Tracey 11.2

      You can say with your hand on your heart that you dont think the lyrics are sending a message that key must not be re elected?

      • weka 11.2.1

        I can’t remember Tracey. Unfortunately the video is on vimeo, so I can’t download it, and since I am on limited data BB I’ve only listened/watched the once. If I get time later I’ll see if I can write out the lyrics.

        It does raise the point though, that no songs can be broadcast that are anti-party or anti-candidate. What about anti-govt?

        • Tracey 11.2.1.1

          Tried to find the lyrics but cant. I wonder if they remastered it, and sang

          If you want compassion dont look to me

          If it would be ok

          • weka 11.2.1.1.1

            Good idea!

          • emergency mike 11.2.1.1.2

            Yes surely that line is the only problem since it actually mentions voting. It only occurs once near the end. If so why not simply change the lyric? About as easy as a cut and paste in today’s recording studios. Or even turn it into a bit of a statement with a ‘broadcast’ version where the music is replaced by a ‘censored’ beep sound and say “This lyric not suitable for broadcast” then return to the music. Or fade the song out just before that point. If that line is really the only problem it would seem there are a number of options.

  11. shorts 12

    There are a number of songs that aren’t flattering to Mr Key (in particular) and none of those are banned from broadcast – are they only banned if brought to the commissions attention?

    I wonder if Shihad’s new album will also be banned from broadcast? As they cover such topics as spying, five eyes etc… and they’ve had a huge media presence in the past week, for example:

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/shihad/search/results.cfm?kw1=shihad

    • weka 12.1

      I suspect that the problem with Planet Key is that the lyrics contain the words “If you want compassion, don’t vote for me”. So presumably songs that are simply political aren’t a problem so long as they don’t advocate who you should or shouldn’t vote for. I haven’t listened to Shihad’s latest, but understand that they are saying there are lots of thing wrongs with the system and it’s a problem that so many people don’t vote, but didn’t come up with any actual solutions like voting for x, or not voting for y. Do you know about the lyrics specifically?

      • Tracey 12.1.1

        What about that other cool song showing john key at the dinner table…

        • Rosie 12.1.1.1

          Dear John by Jordan Reyne.

          Lyrics:

          http://www.jordanreyne.com/lyrics.html

          Music video:

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dRe21rH18

          Potentially, the song could be about any “John” (apart from the bit about the fiscal year)

          Edit: Snap Tracey, posted at the same time

          • Tracey 12.1.1.1.1

            and the video does say “playing John Key”

            BUT those broadcasters who say they are annoyed about having to drop the parody song should pick this one up and play it, not the least because I think she has a fabulous voice.

            • Rosie 12.1.1.1.1.1

              Akshully, I emailed the station and requested they play “Dear John”.

              This is part of the email reply:

              “………our station manager has advised me to lay off playing anything that might make us look like we are flaunting the broadcasting law.”

              They are looking forward to being able to “play what they want when they want” soon, but in the mean time don’t want to risk losing their broadcasting licence.

              What is quite sad about the censorship of Planet Key is that Radio Active DJ’s are very proactive in encouraging people to enrol and to vote. Just an hour ago they were speaking about voting being only the beginning of participating in democracy, that the polling booth is the first step. For months, Radio Active has been doing the Electoral Commissions job of getting people enrolled, for free.

              While the morning DJ’s frequently air views that can only be described as left wing, they never tell anyone who to vote for, they are quite clear about that. They do encourage people to educate themselves about politics and policy and make their mind up from there.

              It’s sad that such a lively, positive and politically engaged radio station gets the slap down for playing a harmless satirical song.

          • weka 12.1.1.1.2

            Does Jordan Rayne’s song advocate who to vote or not vote for?

      • Rosie 12.1.2

        Re Shihad. As the DJ on Radio Active (see below) said this morning, Shihad are doing their album release tour soon and there’s nothing to stop them talking about their views to the audience between songs……….. (Haven’t heard any new tracks yet, btw)

        • weka 12.1.2.1

          The legislation covers broadcasting, not concerts or gigs. Would be interesting to see what happens in a radio interview though.

  12. Rosie 13

    From the 3news article:

    “Radio Active in Wellington has also reportedly decided to stop playing the song too.”

    http://www.3news.co.nz/Commission-bans-Planet-Key-song/tabid/1607/articleID/356555/Default.aspx

    Yes, they have stopped playing it after receiving a notice from the Electoral Commission, but rather reluctantly – they don’t want to risk losing their broadcasting license over it. There is a lot of talk about it on the Breakfast show this morning, they are not happy and neither are the listeners.

    DJ Redbird however is wondering whether playing it backwards would be a breach of the Electoral Act. He suggested that Key might be revealed as the devil……

    Remember the 80’s and back masking?

  13. weka 14

    Neetflux’s latest… Be Afraid, you are now approaching Planet Key…

    http://neetflux.tumblr.com/post/94502831007

  14. Tracey 15

    This is the song posted by vTraceyeutovipier (I think) a few weeks ago… share it around

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dRe21rH18

    A story where a politician is invited to a feast by an old woman, but the other guests are mysteriously absent. As he begins to eat lustily, the location and form of the guests is revealed. A song about New Zealand’s Prime Minister, John Key, and his “eat the poor” style politics.
    lyrics
    Dear John, Im writing to extend an invitation.
    An opportunity to join us for a feast of food and celebration
    Far beyone imagination, of what
    you made of them or me, you made us what we are.

    Cos you’re all heart John.
    you’re all heart John.

    Please take off your shoes and I will welcome you into my home
    Oh it might seem kind of lonely till the other guests make themselves known
    and thankyou for your commendation of my choices, but there is only one
    that would keep you in the style to which you’ve become acccustomed.

    But you’re all heart John.
    you’re all heart John.

    Delicacy of flavour, oh it fill the senses, feel it come
    in rarity anf favours, all laid out since you were bred and born
    and we only get to do this once, cos it’s far beyond our means.
    Dont let me bore you with the details – I know you want to taste a part of each

    Cos, you’re all heart John.
    you’re all heart John.

    A moments silence, please.
    To thank our guests and bless this food that’s only yours to eat.
    Oh and their names are written underneath each plate
    each dish, each tasteless grave
    but yes, you like the flavour
    and you wont change.

    you’re all heart John.
    you’re all heart John.
    you’re all heart John.

    There but for the grace of god goes you or I
    you taste every story, but do you recognise?
    you’re so free with the glaze, and it disguises the taste
    of what you know this if for.
    What its for.

    We, we’re all here. We feel each bite, we feel each tear as you sew the seeds
    your pound of flesh, your fiscal year.
    Know what you are
    we know what you are we know what you are
    know what you are
    dear
    dear
    john.
    dear john.

    http://jordanreyne.bandcamp.com/track/dear-john

  15. adam 16

    I know from the last election – still favourite song that has a go at FJK.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjgWyxJAGQ

    It has bad language, and from Avondale!!

  16. weka 17

    Full lyrics (transcribed)

    Never had much of nothing
    Never had much to show
    All I wanted when I was growing up
    Was to be the boss of you all

    Never believed in nothing
    Never took a stand
    I owe it all to my mother
    Now that I’m almost a man

    And I’m…

    Up here on Planet Key
    It’s all for one
    And it’s all for me
    I’m up here on Planet Key

    You think I’m faking
    You’re not mistaken

    Am a new politician
    The kind you long to believe
    You see yourself in my story
    You see my heart on my sleeve

    I don’t believe in nothing
    And I’ve never cared for the fools
    Who want to ruin this country
    With all their taxes and rules

    And I’m…

    Up here on Planet Key
    You got the money
    that’s enough for me
    I’m up here on Planet Key

    You think I’m joking
    This gun is smoking

    I never believed in nothing, no no
    But now I’m living this big
    I marvel how much you trust me
    I hide the truth like this wig,

    People, and I’m..

    Up here on Planet Key
    In the land where the rich are free
    I’m up here on Planet Key
    Immune to GSCB

    I’m up here on Planet Key
    You want compassion
    Don’t vote for me
    I’m up here on Planet Key

    The clock is ticking!

  17. aerobubble 18

    Key as victim.
    Distraction aka teapot.
    Instead of the story being about the economy and how selling off the best, the brightest, and cheaply cutting down and shit up the rivers, will only make us poor for those who stay here.

    Key however is moving to Hawaii when he loses. Go figure.

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    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    8 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    9 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    10 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    13 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    13 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    13 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    14 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    15 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    16 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    18 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    2 days ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
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