Gaza

Written By: - Date published: 10:46 am, April 6th, 2018 - 69 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, accountability, International, israel, journalism, Media, Politics, Propaganda, the praiseworthy and the pitiful - Tags: , ,

Israel is expecting the presence of some 50 000 people as participants in the next step of “The Great Return March” on Friday. In spite of the likely overwhelmingly peaceful nature of the event, the Israeli defence minister has stated –

 “We have defined the rules of the game clearly and we do not intend to change them. Anyone trying to approach the fence is putting their lives at risk.” (vid link)

As I wrote in this post last Saturday, the current slow build of protest, that is due to climax on May 15th was not initiated by Hamas – incidentally, the duly elected and legitimate government of Gaza.

But then, when the aim is to demonise people and cast their actions as illegitimate, misguided or even terror related, then Hamas is a fairly convenient drum to bang.

At last week’s event, 15 people were shot dead by Israeli army snipers, some in the back, and over a thousand people were injured. Injuries included sniper rifle shots to the leg and the total number of gunshot wounds has been reported at over several hundred. I’d say subsequent media coverage has been scant given the magnitude of the violence meted out by the Israeli state. The current death toll for the past week stands at 21.

Headlines relating to Fridays planned event seem to be focusing on expected violence rather than the peaceful nature of the affair (eg – The Washington Post) . There also seems to be some suggestion of scandal that the government of Gaza is giving money to victims and their families by way of helping them through. “Compensation” is the word being bandied about on Israeli media. (I’m not even going to bother with the images designed to ‘help’ those “slow on the uptake”) All in all what we’re getting is a not so subtle insinuation that people turning up to express whatever sense of injustice they feel, are complicit in some dastardly terrorist related action against Israel, and that Hamas, not the Israeli state, is responsible for the deaths and injuries flowing from “The Great Return March”.

[Please note the policy regarding posting long screeds of linked text. Anyone who thinks participating in conversation or debate can be had by way of throwing link after link after link into the comments section with very little personal input, runs the very real prospect of attracting a hefty ban]

 

69 comments on “Gaza ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. adam 1
    6 April 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Isn’t that just newspeak from the Israeli defence minister?

    I’m worried that peaceful protest and a reaction by the state violence, is normal. With the armchair generals craving for their next wargasm lapping it up.

    • Chuck 1.1
      7 April 2018 at 4:40 pm

      “I’m worried that peaceful protest and a reaction by the state violence, is normal.”

      What peaceful protest?

      Hamas may not have wanted the protest to turn violent for their own reasons…but they have. It indicates Hamas is struggling to maintain its hold and influence over the Gaza Strip population.

  2. Siobhan 2
    6 April 2018 at 2:04 pm

    yeah, well, meantime our dear comrades at the Guardian bang on about Corbyn and his supposed love of anti semites, not to mention his insistence on hanging around with (apparently)the wrong sort of Jews….meantime stories around the very real horror of Israeli snipers shooting out the legs of 800 civilians is relegated to the bottom of the page…in fact yesterday’s top Israeli story in the Guardian was some kerfuffle over woman giving up seats on aeroplanes for hasidic elders…

    between all this and the ‘horror’ of the Russian spy poisoning that seems to have had the same effect as a bad case of salmonella poisoning; and Hilary only losing the election because of those facebook posts; and how secret meetings over coffee are more important than hospital buildings rotting into the ground…I’m really not enjoying this years news cycle one little bit..

  3. joe90 3
    6 April 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Damning admission, since deleted, by the IDF that the lethal shots that killed unarmed protesters were accurate, measured, and that they knew where every bullet landed.

    https://twitter.com/btselem/status/980042213718708224

    edit: this too

    https://www.btselem.org/firearms/20180404_why_soldiers_must_refuse_to_fire_at_unarmed_protesters

    • dukeofurl 3.1
      6 April 2018 at 3:06 pm

      Its completely shocking they have killed and wounded so many by snipers

      This is an image from Haaretz with the snipers lying behind an earth bank for their firing

      https://www.haaretz.com/polopoly_fs/1.5977343.1522948127!/image/2209859597.jpg_gen/derivatives/size_1496xAuto/2209859597.jpg

      • Corrupt PM 3.1.1
        6 April 2018 at 5:44 pm

        What snipers? That is a photo of a standard infantry unit with standard infantry weapons. Nothing special about them.

        • reason 3.1.1.1
          8 April 2018 at 7:52 am

          Your full of zionist bullshit chuck ….

          “. A video from the first day of the march shows a protester being shot in the back by an Israeli sniper as he walks away from the fence separating Gaza from Israel. In other footage, Palestinians are killed or wounded as they pray, walk empty-handed towards the border fence, or simply hold up a Palestinian flag. All who get within 300 yards are labelled “instigators” by the Israeli army, whose soldiers have orders to shoot them.”

          http://www.unz.com/pcockburn/israel-has-faced-little-criticism-over-palestinian-deaths/

      • Et Tu Brute 3.1.2
        6 April 2018 at 5:47 pm

        Those aren’t sniper rifles. Those are standard issue assault rifles probably set to single shot for precision. Clearly an infantry squad taking up position.

        • dukeofurl 3.1.2.1
          6 April 2018 at 6:33 pm

          And those mostly obscured weapons are different to these NZ Army weapons how ?
          https://dueckdefense.com/new-nz-army-marksman-rifle/

          Deflecting based on something you cant see directly, when its clear the army was sniping at these unarmed people from quite a fair way away.

          • Exkiwiforces 3.1.2.1.1
            6 April 2018 at 6:56 pm

            The NZDF marksman rifle is a 7.62mm (.308) also it has a heavy barrel than your bog standard assault rifle and has a sniper scope to allow the marksman to shoot out to 800m or longer depending on the skill of the marksman and weather/ climate conditions as this can also effects the flight of the round. The marksman rifle is a modern day sup up version of the old SLR for those who remember from their CMT, National Service, TF and RF service.

          • Et Tu Brute 3.1.2.1.2
            6 April 2018 at 8:04 pm

            Not so much deflection as basic fact. They’re most likely M4 5.56mm (.223) as state below. It’s effective at just over half the distance as the NZ rifle shown above. Certainly not a sniper rifle. Way less efficient as that. On the other hand if things got really nasty they could empty one of those 30 round magazines in less than a second 🙂

            • Gabby 3.1.2.1.2.1
              6 April 2018 at 8:09 pm

              Regardless of the weapon, if they’re sneaking around shooting people from behind cover all surreptitious like, they’re sniping.

              • dukeofurl …
                6 April 2018 at 9:32 pm

                So they are shooting at non combatants from semi concealed location , up to 250m away. and thats not ‘sniping’ ??

                • McFlock …
                  7 April 2018 at 1:05 am

                  Nope.

                  It’s not ethical, it’s not fair, it’s not right, but it’s pretty basic shooting skills with a decent rifle.

                • Et Tu Brute …
                  7 April 2018 at 12:25 pm

                  Well it isn’t. If anything it is scarier. At least snipers acquire a target and fire with reasonable precision. These guys are there in case they have to blaze up a crowd or face a concerted attack.

            • Exkiwiforces 3.1.2.1.2.2
              6 April 2018 at 9:29 pm

              Yeah right mate, if they went auto at 200m they would lucky hit jack shit unless they were duck shooting and even then they would be lucky to anything.

              Auto is only good for bleaching into a room or bunker system (CQB) and closing on enemy defensive system and part from that a waste of ammo as well.

              • Et Tu Brute …
                7 April 2018 at 12:26 pm

                My point was less on what they should/could do, but on how the weapon really isn’t a sniper rifle.

            • reason 3.1.2.1.2.3
              6 April 2018 at 10:17 pm

              ET TU BRUTE …..When apartheid Israel soldiers are shooting hundreds of civilian refugees in the limbs . …. then things have already got really nasty …. you dofus brute

              Although in their thug history of nasty … this is one of their lesser crimes.

              Our media is censoring for their good guys myth

      • Exkiwiforces 3.1.3
        6 April 2018 at 6:48 pm

        They are armed with a bog standard M4 5.56mm (.223) assault rifle.

        • reason 3.1.3.1
          6 April 2018 at 10:26 pm

          … being shot with one sounds bog standard nasty Exkiwiforces …

          A .22 to the knee-cap would not be shits n giggles either ….

          Bog standard Israel disregard for their own Untermensch perhaps ?

          They’ll kill anyone in the way of their apartheid Zionism

          • Exkiwiforces 3.1.3.1.1
            6 April 2018 at 11:02 pm

            Sure is my friend and you should see what a bog standard 7.62mm NATO or a 7.62x 39mm short does to the human body when you don’t have body armour on. A shotgun blast to the kneecap isn’t much fun either which was a party tick of Micks and Protestant Para- Military groups to teach informers and drug dealers etc a lesson.

            Should try at getting a SA-7 almost up your ass isn’t fun either btw.

            • reason 3.1.3.1.1.1
              7 April 2018 at 12:13 am

              I used to be into guns and shooting ………. but I grew out of it.

              I’ve owned a couple of 12 gauges .308 .303 .22 .

              I’m quite aware of the foot pounds sledge hammer destructiveness of them.

              I’ve made the point before that a NZ firearms owner has to be more carefull when shooting their firearm …. than a usa president shooting missiles from a drone ………….. after all have you ever heard of a NZ gun owner accidentally shooting up a wedding party ??.

              But the argument of caliber and positioning …. when Israel defense force soldiers shoot peaceful protestors ….. is a cold side issue.

              It’s murder and GBH your talking about.

              I doubt you’d be talking the same if it were your kid shot .

              I condemn it … and I hope you do to .

              • Exkiwiforces …
                7 April 2018 at 12:46 am

                I can’t really get my head around it atm that shooting an unarmed civilian is legal I mean WTF and I bet that if I try it or one of my squadies did it we would hanged, drawn and quartered amd that’s before I do jail time. It goes against the Laws of Arm Conflict, basic human rights etc etc.

                And the other fact is that IDF Army was shooting was into Gaza and again WTF the locals haven’t even got within spitting distance of the border for gods shake! It’s a hell of a way to piss the locals off even more.

                • reason …
                  7 April 2018 at 1:09 am

                  Now thats a bloody good post from yourself …. giving us a NZ armed services mans view point Exkiwiforces …

                  I’m not against your knowledge of weaponry …. sharing it in the context of the post you’ve just made is valuable imo.

                  Without your overall insights … it ends up going down the Et Tu Brute derail.

                  Good armed service personal like yourself are against war crimes … your information adds to our knowledge when we know that’s your starting point.

                  Thanks for your input .

  4. SPC 4
    6 April 2018 at 3:31 pm

    It reminds one of unarmed demonstrators in Damascus being shot years ago and is indicative of the same corrupt authoritarianism.

    It is always sad when a democracy is so damaged that it operates in such a way, and quite bizarre when only Turkey of all states offers up public condemnation. A nation, invading and occupying territory in Syria without the consent of the government in Damascus and killing unarmed civilians in and around Afrin.

    One wonders how they profiled the soldiers chosen to sniper shoot unarmed civilian protestors, no record of ever having ethical principles …

    • reason 4.1
      6 April 2018 at 10:55 pm

      If you watch “shock doctrine ” …. or Oliver Stones ‘Ukraine on fire’ …. you will see protestors being shot …. by the evil manipulators using the honest protestors . Around 37 minute mark https://off-guardian.org/2018/01/11/documentary-ukraine-on-fire-2016/

      How many Palestinian refugees in Syria SPC …. how many Iraq ones…. 1.2 – 1.5 million ?? Million

      How many refugees would NZ have to take for a similar ratio …

      Israel was behind the disappearance / elimination of Palestine ….

      and they are backing ISIS / Al quada in Syria…. with medical treatment among other things.

      Shooting protestors seems almost natural for the Israel ‘ defense’ force . … like stealing land…. which leads to protests.

      Very dangerous neighbors …. Zionists

  5. Beatie 5
    6 April 2018 at 5:09 pm

    This video has been blockd by Youtube in 28 countries .

    In it, Abby Martin (The Empire Files) interviews journalist Max Blumenthal on the current situation in Palestine and increasing Israeli militarism.

  6. Tuppence Shrewsbury 6
    6 April 2018 at 5:23 pm

    A peaceful invasion of a foreign nation? Pull the other one.

    • Ed 6.1
      6 April 2018 at 5:29 pm

      No doubt you would have defended the Sharpeville massacre.

      • Tuppence Shrewsbury 6.1.1
        6 April 2018 at 10:04 pm

        Completely different situations Ed. So a pointless comment that ignores my point.

        There is no such thing as a peaceful invasion.

        • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1.1
          7 April 2018 at 1:22 am

          Of course there isn’t – and Israel is an invasion of Palestine.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 6.1.1.1.1
            7 April 2018 at 2:47 pm

            That was met by forceful resistance and overcome by the Israeli’s, so Israel won that battle, which was against vocal anti semitic forces and then went no further unless attacked first. No it’s defending it’s borders. and fair enough too

            • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1.1.1.1
              7 April 2018 at 7:41 pm

              Borders that should not exist. Borders that are an injustice because it has Palestinians paying for what the Germans did.

              So, Israel has no right to exist. It was, quite simply, the Western powers sweeping a problem under the rug and hoping it would go away.

              Well, it hasn’t and the injustice we perpetrated is still there and getting worse as we continue to support the injustice that we did.

            • reason 6.1.1.1.1.2
              8 April 2018 at 8:01 am

              Soldiers shooting un-armed civilian refugees is not a battle Tuppence Shrew

              Or maybe its the only kind of ‘battle’ you’d ever be brave enough to fight in ?.

              For a Israeli who tells the truth …. and knows far far more than you.

              You should listen to this good man …. who would recognize you for what you are ….. If you learn anything from him, it might stop you spewing violence endorsing racist zionist crap

    • Corrupt PM 6.2
      6 April 2018 at 5:42 pm

      I personally think shooting over the border is always going to be a losing proposition for the Israelis and they would be better mining 200 meters on the inside of their border or simply wait for the fence to be breached and call in fire support and then refuse to allow any bodies to be reclaimed.

      • reason 6.2.1
        8 April 2018 at 8:19 am

        Corrupt PM ( propaganda messenger ?)

        “Zionist righteous indignation would be a lot more convincing if it wasn’t covered with so much crap. In response to an upcoming lecture planned in London where Dr. Azzam Tamimi and I are to speak at University College of London, UCL, the Jewish Chronicle came out with an article titled: “Jewish UCL students ‘horrified by anti-israeli event.” They never seem to be horrified by the reality Israel imposes on Palestinians. They are not horrified by the racist laws, the slow death by lack of water and medical care imposed on people in Gaza, they are not horrified by the bombing and killing of innocents, nor are they horrified by thousands of political prisoners tortured by Israeli secret police. What horrifies them is, apparently Dr. Tamimi and I pointing these things out.” https://mikopeled.com/

        “But its time to sweep away the Zionist myths and uncover the truth so that we may all finally live in peace. The myths I will address tonight are the three most common myths:
        1. The myth of 1948.
        2. The myth of the existential threat of 1967.
        3. The myth of the Jewish democracy”

        ” Palestine had bustling cities where commerce and trade were taking place, they had a middle class, they had judges and scholars and a rich political life and indeed they had culture and a unique identity that set them apart from the rest of the Arab world. What the Palestinians did not have, the one thing in which they did not invest was a military. And while they constituted the vast majority of the population, when the Jewish militias attacked, they were helpless.” https://mikopeled.com/category/the-generals-son-by-miko-peled/

        ” between the end of 1947 and the beginning of 1949 they destroyed close to 500 towns and villages and exiled close to 800,000 Palestinians who to this day are not permitted to return.”

    • SPC 6.3
      6 April 2018 at 7:04 pm

      Participating in the 1984 line that to protest their refugee status (and not give up hope of a right to return to live in Israel) is a form of invasion – a thought crime that requires profiling them as criminals to be killed.

      • Tuppence Shrewsbury 6.3.1
        6 April 2018 at 10:06 pm

        Protest all they want. This is an organised invasion though. Invasions are met with resistance.

        • SPC 6.3.1.1
          7 April 2018 at 8:35 am

          A baseless claim.

          This is murderous suppression of a protest because the optics of refugees living in tents standing behind a fence are not pleasing to the Israeli government.

          The protest – which is to last to May 15, is one designed to challenge the moving of the American embassy to Jerusalem on May 15.

          This very fact, and the related facts – the protestors are not armed or with means to get past the fence, shows how the world’s public are taken for fools by the Israeli government.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 6.3.1.1.1
            7 April 2018 at 2:48 pm

            So this is isn’t an organised invasion? just a casual one designed to take a force of people through another nations protected border?

            Shows how easily hamas can dupe sympathetic anti americans

            • SPC 6.3.1.1.1.1
              7 April 2018 at 6:34 pm

              No it is not. There is a difference between an organised protest and an organised invasion.

              Given you pose criticism of Israeli policy as “anti-American”, it seems you conflate being pro American with being pro Israeli, as if they are one and the same.

              Peddling the us or them line formerly used to hook people into support for their PNAC military activism.

            • Draco T Bastard 6.3.1.1.1.2
              7 April 2018 at 7:44 pm

              The only invasion happening is that of Israel into Palestine.

    • Babayaga 6.4
      6 April 2018 at 7:43 pm

      ‘Peaceful’ and ‘Hamas’ do not fit together in the same sentence. There is video out now of the Palestinians ‘practising’ being shot for propaganda film. The whole thing is a choreographed propaganda excercise to engender sympathy for Palestinian terrorism.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.4.1
        7 April 2018 at 1:24 am

        Ah, you’re buying the Israeli propaganda hook, line and sinker I see.

        • Babayaga 6.4.1.1
          7 April 2018 at 6:34 am

          No, just observing more of the same crap we’ve seen from Hamas and their enablers so many times before.

          • Cinny 6.4.1.1.1
            7 April 2018 at 7:55 am

            Where do you get your news from re Israel and Palestine Babayaga?

            Control of the media narrative is critical to Bibi remaining in power. Hamas is the perfect scape goat to justify the gunning down of protestors.

            Among what will be most eye-opening for average Israelis who know little about the inner-workings of censorship is that an individual petty bureaucrat censor sits in every newsroom and TV news studio, and reviews all headlines and copy before publication or airing.

            https://www.mintpressnews.com/214245-2/214245/

            • dukeofurl 6.4.1.1.1.1
              7 April 2018 at 9:38 am

              Not just ‘traditional media’ based in Israel but even Twitter, who are based in US seemed to be under the Israeli censors thumbs.

              Silverstein told Salon:
              Twitter’s legal department contacted me via email on Aug. 2, saying that the Israeli State Attorney’s Office had informed the company that a Hebrew tweet I published on May 18 violated an Israeli gag order in the Becker case. The company asked if I would be willing to delete the tweet myself. I refused, asking them not to take any action in the matter until I could consult legal counsel. I argued that the tweet didn’t violate Twitter’s terms of service or U.S. law. The company, which is based in San Francisco, was under no obligation to impose Israeli law upon me based on what I posted to my feed.

              Twitter’s legal team wrote again two days later, saying that they’d decided to censor the tweet inside Israel.

              To avoid more slabs of info checkout the details and even extends into Facebook
              https://www.salon.com/2016/08/26/israels-war-on-open-discourse-state-censorship-now-reaches-into-international-news-sources-and-social-media/

            • Baba Yaga 6.4.1.1.1.2
              8 April 2018 at 11:47 pm

              “Where do you get your news from re Israel and Palestine Babayaga?”

              Probably from the same place you do. The Palestinians elected a terrorist organisation. Said terrorist organisation then sets about trying to destroy the legitimate nation of Israel, and continues to do so. This latest fracas is another attempt by Hamas to delegitimise Israel, as always using civilians as fodder. The Israeli’s warned what the consequences would be of protestors breaching the border. Israel follows through, and good luck to them.

  7. Et Tu Brute 7
    6 April 2018 at 5:45 pm

    I’m okay with it. Not the situation. Not with Israel. But from a simple project management point of view, how do you stop 50,000 peaceful protestors marching over your border. Disputable border or not. From the point of view of Israel, it is their border and their problem to deal with. I suppose there are less than lethal options (but mass use of those often become lethal), and potentially they could mobilize enough soldiers to use more restrained force if people got through, but then that’s a huge risk and likely to cause more casualties. I don’t exactly see Israel accepting the alternative and giving them ground and retreating, taking their civilians with them.

    • SPC 7.1
      6 April 2018 at 6:56 pm

      The answer is to shoot only when they cross the border/try to get past the fence and not before.

      • Et Tu Brute 7.1.1
        6 April 2018 at 7:57 pm

        Okay so shoot once they cross the border? Yeah that sounds like a good compromise.

    • Keepcalmcarryon 7.2
      6 April 2018 at 7:13 pm

      Tear gas, rubber bullets, water cannon?
      You are ok with lethal force on civilians?

      • Muttonbird 7.2.1
        6 April 2018 at 8:17 pm

        Exactly. There are several effective methods used in riot control which don’t involve weapons of war.

        Disgraceful comment from et u brute.

        • SPC 7.2.1.1
          7 April 2018 at 8:39 am

          Riot control methods used in streets are not effective in open ground across a wide area.

          Tear gas and sound weapons maybe.

        • Et Tu Brute 7.2.1.2
          7 April 2018 at 12:30 pm

          They used tear gas. I didn’t see water canon but I’m sure they’re there. After that it could be rubber bullets but you then need to fire more of those and the more you fire, the higher the chance of killing or seriously injuring someone. In total shooting a few of the most dangerous ones before things really explode is probably safer than hammering a huge crowd with tear gas, water cannons, sound weapons and rubber bullets. None of these less-than-lethal options are perfect and when used on a huge crowd can produce deadly results – and often to the most vulnerable. Hence the forward momentum of the crowd needs to be broken before it gets to that stage. And as SPC says, general riot control strategies don’t really work on open ground.

  8. Obtrectator 8
    6 April 2018 at 6:11 pm

    “Hamas – incidentally, the duly elected and legitimate government of Gaza”

    Please enlighten us, Bill – when did the Hamas government last submit itself to a free and fair electoral process?

    • dukeofurl 8.1
      6 April 2018 at 6:41 pm

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestinian_legislative_election,_2006

      Guess who was found to be meddling in that election.

      ‘ US House of Representatives passed H.Res. 575 (December 16, 2005), asserting that terrorist groups, like Hamas, should not be permitted to participate in Palestinian elections until such organizations “recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state….

      • SPC 8.1.1
        6 April 2018 at 6:59 pm

        President Abbas should have had the same policy, the PA only existed because of a peace process – and until Hamas is/was part of that process it should not have been allowed/should not be alowed allowed to contest PA elections.

        Of course the US Congress and POTUS should say the same about Israeli elections – only parties supporting the two state peace process should be allowed to contest their elections.

        • Draco T Bastard 8.1.1.1
          7 April 2018 at 7:50 pm

          President Abbas should have had the same policy, the PA only existed because of a peace process – and until Hamas is/was part of that process it should not have been allowed/should not be alowed allowed to contest PA elections.

          That is not up to us but the people of Palestine who have an internationally supported invasion to deal with.

          It is the US, UK and us who are guilty here. Not the Palestinians who are simply acting in self-defence.

    • Et Tu Brute 8.2
      6 April 2018 at 8:07 pm

      2006. And they won the election for all Palestine. So if any group was to claim to represent the people it’d be Hamas. Fatah lost that election yet still remains the recognized government of the West Bank.

  9. Gabby 9
    6 April 2018 at 8:01 pm

    It’s just as well the Egyptians allow free access to Gaza via their border, or Gaza would be royally screwed.

  11. Ric 11
    7 April 2018 at 9:51 am

    There is a protest today (Saturday) in Aotea square from 2pm to 3pm

    https://www.facebook.com/events/2054410934839160/

  12. Jenny 12
    8 April 2018 at 1:39 pm

    Water is life

    http://gucaravel.com/israel-cuts-off-water-supplies-gaza/

    The Zion-nazis version of genocide.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    59 mins ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days 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 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T06:14:23+00:00