Helen Kelly on the Hobbit dispute

Written By: - Date published: 8:45 pm, April 12th, 2011 - 66 comments
Categories: capitalism - Tags:

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President Helen Kelly has published an extremely thorough account of the Hobbit dispute over at scoop.

It is extremely unusual to have such a detailed public documentation of an industrial dispute but then again it was an extremely unusual dispute – it’s not often an employer disregards a settled deal to continue a dispute and it’s not often the government steps in so completely on the side of an employer.

I’ve published most of the conclusion below but I highly recommend you read the full story. It paints an unpleasant picture of the relationship between capital and labour in twenty-first century New Zealand and of just which side this government sits with.

I have written this detailed (and rather long) record of events first because it is important to have a union record on this dispute but also because this dispute has become the subject of a number of academic publications. Having a clear set of facts on which these can be based is rather important.

But the response to the Hobbit dispute underlies a fundamental problem with the “jobs” narrative that is being driven up by the right wing in this country and used to hammer any worker who might want to have a voice in the economy or world of work. The narrative is largely unchallenged and is holding us back in many areas and is part of the growing corporate dominance over of our society and community.

Basically the story runs like this – and I am simplifying it. Work is a benefit, business is the benefactor and workers are merely the beneficiaries. Workers should be grateful for a job; a job is a privilege; employers should be lauded for the contribution they make to growing economic wealth. This narrative not only devalues the contribution of labour and fails to recognise the exchange of labour for wages that is taking place, but it also provides the justification for the removal of work rights, insufficient pay rates, government subsidies to business and the like. It paints anyone who joins or seeks to organise a union as disloyal, a wrecker or an ingrate, throwing charity back in the face of the giver.

It paints the union as an outsider, an interferer in a relationship based on charity. The employer is to be revered – deference is the name of the game. Employers have bought into this narrative and you hear it regularly in the commentary of their advocacy groups. It is also used here and internationally to justify unsatisfactory and unfair trade arrangement, environmental degradation etc. It is being resisted but is overpowering in many situations. It is similar to the so-called ‘trickle down’ approach – where, if everything is done to make business profitable, the benefits will flow down to the deserving poor. We saw that in the 1990s – but the benefits only trickled up.

The Hobbit dispute is simply an example Actors were portrayed as ungrateful, biting the hand that feeds them, contributing nothing compared to the great Warners that were donating 2000 jobs to the economy. The beneficiaries were ungrateful. No discussion on rights was possible. Absolute deference was to be shown to business and this employer regardless of any other possible approach (e.g. that they should be expected to negotiate with performers here, as they do all over the world). The union was demonised and a change to employment law, at the request of Warners, was New Zealand’s way of apologising for some of our citizens’ bad behaviour.

66 comments on “Helen Kelly on the Hobbit dispute ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Drakula 1
    12 April 2011 at 9:18 pm

    At the time of this dispute I was asking myself ‘do we really need Warners THAT BADLY’?

    It seemed to be the prevailing corporate ethos that rather undermines our reputation of the No8 wire inginuity and autonomy in the film industry.

    And the government were acting like comprodore agents 100% for the foreign investor!!!!!

  2. Anne 2
    12 April 2011 at 9:19 pm

    It was truly a disgraceful episode in our industrial history. What happened to the Breach of Privilege case Trevor Mallard initiated re-Gerry Brownlee’s attempt to mislead the House over the issue?  

  3. Deadly_NZ 3
    12 April 2011 at 9:34 pm

    And this may sound like sacrilege But i have seen NONE of the hobbit movies and I have NO desire to ever.  And now I am paying for a movie I have no interest in at all.   typical

  4. Nick K 4
    12 April 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Deadly_NZ – I have no interest in the RWC but Auntie Helen made me pay for it.  Ditto Americas Cup.

    • Marty G 4.1
      12 April 2011 at 10:00 pm

      you must be fucken fuming about the nearly three billion in corporate bailouts from Key and co then. It makes the less than $100m combined for RWC and America’s Cup look like, what was that term Key used to describe $100m the other day? oh yeah: chump change.

  5. Marty G 5
    12 April 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I haven’t read the whole thing yet but that’s some damn powerful writing in the two pars starting “Basically the story runs like this…”
    Helen, if you ever feel like writing something about other issues that come up, we’re happy to publish it, as I’m sure others are too.

    • Puddleglum 5.1
      12 April 2011 at 10:26 pm

      I have read the whole thing. As well as the paragraphs above, how about this in explanation for why it was beholden on the CTU to become involved?

      “it is our fundamental belief in the rights of workers to bargain that meant we [the CTU] had an absolute obligation to provide any support [to Equity] we could against this unfair attack. When we stop believing in that, for our own reputation and relief, we will fail in our function as the summit and leader of the union movement in New Zealand. When workers are under this sort of attack, the union movement will take on anyone and we will not bow to the deference with which some parties think employers should be held in this country if that means workers will be denied their rights.”

      Pure gold. Her analysis is detailed, articulate, closely reasoned and damning.

      Can anyone persuade her to get into parliament?

      • Jim Nald 5.1.1
        12 April 2011 at 11:20 pm

        Helen Kelly has earned my respect.
        We need more people with her integrity.
        It’s clear where she stands.
         
        Helen Kelly: working bros
        National Party: Warner Bros
         
        Shame on you, Nats.
         

    • Jum 5.2
      13 April 2011 at 8:53 pm

      Marty G,
      Yep.

  6. JohnDee 6
    12 April 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Must say i was impressed with Helen Kelly on Q & A last Sunday.

  7. Draco T Bastard 7
    12 April 2011 at 10:33 pm

    Worship of the rich has been normal fare of our culture for some time now and it’s just getting worse. Read pretty much any fiction and it’s the rich that are the heroes, the special people who deserve to be rich. It’s like that in fiction and on the news. Point out that they (the rich) are not all that special and are, as a matter of fact, a bunch of thieves and get told that you’re jealous and envious of them and that you should really be bowing down and kissing their arse.
     
    We need to change the story.

  8. Hilary 8
    12 April 2011 at 10:34 pm

    It would be great if Paul Holmes read this, realised his disgraceful attack on Helen on Q and A was wrong, and apologised to her.

    • aj 8.1
      12 April 2011 at 10:40 pm

      I’d imagine there is a backstory to Helen Kelly appearing with Paul Holmes.

    • Marty G 8.2
      12 April 2011 at 10:40 pm

      I don’t think that anyone seriously believes that Paul Holmes can read.

      • Jim Nald 8.2.1
        12 April 2011 at 11:23 pm

        A couple of Sundays ago when I saw him on Q&A, it seemed like he was frothing.
         
        Viewed the recent Q&A and he seemed a bit sedate. Was he tasered before the cameras rolled?

        • Bunji 8.2.1.1
          12 April 2011 at 11:58 pm

          I think that might have had to do with the recent complaint finding against him.  Was a great finding, everything the complainants said was found to be true, that Holmes was biased, and
          “As the interview progressed, the host became unnecessarily aggressive and displayed active contempt towards Ms Kelly’s position. This was in stark contrast to the non-confrontational and respectful manner with which he interviewed Mr Barnett.
          Before dismissing the complaints on the grounds that Holmes was allowed to be a biased, contemptuous, aggressive so-and-so, and that Helen Kelly could cope with it.  
          But that was hardly what Q&A want to be known for, so I imagine he got more than a flea in his ear…

          • Deadly_NZ 8.2.1.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 5:28 pm

            Yeah it looked like everytime he went to say something there was a voice in his ear saying Shut up, shut up, don’t move, shut up, be nice Or the voice saying shut up or your fired.

    • Vicky32 8.3
      13 April 2011 at 4:37 pm

      Sadly, Hilary, I can’t see that ever happening…

  9. Bazar 9
    12 April 2011 at 11:37 pm

    I’d love to see the other side of the story in regards to this. Still, I’ll point out interesting parts of this.

    “The Equity board agreed that it would wait for an international production with unionised workers from abroad to re-launch its campaign.”

    Read: Equity decided to wait and ambush the next international production.

    “The FIA agreed that unless Equity could make progress on bargaining with the production company making the Hobbit (Warners), then it would call on performers to show international solidarity and advise members to hold off signing on to the film until a negotiation was agreed upon.”

    Read: FIA agreed by request, to blacklist the hobbit first, before negotiations had started. Let’s not forget, they wanted a union contract not a guideline.

    “The facts show otherwise. Warners had sent a legal letter refusing to bargain before the actors unions advised members not to sign.”

    No citation provided. I’m not going to believe that at face value till i see some proof. It was also illegal to negotate a contract with Equity at that time, as covered later

    “On 17 August FIA contacted Warners to say it wanted to negotiate terms and conditions collectively. In its letter, the FIA notified Warners that it had passed the remit”

    Not accurate. FIA said they were blacklisting because Equity wasn’t being negotiated with

    “Warners were unwilling to negotiate and…”

    Unwilling, unable, or just bending the truth. No letters have been provided. No citation.

    “The refusal to bargain letter sent on 13 September on behalf of Warners was from lawyer Deborah Fox [xiv] . No reference is made in this letter to a “boycott” even though it was in response to the 17 August FIA letter. Her letter is, in our view, wrong in law and relied wrongly on the Commerce Act.”

    Crown law, and the Warner’s lawers both agree that it was illegal to enter into negotiations. But hey, they are just lawyers what do they know about law.

    Heres the link involving crown law’s legal opinion.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10677077

    And because its so central to their negotiations, i’ll even give the relevant quote for lazy people:

    “Yesterday, Mr Finlayson said in a letter to the studios – which was also copied to Sir Peter and Ward-Lealand – that legal advice from the Crown Law Office confirmed the Commerce Act prevented The Hobbit’s producers “from entering into a union-negotiated agreement with performers who are independent contractors”. Section 30 of the act, which deals with price fixing, “effectively prohibits” such arrangements, he said.”

    Their take of the matter:

    “Following this, Equity got legal advice [set out in a letter of 17 September from Simpson Grierson]. This advice pointed out a number of elements of the Commerce Act that would allow collective bargaining of standard contracts to be offered to performers.”

    Reading the actual letter they got. There was one way to avoid it being illegal, make the actors employees. But that’s not a possibility; it’d incur so much taxation it’d never happen.

    There were also “…two possible exceptions that may apply…”
    What they were asking was illegal, and although they care to disagree, it’s obvious that anyone stupid enough to attempt it was opening themselves to legal litigation.

    “All of these opinions considered what performers could do in relation to the Commerce Act; none considered what Unions can do under the Trade Union Act 1908. It is the CTU view that the Trade Unions Act allows workers (broader than just employees) to negotiate terms and conditions collectively without being found in restraint of trade or criminally liable (i.e. an exception to the Commerce Act).”

    Again, what we say vs what the law says.

    “Regardless, none of these legal issues was ever an impediment to the parties meeting and discussing this point. For example, a “Pink Book” for Hobbit performers could have been one of the outcomes – presumably a form that is safe under the Commerce Act.”

    HAHAHAHAHA. That’s rich. I’ll quote what frustrated the Actors Equity when dealing with outrageous fortune.

    “The association’s response was to offer to renegotiate The Pink Book – and to maintain that document’s status as a guideline only. This was unacceptable to Equity and its members.”

    So because they found it so unacceptable, they decided to play hard-ball with the next international production. And now she turns around and says that regardless of what the law said, at least they could of renegotiated the pink-book, when its obvious to anyone that they’d never settle for guidelines, but were after a union contract

    I’d love to go on, but i need to get some sleep and i’m only a 1/3rd through the article.

    • chris73 9.1
      13 April 2011 at 6:44 am

      Always good to hear the other side of the story

    • IrishBill 9.2
      13 April 2011 at 6:44 am

      Crown law, and the Warner’s lawers both agree that it was illegal to enter into negotiations. But hey, they are just lawyers what do they know about law

      The full opinion hasn’t been released despite an OIA request for it and it being shown to Warners. I’d not place too much value on it if I were you – when it finally turns up I don’t think it’ll say what you think it does.

      • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1
        13 April 2011 at 12:13 pm

        I’m sure it’ll say the exact opposite and that’s why it wasn’t released.

    • Pete 9.3
      13 April 2011 at 8:43 am

      The letter from Deborah Fox is the refusal by Warners to negotiate. The missing reference you need to become a believer. Mentioned in your own post!

    • Pete 9.4
      13 April 2011 at 9:20 am

      The letter you refer to from Fox is on behalf of Warners. Refusing to bargain. Does that now make you a true believer?

      • Bazar 9.4.1
        13 April 2011 at 1:09 pm

        Can you show me the contents of the letter[s] sent and received from fox and warners showing the inital responce?
        If not, then all i have to go by is her word, which i don’t trust. Which is resonable.
        They put no description into why warners refused them either. Perhaps warners didn’t take them seriously, perhaps they did but their lawyer advised it as illegal, perhaps they were told they’d need to meet some conditions like become an NZ union.
        I can read very little into that as a result. Other then the fact that warners refused, but on what grounds or reasoning remains a mistery.

    • Draco T Bastard 9.5
      13 April 2011 at 12:12 pm

      at least they could of renegotiated the pink-book,

      You RWNJs really do have a problem with comprehension don’t you? That’s not what she said. What she said was that a set of minimum conditions could be negotiated which could be used as a starting point in individual negotiations with contractors.

      • Bazar 9.5.1
        13 April 2011 at 1:04 pm

        Ah yes, name calling off the bat. Such a mature responce. I’ll let it side this once and respond.
        “What she said was that a set of minimum conditions could be negotiated which could be used as a starting point in individual negotiations with contractors”
        Then that’s illegal. Thats entering into a collective agreement, which is again, wait for it, ILLEGAL
        It’d either be a non-binding guideline, or an illegal request for a standard.
        It’d either be something Equity didn’t want or care for, or an illegal request

        [lprent: That was well within the bounds of ‘robust debate’. Read the policy. The moderators set the bounds of acceptable behavior – you don’t. Don’t waste my time looking at trivialities because you’re too lazy to read the bounds.

        • Daveo 9.5.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 1:28 pm

          “Illegal”? Nope. In New Zealand grown-ups are free to negotiate a minimum standard if they want. Which means if Peter Jackson wants to guarantee a minimum standard contract he can. Only a Communist would claim otherwise. Are you a communist bazar?

          • Bazar 9.5.1.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 2:08 pm

            Are you a lawyer Daveo? If not, don’t pretend you know better when theres contradicting evidicence from two other lawyer departments. And even the MPAA’s lawyer didn’t contrict them, only said there “may” be a “possibility” of a loophole.
            Also this isn’t about setting a minimum standard for a single contractor, which is what i think your getting misunuderstood on. Thats always been allowed and is the case.
            This is about setting a collective contract, thats a different matter as it affects the rights of group of people, and we have law in place for such cases. I also think you’ll find that once a collective contract is agreeed to, union members won’t be able to fully negotiate their own contracts any longer. But i’m not a lawyer so i could be wrong on that.
             
            I’ll add for lprent: I won’t respond to any other thread by Draco that opens with such an abusive tone. I didn’t mean to suggest that i’d moderate Draco for being rude, although i think a warm suggestion he be nicer would be an improvement.
            Mutual respect is a nice thing to work from, not “lolz u RWJN’s r so stupid derp”.

            • daveo 9.5.1.1.1.1
              13 April 2011 at 8:11 pm

              Actually I’ve a little bit of experience with contract law. And I can tell you it is possible to have a “collective” contract that doesn’t breach cartel law as long as there is some kind of legal fiction employed. I’d imagine that the advice Kensington Swan gave Actors Equity concerned such a loophole.

              It’s possible, for instance, to set a minimum standard contract and still allow individual negotiations above that minimum.

              By way of example, the basic generic contracts offered for franchised businesses don’t preclude franchisees negotiating with franchisers.

              Like any contractual agreement there are few limitations to what can be done except legal minimums (you can’t for example contract with a minor or for a crime) and/or any prior standing contract that cuts across it.

              I could engage you on a contract that carried a clause stating I would not engage someone else in the same capacity on lower terms than our arrangement; with some kind of zero/sum penalty clause. The deal I struck with you would effectively become a minimum standard.

              Of course for me to strike a deal like that you would need leverage. That’s what the Hobbit dispute was, and any business transaction is, about: leverage. It’s exceptionally naive of you to think there is some higher truth represented by The Law that discounts that.

        • Puddleglum 9.5.1.2
          13 April 2011 at 1:42 pm

          Bazar,

          I think you might be confused about the difference between legal advice (in this case from the Crown Law Office) that something is illegal and something actually being illegal.

          If legal advice is all that matters, then the legal advice the CTU received presumably shows that – in your emphatic terms – it would be LEGAL.

          Or, perhaps you think that the Crown Law Office has the final say on legality (as opposed to the courts)? The advice from that office has been challenged in the past. Others may know better than me if there have been cases where it’s opinion, when tested in court, has been found to be ‘mistaken’ in law.

          Then there’s the question of just what that advice was in terms of the arguments upon which it rested. The OIA request, if successful, should go some way to answering that question.

          • Draco T Bastard 9.5.1.2.1
            13 April 2011 at 2:11 pm

            Or, perhaps you think that the Crown Law Office has the final say on legality (as opposed to the courts)?

            Not that we’ve seen the advice from the Crown Law Office as, for some reason, the government is withholding it even from OIA requests.

    • Puddleglum 9.6
      13 April 2011 at 12:32 pm

      Bazar,

      ““The Equity board agreed that it would wait for an international production with unionised workers from abroad to re-launch its campaign.”
      Read: Equity decided to wait and ambush the next international production.”

      Did you actually read the bit about what happened that led Equity to adopt this strategy? Let’s put your extractedquotation in some context.

      “The first major push on the campaign was on the SPP production of the television series Outrageous Fortune. During the penultimate season performers asked Equity to negotiate a standard contract for the production. SPP told the cast involved in the dispute that they would cancel the final season if the cast did not agree to work on an SPP contract. At the same time SPP refused to negotiate with Equity – saying that any negotiation for a standard agreement in the screen industry must be negotiated with SPADA. The performers ended their campaign. [iv] Equity approached SPADA for a negotiation – the association’s response was to offer to renegotiate The Pink Book – and to maintain that document’s status as a guideline only. This was unacceptable to Equity and its members.
      The next effort was around two locally-made and funded television series. The Cult (produced by Great Southern Film & Television) and This Is Not My Life (produced by GRST). Casts asked producers to negotiate a standard contract with Equity. Producers on both productions said they would re-cast the show in response to the action. The action was stopped. The tactics used by employers in both these disputes have strong parallels with those used in the Hobbit.
      The length production companies would go to in order to avoid bargaining was clear and the response to those three efforts had been very scary for the performers involved. The producers were clearly prepared to engage some of the harshest tactics seen in NZ in order to deny these basic international rights.
      From these experiences, Equity realised that if it were to make progress on its goals, it would need the support of international performers, who are in a stronger bargaining position than NZ performers find themselves and who already enjoy collective conditions of work. The Equity board agreed that it would wait for an international production with unionised workers from abroad to re-launch its campaign.”

      An ‘ambush’ so clearly signalled over three prior disputes and engaged in only once all other courses of action were met with utter bad faith is not the best designed ‘ambush’, is it?

      • Bazar 9.6.1
        13 April 2011 at 1:35 pm

        It’s an ambush. Warners and wingnut studios have had no dealings with Equity at that point. The only possible exception being this email from warners where they refuse. But without knowing why they refuse its hard to put the blame on them.

        I’d certainlly hope that Equity wasn’t so stupid as to resort to a blacklist over one refused email.
        So the events as i see them, are this
        Warner and Co start up camp in NZ, thinking what a wonderful place this is, and bam. All of a sudden there’s a blacklist on them, and they are told they have to successfully negotiate with Equity for its dismissal.

        Not something resonable like “entered into negotiations”. Oh no, that would be smart. Its “until such time as the producer has entered into a collective bargaining agreement”
        So untill the matter was resolved in its entirity, the blacklist would stay. The exact wording is again, something that was wait for it… Illegal in New Zealand
        Ambush seems like a pretty apt description of their tactic.

        For the record, a blacklist may be been needed at some point, it might of been needed early on, but it was their opening move; That’s pretty hard to justify. It certainly bypasses any concept of good-faith bargaining

        • Daveo 9.6.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 1:45 pm

          So what they should have done is said to people “we’re trying to negotiate some minimum standards but in the meantime just sign up to what ever they offer”? and then not negotiated until they had nothing to negotiate with? That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.

          • Bazar 9.6.1.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 2:18 pm

            Bouncing between extremes aren’t you?
            Between blacklisting off the bat, and a total impotence in negotations, i’m sure there are ways a good negotiator could work without being at either extreame, or at least avoiding opening with a blacklist. To me that just shows an inability to negotiate.

            But your free to believe a blacklist off the bat was the only way change would happen, i’ll respectfully disagree

            • Daveo 9.6.1.1.1.1
              13 April 2011 at 2:25 pm

              Blacklist? Nope. Rather a call to not sign contracts until they were negotiated. Or do you sign your contracts and then try to negotiate them?

              • Bazar …
                13 April 2011 at 2:56 pm

                That assumes that every actor would be under the same contract.
                I think you’ll find that SAG would only want their actors under their contracts, regardless of the outcome with MPAA. I supsect most actors and their unions would as well.
                Someone can correct me if i’m wrong, but this was a dispute about a non-unionised workforce, and attempts to forcefully unionise it and get production studios to conceed to the union demands.
                International Actors and their unions weren’t the problem, yet they were still told not to sign.

                They were used as a tool, but they weren’t involved in the dispute, other then being blacklisted out by their unions.

                • Colonial Viper …
                  13 April 2011 at 3:01 pm

                  I’ll correct you , you are wrong, this dispute was about Peter Jackson wanting to extract tens of millions of dollars more for his Hollywood masters.
                   
                  The union demands amounted to let’s sit down at the table, that and decent treatment for workers? That would have amounted to a few hundred thousand in extra costs. Peanuts, to do the right thing by workers.
                   
                  But it was used as an excuse to lift a tonne of money from NZ tax payers and gift it to rich corporate types, including “Sir” Peter Jackson.

                  The US, Australia, Canada and UK have very successful screen industries and they are all unionised.

                  Jackson and Warner Bros simply acted to bully the local workforce when they had a chance.

                  You really are an ass for siding with the big corporate players against NZ workers.

                  • Bazar …
                    14 April 2011 at 1:54 am

                    *facepalm*
                    I’d ask if you actually believe everything you wrote, but given your previous posts, you probably do.
                    So please, for future referance, don’t correct me, if thats what you consider correct.

                    This dispute was started before Jackson was involved.
                    The union demands as i’ve stated repeatly were illegal.
                    The affairs of the US, Australia, Canada and the UK are irrelevant.
                    The Actors Equity represents a tiny group of ACTORS. Not the local workforce. Indeed i’d say that it was Actors Equity was bullying the local (and even national) workforce
                    “You really are an ass for siding with the big corporate players against NZ workers.”
                    And how have i “sided” with the big corporate players?
                    Not once have i expelled any virtues of Jackson, the goverment, or Warners in this article. I have not justified any actions that any party took, other then the illegal aspect.

                    I have simply given a different perspective, based on evidence around what was written by Hellen Kelly’s account.
                    I’ve even stated that the blacklist was probably going to be needed at some point.
                    But If your mind can’t handle the truth, and you just want to gloss over and ignore everything that i’ve written, so be it.

                    • RedLogix …
                      14 April 2011 at 6:57 am

                      The union demands as i’ve stated repeatly were illegal.

                      And has been repeatedly explained to you, a legal opinion is not the same as a legal judgement.  This entire area of employment law around the rights of contractors to be represented by a collective agent is not at all as black and white as you are suggesting it is.

                      Such cases always revolve around the specifics of the employment relationship.  The plain fact that the Supreme Court ruled in favour of Bryson tells you that just calling someone a contractor does not mean they are one.

        • Puddleglum 9.6.1.2
          13 April 2011 at 2:16 pm

          First, an ‘ambush’ requires an unsuspecting victim, lured into what they believe to be safe territory. I admit I don’t have details on Warner’s past history in New Zealand but I’d be surprised if they have never come across Equity prior to The Hobbit. Irrespective, I’d be equally surprised if Warners (a) didn’t carry out ‘due diligence’ in advance of production in offshore destinations; (b) didn’t ask Peter Jackson or any other industry insider about industrial relations.

          Second, how can someone be ‘ambushed’ into doing what they usually do in most of their business? Standard contracts, as I understand it, are the norm. Now, they may have been assuming/hoping that standards are lower in New Zealand but I doubt whether you become a successful international corporation by crossing your fingers and hoping.

          If I walk into my local dairy and the owner takes me to be as green as a cabbage and so immediately asks me to pay more for an item than others he deals with, but then I say “I’m not as green as I am cabbage looking” and call him on the jacked-up price – most people wouldn’t say I ‘ambushed’ him.

          • Bazar 9.6.1.2.1
            13 April 2011 at 2:39 pm

            Ambush requires an unsuspecting victim yes…
            You saying that warners were advised that they would be blacklisted apon setting up camp in NZ?

            The only sign of hostilities i suspect they woudl of received would of been a letter (that hasn’t been published as far as i’m aware) from equity asking for (i’m guessing) negotations on a collective contract (illegal).

            They could have received a letter from the FIA warning them that dire recupcussions would follow if MPAA were not taken seriously.
            Instead they chose to ambush them instead with a blacklist untill their demands were met.

            Also while your story isn’t an ambush, a more fitting analogy would be something like:
            “If i walk into my local dairy and the owner has jacked up prices. I buy 40 things and let him tally it up. I then refuse to pay unless he permanently drops the price to something more resonable, preventing him from serving other customers in the process”
             

            • Colonial Viper 9.6.1.2.1.1
              13 April 2011 at 3:05 pm

              Oh this is so funny, the only AMBUSH here was what Peter Jackson pulled on Equity, on the CTU and on Helen Kelly.
               
              Let’s not lose sight of who the dishonest thieving corporate prats were from the start.

              Love your dairy analogy WTF

              Movies which are made in Australia, in the US, in Canada, in the UK are all unionised, they make great movies, what is wrong with giving NZ workers the same benefits.

              Campaigning against your own citizens Bazar what a star.

              • Bazar …
                14 April 2011 at 1:57 am

                I’m campaigning for the truth. Something thats very hard to find and confirm with this dispute, from both sides.
                You’re being far from helpful in that regard Viper.

  10. Carol 10
    13 April 2011 at 7:58 am

    I was particularly interested in the timing around the delay of the release of the agreement between CTU & Warners, with Brownlee maybe as a kind of intermediary, advisor, or at least kept informed of the progress.  It seems to me there was manipulations that worked more widely in favour of the government undermining a resurgent national union movement. Agreement was reached around the 18th October.  Kelly was expecting Warners to make it public, but couldn’t understand why it was delayed. Here is a significant section, also showing how the government, usually via Brownlee, was also kept in the loop on developments.

    Despite this agreement, Warners held up making the release. MEAA did not feel able to release the information to the media until Warners did (because MEAA had agreed not to), and on the evening of 20 October (at least 3 days after Warners had been notified of the settlement), WETA studios called the Wellington film community to its studios and the now infamous march against the union was organised.
     
    When these emails were shown to media after things died down a bit, Jackson denied having seen them. [xxii] It is clear however that regardless of whether he had actually sighted the emails, he had been consulted about the release and was aware that the dispute was settled and that what he called a “boycott” had been lifted.
     
    The Government was also aware of this and the only group left in the dark was the public! Contact was made with the Minister’s office to seek his advice on whether or not we should simply put out the news and it was the advice of his office that we should not.
    It is also clear from information released late last year under the OIA that, following the settlement in Auckland involving Minister Brownlee, he had contacted Peter Jackson to advise him that the dispute was settled and the “don’t sign” orders would be lifted. Jackson then advised the Minister by email on 18 October (before the rally), [xxiii] that it was not the “boycott” that was influencing Warners to consider moving the film.

    At noon on the 20th October there was the major union Fairness at Work Rally.  At 3pm film workers in Wellington were called to a meeting, where Jackson (at around 5pm) told them the “boycott” was still in place, and The Hobbitt was moving offshore.  An impromptu rally was called for film workers in Wellington that evening.  Then Jackson announced that Warners execs were coming to NZ to arrange to take the movie offshore.

    The next day came the interview on Nine-to-Noon, of Boyens & Walsh. I heard this live. Boyens & Walsh vicuosly attacked Kelly & the CTU for spreading misinformation about the “boycott” being over, and that there was a very real danger of the movie being taken offshore due to the nasty union activities.  It struck me at the time that it was very advantageous for the government, that the union movement was being so vicously smeared, the day after many of us had been on that very successful national union rally.

  11. Tiger Mountain 11
    13 April 2011 at 8:20 am

    Like any significant industrial dispute the “Hobbit debacle” will be discussed for years to come. Good to see Helens account which makes a lot of sense.

    I await the response at Public Address, the majority of whose 100s of ‘Hobbit’ posters early in the piece took Lord Jacksons side. Middle class IT, media and cultural contractees dropping their bundle on the basis of alleged timeframes rather than offering solidarity. 

    And to confirm the bias displayed Russell Brown spoke at the SPADA conference on the details of the dispute before the dust had even settled. There was anti actors rhetoric all over the blogosphere of course, but mostly at places where one would expect to find it-KB etc.

    The upshot is the CTU and AE operate in a very difficult environment where support is needed not people putting the slipper in with company resourced “Save the Hobbit” rallies on f***king Labour day! If even qualified support had been offered instead, that would have given some right to offer advice to all those who believed the AE tactics needed revising.

    Well done Helen Kelly.

  12. Bored 12
    13 April 2011 at 9:22 am

    I have made my own stand here against the Sainted PJ, Fran and other anti worker pro corporate scumbags. They are now Banned …I will not watch any of their past present or future productions nor pay any moneys that might accrue their way. Their desertion of their own countrymen in favour of fellow rich foreign bastards is beyond comtempt.

  13. TightyRighty 13
    13 April 2011 at 9:40 am

    Yawn,.Just like Labour in opposition a union that can’t believe the electorate don’t give a shit that the union believes in the power and justness of it’s own story. 

    The greater good prevailed, as it should with petrobas. we don’t need a minority trying to enforce it’s views on the rest of us with only there self-interest at heart, views which uniquely coincide with making wider New Zealand poorer for their own benefit. 

    And one question, how come all the other workers on the hobbit took action against the boycott by actors equity? they are workers too, and they seem to be against the actions taken by Helen Kelly and the meat puppets Lucy Lawless and Robin Malcolm.

    • Jim Nald 13.1
      13 April 2011 at 9:54 am

      Yeah, I feel very happy that John Key’s greater good prevailed along with his friends’. You are right we don’t need a minority of them trying to impose their views and interests on the rest of us. Their machinations uniquely coincided with making wider New Zealand poorer for our own benefit. Poorer in many senses of the word.

    • Bright Red 13.2
      13 April 2011 at 10:03 am

      whose greter good prevailed? Warners and Jackson’s?
      Nothing good came of this for me. So much taxpayer money was spent on keeping a film here that was always going to stay here that the economic benefit was erased.
      as for deepsea oil – whose greater good are we talking about? The foreign company that will drill up our oil and sell it or the people who live on the coast, whose environment is at risk?

    • Draco T Bastard 13.3
      13 April 2011 at 12:58 pm

      TR, the workers aren’t the minority – the rich bastards trying to screw them are.

      • TightyRighty 13.3.1
        13 April 2011 at 5:45 pm

        In both instances i used as an example, it is a minority viewpoint against that held by the whole country. keep up.

        Tigger, you should read james delingpole in the aussie spectator for the first week of april. he talks about the soft bigotry of low expectations, something i think Helen Kelly, Lucy Lawless and Robyn Malcolm all participate in. And for the record, Meat Puppet is a derogatory term for a television actor who can only act as well as they are directed. Judging by Lucy Lawless’ and Robyn Malcoms performances under their own guidance, I think i have plenty of evidence.

        BR, your side lost. the electorate voted for the interests of business to prevail against the policies of progressive social agendas that achieve nothing. put your big boy pants on and suck up the fact that the movie men outplayed the actors union at what should have been an easy win for the actors. when you consider the actors are on home turf and are well known to nz audiences and being in the media should know how it works, having used it before and won, yet still managed to lose to a faceless corporation at a time in capitalisms history that faceless corporations aren’t really the flavour of the moment. is it because people realise PJ is better for NZ’s future than two meat puppets, when they, if you don’t, consider the thousands of other people he hires outside of the actors ranks? or are you going to blame the MSM media again, for not taking the side you see as right in this argument? the whiny left are getting predictable, combine that with a lack of unity, poof, there goes 2011.

  14. Pete 14
    13 April 2011 at 9:58 am

    At bazar. The Fox letter you refer to is on behalf of Warners refusing to bargain.

  15. randal 15
    13 April 2011 at 11:12 am

    no matter its all a heap of crap anyway.
    never seen one of Jacksons films and never will.
    he’s never made one where he wrote the sotry himself and his thespians leave me cold.
    and as for all the so called creative workers who demoed against Helen Kelly well they should all go to hollywoood and NEVER come back if they like it so much.
    but you know they would all shrivel up and die under american conditions.
    have a cucumber sandwhich.

  16. prism 16
    13 April 2011 at 11:39 am

    Has the cucumber been dipped in vinegar?

  17. randal 17
    13 April 2011 at 1:36 pm

    nah its just areference to the anemic repeating dross that they serve up and expect ya to like without making up your own mind.

  18. grumpy 18
    13 April 2011 at 3:52 pm

    Personally I’m waiting for the “How I bought Democracy to Libya” by Muammar Gaddaffi

    • Daveo 18.1
      13 April 2011 at 4:14 pm

      Really? I’m waiting for “grumpy and all the other right wingnuts suck it up, show some honour for the first time in their lives and admit they were wrong.

      • higherstandard 18.1.1
        13 April 2011 at 4:27 pm

        Wrong about what ?

        That AE and CTU fucked this up monumentally ?

        That if that wankstain from Australia had just STFU and not gone down the boycott and blacklist route in the first place that Warners wouldn”t have been able to saunter into town and fuck us up the ass ?

        [I’ve just reviewed the last dozen or so comments from you hs. You have become a troll. You are on a warning….RL]

        • Tiger Mountain 18.1.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 5:03 pm

          What do you care about AE and NZCTU really? Nothing obviously. Save the wear on your keyboard HS.

          There was little sauntering by the way, but there was manipulation a plenty from ol’ Lord wounded gut along with Warners and Shonkey.

        • Colonial Viper 18.1.1.2
          13 April 2011 at 5:09 pm

          That AE and CTU fucked this up monumentally ?
           

          Been through this a million times now. Did Equity play its cards well? No. Did the CTU come out smelling of roses? No.
           
          But that’s what happens when you get stabbed in the back by Peter Jackson and the other corporate hacks, then pissed on for good measure by the National Government.
           
          The unions will be smarter next time around.

          • Bazar 18.1.1.2.1
            14 April 2011 at 2:06 am

            “The unions will be smarter next time around.”
            In the case of Actors Equity, that’s not a partiticaly hard feat to accomplish.
            Haha, i couldn’t help myself, but its true.

Recent Posts

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    8 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    10 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    11 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    12 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    14 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    15 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    16 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    20 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    20 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    21 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    23 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T18:34:26+00:00