Key, Peters and the early election

Written By: - Date published: 8:20 am, March 11th, 2014 - 57 comments
Categories: election 2014, john key, national, nz first, winston peters - Tags:

john-key-winston-peters-2-february-20111

Just over three years ago, on February 2 to be precise, John Key announced that the date of the 2011 election would be November 26, 2011.  At the time he said:

“I believe it is in the country’s best interests to know the date of the General Election early in election year … [i]t creates certainty for New Zealanders and allows people to plan accordingly.”

Giving such extended notice was praised by independent commentators such as David Farrar as being principled.  Instead of preserving the ability to time the election to give National the biggest strategic advantage Key gave up that advantage. This was in keeping with his carefully constructed persona where he has tried to suggest that he is above playing political games.

At the same time he ruled out Winston Peters being part of his Government.  In very clear terms he said the following:

“I don’t see a place for a Winston Peters-led New Zealand First in a government that I lead … [h]istorically, he has always been sacked by prime ministers. It’s a very different style to mine and it’s rearward-looking.

What a difference three years makes. We now have an early election based on political advantage and Key is disparaging of NZ First but is refusing to rule out going into coalition with Peters.

The early election date decision is cynical in the extreme, and is based on political rather than constitutional considerations. The chance for Key to attend the G20 gathering in November as an observer is no justification for mucking around with constitutional norms. Let’s be clear, the only reason for the earlier date is the hope that National can maintain current polling levels and the fear that over time its support will ebb.

Key could not go any earlier as there is no justification. The experience of 2002 where Labour went early and lost significant support during the campaign is something Key would have been conscious of. A September election is as early as he could go without facing significant adverse electoral effect.

Key has attacked Peters saying that he should announce now who NZ First will go into coalition with. Peters has responded by stating “[h]e’s never talked to me on the matter and whatever his planning skills are, mind-reading is not one of them.”

The attack on Peters is at one level understandable. MMP elections often see votes swirl amongst smaller parties as people make decisions on what mix of parties they want to see in Government. If NZ First was seen as a potential coalition partner then soft National votes would flow Peters way.  Key cannot rule Peters out for pragmatic rather than principled reasons.  But he cannot get too close either.

This election is up to grabs. It is going to be an interesting six months.

57 comments on “Key, Peters and the early election ”

  1. tinfoilhat 1

    No I disagree, I think it’s good that everyone has a good period of notice of when the election is.

    My preference would be that an election date is set in statute such as ‘the 2nd or 3rd Saturday in October’. However it is a far superior situation than what we had previously.

    As for Winston he will play his usual tricks of appealing to people’s prejudices and bigotry to try and get over 5% and continue with the parliamentary gravy train into and through his dotage.

    • Anne 1.1

      And do you think Key doesn’t appeal to people’s prejudice and bigotry? And you can add avarice and self centredness to his bag of “tricky” tricks. The difference is: Key disguises it a little better than Winston which makes him infinitely more dangerous.

  2. Skinny 2

    Key is being tricky he needs John Banks to pass the budget and a by election is the very last thing he needs. The G20 is a convenient excuse. Winston Peters is in the luxurious position of putting up the ‘No Deal’ sign whenever he decides the time is good to go. NZF will absolutely soar in the polls possibly to 8-10 percent.

    When you see Winnie relaxed and smiling and John Key desperate and snaring when referring to Peters you know who is in control and who is not.

    I have no regrets doing a oncer by party voting NZF in 2011 he has kept us in the game while Labour were getting their shit together, and he will get his revenge on September 20 when he joins a L/G setup.

    Good health Winston!

    • Bearded Git 2.1

      What gets me is TV3 news said last night “this will give Key the ability to attend the G20 meeting if he wins” rather than “this will give whoever wins the election the ability to attend the G20 summit.”

      And while talking about media bias I just heard feedback on Morning Report-3 texts/emails received all of which slammed Cunliffe and praised Key/National. This is not balanced. How does this happen?

  3. geoff 3

    David Farrar – independent?? Surely you jest! 😉
    Great post ms

  4. Tom Gould 4

    The MSM is heavily biased in favour of the Tories, and the political media simply craven. Maybe it’s time for a ‘pants-on-fire’ style website that challenges every piece of biased, unfair, unbalanced and inaccurate political reportage or comment? On the other hand, it would overwhelm itself with an avalanche of copy, within days, and need a staff of hundreds.

  5. Colonial Viper 5

    Any government contesting for a third term in office is always at a disadvantage. With the real economy and the institutions of this country performing dreadfully for the bottom 50% of the electorate, Labour should be in a clear pole position, not trying to eke out a narrow, cobbled together victory.

    Time to show the electorate a true alternative vision for the nation.

    • Jim Nald 5.1

      “Time to show the electorate a true alternative vision for the nation.”

      Hah.

      I am enthusiastically waiting to hear from the Labour caucus and particularly David T.I.N.A. Parker that increasing the age of entitlement for superannuation is such a true alternative vision for the nation.

      Btw, if anyone can give a great analysis as to how that policy will helpfully encourage the so-called ‘missing voters’ to come out on election day and strongly support Labour, I would like to read it.

    • Yep I’m a bit surprised by the ‘he went early’ lines – imo labour should be champing at the bit for the election to show voters a clear choice, a clear alternative to the gnat nastiness – instead more of the ‘he’s not playing nice’ stuff. The left need to find people with backbone to take it to these gnats and their hanger-on dags. Come on labour you have everything to win and nothing to lose.

      • Colonial Viper 5.2.1

        I hear many natural Labour supporters disgruntled with the cheap pot shot lines from Labour. Trying to stick it to Key for going early matters only to a Thorndon bubble crowd. No one in Ashurst or Waihola gives a damn.

        So who gives a fuck if Key went two months early, its his constitutional perogative as PM. The issue Labour, if you are listening, is not that Key is going two months early, its the alternative vision that you are offering the nation. People are waiting for it, they want to hear gutsy game changing details, and they don’t have long attention spans. Get to it.

        • Draco T Bastard 5.2.1.1

          +1

          All we’re hearing from Labour so far is more of the same neo-liberal BS that we’ve heard for the last thirty years. People are looking and demanding change but no political party is offering one.

  6. Tracey 6

    Interestingly the Herald reported as part of the announcement that National has given the nod to Dunne and Seymour.

    No cups of tea required it seems.

    “Mr Key is also expected to give clearer indications of whether National will assist potential coalition partners in electorate seats closer to the election.

    He has already indicated it will do so for Peter Dunne in Ohariu and Act’s David Seymour in Epsom, but has not yet said whether it will support Conservative Party leader Colin Craig in the same way.”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11217195

    • Skinny 6.1

      Tracey things are very different this election. Key will not have it his own way in Epsom. ACT are a total joke, people I know living there feel rightfully shamed by Banks & the latest plonker heading ACT. 

      Key is doing ‘double speak’ regarding Collin Craig. He is saying “don’t force National to do a deal with this religious wacko party, give us a clear margin to govern alone or with the new-old ACT party if they prove they are worthy of our endorsement. 
       
      Note Key is already trying to peel back soft NZF Tory voters to his Nat party. Peters recent polling 5% will be unpalatable, probably 1.5 % are likely to head home if Key rights off Winston. However NZF stand to pick up treble that with deserting Nat voters. Most of the former disillusioned Maori Party voters too. This is even before Peters drops the bomb and rights National off.  

      • Lanthanide 6.1.1

        It’s easy to say that now, though. When it comes down to the last polls released before the election, if it shows National losing if they don’t get Act, I’m sure the National voters in Epsom will once again do what is required of them.

  7. MaxFletcher 7

    In all fairness, Cunliffe also talked about a coalition with NZ First also in his Q+A interview on Sunday.

    Seems both parties realise they might need Winston

  8. Craig Y 8

    Reports of the Conservative Party’s ‘fiscal conservatism’ are much exaggerated. In other words, will Key have to conduct a strange-sect wedding with a clone of New Zealand First if they’re foolish enough to gift Colin and Co. a sacrificial constituency? Good question…

    http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/31/article_14733.php

  9. xtasy 9

    “Let’s be clear, the only reason for the earlier date is the hope that National can maintain current polling levels and the fear that over time its support will ebb.”

    This is true, but Key and National are not that much “desperate”, they are calculating and slightly worried that their “popularity” will not last the full year. So yes, what they are going to do is running an election campaign BLITZKRIEG STYLE!

    Prepare for the hits, also under the belts, and the use of easily manipulated media staff, who can also be too easily tied in by National’s spin masters, to manipulate the wider public. We will get hammered with “success news” about economic growth, about “achievements” and get appeals like “needing to stay on course” and so forth. Key will be presented as the competent, strong, smart and “popular” leader, possibly claimed to be the “best PM” NZ had (?). They are planning to win the election outright, so they will not necessarily need the small support lackeys from ACT and United Future.

    So it is all on now, and Labour as the largest opposition party is now called upon to get all their acts together, to have their MPs firmly fall in line, to get policies ready, and put the weaponry in position, to hit back and go on the attack of shallow government policies, of “achievements” that largely have nothing to do with the government and John Key, and to present the country and people a PLAN for the future.

    A clear plan and alternative packaged – in simple, yet clear messages, and constantly machine gunned at the government, presented to the media and public, and carried out into public events, meetings and more, by all MPs, potential new candidates and members and supporters.

    I am waiting to see Labour in action, also on welfare, please, as you are the ones that are expected to LEAD, while the Greens will fire away with their plan (likely to be well matched).

    • Colonial Viper 9.1

      xtasy – yours is the narrative which I feel is the most pertinent. National were desperate late last year with the membership election of David Cunliffe, but they have long since regrouped and see an opportunity to win. And they are going for it, as can be seen with their retirements and caucus renewal – again the left is fond of framing that as “desperate rats leaving a sinking ship” but the electorate is likely to view it as a party determined to bring something new to the table.

      • Skinny 9.1.1

        Yeah yeah and the Left just tell the truth National are recruiting a harsher bred of right-wing psychopaths. The saying “you can not trust a third term National Government” should be rolled out immediately.

        • gnomic 9.1.1.1

          Erm, this almost seems to imply a newly elected National government could be trustworthy. Shurely shome mishtake here? Though I agree that if elected in 2014 the Nats will finally go utterly psycho. After all, it will be like a total mandate to implement the thousand year reich. And when the wheels fall off there will be no alternative, right? And the weasel will have nothing left to lose. Sorry, that’s Sir Smirking Weasel to you.

          The same weasel who referred to our nation’s banner as post-colonial. ‘The current flag symbolizes “a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed,” Key said in a speech in Wellington today.’

          However honours from the English monarch are OK. Please tell me it is time for this man to retire to Hawaii, and get some tasty directorships.

    • Tracey 9.2

      Yup. Success like fewer on welfare but then…

      Interesting claims more people are in work cos they are not on welfare anymore BUT not reflected in the tax take… which is down for 3rd or 4th month in a row

  10. risildowgtn 10

    I look forward to see the leaders debates 🙂
    Cunliffe is gonna rip shonky a new one and then some hahahahhahahahahahahaha

    • Jim Nald 10.1

      Re leaders debate:

      So how many words and seconds will Cunliffe take to explain (explaining is losing?) the wonderful super policy that has been blessed by David T.I.N.A. Parker?

      Will Cunliffe’s explanation and advocacy of the policy totally floor John Key and generate such fantastic reaction to the extent that voters will cast a winning vote for Cunliffe or a protest vote against Key?

      Ok, let’s wait and see. Too soon to tell. 194 days to go.

    • Puckish Rogue 10.2

      Really?

      I say that because Key ripped Clark, Cullen, Goff, Campbell and (well probably would have) Shearer a new one whereas Cunliffe hasn’t been tested against anyone of note

    • Sosoo 10.3

      They won’t be real debates brcause nothing of substance will be discussed. They will be political beauty contests and framed by the press as such.

      By the end of this election campaign, if you are a Labour voter, chances are you will abandon any confidence in democracy if you haven’t already.

  11. About two weeks ago I was contacted by a polling company. They wanted to ask me some questions about politics and I thought here we go and said yes.

    The question that caught my attention most was: If NZ First get’s voted into a National government should Winston Peters have a ministerial post?

    Deducting from that question and framed by the others I reckon that National wants to know how much they will lose in the run up to the elections if they start courting NZ First.

    They know they are losing support and are trying to find out what they can do to keep a majority.

    Now what was that a bout giving up sovereignty forever in favor of big transnational Corporations?

    • Te Reo Putake 11.1

      That’s a good analysis, Travellerev. You don’t recall the name of the polling company do you? If it was Curia, then … Bingo!

      My gut feeling is that National know their safest bet is to stop Winston getting 5% and hoping NZF voters go there way. Option B is a post-election offer to Winston of the deputy leadership. Anything less wouldn’t work this time round.

      One thing that stood out for me is how weird it is that Key spoke about NZF at all. No words of encouragement for his current coalition partners; it’s like he knows they ain’t gonna be around.

      • travellerev 11.1.1

        Do you know what? I didn’t pay attention to the blooming name but now that you remind me it damn well was Curia marketing!

        What makes this even more interesting is that we have an unregistered number. HTF did they get our number?

        Now if I could only let you look at this video about an orange

  12. Monty 12

    Oh dear risildowgtn, we have heard that before. In 2005 Key destroyed the master of the debate Micky Cullen, then in 2008 he tore apart Clark, then Goff in 2011 was a no contest. What makes you think Cunliffe will better Key? I doubt he will. Lefties have always underestimated Key.

    And by the way Winston will go with Key he Winnie gets back in simply for the following reasons. 1 Winnie will not abide by the extreme left policies of the greens, 2. Winnie will go with the biggest party because the electorate has spoken, and 3. Because he understands that a three way plus possible Hone factor will be too unstable, and 4. He knows no government could survive the ego of Cunliffe, Norman and himself, and 5. Winnie will not want to be the third part of the trifecta. He can handle being second , but not third.

    In fact I do not think Winston will be back. Labour and greens supporters who voted Winston last time around will go back to voting for labour green rather than vote for a party who is likely to support a national Government.

    • risildowgtn 12.1

      hahah is that your best?

      Cunliffe aint clarke or any of those other fools

      [lprent: John Clarke? ]

      • MaxFletcher 12.1.1

        Clarke was no fool

        [lprent: John Clarke? Helen Clark (with no frigging ‘e’)? David Clark? It would help if you used the fuller names so others could figure out who you mean. ]

    • Lanthanide 12.2

      I don’t recall him “[tearing] apart Clark”. I recall the media being surprised by how well he did, because expectations were set very very low.

      Similarly Goff in 2011 wasn’t a “no contest”, it was quite close (in so much as leaders ‘win’ debates), with Goff clearing ‘winning’ one, Key ‘winning’ one and the other one going to Key by a nose. But apart from the ‘winning’ aspect, Key really put on a poor display, particularly with his lame ‘drunken sailor’ joke.

      No one cares about finance spokespeople debates so I don’t know anything about whatever 2005 debate you’re mentioning.

      • Ant 12.2.1

        I always thought National were smart and criticised Helen for being “too aggressive” – Labour then went full retard and over reacted – Helen noticeably held back (didn’t interrupt him, didn’t talk over him) in the debates which essentially gave Key free reign.

        I hope Cunliffe doesn’t receive any equally conservative horrible advice that makes him hold back.

    • framu 12.3

      “greens supporters who voted Winston last time ”

      you reckon?

    • PapaMike 12.4

      Winnie has always maintained he would never go into any coalition with the Greens.

      I assume he is changing his mind – again

      • McFlock 12.4.1

        Many ways to skin a cat without technically being part of a coalition government.

        e.g. post 2005: confidence and supply support, a minister, but not in the coalition government.

    • Skinny 12.5

      Your handle says it all, your a bloody comic alright Winston won’t get 5% lol that is a classic.. You forgot to say if he declared going with NACT he wont get 5%.

    • Tiger Mountain 12.6

      Classic “miss-underestimation” from Montykins.

  13. Tombstone 13

    I notice there’s been another budget blowout for the government which is kinda odd as I thought they had delivered a rock star economy and we were now all on the slow but steady march toward Utopia? So, the tax switch, austerity measures, slashing of jobs and flogging off our assets has achieved what? Seems we’re going backwards and still Key’s fans crow like great things have been achieved – ah, no they haven’t you bunch of sanctimonious doosh bags! Wake the fuck up!

    • Puckish Rogue 13.1

      Well theres this:

      http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/manufacturing_and_production/EconomicSurveyofManufacturing_MRDec13qtr.aspx

      Not counting dairy and meat (which increased higher)

      » Seafood +2.7%
      » Fruit, oil, cereal and food +5.0%
      » Wood and paper +1.6%
      » Printing +8.5%
      » Non-metallic minerals +5.5%
      » Transport +5.9%
      » Furniture +6.2%

      So I’d suggest lefties wake the fuck up and realise (and appreciate) the good work Nationals doing

      • McFlock 13.1.2

        You forget to mention 27% of kids in poverty. That’s up, too.

      • KB 13.1.3

        Maybe these things are up despite what National’s been doing. Also what were the volumes prior to the GFC/when National took over? Are they merely returning to previous levels?

      • framu 13.1.4

        your link doesnt show those figures (unless im just missing something) – edit – perhaps i skimmed that too quickly – sorry

        also “The total manufacturing sales volume had a record rise”

        sales not tax revenue – considering that tombstone is talking about govt budget blowouts its weird that you link to things other than govt revenue data

      • xtasy 13.1.5

        Seafood – more exports to China and other places (mostly low value added),
        Fruit, oil, cereal and food – more exports to China and so (likely more canned fruit comes under this),
        Wood and paper – more exports to China and the likes (cut or chipped logs are likely counted as “manufacturing”),
        Non-metallic minerals – more exports to China and so (could mean any such mineral with little “manufactured” value),
        Transport – maybe once off contract of some transport appliances or accessories by a manufacturer, possibly to Australia, otherwise work on electrification of rail links in Auckland and whatever else, that had been planned for a long time (already prepared for under Labour),
        Furniture – yes, perhaps some more furniture for local use?

        Indeed, it shows a growth curve, slowly returning manufacturing data to the level of 2008 – just before National took office!

        http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/industry_sectors/manufacturing_and_production/EconomicSurveyofManufacturing_HOTPDec13qtr.aspx

        Bearing in mind that most the exporting benefits some, but not necessarily all New Zealanders, this alone does only say so much.

        So it took National in government over 5 years to bring it back to what it was prior to when they took over government?!

    • xtasy 13.2

      Apart from share-milkers and fruit picking gangs (from overseas) working their butts off, and logging gangs risking life and well-being to keep jobs, by cutting thousands of cheap logs for China, fishing vessels from overseas ripping their quota and more out of the sea around us, most that have come off welfare and gone into “work”, ended up with marginal, part time and casual jobs, that pay little in income tax. GST take is not growing, as retail spending on cards may be up, but in cash goes down, which rather represents a change of purchasing behaviour (by younger generations), and NOT a real, substantial growth in retail sales.

      Also solo parents (mostly females) forced off welfare, due to work testing and other draconian expectations, have moved in with (potentially abusive) partners, or are working the streets, to survive without cut or denied benefits.

      Yeah, it is a “rock star economy” by some figures, but the whole picture will show it is anything like a “rock star economy”, where only farmers and a few others do well, but most get nowhere, or move backwards. And the farmers spend perhaps more on paying off debt and importing new machinery, made in China, like those glossily (asbestos) painted new trains, which cost Kiwirail 3 million a week, while being out of business, due to suspected health risk for the drivers.

      Selling assets put some cash into the till, but that cash was already spent before, so now the cupboards are bare, and it may show sooner than National may like, hence the rush for 20 September now. Key knows, if they get in again, they can rip the rest of the crap out of this country and really get stuck into beneficiaries and others.

      Times could never have been more serious under this government, to realise a change of government is NEEDED!

  14. Enough is Enough 14

    Well of course they are desperate Mickey.

    I wish we showed similar levels of urgency and desperation for the treasury benches instead of this sloppy mistake filled start to election year.

  15. captain hook 15

    shifty Key has always been desperate.
    people like him have no acceptance of the world.
    they need to grab everything in case there is nothing left for them.
    when they are finished there is nothing left over for anybody else.
    he wants to enron new zealand and then split.

  16. peterlepaysan 16

    The media chatterers that talk about G20 influencing the election date display an extraordinary incompetence and/or venality.

    I have no idea what the National party thinking is about the date apart from the fact that it is a date that they think is advantageous to them, for whatever myriad of possible reasons.

    It would be nice if, for once, media chatterers stopped interviewing their iphones and lifted their heads to look around at real world around them.

  17. Philj 17

    Xox
    Part of me relishes National, post election, having to live with the results of such mis management of New Zealand. Can we be so shallow and dupe able? That is the question.

  18. Murray Olsen 18

    The election date is good. We know the day we’ll get rid of Key and his douchebag acolytes, if Labour can do two things:
    1. Forget increasing the retirement age. In an ideal world, I’d say kick anyone promoting the increase, like Clark and Goff, out of the party.
    2. Realise that you can’t shut Shane Jones up, so use his big mouth to attack NAct rather than the Greens. Keep him to a script and keep him away from the mining and fishing interests he loves so much.

    It would also be good to hear a few inspiring, rather than insipid, things from other Labour candidates. Jacinda Ardern needs to learn that just being photogenic is not enough. Mallard just needs to retire.

  19. Tanz 19

    Key gets all the good media attention, he is their darling. It’s scrape and bow by the MSM. No wonder he thinks he is golden…even if he is not.

Recent Posts

  • 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. ...
    2 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
    3 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
    4 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
    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    10 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
    12 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
    12 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
    12 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
    13 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
    13 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 ...
    14 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
    16 hours 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
    17 hours ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep 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 thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats 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. Heres 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. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen 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 ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    19 hours 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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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 ...
    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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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, ...
    1 day 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, ...
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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 ...
    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 ...
    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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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 ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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 ...
    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
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    4 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    4 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    5 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
    6 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
    8 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
    9 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
    10 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
    10 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
    10 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
    13 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
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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 2024-04-19T10:20:12+00:00