Kiwis to be implicated by Panama papers

Written By: - Date published: 7:13 am, April 10th, 2016 - 120 comments
Categories: accountability, capitalism, class war, tax - Tags: , , ,

Yesterday The Nation interviewed the Centre for Public Integrity’s Peter Bale about the Panama Papers. The full video is here. A summary is here:

‘Strong NZ connection’ to Panama Papers

A Kiwi journalist at the heart of a huge leak of documents from a Panama-based law firm says some New Zealand names could be dragged through the mud.

Or – you know – exposed to the sunlight.

More than 11,000 foreign trusts have been set up in New Zealand and opposition parties are accusing the Government of allowing the country to be used as a tax haven.

Which it is.

“You can be absolutely certain, I think, or as near to certain that there will be significant numbers of New Zealanders and of New Zealand entities, certainly New Zealand entities, within this data set.”
…
“The history of New Zealand’s position on offshore companies, people registering trusts there from offshore and also things like New Zealand’s relationship with Niue and some of the other places that we know Mossack Fonseca has used, means that you should assume that there is a very strong New Zealand connection.”

It will be interesting to see what emerges as the data is analysed. I wonder if there will be any NZ politicians on the list. I wonder what the records of the top three offshore law firms would reveal (Mossack Fonseca is only the fourth largest).

key panama lie

120 comments on “Kiwis to be implicated by Panama papers ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. fustercluck 1
    10 April 2016 at 7:43 am

    As the Panama Papers continue to produce results and the trial of a prominent NZer nears its conclusion, one wonders if our bankster-in-charge will feel compelled to call an early election in the hope of salvaging an electoral result before his reputation is fully in tatters.

    • saveNZ 1.1
      10 April 2016 at 8:08 am

      @Fustercluck – well John Key is escalating TPPA so he clearly needs those tax haven exemptions kept in there – why should the rich answer to government courts! That’s not how the mega rich work, they have their own lawyers, accountants, ways to hide money and politicians. Even there own migration laws. Under TPPA a new arsenal of their own ‘tribunals’ to fine governments who dare curb their powers or profits.

    • lprent 1.2
      11 April 2016 at 2:28 am

      Remember that court orders apply to the “prominent NZer”, and I don’t like going to court without a good reason. My view is that if I see people trying to send me to court to defend their indiscretions, then I’d prefer to eliminate their comment and to ban them from the site.

      Of course if I had a good reason to decide to violate court orders, then I’d do so. To date that hasn’t happened. And I’d be likely to do it outside this site.

  2. saveNZ 2
    10 April 2016 at 8:18 am

    The Natz have set this up to be the worst of both worlds. We legally hide the money in NZ but there is no incentive to domicile here to pay worldwide taxes here. If you live here you pay normal taxes!!

    We are the world’s worst tax haven, more a way to hide and launder money for the world’s rich who have something to hide from other governments!

    Meanwhile as usual, Kiwis do not benefit apart from a paltry $24 m for ‘wealth lawyers’ to do the paperwork and legally hide the money.

    That’s what happens when you get ‘financiers’ and ‘accountants’ in charge running bizarre scams to help their dodgy cronies and corporations make even more obscene profits while the paid MSM tell us how amazing they are and how we could not do without these pillars of the community.

    I hope for more leaks in particular the other 3 larger firms so we can find out for our ourselves how much of the world’s wealth is being hidden and by whom.

    Since many of the governments leaders and cronies are hiding money and putting in legislation that allows them to hide money, I think it will be ‘leaks’ not governments that find out what is really going on.

    And more importantly it will flush out the more ‘honest’ politicians who don’t feel the need to hide their assets in ‘blind’ trusts that we can vote for.

    • John Schmidt 2.1
      10 April 2016 at 8:39 am

      It was Labour who setup and ammended the current trust laws. You cannot blame the National for that. NZ is not a tax haven, there is no huge sums of money hidden under rocks or anywhere within NZ. NZ involvement is in paper only and that is not illegal under the laws setup by Labour. The really shifty things that you think is occurring in NZ is actually occurring in the real tax havens overseas. Yes some Kiwis will be embarrassed morally but not by the rule of law. Absolutely let sunlight shine all over this and once all the facts are known then it will be time to see if the laws setup by Labour need changing or amending.

      • Arthur 2.1.1
        10 April 2016 at 8:49 am

        NZ is not a tax haven and it’s Labour’s fault.

      • saveNZ 2.1.2
        10 April 2016 at 9:02 am

        Even if what you say is true John Schmidt, National has been in government 8 years, they can not blame Labour for not changing the law.

        In addition I think it highly unlikely Helen Clark uses trusts to funnel money while she was a PM, while John Key has already revealed he has ‘blind’ trusts so therefore benefits from the laws.

        • The Chairman 2.1.2.1
          10 April 2016 at 11:29 am

          “Even if what you say is true John Schmidt, National has been in government 8 years, they can not blame Labour for not changing the law.”

          +1

      • Matthew Whitehead 2.1.3
        10 April 2016 at 9:10 am

        John, you can set up a law with good intentions according to best practice at the time, and still have it cause trouble five or ten years down the track due to trends that hadn’t been revealed at the time the law was passed.

        I don’t think anyone’s trying to blame National for the tax law that we have. Rather, they are saying that the signs have been there to read that it has needed to be updated, and that they are to blame for ignoring the warnings from the opposition that New Zealand is becoming a nation that, at best, enables class war. The government isn’t just responsible for the laws it actually passes, it is also responsible for the opportunity costs of those laws- that is, say, tinkering with licensing laws for the RSA instead of addressing the very real concerns that our rules around foreign trusts are causing us to be a destination of choice for tax avoidance by people from countries where the benefactor of a trust is taxed, as opposed to our regime where the settler is taxed. (which means that unless the country asks or the settler is Australian, then there will be no disclosure that the trust’s assets are held in New Zealand and effectively untaxed)

        That is of course also ignoring the possibility that there are actual revelations from the Panama Papers for New Zealand figures, which there likely will be.

      • r0b 2.1.4
        10 April 2016 at 9:53 am

        It was Labour who setup and ammended the current trust laws. You cannot blame the National for that.

        I have a detailed post about this coming up tomorrow morning. Short version, National changed the law to make us a tax haven.

      • pat 2.1.5
        10 April 2016 at 9:54 am

        “It was Labour who setup and ammended the current trust laws”
        Wasn’t aware we had a Labour led government in 2011 ?….

        http://www.chapmantripp.com/publications/Pages/New-Zealand-now-an-attractive-tax-location.aspx

        • BM 2.1.5.1
          10 April 2016 at 10:46 am

          That was a interesting link you posted, from the article

          Making New Zealand funds attractive to non-resident investors

          The Government recognised that this tax treatment was not sensible from a policy perspective. New Zealand should not be imposing tax on foreign source income derived by foreign investors, simply because that income is derived by a New Zealand fund. Furthermore, a Government appointed task force, the International Financial Services Development Group, pointed out that if New Zealand can make itself attractive as a residence location for foreign funds, there is an opportunity to create additional jobs and income.

          After seeing that I thought it would be a good idea to go read about the International Financial Services Development Group.

          From the International Financial Services Development Group website

          The International Funds Services Development Group was established by Cabinet in March 2010 to look at the benefits of establishing a funds domicile and investigate the broader financial services opportunities for New Zealand.

          The Group comprised top-level private sector experts from the financial services sector. Their report released on February 15th 2011.

          http://www.mbie.govt.nz/publications-research/publications/business-law/01%20Exporting%20Financial%20Services_%20A%20Report%20from%20the%20IFSDG.pdf

          Seems that changes made in 2011 were the direct result of The International Funds Services Development Group recommendations for developing and growing the NZ financial sector.

        • The Chairman 2.1.5.2
          10 April 2016 at 10:46 am

          Pat, your link relates to who is responsible for paying tax. Not who allowed the setup of such trusts.

          • pat 2.1.5.2.1
            10 April 2016 at 8:13 pm

            That is true but those changes saw non resident trusts grow exponentially since then

            • The Chairman 2.1.5.2.1.1
              11 April 2016 at 7:39 am

              @ Pat

              As Winston highlighted in his interview with apologist Corin Dann, it is the lack of info those trusts require (which comes back to how they were allowed to be set up) that largely drove the growth after the change.

              If full disclosure was required and the info automatically passed on to the related tax jurisdiction, they would have little appeal to those looking to hide their funds.

              The question is was this an incompetent unforeseen consequence of the change or an intentional ploy?

              As National are now well aware of this consequence, yet don’t seem willing to correct it, moreover are trying to defend it, suggests the latter.

              However, it was Labour that initially allowed these trusts. Did Labour raise concern regarding this change? And if not, did their silence make them complicit?

              • pat …
                11 April 2016 at 8:36 am

                I think it would be naive in the extreme to believe that someone with Keys background had no understanding of the implications of a loosening of disbursement treatment around non resident trusts……and as RoBs piece this morning shows it was but one action of many

        • Leftie 2.1.5.3
          11 April 2016 at 2:33 am

          +1 Pat @ 2.1.5

      • Kelly-Ned 2.1.6
        10 April 2016 at 9:56 am

        And you now that for certain because……….?

      • dave 2.1.7
        10 April 2016 at 6:24 pm

        your lying national changed the law in 2011 john key and natz get that right please stop lying!

      • Dialey 2.1.8
        10 April 2016 at 7:12 pm

        it was an alien party, not Labour at all in my mind, hijacked by Roger Douglas and Richard Prebble, and we all know what those 2 went on to do.

      • Plan B 2.1.9
        10 April 2016 at 9:37 pm

        Tax havens do not actually have the cash/assets. They are there to provide the bits of paper to hid the cash, assets that will be in other countries.New Zealand provides one of the bits of paper.
        We probably didn’t do this on purpose, what has happened is that the Tax Haven industry has found out about this particular , strange unfathomable legal entity called a Foreign Trust and have gone about exploiting it. It is up to the government of the day, in this case National, to be all over this sort of thing and fix it. It is a Red Queen race. Saying the word Labour 3 times in your post , I get it.

      • Smilin 2.1.10
        11 April 2016 at 10:42 am

        Yeah ? we’re are just sitting hear watching the money go round and round I really love to watch it flow ………we just have to let it go …..too big to deal with just put up with more incompetence and stupidity until the countries time and money is wasted to buggery
        Why have the facility created in the first place if in your view its benign in the realms of tax havens ?

    • Keith 2.2
      10 April 2016 at 8:48 am

      You take Keys very unreliable word that $24 million is income. The truth is it is probably far less than that and the way the wealthy operate they may even have some kind of rebate system operating that sees them costing this country money.

      How do we tell the world that the ex Merrill Lynch trader and current Bank of America shareholding crook running this country, the same one who is fighting tooth and nail to preserve this money laundering sham, does not represent the real NZ?

      Electing some immoral unethical rich boy along with similar minded wannabe National Party elites was always going to bite us in the arse at some point. Bribe money to “change the flag” anyone?

      • Plan B 2.2.1
        10 April 2016 at 9:38 pm

        The $24 Million number is simply unknowable, a bit like the net worth of the current PM.
        For some reason he wants to tell us this number, I wonder why?

        • Leftie 2.2.1.1
          11 April 2016 at 2:37 am

          Because it sounds better than the truth.

        • miravox 2.2.1.2
          11 April 2016 at 2:49 am

          24 mill – less than the cost of the flag referendum, which the PM considered was bugger all in the big scheme of things.

  3. saveNZ 3
    10 April 2016 at 8:37 am

    Hope JAY1 does not mind, this was their comment on daily blog, but I think it sums up what has been going wrong with world economics!

    “Indeed, the Panama Papers is a clarion call for revolt against a neoliberal world economic order that favors (1) privatization of public assets, (2) deregulation of governmental influence, (3) free trade in secret, and (4) austerity measures for public welfare. This nonsense started in earnest in the 1980s with President Reagan and PM Thatcher, called Supply-side economics, which preached tax cuts for the wealthy that purportedly incentivizes job creation, thus trickling wealth down to the masses. Problem is, after more than 30 years, all of the wealth gushed upwards whilst wages trickled down. The exact reverse of how it was sold to the American public. Politicians, mostly Republicans, continue making the same lame claims today. Cut taxes to create jobs is their mantra. Well, what they really mean to say is “cut taxes to cut wages” because that’s how it works in real life.

    Frankly, the Average Joe has been getting shafted, hosed, bamboozled for decades. Now, the results are exposed in full living color. Billions if not trillions of stolen money and hidden assets removed from the public domain to enrich a few already rich people. This is as low as lowliness gets; it’s below scum.

    “Rich individuals and their families have as much as $32 trillion of hidden financial assets in offshore tax havens, representing up to $280 billion in lost income tax revenues, according to research,” Super Rich Hold $32 Trillion in Offshore Havens, Reuters, July 22, 2012. This enlightening discovery was four years ago, well before the recent Panama Papers incident.

    So, how does neoliberalism, or today’s socio-conomic order, dovetail into the Panama Papers scandal?

    Neoliberalism is the legal equivalent of the Panama Papers.

    It robs the public legally by changing regulations, trade policy, and taxation to enrich the wealthy class at the expense of the middle/lower. For example, America’s “15% carried-interest” taxation rate available to people like Mitt Romney but not available to his gardener. This is joylessly known as “reverse Robin Hood economics,” or taking from the poor to enrich the rich, and it works miracles, just look at how rich Mitt has become and at how his gardener’s wages suck dust.

    http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/08/the-panama-papers-oozing-slime/“

  4. saveNZ 4
    10 April 2016 at 8:48 am

    For those who want to know how to hide money here is how it works…

    Some of it is very funny especially the anonymous names used like Harry potter..

    http://www.theguardian.com/news/2016/apr/08/mossack-fonseca-law-firm-hide-money-panama-papers

  5. Paul 5
    10 April 2016 at 9:23 am

    In and out of the loop on the biggest leak ever
    It was the biggest ever leak of newsworthy information and the biggest ever collaboration between media organisation for a single investigation – but the New Zealand media were out of the loop on the publication of The Panama Papers.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/201796151

    • Richard Christie 5.1
      10 April 2016 at 10:26 am

      NZ media such as NZ Herald, Mediaworks are too close to National Ltd.
      Seems they couldn’t be trusted.

    • RedLogix 5.2
      10 April 2016 at 1:35 pm

      Or you may want to consider how the NZ Police were illegally seizing information from Nicky Hagar and tracking his movements and contacts.

      And we know Hagar was involved in the story at some stage. I suspect more is to come.

      Altogether a very damning moment.

      • Whateva next? 5.2.1
        11 April 2016 at 10:24 pm

        Agree, it explains why SO MUCH energy and money put into investigating him, avenging WO was hardly worthy. Listening to Nicky on Daily Blog tonight, I didn’t get a sense of anything in particular though?

  6. Nick 6
    10 April 2016 at 10:21 am

    Be nice if Key is on this list.

  7. Mouse 7
    10 April 2016 at 10:35 am

    Where is Cactus Kate on all of this… the silence is deafening!

  8. Penny Bright 8
    10 April 2016 at 10:55 am

    What are the links (if any) between NZ Prime Minister John Key, Lord Ashcroft, the Bank of America ( in which John Key is a shareholder), and Lord Ashcroft’s banks in (tax haven) Belize?

    Will the Panama Papers provide any information?

    ……..

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

    • BM 9.1
      10 April 2016 at 11:10 am

      Why do we need a inquiry?

      • The Chairman 9.1.1
        10 April 2016 at 11:18 am

        Really?

        To establish whether there is any criminal activity and identify those responsible.

        • BM 9.1.1.1
          10 April 2016 at 11:30 am

          What makes you think there’s any criminal activity going on, do you have any evidence?

          Mossack Fonseca is a business that provides legal and trust services, it’s not a criminal organisation.

          You can read their statement addressing all the media misinformation.

          http://mossfonmedia.com/

          • The Chairman 9.1.1.1.1
            10 April 2016 at 11:37 am

            Clearly you didn’t watch the link provided.

            Peters claims to have evidence of illegal activity.

            • BM 9.1.1.1.1.1
              10 April 2016 at 11:54 am

              That’s 10 minutes I won’t get back.

              Stupid old fool just talked nonsense and blathered on about the wine box inquiry and accused all the Australian banks of tax evasion without any evidence.

              Wouldn’t be surprised if he got a ring from a few lawyers.

          • Macro 9.1.1.1.2
            10 April 2016 at 3:47 pm

            You should hear some of the released internal emails BM – Oh yeah – they (M’F’) knew alright what they were doing; and what some of their clients were up to, and what they were doing was very shady indeed. But as true to their profession they shut their eyes and pretended it wasn’t them, or they didn’t know. The media release is typical of their “Nothing to see here, and nothing to do with us” approach. There is too much dirt on their hands and it won’t wash off.
            https://panamapapers.icij.org/20160403-panama-papers-global-overview.html

      • Das 9.1.2
        10 April 2016 at 11:22 am

        John Key and the National Party do not need and definitely do not want an inquiry. Can everyone please stop going on about the Panama Papers and NZ?!

        • The Chairman 9.1.2.1
          10 April 2016 at 11:35 am

          “Can everyone please stop going on about the Panama Papers and NZ?!”

          No. There is far more to come out. And work to be done to put it right. Including prosecutions if need be. We may even see resignations.

      • Stuart Munro 9.1.3
        10 April 2016 at 12:51 pm

        I agree – let’s use a more pragmatic system:

        Whenever a subject was accused of a crime of sufficient importance to interest the king, public notice was given that on an appointed day the fate of the accused person would be decided in the king’s arena,

        Directly opposite the accused, on the other side of the enclosed space, were two doors, exactly alike and side by side. It was the duty and the privilege of the person on trial to walk directly to these doors and open one of them. He could open either door he pleased; he was subject to no guidance or influence but that of the aforementioned impartial and incorruptible chance. If he opened the one, there came out of it a hungry tiger, the fiercest and most cruel that could be procured, which immediately sprang upon him and tore him to pieces as a punishment for his guilt…

        The decisions of this tribunal were not only fair, they were positively determinate: the accused person was instantly punished if he found himself guilty… ~ Frank Stockton

        We should do our bit to support endangered species like tigers.

    • Paul 9.2
      10 April 2016 at 6:28 pm

      Corin Dann sounds like an apologist for criminal bankers and our banker PM.

      • The Chairman 9.2.1
        10 April 2016 at 6:43 pm

        It was good to see Winston take control of the narrative (as he often does) and set him straight.

        • Paul 9.2.1.1
          10 April 2016 at 6:48 pm

          I agree.
          it does show how compromised the media are, though.
          The owners of these media corporations may indeed be compromised by the Panama Papers.

          • Colonial Viper 9.2.1.1.1
            10 April 2016 at 6:57 pm

            Seriously, where do you think companies like Fairfax and News Corp are actually incorporated? Tax haven states like Delaware, is where.

            I have no idea why the Left think that these corporations, their shareholders, their CEOs would be “compromised” by revelations that they use extreme tax avoidance/tax evasion methods.

            Everyone in investment and professional corporate circles has known for decades.

    • Leftie 9.3
      11 April 2016 at 3:02 am

      +1 The Chairman, thanks for that link. Good stuff. Dann is an appalling suck up apologist for John key.

  10. The Chairman 10
    10 April 2016 at 11:15 am

    Will this Government act to increase trust transparency and make the sharing of such info automatic?

    http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/panama-papers-fallout-video-6456538

  11. Dave 11
    10 April 2016 at 12:49 pm

    If only John Key could link the Panama Papers to a new zealand investigative journalist and then claim it as being a left wing conspiracy theory then things will panama out….

    • whateva next? 11.1
      10 April 2016 at 2:08 pm

      …..working on it right now I imagine, shouldn’t be too hard!
      UK tories trying to go with the line….. “the rabble” who are daring to question our leaders and suggesting #resigncameron #resignDavidCameron.#ResignyMcResignFace

  12. Shifty 12
    10 April 2016 at 1:42 pm

    About time. The 1% are completely uneconomical and unsustainable

    • BM 13.1
      10 April 2016 at 5:59 pm

      Did you know that families who earn under 50k pay no net tax at all.

      • BM 13.1.1
        10 April 2016 at 6:11 pm

        They receive around $4.40 in benefits for every $1 of tax they pay, which costs the country around 6 billion a year.

        At the other end of the spectrum households who earn over 150k pay around 70% of the income tax collected.

        • Paul 13.1.1.1
          10 April 2016 at 6:16 pm

          Yes, the poor rich people are having such a hard time…..
          Can you hear yourself?
          Are you a total fool?

          • BM 13.1.1.1.1
            10 April 2016 at 6:21 pm

            Just pointing out that the well off pay most of the income taxes and the less well off don’t really contribute anything to the NZ tax take.

            Certainly puts that whole rich pricks not paying their fair share argument to the sword.

            • Stuart Munro 13.1.1.1.1.1
              10 April 2016 at 6:25 pm

              And who does the bulk of the tax evasion? Unspeakable vermin like the current PM. If he’s not in the Panama papers it’s not because he was honourable and wouldn’t, it’s because he has a different way to cheat. Unfit for office.

              • BM …
                10 April 2016 at 6:30 pm

                Are you stating that John Key is personally involved in tax evasion?

                • Stuart Munro …
                  10 April 2016 at 6:33 pm

                  I’m stating that nothing in John Key’s character is inconsistent with constant and sustained dishonesty.

                  If I were a betting man I certainly would not put much on a proposition that Key was not evading tax. Would you?

                • Leftie …
                  11 April 2016 at 3:03 am

                  Its a sure bet that he is BM.

            • dave 13.1.1.1.1.2
              10 April 2016 at 6:34 pm

              tax envision is a crime BM it is jail-able or is jail only for poor people ???????

            • RedLogix 13.1.1.1.1.3
              10 April 2016 at 6:36 pm

              @BM

              And why? Because wages suck dirt in this country anyone near or below the median needs extra support via the state in order to live a half-decent life.

              Yes the largest chunk of income tax is paid by everyone above the median, but that is how it works. Your paying more tax because you have more money. You can grumble about it, but regardless you are still better off.

              But at the very top of the income/wealth spectrum the picture changes again. It’s this top 1% (or less) that have access to ways of cheating on their taxes, and while numerically there aren’t all that many of them, these scams they’ve been running for decades means as a group they have now hoarded an amount of cash ($30T at least) which exceeds the collective debt of all the governments of the world.

              So yes … rich pricks who cheat.

              • BM …
                10 April 2016 at 6:42 pm

                My beef is with the plebs who think they’re getting hard done by but lack the intelligence to realize that their current life style is being supported by people who actually pay tax and without them they’d be in shit street.

                Also politicians like Andrew Little who play to this ignorance and encourage it.

                • RedLogix …
                  10 April 2016 at 6:47 pm

                  Here’s a simple answer then. Employers should pay wages that don’t need topping up with tax transfers to keep them off shit street.

                  Because you don’t want desperate people constantly hanging around your boss’s door offering to do your job for half your pay. Do you?

                  • BM …
                    10 April 2016 at 6:58 pm

                    Think back to when WFF was introduced, was it really needed or was it just a massive election bribe by Labour?

                    I do know a lot of families have become complete reliant on it therefore it can’t be gotten rid of.

                    Labour really fucked the country with that one.

                    • RedLogix …
                      10 April 2016 at 7:05 pm

                      Let’s put it this way BM.

                      Here in Aus I’m earning about 70% more for a similar role. (Actually less responsible in some ways.)

                      And we don’t seem to need WFF here.

                      Still if you know families who’ve become ‘completely reliant’ on it, then I think you just answered your own question.

                    • Stuart Munro …
                      10 April 2016 at 7:06 pm

                      It wasn’t smart – they should have brought in rent control. Cost free, and wouldn’t have contributed to housing inflation.

                    • BM …
                      10 April 2016 at 7:19 pm

                      They weren’t before, the free money allowed them to take on more debt and live a slightly better lifestyle.

                      Unfortunately they now need WFF to pay the bills, certainly wouldn’t vote for a party that’s going to put them on the streets.

                    • RedLogix …
                      10 April 2016 at 7:26 pm

                      So if you give ordinary people they just spend it on a ‘better lifestyle’?

                      And yet if you give really rich people the chance to cheat on their taxes they seem to just hoard the extra cash.

                      Interesting.

                    • lprent …
                      10 April 2016 at 7:50 pm

                      …a lot of families have become complete reliant on it…

                      The problem was that it was getting to be impossible to raise a kids on the wages available. After the 1990s and the way that the increasing costs of raising them, I’m surprised that anyone could afford them.

                      In my siblings this was becoming a real issue. While one had raised kids mostly as a solo parent in the late 1980s and 90s, she was glad to retrain and escape into the workforce as soon as the kids were old enough. The other held off (in my view) until well after getting married because it was too frigging expensive. WFF provided room for him and his wife to have a first kid. This wasn’t uncommon. Many of my relatively well paid workmates through the 1990s and the 2000s had exactly the same problems with being able to afford to have and raise kids without having to starve themselves to do so.

                      The whole point, that you appear to be too blind to see, is that it meant that families with kids were able to have them economically. The whole point of having WFF was to cover the gap between the incomes of couples easily able to maintain themselves on their incomes, to those same couples also being able to raise some kids as well. By

                      Now speaking as a childless adult, it was a damn good idea. If it hadn’t been put in, then we’d have gone even further below the replacement rate than we are now. It is good that we have kiwi raised kids to help pay for my superannuation in the same way that I have tithed via taxation to pay for my parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Immigrants without family here would have been quite unlikely to have been so positive about that political task.

                      Historically, what WFF did was to fix National’s studidity in 1991 of abolishing the Family Benefit (originally enacted in 1946) that was put in for exactly the same reasons.

                      The alternatives would have been to have been to

                      1. Only allow rich folks to have kids, and not allowing the middle classes to have them.
                      2. Raise wages across the lower and middle income group, effectively requiring a much higher taxation on the affluent.
                      2. Increase immigration.

                      Sure we could have maintained our taxpayer base by vastly increasing immigration, but that comes with its own set of problems – like the increasing level of urbanisation into Auckland where the vast majority of them settle, and the people deserts of provincial centres. Not to mention the abrupt shifts in kiwi culture that would have occurred.

                      So the whole point of WFF was to target working couples who wanted to have kids to be able to have them. By its very nature it meant that while they were raising them, those couples were most likely to become “dependent” on WFF while they had kids. In exactly the same way that my parents and grandparents were dependent on the family benefit.

                      What’s your problem with it? You only want the rich to have well raised kids? That if you aren’t rich you are only able to raise kids stunted by diet and disease? Or that you want the distinctive kiwi culture to be rapidly swamped by immigration?

                    • sabine …
                      10 April 2016 at 8:08 pm

                      Is that why National has kept WFF? Cause Labour fucked up?

                      Really? Got nothing to do with WFF going to middle class family as much as to lower income families. Nothing to do with National loosing voters if they were to abolish WFF as it would cut directly into the income of their middle Nuzillind voters?

                      And your grandparents raising your parents, were they depended on the Family Benefit that was abolished by National in the early 90’s, or is that different?
                      You sure that it was Labour that fucked up and not National who fucked?

                      History is a funny thing, people could learn from it. At least they could stop sprouting dumb shit.

                    • Puddleglum …
                      10 April 2016 at 10:14 pm

                      HI BM,

                      Here’s a link to a Reserve Bank paper on Household debt.

                      Note Figure 2 (on page 2) shows that around 2003-2006 the rate of growth in household debt drops sharply. It has started to rise again in the last few years, however. WWF was effectively in place on 1 April 2005.

                      Your perceptions of people going on a debt-fuelled binge after WWF was introduced seems mistaken.

                • Stuart Munro …
                  10 April 2016 at 7:03 pm

                  They are being hard done by. Real wages have fallen. Real growth is at 0.3% – real estate costs (and the lower quartile no longer own their own homes) increase with the inflation of real estate prices. The poor have been screwed badly by this useless lazy corrupt non-performing government. They have every reason to be angry – even vindictive. Not the best time to be discovered in a tax rort – or to be a complete non-performing mass of corruption like Gerry Brownlee.

                • Whateva next? …
                  10 April 2016 at 9:28 pm

                  Funny that, it’s exactly what I think about the 1%ers, imagine if none of us payed tax and believed people enjoyed serving us whilst we contributed nothing to society?

                • Plan B …
                  10 April 2016 at 10:24 pm

                  Trouble is Tax is a bit more complicated than your shoebox theory.
                  Governments ( with their own currency) spend money into the economy and tax it out.
                  Not the other way round.
                  We don’t like to talk about it as it seems a bit weird. But that is what they do. They are not actually waiting around till BM pays his/her tax and then hands it out to the undeserving masses.
                  Tax is really a way of maintaining the value of our currency.

            • Colonial Viper 13.1.1.1.1.4
              10 April 2016 at 7:00 pm

              Just pointing out that the well off pay most of the income taxes and the less well off don’t really contribute anything to the NZ tax take.

              Oh fuck right off.

              The ones who really benefit from the economic system in NZ as it currently stands is the top 1% to 2%. They hold all the net worth of this country, hundreds of billions of dollars of it.

              So stop making it sound like its the under class in NZ who is receiving all the benefits of the system as it is currently structured. That’s just utter BS spin.

              Simply put, if you want the underclass to pay more in taxes, then organise an economic system which gives them more income, more employment, better paying jobs.

              Its not rocket science FFS, a smart guy like you can figure it out, right?

            • Psycho Milt 13.1.1.1.1.5
              10 April 2016 at 7:26 pm

              Just pointing out that the well off pay most of the income taxes and the less well off don’t really contribute anything to the NZ tax take.

              Big fucking dog’s bollocks. Most of the income tax isn’t paid by “the well-off,” it’s paid by people on salaries, ie employees. The rich don’t pay income taxes, unless they have a particularly strong sense of personal morality.

            • Paul 13.1.1.1.1.7
              10 April 2016 at 7:32 pm

              You appear deranged or you are sadly ill-informed.
              Read this article.

              Tax havens hold $7.6 trillion; 8% of world’s total wealth
              http://boingboing.net/2016/01/01/tax-havens-hold-7-6-trillion.html

            • Draco T Bastard 13.1.1.1.1.8
              10 April 2016 at 7:37 pm

              Just pointing out that the well off pay most of the income taxes and the less well off don’t really contribute anything to the NZ tax take.

              And the research shows that the really well off don’t pay a thing. This is how they got rich in the first place.

              https://vimeo.com/71074210

            • Mike S 13.1.1.1.1.9
              10 April 2016 at 9:45 pm

              “Just pointing out that the well off pay most of the income taxes”
              – The well off don’t pay income tax because they are able to organise their affairs so that they declare no income.

              “the less well off don’t really contribute anything to the NZ tax take.”
              – Really? So you’re saying a person on say $30,000 p/a doesn’t pay income tax or GST or any other of the myriad of indirect taxes? Love to see evidence of that?

              “Certainly puts that whole rich pricks not paying their fair share argument to the sword.”
              – ahh no. Idiot.

        • joe90 13.1.1.2
          10 April 2016 at 6:48 pm

          At the other end of the spectrum households who earn over 150k pay around 70% of the income tax collected.

          Salmond called bullshit on that particular Farrar/English lie.

          Income taxes are a big part of overall taxation, but they are not the only taxes households face. GST is another large tax bill that all people face. It is a tax that is regressive with respect to income. It accounts for 26% of all tax. And it is excluded from the English/Farrar calculations. In order to do a proper comparison of “net tax,” GST needs to be included.

          […]

          Using these more complete figures, the proportion of net tax paid by $150,000+ households drops further to 43%, a far cry from the 71% touted by English and Farrar.

          http://pundit.co.nz/content/tax-burdens-some-facts-for-a-change

          • RedLogix 13.1.1.2.1
            10 April 2016 at 6:56 pm

            Thanks. I had that in mind as well, but over the years I’ve learnt to only do one fact at a time with some people. 🙂

            And also an especially good example of selective misdirection. Whenever someone trots out a stat, it’s a good habit to stop a moment and ask yourself “Is this the whole story?”

        • Nick 13.1.1.3
          10 April 2016 at 11:07 pm

          Wonder if they have trusts in tax havens?

      • dv 13.1.2
        10 April 2016 at 6:15 pm

        GST?

        • Paul 13.1.2.1
          10 April 2016 at 6:17 pm

          He knows that.
          He’s just shilling for the 1%.

        • BM 13.1.2.2
          10 April 2016 at 6:18 pm

          Every one pays GST, the article where I got the data from mentions net tax, I think that means income tax.?

          • Stuart Munro 13.1.2.2.1
            10 April 2016 at 6:31 pm

            The weak premise in the ‘net tax’ argument is that the poor somehow benefit from corrupt uses of tax money like Groser’s WTO bid, ministerial limos, equipping police with tasers or flying sheep to Saudi. It’s certainly true that the Key junta waste a great deal of money – to assert that the poor receive anything approaching adequate value for their contribution is laughable.

  14. BM 14
    10 April 2016 at 6:27 pm

    You can read the article here.

    It was a post David Farrar put together related to a question Michael Woodhouse asked Bill English in the debating chamber.

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2011/07/net_taxpayers.html

  15. Stuart Munro 15
    10 April 2016 at 6:47 pm

    Why would anybody read anything there? Farrar is fulltime PR for Key – Woodhouse competes with Brownlee for being the dumbest hick in parliament, and Bill certainly won’t be giving a straight answer. It will come down to investigative journalism. Plenty more to read from Panama – let’s wait for the facts.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      10 April 2016 at 7:03 pm

      Except the journalist and news organisations who received the Panama hack information – that’s what RT has reported it can be more accurately described as – have been very selective about who and what they report on. Mostly enemies of the western imperial sanctions: i.e. those who are in, or who deal with, Russia, Iran and China.

      • Stuart Munro 15.1.1
        10 April 2016 at 7:09 pm

        Surely there are Russian & Chinese hackers too? Let them get busy.

        • lprent 15.1.1.1
          10 April 2016 at 7:57 pm

          There are. I see them all fo the time trying to break into this site.

          • Stuart Munro 15.1.1.1.1
            10 April 2016 at 8:24 pm

            Somehow I get the impression that supporting investigative journalism is not a priority in either country – though if they were smart they might take a leaf from Bellingcat’s book.

      • lprent 15.1.2
        10 April 2016 at 7:15 pm

        Just from my little bit (about two hours) of observation on via BBC, CNN and Bloomberg; it also appears to be Iceland, UK, and Argentina.

        As someone pointed out, the paucity of Americans and Canadians in the files is probably because they have tax haven states like Delaware instead.

        I think that you are just seeing what you want to see.

        I even had a look at RT who seem to be spending all of their time replaying Putin and his spokespeople. Somehow they are completely ignoring the rest of the world apart from their friends and allies. Reeks of propaganda to me..

        • Macro 15.1.2.1
          10 April 2016 at 8:08 pm

          The Press Release from the ICIJ is well worth the read. Each country – apart from NZ has had its own investigative journalist or team working on the mammoth task of working through and analysing the papers and then reporting on how it affects their country. The news of NZ’s involvement comes initially from Australia.

          • AmaKiwi 15.1.2.1.1
            10 April 2016 at 11:33 pm

            “Each country – apart from NZ has had its own investigative journalist or team working on the mammoth task of working through and analyzing the papers.”

            Nicky Hager is our investigative journalist. He’s been successfully tied up by our “non-political” police.

            “Actually, at the end of the day I’m comfortable with that.”

      • AmaKiwi 15.1.3
        10 April 2016 at 11:27 pm

        One international news source (I read so many I forget which one) speculated that the Russian government did the Panama hack to render a few thousand of their wealthy western enemies powerless.

        It would be a brilliant strategy.

        If the Russians didn’t do this hack, maybe they should hack the three or four other biggest Panama law firms. A lot of their favorite enemies could end up disgraced, out of office, and possibly in jail. They’d love to get Rupert Murdock, the Koch brothers, a lot of right wing legislators . . . The list is endless!

      • nadis 15.1.4
        11 April 2016 at 11:53 pm

        David Cameron. The Icelandic PM. King of Spain. Hosni Mubarek. Saudi Crown Prince. Various British MP’s. Various Hungarian, Botswanan, French, Polish, Maltese politicians.

        Have I missed any other enemies of western imperial sanctions?

        The full list of companies and people will be released in early May anyhoo. Until then, naturally we are going to get what journalists believe is most interesting ton write about, but I hardly see the conspiratorial hand of the Koch Brothers/CIA/Skull and Bones Society directing what stories get written…….

  16. Penny Bright 16
    10 April 2016 at 7:39 pm

    FYI – more information from the Tax Justice Network explaining ‘secrecy jurisdiction’ / ‘tax haven’:

    http://www.financialsecrecyindex.com/faq/what-is-a-secrecy-jurisdiction

    “We use the term ‘secrecy jurisdiction’ interchangeably with the term ‘tax haven’ – depending on which aspect we want to emphasise.

    So for this project we generally prefer the term ‘secrecy jurisdiction.’

    We sometimes use the term ‘offshore financial centre’ too.

    There is no generally agreed definition of what tax havens or secrecy jurisdictions are: the phenomenon has many different aspects and no definition can capture them all.

    So we do not offer our own formal definition – though we do take a broad political-economy view of what the phenomenon is.

    Loosely speaking, a secrecy jurisdiction provides facilities that enable people or entities escape(and frequently undermine) the laws, rules and regulations of other jurisdictionselsewhere, using secrecy as a prime tool.

    A ranking of jurisdictions by secrecy score is provided below.

    The Financial Secrecy Index focuses on secrecy (escape from disclosure) but these jurisdictions also often offer escape from tax, from financial regulation, from criminal laws, from corporate governance rules, from inheritance rules and more.

    The offshore system is an interconnected ecosystem of different jurisdictions offering different mixes of these escape facilities and of the various different ‘flavours’ of secrecy.

    ……”

    ________________________

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    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
    2 hours ago

  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 hours ago

  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 hours ago

  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 hours ago

  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    8 hours ago

  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago

  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    9 hours ago

  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    Skeptical Science
    11 hours ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    13 hours ago

  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    14 hours ago

  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    15 hours ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, 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?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T07:25:15+00:00