Labour’s leadership

Written By: - Date published: 10:06 am, November 3rd, 2023 - 34 comments
Categories: election 2023, labour, leadership, Left, Politics, uncategorized - Tags:

Now that the dust is settling it is time for the Labour Party to think about its future.

The last election result was a disaster. Special votes due today may get the left a few electorate seats and another seat in total but Labour looked like this election would be a walk in the park 18 months ago.

Things were worse in 2014. That result did include acts of gross disloyalty from MPs who sniped at the leadership at the time and who refused to campaign for the party vote. They used leaks to the media as one of their weapons.

It was an awful time. This campaign had none of the disunity that was on show then.

Of course the current Labour Party does not want to engage in the factional battles that raged then.  But the victors of that battle are still around. They are trying to cement their power.

Compared to previous Labour Governments the last government did not fare so well.

Helen Clark’s Government lasted for 9 years and fought all of the way.

The Lange/Palmer/Moore government ended abruptly after the party burned through most of its activists.

Its campaign launch was filmed in front of about 8 MPs who cheered and gave a standing ovation at the end. They were too afraid to book out a big hall because no one would have shown up.

The third Labour Government crashed and burned under intense economic pressures and rising fuel prices. It also lost its leader part way through.

The last Labour Government was something of a mix of each of these.

It achieved some good. It was not ideologically compromised the way that the fourth Labour Government was. But the rush to back away from anything contentious i.e. good during this year hurt.

Now is the time to look towards the future.

The leadership should accept that the tactical decisions made were pretty bad.

GST off fresh fruit and vegetables as a policy was a loser as was a watered down version of the Green’s free dental healthcare.

Ruling out a wealth tax and/or a capital gains tax robbed activists of their desire to be involved and a chance for the party to say that it was different to National. All we had was two parties looking somewhat similar with the right wing party having a pile of rich donor cash behind it to make it look better.

There is a need for inspiring leadership. Someone like Norman Kirk, David Lange, Helen Clark or Jacinda Ardern or good old Michael Joseph Savage who can provide inspiration and hope.

Liking Sausage rolls and spending most of your working life in Parliament will not cut it.

Of course the Caucus has a desire for stability.

But there is also a need for Labour to change and quickly adjust. Right now we need to be reorganising and planning and getting ready for the National Party onslaught that they are surely planning right now.

Labour needs leadership that makes good calls on tactical decisions and who will energise the base.

They need a narrative about how they will address child poverty and climate change.

They need to declare what they believe in and what they are proposing for our future.

They need to provide support and hope for ordinary people.

If the caucus revert to a Wellington focussed view of what is important for their careers combined with a desire to not rock the boat too much then the party will miss the opportunity to address its problems.

Hipkins has a choice. He can resign as leader and then take part in a leadership campaign. He can bring the fire and determination he showed in the last couple of weeks of the campaign and see if that works.

The members and affiliates can then decide if they want to grant him the privilege of continuing as leader.

Whoever the leader is for the next election they will need these foot soldiers to campaign for the party. Without them Labour will struggle against the well funded onslaught resourced by the very wealthy who are afraid of losing their privilege.

Right now the left needs real leadership. Mike Smith is right.

34 comments on “Labour’s leadership ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. tsmithfield 1
    3 November 2023 at 10:56 am

    Looking at this as objectively as I can, trying to put aside my own right wing inclinations, I think, in the short to medium term anyway, Chippy will stay on as leader.

    One of the big problems for Labour is who they should replace him with. And I have seen various commentators voicing a view that he will be excellent in terms of functioning as a leader of the opposition.

    Two I have been quite impressed with have been Carmel Sepuloni and Ginny Anderson. Carmel Sepuloni, given her recent status, could be a logical choice.

    From my perspective of having seen previous Labour governments, it seems to me that Labour had lost its soul to a degree over recent years. It looks to me that they had gone too far in the woke, ideological direction and lost connection with a lot of their traditional voting base which I see as the average working person.

    Also, I think they need to look at how they can actually deliver on promises they make. Under promising and over-delivering is always a good strategy. But, it seems to me that Labour did the opposite, and must have resulted in a lot of disappointment for those who were inspired by promises such as 100000 houses.

    • bwaghorn 1.1
      3 November 2023 at 11:39 am

      I'm leaning Sepuloni too, deems intelligent and solid, also labour needs south Auckland to vote, and any one offended by a poly politician wouldn't vote labour anyway.

    • Belladonna 1.2
      3 November 2023 at 4:57 pm

      One of the issues with Sepuloni is that she spectacularly achieved virtually nothing in the Social Development portfolio. One where a Labour Government should shine.

      I don't know if she wasn't strong enough to wrestle enough of the budget away from Little (Health) and Hipkins (Education). But she didn't even carve off the low-hanging fruit from the WEAG report.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/weag-welfare-overhaul-update-govt-defends-146b-programme-while-anti-poverty-campaigners-say-woefully-slow/HYL5CB5O7ZHFXMBQDQHG2E4N34/

      My picks – longer term would be McAnulty and Anderson (it would have been Kiri Allen, but that boat has sailed).

      • newsense 1.2.1
        4 November 2023 at 1:05 am

        So she was able to defend and straight bat ( to mux metaphors) the hospital pass she was given. She carried water and was loyal.

        She doesn’t seem to ever put up with much BS and there might be a time when that’s exactly what the country wants in a leader.

        She’s had plenty of parliamentary and party experience.

        I don’t see this as prejudicing a leadership bid. She ran the portfolio as her leaders asked and as previous Labour leaders have asked.

        • Belladonna 1.2.1.1
          4 November 2023 at 10:57 am

          That doesn't make her an inspirational leader – which is what the OP was searching for. Plenty of other time-servers around.

          They need a narrative about how they will address child poverty and climate change.

          They need to declare what they believe in and what they are proposing for our future.

          They need to provide support and hope for ordinary people.

          Based on her track record, Sepuloni is not well placed to do this. Why should anyone believe her? She had the chance to fix things, and did nothing.

  2. SPC 2
    3 November 2023 at 11:04 am

    Not having been a party member, or ever voted for the party, feel free to ignore this response.

    Norman Kirk was Labour leader in 1966 and 1969 before becoming PM in 1972 – only after Holyoake retired (a bit like Ardern winning after Key retired) – this shows that both patience and timing are important.

    One term administrations are rare – the 1957-1960, 1972-1975 and 1990-1993 (sort of as Bolger sacked Richardson and they still only won a FPP election with 35%, saved only by the division between Labour (34.7%) and Alliance (18%) and not even NZF with 8% could have saved them under MMP).

    We forget how Peters campaigned as part of the opposition in 1996, and then saved National. This is why Key chose the boil the frog option 2008-2016.

    If National forget all of this, they can be taken in 2026.

    Moore came in late 1990 and nearly won in 1993. There is the template for Labour in 2026. Clark lost in 1996, then won in 1999.

    Labour has tried the change leader option – 2011 Goff, 2014 Cunliffe and the Little to Ardern option only worked because of the Key hand over to English.

    It's about the party membership, the party vision and the caucus being united, it's not about brand "Trump", having the right front person in marketing.

  3. Patricia Bremner 3
    3 November 2023 at 11:48 am

    Go to the grass roots and actively listen.

  4. weka 4
    3 November 2023 at 12:47 pm

    There is a need for inspiring leadership. Someone like Norman Kirk, David Lange, Helen Clark or Jacinda Ardern or good old Michael Joseph Savage who can provide inspiration and hope.

    Sure. But how does that happen? I don't know the party well enough to have seen the potential in Ardern. Is there someone else waiting in the wings already? And if not, how would Labour bring someone in in the next three years?

  5. AB 5
    3 November 2023 at 1:10 pm

    One-term governments are rare, so any younger talent should not be expected to burn down their political careers by trying to win 2026. A caretaker is needed to take 2026 on the chin – possibly stepping aside about a year before that election if NACT are so dreadful that they could actually lose. (Ironically, Winston's presence might make them less beatable by sidelining Seymour).

    Plausible caretakers have to be people who are known to the public and are broadly respected – Robertson is the best candidate but doesn't want it. So that leaves Hipkins, Sepuloni, Megan Woods, Parker (maybe). If the long-term goal is to do anything about making the tax system more just, then that may count Hipkins out – the leader must be broadly in sympathy with an economic policy evolution towards a greater redistributive (and even predistributive) approach.

    At this stage McAnulty seems to me like the best longer-term candidate if for no other reason than his potential to win male voters back to Labour. He is also articulate and funny, and seems to be capable of getting a coherent grip on the details. Labour's Maori caucus also have work to do. The Maori Party's near-destruction in 2017 after their strategically silly coalition agreement with Key, now looks like a temporary reprieve for Labour who may now have permanently lost their historical stranglehold on these seats. Finding enough common ground with the Maori Party to have a long-term understanding of what workable coalition agreements will look like is important. They have already managed to do this with the Greens.

  6. barry 6
    3 November 2023 at 2:26 pm

    So with final counting the result is almost the same as 2017 when Labour/Greens could govern with NZ1st. yes this is not good for the Labour party (or NZ) but lets keep it in perspective.

    Labour needs to find its mojo, but really NZ likes National for some reason.

    • Adrian 6.1
      3 November 2023 at 4:27 pm

      A lot of people are "ashperationel " and hence have a tendency to believe any old shit a oily grifter tells them. Remember its a loss of only 10% or so of the vote to the Nats and given the huge tax promises I'm surprised it wasn't more.

  7. adam 7
    3 November 2023 at 5:44 pm

    If you want to use the name redfed mate you need to show more than you have shown in this piece. Like Class War, and we have a ruling executive out of touch with reality. Red feds need more balls and back bone than was written here.

    • Incognito 7.1
      3 November 2023 at 6:06 pm

      A reminder for you:

      A partial list of these self-martyrdom offenses include:-

      • Abusing the sysop or post writers on their own site – including telling us how to run our site or what we should write. This is viewed as self-evident stupidity, and should be added as a category to the Darwin Awards.

      https://thestandard.org.nz/policy/#banning

    • SPC 7.2
      3 November 2023 at 6:21 pm

      There is nothing wrong being a "Menshevik" who practices democracy in the party, because it's part of the path to wining a majority of the voting public.

      • SPC 7.2.1
        3 November 2023 at 6:31 pm

        And the issue of what policy direction the party should take, as per recognising the class war programme of NACT and proposing a clear alternative, was not part of the post topic.

      • adam 7.2.2
        3 November 2023 at 6:35 pm

        "Menshevik" may be fine, but the redfeds were no menshiviks when they cherished the name. Example: Fraser didn't start out a by not talking about the state of play in relation to wealth and ruling executives. Nor Holland, Nor Webb.

        • SPC 7.2.2.1
          3 November 2023 at 7:05 pm

          They learnt they could not do it all on their own. They had to build a network of alliances to grow.

          https://teara.govt.nz/en/unions-and-employee-organisations/page-4

          • adam 7.2.2.1.1
            4 November 2023 at 12:22 pm

            That was after they actually were powerful, and in control of what they wanted to do to change in society. Most of the left in this country are besotted by liberalism (your a good example) and that is not what the Redfeds were in love with. They understood the problems of liberalism. Now it even more important, as most on the left are not even aware they are spouting nothing but a shade of liberalism.

            • SPC 7.2.2.1.1.1
              4 November 2023 at 12:58 pm

              It's you're – you are… .

              And there is a difference between neo-liberalism and liberalism. And this does matter.

              Liberalism does not allow either fascist or communist regimes, it's about civil society and about the means to the empowerment of people, not rule over them.

  8. Ed - do not use this user name 8
    3 November 2023 at 6:31 pm

    Hipkins said as long as he was leader there will be no capital gains tax.

    For me that signaled just how much this Labour administration were neoliberal apologists with zero taste for any structural change to address structural inequity. The last government was really only interested in making neoliberal policy a bit nicer for those who still own their homes. The current cowardice and failure to outright condemn genocidal Israel is another moral bankruptcy.

    I noticed that despite disastrous results, Hipkins has expressed no responsibility for his part in the destruction of Labour.

    Until Labour has a leftwing leader and demonstrates some commitment to structural reform, they can rot while I put my energy into actually progressive parties.

    [You are all over the place with user names and e-mail addresses when you comment. Stick to the combination that you’ve used before and that has been approved: https://thestandard.org.nz/that-was-not-as-good-as-was-hoped-for/#comment-1972945. If you don’t then you’re making unnecessary work for the Mods. In any case, the user name “Ed” is already in use by a regular commenter.

    Please acknowledge that you’ve read and understood this Mod note, thanks – Incognito]

  9. newsense 9
    4 November 2023 at 12:54 am

    Like it or not Luxon had several narratives going for him, true or not-

    a) an association with Air New Zealand, a patriotic and public good corporation crucial to our economy.

    b) his electorate at Botany is a new and growing one, linked to our key export market. It’s fairly dynamic.

    c) he was following John Key as upper management business figures done good who were coming home. Though Key’s story was much better, let’s be honest.

    d) didn’t really have much else of a backstory in NZ.
    There weren’t too many spoilers or associations that might lose people. Though for me an evangelical church was one. But it was dusted behind the mantle piece as best as possible.

    Ardern and Clark had that timeless country kid came to the big city. Sorry sorry provincial kid! But they knew their way around a farm. Goff excelled in the things he turned his hands to. Grant should have had a go, imo. Chippy, the safe pair of hands who liked sausage rolls and spreading legs fell apart as the party had. (And no one focused on the polytechs..! Sadly enough it wasn’t even needed to tear through Labour.)

    There needs to be some association with positive upbeat parts of the country or sectors. The role is partly symbolic. We have to like what we see in our leader as a bit of a mirror or someone we might know. But also they have to have qualities that make them better than us as well or trusted to ‘bat for our lives’. Quite literally.

    A key question is can we have a provincial or rural leader? Up to them to articulate, but hard to argue for in recent times…though maybe we will see a rural leader on climate change and infrastructure rise. The future is all stranger than we can imagine…

  10. John 10
    5 November 2023 at 8:53 am

    Labour have to explain what they stand for,currently they don’t seem to know. The electorate certainly doesn’t know.

    Chippy has to go but there is no obvious successor.

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  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • At a time of media turmoil, Melissa had nothing to proclaim as Minister – and now she has been dem...
    Buzz from the Beehive   Melissa Lee – as may be discerned from the screenshot above – has not been demoted for doing something seriously wrong as Minister of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 week 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 weeks 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 weeks ago

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