Like nats leaving a sinking ship …

Written By: - Date published: 8:49 am, November 8th, 2013 - 48 comments
Categories: bill english, john key, national, uncategorized - Tags: , , , , , , ,

 

Banksie rat are you thinking what were thinking

So the exodus has started.  So far seven National MPs have announced that they will not stand next year in the general election and the impression that these announcements were made with their arms firmly wedged up their back is strong.

Chris Tremain has said he will not stand again thereby opening up the seat of Napier for Stuart Nash.  Gentlemanly Chris Auchinvold from the West Coast has also announced his retirement.  Phil Heatley has realised that buying booze on the country’s credit card is a career ending move and will relinquish his Whangarei seat.

Paul Hutchison, MP for Port Waikato is standing down.  He is someone that I had a lot of time for.  Perhaps his career highlight is his contribution to the Marriage Equality debate.  He said early on that “I simply cannot construct a strong enough intellectual moral health or even spiritual argument against it; consequently I will be voting for it.”  The National Party could use more free thinkers like Paul.

Cam Calder is also going.  His claim to fame appears to be that he served on the international governing body for pétanque.

Yesterday Kate Wilkinson bailed and Katrina Shanks also announced her retirement.  Perhaps Katrina’s one claim to fame is her speech on the file sharing bill.  For the sale of posterity I thought that her contribution should be recorded in the annals of the Standard.  Watch it and marvel at her grasp of the subject.  Wonder why the powers that be have not chosen to retain her skills.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSB4prbIes

David Farrar has reported that anything from one to six more MPs may go.  It seems that the retirements of some will not be so voluntary.  Colin King in Kaikoura and John Hayes in Wairarapa are said to be facing the prospect of challenges.  And Craig Foss is also rumoured to be standing down although he has said that he would again contest for the seat of Tukituki.

Bill English’s standing down as MP for Clutha Southland may be related to a rejuvenated Labour organisation in the area but is more likely to be so that he can bail if National do lose in 2014.

And all eyes will be on John Key.  Will he also go list only so that if he loses he can go quietly?  Because I cannot see him hanging around if this National Government becomes the first two term National Government in history.

48 comments on “Like nats leaving a sinking ship … ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Horace in the east 1
    8 November 2013 at 9:02 am

    I could understand many of the ‘retirements’ within the National Party as a way of freshening up the Party over time, but Chris Tremain and now Katrina Shanks both going – this has the hallmarks of a Party worried about its future. Given that Charles Chavel has gone, and really Peter Dunne only brings himself into Parliament, Katrina Shanks was probably a shoe-in for his seat.
    Labour needs to be smart and pick quality candidates, flick the social engineering in the bin, and reconnect with the electorate. Jobs, houses, and education – the three old workhorses.

    • Lanthanide 1.1
      8 November 2013 at 10:01 am

      Well it seems with Charles Chauvel leaving and Katrina Shanks leaving, Labour could ‘step-aside’ and let a Green candidate contest against Dunne and whoever National drag in. Greens would likely have a good shot at winning it given their local election turnout.

      • Matthew 1.1.1
        8 November 2013 at 12:15 pm

        No way would a Green candidate have a shot. Looking at previous elections, Ohairu voters are National party supporters. Labour is the party with a shot at winning the electorate.

      • alwyn 1.1.2
        8 November 2013 at 12:57 pm

        I hope that your saying “with Charles Chauvel leaving” is a typo or Champagne Charlie will really get upset.
        “Leaving” indeed. He actually resigned from Parliament on March 11, eight months ago.
        All that time and nobody noticed he was gone. Charles will be mortified.

      • Alan Liefting 1.1.3
        8 November 2013 at 1:34 pm

        Gareth Hughes got 2000 candidate votes in the 2011 election. Unfortunately it was well behind Dunne, Chauvel and Shanks.

        • Banter 1.1.3.1
          8 November 2013 at 1:59 pm

          and the margin of victory was about 1,800 votes between Dunne and Chauvel at the last election. The Greens should be stepping aside completely in Ohariu for the greater good.

          Any ideas when Labour will announce who is running in the seat?

  2. Philgwellington Wellington 2
    8 November 2013 at 9:08 am

    Xox
    Chris Auchinvol, MP Tasman, was a lame duck from the start. He exuded some smarm, silver tongue and hair, but was a non entity for the Tasman District. Oh, he would turn out for school fairs and such like.

    • Chris 2.1
      8 November 2013 at 12:56 pm

      “Oh, he would turn out for school fairs and such like”

      Oh that he did alright, but never had anything of value to add to the occasion.

      “Gentlemanly … nah he is a revolting, sleazy drunk.

  3. ianmac 3
    8 November 2013 at 9:19 am

    Max Bradford was still angry years after he was forced out during Michelle Boag’s purge of the Nats. Be interesting to see how they do it. The Smiling Assasin in his element?

  4. Matthew 4
    8 November 2013 at 9:20 am

    I’ll bet good money that the new uptake of National MPs will be largely women and ethnic minorities (which is great), but will show that despite all of National’s anti-quota rhetoric, they want to covertly what Labour is doing explicitly. They’re going to try to get all the benefits of a quota, but try and avoid the public backlash. It’s a quota by stealth.

    • Tat Loo (CV) 4.1
      8 November 2013 at 12:38 pm

      National is smarter at handling this kind of thing. Getting the job done without ramming grand statements of principles and political correctness down voters throats. More to the point though, NZ voters (male and female) aren’t keen on gender quotas, and National knows that.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 4.2
      8 November 2013 at 2:04 pm

      National like all major parties has ‘regional quotas’ for its list MPs.

      A lot of those Mps on the list are living on the wrong side of the tracks and wont be on a winnable list spot.

  5. CC 5
    8 November 2013 at 9:40 am

    Nah Matthew – more likely being shunted to make way for more smarmey young facists like some of the last intake.

  6. Puckish Rogue 6
    8 November 2013 at 9:41 am

    Yeah National should be more like Labour and its rejuvanation program…but theres only so many UN postings available

    • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1
      8 November 2013 at 11:01 am

      UN posts are won on merit, you actually have to apply amoung many others

      Jackie Blue, a list MP has left allready, for a choice government job.- jobs for the girls

      Wayne Mapp, Law Commision Chair- Jobs for the boys

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.1
        8 November 2013 at 1:00 pm

        Yes I’m sure Chris Carter won his on merit also:

        » Geoffrey Palmer invited to conduct review of Law Commission, appointed to the International Whaling Commission, made Chair of the Legislation Advisory Committee, appointed as President of the Law Commission in November 2005

        » Lesley Soper (Labour candidate and later MP) appointed to the Southern Hospital and Health Services Board (HHS)

        » Simon Mitchell appointed to the LTSA

        » Louisa Wall appointed to LTSA

        » Shane Jones appointed to the Industry New Zealand board, appointed to the Poutama Trust, appointed to the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission, appointed him to the RMA Reference Group

        » Jill White appointed to the board of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, later appointed chair of Bioethics Council.

        » Graham Hill appointed to the MetService.

        » Rosslyn Noonan appointed Human Rights Commissioner

        » Warren Lindberg appointed to Human Rights Commission

        » Ella Henry appointed to Human Rights Commission

        » Maryan Street appointed to the board of the Housing New Zealand corporation and also appointed to the board of the Centre for Housing Research in August 2003

        » Alison Timms appointed to the Radio New Zealand Board, appointed to the New Zealand Parole Board, a member of the Casino Control Authority

        » Stan Roger appointed to chair Pay Parity Working Group for Kindergarten Teachers, also appointed to a new panel providing independent advice to the government on injury-related information, also appointed as a Commssioner of the Electricity Commission

        » Kathie Irwin was appointed head of the Teacher’s Council

        » Judy Callingham appointed to the board of NZ on Air and to the Film and Literature Review Board:

        » Ken Douglas appointed to Industry and Trade agency, appointed Chair of Whanganui DHB

        » Ray Potroz appointed to Biology Taskforce and appointed the ACC Board

        » Andrew Little appointed as member of the Transition Tertiary Education Commission and also appointed to the Manufacturing Advisory Group.

        » Gregory Fortuin appointed to Accident Compensation Corporation, Families Commission, NZ Post, Kiwibank, the Crown Forestry Rental Trust, and Transpower

        » Dave Morgan, appointed to the MSA board

        » John Wright appointed to the Transit Board

        » Sandra Lee, is appointed as High Commissioner to Niue.

        » Eamon Daly is appointed to the Bioethics Council, to the Human Rights Review Panel

        » Helen Kelly appointed to Fee Maxima reference group

        » Graham Kelly appointed New Zealand High Commissioner to Canada.

        » Sam Huggard appointed the Lottery youth committee

        » Dame Anne Hercus appointed to TVNZ Board.

        » Philida Bunkle, appointed to the Alcohol Advisory Council

        » Charles Chauvel appointed to the Lotteries Commission

        » Angela Foulkes to the board of the NZQA

        » Alick Shaw to Creative New Zealand and ALAC.

        » Dr Rajen Prasad appointed as Chief Commissioner of the Families Commission

        » Polly Schaverien appointed to the Correspondence School’s board and a director of Meridian Energy and the MetService.

        » Bryan Gould appointed to TVNZ Board and to chair of the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology

        » Carol Beaumont appointed to the Food and Beverage Taskforce, appointed to the Government’s Small Business Advisory Group, appointed to the Workplace Health and Safety Council

        » Russell Marshall made chair of the Tertiary Education Commission

        » Ross Wilson appointed to Tertiary Education Commission

        » Sue Piper, appointed to the Local Government Commission, appointed to the board of Te Papa, appointed to the board of Quotable Value, the New Zealand Law Practitioner’s Disciplinary Tribunal.

        » Greg Presland appointed to the NZ Film and Literature Review board and LTSA

        » July 2006 – Associate Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Judith Tizard today announced new appointments to the Board of Te Papa Tongarewa.

        » Bob Harvey is appointed to the NZ Film Commission, Te Papa Board

        » Jenny Agnew appointed to the Government’s Small Business Advisory Group

        » Robyn Northey to the Alcohol Advisory Council.

        » Peter Conway appointed to NZTE Board

        » Garry Moore have both been appointed to the board of Transit New Zealand.

        » Andrew Casidyappointed to the Workplace Health and Safety Council

        » Paul Jarvie appointed to the Workplace Health and Safety Council

        » Ross Wilson appointed ACC Chair

        » Sandra Lee appointed to Te Papa Board

        » David Shand appointed TEC Chair:, chair of a Local Government rates inquiry, chair of the Tertiary Education Capital Investment Fund, board of Meridian Energy

        » David Caygill, appointed Chair of the Electricity Commission

        » Phil Harington appointed to Lottery Grants Board

        » Mike Williams to board of Genesis Energy and Ontrack and ARTA and Transit NZ and GNS.

        » Alick Shaw to NZTA Board

        » Garry Moore to NZTA Board

        » Christine Caughey to NZTA Board

        » Dianne Yates appointed to FSANZ Board, board of Learning Media, Trust Waikato and Waikato Institute of Technology.

        » Helen Kelly appointed as director of the Growth and Innovation Advisory Board.

        » Chris Eichbaum was appointed to the board of the Reserve Bank.

        » Penny Hulse appointed to the EECA board

        » Richard Northey appointed to an Arms Control Advisory Group

        » Andrew Campbell appointed to the Fee Maxima reference group [UPDATE: Andrew was there as President of NZUSA, not a Govt appointee]

        » Richard Pole to Doctors in Training Workforce Roundtable

        » Kevin Hague to Quality Improvement Committee

        I’m sure theres some names in there you might recognize, both parties do jobs for the boys/girls but at least Nationals shedding its dead wood before the next election…hows Labour doing?

        (Thanks to kiwiblog)

        [lprent: A bit short of links.. Perhaps you’d like to put in the link to the kiwiblog post? ]

        [I can categorically say that I was never a member of the board of LTSA – MS]

  7. Watching 7
    8 November 2013 at 10:01 am

    Mickysavage really?

    From Nat party supporters/voters I mainly get a ‘who cares’ view to the list of MP’s standing down. Does it it really matter what Key and the Nats do with their MP’s as none of those have any real voter appeal. I wouldn’t make comment until I see what happens next. – this all seems planned rather than leaving a sinking ship.

    The question should be is that instead of a Goff/King/Mallard time to go discussion Labour should reviewing who from the current list lack ability for a Cabinet or Select Committe chair role – there are a couple.

    • TightyRighty 7.1
      8 November 2013 at 10:43 am

      don’t ask micky if he honestly believes the desperate tripe he writes. If long standing labour mp’s were to retire, that would be individuals leaving for the greater good of rejuvenation of the party, when national does it it’s a sign of desperation at potentially losing the next election. recently it’s like he’s read a “spin-doctoring for dummies” book and thinks he’s the lefts crosby textor. more like the lefts next clare curran – “it and communications guru”

      • Puckish Rogue 7.1.1
        8 November 2013 at 1:03 pm

        Now now as much as mickey savage is one-eyed to compare him to Clare Curran is bit mean…

        • TightyRighty 7.1.1.1
          8 November 2013 at 1:42 pm

          granted, he doesn’t write the TL;DR posts that claire does, but they still arrive at the same incorrect conclusion every single time. national bad, labour good. every time, despite all the evidence to the contrary.

          • Craig Glen Eden 7.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2013 at 2:35 pm

            “all the evidence to the contrary ” Tighty Righty still believes in Nationals Brighter future?

            • TightyRighty 7.1.1.1.1.1
              10 November 2013 at 10:47 am

              it’s looking positively radiant right now. take your blinkers off and see the signs.

      • mickysavage 7.1.2
        8 November 2013 at 1:49 pm

        Obviously we will need to see what happens at the next election TR but you don’t think that the possibility of sitting on the opposition benches is making some MPs reconsider their career prospects.

        • TightyRighty 7.1.2.1
          8 November 2013 at 2:30 pm

          didnt’ matter to labour mp’s as long as they could keep their paychecks right? being in opposition is still better paying than the private sector for them.

  8. pollywog 8
    8 November 2013 at 10:44 am

    I’d imagine a few people lining up to take Simon Lusk’s nutjob grooming classes at Judith Collins request.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 8.1
      8 November 2013 at 1:37 pm

      Not so sure of that:

      For the recent Hawkes Bay Regional Council elections , non of the contenders admitted he was working on their behalf.
      Or maybe they didnt pay up – $5000 if you lose $10,000 if you win.

      I think it was all a snow job, to get a dam that will affect his 10 acre block outside Waipawa, altered.

  9. Bill 9
    8 November 2013 at 12:38 pm

    I give up. That video. Yesterdays post heading for the Judith Collin’s opinion… sigh

  10. aerobubble 10
    8 November 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Key failure to appreciate the GFC, and China’s eventual downturn.

    Coal, Aluminum and Copper prices. Solid Energy, Chorus, Southland Smelter.

    Seems that the closer Key’s government is to industry the more likely the
    industrial myopia is picked up, and built into contracts. Sky City
    casino, will future conferences want their participates engaging in
    gambling? And the housing industry! Key deference to alcohol, building
    and finance industries are now notorious. Key extended the government
    guarantee to finance companies! SCF. Key’s government cannot disengage
    itself from the view that its a board room, with the same views of board
    rooms its doing business with. Key is supposed to work in the interest of taxpayers.
    Novapay.

    Everything Key touches, and his so called victories, the result of ChCh earthquake, or
    other quite predictable things like the deficit coming down.

  11. Philgwellington Wellington 11
    8 November 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Xox
    Can’t figure out how JK arranged the Ch-Ch earthquake. What a brilliant idea to boost economic growth! Tragedy for those in Canterbury. All power to you folks. Kia Kaha

  12. photonz 12
    9 November 2013 at 1:04 am

    If 7 Nats retiring is a called mass exodus of rats leaving a sinking ship (just over 10%), that’s statistically around the same as 1.5 Greens retiring, or 3.5 Labour Party MPs retiring.

  13. photonz 13
    9 November 2013 at 1:13 am

    And even if the turnover was 10% EVERY election, for EVERY party, that would mean an AVERAGE time in parliament of 15 years, with a dozen MPs in there for three decades.

    So trying to make out that 7 MPs out of 60 leaving is some kind of mass exodus, when the average across all parties at each election is much HIGHER than this, is palpable nonsense.

    • Dumrse 13.1
      9 November 2013 at 11:08 am

      With such a down turn in the polls there are very few straws left to grasp so let’s get everybody excited at the possibility that the National Party retiree’s are running scared and jumping ship. Palpable nonsense ? Stupidity more like. Nothing better to write about.

  14. TightyRighty 14
    9 November 2013 at 4:49 pm

    “Cunliffe can only watch and weep as national rejuvenated the party so quietly”

    Hahahahahahhahaha, Mickeysavage. You should have trained as proper journalist before trying to be a proper spin doctor. Fucking amateurs

  15. Delia 15
    9 November 2013 at 5:08 pm

    Did Katrina Shanks seriously collect a salary the last three years? Some Intermediate kids could make a way better fist of the job.

  16. peterlepaysan 16
    9 November 2013 at 11:53 pm

    The Ohariu, and all other electorate results depends on Labour motivating all the non voting voters who never showed at the last two general elections.

    With good policies and very good campaign strategies Ohariu (and a lot of other electorates) are easily winnable by Labour.

    National has nothing to offer to anyone but the wealthy (they are working on kim dotcom who is being strangely shy).

    What is Labour offering to the rest of us?

    Dunne’s success in Ohariu was due to a large extent because of suspicions about Labour and National.

    • Nordy 16.1
      10 November 2013 at 12:30 am

      You clearly seem to know such a lot about Ohariu – what are these policies and strategies you refer to?

      For a touch of reality – the voting patterns in Ohariu in recent elections make it clearly a seat for the centre right to win if they want to.

      In addition, the accommodation in recent elections on the right has prevented the left from taking the seat, by ensuring enough voters did not split the their votes between Dunne and Shanks. It is also arguable that a lack of tactical voting on the left was also a problem – i.e the votes given to the Green candidate.

      Dunne has appealed to a combination of ‘brand loyalty’, ignorance and apathy. Will this succeed again?

      If you want to know what Labour is offering – simply ask, or even better go and find out – it’s not exactly difficult.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    20 hours 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
    24 hours 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 day 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
    The Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
    The Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti Expressway
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announced
    Two New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Attendance action plan to lift student attendance rates
    The Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today.   New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – Peters
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.    “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th session
    Mr President,   The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe.   New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately.   At the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government woolshed roadshow kicks off
    Today the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister launches Government Targets
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglement
    Natural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government responds to unsustainable net migration
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand on stage at global Space Symposium
    Space Minister Judith Collins will speak at the Space Symposium in the United States next week, promoting New Zealand’s rapidly growing place in the sector as we work to rebuild the economy. “As one of the largest global space events, attended by more than 10,000 business and government representatives from ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-16T20:37:37+00:00