Ministers in a Lab/Green govt

Written By: - Date published: 7:32 am, December 4th, 2012 - 143 comments
Categories: election 2014, greens, labour - Tags:

Paddy Gower looked fit to burst with excitement over ‘Greens and Labour fighting over Finance portfolio‘ last night. Of course, the actual quote not so exciting – just Russel Norman saying it was one portfolio that would be the subject of negotiations in the formation of a Labour/Green government. But it does raise a valid question – who would be ministers in a Labour/Green government?

OK. First off, lets assume the government MPs are 30% Green, 70% Labour – roughly in line with the current polls. Next, we’ll have to assume that the current portfolios hold – ie Shearer is leader, Cunliffe is in purgatory for the sin of not having a dirt operation on the scale of Mallard/Hipkins/Mold/Robertson, and Jones has no portfolios either. However, we will assume that King leaves for Wellington mayoralty (the housing policy will help with that – and she’ll be gone before its economics get torn apart in the full election release).

I’ve chosen what I regard as the top 20 portfolios – the ones that wouldn’t usually be held simultaneously with any of the others in the top 20 – and looked at the spokesperson from each party for each. Simply, I’ve chosen the best of the options in each portfolio – excepting that Shearer would be PM. And I’ve made a few changes where there’s someone else better than either incumbent or political necessity.

There’s 7 Greens out of 19 there, over-represented on the current polls but, in reality, Norman would probably get Economic Development and Parker Finance – the trade-off would be an extra Green Cabinet minister.

There’s a problem with Justice and Attorney-General. They shouldn’t both be Chauvel but there’s not many spare lawyers with an interest in justice in the ranks.

For the ministers outside Cabinet (Key has a record 28 ministers) I would choose Walker (would be in Cabinet except giving Turei MSD means giving Ardern Housing), Delahunty, Clark, Sio, O’Connor, Fenton, Curran, Mackey and Street.

All up, it’s 12 women (4 on the front bench), 3 Maori, 2 Pasifika, 3 gay, and a pretty good geographic distribution.

I have to say, I like the look of that Cabinet. They would have much better policy, of course and, apart from the top name, nearly all of them would better the current minister in sheer competence.

143 comments on “Ministers in a Lab/Green govt ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. karol 1
    4 December 2012 at 8:02 am

    My question is why Gower is so quick to anoint a Shearer-Norman led government?  That was the subtext of his little puff-piece.  TV3 is going all-out spinning for this since the Labour conference.

    If there was a Labour-led government, are there any likely ex-MP candidates that would return to parliament, and who might be front bench material? 

    • toad 1.1
      4 December 2012 at 8:24 am

      Carmel Sepuloni, Stuart Nash?

      • Lanthanide 1.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 8:58 am

        Darren Hughes? Could come back in 2014 and potential get an associate position, and move up in 2017.

        • King Kong 1.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 10:28 am

          I would run screaming and naked through the streets if that ever happened.

          • lprent 1.1.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 11:43 am

            Bookmark that comment. But you really have to give an opportunity to us all to get the buttocks shot with the dangling shriveled penis…

    • mickysavage 1.2
      4 December 2012 at 9:43 am

      Yep Gower’s spin is appalling.  He kept saying that Shearer was being undermined.  All that I saw was a damned good debate and an increase in democracy in the party and then a speech from Shearer that was well received.

      Then they try to paint the labour in turmoil meme and Labour goes up in the polls.

      As to motivation, well the assistance that this Government has given to mediaworks speaks volumes … 

      • King Kong 1.2.1
        4 December 2012 at 10:04 am

        Ha ha. Your spin isn’t so flash either. You really can’t expect us to buy this “passion of the Cunliffe” stuff.

        • Craig Glen Eden 1.2.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 10:33 am

          No King Kong believe Gower Cunliffe was going to do a take over at conference and Shearer is amazing best thing since…..since….. ABC.

          • King Kong 1.2.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 11:09 am

            The Gospel According to [deleted]

            And lo, the savior rode into conference on a donkey and the members fell at his feet and there was much rejoicing. The shadow cabinet saw this and they became afraid.

            During the procession a member asked “Messiah how can we serve you better?” and the savior replied “The jealousy of man is strong when faced with my omnipotent radiance. Lower the threshold for my ascension to the throne and the kingdom of the Labour party shall be yours, my member”

            Later that night as the disciples shared a meal the Messiah touched Nania and Charles gently on the face and spoke. “Tomorrow a cock (from TV3 news) will crow 8 times and my purpose will be betrayed. All through that night the savior was alone, starring at his reflection in a pool.

            Three days after the glorious entrance at conference, our savior was hauled in front of the caucus. “So you call yourself King of the party” accused Pontius Shearer. With a holy countenance the Messiah replied “You may strike me down now but untold riches await my resurrection in February for the will of my children will be done”

            [lprent: I’m not happy with using real names for no apparent reason especially in view of some of the legislative pogroms that seem to be looming on the horizion. As soon as my current workload subsides, I will talking around the authors about adding substantial portions of RFC1855 to our policy, especially the sections on respecting pseudonymous handles.

            And repetition by you and some of the others who try to sneak them in is going to be unwise in the interim. I’m liable to start high in my personal moderator deterrence and get higher. ]

            • alwyn 1.2.1.1.1.1
              4 December 2012 at 11:35 am

              I’m not sure what you are smoking but please tell me where I can get some.
              The image you conjure up is a wonderful one.

            • Lanthanide 1.2.1.1.1.2
              4 December 2012 at 11:58 am

              Hah, nice RFC, haven’t seen that before.

              • lprent …
                4 December 2012 at 4:57 pm

                As you can see it has been around for a while. It was just a compendium of things that were common before usenet on other forums like BBS’s. You find the same general principles in all subsequent net forums.

                Wish the legislators would make and effort to read what net cultures have already developed for them.

      • ad 1.2.2
        4 December 2012 at 10:04 am

        I think it’s good that the story is moving on from “who will lead the Labour Party” to “The inevitability of a Labour-Green coalition”.

        Gower isn’t going to change. The Shearer leadership has used him, and the rest of the MSM, the best.

        The MSM is being employed to help write the narrative of inevitable success and in turn to write history towards the next election.

        Long may it last.

      • The Fan Club 1.2.3
        4 December 2012 at 11:43 am

        Hey how’d the complaint to NZ Council go then eh? What a bunch of whingers.

        • mickysavage 1.2.3.1
          4 December 2012 at 2:21 pm

          FC as usual you are Anything But Coherent.

          • The Fan Club 1.2.3.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 2:29 pm

            Ohh so not so good then? What. A. Shame.

            • the pigman 1.2.3.1.1.1
              4 December 2012 at 9:23 pm

              You are such a sarcastic little cock. Keep lapping up Grant Robertson’s KoolAid (or whatever else he’s got you and your Young Labour chums on) and quit attacking a member with the best interests of his branch/country at heart.

              Hope the weather is fine in Wellywood.

              • The Fan Club …
                5 December 2012 at 12:23 pm

                Now now, watch the expletives. It lowers the discursive tone.

                (And yeah. I’m not a Wellingtonian, or a Young Labour member. So yeah. Better luck next time.)

    • Peter 1.3
      4 December 2012 at 11:41 am

      Right now the MSM are trying to portray the L/G side as overconfident and incompetent. Instead of being baited into answering questions about who will be doing what in the first hypothetical Labour/Green coalition party, leaders would be better off increasing their electoral following. The loaded questions of the MSM are only of interest if L/G win in two years time.

      • xtasy 1.3.1
        4 December 2012 at 4:51 pm

        Peter:

        Yes, I am afraid, that is what seems to be going on, especially via TV3 and their news reporters.

        The creeping up polls for L/G and decline of Key and Nats do not go down well with some of their staff, I am sure. Discredit the opposition now, so they get stunted again, that is the MSM agenda.

        • karol 1.3.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 5:20 pm

          While ultimately the end result may be the MSM turning against Team Shearer, I really don’t think the majority of them think that far ahead.

          There may be one or two influential people deliberately aiming for that.  But i think most of the people in news teams won’t be thinking far ahead on political strategies. 

          I think it’s more likely that many news people will just repeat the narratives that make most sense to them in terms of their own political positions: e.g. they may just prefer the right wing Labour attitudes tho the left wingers asking for a more radical break with the neoliberal consensus.

          Whatever the news people have in mind, the are producing a low quality news product that is very skewed political.  They are not doing what Nicky Hager values: relentlessly seeking facts and truth.

          They are constructing a narrative that doesn’t match up with all the facts available.  It is a clumsy and distorted construction of Shearer being the best leader Labour can offer, and the most likely next PM – at least that’s the MSM/TV3 narrative for now, and probably til February. 

          • xtasy 1.3.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 5:48 pm

            MSM = may be a bit like the “endless” gossiping parroting chain, doing the merry go round “I have heard”, “oh, I told you so”, “see, that is what they are all about”, “oh, yes, I must agree”, “oh, really, that is interesting”, “yes, I agree”, as “I have no mind of my own”.

            Story written, printed, read, broadcast, done.

            analysis – zilch
            facts – zilch
            objectivity – zilch

          • BLiP 1.3.1.1.2
            4 December 2012 at 7:13 pm

            .

            Bingo! The MSM focus is on what might happen somewhere else rather than what is actually happening right in front of their noses – National Ltd™ systematically handing over public assets and resources to its international business mates, and lying while doing it. Still, relentlessly seeking facts and telling truth to power requires time and resources, something the frontline MSM “journalists” are short of, and deliberately so, thanks to deliberate underfunding. The last thing the MSM wants is an informed public.

  2. Brad 2
    4 December 2012 at 8:03 am

    LOL. The Greens would need at least half of Labour’s vote to even consider getting Finance. As Shearer said, it’s not going to happen.

    • Crimson Nile 2.1
      4 December 2012 at 8:13 am

      Although in counterpoint, Labour will need at least half of the Green Party’s vote to even consider getting into Government. It could be considered a sensible political trade.

  3. Tom Gould 3
    4 December 2012 at 8:04 am

    If ever the Tories needed a lifeline, you just gave it to them. Besides, the Greens would be more likely to get slots outside Cabinet. Only Norman and perhaps Turei have shown any real aptitude for the rigors of Ministerial responsibility, inside Cabinet, and maybe Graham who would make a fine Attorney General and even Treaty negotiations. As for the finance role, that would go to Parker to settle the markets and prevent a run of the currency, and Norman would have to settle for economic development with a mandate to work up the eco-economy stuff. That’s about it for them.

  4. higherstandard 4
    4 December 2012 at 8:05 am

    Interesting, with a few notable exceptions this just shows that, along with the incumbent ministers there is a woeful lack of talent amongst our current crop of politicians/troughers.

  5. just saying 5
    4 December 2012 at 8:07 am

    Your predictions seem likely. I think there would be real benefit to shaking things up, but that never happens.

    For example, I’d prefer Little to take education. Partly I guess, because I can just see him being the bearer of the shit sandwich to workers, of labour laws that change sfa. And hard-selling them as being another of those ‘necessary compromises’ that union management has become expert in promoting to members as ‘reasonable’ and ‘inevitable’.

  6. Bunji 6
    4 December 2012 at 8:12 am

    Obviously Parker and Norman switch from your list as you say. And a good line up.
    A couple of thoughts: It would be hard to take King and Fenton off their portfolios as they (especially King) are making a good fist of them. Little might have to bide his time, but Ardern does need something senior… (Health?)
    Similarly Twyford has to be in there, but surely you’e got to have a Green on Environment (Hague?)? (Twyford for Police?)
    A few tough choices to work out, but definitely like the list.

  7. Hilary 7
    4 December 2012 at 8:23 am

    What about Broadcasting or Disability Issues? Education and Health also need a couple of associates, and Special Ed will be particularly important by 2014 as schools are expected to be inclusive by then and if not will require a lot of attention.

    Mana, the Maori Party and NZ First are likely to be there too and may expect cabinet positions.

  8. Bill 8
    4 December 2012 at 8:37 am

    Somebody needs to haul Gower’s head out from whosever arse he has it firmly planted up and give it a good slapping.

    This Norman thing looks like carbon copy of the technique used on Cunliffe with the same intended consequences – a manufactured scenario that presents the puppet boy with an opportunity to look independent and decisive.

    • karol 8.1
      4 December 2012 at 8:47 am

      It’s probably not just Gower, but a TV3 News thing.  It goes hand-in-hand with Garner’s reporting that reinforces the worthiness of Shearer (e.g. his analysis of the poll results); plus the News anchors’ summarising Gower’s reports and unsubstantiated conclusions as if they are statements of fact.

      Who benefits?  Maybe look at Labour’s potential policies on reviving public broadcasting? How it might benefit TV3 to have a weak and right-leaning PM overseeing the policy developments?

      • Bill 8.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 9:44 am

        I’m tempted to be a tad more cynical and suggest that whereas Paddy might be somewhat directed by the ABC clique, the natural inclination of TV3 would be to happily to pump up Shearer short term because he can he so easily and so completely destroyed pre-election – unlike the situation were a certain back bencher to assume leadership of the party.

        • geoff 8.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 10:02 am

          Absolutely Bill, the likes of Gower would love to see Shearer fall to pieces during the election campaign in front of their cameras.

          • Akldnut 8.1.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 11:59 am

            Spot on Bill, Shearer is being pumped up purely because he will be decimated by Key and his cronies come next election, they (Gower and other political reporters) can clearly see this and have already started maneuvering with this in mind.

  9. Peter 9
    4 December 2012 at 8:50 am

    You missed out the most important portfolio – conservation. There’s a massive job there to rebuild morale within the Department and generally fix things up after 6 years of Wilkinson’s mess.

    I’d pick Eugenie Sage for that.

  10. Lanthanide 10
    4 December 2012 at 8:57 am

    Oh god, not Hughes in any position of responsibility.

    • King Kong 10.1
      4 December 2012 at 9:33 am

      By just suggesting that little dweeb is Ministerial potential has stripped any credibility from this post.

      I would be nervous about him running the fries section at the local McDonalds (if only because he is not tall enough to reach the handles).

  11. cardassian 11
    4 December 2012 at 8:59 am

    You’ve given Little labour and police.

  12. marsman 12
    4 December 2012 at 8:59 am

    Gower has become a shrieking turd focusing on manufacturing ‘news’, neither he nor the bombastic self-important Garner seem to have a clue about journalism let alone investigative journalism.

  13. arants 13
    4 December 2012 at 10:04 am

    What about the Trade portfolio? Labour’s recent Conference remits have effectively withdrawn support for the TPPA in anything like its current form. However, Goff & Cosgrove are actively undermining this position, stridently supporting TPPA during the current Auckland round. If Shearer doesn’t bring them to heel they could do more damage to a potential coalition than Jones.

  14. ad 14
    4 December 2012 at 10:08 am

    Isn’t this a whole lot more fun than obscure arguments about which policy isn’t extreme enough?

    Feels like a tide turning!

    Anyone want to admit the pro-Shearer writers were right yet? Too early?

    • King Kong 14.1
      4 December 2012 at 10:40 am

      Please don’t make them apologise. There are some great prototype National election ads ready to go and they wont work if all the crazys show contrition and admit poor judgement.

      The one I saw goes along the lines of;

      “Political lightweight”, “Mr Bumbles”, “too inexperienced”, “doesn’t know what he stands for”, “lacks integrity”, “Just a puppet for a powerful cabal” – And that is just what the Labour party members say about David Shearer.

      • Draco T Bastard 14.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 11:48 am

        There are some great prototype National election ads ready to go and they wont work if all the crazys show contrition and admit poor judgement.

        But neither National nor Act will ever show contrition and admit poor judgement. It’s part of their psychology – they actually think that they’re right all the time even when the evidence shows that they’re wrong.

        • Akldnut 14.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 12:05 pm

          “doesn’t know what he stands for”, “lacks integrity”, “Just a puppet for a powerful cabal”

          You just described John Key but missed out “Liar, ripoff merchant & prince of clowns and photo ops “

        • Pascal's bookie 14.1.1.2
          4 December 2012 at 3:59 pm

          No party wants to start on that game KK.

          It’s a M.A.D. M.A.D. world.

        • OneTrack 14.1.1.3
          4 December 2012 at 8:11 pm

          Exactly like Labour and the Greens.

      • Blue 14.1.2
        4 December 2012 at 3:47 pm

        There are some great prototype National election ads ready to go

        I thought they were going to use the photos of John Key eating maggots with Bear Grylls.

  15. Jackal 15
    4 December 2012 at 10:10 am

    James Henderson

    Apart from the top name, nearly all of them would better the current minister in sheer competence?

    You can’t honestly be arguing that Shearer should eat some crickets and maggots, decrease our clean and green branding by millions if not billions of dollars with a few untimely off the cuff remarks and being an international disgrace in terms of GHG emissions and negotiations not to mention insulting a sports super star and many in the gay community by trying to appear blokey? Personally I would have thought the high unemployment rate and increased inequality etc etc would reflect on Keys ability as a so-called leader of New Zealand? But I guess your comparison of competence as Prime Minister is a relative thing dependent on your preference of Labour leader or something?

    Having said that I think your list is pretty spot on. I would like to see a 50/50 split though re male and female (a pipe dream at this stage) and some more fresh faces in there… Although Hughes as Minister of energy will be strongly resisted, good call. I would also give Phil Goff the NZ Security Service portfolio with Shearer perhaps having Foreign Affairs LOL. Shearer is reasonably qualified in that area and will have gained international respect for his previous humanitarian work. Goff is the man to sort out our faulty security services. I think it’s important that trade becomes more conscientious and besides, Labour could take a leaf out of the Nats playbook and effectively whisk the PM away in the face of any controversy. I think it’s more likely that Parker will get finance, but I guess that all depends on how the vote goes in 2014.

  16. travellerev 16
    4 December 2012 at 10:19 am

    Bliss, two clowns with absolutely no idea about international finance with Russel actually actively ignoring what is happening internationally vying for the position of finance minister. That will really help New Zealand over the next couple of years as the global finance scam implodes.

  17. Matthew Hooton 17
    4 December 2012 at 10:20 am

    List looks about right, except Tamihere will be Social Development.

    • millsy 17.1
      4 December 2012 at 10:28 am

      His first act being to deny the sickness benefit to those with HIV.

      • Colonial Viper 17.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 10:55 am

        Yep. If you contracted it through a blood transfusion you’ll be OK, if you caught it through being gay, you’re history.

    • Lightly 17.2
      4 December 2012 at 10:31 am

      tamihere won’t even be ranked high enough to get in, if he makes the list at all. Remember, there’s reforms coming to give the membership more power over that – so being Shearer’s drinking buddy won’t be enough. JT’s obviously worked out he’ll never get the LEC onside to Waitakere.

  18. millsy 18
    4 December 2012 at 10:34 am

    The main portfolios will go to Labour ministers, but I reckon the Greens will get Conservation. I’m also going to make a curly call, and give Science and Innovation/CRI’s to Norman, then he can set about implementing his green economic strategy without seeming to frighten the horses.

    • Lightly 18.1
      4 December 2012 at 11:04 am

      why would the greens be fobbed off with minor portfolios? How would that represent the people who voted for them?

      • King Kong 18.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 11:14 am

        They would best represent those who vote for them by keeping lots of cats and talking to themselves in the aisles of New World.

        • Lanthanide 18.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 11:37 am

          Or my favourite example, when I went to vote in 2008 at a somewhat busy polling place, an ‘activist’ woman harangued the voting officials asking them why the podiums and tables were made out of cardboard and whether they would be stored away for future elections or just thrown out, and shouldn’t they just be using perfectly acceptable wooden trestle tables etc.

          • felix 18.1.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 11:45 am

            A reasonable question, given that most polling places have no shortage of tables and desks. Do you have a reasonable answer?

            • King Kong 18.1.1.1.1.1
              4 December 2012 at 11:48 am

              Calm down and feed your cats

              • felix …
                4 December 2012 at 12:02 pm

                Have you noticed the alarming increase in numbers of multi-cat people who talk to themselves in the supie? 11% in the last election and 13% in recent polls.

                On the other hand it could be that your lazy attempt at stereotype humour is a bit flacid.

              • mike e …
                4 December 2012 at 5:08 pm

                Felix cats cost more than your peanuts

            • Lanthanide 18.1.1.1.1.2
              4 December 2012 at 12:02 pm

              I should imagine that while most polling places may have tables available, it’s reasonable to assume that not all of them would.

              It’s also good to have a consistent experience across polling places, as well as being recognisably official.

              • felix …
                4 December 2012 at 12:13 pm

                What makes the experience “recognisably official” and “consistent” across polling places?

                Is it the officials in marked clothing? Is it the posters and signage? Is it the presence of the electoral roll? Is it the uniform paperwork?

                Or is it the cardboard booth?

                • Lanthanide …
                  4 December 2012 at 1:07 pm

                  All of the above. If any of those things were out of place, I think you’d be right to question it.

                  • felix …
                    4 December 2012 at 3:00 pm

                    Really?

                    If you went into a booth and it wasn’t disposable, you’d not trust it?

                    I find your value system arbitrary and confusing.

                    • Lanthanide …
                      4 December 2012 at 3:40 pm

                      If I had expectations around what a polling place should consist of, and came across a polling place that did not meet those expectations, then I would be suspicious.

                      Just as anyone would.

                      I simply expect to see cardboard booths as polling places, evidently you don’t have any such expectation.

                      This is of course entirely irrelevant to the point at hand: the crazy activist lady loudly arguing with people that had no control over any part of the process. There’s a time and place (and manner) for those sorts of questions, which she evidently didn’t understand.

                    • felix …
                      4 December 2012 at 5:30 pm

                      Irrelevant?

                      My dear boy, this entire discussion is irrelevant.

                      It’s premised on the idea that the polling place you visited was of such a poor standard that you knew who other people there were voting for, yet you’re holding it up as a model of best practice!

                    • Lanthanide …
                      5 December 2012 at 8:57 am

                      Sorry felix but where did I say I “knew” (your word) who she was voting for?

                    • felix …
                      5 December 2012 at 9:23 am

                      You said it was an example of what KK described as “those who vote for” the Greens.

                      Of course, that’s just my simplistic interpretation based on nothing more than the actual words you used, the meanings of them, and the context.

                      I’m sure you have some other, far more interesting way of explaining what you meant that has nothing to do with such mundane tools and I can’t wait to read it.

                    • Lanthanide …
                      5 December 2012 at 10:24 am

                      That doesn’t mean I “know” that she voted for the Greens, just that I’m stereotyping her and assuming she did.

                    • felix …
                      5 December 2012 at 10:55 am

                      Which is precisely why I said the whole discussion is irrelevant.

                      Either you know how she voted, in which case your beloved disposable booths aren’t up to much, or you don’t, in which case your “favourite example” of a green voter was bullshit all along.

              • Colonial Viper …
                4 December 2012 at 12:18 pm

                It’s also good to have a consistent experience across polling places, as well as being recognisably official.

                Indeed. A consistent experience is important for those citizens who intend to vote early, and to vote often on E-day at different polling places.

                • Lanthanide …
                  4 December 2012 at 1:08 pm

                  It’s important that no voters can complain that some polling place they voted at influenced their decision, or made it difficult for them to vote. This is best achieved by applying a consistent standard to all official equipment used as part of the election that has been approved by the appropriate official body.

                  • Kevin Welsh …
                    4 December 2012 at 2:06 pm

                    Really?

                    I found that the A4 cellotaped to the door that said ‘Polling Booth’, was all I needed.

                    • Lanthanide …
                      4 December 2012 at 3:41 pm

                      It’d be easy for someone to set up a fake polling place and rob you of your vote, in that case.

  19. Craig Glen Eden 19
    4 December 2012 at 10:54 am

    Once again Shearer shows his inexperience by even entering into a discussion about Ministerial Portfolios. He should of just said we will wait for voters to give us the mandate before we start counting our Chickens.In stead he makes it look like he is already carving the ham and has decided who will get what, this allows Gower to run with division line, when will Shearer learn, I honestly didnt think he would be this bad for this long.

    • Johan 19.1
      4 December 2012 at 2:35 pm

      I fully agree CGE, it is obvious that Shearer has jumped the gun. In the last election we had many Labour supporters who voted New Zealand First, simply due to lack of choice in Labour leadership. I ask you, has that situation changed with Shearer as leader?? Labour/Green coalition, what a miss-match, since the Greens have already shot themselves in the foot with their method to fix the economy, they simply want to print more money, which will likely increase inflation.
      Also, the Greens want to create more jobs by setting up govt sponsored schemes which means more tax payer money . This simply means borrowing more money from overseas.

      • millsy 19.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 10:21 pm

        So what would you do? Clearly there is a need for job schemes, because the current practice of sending your CV out and knocking on doors isnt working.

  20. Poission 20
    4 December 2012 at 11:05 am

    What sound policy can we see from Norman that would validate his role as Finance minister?

    • Colonial Viper 20.1
      4 December 2012 at 11:47 am

      CGT, reform of the RBA, and taking steps to minimise currency war and peak debt effects on our dollar (ie printing money).

      • alwyn 20.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 1:24 pm

        But Poisson asked for SOUND reasons.
        Printing money indeed. That is a policy that Mugabe followed of course, just on a slightly larger scale.
        I suppose you consider moderate inflation like a little bit pregnant.

        • thatguynz 20.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 2:45 pm

          And the US are doing, and the UK, and Japan.  Not saying I agree with the approach at all but citing Zimbabwe repeatedly is disingenuous.

        • bad12 20.1.1.2
          4 December 2012 at 5:57 pm

          Check out the US rate of inflation after that country having printed trillions of dollars and the Prez openly saying that He will print and feed into the US economy billions more,

          Printing money does not necessarily lead to run-away inflation, any economy run by any other than some form of Neanderthal race of Chimps knows that money can be printed and spent into an economy in such a fashion as to keep inflation in that economy within the requirements of the stated inflation band policy,

          The present cohort of neanderthal chimps in control of the economy could have instead of borrowing and spending into the economy 300 million dollars a week simply printed and spent the same amount with the exact same inflationary outcome as what borrowing has caused,

          You should educate yourself befor you go tossing the inflation of Zimbabwe into the debate, the printing of money by the Mugabe regime was not the cause of most of this inflation but as a response TO the inflation,

          As a response to the regime in Zimbabwe seizing lands occupied by white farmers ‘the West’ imposed sanctions upon that country severely restricting the import of the necessary goods of daily life, flour, fuel etc etc etc, such goods then had to be smuggled into Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries at a highly inflated price…

      • Neglect is 20.1.2
        4 December 2012 at 5:31 pm

        Can you clarify your stance cv.
        My understanding is that nz economy is finely balanced at moment and we don’t have the capacity to ‘keep’ the money in the system. If the bounce happens in a few years then our expanded m3 money supply unnaturally unbalanced will cause inflation. We have to borrow from outside in a temp measure as the total borrowed amount will eventually be outflow so an equilibrium is reached. Bigger countries have the capacity to print money as well as borrow as they can absorbe the expanded money supply without inflationary effects when the economy returns to normality.

        If we don’t come out of the crunch then print way upto a point that doesn’t effect inflation.

        • mike e 20.1.2.1
          4 December 2012 at 5:43 pm

          So all this borrowed money doesn’t cause inflation

          • Neoleftie 20.1.2.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 6:33 pm

            Not really as at same point you have to repay it so there is net outflow of the money supply and hence inflationary influencers.

            • Colonial Viper 20.1.2.1.1.1
              4 December 2012 at 6:41 pm

              So, just used a forced savings rate (eg via Kiwisaver) or higher taxes to have the same effect for printed debt free money.

              Anyhows I don’t think your premise is quite right: excess inflation only occurs when the productive (supply) and competitive (non-speculative) aspects of the economy cannot keep up with the volume of cash in circulation.

              This is easily evident in the NZ housing market.

              In the wider economy however we could print the cash required to create 10,000 new full time jobs and no excess inflation would be created – because there is still a massive excess of labour after that point.

              • Neoleftie …
                4 December 2012 at 6:49 pm

                Yes at the moment but what about the bounce effect when normality returns and we are left with An expanded money supply that causes inflationary pressures.

                • Colonial Viper …
                  4 December 2012 at 6:53 pm

                  The Chinese have pioneered the way here. When there is a “bounce” or signs of some kind of speculative bubble forming, you withdraw the excess money out of the economy.

                  Many ways of doing this, from increasing bank reserve ratios and tightening lending criteria, to outright forcing increased savings and higher tax rates to pull cash out of the economy.

                  • Neoleftie …
                    5 December 2012 at 6:52 am

                    It disagree money is still in the system just reallocated from one type to another. The only way is a complete transfer out of our economy say overseas investment by SOE on a massive scale.

        • Colonial Viper 20.1.2.2
          4 December 2012 at 6:30 pm

          Neglect. Country has plenty of spare unused productive capacity, competitive ability and labour at the moment.

          We can print $500M a year into the wider economy (of $202B), and distributed wisely, it would still be just a drop in the bucket. But it would be enough to get massive social, public transport and energy infrastructure projects underway. As well as jobs, lots of jobs.

          • Neoleftie 20.1.2.2.1
            4 December 2012 at 6:37 pm

            So another think big but with a green tinge funded from non inflationary printed money…correct

  21. felix 21
    4 December 2012 at 11:46 am

    Deputy PM?

  22. Rich 22
    4 December 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I believe that the next left-wing government in NZ will be Green-led with Labour as a support partner.

    We might see Grant Robertson given responsibility for State Services. Apart from that it’s whoever the caucus faction dominant at the time puts forward. Maybe:
    – Trevor Mallard – associate sports
    – John Tamihere – mens affairs
    – Taito Philip Field – (after having been accepted back into the party and given a seat) – associate corrections (from jail)

  23. Robert M 23
    4 December 2012 at 2:26 pm

    At first glance. I thought the only intelligent response was-leave the country. However on a moments reflection- it is a much better lineup than the National Government and my only real objection is that Cunliffe has to be in a top position preferably finance and I wouldn’t put Norman in a Finance portfolio- but might put him in an environmental or
    local govt position to restore the CRC and stop the expansion of consents in the South Island to stop over use of water and land and the giving of farms to those unsuitable.
    Cunliffe should be an excellent specialist minister and is essential if there is to be any sensible financial and economic budget and the next Labour government not blow out like Whitlams.
    There are half a dozen Nat ministers who are outrageous conservatives or incompetents- English, Smith, Heatley, Wilkinson. Brownlie, Zip it. Collins is also intolerable but I agree with her on D.Bain.
    To me its concievable the presentable, cunning, trained and slick Tolley could win an election but I regard Collins as too large and nasty to be electable.

    • Magnus McManus 23.1
      4 December 2012 at 4:39 pm

      “the presentable, cunning, trained and slick Tolley”?
      Sorry, what?! The woman’s brain is flat-out counting past 10!

    • Anne 23.2
      4 December 2012 at 6:58 pm

      Cunliffe has to be in a top position preferably finance…

      At last!! Someone has mentioned Cunliffe. I don’t give a damm about factions. I want to see the very best person holding the Finance portfolio, and that person is Cunliffe.

      • Neoleftie 23.2.1
        4 December 2012 at 7:02 pm

        Trouble is labour is all about factions and power divisions but yes bring on the man to lead us the people to a better way of life.

  24. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 24
    4 December 2012 at 4:20 pm

    You’ll have to find room for Winsome.

  25. Chalupa Batman 25
    4 December 2012 at 7:37 pm

    If it looks like National won’t get the numbers then I’m party voting Labour so hopefully the Greens can get shafted

    • felix 25.1
      4 December 2012 at 8:02 pm

      That’s an excellent plan, I hope you encourage all your National voting friends to do the same.

      You might also want to consider making a sizable donation.

      • Chalupa Batman 25.1.1
        4 December 2012 at 8:14 pm

        That’s an excellent plan, I hope you encourage all your National voting friends to do the same.
        -Lesser of two evils

        You might also want to consider making a sizable donation.
        -Don’t think I’ll go that far

        • felix 25.1.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 8:40 pm

          Gee I wish you’d find a better way to indicate quotes.

          • Chalupa Batman 25.1.1.1.1
            4 December 2012 at 9:46 pm

            Quote: Gee I wish you’d find a better way to indicate quotes. End quote
            -Better?

            • Te Reo Putake 25.1.1.1.1.1
              4 December 2012 at 9:55 pm

              Nope. Still illiterate. Have you considered trying quotation marks? They look like this: ”
               
              Your teacher tried teaching you how to use them when you were about seven years old, CB. Remember?

              • Chalupa Batman …
                4 December 2012 at 10:44 pm

                Who says lefties don’t have a sense of humour

                • Albert Roskill …
                  5 December 2012 at 10:08 pm

                  Wonder why Cunliffe is not listed, oh that is right because he and all his sycophantic biatches on this site are down a vacuous hole, never to be seen again, sucked in!

    • Reagan Cline 25.2
      4 December 2012 at 8:09 pm

      I dislike the greens because they use fear about the “end of the world is nigh
      unless you do as we say” tactics to con people into voting for them.

      There is a flash house in Grey Lynn with a green flag and a big fucking wrap around verandah – fuck the bastards !!

      I would vote for any party that pledges “NO ALLIANCE WITH THE GREENS”.

      The greens could kill labour because they put “the environment” before human beings.

      They know fuck all about the “environment” and what they do preach is based on scientific evidence, which by definition is falsifiable.

      • Chalupa Batman 25.2.1
        4 December 2012 at 8:19 pm

        I have similar viewpoints. Alternative fuels and green-tech may well work in the future but right now we need to encourage more mining. Cunliffe will but the Greens won’t.

        Silent T for all his smugness and arrogance probably does want the best for NZ, the Greens want the best for NZ as long as its an image the Greens approve of

        • McFlock 25.2.1.1
          4 December 2012 at 8:26 pm

          Fascinating to unpack that statement: the encouragement of labour to split, the assumption that actually deserving the tag “100% pure” is a luxury not a necessity, and the dissonance of talking about the “smugness and arrogance” of “Silent T”.

          Revealing snapshot of your perspective, there.

      • OneTrack 25.2.2
        4 December 2012 at 8:19 pm

        “I dislike the greens because they use fear about the “end of the world is nigh””

        If they get into power, they will be right.

      • Draco T Bastard 25.2.3
        4 December 2012 at 8:22 pm

        They know fuck all about the “environment” and what they do preach is based on scientific evidence, which by definition is falsifiable.

        Well, considering that they’re basing their arguments on scientific evidence then it would seem that they know quite a bit and just because scientific evidence is falsifiable doesn’t mean to say that it’s wrong. In fact, it usually means that it’s right because it hasn’t been. All this is in direct contradiction to National and Act whose theories aren’t based upon fact. In fact, if National and Act took note of reality they’d have to throw all their theories and ideas out but they won’t because they’re delusional.

        Once we get an economy based upon reality then we can see some improvement in our living standards and that’s far more likely to come from the Greens than it is from most other parties.

      • millsy 25.2.4
        4 December 2012 at 10:30 pm

        So you dont support clean air and water regulations then?

    • millsy 25.3
      4 December 2012 at 10:19 pm

      So I take it you support pollution of our air and water then. Ill let everyone know that they can dump their toxic waste at Chalupa’s house.

      I have a few issues with some Green policies (the fact that a Think Big style programme is needed to achive their objective being one), but the idea that we should conserve resources, and clean up after ourselves is a sound one. Everyone benefits from clean air and water.

    • rtoz 25.4
      4 December 2012 at 11:57 pm

      Seriously? If you’re really a National supporter, then that’s incredibly short term thinking. The lefties here must be thrilled that there are people who think like you that will further damage National if it is in fact on its way down at the next election.

      • chris73 25.4.1
        5 December 2012 at 6:37 am

        Not really. I want National to win (unless Labour ever goes back to its roots as the working mans party which is unlikely) if National can’t win then the next best scenario is Labour with the majority (or at least Labour supplying the Finance minister). Worst case would be Labour winning needing the Greens

        Thus I’ll go for the best of a bad situation

        • felix 25.4.1.1
          5 December 2012 at 7:48 am

          What from Labour would constitute, in your view, a return to it’s “roots as the working mans party”?

          Compulsory unionism? Commitment to Clause IV?

          Or what?

  26. millsy 26
    4 December 2012 at 10:42 pm

    There was talk about inflation further up on this thread.

    I think people are getting too carried away with the evils of inflation, given that our living standards were at their highest during periods of high inflation, sad but true.

    Now with inflation at 0.8% or something like that, we are seeing the concequences in other areas, such as high rents, low wages and conditions for workers, underfunded social and public services, high unemployment, homelessness, underinvestment in infrastructure, and so on and so forth.

    Case in point. The inflation rate was only brought down in this country by massive cuts to public services, closure of hospitals, driving down of wages and conditions, throwing people out of work and closing down industries, cutting benefits, and pricing people out of decent housing, all because some rich pricks didnt want the price of their BMW to go up too much.

    Economics is all about trade offs, and I think that 5-6% inflation is probably nessesary to ensure everyone has a decent standard of living.

  27. Andrew McMillan 27
    4 December 2012 at 11:30 pm

    …and a pretty good geographic distribution.

    I’m struggling to see your justification for this assertion James. Of the names listed in the “Chosen” column, 4 are currently MP’s for Auckland electorates, 2 are MP’s for Canterbury electorates, and one is an MP for a Maori electorate which encompasses Auckland/Waikato. The rest (11 of them) are currently List MP’s, representing no geographic location. And of the list MP’s, I’d suggest that only Cosgrove would have a sniff of gaining a seat at the next election.

    Contrast this against National’s current cabinet, 20 MP’s in total, with only 5 of them being list MP’s. And outside of Auckland (5) and Canterbury (3), you’ve also got Southland (1), Hawkes Bay (2), East Coast (2), Bay of Plenty (1), and Northland (1) represented.

    I’d argue the “Chosen” list you’ve put together is a very poor geographic distribution, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it would turn out to be the worst geographic distribution the country has ever had.

  28. rtoz 28
    5 December 2012 at 12:05 am

    I think you’re a tad confused. Pretty sure he was referring to the geographic distribution of the MPs who make up Cabinet, he didn’t appear to mention electorates or specifically electorate MPs at all.

    I can’t be bothered analysing the actual geographic distribution of the proposed Labour Cabinet, but fillin in the hole you leave in the National Cabinet, you can add Auckland (3) and Wellington (2).

    • Andrew McMillan 28.1
      5 December 2012 at 12:24 am

      Clearly I’m making an implicit assertion that list MP’s don’t have a geographic location.

      I can’t be bothered analysing the actual geographic distribution

      Either could James, it would appear. But I’d ask (the both of you now), if you’re not prepared to do your homework then why are you prepared to offer an opinion?

  29. Meg 29
    5 December 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Ha I love how you’ve excluded Trade and Primary industries… Obviously not proirities for Labour or the Greens.

  30. You.reap what you sow 30
    7 December 2012 at 7:16 am

    Norman as Minister of Finance wont work. Labour, if anything stands for higher employment and opportunities. To do this they need to implement policies that increase the rate of economic growth.

    The Greens are opposed to Growth, unless it fits a tightly defined set of green criteria.

    Norman as MOF would control Labour. It would have the making of a massive interparty disconnect and feud.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    1 hour 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
    2 hours 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
    2 hours 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
    2 hours 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
    4 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    9 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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
    5 hours 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
    22 hours ago

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

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-20T01:45:06+00:00