Missing the point: Minister of Tourism fail

Written By: - Date published: 8:10 am, January 13th, 2013 - 102 comments
Categories: cycleway, Minister for Overseas Holidays, newspapers, The Standard, tourism - Tags: , ,

In an article this morning on Stuff, Michael Field responds to a question he attributes to “Labour Party blog, The Standard” about our Minister of Tourism spending most of his holidays in Hawaii  and fails to answer the question he cites.  Instead, Field uses the article to divert and mislead, by claiming that Helen Clark and David Lange were just as bad.  The article ends by championing Robert Muldoon as the true Kiwi, spending his holidays at a New Zealand beach, in jandals and shorts, and still being available for business.

Field treats The Standard as a person, and, instead of correctly attributing the cited question to Zetetic  in his ‘Minister for Overseas Holidays post, attributes this quote to The entire blog:

Only on the Labour Party blog, The Standard, is there much criticism of Key’s holiday – and this overlooks Clark’s holiday antics.

“Are you ‘jealous’ that Key’s off to Maui for three weeks, again?” asks the Standard.

“Or are you just a bit pissed off to learn that our minister of tourism has so far spent over 100 days overseas on holiday since becoming PM, while the average Kiwi’s had just 27 days abroad and tourism here is in crisis?”

Field fails to take up the point Zetetic makes about Key’s lack of promotion of New Zealand tourism in his choice of holidays.  He fails to mention that, alone among the prime ministers mentioned, Key is the Minister of Tourism while PM.  It fails to mention Clark was Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage. Staying off the point, Field mentions Helen Clark’s very active holidays in Norway during New Zealand’s summer holiday period, but fails to mention all the holidays she took in New Zealand.

A quick google search to find support my memory of Clark’s tramping holidays in the South Island threw up some interesting links.  There’s this item on the NZ Travel Planner site, reporting on Clark’s prominent role TV travel programme, aired in the US, that follows her tour of New Zealand adventure and active tourist spots.  It is a tour given credibility by Clark’s inside knowledge gained from holidays she had spent actively engaging with New Zealand’s countryside:

 Travel Channel’s Chief Correspondent Peter Greenberg says “I’ve been coming to New Zealand for more than 28 years, and as much of a seasoned traveller I think I might be, I was in for a rather pleasant surprise. The Prime Minister took me to places I didn’t know existed, and then we experienced these locations in a way that was at times physically challenging, but always exhilarating. She has an incredible knowledge of her country and its people. She was not just my very special tour guide, but perhaps New Zealand’s best goodwill ambassador.”

Included in the programme the Prime Minister visits a bungy jumping site, ice climbs the southern alps, rides jet boats on the Shotover River, treks through Fiordland and abseils 400 feet in the Waitomo Caves.  Each of the sites she visits and all of her activities are accessible to travellers.

I also came across this June 2008 article by Audrey Young, accompanied by a photo of Clark skiing in the Southern Alps. Young begins the article:

No matter the season in New Zealand, Prime Minister Helen Clark likes to head for the hills–big white ones, with a good layer of snow. During the country’s summer (December through February), Clark, 58, spends two weeks in Scandinavia to indulge her love of cross-country skiing, which she took up at the age of 41. The Rondane National Park area in Norway is a favorite destination. But at this time of year–winter in the Southern Hemisphere–Clark travels to the mountainous regions of South Island when Parliament is in recess.

And I also found this 2008 article about a member of Clark’s South Island alpine party needing dying:

A mountain guide in Prime Minister Helen Clark’s alpine party has died near Lake Tekapo in the central South Island today.

Police tonight confirmed the dead man was Gottlieb Otto Braun-Elwert, aged 59.

Miss Clark is understood to have been involved in resuscitation efforts on him late this afternoon.

So what’s John Key, Minister of Tourism,  done lately for New Zealand tourism?  And how’s that cycleway going, John?  Have you done the active thing and taken a holiday along it to promote local tourism?

NB: Mr Field, this is not a Labour Party blog, I am not a Labour Party member, and in recent times have party voted Green Party.

102 comments on “Missing the point: Minister of Tourism fail ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    13 January 2013 at 8:16 am

    Some within caucus would have kittens at the suggestion that the Standard is a Labour Party blog …

    • karol 1.1
      13 January 2013 at 8:35 am

      Maybe Stuff have had second thoughts about that? Interestingly, when I was writing the post, the article was headlined at the top of the front page on Stuff. Now it seems to have totally disappeared from view, though the link to it still works.

      I’ve just checked the Sunday Star Times on Press Display. The article is on page 7 of the hard copy.

      • Lanthanide 1.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 9:51 am

        Sometimes articles on stuff very rapidly fall off the top headlines, usually they’re the opinion type pieces like the one you’re talking about. I wouldn’t read anything in particular into it.

    • Mary 1.2
      13 January 2013 at 12:38 pm

      …and some who despise what the current Labour party stands for, too. Field must’ve got his wires crossed after seeing some of Shearer’s posts. The state of Redalert probably doesn’t help, either. When’s Labour going to close that down? It really is a blot on the landscape.

  2. bad12 2
    13 January 2013 at 9:08 am

    While i agree whole-heartedly with all the points made in this post and other previous posts on the subject of where the Slippery little Shster we have as our Prime Ministers does the holiday thing i seriously CRINGE at the thought of being subjected to nightly doses of ”the Prime Minister Dances Like a Spastic (again)” on the 6 o’clock news during the holiday period,

    The likes of Rob Muldoon and Helen Clark could afford to be seen by the average Kiwi out and about on holiday,simply because they were the same Rob Muldoon and Helen Clark that we all seen regularly on the TV doing the Prime Minister thing,

    Slippery tho, can’t afford to let the carefully crafted mask of the ‘Kiwi bloke’ slip for just one instant, just behind the mask that millions of dollars has been spent upon creating via the services of His media team is a hissing,spitting, cynically manipulating puppeteer who makes the Simpson’s, Montgomery Burns, look slightly saintly in comparison…

  3. Te Reo Putake 3
    13 January 2013 at 9:10 am

    A rather strange article all round, Karol. Michael Field is not normally employed to write filler material like this. He is a specialist in Pacific politics, not island holidays. Leaving aside the ignorance about The Standard, the real flaw was his failure to establish the claim that hitting the beach is a Prime Ministerial summer tradition. By only referencing 4 PMs, two of them from the eighties, and ignoring the last PM’s penchant for powdered snow, he really does miss the point.

    But, I guess, he was asked to knock off 500 words on politicians on the beach to fill a gap in the paper and this was the indifferent result.

    • Rogue Trooper 3.1
      13 January 2013 at 7:00 pm

      locally, the international tourism sector has been struggling for the last couple of years. In contrast to the dumping on “freedom campers” in the media (some validity re toileting habits) the local PTB have been publicly encouraging all types of campers to spend time and money in the area, and endeavouring to break down stereo-types and further more, in this particular province anyway, the challenge of racial stereotyping and prejudice continues for Asians from both the sub-continent, China and the wider S.E.A.

  4. tc 4
    13 January 2013 at 9:46 am

    Pretty standard stuff from the MSM, govt good, opposition bad, don’t let facts get in way of the spin.

    Get facts wrong, stay off the point, divert, mislead all in a days work for these hacks. If surgeons did similar work they’d end up having a visit by the coroner.

    Bad nails it with the comment that if he did stick around the facade would be shattered about the ‘good kiwi bloke’ image, it’s not like he’s got nowhere to go with his Omaha palace.

    • David H 4.1
      13 January 2013 at 5:45 pm

      Maybe if we are really lucky, the Volcano will blow it’s top and give the proverbial 2 fingers to the B ullshit artist Key, as it demolishes his American Escape.

  5. QoT 5
    13 January 2013 at 10:44 am

    I honestly cannot attribute sincere motives to anyone who’s misrepresented Zet’s post in the way Michael Field has. I mean, it’s pretty damn clear that Zetetic is referring to the Minister for Tourism taking overseas holidays while tourism here is in a crisis.

    Every single person who’s jumped up to say “You’re just jealous of John Key’s success!!!!” is a derailing tr*ll, pure and simple.

    Many thanks to you, karol, for doing the hard yards on refuting that BS about Helen Clark’s holidays, also.

  6. Sanctuary 6
    13 January 2013 at 11:11 am

    More to the point, why has Fairfax/SST felt it necessary to write a piece taking to task John Key’s critics in the blogsphere? It is a boringly blatant piece of soft pro-Key propaganda from the political/media establishment.

  7. The Al1en 7
    13 January 2013 at 11:20 am

    “ND: Mr Field, this is not a Labour Party blog, I am not a Labour Party member”

    I’m not a member of any political party, and isn’t the Labour blog called Dead Alert?

    • Mary 7.1
      13 January 2013 at 2:37 pm

      Redalert’s become such a desolate place. It’d be interesting to know exactly how that’s happened. They just didn’t seem to want proper debate. Guess you can only ban so many people before there’s nobody left. Looks like even their mascot Spud’s gone.

      • David H 7.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 6:09 pm

        They have died because if you say anything they don’t like then they ban you, and remove the comment so nothing makes sense. Also there only seems to be one or two politicians are allowed (or want ) to post.

        • Jim Nald 7.1.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 6:22 pm

          Quite sad, really.
          Anyway, I’d rather stick to being here on TS with stronger assurance that confidentiality, privacy and security will be respected.

    • karol 7.2
      13 January 2013 at 4:55 pm

      Ah, The Allen, you copied a little typo from my post – [NB] – fixed.

  8. VindowViper 8
    13 January 2013 at 11:23 am

    All that’s happening here is that Michael Field is being a typically sloppy journo (in silly season mode).

    Poor dears .. they’re just not used to the kind of scrutiny they’re subject to in the the online world.

    • tc 8.1
      14 January 2013 at 12:20 am

      No it’s not sloppy it’s deliberately untruthful and misleading. Expecting the uninformed readers to take it as valid.

      He’s been around long enough to know TS isn’t a labour party blog and a casual glance would show him clearly this is far from a Labour cheer squad effort.

      A half decent Sub editor would and should of picked up the factual inaccuracy, that’s if they have any allowed to do that sort of thing.

  9. Brett Dale 9
    13 January 2013 at 11:45 am

    The point is, if Helen Clarke was still PM, and people complained about her overseas holidays, you would all support her.

    How is not hypocritical?

    • One Tāne Huna 9.1
      13 January 2013 at 12:04 pm

      Do you need a pre-frontal lobotomy to become a wingnut?

      How did you miss the fact that the position being discussed is Minister of Tourism?

      I wouldn’t bother supporting HC on this one: looks like the Travel Channel’s Chief Correspondent refuted any possible criticism on his own.

      Perhaps you missed that too.

      • McFlock 9.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 1:47 pm

        Apparently goldfish have quite good memories. Which leaves me short of a reasonable comparison.

    • QoT 9.2
      13 January 2013 at 1:31 pm

      And like magic, Brett Dale appears to prove my comment at #5 correct.

      • Brett Dale 9.2.1
        13 January 2013 at 1:34 pm

        Again, its hypocritical to complain about one PM’s holiday, and not another.

        • McFlock 9.2.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 2:02 pm

          you’re sweet.

        • QoT 9.2.1.2
          13 January 2013 at 2:07 pm

          Yes Brett, that’s exactly what’s going on here. You have fully grasped the discussion taking place, and you’re making completely relevant points.

        • Richard 9.2.1.3
          13 January 2013 at 2:15 pm

          As mentioned above, it’s more about him being Minister of Tourism and not lowering himself to have an NZ holiday just once in a while. There is that small issue of domestic tourism that could do with a boost at the moment.
          As a tourism operator, it was good to see Helen Clark climbing NZ mountains and skiing in NZ – didn’t she front a Discovery channel program about NZ’s beautiful wild places?
          And she wasn’t even Minister of Tourism
          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1293547
          Can’t see how John Key strutting around on Hawaian beaches with an entourage of security guards does anything for out tourism industry.

          • Populuxe1 9.2.1.3.1
            13 January 2013 at 11:08 pm

            Hmmm. While I don’t have a poll to hand on how many New Zealanders decide where to have a holiday based on the PM’s movements, I’m willing to bet it’s not very high.

    • David H 9.3
      13 January 2013 at 5:49 pm

      Oh god another Shit for Brains troll. Hey SFB we are talking about Dunnokeyo as Minister of TOURISM. FFS.

  10. Te Reo Putake 10
    13 January 2013 at 11:59 am

    Poor Brett, bravely trying to communicate through what appears to be a crippling hangover. Hang in there, big fulla, only two minutes to beer o’clock and you can start the process all over again.

  11. just saying 11
    13 January 2013 at 12:18 pm

    Does anyone know if the Minister for Tourism has taken a holiday within NZ (not to be confused with attending family gatherings) since he has been in the role, or even since he came to stay in NZ?

    The fact is, and everybody knows it, Key goes home for his holidays, as those stationed abroad very often do. Helen Clark comes home regularly.

  12. woodpecker 12
    13 January 2013 at 12:19 pm

    On a positive note, the more people that find your excellent posts Karol, the better. Which is probably the reason they took it down so fast.

    • karol 12.1
      13 January 2013 at 4:59 pm

      Actually, during the day, the Stuff article was back on the front page as a featured article. So far it has just 14 replies, most not really picking up the whole diversionary thing.

  13. Frank 13
    13 January 2013 at 12:25 pm

    He weekends in Omaha, just to show he is down do earth like Muldoon was.

    • just saying 13.1
      13 January 2013 at 12:47 pm

      No, holiday. Weekending closer to home just means most of the weekend isn’t taken up travelling.

  14. Joe Bloggs 14
    13 January 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Super-storm-cell meet teacup.

    Talk of tourism in New Zealand being in crisis is a red herring. Year-on-year international tourist numbers for visits to NZ up by 5% and spend is up by nearly 3%, despite the NZ dollar strengthening against some currencies by up to 20%

    Visitor numbers have been growing steadily since 2001 (excepting 2008 and 2009) and travel websites are reporting significant growth in inquiries searches and bookings for New Zealand after the release of The Hobbit.

    Local retailers are reporting their busiest season in four years. And employment in the industry is seasonal, employment drops in the winter and rises in the summer.

    And as for where the Minister of Tourism spends his holidays, New Zealand has had a succession of ministers who holiday locally and overseas. So what? Big deal!

    • infused 14.1
      13 January 2013 at 1:18 pm

      Indeed. Finally saw the hobbit last night. Was blown away at the promotion of New Zealand. You then have a trailer on all DVD of NZ.

      Yeah John Key sucks.

      • kiwicommie 14.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 2:10 pm

        The movie sucks, most US media agree. So much for that. 😉

        • Brett Dale 14.1.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 2:19 pm

          Actually most were positive.

          • Colonial Viper 14.1.1.1.1
            13 January 2013 at 2:23 pm

            Metacritic 58% rating, “mixed or average reviews” in the media. Ordinary viewers liked it much more though.

            http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-hobbit-an-unexpected-journey

            • Brett Dale 14.1.1.1.1.1
              13 January 2013 at 3:49 pm

              metacritic?

              What did jeeves say?

            • Brett Dale 14.1.1.1.1.2
              13 January 2013 at 3:50 pm

              IMDB 83%
              RT 65%

            • Populuxe1 14.1.1.1.1.3
              14 January 2013 at 11:26 am

              It just made a billion dollars.

              • Te Reo Putake …
                14 January 2013 at 11:44 am

                No it didn’t, Pop. I thought you righties knew the difference between gross and nett?

                The Hobbit’s first part has flopped artistically and the 2nd and 3rd parts are going to have significantly lower box office takes because of the boredom factor. Nobody has the guts to say to Jackson that it’s a one film book at best. And a 90 minute film at that. But then, most of Jackson’s recent works have been bum numbingly boring, because Jackson has no self control and nobody around him has the balls to suggest some swingeing editing.

                • Populuxe1 …
                  14 January 2013 at 12:01 pm

                  Just because I disagree with hypocrisy and am not a screaming doctrinaire ideologue does not makes me a righty. However your insistence that I am does make you a simplistic buffoon.

                  • Te Reo Putake …
                    14 January 2013 at 12:49 pm

                    So nothing constructive to say, Pop? That’s the problem with you righties; the inability to communicate beyond issuing orders.

                    • Populuxe1 …
                      14 January 2013 at 1:11 pm

                      If your ludicrous trolling is somehow constructive, that would be a different matter. I support the welfare state, public institutions, greater social liberalism and the rights of workers over corporate greed. I criticise what I regard as hypocrisy and other forms of bullshit wherever I see it, regardless of the politics of the person saying it, because I believe in integrity and don’t see any value in mindless sycophancy. Do please tell me how any of this makes me a “rightie” – or are you really that pompous?

                • felixviper …
                  14 January 2013 at 12:11 pm

                  I think that’s probably very true, a victim of his own success in a sense. Although even in his earlier films he had a habit of dragging out relatively minor aspects of stories well beyond the point of interest.

                  I think he probably cops a bit too much criticism for the LOTR films though. They may not be artistic masterpieces by everyone’s measure but for the most part they tell a good story in a fairly compelling way and fill in a lazy rainy Sunday afternoon from time to time.

                  I will say though that I couldn’t agree more with this regarding the ending: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKbyWSwd7hk (NSFW unless you have headphones on)

        • David H 14.1.1.2
          13 January 2013 at 6:22 pm

          I have not watched a Peter Jackson movie, since I saw bad Taste. And 2.5 – 3 hours to watch a small part of a book No thanks. And a review I saw, said that the 3 hour movie only dealt with the first 129 pages of the book. what a way to make money at the expense of the poor kiwi worker.

      • Rich 14.1.2
        14 January 2013 at 12:20 pm

        I don’t see how a movie that isn’t about here and is mostly CGI acts as an advert for NZ. Who stays and watches the end-credits to see where a film was shot? Or goes running off to Mongolia coz they just saw Conan the Librarian and the landscape looked really pretty?

    • MrSmith 14.2
      13 January 2013 at 2:03 pm

      Well Joe taking to people in the industry numbers have been well down over the last few years, maybe someone’s cooking the books.

    • MrSmith 14.3
      13 January 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Joe: I don’t think you’re even involved in the tourism industry, if you were you would know the demographic has changed, now we have a lot more visitors from asia, with short arms and deep pockets that like to sit on their hands.

  15. Blue 15
    13 January 2013 at 12:31 pm

    The article appears to be nothing more than a rambling collection of anecdotes organised around the theme of ‘PM’s holidays’.

    It’s just filler for the fish and chip wrapper. I highly doubt Field was trying to raise any serious questions. Kiwi journos rarely do, and certainly not during the ‘dead’ news period in summer.

  16. weka 16
    13 January 2013 at 1:16 pm

    I would have thought it was grounds for complaint, calling The Standard a Labour Party blog. Stuff should print a correction.

    • kiwicommie 16.1
      13 January 2013 at 1:46 pm

      Anything that speaks the truth is a ‘enemy of the state’. See no truth, hear no truth and write no truth is the reality of MSM in NZ. First they said The Standard undermines the Labour party, now they say that The Standard is a puppet of the Labour Party. Hmmm…what conspiracy BS are they spinning this time?

    • Mary 16.2
      13 January 2013 at 1:47 pm

      If The Standard were a person it’d be grounds for defamation.

    • blue leopard 16.3
      13 January 2013 at 3:15 pm

      Agree with Weka

      I don’t consider it a “mistake” to refer to The Standard as Labour’s blogsite. This is out and out misinformation and bad form on the part of the writer.

      Thanks Karol for pointing out yet another example of propaganda for the status quo. It appears to me that neo-liberal interests are really ramping it up, which is kinda good; means they are threatened.

      • Anne 16.3.1
        13 January 2013 at 6:59 pm

        Agree with Weka

        I don’t consider it a “mistake” to refer to The Standard as Labour’s blogsite. This is out and out misinformation and bad form on the part of the writer.

        It’s mischief-making and I think Lynn should write a formal response and send it to them.

          • weka 16.3.1.1.1
            13 January 2013 at 8:46 pm

            Well that would be up to Lynn and the others in charge, but I agree that the journalist and Stuff need a slap for being so bloody useless at their job.

            • karol 16.3.1.1.1.1
              13 January 2013 at 9:06 pm

              Yes, on the inadequacy of the article, weka.

              I’ve been reading the comments under the article. They are all following the main line promoted by the article, debating whether our PMs should holiday at home or abroad. No-one has picked up on Zetetic’s point about Key being Minister of Tourism and our lagging tourist industry – and that point is quoted within the article, but buried among the other fluffy beach stuff.

              • Populuxe1 …
                13 January 2013 at 11:16 pm

                Probably because it’s rather a non-point – the great unwashed New Zealand public doesn’t breathlessly monitor PM Dickhead’s holiday arrangements in order to plot their own. If they did, they might actually care. Clearly they don’t. Endlessly harping on about it just makes us look impotent and bitter. Can we please move on to genuine issues?

                • blue leopard …
                  14 January 2013 at 1:30 pm

                  @Populuxe1

                  Your comment is true if you consider that image and effectiveness are not important aspects of both a PM and a Minister of Tourism

                  • Populuxe1 …
                    14 January 2013 at 1:45 pm

                    Effectiveness is far more important, and “image” is a subjective thing – Key’s image as regards his public life should be open to scrutiny and public criticism, but the day we invade a family’s privacy (other than in a criminal investigation) looking for things to pick at just because we don’t like someone – not because they’re actually doing anything particularly wrong – is a very sad day for New Zealand society.

                    • blue leopard …
                      14 January 2013 at 3:23 pm

                      Conversely effectiveness could be seen to be a subjective thing, depending on who is benefitting: to some higher earners having a PM who gives tax cuts to them could be consider very effective; those on low wages whom are paying higher taxes might have something else to say.

                      The image of a PM who can afford to have a holiday home in Hawai’i may strike some as an image of success, to others it may appear inappropriate given certain degenerating conditions at “home”.

                      I consider our current Government succeeding solely through image, not effectiveness, and so my personal view is you are underestimating the role of image in politics.

                      Anyone pointing where our Government is failing (not hard) seems pertinent to someone, such as myself who is critical or should I say despairing as to the effectiveness of our current Government.

                      As for private criticism, well yes, I am inclined to agree, and perhaps where one holidays is heading into personal territory, although I still view Karol’s point as pertinent for the above reasons. Being a public figure does come with a few costs and having one’s life and behaviour scrutinized is one of them, I’m sure Mr Key will get over this particular one…(Perhaps whilst sipping tequila on a beach in Hawai’i?)

                    • Populuxe1 …
                      14 January 2013 at 3:31 pm

                      I don’t underestimate the importance of image in politics, Blue Leopard, but I refuse to stoop to their level and I don’t think the opposition should either.

                    • blue leopard …
                      15 January 2013 at 12:14 pm

                      To point out weaknesses in the Government’s approach is not “stooping to their level”, as for image, if this is what you are referring to, I also do not like politics emphasizing image, unfortunately people are inflluenced by image especially those who do not follow politics closely (which I guess to be most people), therefore to ignore this aspect or not “indulge” in it is simply ignoring an important factor influencing people’s opinions.

                      A common and old form of image creation is the way men wear suits, in the 21st century things are becoming more sophisticated than that and just because it isn’t the way I wish things to be is not a good enough reason to ignore it’s effects.

  17. kiwicommie 17
    13 January 2013 at 1:43 pm

    The Hobbit was a flop, it only got one or two star ratings. NZ tourism fails to understand the European and North American market, or provide incentives. The high dollar is hurting tourism, unless living expenses decline and Air NZ provides travel vouchers as British Airways does, then tourism will continue to get hit.

    • Brett Dale 17.1
      13 January 2013 at 2:16 pm

      $825 (USA Dollars) Million worldwide, a Flop?????

      Boy oh boy.

      • Colonial Viper 17.1.1
        13 January 2013 at 6:23 pm

        Yeah and like chumps we subsidised those corporate profits with NZ tax payer dollars.

    • Joe Bloggs 17.2
      13 January 2013 at 4:36 pm

      More smoke and mirrors

      The Hobbit may not rate in the eyes of a few critics but it’s still broken box office records locally and internationally

      Is a high NZ dollar hurting tourism?? Nup – despite the NZ dollar rising by up to 20% against other currencies, international tourists coming to New Zealand spent nearly 3% in New Zealand dollars more in 2012 than they did in 2011 – simple maths… that’s 23% more of their own money spent here.

      And as for not understanding the European and North American markets that’s a moot point – but the industry DOES understand the Asian market – which is a heck of a lot closer and more valuable to the local industry… Chinese tourist visits were up by almost 40% in the year ended Sep 2012 and China’s now our third largest tourism market.
      http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/7841412/Chinese-tourists-breathe-fire-into-market

      • karol 17.2.1
        13 January 2013 at 5:12 pm

        That was a November article, Joe, and it isn’t a whole hearted endorsement for the state of NZ tourism. The artoicle says:

        Despite the boost from Chinese tourists, total visitor numbers in September alone fell a seasonally-adjusted 3.3 per cent from a strong result in August. There was a sharp drop in Japanese visitors, and a small dip in arrivals from the key Australian market.

        Also, Key has focused on promoting NZ to the US via the Hobbit and 10% Middle-earth. John Key’s fan-boy fixation on the US and its celebrity culture is not helping NZ generally.

        Meanwhile an article on Stuff this morning about the economic challenges for the Key government in 2013, by Rod Oram, is less than enthusiastic about the state of the NZ tourist industry.

        Other major areas of the economy have their own strategic shortcomings too. For example, over the past six years tourism has lost a lot of its long-staying, high-spending visitors. It has only partially offset the decline with more short-stay, lower spending visitors from China and Australia.

        • Populuxe1 17.2.1.1
          13 January 2013 at 11:22 pm

          “That was a November article, Joe, and it isn’t a whole hearted endorsement for the state of NZ tourism.”

          Oooh – less than two whole months ago! It doesn’t exactly scream world shattering crisis either.

          “Also, Key has focused on promoting NZ to the US via the Hobbit and 10% Middle-earth. John Key’s fan-boy fixation on the US and its celebrity culture is not helping NZ generally.”

          Citations and stats please.

          And “short-stay, lower spending visitors from China and Australia” tend to be cyclical based on their economies.

          • karol 17.2.1.1.1
            14 January 2013 at 9:15 am

            Pop, I’ve posted several times on the issue of Key’s wrong-headed focus on marketing tourism to the US, with him putting a strong focus on the hobbit/100% Middle earth branding. Each post has a number of links, including links to government stats on tourism, over time, and across several contributing countries.

            These are a couple of my posts: here, and here. I’m not going to repeat what I said there, along with the links, in every post I make related to that topic.

            And if Key’s role in promoting tourism has no influence, as you claim, why is he spending some much of his time and energy on his (albeit skewed and wrongly targetted) promotion of tourism.

            • Populuxe1 17.2.1.1.1.1
              14 January 2013 at 11:13 am

              Karol, your view that targeting the US seems to me entirely subjective, offering very little evidence why targeting the US tourism market is wrong-headed (ie, no facts or numbers). Also your narrative is fairly obviously spun- for example, while Chinese tourists may spend more, it’s mostly back into Chinese-owned tourism businesses, whereas the rich Americans coming off cruise ships actually inject a lot of capital into port communities. If anything you just seem to be working from a “hate everything American” bias all to common among commentors in this site.

              “And if Key’s role in promoting tourism has no influence, as you claim, why is he spending some much of his time and energy on his (albeit skewed and wrongly targetted) promotion of tourism.”

              That’s an entirely separate issue from his personal family holidays. One is his job and the other is his private life and we’re a pathetic bunch if we can’t see the difference.

              • karol …
                14 January 2013 at 11:22 am

                Pop, did you follow up the links in my earlier posts? Do I need to go and retrieve the data for you?

                • Populuxe1 …
                  14 January 2013 at 12:10 pm

                  Yes I followed up your links – that doesn’t magically transform them from opinions peppered with subjective observations into something approaching fact. Yes Key shilled us out to Hollywood, and yes 100% Pure isn’t a meaningful phrase, but you provide absolutely no definitive evidence that the Hobbit movies have not benefited our tourist market, or that the loss of a handful of European freedom campers disillusioned by the not so clean green realities of our country, or indeed that PM Dipshit was wrong to target the US market. In fact, much like Key himself, it’s all hat and no cattle.

                  • karol …
                    14 January 2013 at 6:09 pm

                    Pop, the stats NZ stuff shows that the US is not our biggest market for tourism, which is where the Hobbit promotion was largely targeted. The UK and Aussie are bigger markets, and S E Asian tourists bigger spenders.

                    The 100% Pure deal deal gave Warners major control over how NZ is marketed via the Hobbit.

                    The survey by Stats NZ, mentioned here and on the Stats NZ site shows that in 2004, only 7% of visitors mentioned Lord of the Rings as a reason for visiting since NZ.

                    Since then, there are many reasons why US-ians will be less likely to be motivated to visit NZ by the Hobbit movies.

                    Also the figures generally show a decline of the tourism industry in NZ, of which a couple of movies don’t make a lasting difference.

                    There was also other stuff about how, when Key last did a promotion visit for NZ tourism, pitching the filming of Hollywood product in NZ, Key was focusing more on TV production. This is because, TV series have an impact on people’s awareness for longer than a movie or two.

                    • Populuxe1 …
                      14 January 2013 at 6:26 pm

                      Do I really have to explain that if you have smaller, potentially lucrative markets, you work to expand them?
                      Must I point out that just because US tourists didn’t mention Lord of the Rings, that doesn’t mean it didn’t have a synergistic, cumulative, tangential, or unconscious influence and that the 2004 Oscars alone had 43.56 million TV viewers? That’s basic marketing.
                      When you say that a couple of movies don’t make a lasting difference, what actual evidence do you base that on or are you just making things up to suit your prejudices. Data =/= plural of anecdote.
                      And if Key was focusing on TV production and that is a good thing, isn’t he then doing his job properly?

                    • karol …
                      14 January 2013 at 6:54 pm

                      Pop, having accused me of not citing evidence about NZ’s lagging tourist industry, you are now making things up, with no evidence to support your imaginings – as you do with this:

                      Must I point out that just because US tourists didn’t mention Lord of the Rings, that doesn’t mean it didn’t have a synergistic, cumulative, tangential, or unconscious influence and that the 2004 Oscars alone had 43.56 million TV viewers? That’s basic marketing.

                      The stats do show a flagging industry, although, it’s still a significant earner for NZ. And there is evidence Key was looking more closely at Hollywood TV production in NZ because there looked like the filming of Hollywood movies here would flag in the next couple of years. It is a very competitive industry, and the reports of Key’s trip to Hollywood spell out the problems of getting more Hollywood movies made here.

                      With Key forced to wait until after the next election for another film production approaching the scale of Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, he is falling back on television.

                      And this report on Key’s Hollywood trip, put the focus on the importance for the NZ film and TV industry to film such productions here, as much as for any boost for tourism.

                      Prime Minister John Key needs the film industry to succeed in New Zealand – not only to create much-needed jobs, but to justify a $30 million payout to one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies….

                      Carr said television productions, particularly compelling dramas such as Mad Men and Game of Thrones, were the future for the local industry.

                      Ironically, Game of Thrones is being filmed now in Northern Ireland.

                      “People all round the world are very keen to have that kind of business because feature films are like the icing on the cake, but television is the sustaining bread,” she says.

                      I have presented some of the evidence that lead to my conclusions, you have just ignored anything that doesn’t support your pre-judgements, and made other things up.

                    • Populuxe1 …
                      15 January 2013 at 12:25 pm

                      No Karol, I just expect a bit more than quoting other people’s opinion pieces (that would be the stuff I’m ignoring, largely because it’s subjective, and, well, opinion, and if the PM is pursuing tv production because movies aren’t showing results, I would contend that it suggests he’s doing is job.

                    • karol …
                      15 January 2013 at 12:34 pm

                      *sigh* Pop, when you start using some evidence to support your views maybe I’ll take some notice. I have not just used opinion pieces: I’ve used official stats, I’ve used quotes in articles by key people in the tourist sector. The tourism gains from movie production are limited and relatively short term. Key’s shift to US TV series, is both evidence of the limitations of Hollywood movie production in NZ, and his skewEd focus on the US.

                      If Key was fully doing his job as tourist minister, he’d be trying to promote co-productions with South East Asian countries more (something people in the industry have been working on for a while) , and with Aussie. You use nothing but your mantra of me being subjective. Meanwhile, all you do is spout your own views, unsupported by any evidence.

                      Key is stuck in his relations with the US. Official stats show the tourist industry is flagging, and that the US is not our main source of tourists.

                      When you do something more than that (something more than John Key is above criticism and there is no problem with the tourist industry), I’ll continue the discussion.

      • MrSmith 17.2.2
        13 January 2013 at 11:21 pm

        “Is a high NZ dollar hurting tourism?? Nup”

        Bullshit Joe! unless everyone likes paying more for less.

        “despite the NZ dollar rising by up to 20% against other currencies, international tourists coming to New Zealand spent nearly 3% in New Zealand dollars more in 2012 than they did in 2011 – simple maths… that’s 23% more of their own money spent here.”

        What a load of crap Joe,

        “simple maths… that’s 23% more of their own money spent here.”

        Joe sorry to burst your bubble, but according to you their money was worth 20% less due to our high dollar, so they really only spent 3% more according to your figures! which you probably pulled out of your ass anyway.

        • Joe Bloggs 17.2.2.1
          14 January 2013 at 7:29 pm

          no bubbles burst there – if our dollar has risen by up to 20% against the US for example, then it costs 20% more in greenbacks to buy the same kiwi dollar.

          But wait there’s more.

          International tourist spending in NZ dollars has actually increased by close on 3% so not only does it cost them 20% more in their own currency but they’re actually shelling out a few extra bucks on top…

          evidently simple math ain’t your forte Mr Smith

          • McFlock 17.2.2.1.1
            14 January 2013 at 8:04 pm

            Source?

            Because MED think you’re a bit off. And that seems to be largely because of a growing Chinese market, and our exchange rate with the Yuan isn’t increasing quite so much.

            Not that your math particularly adds up, anyway.

          • MrSmith 17.2.2.1.2
            15 January 2013 at 2:59 pm

            I wasn’t going to add anything more after reading McFlock’s reply apart from “I have a shovel for sale if you break the one your using”.

            But I have a few spare moments so what the hell.

            “if our dollar has risen by up to 20% against the US for example, then it costs 20% more in greenbacks to buy the same kiwi dollar.”

            That’s right Joe now your starting to get it.

            People buying NZ dollars with US dollars are now paying 20% more for them, but Joe when they go to spend their NZ dollar in NZ do they get 20% more goods or service for that dollar? No they don’t Joe!

            In-fact if you factor is inflation (New Zealand Inflation Rate averages 4.9 Percent over the last century, Yes inflation is running currently at .08 %, but over the last 5 years it has been running at 3.95 per cent per annum) they will actually need to spend more for the same goods and services, with the money they paid 20% more for.

            Your saying that this isn’t having any affect on tourism, well sorry Joe if my 5 week trip was just shortened to 4 weeks because of the high NZ dollar and when I arrived due to inflation everything had gone up in price so I then needed more spending money, I would be thinking about looking for another place to holiday.

            What we are seeing is a huge shift is visitor nationalities and this is causing a lot of disruption in the tourist industry, there are winners and losers of-course, but basically Chinese/Asin tourists don’t want to do the same things as say European or US tourists, so yes the industry will have to adapt and yes the industry should have seen this coming, you won’t hear me crying to much about it, but some will argue that if we had a proactive government we could have foreseen a lot of this and then helped the industry prepare and adapt for the shift, mitigating a lot the disruption and pain, not to mention the huge costs and energy associated with changing the services the industry provides.

            But of-course thats not how this government works is it, they would see it as an opportunity for there mates to make more money, so leaving it all to the market.

  18. newsense 18
    13 January 2013 at 2:35 pm

    journalists. meh.

    aren’t they supposed to have professional standards and that kind of thing?

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 hours 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
    7 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
    7 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
    8 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
    9 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
    12 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    15 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
    21 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
    23 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
    24 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 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
    3 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

  • 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
    11 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    3 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
    5 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
    6 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 2024-04-20T07:28:10+00:00