Mr Answerer

Written By: - Date published: 11:00 pm, February 20th, 2013 - 70 comments
Categories: Hekia parata, Parliament - Tags:

Oh dear. Lockwood Smith was by common consent one of the best Speakers we have had. David Carter seems be heading in a different direction. Lockwood Smith required Ministers to give direct answers to direct questions. Today in the House Carter answered a question for Hekia Parata, interpreting her words in such a way as to  get her off the hook. He may well have put himself on it, and Hekia as well.

Watch this and judge for yourself. Carter clearly says his interpretation of Parata’s answer to Hipkins’ question was  “that there was no guarantee given that the schools would remain open.” Parata was not willing to say that, because as Trevor Mallard pointed out, she knows it was wrong. Certainly principals and parents from the affected Christchurch schools are clear that such an assurance was in fact given.

Carter’s assertion that all too often “particularly opposition members” seek answers they want is fatuous. Patsy questions from National members do not get answers they want? And Hipkins’ question to Parata was closed – did she give an assurance, or not? – to which the answer has to be yes or no. No issue of an answer he wanted – it is a question of fact.

Carter’s interpretation of a Parata’s answer means that she is unaccountable in the House. His intervention let her fudge. Not a good start.

70 comments on “Mr Answerer ”

  1. vto 1

    Carter is no genius. Pretty average actually, in all forms. Don’t expect much.

    More fool the Nats for installing him – it will come back to bite. But the pixcture is clear, you see? That is the silly egg-headed nat/right approach to things, basing judgment of skills and wisdom on the basis of name and school.

    … duuuh …

    • Tom Gould 1.1

      Carter is a life-long arch-Tory. What do you expect? He can’t help himself. As he sees it, his job is to use the rules to assist his party and his government and to thwart the opposition parties. I doubt whether he has even heard of Westminster, unless it’s a brand of sheep dip.

  2. xtasy 2

    Mike Smith – It must be the very first time I can wholeheartedly agree with you.

    Today I watched Parliament’s question time twice, I listened in on radio after 2 pm. What a shocking performance by the new speaker. I think he must be lucky that the whole opposition did not stage a resolute, common walk-out in protest.

    David Carter did so many stuff-ups, and he clearly showed his incompetency today, letting off a smart alec John Key, ridiculing the whole rule system, answering with words that never addressed questions properly, even ridiculed questioners, did not get disciplined by the speaker, while Carter threatened Metiria Turei to be thrown out, because she (justifiably) questioned a decision by the speaker.

    She was NOT alone, there were many, from our peculiar “operator” Mallard, to Peters, even Shearer, Parker and Norman, if I miss any, tell me, they ALL raised issues with the speaker and his decisions and interpretations of answers by the PM.

    It is the first time ever, that I heard a speaker interpret and try to justify the answers by the leader of a government being John Key.

    It is showing now, that this speaker, who never wanted the job, is NOT FIT and capable for doing the job, and John Key, the very PM, the leader of the government, who pushed Carter into the job, he has something much bigger to answer now.

    He manipulateds administrations, the Attourney General decisions, the operation of government, he determines who should be speaker (no consultation), he dodges honest questions and answers, and he is indeed behaving like the king in the castle there, where we are supposed to have Parliament.

    I cannot believe it, we live in a defacto banana republic now, where all this gets away without consequences, and most of the shit media even looks away, and does NOT do its job. Well they do not do their job anyway, for years now.

    God damn, what bloody next?

  3. Yes, I too was horrified by the performance at question-time today. It makes Mr Lockwood Smith look like a paragon of neutrality (however my memory serves me well enough to recall I was getting fed up with the bias and leniency toward Nat bad behaviour when he was speaker too).

    Whilst recovering from the horror-show of bias and in order to be fair (why I bother, its not that these people would), I was trying to remind myself Mr Carter hasn’t had time to settle into the job of speaker, so I thought I had better cultivate some patience. I, however, will not be holding my breath on the matter, as I consider that would be fatal.

    This choice of speaker and manner in which they conducted the decision process really is more of the same old disregard this government is showing toward everything; New Zealanders interests, democratic process, respect for the purpose of law, respect for the privilege they hold, for what they are entrusted with…the list is endless.

    I hope that the opposition pull together and make a concerted effort at putting a stop to the lectures that Nacts have been prone to make at the end of most of their answers.

    I note that I thought Mr Shearer did a good job in his line of questioning today and view that Mr shonKey was suitably rattled. I consider this a “win” for Mr Shearer & Labour. Well done.

    • xtasy 3.1

      bl I gave Carter some grace for the first week or so, and I expected him to be a bit more in tune this week. Sadly he got worse from the start he made, which seemed then to be ok for a newbie. So I and others will watch that space.

      Shearer seems to be getting a bit better with his words, although he still is wooden and struggling. Damn, he must be feeling like one of those Korean students I met, who feared their parents and others for their expectations, to deliver and succeed, or vanish from their face and existence.

      Asian students face incredible pressures, and I am now worried about the mental health of dear David, the Shearer. Do not push a man beyond of what he can handle, I would say. He still is not the right leader, I say this for his health’s sake!

      • Adele 3.1.1

        Tēnā koe, Xtasy

        Doh to Shearer if he cannot handle the pressure – you would think, in those circumstances, he would think; “Gosh, I have an ultra-nervous bladder, perhaps, I should stick to playing deliverance on the guitar instead of playing at being leader of the largest party in opposition – and directly at loggerheads with Mr Keys to Heaven himself.”

        The voting public is still enamoured with Key – he could suck the blood out of granny and they would think, “Key is such an awesome guy – he has just helped that little old lady eat cake.”

        However, Shearer’s response to that is likely to focus on the wrong thing entirely. He will call attention to there being ‘no cake’ – and miss completely the observation that Key is sporting fangs and has just murdered granny.

        I am being too harsh but I can’t help but think Shearer is simply a Goff unplugged.

        • Actually, I really think opinion is quite divided on John Key, but he’s popular with everyone on the Right still. The issue is not that he’s popular, it’s that Shearer is NOT popular.

  4. felixviper 4

    That’s nothing. Take a look at this clip from question 1 last thursday: http://inthehouse.co.nz/node/16996

    At 4:40, Robertson asks a supplementary, Banks totally avoids it and waffles a bunch of stuff. Hipkins complains that the q wasn’t addressed.

    Speaker says given that the question was about why was the minister scared of something, the question was adequately addressed.

    Thing is, the speaker was referring to a completely different question. Robertson points this out, and the speaker reiterates as if nothing had happened.

    In other words, the speaker may as well have ruled that Banks’ answer would have been adequate to address any question.

    Watch it, it’s gobsmacking. Carter will go down as a disgrace.

  5. chris73 5

    So know lefties can understand the issues the right had with Margret Wilson…

    On a different note can anyone here think of a way to make sure we get a better chance of having a neutral speaker?

    • Daveosaurus 5.1

      Are you saying David Carter is a woman? Because that seemed to be the biggest complaint “the right” had about Wilson.

      • chris73 5.1.1

        I was referring to her bias as speaker…how Labour only had to “address” the question not answer it

        • tracey 5.1.1.1

          …And you indicate that the opposition of the time was unhappy, and its supporters? But now that it is getting benefit from the inadequacy it’s all good. THIS is why we are in the shit we are in.

          “They did it first”… and we wonder why our kids seem selfish and irresponsible sometimes…

          And NO I didn’t like it when Wilson was a patsy either. And said so. It was one of the things I thought Key was referring to in 2008 when he went on for about 8 months about his ministers and mps being held to a higher standard than labour.

          • chris73 5.1.1.1.1

            I’m not saying it makes it right, the speaker should be replaced by someone more able to handle the job. I was just pointing out that now you lefties finally understand what we were saying about Wilson being hopeless

            • alwyn 5.1.1.1.1.1

              You are being quite unkind to Margaret Wilson.
              There were some things she was very good at. Well actually there was one thing she was very good at. When H1 or H2 told her to do something she obeyed them and did exactly what she was ordered to do. Mostly that meant protecting the hapless members of a collapsing Government. Never was a minister to be required to answer anything.
              I am disappointed in Carter. He is about average fo Speakers of the last fifteen years I guess.
              He is way, way below Lockwood, a bit better than Jonathon and much, much better than Margaret. About average on the latest lot of Speakers.

    • @ Chris73

      “On a different note can anyone here think of a way to make sure we get a better chance of having a neutral speaker?” ~Chris73

      This is a good question.
      My thoughts on the matter.

      Perhaps it is not easy to get perfect impartiality, we all have a bias, however some people do take pride in attempting to achieve impartiality.

      If one takes a look at the purpose of this question and answer session, (and that of opposition parties in general), it is about holding the current government to account, keeping them on track; a balancing of the perhaps corrupting influence that holding power can have. I believe that this function is to everyones advantage; whether of left wing views or right, the “safety net” that this function provides serves us all.

      Therefore, I suggest that the speaker of the house be selected from an opposition party, perhaps the main one OR the other option is to select the speaker of the house from someone trained in the area of court processes (with the assumption that such have the intelligence to understand the purpose of and know the benefits of adhering closely to the rules of the house; which will have been devised to achieve some semblance of impartiality).

      RESULT
      If this were the case, the government of the day, knowing they could receive a severe grilling every time when in the house, might make more effort to conduct less dodgy behaviour.

      Purpose achieved: The government of the day is held to account.

      • chris73 5.2.1

        the other option is to select the speaker of the house from someone trained in the area of court processes (with the assumption that such have the intelligence to understand the purpose of and know the benefits of adhering closely to the rules of the house; which will have been devised to achieve some semblance of impartiality).

        – this idea could be a goer

      • Lanthanide 5.2.2

        The obvious solution is to amend the rules so that the Speaker does not have to be an elected MP, then they can appoint any experienced Beehive staffer to the position and will have a much better chance at getting neutrality than you could ever hope from an MP.

        • Lanthanide 5.2.2.1

          Can’t edit:

          This would also mean election of the speaker could be an actual genuine election, instead of the government simply appointing someone as it is now.

          • RJL 5.2.2.1.1

            It will still be a mere appointment by government of the day — as presumably MPs would still vote along party lines.

            It also opens parliamentary process up to the possibility of capture by a cadre of unelected “Beehive officials”. As only those somehow deemed “qualified” would be eligible for appointment. On the other hand, it still doesn’t really increase the chance of improved neutrality. “Beehive officials” may still be potentially biased, and MPs will just vote in a candiate whoose bias they approve of.

  6. higherstandard 6

    Lockwood Smith was an anomaly, back to business as usual.

    • tracey 6.1

      sadly, I agree. He was the highest common denominator of ONE.

    • felixviper 6.2

      Lockwood wasn’t that good.

      He was terrified of the PM and almost never held him to account.

      He was very good at taking a hard line on trivial issues, but very protective on anything that could really damage the govt and especially the PM.

      He just knew how to put on a good show.

      • higherstandard 6.2.1

        Don’t know why you’re addressing this comment to me, perhaps you should take issue with the person who wrote the article.

        • felixviper 6.2.1.1

          Because I disagree that Lockwood was that much of an anomaly.

          Sheesh.

          • higherstandard 6.2.1.1.1

            Well stop tr0lling and speak to the person who wrote the following in the article.

            “Lockwood Smith was by common consent one of the best Speakers we have had.”

            …oh and nice to see you’re still going all out with the lies and smears

            • felixviper 6.2.1.1.1.1

              Nah, I was replying to your comment. Pretty sure that’s still allowed.

              Where are these lies you keep accusing me of hs? I’m quite happy to apologise if I’ve got something wrong.

              • higherstandard

                I’ve pointed them out to you many times before – use the search function that’s what it’s for.

                • @ Higher Standard

                  Mr Lockwood Smith, may well have been more impartial than what we have now, however I agree with Felixviper here:

                  “He was very good at taking a hard line on trivial issues, but very protective on anything that could really damage the govt and especially the PM.

                  This is a point of debate and I do not see how you can refer to it as a comment of trolling, nor lies and smears.

  7. karol 7

    Just had time to see the first questions in question Time yesterday.

    It was a cringe-worthy performance by Clark who is clearly out of his depth.

    On the issue of tabling the RNZ transcript, which resulted in a threat by Clark to throw Turei out of the House, it seemed like Clark was making precedents on the fly, that contradicted earlier standing orders. Clark at least agreed to look at that outside Question Time.

    Then there’s the issue Peters raised about the government during Turei’s qestion, offering Sky City TVNZ land before the TVNZ board knew about it. Peters’ later press release elaborates on it.

    If Lockwood was the best the House have seen as speaker, that doesn’t say much about the quality of them all. He was pretty good at protecting the government & Key on some significant issues. He was clearly just smarter about it, and everything else, than Carter, who comes across as a bit sluggish in the brain-power department.

    We need better political representatives.

    • karol 7.1

      Something wrong with the edit function – link to the Peters’ Press Release.

      • lprent 7.1.1

        Yep. Decided to stop working a few days ago, probably due to an upgrade on several other plugins. It will probably be out until the weekend when I’ll have time to debug it.

    • r0b 7.2

      “Clark”?

    • David H 7.3

      Sorry Karol don’t you mean Carter, and not Clark? And I do agree he is a disgrace. One would think that he would at least attempt some semblance of neutrality, but he does not.

    • ianmac 7.4

      Specially liked Trevor’s Point of Order: Hon Trevor Mallard: I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. Could you please issue to members both of the two rulings that you have just given and indicate which previous Speakers’ rulings will be cut out as a result of them?
      Mr Speaker will look into the matter. Wanna bet?

  8. vto 8

    I can’t believe how corrupt this government is…

    Ecan dictatorship and Carter’s lies… SkyCity backroom deals …. appointment of Speaker … it just goes on and on

    It is the partners of these politicians that the welfare-bashers should be targeting. It should be possible to criminally prosecute Bronagh Key for benefitting from John Key’s corruption.

    So how about it? A new criminal offence where the wives and husbands and partners of politicians are liable to 6 months in jail or minimum fine of $500,000 for benefitting from the lies, cheating\, deception, corruption of the politicians.

    It is only fair, is it not?

    You know, this governments ways are beginning to be mirrored in society. People have less regard for the law, less regard for due process, and far less regard for authority in the Chch rebuild. It’s happenning. If you can get away with it, then why not? – that seems to be the leaders way, and lookie there, that’s what is happenning.

    so very sad

    • chris73 8.1

      A new criminal offence where the wives and husbands and partners of politicians are liable to 6 months in jail or minimum fine of $500,000 for benefitting from the lies, cheating\, deception, corruption of the politicians.

      – I agree

    • SpaceMonkey 8.2

      Given they are NZ’s highest paid beneficiaries from the public purse, it seems entirely appropriate

    • Northshoreguynz 8.3

      How about Rod Petricevic’s wife?
      Apparently ignorance is no excuse.

      • North 8.3.1

        The Parnell and other leafy suburbs gals caricatured as “The Ladies Lunchalot” should of course be personally called to account for their living high on the hog when their spouses are shown to have ripped off (or destroyed value) to the tune of…….forget about 2 lousy hundy a week at tops……..bloody billions of dollars collectively.

        What is it, 160 odd finance companies down the tubes in very recent years ?

        Business class and better airfares to Sydney and beyond for shopping and then on to the Melbourne Cup. Big noting art purchases, visits to the face surgeon and the botox clinic etc etc etc. To say nothing about the King’s fees and the family skiing holidays in the French Alps. The list goes on. While hundreds and hundreds of thousands of these “thieving bennies” endure poverty and ill-health.

        “Yes, yes of course I sympathise darling, but I’ve got to say, many, many of them just don’t want to work !”

        And for good measure routinely extend back in time the Official Assignee’s clawback on trusts.

        I’m not sure of the limitation on prosecution of offences under social security legislation but except in a couple of strange instances (if at all) there’s no time limitation on Crimes Act prosecutions.

        Make it the same for recovery and to hell with this incitement to moral if not legal criminality in the monstrous misnomer of “trust”.

  9. tracey 9

    Nats internal polling must be interesting that they needed to get a patsy in the chair…

  10. Adrian 10

    Robertson couldn’t call Key “corrupt” even tho he wanted to as it not able to be used to descibe another Member, but the Nats used the other not allowed word “hypocrisy” in relation to opposition members and Carter let it stand. He is a idiotic disgrace.

  11. Rosie 11

    Oh dear. That was painful to watch. Feel slightly sorry for him, he didn’t want the job in the first place. I think I’ve missed something.What were shonkey’s motives for pushing him into it?

  12. tracey 12

    He’s looking at the long game… a knighthood and a post in London. I know, it’s hard to countenance, an MP in it for self interest!

  13. DavidW 13

    There is obviously a concerted campaign to de-stabilise the speaker. It started beforee even the first question of the first question time with Winston having a first crack and has continued with Mallard and Robertson leading the charge, assisted by Shearer and also Chippy from the back seat. Having said that, it was to be expected and will take a while to work its way through which will result in either a substantially weakened speaker or some spectacular prat-falls from the Opposition.
    Certainly Chippy might have been a bit unwise with some of his tweets which could make him vulnerable to legal action.

    All-in-all though, it is as much “games people play” as it is a determinant of the state of the country.

    • felixviper 13.1

      You’re high.

      There’s a concerted campaign to get the speaker to do his fucking job. And yeah it began right from the start because everyone who follows the goings-on in the house knew that Carter was a terrible choice of speaker and would not be up to it.

      • Te Reo Putake 13.1.1

        Yep, his incompetence was the very reason he was given the job. No chance of the PM and his ministers being forced to actually answer questions now. The repeated squeals of “are you questioning my ruling?” are designed to shut down any opposition MP who wants the speaker to actually do his job.

  14. “Carter’s interpretation of a Parata’s answer means that she is unaccountable in the House. His intervention let her fudge. Not a good start.”

    Sums up Labour’s misfortune that they can’t make anything stick, even to Parata.

  15. mac1 15

    I can understand a Speaker getting into the role and making mistakes whilst doing that, but (and it’s a huge but) the sycophancy which Carter showed the PM, John Key, whilst suggesting that Key “had not been helpful” in adding his political jibes, a very common ploy of Key’s, was damning. He looked like the slave in Roman times who had the role of whispering in the triumphant general’s ear “memento homo” whilst dreading the repercussions the next day.

  16. Thanks for this post Mike Smith.

    • The Al1en 16.1

      Indeed! Add the content to Labour’s expansive catalogue of failures to land a decent hit on an appalling government.

      • blue leopard 16.1.1

        @Al1en
        I didn’t perceive that what occurred was an example of Labour failing at all.

        Labour MPs (& others) made it very clear what their point of concern was re Hekia and Mr Carter answering for her. What occurred reflected poorly on the speaker, not Labour.

        • The Al1en 16.1.1.1

          “What occurred reflected poorly on the speaker, not Labour.”

          Toothless attack. Been the same since ’08.
          No point claiming moral victories despite the bias of a twat speaker, when they haven’t actually done anything at all.

          Any scalps, even with the highly regarded, but full of shit lockwood smith as speaker?
          Nope.
          Worth, Wong, Heatley and Smith, all self inflicted and they won in 2011.
          Define success.

  17. tracey 17

    It’s a job you need to be qualified for before you take it up , not one you learn as you go, which is why experienced MPs, usually whips, get it because they actually have a working knowledge of the rules.

    • alwyn 17.1

      I am curious about the idea that they were “usually whips”
      I’ve had some knowledge of the recent Speakers and I can’t remember any of the ones in the last twenty years who were ever a party whip, EXCEPT for David Carter.
      That list includes Tapsell, Kidd, Hunt, Wilson and Smith.
      David Carter on the other hand was a whip from 1996 to 1998.

  18. tracey 18

    “Carter clearly says his interpretation of Parata’s answer to Hipkins’ question was “that there was no guarantee given that the schools would remain open.” Parata was not willing to say that, because as Trevor Mallard pointed out, she knows it was wrong. Certainly principals and parents from the affected Christchurch schools are clear that such an assurance was in fact given.”

    Could Parata have corrected the Speaker? That she did not, is she now deemed to have answered as the Speaker suggests? If yes, do any parents of principals have the guarantees (alleged) in writing or on tape?

    • Pascal's bookie 18.1

      Not sure how she could. You can’t litigate a finding!

      But if his finding was that she had answered it in way that is later found to have misled the house…

      Interesting precedent jobby for someone praps?

  19. David Carter is terrible speaker who does not perform Shearer is looking better in the House and better as Leader I look forward to his Reshuffle and think a few in top 20 need to go. I would like Little Wall Moroney Clark all come through into the top 20. Good Luck Mr Shearer keep up the good work.

    • Craig Glen viper 19.1

      “Good Luck Mr Shearer keep up the good work.”

      What did he do, did I miss something?

  20. fenderviper 20

    I think it’s a shame that this fool of a ‘speaker’ can make a beautiful piece of Maori craft look like a toilet seat when he wears it.

  21. Rogue Trooper 21

    David Carter IS an incompetent control freak it appears

    • xtasy 21.1

      Yes, to a degree, and watch his hands and fingers, when he nervously fumbles around with a pen or so, when the pressure builds up!

      He is a very biased control freak at the same time, and clearly incompetent as well.

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    15 hours 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 ...
    15 hours 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 ...
    15 hours 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 ...
    15 hours 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 ...
    16 hours 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
    17 hours 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 ...
    18 hours 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 ...
    18 hours 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, ...
    18 hours 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, ...
    18 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    23 hours 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 ...
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    3 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    3 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. 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 ...
    3 days ago
  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    3 days ago
  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    4 days ago
  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    5 days ago
  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    5 days ago
  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    6 days ago
  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    6 days ago
  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago
  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    6 days ago
  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    44 mins 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
    12 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
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