Nastiest election ever?

Written By: - Date published: 8:06 am, September 17th, 2014 - 79 comments
Categories: brand key, election 2014, twitter - Tags: , ,

twitter-nastiest

twitter-nostalgia

twitter-parties

twitter-election

79 comments on “Nastiest election ever? ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    I keep thinking about the turmoil the right created over anti smacking, lightbulbs and sausage rolls in school and compare it to dirty politics, mass surveillance and the abuse our PM hands out without thinking and I wonder what National supporters are thinking of …

  2. Ad 2

    Most annoying election since 1981.

    1981, all the activist stars were aligned, Sprinbok Tour that year, Muldoon appeared on the ropes. Righteous fervour demanded he go.
    Nope. Opposition unsteady and poorly led in the vital week for Undecideds.

    2014, massive activist froth, Key tilting from astonishing popularity, but opposition largely sucked dry of oxygen. Righteous fervour demanded he go.
    Opposition generally nowhere in the vital week for Undecideds.

    Harrumph!

    • Tom Jackson 2.1

      The 1981 election merely delayed the inevitable, since Muldoon couldn’t even limp to a full term. If National/Act don’t get an outright majority, I think we’ll be back at the polls before too long, especially if Key resigns (I give him about a year).

      1996 was much the same. A cobbled together, desperate government on its last legs.

      This government is too beset by scandals to continue for much longer, even if it wins. Perhaps the worst thing that could happen for them is for Collins to be found innocent, because the public will see the vindication as yet another act of cronyism whatever its merits.

      • Ad 2.1.1

        Hope you’re right.
        Because a win’s a win.

        • JRT 2.1.1.1

          This election so reminds me of 1996. It will remind Winston too. He got 13% of the vote in the 1996 election, and after getting into bed with a third term National government he got less than 5% in the next election. I see we even have Paula Bennett with a deja vu Shipley makeover, cue for her to roll Key just like Shipley’s faction rolled Bolger during that third term. National got tossed out in 1999, but they were able to do a lot of damage in those last three years.

          • alwyn 2.1.1.1.1

            Winston will also be reminded of course that he had 5.72% of the vote in 2005, went into bed with a third term Labour Government and dropped 30% of the party vote in the next election and got kicked out of Parliament. Labour got tossed out in 2008, but they were able to do a lot of damage in those last three years.
            I suspect that if it meant being number 3 in a centre-left Government or number 2 in a centre-right he would waffle about stability, get a firm promise of an easy portfolio AND a knighthood and go with National

    • Ergo Robertina 2.2

      One big difference between now and 1981: Labour received more votes than National. And that was despite the vote splitting factor of Social Credit.

  3. sockpuppet 3

    Certainly the weirdest election in my memory (60years).

    The sooner the portly chap for Coatesville slings his hook the better as his profile and egocentric behaviour has been an unwanted distraction.

    Also a double thumbs down for the MSM and the blogs who seem to have made the election all about them to the detriment of the poetical parties and informing the voters. IMO NZ political journalists are at the lowest ebb and are a disgrace to what was once a respected profession.

    • ropata 3.1

      KDC has been a lightning rod exposing some important truth about the Key government.

      John Key’s bully-boys don’t like it when their boss is under scrutiny. Steve Crow and a few other shady characters were the *actual* henchmen that had 4 big black Mercedes-Benz SUVs plastered with anti Dotcom slander and parked illegally in front of the Town Hall before the “Moment of Truth” meeting. They looked pretty intimidating.

      • sockpuppet 3.1.1

        KDC is a fraud and an egomaniac that some on the left cling to him in the delusion that my enemy’s enemy must be my friend is both childish and worrying.

        • ropata 3.1.1.1

          So that justifies illegally wiretapping his calls, seizing all his assets, destroying his business (and millions of people’s stored data), and using the armed offenders squad to arrest him and terrorise his family?

          Looks like the FBI, NSA and Warner Bros are running the National Party these days. They already have the GCSB and police doing their bidding.

        • Tracey 3.1.1.2

          Makes you wish te Nats hadnt overturned/ignored the concerns drawn to their attention about his past…

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.3

          Nope. KDC comes across as a guy who’s suddenly realised that politics matters and who’s now thinking about how things should be. His ego’s still a bit large though.

          • TheContrarian 3.1.1.3.1

            “KDC comes across as a guy who’s suddenly realised that politics matters”

            Bullshit, he comes across as some guy that didn’t give a fuck until he was personally affected and is concerned only with what matters to him

            • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.3.1.1

              Yes, the personally affected bit was the trigger. Before then he just went through playing the game by the rules as he understood them. Now, IMO, he’s learning the rules as they actually apply and he’s realising that they’re wrong. He’s got a way to go yet but he’ll get there. That intellect of his won’t allow anything else.

              • TheContrarian

                If it were Labour in power when his raid went down I have no doubt he’d throw his weight behind National in opposition. Dotcom does what is best for Dotcom. End of.

          • Colonial Viper 3.1.1.3.2

            His ego’s still a bit large though.

            And thank grod for that. No other sane person would jump up on stage and start a political party.

      • CeeEm 3.1.2

        Crow hates Dotcom because mega users are downloading tons of porn that Crow can’t sell them.

      • Mary Anne 3.1.3

        Intimidating is correct.
        Prospective beneficiaries of the State have a lot to fight for.
        I am pleased that this disgusting behaviour is in the light for us to see, considering their behaviour in the past was veiled.

  4. AsleepWhileWalking 4

    Most engaging election ever! So far we are short of a sex or drug scandal and a mysterious accident (perhaps something minor like tripping over an AV cable) which would both be explained away by some kind of conspiracy involving a pack of feral chihuahuas, five moon phases and of course a silver shaped weather balloon owned by a Labour party member residing in Twizel.

  5. Rrr 5

    If Key gets back into power he will be as lame a duck as Len Brown after all the half truths etc , etc

    • Colonial Viper 5.1

      Way lamer than Len Brown, who was a politician who had an affair. Meh. Whereas Key has sold the sovereignty of this country out to foreign powers without even mentioning it until he was made to.

  6. ropata 6

    2008 Wishart, Farrar, Whale published some ridiculous sh1t about Helen Clark’s personal life.

    On the Electoral Finance Act reforms, the Herald ran a scaremongering “Democracy Under Attack” campaign, and seemed to forget about the “hollow men” saga that prompted it.

    There was a nationwide petition against the “anti-smacking” law, propagated by the uninformed.

    Michael Cullen was vilified for being stingy with the national surplus and not handing out tax cuts! (but the media gives bill english a free pass to run deficits, raise taxes, pile up huge debt, and get a double downgrade for good measure)

  7. greywarbler 7

    The Standard has been scrutinised and criticised by Your NZ blog with the motto ‘Reason, Reasonable, Robust’. It is undated but quotes lprent from 7/9/14 with a sarcy comment, “This tries to portray The Standard as independent authors”.

    Apparently TS is flaky because it seems to have labour activists commenting but they mightn’t actually declare their political leanings so that readers from Your NZ know it’s right to despise them or not.

    And secondly, though Labour is pushing for a Positive campaign, TS persists in criticising things, which is sooo negative.

    They have put a lot of work into this nonsense passing itself of as intelligent analysis. It’s very National ie, doesn’t concentrate on studying policies that should be being presented to patch the holes in various places of our economy.
    http://yournz.org/2014/09/08/vote-positive-and-the-standard/

    • Te Reo Putake 7.1

      Yawn NZ. An attempt to put into writing the sound of gentle snoring from a grandparent who has nodded off in front of the telly. Ssssh, don’t wake him, he might accidentally swallow his dentures again.

      • greywarbler 7.1.1

        @TRP
        You’re sharp TRP Like that knife always on tv adverts! LOL

        • Te Reo Putake 7.1.1.1

          Cheers, greywarbler! As weka notes, the closet tory is still trying to inflict damage behind his Mr Reasonable facade, so the occasional witty skewering is the least I can do to prick his pomposity.

      • weka 7.1.2

        That’s all very well TRP, but PG has very good priority on google search results and some MSM outlets seem to think him a worthy person to quote from time to time. He’s an active part of the smear machine who hides behind his respectability and he fools many people (looking at you Rory factchecker dude). In other words, he’s quite capable of doing damage.

        On the other hand, he did get a ban from Public Address 😀

      • Tracey 7.1.3

        TRP

        The labour stickers dont have an authorisation on the stickers themselves.

        The orange national stickers likewise.

        They DO look at a glance like the electoral commission

    • lprent 7.2

      …labour activists commenting but they mightn’t actually declare their political leanings…

      It has all sorts of activists commenting. Including ones like Pete George who tries to say that he isn’t a old right wing conservative when his writing clearly labels him as such.

      But I guess that trying to judge where other people are coming from by looking at what they actually say is something that his fossilised brain finds too hard to do. If he doesn’t have a wee label handed to him saying “commie” or “woman”, the jerk is too damn lazy to exert himself to figure it out.

      (cue another outraged diatribe) 😈

    • ropata 7.3

      Pete George is an irrelevant blowhard with a grudge, banned from TS for pompous offtopic verbiage, concern trolling, and derailing threads. Thankfully started his own blog where he can be safely ignored.

  8. BM 8

    Labour vote will be in the very low 20’s, most of their new talent will be gone.

    Has this election being successful for the left, I don’t think so.

    Big winners out of this, the old drunk Peters and conspiracy boy Craig.

    Thanks lefties.

    • ropata 8.1

      The left is attempting to give NZers an informed choice. If you prefer a low information environment f*ck off to whaleoil.

      • Hayden 8.1.1

        f*ck off to whaleoil

        That’s not necessary.

        BM spends most of his time* on Whaleoil already.

        * disclaimer: I don’t actually know that

        • greywarbler 8.1.1.1

          @ Hayden
          I don’t know about that. though it’s a possibility. He seems like one of those quiet blowflies that I hate even more than the noisy ones. But he isn’t always here and I think he uses the blog like a junkie getting a fix.

          So where does he go when he is not here. Perhaps his doctor recommends a little light gardening, a short drive in the country to settle his nerves, or even to train up for a half marathon for the oldies bracket. Where does the idle man spend his time when he is old? Sitting round annoying the wife possibly.

    • emergency mike 8.2

      Yeah that’s right BM, the dirty truth described in Hager’s book and the hollow lies of Key shown by Greenwald and co is ‘the left’s fault.

      If only they had STFU about it, then National voters who would chew their own foot off before voting for Labour or the Greens wouldn’t be forced to vote for Winston First or Christian First in the desperate hope that they will keep the current bunch of sociopaths honest.

  9. Tom Gould 9

    And now, only days after Ashburton, Bennett declares a fresh war on beneficiaries. Obscene. Nasty.

    • weka 9.1

      Link? Or even just an explanation?

      • Lanthanide 9.1.1

        They’re going to reduce benefit numbers by 25% in their next term through a range of initiatives.

        • weka 9.1.1.1

          Ta.

          http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/policies/10508263/Nats-promise-cut-to-benefit-numbers

          Had a quick skim, but can’t be bothered really. It looks like a clean presentation which means they’re saving the nasty shit until after the election.

          • Lanthanide 9.1.1.1.1

            My exact response, too. It’s the usual dog-whistling to the uninformed.

            I’m not against a 25% drop in beneficiaries. I just want to see it through creating jobs and uplifting people, rather than punishing them.

            • weka 9.1.1.1.1.1

              in which case we should talk about a 25% drop in unemployed beneficiaries. Many beneficiaries aren’t unemployed and some of those are being wrongly categorised as work ready. This isn’t just semantics, it’s because National have real world policies and practices that are damaging people’s lives by forcing them into punitive schemes when they need support in other ways. Even Labour doesn’t get this, and constantly uses the term ‘beneficiary’ when it really means unemployed.

    • greywarbler 9.2

      @ TomGould
      That’s a very Oliver remark. Want more!

  10. Enough is Enough 10

    I don’t actually think it has been that nasty.

    Essentially it has been Key defending himself for 5 weeks against clear evidence that he is a crook and a liar.

    The dirtiest thing is the fake email from Dotcom. The sooner he leaves New Zealand the better.

    • weka 10.1

      Do you have proof that it is fake, or even some evidence that this is likely? If not, then using that to further your antipathy towards KDC is just part of the bullshit.

      • Enough is Enough 10.1.1

        Ok for arguments sake lets assume it is genuine.

        Dotcom has known about it for two years. Don’t you think it a wee bit underhand to hold onto it for that long and then reveal it the week of an election.

        We would have won this election on policy. In my view the bullshit which he is pulling will only harden the determination of the righties to get and vote.

        • weka 10.1.1.1

          That’s all very fair enough, although I personally have no idea about KDC’s motives re the email. or the legalities. We can talk about all that, and the impact on the election, but that wasn’t my point. My point was that we don’t know what the deal is with the email, so if we call it fake as part of furthering our antipathy for someone we deem an enemy, when we don’t have evidence yet that it is a fake, then it’s just the same old bullshit that the right are doing.

          It’s fine that you don’t like KDC or his impact on the election, I’m just suggesting that there is plenty of real stuff to talk about with that without perpetuating an idea that we have no idea is true or false.

          • Enough is Enough 10.1.1.1.1

            Yes and no.

            Remove the word “fake” from my post and lets start again.

            Lobbing a grenade into an election campaign when you have had the pin pulled for 2 years, is in my view underhand.

            It is politics alright but it is dirty.

            Flip it around. Imagine if Slater had been threatening something for two years and then pulled out the questionable evidence today, even though he had held it for the whole time.

            Its dirty and we should call dirty on whoever does it.

            • Lanthanide 10.1.1.1.1.1

              Slater’s modus operandi seems to be to unleash the dirt after the important election has a occurred, vis-a-vis Len Brown…

              KDC has always been planning to release the ‘proof’ at his extradition trial as evidence that the government was colluding, therefore his extradition is illegal etc. The extradition trial date kept being pushed back, as far as I can tell through no fault of KDC’s own.

              So, he had planned to have it out in public before now, it just didn’t pan out that way. Even as it is, his lawyers have told him not to comment on it publicly, which is why he’s been very evasive and why we had the vacuum on Monday night.

              But, given how flimsy it looks – a single 3rd hand email without anything to verify it, he would have been better off not publishing it at all.

              Edit: snap @ yeshe.

              • Enough is Enough

                My problem with all this is people do not like it.

                I work in an office which is overrepresented by John Key fans. A large proportion of them were a bit indifferent and were turning against him as a result of Hager’s revelations and I was confident those people would vote left or stay at home.

                What I have seen in the past week is it has turned the other way again. People are getting animated about Dotcom in a negative way. He has hijacked the headlines and stolen our voice in this most critical week.

                The left wins this election on policy. Unfortunately the public is not getting the opportunity to hear that though.

            • weka 10.1.1.1.1.2

              “Remove the word “fake” from my post and lets start again.”

              thanks for getting the point.

              • Enough is Enough

                I think you missed the point of why I think it is dirty.

                Hint: It has nothing to do with the authenticity of the email.

                • weka

                  No, I get it. Like I said, let’s talk about that, but we don’t have to call things fake when we don’t actually know.

        • yeshe 10.1.1.2

          Enough is enough — a small point, but likely worth making.

          KDC has promised always he would reveal in his extradition trial in the High Court the evidence he had that Key knew earlier of his existence; it would be part of his evidence.

          This trial has taken many twists and turns but was expected to be heard in full including this evidence, prior to the election. However, it has not, and is now re-scheduled to early next year.

          KDC and his eminent legal team must have made a strategic decision about entering it into evidence it or releasing it. ( In fact, Paul Davison QC referred to the email outside court on Monday.)

          But I do not think we can say KDC has lied or been duplicitous about it.

          He has always said he had the evidence. The only fact that has changed is the promised release — in this time, not delaying until his High Court extradition hearings.

          • Enough is Enough 10.1.1.2.1

            Yes

            Why did he pull it out this week then?

            • Lanthanide 10.1.1.2.1.1

              Presumably because he thought the public should know that John Key is a liar?

              His problem is that it was very weak.

              • Enough is Enough

                Obviously because he thought that. The issue (or the reason I think it is “dirty”) is the timing.

            • Tracey 10.1.1.2.1.2

              His case was back in court on monday and tuesday. It may have been tabled as evidence.

              It does seem that key was scared enough to release documents which he had been told the release of which was a danger to national security.

              One question key, joyce etc… Are not asked often enough, is why not release those documents when the gcsb bill was under debate

              August 2013 gcsb bill passes and the GCSB is still working on the business case for option 2…

              IOW Key was still intending to go with it, so he kept quiet…

              December 2013 rescinding of decision to get a business plan for option 2.

              Key says between april 2012 and December 2013 key says he never saw the business case….

              No draft? No, hows it coming along?

              I do not believe that NOTHING was done in that time on the business plan, do you?

        • Tracey 10.1.1.3

          Because it is part of his legal strategy. People dont have an obligation to reveal things when others want it.

          Slater releases shit all the time which the msm runs with, without checking authenticity.

          Farrar and others recently released BS about a song getting public funding. The msm regurgitated and then NZ on Air tweeted it had not funded it.

          No one, not even the msm, rang nz on air first… But dotcoms email is a fake cos the ceo of warners who secured law changes, rebates and an extradiction of someone he considers is hurting his profit said so.

        • Murray Olsen 10.1.1.4

          Ok, assuming the email is genuine….then Key schemed with Hollywood executives and the FBI to pervert our immigration procedures and basically hold someone hostage until a Rambo operation could be mounted. Don’t you think it a wee bit underhand to do all that and never mention any of it? In fact, to lie and deny it all instead?

          The fact that so many Kiwis still accept that such a crook is fit to be free, let alone our PM, is what is bullshit.

    • greywarbler 10.2

      @ Enough is Enough 10.22
      Our politics is a serious game, if we could package it properly we might get into the Olympics or perhaps the thinking Chess Olympics with it. We need experienced contenders as good as we can find. It’s not enough to turn up and pass a ckean hands and fingernails test.

      There are only two situational possibilities in NZ at present – the quick and the dead. The quick are rich or getting there. Dotcom is one of the better rich ones. Don’t be too hasty to boot him out, wanting only saints managing our country. Having some experienced financial and business exponents with knowledge of finagling comes in useful.

      Saints are for the dead, then you get canonised. NZs will get cannonised if we don’t think more quickly. Keep our political and financial stars as long as they can present a case for their inclusion and reliability in their dealings now..

  11. sable 11

    Government is a contrivance and never has it been so explicitly demonstrated than this election.

  12. James Thrace 12

    Latest roy morgan poll is out

    Again, still too close to call. National-led Government: National Party, Maori Party, ACT NZ, United Future on 49% (up from 46.5% in August 31 poll)

    Opposition Parties: Labour Party, Green Party, Internet-Mana Party alliance, NZ First; down to 46.5 (from 49% in August 31 poll)

    Nothing more than an old switcherooni.

    National is up 1.5
    Labour down 2
    Greens down 2.5
    NZ1st up 2
    Maori Party up 1

    No real change for everyone else.

    Even so, based on those numbers, assuming Dunne is gone from Ohariu, and even with Seymour in Epsom, it still leaves National short. Have assumed conservatives get 4.5% and are out of parliament. The percentage signs relate to the party vote gained on the day.

    I am worried that Labour will get less overall, particularly as the weather on the day is shaping up to be nasty.

    ACT New Zealand 1.50% 2 MPs (1 electorate + 1.5% PV)
    Green Party 16.00% 21 MPs (no electorates)
    Internet MANA 2.00% 3 MPs (1 electorate +2% PV)
    Labour Party 26.00% 34 MPs (29 Electorates+ 5 list)
    Māori Party 1.00% 2 Mps (2 electorates)
    National Party 39.00% 50 Mps (37 electorates + 13 list)
    New Zealand First Party 7.00% 9 Mps (no electorates)

    121 seats total.

    Using the numbers:

    National + Act + MP = 54 seats
    Even if Dunne gets in, that still only gives them 55 seats

    Labour + Green + NZ1st = 64 seats, if Dunne gets in, that makes it 63 seats for the left block. I have factored in the probability of Ginny winning Ohariu.

    I can’t see Winston wanting to be part of a four headed monster, or even in a Nat+NZ1+Act/MP/Dunne configuration.

    However, If National got 42% and Labour got 23% on Saturday in their respective party votes (n/c to electorates won), then the left block would likely need IMP to be part of a formal coalition, or in a confidence and supply arrangement.

    Other alternative is that Lab+Grn+NZ1 combined on a 60 seat bloc in 121 seat parliament could run a minority government.

    A national+act+uf+mp bloc is only 58 seats in a 121 seat parliament.

    I haven’t done any configurations with Conservatives as I believe people will shy away from them at the last minute and switch to Winsome Winnie instead of Crazy Colon.

    Overall conclusion? This election is coming down to the wire.

  13. philj 13

    Can’t wait for the movie to screen! Especially the walking on water scene.

    • alwyn 13.1

      That is the one where on Morning Report, if John Key does it, the story will start “Key too mean to pay the fare on the ferry” and if it is Russell Norman “The Messiah has returned”.

  14. DS 14

    The nastiest election this country has ever had was 1951. Sid Holland and John Key bear more than a passing resemblance.

    • Theodora 14.1

      I just read SId Holland’s Wikipedia page and he sounds revolting. And yes, very similar to the incumbent.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T02:09:18+00:00