Open mike 22/09/2012

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 22nd, 2012 - 44 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

44 comments on “Open mike 22/09/2012 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Logie97 1
    22 September 2012 at 6:49 am

    Education

    The Herald produces another intellectually powerful article on the failings of our school system. Apparently, according to some expert voice, if we get rid of cell phones, the problem will be solved. WTF. What suburb did she establish that evidence. Remuera perhaps?

    Quote… NZ Writers’ College principal Nichola Meyer said changes in language had been affecting children’s writing skills for years.
    “The language they are hearing is all jargon. There is a lot of slang and it’s almost phonetically based and not spelling based.
    “So when they have to sit down and write something, it is completely alien to them.”
    …unquote.

    Then surprise, surprise, in the next paragraph
    Quote …The fact that English was a second language to many students was also a big factor, Ms Meyer said, as other cultures were traditionally verbal and therefore reading and writing were not the norm….unquote.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10835754

    And in an article on literacy, they quote Hekia as saying that Reading Recovery is provided to assist children failing in Maths.

    • Carol 1.1
      22 September 2012 at 7:39 am

      Clever, Hekia.

      And the first comment below this stuff article sums up the excercise well:

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/7715044/Inside-New-Zealand-schools

      BrianBailey32 minutes ago
      Of course there will be 27 or so % below this stupid arbitrary standard. That’s the way the normal curve works, when it comes to intelligence, ability etc. We used to use the curve to establish that in all learning fields. 25% of students were classified as below average, the average ranged from the 25th%ile rank to the 75%. We then expected them to work up to their ability–and they did NOT fail at all. Well done, Tory politicians for classifying these children as unsuccessful. Keep it up! It’s part of your social agenda to stigmatize and disadvantage the children of the poor.

      And Nania Mahuta points to a problem with the Nat Standards focusing too much on individualistic competition:

      http://www.labour.org.nz/news/ropey-league-tables-agenda-just-dopey

      “The Government’s covert attempt to promote league tables will destroy the very best elements of a 21st century education system that requires greater collaboration – not mindless competition.

      • ianmac 1.1.1
        22 September 2012 at 9:37 am

        All that turmoil over National Standards so that it can be said that they have identified some children who are failing. Funny/sad thing is that they were already known. I mean how else did they believe that 20% of children were “failing”? Where did that data come from? The very precise assessments that have been around for years.
        What a pity that this extra “focussed help” that Tolley and Parata keep talking about wasn’t applied where it was needed for those underachieving kids who have been known about forever. Now they will say that smaller classes for underachievers would be a help and maybe decent food would help and cultural respect would. Hold your breath.

      • Dr Terry 1.1.2
        22 September 2012 at 4:34 pm

        The Government is doing more than “destroying” child education, it is positively “cruel” toward the children of New Zealand in virtually every respect.

        • OneTrack 1.1.2.1
          22 September 2012 at 5:15 pm

          Yes, collecting some hard evidence around educational achievement to help drive where effort and money should be expended. Oh the horror. Why wont they think about the children.

          • Draco T Bastard 1.1.2.1.1
            22 September 2012 at 6:12 pm

            We already knew that and so wasting money on National Standards was just that – a waste of money. On top of that they’ll actually destroy the great educational system we have in NZ and all because a few people can’t understand it.

    • Vicky32 1.2
      23 September 2012 at 6:00 pm

      Ms Meyer said, as other cultures were traditionally verbal and therefore reading and writing were not the norm….unquote.

      Which cultures would that be then? 😀 (None of the ones I have taught, and that’s about 10 of them)

  2. Stephen Doyle 2
    22 September 2012 at 8:42 am

    John Roughan in today’s Herald, calling for unbiased reporting. Not a trace of irony anywhere. He must live on Planet Key.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10835683

    • Paul 2.1
      22 September 2012 at 11:03 am

      Does he mention Larry Williams, Leighton Smith and the other ‘unbiased’ presenters on Planet ZB?

      • captain hook 2.1.1
        22 September 2012 at 11:27 am

        Hi Paul.
        there is no such thing as unbiased objective journalism in New Zealand.
        they are handpicked before they even get entry inot J school and then shoulder tapped when they show themselves to be craven apologists for the right.
        and wait there is more.
        they will never get a job with fox if they break ranks and that is the deciding factor.
        they all want a job with the plastic people at fox.

      • OneTrack 2.1.2
        22 September 2012 at 5:10 pm

        You mean the commentators who raise issues and ideas that you wish wouldn’t get raised? Not like the compliant left-wing media – yes John and Rachel, I especially mean you. But Duncan et al aren’t far behind either.

  3. mac1 3
    22 September 2012 at 9:06 am

    And on Planet New Zealand’s national radio news, highest ever nett migration figures of 40,000 to Australia. Key will say that this is how we keep up with Australia’s wages- by remittance.

  4. Hammer 4
    22 September 2012 at 9:33 am

    A refreshing bit of candour has been presented to the US Congress by a reputable Climatologist – turns out there  are no significant “extreme weather events” related to the ‘hoax’ known as Catastrophic Anthropogenic Global Warming.  Also turns out CO2 isn’t the nasty thing the doom sayers all talk about either.
    All in all – a good day for the planet.
    http://wattsupwiththat.com/2012/09/21/dr-john-christys-testimony-before-congress/
    So, enjoy the weekend – turns out there are plenty more good ones ahead for us all.

    [lprent: ‘Reputable’ hardly. But I guess that is like saying Watts does peer reviewed research. Here is a rather scathing analysis of that presentation.
    http://skepticalscience.com/christy-once-again-misinforms-congress.html ]

    • Hammer 4.1
      22 September 2012 at 5:57 pm

      @ Lprent
      Ah yes – I’ve heard about the crazies at SkepticalScience.com
      To quote them:
      “And this isn’t about science or personal careers and reputations any more. This is a fight for survival. Our civilisations survival. .. We need our own anonymous (or not so anonymous) donors, our own think tanks…. Our Monckton’s … Our assassins.
      Anyone got Bill Gates’ private number, Warren Buffett, Richard Branson? Our ‘side’ has got to get professional, ASAP. We don’t need to blog. We need to network. Every single blog, organisation, movement is like a platoon in an army. ..This has a lot of similarities to the Vietnam War….And the skeptics are the Viet Cong… Not fighting like ‘Gentlemen’ at all. And the mainstream guys like Gleick don’t know how to deal with this. Queensberry Rules rather than biting and gouging.
      ..So, either Mother Nature deigns to give the world a terrifying wake up call. Or people like us have to build the greatest guerilla force in human history. Now. Because time is up…Someone needs to convene a council of war of the major environmental movements, blogs, institutes etc. In a smoke filled room (OK, an incense filled room)we need a conspiracy to save humanity.”
      [As quoted by Geoff Chambers in this Bishop Hill thread.
       http://www.bishop-hill.net/blog/2012/3/26/opengate-josh-158.html?currentPage=2#comments ]
      Yet climate skeptics are being painted as conspiracy theory nutters by the very same people who say “a conspiracy to save humanity” is needed. 

      • RedLogix 4.1.1
        22 September 2012 at 8:42 pm

        “a conspiracy to save humanity” is needed.

        Yes and why not? If the corporates and governments conspire to do nothing, then maybe the people will have to act?

        What are the choices, and what are their outcomes?

  5. just saying 5
    22 September 2012 at 9:33 am

    http://www.tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/

    A particularly good ‘Citizen A’ with Sue Bradford and Selwyn Manning.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.1
      22 September 2012 at 1:30 pm

      Actual Link

      Just have to mention here that I absolutely hate the Tumeke website.

      • Jokerman 5.1.1
        22 September 2012 at 7:01 pm

        Wow! Great to see some light being shone upon these Booze Barns by communities.

        Interesting, the impact that demographics is having, and will increasingly have, upon China’s Economy; the numbers of elderly and retired ever-increasing, projected to equal the entire population of Western Europe in 20 years Time, with a diminishing workforce to support them arising from 1-Child policy

        With younger generations being discouraged economically to remain in Aotearoa and inter-generational economic and cultural conflict being established through the hegemony of Neoliberalism, what future for our Boomers? Dormitories?

        Furthermore, our natural born citizens are increasingly being displaced through the immigration of economically neccesary cheaper labour; workers who are less likely to have economically dependent parents living here.

        Very Important!-There are numerous Christian Socialist/Social Political Parties and Movements around the world, particularly in Europe and South America (forget Tony Abbott and Tony Blair)

      • weka 5.1.2
        22 September 2012 at 8:19 pm

        “Just have to mention here that I absolutely hate the Tumeke website.”

        why? 

    • Carol 5.2
      22 September 2012 at 8:52 pm

      Yes, I watched the first part of it before I went to work this morning. I particularly like Manning’s description of the Herald as conservative – forget the actual phrase he used – but I liked it when I heard it.

      Will watch the rest tomorrow.

      Manning and Bradford are both very smart people, and not afraid to tell it clearly and well from a left perspective.

  6. Jackal 6
    22 September 2012 at 10:45 am

    Kate Wilkinson – Asshole of the Week

    Election to power shouldn’t allow a government to do anything it likes. Consideration must be given to New Zealand’s interests, our environment and especially what the general public wants on any given issue. National has arrogantly ignored both the economic benefit and our conservation ideals by voting not to save the Maui Dolphin, and that makes them a bunch of assholes through and through…

  7. marty mars 7
    22 September 2012 at 11:11 am

    Billy Bragg – I love that guy, his views, his music and his politics.

    Great song A New England and . great smackdown of BNP candidate

    plus he was on with our Kim this morning.

  8. Colonial Viper 8
    22 September 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Doublethink, propaganda and how far people will go to deny cognitive dissonance

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liJfPuyrF1k&feature=g-all-u

  9. joe90 9
    22 September 2012 at 1:08 pm

    WRT to uncle Sam, our new BFF.

    Slim Gaillard Quartette – Atomic Cocktail.

  10. captain hook 10
    22 September 2012 at 2:03 pm

    So how come kweewee was out of the country when Leon Panetta was in town.
    I don’t think the Americans trust him.

  11. Jokerman 11
    22 September 2012 at 2:57 pm

    regarding FB and all that other twatting nonsense (recorded in albums)

    My son, if sinners (read people on the paths of deception) entice you, do not give in to them.
    If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
    we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
    throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse”-

    my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into sin (deception), for they are swift to shed blood.

    How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds! These men lie in wait for their own blood;
    they waylay only themselves (personal experience of that)!

    Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; Pr. 1: 10-

    rather,

    Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the the noisy streets (Christchurch) she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:

    How long will you simple ones (identify) love your simple ways?
    How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Pr. 1: 20-

    IT IS EXCELLENT to learn of the implementation of greater Reading programmes within Corrections; Teach a person to fish and all that..

  12. muzza 12
    22 September 2012 at 8:27 pm

    Having been somwhat uncomfortable at the lack of genuine propaganda on Iran of late, This from Senator Joe Lieberman

    In a taped appearance on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers,” Lieberman said he believed reported attacks against the banks “were not done just by random hackers” and that there was “some basis for believing this was an Iranian-sponsored attack.”

    Earlier this week, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center raised its cyber threat level to “high” from “elevated.” The center warned banks of “recent credible intelligence” about potential cyber attacks against financial institutions “that could make companies’ websites unusable for customers.”

    Experts have repeatedly warned about Iran’s ability to launch cyber attacks. In April, Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council, told a House panel that the Iranian regime has invested heavily in building up its cyber capabilities and has expressed an increasing desire to use it.

    Wondering what this could be actually be about, obvious war drums aside

    President Barack Obama’s administration is drafting an executive order that would create a program protecting vital computer networks from cyber attacks, according to two former government officials with direct knowledge of the effort.

    The program, to be managed by the Department of Homeland Security, would establish cybersecurity standards that companies could voluntarily adopt to better protect banks, telecommunication networks and the U.S. power grid from electronic attacks, the officials, who have seen the draft, said on condition of anonymity because the document hasn’t been made public.

    The draft, which remains under review and could change, seeks to implement a key provision in a cybersecurity bill that failed to advance in the Senate last month, the officials said. The administration is contemplating using an executive order because it isn’t clear Congress would pass a cybersecurity bill.

    “An executive order is one of a number of measures we’re considering as we look to implement the president’s direction to do absolutely everything we can to better protect our nation against today’s cyberthreats,” White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in an e-mailed statement today. “We are not going to comment on ongoing internal deliberations.”

    Recently before Obama was to sign a UN treaty on gun control, the Aurora massacre happened, now while drafting an EO on cyber security, BAM, cyber attacks on banks, and its Irans fault too apparantly!

    Well the M.O is familiar and predictable….another stinking pile from the US sewer. No wonder NZ is starting to reek so badly!

    • BernyD 12.1
      22 September 2012 at 8:43 pm

      Interesting ….

      The IP network has always been open, again the majority of the time it’s left alone for the sake of commerce and communication.

      But it’s not the only one, and redundancy is what those institutions need if they are serious about “Cyber Protection”

      The problem is the “Mystery” when service fails, thruth is it’s a very easy thing to do.

      And yes it’ll affect everyone if you do the homework.

      Caches still need a “Source”, it’ll simply stop.
      Yas have to remember we are talking about government institutions

    • BernyD 12.2
      22 September 2012 at 9:01 pm

      The stuxnet thing sucks, no respect for human lives, let alone the equipment.
      It must’ve been written with evil intent to do what it did, which was f**k with the power supply.
      And based on the damage it was ramping up the voltages etc.
      (i.e it was designed to blow up local domestic and industrial appliances)
      That’s simply evil, and would cost civilians dearly.
      I’d be wondering if Iran still does blame America.

      • muzza 12.2.1
        22 September 2012 at 9:48 pm

        I’d be wondering if Iran still does blame America.

        Or perhaps the banks are being “attacked” by the same crew who launched Stux? You know, so as to create the perception of “motive” by Iran, because “you” want to launch a military war against that country!

        Or perhaps the banks are not being attacked at all…

        • Colonial Viper 12.2.1.1
          22 September 2012 at 10:25 pm

          BTW this US programme is just as likely to be used against US citizens as to defend against scary foreigners.

          http://www.zerohedge.com/news/%E2%80%9Cwe-are-far-turnkey-totalitarian-state-big-brother-goes-live-september-2013

          • muzza 12.2.1.1.1
            23 September 2012 at 7:06 am

            Yeah, that’s the one which has made it into the public domain so far.

            The digital grid – Like a prison which you can’t see, and most believe to “freedom”, you know, because they get to choose the gadgets to inprison yourself with!

            Genius!

        • BernyD 12.2.1.2
          22 September 2012 at 10:26 pm

          So true, networks fail etc, ultimately you’ll get a hit

          But if it rips the ground out from under citizens’ feet (Fear/Heartbreak/Loss)
          Where’s the thin blue line going to be drawn for their sakes?
          Is it really necessary, all prohibitive cultures being equal at the coal face,
          NZ and other experience tells us that fear will lead to Heartbreak.
          Which is where the “crazy” comes from … people expressing loss and fear.
          Heartbreak/loss also affects memory which is why it repeats itself in the community.

  13. millsy 13
    22 September 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Is it just me, or has Rodney Hide launched a one man campaign against the union movement?

    • BernyD 13.1
      22 September 2012 at 9:53 pm

      He pritty much announced it a week or more so ago.
      Good luck on that one M8!
      Yeah M8!, Snowballs chance!

    • Jokerman 13.2
      22 September 2012 at 10:15 pm

      how can he spend so long looking at himself in the mirror?
      Have you ever read his columns? they make less sense to most people than mine
      (there ya go rodders, a free lesson in self-depreciation) 🙂

      • BernyD 13.2.1
        23 September 2012 at 2:38 pm

        Too be honest I don’t recall reading any, but likely some twisted reflection of himself.

        Dime a Dozen in some ways, the the problem with a moderated “success driven” lifestyle.
        If ya didn’t understand the phrase and then repeat it as gospel, what does that really say?
        Do it for long enough, the success emotion becomes so great their body will get angry etc when it’s threatened, strange reaction when you didn’t understand the phrase in the first place.
        Almost childish.

    • Murray Olsen 13.3
      23 September 2012 at 12:39 am

      Rodney Hide and the Whalespew army are out to get the unions. I’d hardly be worried.

  14. Dr Terry 14
    23 September 2012 at 2:17 pm

    Just to think, we are currently exposed to such “columnists” as Rodney Hide, SIR Bob Jones, Paul Holmes (oh, welcome back indeed!), John Roughan, Fran O’Sullivan, and the rest (I will make some allowance for Armstrong, as has been known, from time to time, to strive for a degree of fair-mindedness).

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

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

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

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    20 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T06:30:38+00:00