Open mike 30/04/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 30th, 2016 - 63 comments
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63 comments on “Open mike 30/04/2016 ”

  1. Tautoko Mangō Mata 1

    Rules, Rights, and Resistance: The Battle Over TPP and TTIP
    Streamed live 5 hours ago
    April 29, 2016 The New School live coverage of their conference titled “Rules, Rights, and Resistance: Joseph Stiglitz, Lori Wallach, and more
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xptxLoPQZfo

  2. Gristle 2

    On Thursday and Friday John Campbell has been chasing the EQC down to try and get to the difference between what the enabling legislation says the EQC has to and what it has been doing. The problem is that the EQC is supposed to restoring property to a as new state, whereas they have been operating on the basis the property should only be restored to a pre-quake basis. The gap between those two standards is massive and there is a big difference in the amount of work required to be done and the costs of such work.

    A stream of Home owners have supplied Campbell with documentation that shows that the EQC cited that the work was to be completed to pre-quake standard. On this basis EQC assessments of work would be coming in around the $30,00 to $45,000 level. On a disturbing number of instances this work budget would bounce around until after the 5th or 8th assessment the work budget would get up to $300,000 or even $600,000.

    The EQC and Mr Brownlee both maintain that the EQC has consistently operated to the “as new” standard of repair despite there also being reams of internal documentation from the EQC saying that repairs were to be to a”pre-quake” standard.

    Blatant lying but why?

    The EQC has a cap limiting the amount of money it covers per event to $115,000. This figure is commonly referred to a “cap”. The goal of home owners appeared to be to get the EQC to agree that the repair work was “over cap” and at this point the insurance companies would be liable for the cost of repairs.

    IMO there has been a political decision to manipulate repair assessments downwards by using a lower standard of repair not only to save money for EQC but also to save claims being made on insurance companies.

    For a while after the quake insurance companies stopped issuing new house insurance. Without house insurance the banks will not issue a mortgage. Without mortgages the sale of houses would have rapidly diminished. The property bubble would have been stopped.

    Trying to insulate the insurance companies from the costs to puts a new spin on the socialisation of risk. Here the corporate risk is pushed all the way back to the individuals rather than the usual Neo-Libs response of pushing it onto the general taxpayers.

    • jcuknz 2.1

      I heard the Thursday broadcast and was disgusted by the EQC spokesperson’s stance and the whole matter is very worrying for house-owners living in an earthquake region, which is most of NZ.

    • gsays 2.2

      i agree gristle, from a distance, the whole christchurch/insurance/rebuild/state mix has had a stench to it.

    • Draco T Bastard 2.3

      IMO there has been a political decision to manipulate repair assessments downwards by using a lower standard of repair not only to save money for EQC but also to save claims being made on insurance companies.

      That wouldn’t surprise me. If the insurance companies had actually paid out what was needed they would have gone broke.

      Trying to insulate the insurance companies from the costs to puts a new spin on the socialisation of risk. Here the corporate risk is pushed all the way back to the individuals rather than the usual Neo-Libs response of pushing it onto the general taxpayers.

      Putting it on to the taxpayers would have meant increasing the taxes upon the rich and there was no way that National was ever going to do that.

      Why Insurance Should be a State Monopoly

  3. Penny Bright 3

    How on earth was it right, proper or lawful for Auckland Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) Auckland Transport, to make a by law on ELECTION SIGNAGE?

    In my considered opinion, any by law on ‘election signage’ should be the responsibility of Auckland Council, and should not attempt to restrict election signage on private property to the 9 weeks of the ‘official’ election period.

    I have formally notified Minister of Transport Simon Bridges of my intention to petition him to exercise his lawful authority under s.22AC of the Land Transport Act 1998 to ‘disallow’ Auckland Transport’s ‘Election Signage By Law 2013’ in its entirety, because of its ‘inconsistency’ with the following enactments:

    The underpinning Land Transport Act 1998

    The Local Government Act 2002 (s.155 (3) – Council By Laws cannot be inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act 1990)

    The Bill of Rights Act 1990 (s.14 – Freedom of Expression)

    Full credit to Minister of Transport Simon Bridges for his speed in taking action on this issue:

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/regional/302649/mayoral-candidate-defies-billboard-ban

    “Ms Bright has joined the fray, telling the council she will petition Transport Minister Simon Bridges to declare the bylaw – which comes under his portfolio – illegal.

    She will seek support from other candidates and interested parties, and has urged candidates to defy the bylaw, by advertising from private property before the nine-week election period.

    Auckland Transport’s election bylaw noted that it considered Bill of Rights issues, and believed it complied.

    Ms Crone said any thought of legal action would come further down the track, and she had contacted the council today asking it to review its stance.

    Transport Minister Simon Bridges said he had sought legal advice on the bylaw, as well as his powers as Transport Minister to disallow transport-related bylaws.

    He said he had written to Auckland Transport asking them to clarify the original purpose of the bylaw and to advise how they believe the bylaw was consistent with the Land Transport Act 1998 and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. ”

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate
    (‘Activists’ – get things done 😉

  4. maui 4

    A most engaging interview with former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. Gives you an update on the Greece financial situation, a situation so bad you hope it never catches on here.. The interview is split over several videos
    https://youtu.be/EEgWvdnON28

    • Nick 4.1

      +1 gives great clarity on the different ideologies and who is actually driving the madness

      • Pat 4.1.1

        Sadly, though obvious for some time now he won’t be heeded….just as they dismissed him when Minister…..logic has nothing to do with it.

  5. You Never Put An Investment Banker On The Board Of A Pension Fund!

    And that is exactly what happened when they put Ira Bing took a seat on the board of the Cullen fund

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnATTosS-SY

  6. greywarshark 7

    A cute dog pic from facebook with a deeper! illustration of our present day life. I thought the two canines to be very photogenic, but the smaller one closer to the grassroots looks more thoughtful while the taller ones, with tongue hanging out in a cheerful way, seems above it all and unconcerned at having dirty feet.
    doggie don’t

    • Anne 7.1

      A cute photo. Thanks gws. I thought the little fellow looked quite chuffed with him/herself while the golden retriever (I’ve had a couple of those in the past) was being his/her usual happy go lucky self.

  7. G’day, Standardistas! A big, big thank you to all readers who have visited the Meat Workers Union’s support site jobsthatcount.org.nz. since Thursday. I’m told that T shirt sales have gone through the roof!

    It’s not just the income that’s important, it’s the message of solidarity you send when you buy one as well. I know it’s much appreciated by the workers that The Standard stands with them.

  8. mac1 9

    http://www.watchme.co.nz/entertainment/like-mike/whats-wrong-with-labour/

    Topical and typical. Good satire. Drivers of European cars beware- you have nothing to lose but your socks.

  9. Sabine 10

    hmmmm – and chicken are coming home to roost

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/best-of-business-analysis/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501241&objectid=11630406

    Brian Fallow: Shh – don’t mention the pension
    11:41 AM Friday Apr 29, 201615 comments

    Quote: “The age of eligibility is 65, it is universal and not means-tested (though it is taxable) and it is indexed to the average wage, not CPI inflation.

    The Government insists this is perfectly affordable.

    And so it is, provided you are indifferent to the mounting cost, whether that takes the form of higher taxation or cuts to other things the Government spends money on.

    The Treasury has done some thinking about what the options are for a fiscally sustainable approach to retirement income – just in case the Government ever moves on from John Key’s reckless commitment that the entitlement parameters for NZ Super will never change on his watch.” Quote End.

    • millsy 10.1

      Of course, Brian Fallow will never have to worry about facing life in his cut down NZ super with a couple of hedge fund sinecures, some lucrative financial consultancy work and his NZ herald column.

      • greywarshark 10.1.1

        Brian Fallow has found a good thing here in discussing old age government superannuation.

        Always topical and of interest, can be left untilled for a period and then spring forth once again, with its foreboding tendrils with serrated edges promising to cut into our lives and wellbeing. It has a dark side that gives drama, holds all mature people’s attention and focus, unlike really important things like wages insufficient to live on, no better future to work for because there aren’t enough jobs and working hours to go around, no improvement in conditions for our young people and families, housing being rorted by the wealthy as the only thing of substance and reliability to invest in.

        Such shitty economic management. But we must turn our eyes away from the execresence that is NZ life. Superannuation is the answer. Hold the changes over our heads like a Damocles sword. In fact it is subsidising the country’s economy, a regular injection of money from government that keeps us all from collapsing like an old balloon.

        Wikipedia gives Fallow’s genetic strain.
        A fallow field is land that a farmer plows but does not cultivate for one or more seasons to allow the field to become more fertile again.
        The practice of leaving fields fallow dates back to ancient times when farmers realized that using soil over and over again depleted its nutrients.

    • One Two 10.2

      The big lie which is not talked about openly in NZ , is of course that super is completely affordable. So are schools , hospitals and all other essential services

      The lies around debt and its servicing are being used as cover to degrade quality of life, by cutting

      Those who talk about cuts should openly challenged

      • Jenny 10.2.1

        Workers have never been more productive,

        Society has never been wealthier,

        Super has never been more affordable.

        We just gotta tax the rich to pay for it.

        Just getting ’em to pay the tax they owe might be a good start.

      • Draco T Bastard 10.2.2

        +1

    • Colonial Viper 10.3

      If the Left continues to support our reliance on a debt based money supply then of course we can never afford good things for Kiwis.

  10. The Chairman 12

    AA warns Z Energy’s Caltex takeover could lead to higher petrol prices

    The AA is particularly concerned about 95 octane, with Z and Caltex the only suppliers in North Island cities.

    “That means Z will be able to control the price of it. There will be no price competition.”

    Commerce Commission chairman Mark Berry said the watchdog had “laboured long and hard” over the decision.

    It did not believe competition would be substantially changed.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/79420290/aa-warns-z-energys-caltex-takeover-could-lead-to-higher-petrol-prices

    Z shares surged 10.5 per cent to $7.90 on the news, and are up by 50 per cent in the last year.

    Commissioner Jill Walker’s view was that there was evidence co-ordination was already occurring in some markets, which the merger would further entrench.

    Thoughts?

    • The Chairman 12.1

      Labour say “while it is some comfort that Z Energy is a New Zealand-owned company, it now owns around 50 per cent of all petrol outlets. Observers have noted it has consistently raised its prices earlier than its competitors.

      “What’s more, this decision undermines the Commerce Commission’s own guidelines which highlight industry dominance of over 40 per cent as a red flag.”

      http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/250161

      It was only the other day Housing NZ was ticked off for failing to tender six major contracts in breach of the agency’s own procurement rules.

      http://www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/250154

  11. greywarshark 13

    Interesting comment from Maori Hekia Parata about why she does not think it should be a set part of schools’ curriculum to learn about our NZ history. Those of us who are interested have long known we need to know more about the early Maori and Pakeha relationship, the wars and the effect of colonisation. It is unfortunate that Affluenza has been caught by RW neo liberal Maori who have found it comfortable to be in the Gnats fold.

    Education Minister Hekia Parata encourages schools to teach both sides of New Zealand history – the colonial and the Māori – but said she would not go as far as making it compulsory.
    “Because that is not the New Zealand way, we do not compel specific things. I’m not requiring every school to teach coding even though there is a group who wants that to happen.”

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/302265/new-zealand%27s-other-wars
    “Because that is not the NZ way, we do not compel specific things”. Since when, and who decided that? Oh then, the National Standards don’t exist, forcing everyone and their teachers to teach exactly to the curriculum that has been set, and all must comply to a set standard no matter what their readiness for that learning may be. Ensuring all know their country’s full history would do a lot to prevent the outbreaks of racism and mad rantings from the ignorant who often justify unfair behaviour against Maori on the basis of half-digested pap. As far as I can see education department strictures are very rigid and do compel. What twisted words and thinking from this elite Maori woman.

    • Anne 13.1

      …twisted words and thinking from this elite Maori woman.

      There’s nothing “elite” about Hekia Parata. She’s New Zealand’s Mrs Bucket Bouquet. I bet she also sticks out her little finger when holding a cup of tea…

  12. Pete Redd 14

    So there’s a national security “D Notice” or DA Notice out on the NZ Media. Anyone have any clues as to what it concerns?

  13. weka 15

    Eugenie Sage ‏@EugenieSage 11h11 hours ago

    “The cairn is a monument to our stupidity.” Murray Rodgers @ 6 yr anniversary of loss of regional democracy at ECAN.

    Fuck.

    https://twitter.com/EugenieSage/status/726205295769210880

  14. RedLogix 16

    For the Steven Keen followers:

    http://www.debtdeflation.com/blogs/2016/04/18/transcending-the-lucas-critique-simple-dynamic-modelling-with-minsky/

    Fairly long and very dense; but even if the dynamic modelling leaves you behind, the underlying message remains clear: capitalism is inherently unstable. It cannot be reformed out of it.

    • weka 16.1

      Do they present any solutions?

      • Colonial Viper 16.1.1

        Keen has developed computer modeling tools which are able to help economists generate far better and more realistic answers.

        Further his ideas like a debt jubilee and rental based mortgages provide important alternatives to today’s major economic problems.

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    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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