Open Mike 30/05/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 30th, 2017 - 58 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 Policy).

Step up to the mike …

58 comments on “Open Mike 30/05/2017 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Ed 1
    30 May 2017 at 6:21 am

    Hopefully the Labour Party is learning a lot from the integrity and honesty of Jeremy Corbyn’s campaigning.

    Here’s just a sample……

  2. Pete George 2
    30 May 2017 at 6:46 am

    An interesting polls stats based post: New Zealand general election forecasts

    Predicting election results in the future with past poll snapshots can only be indicative rather than accurate, with assumptions being in the mix plus normal margins of error and unpredictability of surprise events, but there are some useful trend charts and probability predictions for party vote.

    • adam 2.1
      30 May 2017 at 7:55 am

      So this is a link to your own page there peter – how about you be honest about that to start with, I could add more, but lets leave it at that.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1
        30 May 2017 at 8:04 am

        The site belongs to Peter Ellis. I agree: let’s leave it at that 🙂

        • adam 2.1.1.1
          30 May 2017 at 10:29 am

          Bugger, looked just like georges site, should keep my comments to a minimum before elevenses 😉

          I hate polls, speculative naval gazing, and gambling on elections, this side show rubbish just annoy’s me. And the commentator is a past master at the side show.

          • weka 2.1.1.1.1
            30 May 2017 at 10:33 am

            My problem with it is that it becomes proscriptive and doesn’t allow for change. What Corbyn is doing couldn’t have been predicted from the polls. If we follow the projected outcome from past polling, may as well hand Peters the sceptre now.

            I also believe that some people like to vote for the winning team, so when they are told that x team is winning, that’s who they will vote for.

            • adam 2.1.1.1.1.1
              30 May 2017 at 10:37 am

              It’s that constant grind to limit debate, and have us all look in one direction.

      • Pete George 2.1.2
        30 May 2017 at 8:06 am

        I have nothing to do with that website apart from having an interest in what has been posted there.

    • swordfish 2.2
      30 May 2017 at 8:47 am

      He’s pretty much spot on with Labour and the Greens, I’d say

      I’ve just been analysing Green Party poll trends over the last 4 Elections in order to forecast the party’s 2017 Election Day result, myself – and, in the process, demolish some typically dubious assertions／intellectual sleight-of-hand made by the Notorious National Party agent provocateur, enfant terrible and occasional bon vivant, David Farrar (he insisted a month or two back that the Greens were likely to receive a lower Party-Vote at the September General Election than they’re currently polling).

      Currently still in draft form on my Blog – Title – ‘Dark Horse Greens ?’

      I’d estimate a Green Party-Vote of 11.3 – 11.9% – not too different from Ellis (though my estimate’s probably slightly lower). Although by no means a major advance, it would represent the Green’s highest ever Party-Vote.

    • Tamati Tautuhi 2.3
      30 May 2017 at 9:30 am

      A NZF/Labour Coalition is the most likely outcome, evidently NZF polling quite well and always does better on Election Day ?

    • Robert Guyton 3.1
      30 May 2017 at 8:14 am

      Pushing the “Blue-green” thing, ain’t they! Is Maggie Barry a Blue-green? Is Nick Smith?

      • The Chairman 3.1.1
        30 May 2017 at 8:34 am

        Webb believes a vote for the Green candidate will essentially be a vote for Nicky Wagner. Vote Green get blue – blue-green.

        • Robert Guyton 3.1.1.1
          30 May 2017 at 8:54 am

          “Webb believes a vote for the Green candidate will essentially be a vote for Nicky Wagner. Vote Green get blue blue-green.”
          fify

    • DoublePlusGood 3.2
      30 May 2017 at 3:02 pm

      I can’t recall, did Labour support preferential voting in electorate seats in the recent MMP review or not?
      If they didn’t, well, how sad, too bad. Duncan Webb shouldn’t feel entitled to have candidates drop out to help him.

      The Greens will stand a candidate in Christchurch Central as it’s a place ripe for picking up of party votes.

      • The Chairman 3.2.1
        30 May 2017 at 3:28 pm

        And if Nicky Wagner wins as a result of that it will be too bad for both (Greens, Labour) of them.

        • DoublePlusGood 3.2.1.1
          30 May 2017 at 3:36 pm

          Nicky Wagner will be in anyway, all it functionally means is who gets in or not further down National’s list. And if it’s Webb or a list member for Labour.

          I’d much rather Greens campaign and pick up party votes.

  4. garibaldi 4
    30 May 2017 at 8:11 am

    Once again Andrew Little comes on RNZ for another grilling by Suzie Fergusson , who delights in interrupting and harassing and making Andrew sound more like old mumblefuck. It happens every time. Two questions…..
    1) Why does he bother?
    2) Why not speak with Guyon?

    • One Anonymous Bloke 4.1
      30 May 2017 at 8:26 am

      Do you mean the “Labour say budget’s ‘teenagers tax’ to hurt NZ families” interview?

      Just listened to it and I didn’t get that impression. It seemed pretty fair.

    • weka 4.2
      30 May 2017 at 9:06 am

      I’m sure he doesn’t get a choice who he speaks to, and RNZ shouldn’t let PMs decide.

      The main problem I see with that interview is that they’re talking about different sets of figures. Labour sends out a press release, RNZ use that to do some examples and then ask Little live about them but Little hasn’t seen the calculations so can’t comment. Might have been good to sort that out by email first.

      This budget reminds me of just how complicated accessing state support is. I know the WINZ side, and that’s complicated enough (accommodation supplement isn’t as straightforward as Ferguson is making out). But adding tax, WFF, etc, I think there will be plenty of people who aren’t getting those things right simply because they are so complicated.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 4.2.1
        30 May 2017 at 9:13 am

        I think the problem stems from the difficulty in presenting sums on the radio. Once you’ve heard what all the variables are you forget what the equation looks like and vice versa.

        • weka 4.2.1.1
          30 May 2017 at 10:36 am

          One of the examples that Fergusson uses is a family with one teen on $66,000/yr. I tried to look up what the entry threshold based on income tests and can’t find it. All I can find is a series of complicated formulas that I probably can’t be bothered sorting through. So I’m not even sure that RNZ’s basic premise is correct. Can a family on $66,000 even get AS?

          • Craig H 4.2.1.1.1
            30 May 2017 at 12:08 pm

            Yes they can, depending on area.

            AS is basically the same as someone’s weekly rent up to a cap based on area and family size. It is also abated in a similar fashion to WFF, so as income goes up, AS goes down.

  5. weka 5
    30 May 2017 at 8:41 am

    Racist grave robber looks like he will be prosecuted.

    Mr Hilliam admits having taken human remains from the Poutō foreshore but said they came from hāngī pits, not Māori burial grounds.

    That’s caught the attention of Heritage New Zealand, which is now investigating.

    Senior archaeologist Frank van der Heijgden said it was a criminal offence to damage an archeological site, and carried a potential penalty of $60,000.

    Mr Hilliam said he was forced to take the remains, because no one would issue him a permit.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/331890/man-out-to-prove-maori-not-original-settlers-under-investigation

    • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1
      30 May 2017 at 8:56 am

      Yay!

      • weka 5.1.1
        30 May 2017 at 9:17 am

        Indeed. Now he might come to understand what being forced to do something is and that it’s not choosing to steal human remains because someone wouldn’t give him a permit to.

    • millsy 5.2
      30 May 2017 at 9:33 am

      This is the same guy who thinks that literally​ every civilisation going back to the ancient Phonecians came to New Zealand.

    • Draco T Bastard 5.3
      30 May 2017 at 9:34 am

      The type of crime that needs the book thrown at the perpetrator.

      • marty mars 5.3.1
        30 May 2017 at 9:53 am

        I agree. The problem is anything and everything will be used by the conspiracy twerps to reinforce their jaundiced view. Same as it ever was.

    • greywarshark 5.4
      30 May 2017 at 1:25 pm

      Mr Hilliam said he was forced to take the remains, because no one would issue him a permit.

      That’s similar to what all muggers say to the police..

  6. heman 6
    30 May 2017 at 9:51 am

    Read this Point England Development Enabling Bill.pdf
    https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Point%20England%20Development%20Enabling%20Bill.pdf

    or as a more appropriate name
    (PUT THE NAME OF YOUR LOCAL PARK HERE..) … ………..Development Enabling Bill.
    Or the “Developers Wet Dream Bill”

    And the greens are ABSTAINING because it conflicts with their treaty values.

    But they do not see the big picture. This is precedent setting.
    No RMA Act,No Council Restrictions&No Public Notification!

    [TheStandard: A moderator moved this comment to Open Mike as being off topic or irrelevant in the post it was made in. Be more careful in future.]

    • heman 6.1
      30 May 2017 at 10:12 am

      Further to the above:
      The above bill is in parliament, that they are rushing through to enable them to sell part of a public reserve for housing.
      there were a 100+ submissions on the Bill
      95%+ were against the Bill

      Local National MP stands up in parliament and says he got alot of feedback and felt “on balance, there is a more pressing need to build 300 more homes for families, and especially for our kids—people who are in need of shelter, warm homes, and clean and modern facilities.” He did not mention, the area is currently waiting for 5K+ houses to be built in the area.

      So meanwhile, still waiting to be heard by the whole house the Current running National MP has a public meeting on how work is being done to address window washers at intersections. It was very difficult to raise the “sell part of a public reserve for housing” issue.

      Now I always support National. But if this was your electorate what would you do with your vote?

      Are these just career politicians? Or do they really represent their electorate?

    • Penny Bright 6.2
      30 May 2017 at 2:30 pm

      30 May 2017

      URGENT ‘ Open Letter’ /OIA request to Minister for Building and Contruction Nick Smith regarding the Pt England Development Enabling Bill, from Independent candidate for Tamaki – Penny Bright.

      Dear Minister,

      BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

      https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/SCR_73903/c3f32f149102b12d9579ec4928427a625f457c5a

      ” Point England Development Enabling Bill 223—1

      [deleted]
      ________________________

      In my considered opinion, the Local Government and Environment Committee, and the House, have effectively been misled.

      In my considered opinion, MPs and the public have been misled, by the effective ‘smoke and mirrors’ exercise that has been carried out, by using similar sounding names for different legal entities regarding the so-called ‘Tamaki Regeneration’, which is actually GENTRIFICATION, and effectively a State-sponsored land grab of public property for private property development.

      The ‘Tamaki Redevelopment Company’ (presumably referring to the Tamaki Redevelopment Company Ltd), actually owns NO houses, and has NO tenants.

      2,800 Housing NZ properties were supposed to be transferred to Tamaki Redevelopment Company Ltd on 31 March 2016.

      https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-nz/51DBSCH_SCR68578_1/244291aaab825db7d3685cce7e3ccd49a2a7589e

      “2014/15 ANNUAL REVIEW OF TĀMAKI REDEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED 2

      [deleted]
      ___________________________________________________

      You, Minister Nick Smith, have been one of two Crown shareholding Ministers in both the Tamaki Redevelopment Company Ltd, and Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, so, in my opinion, must have been well aware of what exactly was going on.

      https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/3937662/shareholdings

      TĀMAKI REDEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED (3937662) Registered

      [deleted]
      __________________________________________________

      On your watch, the Tamaki Redevelopment Company Ltd, (59% Crown and 41% Auckland
      Council) which was supposed to have 2,800 Housing NZ properties in Tamaki transferred on
      31 March 2016, actually did not end up owning ONE former Tamaki State house.

      2,704 former Housing NZ properties were transferred to Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, which is 100% Crown.

      https://www.companiesoffice.govt.nz/companies/app/ui/pages/companies/5840214/shareholdings?backurl=%2Fcompanies%2Fapp%2Fui%2Fpages%2Fcompanies%2Fsearch%3Fmode%3Dstandard%26type%3Dentities%26q%3DTamaki%2520Regeneration%2520Ltd

      TĀMAKI REGENERATION LIMITED (5840214) Registered
      To maintain this company log on here
      Last updated on 31 Mar 2017

      Company SummaryAddressesDirectors (8)Shareholdings (3)Documents (42)PPSR Search
      Total Number of Shares:1631161318 Extensive Shareholding:No
      Shareholders in Allocation:

      Allocation 1:815580609 shares (50.00%)

      Minister For FINANCE
      Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, 6160 , New Zealand
      Allocation 2:815580609 shares (50.00%)

      Minister For BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
      Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, 6160 , New Zealand
      Allocation 3:100 shares (0.00%)

      TĀMAKI REDEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
      244 Apirana Avenue, Glen Innes, Auckland, 1072 , New Zealand
      _________________________________________________

      Please be advised that I have spent approximately two weeks, unpaid, voluntary work,(from Saturday 15 April 2017 to Sunday 29 April 2017), with the assistance of others, who helped by driving me around all 119 streets in the list of 2,704 former Housing NZ properties now owned by Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, which was provided to me by the General Manager of Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, Mr Neil Porteous.

      (As the provided list was neither (street) alphabetical, nor street numbers chronological, it took me some hours to manually reconfigure this Tamaki Regeneration Ltd of 2,704 former Housing NZ properties, in order to make it both coherent and ‘logical’ to follow).

      Having retyped this Tamaki Regeneration Ltd list of 2,704 former Housing NZ properties, with the assistance of other community volunteers, who helped by driving street to street, the addresses of ALL 2,704 former Housing NZ properties were checked, in order to establish the following information:

      1) Did the former Housing NZ property (house) appear to be occupied?

      2) Did the former Housing NZ property (house) appear to be empty / unoccupied?

      3) Was the former Housing NZ property now a ‘bare section’, because the former Housing NZ house had been removed?

      4) Was the former Housing NZ property now being developed, if so, who was the developer?

      Having carried out the above-mentioned ‘due diligence’ – the following information was discovered:

      BARE SECTIONS IN THE TAMAKI REGENERATION LIST AS AT 29 APRIL 2017:

      [deleted]

      ___________________________________________________

      MINISTER OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, NICK SMITH, PLEASE PROVIDE THE INFORMATION WHICH EXPLAINS THE FOLLOWING:

      1) Why are you seeking to turn more public land (one quarter of the Pt England Reserve) into private property development, when ‘on your watch’ as the Minister of Building and Construction, 76 former Housing NZ properties in Tamaki have had (State) houses removed and are now empty, bare sections, and there appear to be also 70 empty former State houses?

      2) Why has the Local Government and Select Committee been given, in my considered opinion, such inaccuate advice?

      “While not specified in the bill, we were advised that the housing development would be used to rehouse some tenants of the Tāmaki Redevelopment Company whose housing is due for redevelopment, and to provide much-needed additional housing in Auckland.”

      3) Please confirm that you have read my following OIA request to the CEO of Tamaki Regeneration Ltd, John Holyoake, and that the Pt England Development Enabling Bill will NOT proceed until the requested information has been fully provided.

      (Please be advised that today, 30 May 2017, I received written confirmation that this OIA request has been received and is being processed.)

      …………

      Penny Bright
      2017 Independent candidate
      Tamaki electorate.

      (Exposing the Tamaki GENTRIFICATION $CAM).

      [very long pieces of cut and pasted text deleted. Do your own editing next time Penny – weka]

  7. Ad 7
    30 May 2017 at 9:53 am

    Our Yellow Eyed Penguins to be extinct inside 40 years.
    Reported internationally here:

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/new-zealand-yellow-eyed-penguin-extinct_us_591e9a4ee4b094cdba52e689?ej&ncid=inblnkushpmg00000009

    There’s this amazing thing you can do on the Otago Peninsula, which is go to this specific spot at dusk, and wait for the little Blue Penguins to come in after fishing for the day.

    You can barely see then in the grainy light surfing the waves. But if you sit perfectly still, there’s dozens and dozens of them march right close past you as they head to their nests for the evening.

    I’d recommend it to everyone as a dose of sheer magic.

    • weka 7.1
      30 May 2017 at 10:28 am

      It is magic. I’ve seen the little blues swimming in the Otago Harbour too.

      Lots of our bird species are heading for extinction and that’s before we take into account climate change 🙁 NZ has the potential to be good at conservation, but we have to make a priority.

    • Bill 7.2
      30 May 2017 at 12:14 pm

      That “specific spot” (if I’m guessing correctly) now costs about $40 to get to after a certain time of the day. Used to be free access.

      But having witnessed some truly atrocious behaviour around wildlife, I’d be quite happy if not another visitor or tourist came by this way.

      Those that have their fingers delving deep into the wallets of tourists off the back of wildlife “safari” shit would probably disagree mind. Though I’d be quite happy for most of them to fuck off too 😉

      • Ad 7.2.1
        30 May 2017 at 12:31 pm

        It’s too big a tourist destination now not to be number-controlled and priced.

        The DoC and tour staff were good and clear about enforcing absolute silence and no phone or camera flashes, lest the penguins decide to go and nest elsewhere.

        We were lucky to be there.

  8. adam 8
    30 May 2017 at 10:33 am

    Nice interview with play write and actor Wallace Shawn, (Prince’s Bride) quite interesting to hear him describe his waking up to his white privilege. Might be a bit much for some white folks, you have been warned.

  9. mauī 9
    30 May 2017 at 12:49 pm

    The Green Party finalise their party list. Looks like some shrewd moves to put the high profile candidates further up.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/331902/young-women-candidates-move-up-green-party-list

    • Anne 9.1
      30 May 2017 at 1:08 pm

      It will be interesting to see how the MSM portray it.

      Labour of course did the same by moving talented, younger candidates up the list and some current MPS accordingly dropped. The MSM and a tiny bunch of bitter, twisted formers members (eg. Phil Quin) tried to stir up a hornets nest on the basis there would be ructions inside the Party. It never happened.

      • mauī 9.1.1
        30 May 2017 at 1:32 pm

        TVNZ’s Corin Dann called it a slick performance by the Greens. But he’s only playing the good cop bad cop, I doubt he would relay three positive stories on the left in a row. The status quo has to be protected after all.

        • Anne 9.1.1.1
          30 May 2017 at 6:52 pm

          There are distinct differences between the MO of Corin Dann and Paddy Gower. One plays it safe and under-estimates everything, the other goes for the jugular and over-estimates everything. The outcome however is the same. Neither gets it right and neither gets it completely wrong. That makes both of them useless as a political sound-board.

    • DoublePlusGood 9.2
      30 May 2017 at 5:37 pm

      Glad to see Golriz Ghahraman go up, and there’s a few other wiggles around in position that seem decent.
      Really disappointing to see Hayley Holt and Chloe Swarbrick up so high, they’re really just on there because of name recognition. Swarbrick is at least organised and will work hard, but on what policy position?
      It must be galling for a ‘noted activist and expert on climate change’, and an experienced environmental lawyer to be bumped down into a position that’s a massive long shot to get into parliament in order to get a sports TV show presenter a better position.

  10. McFlock 10
    30 May 2017 at 2:59 pm

    So our minister of health thinks it’s fine for fast food to advertise to kids through sport because “a lot of sport in New Zealand right down to the community level wouldn’t take place without that sponsorship.”

    That’s what they said about tobacco sponsorship, and guess what? We still have sport.

    • Ed 10.1
      30 May 2017 at 8:33 pm

      This government doesn’t care about our health.
      It cares about its corporate backers.

  11. Craig H 11
    30 May 2017 at 4:00 pm

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/93091405/workers-who-lose-their-jobs-are-disadvantaged-for-years

    The study followed workers for 10 years, and redundancy has a big impact on future earnings as people earn substantially less on average (25%) than in their previous jobs, and have 10% higher unemployment rate than the average. This is particularly an issue for older staff than under 30s.

  12. greywarshark 12
    30 May 2017 at 8:14 pm

    bwaghorn
    This came on Radionz today bwaghorn. It gave me some hope for the small farmer and young ones. I haven’t listened to it yet but just the headline was good. I think he had some ideas of his own about how to go about it too. So a thinker.

    farming
    11:25 am today
    Young man with a plan, farm ownership by 35
    From Nine To Noon, 11:25 am today
    Listen duration 17′ :35″
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201845664/young-man-with-a-plan-farm-ownership-by-35

    New Zealand dairy trainee of the year, 24 year old Clay Paton is a young man with a plan, hoping to own a farm, or a large scale sharemilking position by the time he’s 35.

    • JC 12.1
      30 May 2017 at 9:36 pm

      Hasn’t the Cow already bolted… despite the sincerity…

      • greywarshark 12.1.1
        31 May 2017 at 10:21 am

        Don’t know JC, I have been trying to do things near grass roots in the town though, and find a lack of spirit to do, change anything in a practical way.. In that spirit, I found his spirit very uplifting, though know not where it will lead. Some people doing – thinking, something, like here for instance, and the young fellow wanting the family farm to continue, gives me encouragement to keep trying.

  13. Hiragana 13
    30 May 2017 at 11:06 pm

    England, and the Tories who own it, is continuing to demonstrate its parochialism and incompetence of its leadership.
    Mays bluster and flag waving is hiding a horrific chasm of ineptitude.

    “Protecting the EU single market and institutions was “the only way to build a sound new relationship, if we build something ambiguous then we will have a disaster … you want to take back control, we also want to keep control.”

    A good one from The Guardian.
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/30/painstaking-detail-brexit-process-revealed-eu-documents

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
    21 hours 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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 2024-05-05T21:05:32+00:00