Penny Hulse and the decriminalisation of cannabis

Written By: - Date published: 8:21 am, May 18th, 2014 - 52 comments
Categories: drugs, greens, labour, len brown, national, peter dunne, Social issues, united future - Tags: ,

Penny Hulse

Despite the difficulties caused by the breaking of the news of his affair with Bevan Chuang and the attendant fire storm that erupted mayor Len Brown has kept the Auckland Council functioning during this term and it has come through the disruption reasonably well.  If there is one person he can thank it is Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse.  She performs a very important function.  She has maintained relationships with all of the Councillors, built coalitions on all issues, and has generally kept the Council functioning reasonably well.  There has been the occasional act of belligerence by Cameron Brewer and regular episodes of stupidity by Dick Quax but otherwise the business of Council is being done.  Len has a lot to thank Penny for.

Interestingly I hear that Brewer is no longer the preferred Super City Mayoral candidate for the centre right and they are considering a woman who is not a current Councillor as their next candidate.  And John Palino has popped up again and says that he would have another go.  He also still asserts that he knew nothing of the attempted extortion of Len Brown and claims that Brown sympathisers in his camp undermined him.  The sense of unreality is strong here.

One particular issue the Council has had to deal with is the sale of synthetic cannabis.  Peter Dunne was in the habit of saying that it was a local government issue, whereas the reality was that all councils had been given rather limited tools allowing them to regulate where stores selling synthetic cannabis were located.  There has been a growing expectation amongst communities that Local Government should sort the issue out even though its powers are limited.

Peter Dunne’s and the Government’s backflip has created new problems such as stockpiling, dealing with withdrawal and managing the black market that was almost instantly created and this is something that Dunne and the Government need to wear.  For political reasons they decided to usurp Labour’s announced policy on the issue and the problems are all theirs to deal with.

There is an organic form of synthetic cannabis that does not have the same psychotic or habit forming qualities of the just banned stuff and my personal belief is that it is high time that this alternative was considered.  Yes ladies and gentlemen it is time to have a civilised debate about whether the decriminalisation of good old home grown cannabis should occur.

Penny Hulse said publicly that now is the time for this debate to occur.  From the Herald this week:

Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse says it is time to decriminalise natural cannabis because it is safer than the synthetic versions that were banned last week.

The veteran councillor and former industrial laboratory technician said she had always opposed decriminalisation, but changed her mind after reading scientific papers about the dangers of synthetic cannabis.

Yesterday, she told an Auckland Council committee drawing up a policy on “legal highs” that it made no sense to regulate when synthetic cannabis could be sold without considering safer alternatives.

“I think we need to take a deep breath in this conversation and say, ‘What are we trying to achieve? Are we going to deal with the issue that people are going to make choices to smoke things that get them stoned? Have we been able to stop people doing that?’ Absolutely we haven’t.”

Ms Hulse stressed she was speaking personally and not for the council …

[She] said she was speaking as “someone from a scientific background” with “a deep and abiding passion for science”. She personally loathed cannabis.

“I have two grandchildren. The idea that they would choose to smoke cannabis or any legal highs breaks my heart,” she said.

But toxicologists had shown that natural cannabis contained several compounds with an anti-psychotic effect to balance the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so it was less dangerous than synthetic products designed to match exactly receptors in the brain.

This is hardly a new proposal and Hulse’s description of the issue is a realistic one.  The issue is not whether or not drugs are bad for us, it is whether or not prohibition is working.  It may be time for society to treat it as a health issue and not a law and order issue.  Prohibition and criminalisation of possession always made me think that our drug laws are the ultimate example of Nanny State.

It is not as if decriminalisation is a radical proposal.  Throughout the western world nations and states have been exploring how to deal with issues caused by drug use and decriminalisation is a method that is being used more and more often.

It will be interesting to see how the parties of the left handle this issue during the election campaign.  Labour has always been cautious.  Its policy platform contains the following passage:

8.29  We will adopt the following evidence-supported measures to protect our communities from crime.

… Recognise that the problem of personal drug use is primarily a health issue and that the criminal justice system, especially prisons, only makes the problem worse. Labour will reform drug policy so it is evidence based and has harm reduction as its focus.

The Greens have always been more supportive of discrimination.  Their current policy requires them to “monitor and evaluate the effects of the removal of personal penalties for cannabis use, drug education programmes, drug addiction treatment programmes, and pharmaceutical controls” presumably with a view to lessening harm.

Given the chaotic nature of politics currently and the hunt for headlines that occurs in election years this may be an issue we hear of more this year.  But respect to Penny Hulse for bravely speaking her mind on the issue.

52 comments on “Penny Hulse and the decriminalisation of cannabis ”

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  1. Paul 1
    18 May 2014 at 10:12 am

    Another disgraceful sly interview by Espiner on RNZ
    Penny Hulse a brave woman.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/2595999

  2. Tiger Mountain 2
    18 May 2014 at 10:24 am

    When a person like Penny talks about cannabis the conservatives may hopefully take a little more notice. I don’t partake but I sure hope medical cannabis is around soon as I get older and more likely to possibly need it.

    Decriminalised and regulated would be the approach to try. I did not grow up in Sunday school and can report never having felt uncomfortable or threatened in the company of smokers, the reverse in fact from drinkers and speeders. The worst effect was several rather leisurely rides home down the Auckland motorway late at night.

    “one toke over the line sweet Jesus…”
    –Brewer and Shipley

    “Legalise it, don’t criticise it…”
    –Peter Tosh

  3. phillip ure 3
    18 May 2014 at 11:46 am

    my archives on this topic/subject..

    http://whoar.co.nz/?s=cannabis

    they are both substantial and extensive/comprehensive..

    • Stephanie Rodgers 3.1
      18 May 2014 at 4:58 pm

      Are there specific posts which you think would be relevant to this conversation, or are people just expected to read every single thing you’ve ever said on the subject?

      • phillip ure 3.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 5:08 pm

        what would you like to know..?

        ..there is a little box up in the righthand corner..

        ..where you can further refine yr search..

        ..(i did say the archive is large..the rest of our media just seemed to ignore all of that stuff..

        ..as it rolled on by..

        ..so thought i should take note..

        ..for moments like this..eh..?..)

  4. Colonial Viper 4
    18 May 2014 at 11:49 am

    It is excellent that Hulse is playing a part in a conversation which is moving into mainstream political discussion. From a law enforcement, justice and corrections standpoint there are benefits to decriminalisation of marijuana, and even from the standpoint of taking revenue off organised crime and moving it into the mainstream economy.

    HOWEVER the use of marijuana does have health risks and would need to be well regulated in any event. Long term users of marijuana, especially those who started in adolescence, have a measurably increased risk of mental health problems including depression, schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. Some of this may be linked to genetic vulnerabilities that some people have.

    Having said that, marijuana is far safer than the “legal highs” products and it is a quirk of our society and legal system that somehow the more dangerous ‘legal highs’ are accessible for purchase in main street stores, while marijuana is not.

    • weka 4.1
      18 May 2014 at 11:57 am

      “HOWEVER the use of marijuana does have health risks and would need to be well regulated in any event. Long term users of marijuana, especially those who started in adolescence, have a measurably increased risk of mental health problems including depression, schizophrenia and psychotic episodes. Some of this may be linked to genetic vulnerabilities that some people have.”

      Or people with mental health vulnerabilities have a greater tendancy to self medicate and therefore show up out of proportion in stats on cannabis use and acute psychiatric problems. We don’t know which comes first, the chicken or the egg. Better to use education and harm minimisation with both cannabis and mental health. By all means put an age restriction on legal cannabis, but the tighter the regulation goes beyond that, the more commerce becomes involved and the more likely we are to fuck it up. We would be better off regulating for personal use and keeping commerce out of it altogether.

      • Colonial Viper 4.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 12:06 pm

        On that point, from the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists:

        Three major studies followed large numbers of people over several years, and showed that those people who use cannabis have a higher than average risk of developing schizophrenia. If you start smoking it before the age of 15, you are 4 times more likely to develop a psychotic disorder by the time you are 26. They found no evidence of self-medication. It seemed that, the more cannabis someone used, the more likely they were to develop symptoms.

        Why should teenagers be particularly vulnerable to the use of cannabis? No one knows for certain, but it may be something to do with brain development. The brain is still developing in the teenage years – up to the age of around 20, in fact. A massive process of ‘neural pruning’ is going on. This is rather like streamlining a tangled jumble of circuits so they can work more effectively. Any experience, or substance, that affects this process has the potential to produce long-term psychological effects.

        Recent research in Europe, and in the UK, has suggested that people who have a family background of mental illness – and so probably have a genetic vulnerability anyway – are more likely to develop schizophrenia if they use cannabis as well.

        http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/alcoholanddrugs/cannabisandmentalhealth.aspx

        As for “keeping commerce out of it” yes you can do that but it does make it a whole lot harder to regulate and monitor activities associated with the trade (and marijuana will still be bought and sold on the grey market even if shops aren’t allowed to trade it).

        • phillip ure 4.1.1.1
          18 May 2014 at 12:34 pm

          there is one statistical-fact that blows yr cannabis-causes-schitzophrenia-scare-story bullshit out of the water..

          ..that is that the schitzophrenia numbers as a proportion of population..

          ..are the same now as they were before the wholesale taking up of cannabis..

          ..how does that fact blend with yr ‘theory’..?

          ..cannabis is the safest intoxicant of all..and by a country-mile..

          ..and also has many health/healing-qualities..

          ..just the opposite of this bullshit you and weka constantly push…

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1.1
            18 May 2014 at 12:44 pm

            ..that is that the schitzophrenia numbers as a proportion of population..

            ..are the same now as they were before the wholesale taking up of cannabis..

            Which country is your statistic from? The Royal College of Psychiatrists is quite clear – young people using cannabis presents a signficant mental health risk. You wouldn’t sell a 14 year old a dozen beer why would you want to sell a 14 year old 50g of marijuana?

            • phillip ure 4.1.1.1.1.1
              18 May 2014 at 1:10 pm

              the stats were from america..(and will be in my archives..)..

              and i’m not saying you should..’sell’ weed to 14 yr olds/children..

              ..where the fuck did you drag that up from..?..given what i said..

              ..but now that you mention it..

              ..the realities of life in nz..here/now/2014..is that the 14 yr olds know where the tinny-houses are..

              ..so they currently have 24 hr/7day access to blackmarket weed..no age-restrictions..

              ..whereas legalised/regulated/taxed..would go some way to changing/tightening up that..

              ..how could it not..?

              ..and as for wekas’ half-arsed prescription..(based on some primitive idea that ‘commerce is the devil’..)

              ..is a total mess of an idea..

              ..a worst of both worlds..that will still see organised-crime doing the growing/distribution..

              ..the cops still pissing all that money/time up against a wall..playing cops and robbers..

              ..and that ’14 yr old’ still having 24 hr/7day access from tinnie houses..

              ..as i said..a half-arsed/ill-thought-out idea..

              ..plus..and it’s a big plus..legalised/reglated/taxed would mean liscenced-growers..

              ..and their product would be tested..and not able to be sprayed with whatever vile crap blackmarket growers sometimes use..

              ..(hint:..if the pot gives you a headache..it’s been sprayed with some vile/poisonous muck..)

              ..so of course..wekas’ idea also falls at that hurdle..eh..?

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.2
          18 May 2014 at 3:49 pm

          The brain is still developing in the teenage years – up to the age of around 20, in fact.

          So why are we allowing alcohol to be sold to 18 year olds when alcohol has similar effects on the developing brain?

          • felix 4.1.1.2.1
            18 May 2014 at 5:10 pm

            That may well be evidence of a cultural and legal hypocrisy, and it may well be an argument against alcohol, but in no way is it an argument in favour of cannabis.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.2.1.1
              18 May 2014 at 6:24 pm

              No, it’s in favour of decent regulation – same as applies to alcohol.

        • weka 4.1.1.3
          18 May 2014 at 6:23 pm

          “On that point, from the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists:”

          Thanks CV. That’s an argument for regulating use by people under 20, which I agree with. Beyond that, what regulation did you envisage when you said “HOWEVER the use of marijuana does have health risks and would need to be well regulated in any event.”?

      • Huginn 4.1.2
        18 May 2014 at 4:45 pm

        +1 here, Weka

  5. red blooded 5
    18 May 2014 at 12:48 pm

    It’s also worth noting that the Dunedin longitudinal study has shown that long-term smoking of marijuana has negative impact on IQ, especially when people start smoking early (i.e., teens). People actually lose mental capability. To be honest, that doesn’t surprise me – any substance that alters your brain function significantly is going to have an effect on the living structure and connectivity that creates thought.

    I have very mixed views about legalising dope (what an apt name…). Yes, I know that alcohol and tobacco cause greater harms (at least in part because they are legal and used regularly by a higher proportion of people), but it’s hard to imagine a legalisation regime that wouldn’t increase use and see a greater percentage of younger kiwis going to extremes, as they do with alcohol. All the talk about regulation is fine, but people can grow their own dope; it’s not hard.

    Arguments about medicinal uses can be answered by creating products that utilise the useful ingredients without the elements that get you high.

    I work with teenagers and boy, you can sure tell when one of them starts smoking dope regularly! They lose energy, lose concentration, disconnect and start to drift. I know that my reservations aren’t fashionable, but they are real. The current situation reminds me of the arguments that were proposed in favour of lowering the drinking age some years ago (under Jenny Shipley, if I remember correctly). “People are doing it anyway”; “Prohibition doesn’t work”; “We need to teach our young how to drink more responsibly”; “This is a health issue, not a legal issue”; “Other countries have lower drinking ages”; “The law is old-fashioned”… Back then, I bought it. Since then (and starting then), I have seen binge-drinking rocket amongst the young people I work with and the students in the university city I reside in. I wouldn’t like to see us rushing into another “reform” that our culture isn’t ready for.

    • Tiger Mountain 5.1
      18 May 2014 at 1:06 pm

      Familiar wowser arguments, the young are more vulnerable to a lot of things including suicide, operating motor vehicles, general high risk behaviour and drug use. But that is no reason for not pursuing harm minimisation strategies and legalising cannabis for adults.

      I see Westies chowing down on all manner of greasy takeways (can anyone cook anymore? or just the middle classes perhaps) washed down with energy drinks or 2 litre sugar blast soft drinks and shake my head, but I am not going to lecture them.

      Doctors prescribe a lot of perfectly legal drugs that later on prove to be highly troublesome for some people or dodgy in combination with other drugs–statins, some anti depressants, pain medicines. Cannabis has been around for a lot longer and it is indeed strange that “Kronic” and the alphabet soup of other legal highs were allowable but home grown is not.

      • red blooded 5.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 1:21 pm

        So, what are your “harm minimisation strategies”, then? (And how would they stop people growing it themselves…?) How effective do you think such strategies have been with alcohol?

        You don’t have to be a “wowser” to be concerned about long-term brain damage to young people. And, by the way, I’d rather be a wowser than an addle-brained stoner (or someone who tacitly encourages others in that direction).

        • Colonial Viper 5.1.1.1
          18 May 2014 at 1:52 pm

          (And how would they stop people growing it themselves…?)

          The same way as today – where it’s illegal to grow it yourself. In the US states where it has been legalised often only certified growers and retailers are permitted to supply it.

          Also, decriminalisation is not the same as legalisation anyways.

      • Colonial Viper 5.1.2
        18 May 2014 at 2:00 pm

        Familiar wowser arguments

        Important arguments more like. Unless you want to step up and defend how alcohol use and abuse amongst the under 20 crowd has improved over the last 10 years, or how those in their 20s now who grew up in the decreased drinking age regime are using alcohol more responsibly because of it.

    • phillip ure 5.2
      18 May 2014 at 1:21 pm

      @redblooded..

      “..Yes, I know that alcohol and tobacco cause greater harms (at least in part because they are legal and used regularly by a higher proportion of people)..”

      ..sorry..no..they cause harm because they are poisonous/addictive/life-shortening/ruining muck..

      ..whereas cannabis is the safest intoxicant of all..plus it has proven healing-qualities..

      ..(people on chemotherapy..vomiting their guts out..here/now/nz today..who cannabis it has been proven would help..they would probably disagree with you..eh..?

      ..and yr brain-drain theory is also a load of horseshit..

      (..as a personal example..after smoking shedloads of pot for decades..i went and did academic studies..

      ..had i been boozing to that degree,for that length of time..i wd be drooling about now..)

      ..and the rest of yr thesis is discounted by that fact that 14 yr old currently have no age-restrictions) tinny-houses..

      ..so..if you think for more than a nano-second..

      ..you will see that legalisation/regulation/taxation..helps/answers yr stated-concerns..

      • red blooded 5.2.1
        18 May 2014 at 1:44 pm

        “and yr brain-drain theory is also a load of horseshit..

        (..as a personal example..after smoking shedloads of pot for decades..i went and did academic studies..”

        So what? Anyone who has done academic studies should know that one example doesn’t prove or disprove a theory. There’s solid academic evidence for the negative effects of long-term cannabis use on IQ:
        http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/803197

        (Side note; did anyone in your academic institution ever mention the practical benefits of punctuation to you? It’s a courtesy to your readers to let them follow your flow of thought fluently. Not the point under discussion, but something that would make it easier to actually have a coherent discussion.)

        “they cause harm because they are poisonous/addictive/life-shortening/ruining muck..”

        Hmm… It could be argued that in this way cannabis and tobacco are pretty similar. It’s not the actual tobacco that’s addictive, it’s the additives that are mixed in because this is a legal product, sold by companies keen to maintain their market share and keep people coming back for more (just as there would be if cannabis was legalised). And yes, tobacco causes cancer and I am in no way condoning it (I hate it), but smoking dope also causes cancer (although not to the same degree).

        “..whereas cannabis is the safest intoxicant of all..plus it has proven healing-qualities..”
        And so does alcohol. Big deal. We are talking about the balance of positive to negative, and I am exploring some of the negatives that people 20 years behind in terms of understanding of health effects don’t seem to want to mention.

        “..(people on chemotherapy..vomiting their guts out..here/now/nz today..who cannabis it has been proven would help..they would probably disagree with you..eh..?”
        How about you actually read my comment again? Did you miss this bit? – “Arguments about medicinal uses can be answered by creating products that utilise the useful ingredients without the elements that get you high.” Perhaps you’re not concentrating too well. Gosh, wonder why that might be…?

    • Draco T Bastard 5.3
      18 May 2014 at 3:53 pm

      All the talk about regulation is fine, but people can grow their own dope; it’s not hard.

      Brewing your own alcohol is actually easier -unless you decide to grow your own hops as well.

  6. Stuart Munro 6
    18 May 2014 at 12:48 pm

    Certainly if the argument can be made that the synthetics should be legal – which garnered broad support in the house – then the safer natural product should be legalised immediately.

    But when did an absurdly costly hypocrisy ever trouble our troughers?

    Guess Dunne’s lad has a synth lab not a hydroponics suite.

    • red blooded 6.1
      18 May 2014 at 2:38 pm

      To be fair, the synthetics law was supposed to be based on the idea that only those that could be proven to be safe should be legal. It seems that they were pretty sloppy in just assuming that only those with the most reported (short-term, immediate) side effects were unsafe, so they were allowed to continue. It took more experience of long-term effects to see that many of these were also definitely unsafe.

      This law veered about from pillar to post because it was based on anecdotal “evidence” and not solid research-based evidence. Some people argue for marijuana to be decriminalised or legalised from a similarly sloppy, ill-informed position. If dope had to pass the “safe for use” test in the synthetics law, I doubt it would make it onto the shelves. Maybe that’s the lens through which we should view this issue…

      • phillip ure 6.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 7:57 pm

        “.. If dope had to pass the “safe for use” test in the synthetics law, I doubt it would make it onto the shelves. Maybe that’s the lens through which we should view this issue..”

        and even more easily disproved bullshit..

        ..cannabis has been used for thousands of years..

        ..and there was the head of a&e @ hosp on tv the other nite..

        ..noting they never see cannnabis overdoses/patients..

        ..legal-high ones..yes..pot..no..

        ..who should we believe..?..him..?..or a bullshit artist like you..?

  7. karol 7
    18 May 2014 at 12:54 pm

    So, Hulse is looking like a strong contender for next akl mayor?

    • mickysavage 7.1
      18 May 2014 at 12:55 pm

      She does not want to and the candidate needs $500k minimum to campaign properly. One problem with super city is that it gives those with money that much of an advantage.

      • Tiger Mountain 7.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 1:08 pm

        Too true, I supported Minto for Mayor–free public transport and a living wage whats not to like? But he had close to a zero budget so could not get sufficient traction.

      • phillip ure 7.1.2
        18 May 2014 at 1:26 pm

        are politicians allowed to crowd-source/kickstarter to raise funds..?

        ..if so..and if money is the barrier..only 50,000 individuals out of our teeming-population..who would like to see her as mayor..

        ..they only need to stump up ten bucks each..

        ..and she will be off and running..

        • Draco T Bastard 7.1.2.1
          18 May 2014 at 3:28 pm

          Crowd sourcing is what political donations are.

        • Colonial Viper 7.1.2.2
          18 May 2014 at 7:29 pm

          ..if so..and if money is the barrier..only 50,000 individuals out of our teeming-population..who would like to see her as mayor..

          Which sounds OK, until you realise that only 340,000 Aucklanders voted for Mayor last time around, and you would be lucky if 10% of them donated anything whatsoever to a candidate.

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.3
        18 May 2014 at 2:16 pm

        One problem with super city is that it gives those with money that much of an advantage.

        Yeah the regs need to be changed on this count, big time. It is extraordinarily anti-democratic. Reminds me of Hilary Calvert’s successful campaign down here in Dunedin for DCC councillor. It looked to me like she had outspent her next nearest council (as opposed to Mayoral) rival by at least 2:1.

    • Penny Bright 7.2
      18 May 2014 at 8:19 pm

      If you want more ‘democracy for developers’ and the Auckland region run by the unelected Committee for Auckland.

      Seems many of you are unaware of the backing of Penny Hulse by the Committee for Auckland former Chair – Sir Ron Carter?

      Read it for yourselves – the following ‘Open Letter’ I sent Penny Hulse:

      24 June 2013

      ‘Open Letter’ from Auckland Mayoral candidatePenny Bright to Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse:

      “Are you a genuine community advocate or corporate /property developer MOUTH PIECE?”

      Dear Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse,

      In the 2010 Auckland Council election, you stood as an ‘Independent’, and quoted the following glowing endorsement from Sir Ron Carter, about your ‘commitment and ability to look after business interests’ :

      http://www.elections2010.co.nz/2010/candidates/penny-hulse

      Commercial Activities

      I think the endorsement of my campaign for Auckland Council by Sir Ron Carter speaks volumes about my commitment and ability to look after business interests. Ron says “Our city needs Councillors who will apply their knowledge and experience for the good of all. A great Council team will be built from those who respect and commit to each other.Penny’s wisdom and consensus style will help create a Council for all Aucklanders. We need her on our Council.”

      Who is Sir Ron Carter:

      In 2010 – Sir Ron Carter was the Chair of the Committee for Auckland:

      http://www.unitec.ac.nz/news-events/ftf/unitec-forum-for-the-future-2010.cfm

      Session 1, July 20th – Why? – What’s the case for creating a super city? Why do we need to change regional governance structures to do so?

      Panelists:

      Peter Salmon, Chairman of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance,
      Bob Harvey, Waitakere City Mayor, and
      Sir Ron Carter, Committee for Auckland Chairman.

      Who are the Committee for Auckland:

      http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/

      “Our vision: Auckland as a global city.

      In 2013 we will be an influential voice for all of Auckland, creating cross-sectoral solutions to the city’s issues and

      Focusing on a future beyond the electoral cycle helping New Zealand’s only world-ranked city to achieve its potential for the region and the country

      The Committee for Auckland (CFA) has played a prominent role in galvanising positive change for our city. Our members are all specialists in the city’s issues and fervent advocates for its success. Having contributed significantly to the new shape of Auckland as one city, 2013 is the platform for a re-focused Committee to drive the agenda for Auckland as a world leading destination as well as the welcoming gateway to New Zealand.”

      Membership of the Committee for Auckland:

      http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/membership
      “Membership to the Committee for Auckland is by invitation. Members meet quarterly and are invited to be involved in those aspects of the work programme that interest them.

      Members are Chairs of Boards, Directors and Chief Executives

      Corporate Membership annual fee $10,000. ……”

      The current list of members of the Committee for Auckland:

      http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz/membership/member-organisations

      (It is interesting to note how members of this VERY powerful private lobby group are intertwined with Auckland Council and Auckland Council ‘Council Controlled Organisations’ (CCOs).

      For starters…………….

      Doug McKay Chief Executive Officer Auckland Council

      Brett O’Riley Chief Executive Officer ATEED

      Robert Domm Chief Executive Officer Regional Facilities Auckland

      Mark Ford Chief Executive Officer Watercare

      John Dalzell Chief Executive Officer Waterfront Auckland
      Also, how the Committee for Auckland includes key members of the NZ Property Council and property developers, such as…………)

      Connal Townsend National Director Property Council of NZ

      Evan Davies Chief Executive Officer Todd Property Ltd

      On the face of it, Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, your range of ‘community credentials’ appears impressive:

      http://thedailyblog.co.nz/about-us/about-penny-hulse/

      About Penny Hulse

      Penny-Hulse

      Penny has strong links with her community and cares passionately about the Auckland region.

      Her community involvement includes Patron of Waitakere Special Olympics, Community Waitakere Charitable Trust, Henderson Riding for the Disabled, The Trust Waitakere Brass Band, Northern Football Association, Trustee of Swanson Railway Station Trust, Waitakere Anti Violence Essential Services and former Director of EECA Board.

      Penny’s special areas of interest are Climate Change, Sustainable City Development, Environmental Advocacy, Community Development and Youth. …………”

      However, the reality, in my considered opinion, is that you cannot work simultaneously both for the community (the ‘99%’ ), and corporations/property developers (the ‘1%’).

      It is my intention as a 2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate to continue to ‘blow the whistle’, against the the ‘corrupt corporate coup’ which set up the Auckland ‘Supercity’, and those who are serving the interests of the ‘1%’.

      In my considered opinion, Auckland Council Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, you are NOT a genuine community advocate – you are in fact, a corporate /property developer MOUTH PIECE, working for the ‘1%’.

      No disrespect – but I shall ‘call it as I see it’.
      (I don’t expect you to like it).

      So be it.

      Yours sincerely

      Penny Bright
      ‘Anti-corruption / anti-privatisation’ campaigner

      2013 Auckland Mayoral candidate

      …………………………………..

      (For more evidence linking the Committee for Auckland with Auckland Council :

      http://www.occupyaucklandvsaucklandcouncilappeal.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/OCCUPY-AUCKLAND-APPEAL-APPLICATION-BY-APPELLANT-BRIGHT-TO-ADDUCE-NEW-EVIDENCE-pdf.pdf

  8. Draco T Bastard 8
    18 May 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Recognise that the problem of personal drug use is primarily a health issue and that the criminal justice system, especially prisons, only makes the problem worse. Labour will reform drug policy so it is evidence based and has harm reduction as its focus.

    So why don’t they already have a legalisation of marijuana process as part of their policy?

  9. Psycho Milt 9
    18 May 2014 at 3:59 pm

    “I have two grandchildren. The idea that they would choose to smoke cannabis or any legal highs breaks my heart,” she said.

    Statements like this always puzzle me. Is it the kind of thing said for the purposes of political arse-covering, or are there really people out there who’ve led such sheltered lives?

  10. felix 10
    18 May 2014 at 5:00 pm

    You know how stoners always bang on about how much money the govt could make from “taxing” cannabis?

    Do you think they’re going to get a shock when they realise the tax will be added to the price?

    • Draco T Bastard 10.1
      18 May 2014 at 6:30 pm

      The present price of marijuana is kept high by prohibition by a) artificially decreasing supply and b) having to pay for the high risk of going to jail.

      So, yeah, the tax will be added to the price but the price will drop from a couple of hundred dollars an ounce to something more inline with a pack of cigarettes.

      • felix 10.1.1
        18 May 2014 at 6:43 pm

        Tobacco is around $40 an ounce including tax. The net price is less than $20 an ounce.

        If you think legal weed is going to be anywhere near that price, you’re probably high.

        • Draco T Bastard 10.1.1.1
          18 May 2014 at 7:19 pm

          http://www.priceofweed.com/prices/United-States/Colorado.html

          Denver, Colorado $250 an ounce high quality May 18, 2014
          Denver, Colorado $20 an ounce high quality May 17, 2014
          Arvada, Colorado $400 an ounce high quality May 17, 2014
          Denver, Colorado $60 an ounce high quality May 17, 2014
          Denver, Colorado $60 an ounce high quality May 17, 2014

          Yeah, I think I can safely say that it’ll drop to those sorts of prices.

          Really, what else did you think would kill the black market for marijuana?

          • phillip ure 10.1.1.1.1
            18 May 2014 at 7:45 pm

            the president of uraguay..(a man i am a big fanboy of..)..

            ..has decided to totally take the blackmarket out of the picture..

            ..the gummint will grow it..

            ..and it will be sold @ $2 per gram…

            ..(that’s $56 dollars an ounce..)

          • felix 10.1.1.1.2
            18 May 2014 at 8:06 pm

            1) Not sure which price you mean by “those”, but I guess not the 400 an ounce one.

            2) there’s no indication which prices are for legal weed and which are for illegal weed.

            3) For that info to be relevant we would need to know what the price was in those areas before AND after decriminalisation.

            • Draco T Bastard 10.1.1.1.2.1
              18 May 2014 at 9:30 pm

              They look like spot prices so they’ll jump about a bit and it’s still early in legalisation – there’ll still be a while before prices settle down. Looks to me like the long run average will drop to about $50/ounce.

              There’s no more illegal weed in Colorado so those are legal prices.

              About the same as they were here or very close – around $200 an ounce.

  11. sabine 11
    18 May 2014 at 6:23 pm

    25 Million in marijuana revenue in colorado

    http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/32018/colorado-over-25-million-in-marijuana-revenue-since-legalization/

    400 million euros in the Netherlands anually

    http://www.dutch-passion.nl/en/news-and-development/the-dutch-state-earns-400-millionannually-from-coffeeshop-taxes/

    how to regulate the retail of marijuana as is currently done in the Netherlands

    http://www.government.nl/issues/drugs/toleration-policy-regarding-soft-drugs-and-coffee-shops

    why are coffee shops allowed in thenetherlands

    http://www.government.nl/issues/drugs/why-are-coffee-shops-allowed-to-sell-soft-drugs-in-the-netherlands

    Portugal 12 years after the decriminalisation of all drugs

    http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/evaluating-drug-decriminalization-in-portugal-12-years-later-a-891060.html

    btw. it is legal in germany for a 16 year old to consume wine/beer and rtd., it is not legal to drink hard spirits, but surely it is less good a policy than the regular friday bingedrinking to death circus that goes down in NZ every thusday to saturday.

  12. millsy 12
    18 May 2014 at 8:25 pm

    I’m not really a big fan of dope but we really need to ask ourselves if we want to keep dragging people through the courts for having a few joints in their satchels or having a couple of cones with their mates on a Saturday night…

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  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • $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
    19 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
    21 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
    22 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
    23 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
    23 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
    23 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
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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

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