Police illegally arrest and detain union officials

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, February 14th, 2016 - 47 comments
Categories: boycott, business, police, Unions, workers' rights - Tags:

Its bad enough that workers’ rights and conditions are being crushed by National Ltd™ but now Police have joined in.  Again.

mike bush crushing unions

Two FIRST Union officials were illegally arrested and detained on trumped up trespass charges after they attempted to exercise their legal right of entry into the Nelson New World and Richmond Pak’N’Save. The arrests came despite NZ Police’s own advice to its officers that it has no role in blocking workers from accessing their union representatives.

Combined Trade Union Secretary, Sam Huggard, said yesterday that the “NZ Police’s staff magazine (February 4, 2005) issued advice to officers reminding them that ‘an employer may not rely on the Trespass Act 1980 to eject the union representative’ yet this is precisely what has happened.”

Police have confirmed the arrests but have nothing further to say. The actions speak loud enough.

While the Police action has sent a message from the state, FIRST Union plans to continue protests outside bothfirst union logo Nelson New World and Richmond Pak’N’Save today as part of a wider issue in relation to the supermarkets’ on-going refusal to engage positively in negotiations. FIRST Union official Rachel Boyack said the protest was to draw attention to the fact that collective negotiations at both supermarkets had stalled as Foodstuffs had refused to bargain over pay rates – which she saw as a fundamental part to any collective agreement.

“They seem to think they are somehow exempt from the standards of behaviour and the employment law that applies to all other employers,” she said.

If you’re in the area, join in the protests or do your shopping elsewhere until such time as the supermarket owners – Andrew Howard and Greg Guy – see the error of their ways.

47 comments on “Police illegally arrest and detain union officials ”

  1. One Anonymous Bloke 1

    First Union probably can’t afford to sue the Police for wrongful arrest.

    They probably won’t need as much as it takes to buy a beach but…

  2. Penny Bright 2

    Why doesn’t the First Union organise a meeting with the Tasman District Commander of Police to discuss the LAW regarding the right of access of Union officials?

    Penny Bright
    2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

  3. Well, the cops have always been clear about their place in the class divide. Despite being well remunerated and enjoying excellent working conditions precisely because they are unionised, they will happily put the boot into anyone else trying to do the same.

    However, I suspect the treaspass norice is unenforceable, because, as the posts notes, the officials were going about their lawful business.

  4. AmaKiwi 4

    The arrest goes into the central police computer which is then accessed by Five Eyes and used for travel clearance.

    When those falsely arrested try to travel (particularly in the USA), they are flagged as a security risks. They can NEVER find out why they were flagged. They can NEVER clear their names.

    Thanks to Homeland Insecurity even a completely false arrest carries punishment.

    Thank you, America for doing such a thorough job of “protecting freedom.”

    • why bother going to the usa in the first place – international travel is another extravagance shortly to be curtailed by biosphere limits unless you like a slow boat to…

      this abuse of these union reps is bad enough without bringing in the usa ramifications into it imo

  5. BM 5

    Did the Union get permission first or did they just walk on in?

    • They were granted permission when the Employment Relations Act came into force all those years ago.

      • BM 5.1.1

        I know nothing about unions so I googled and found this

        http://employment.govt.nz/infozone/businessessentials/employ/unions/

        According to the link, the employer must:

        Allow a union to access your workplace if union members, or perspective union members, work there. However, union representatives must seek your permission beforehand, which you cannot unreasonably withhold. They also must notify you of the reason for entry, act reasonably, enter at reasonable times, and comply with any procedures. If you decide not to grant access you must put your reason in writing no later than one day after your decision.

        Both you and the union must act in good faith to agree on a time for union meetings that suits both of you. The union must give you at least 14 days’ notice of the date and time of any union meeting. They must supply you with a list of members who attended a union meeting as well as advising you of the length of the meeting

        To me that means you can’t just bowl on up unannounced and have a union meeting, everyone has to find a time that’s acceptable to all parties.

        Why did the union think they could just walk on in and cause major disruption to this business and the people who were shopping there.?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.1

          Why did the union think they could just walk on in and cause major disruption to this business and the people who were shopping there?

          Nope, you don’t know that. We do know they gave notice of the industrial action. Your malicious framing is to be expected, just don’t forget it says something about you, and nothing else.

          • BM 5.1.1.1.1

            Did they expect all the checkout operators and other staff were just going to stop work and have a meeting, that the shop owners would have no problem with this?

            According to that link I read, the union must give at least 14 days notice and provide a list of employees who will be present at the meeting.

            Did first union do that?

            • One Anonymous Bloke 5.1.1.1.1.1

              The point I’m making is that you don’t know, and then you started off on a groundless rant against them anyway. So while the law talks about “good faith” you’re busy providing a perfect example of what that isn’t.

              Hostility based on weak assumptions makes BM a dull boy. And a liability to any business endeavour.

              • McFlock

                yep.

                Although BM has provided a nice example of the thought patterns of incompetent employers.

          • greywarshark 5.1.1.1.2

            I looked at the clauses that BM has put in italics and put them in a list with queries that arise about them. If these are from guidelines drawn from the clauses of the Employment Relations Act I think they do not adequately explain the Act’s intentions, or the Act itself is poorly drafted.

            This is the process that union must follow before being allowed access:
            The union must:
            1 Seek permission beforehand (warning cannot unreasonably withhold. (Me – Invitation to find some apparent reasonable denial.)
            2 Notify you of the reason for entry,
            3 Act reasonably,
            4 Enter at reasonable times, and
            5 Comply with any procedures
            6 Union to give 14 days notice of date and time of meeting.
            7 Also state the length of meeting
            8 And then a strangely worded sentence –
            They must supply you with a list of members who attended a union meeting
            (Why the word ‘attended’? The request is for a future meeting. So what meeting in the past does it refer to? The imprecision could allow delays and even trawling through attendance at any union meeting.)

            The employer must –
            If you decide not to grant access –
            you must put your reason in writing – no later than one day after your decision.

            Me: query – There is no set number of days stated for making that decision?
            Instead there is feelgood reference to good faith on both sides.
            Both you and the union must act in good faith to agree on a time for union meetings that suits both of you.

            The union must give 14 days notice and then wait for a decision for how long?
            And then argy bargy for times and individuals able to be released at those times.

            It is reasonable for the employer to have to consider future planning, cover times away with other staff, or jobs left till later, but it has been made a more cumbersome and potentially contentious matter by the poor legal drafting, which I think can only be on purpose. No clear thinking professional desiring clarity and honesty of outcome would draft such porridge.
            edited

            • Tracey 5.1.1.1.2.1

              It’s ambivalent to favour the kind of action that was just taken. This government and indeed many successive governments have been deliberately watering down worker rights. Ambiguity will always favour the monied and powerful.

        • greywarshark 5.1.1.2

          Allow a union to access your workplace if union members, or perspective union members, in BM at 9.26 am.

          This was in italics in the comment, and presumably has been copied from an information document. How come ‘perspective’ instead of ‘prospective’, which seems the correct word for the context. How can the proof reading of work put on employment.govt.nz let that pass? Lax.

        • NZSage 5.1.1.3

          “Why did the union think they could just walk on in and cause major disruption to this business and the people who were shopping there.?”

          Even if you we’re right (which you’re not) is this a criminal matter to be dealt with by the police?

          I don’t see too many police officers rocking up and arresting employers when they transgress workplace legislation.

      • Yes, thanks, both of you. I should have been more precise. The National government has weakened access provisions, but the principle remains that unions have ‘reasonable’ access.

        • Skinny 5.1.2.1

          This sounds suspect. I would say it is an area issue, I suspect some wink wink nudge nudge stuff is going on by the local anti Unions mob. Remember this is Peter Talley country where workers are treated like crap. The Nelson Bay region is one of the lowest income paying regions in New Zealand, just how the likes of Talley’s like it to remain.

          I have organised 2 pickets out front of 2 Pak n’ Save supermarkets, at the second one which was at Royal Oak in Auckland the cops contacted the supermarket manager and told him of the Talley’s boycott buying their products picket. The cops said they see no reason to come hassle us when we were going about our lawful right to protest.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 5.2

      …and in either event, was issuing trespass notices a smart move on the part of the employers? Looks like useless legal advice to me: the Stuff story even has one of them talking about his “employment law specialists” 😆

      Anyway, it’s good of you to share your wish list.

      TRP: Technically they do need permission, although it can’t be unreasonably withheld, even by employment law specialists 😀

  6. John 6

    That’s nothing. The Christchurch police tried to arrest a ex cop who had just arrested Superintendent Gay Knowles on charges of perverting the course of justice in relation to his cover up of police forging documents for an employment matter and then lying for 5 years that they existed, only then to tell the Ombudsman THEY DIDN’T EXIST AND NEVER HAD.

    The ex cop used part of the Crimes Act that allows anyone to arrest a person who they know has committed any offence under the Crimes Act

    He was assaulted and forced to leave the building and then Commissioner Bush has let Knowles leave NZ.

  7. vto 7

    We are under heavy surveillance whereby everything is recorded.

    And we have a police force that does the government’s bidding.

    But yeah nah….. this is new zealand and that stuff doesn’t happen here …… nah yeah

    tra la la land

    • greywarshark 7.1

      We are a banana republic in a bad state! We haven’t even got bananas, all we have is pollies that go bananas quite often. Yes, we have no bananas, to go with our breakfast milk. And they are our favourite food.

      (For pedants – yes bananas can grow in Northland, and with heating from climate change may even make it as far south as Beehive land.)

      • vto 7.1.1

        there are plenty bananas growing on the south island west coast true – they just don’t ripen…

        the west coast has all sorts of good secrets that people don’t know about

  8. tc 8

    Nationals police enforcing the blighted future as always.

    • Skinny 8.1

      People in high places locally having an influence. Don’t be surprised Peter Talley is pulling favours!

  9. ropata 9

    FFS human rights under attack yet again, where is the NZ Herald crusade on this topic?

    They went mental about “nanny state” issues like lightbulbs & shower nozzles, but not a peep about *actual* police state shit like this and 5 eyes

    • Colonial Viper 9.1

      The NZ Herald backed the bosses during the Waterfront Strike so pretty much they’re doing what they normally do.

  10. whateva next? 10

    The return of McCarthyism? inevitable when control of the masses is need, and curiously resonant with this speech 1958:

    “….It may be that the present system, with no modifications and no experiments, can survive….We are currently wealthy, fat, comfortable and complacent. We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.”

    Oct 15th 1958 Edward R Murrow

  11. Ralf Crown 11

    Police in New Zealand has simply become the tool for the present government and its leaders to implement their instructions. They are instructed to raid the homes and families of dissidents on those with unsuitable attitude and opinions not suitable for the governments purpose. This is the hallmark of a dictatorship, a police force implementing political decisions and protecting the leadership from criticism.

    • ropata 11.1

      Perhaps it’s time for the Police to stop swearing allegiance to the Crown and instead vow to serve the people of Aotearoa?

  12. Unfortunately the police seem to attract followers of the political right. History proves this, Have a look at 1951 lock out ,and in the UK just remembered who’s side the police took in the East End London when Mosley and his thugs were marching and beating up workers on strike

  13. …the “NZ Police’s staff magazine (February 4, 2005) issued advice to officers reminding them that ‘an employer may not rely on the Trespass Act 1980 to eject the union representative’ yet this is precisely what has happened.”

    The Police work for the government, not for taxpayers. The relevant question here is whether the current government favours workers or employers – that isn’t a question that takes a lot of figuring out.

    • ropata 13.1

      Why the fuck do we even have a Police minister and why is the Police commissioner answerable to a sociopath like Crusher Collins.

      Police should be an agency of the Courts not politically manipulated bully boys.

  14. linds675 14

    my job has been threatened on many occasions but i have managed to get though because my friends non – union said he has been doing the job for 5 years its his job that he does well at who are you to offer me his job? because i am a union worker they want us gone first up they offer non union (iea) worker $1000 dollars a year if they work to 98% of the year with no time off they say this is to make sure there is productivity within the work force but this is not available to union workers at all so its a bribe to them for been non union then theirs the $35 a week iea payment then the we will give you more work hours than the union workers garenteed that you will not hear about from any body else for some reason? so whos telling porkes with the employment relations act ????

  15. Atiawa 15

    Relying upon the law will not solve issues of workplace access, good faith, fairness or even compliance. Workers need to act collectively and use that collective industrial power if they want to improve their terms and conditions of employment. Their unions have become largely bargaining agents which in itself becomes problematic unless there are agreements covering all workers in an industry and there is high union density.

  16. upnorth 16

    I am really sorry but govt does not send out arreat warrants. I am sick and tired of this nonsense….anyway from my experience some union officals should get arrested….scant disregard for parking spaces…well lampooned on other media sites.

    • Lara 16.1

      The post did not state that Government sends out arrest warrants.

      Where on earth did you get that idea?

      It was the owners of the business who called the police, who then arrived and arrested union officials.

      And you’re not sorry. So why say you are?

      You do understand that the law allows unions to access workers in the workplace, right?

  17. 10 Easy steps to fascism

    3. Develop a thug caste tick
    4. Set up an internal surveillance system tick
    6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release tick

    Well on our way I would say!

  18. Nik 18

    I cannot understand why the Union do not have a nation wide strike
    because this totally affects us all.

    Get off your arses you are all representing Union Members Nationally
    not just locally!!!

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

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

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