Polity: Key – “Meh. Maybe I lied to Parliament.”

Written By: - Date published: 11:38 am, May 14th, 2014 - 39 comments
Categories: election 2014, grant robertson, john key, Judith Collins, national, Parliament, public services, same old national - Tags: ,

polity_square_for_lynn

Rob Salmond at Polity points out the extraordinary way that the speaker let John Key get away with lying to parliament

Last week, struggling to defend Judith Collins’ meddling in an official trip to get private gain for Oravida,John Key told Parliament:

The [MFAT] paperwork shows right through this that not only did the Minister have a very busy programme, which the member wants to gloss over, all on judicial and justice issues, but, secondly, all the way through it talks about a private dinner.

I added the underlining. As I showed at the time, this statement is a lie. The MFAT documents he was referring to contradict this account on three separate occasions.

So yesterday Labour’s Grant Robertson called him on it:

Grant Robertson: In light of his statement to the House last Wednesday in reference to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade papers released about Judith Collins’ trip to China that “all the way through it talks about a private dinner.”, how does he explain the email exchanges as late as 16 October where the Minister’s office is asking why the dinner is not included in the official visit programme?

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: It was a generalisation. Maybe I should have said “most of the way through”.

Grant Robertson: Are all of his answers about Judith Collins generalisations or does he actually have to answer the facts—that this was until 16 October an official dinner, not a private dinner, and that, actually, he misled Parliament last week?

Mr SPEAKER: The Prime Minister can answer any of those questions.

Rt Hon JOHN KEY: It is quite wrong. In my opinion it has been a private dinner the whole way through.

This exchange is extraordinary for two reasons:

  1. Misleading parliament is serious. If it happens, MPs are supposed to make a stand-alone statement to the House about what they said, why it was wrong, and what they should have said instead. Key didn’t do that at all. He just inserted a pathetic “meh” concession into an answer to a question;
  2. Even more inexplicable is Key’s answer to the second question. Apparently all those official documents – containing Collins’ demands to put the dinner on her official programme – don’t shake Key’s opinion that the dinner was private all the way along. This is the “see no evil, hear no evil” school of Ministerial management in full effect. I guess Key would rather be a guy who can’t read than be a liar.

39 comments on “Polity: Key – “Meh. Maybe I lied to Parliament.” ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Will@Welly 1
    14 May 2014 at 12:02 pm

    I have said it so many times, “Key is a liar.” Goff said it publicly. Key did not sue him for liable.
    You can’t argue with the truth.

    • David H 1.1
      14 May 2014 at 9:01 pm

      So why don’t Cunliffe and Robertson call points of order and pull him up on it?

      • adam 1.1.1
        14 May 2014 at 9:39 pm

        Have you seen the speaker lately – he’s lost the ability to control key in any way. He barely in control of the house.

  2. Philj 2
    14 May 2014 at 12:12 pm

    xox
    He’s not called ‘Slippery John’ for nothing. Is it common, or standard practice, for the Chinese, or any, government to pay expenses for our Ministers? Does our Government pay for other countries ministerial visits when visiting NZ?

    • freedom 2.1
      14 May 2014 at 12:18 pm

      it’s called being a good host Philj, and is as practical as it is obvious and is why every item of these trips should be publicly declared.

      How else can we identify who paid for what when ‘guests’ are found face down in the gutter with a pocket full of casino chips and a rabid albino meerkat leashed to their ankle?

    • Tracey 2.2
      14 May 2014 at 12:33 pm

      just look at the pecuniary register. its plain to see. cabinet colleagues of the minister for primary industries, sorry justice, have declared trips paid for by the chinese govt and other govts, and ms collins declared contribution from aust govt in 2012.she just decided in the last month or so to NOT declare the chinese govt recent contribution.

      so,key t mislead parliament and then excuses himself because the documents which make him a liar dont square with his version of reality?

      mr key clearly considers the standing orders and cabinet manual an annoying decoration, not even a guide.

  3. captain hook 3
    14 May 2014 at 12:41 pm

    key thinks he is some sort of potentate just because boag and hooton told him he wuz one. complete with a compliant and complacent media he is getting away with being a little jumped up jerk.
    time for his pink slip.
    would you buy a used car from him?

  4. robertguyton 4
    14 May 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Like water wearing away at rock, Key has gradually eroded the standard that says ‘lying is unacceptable”. Little by little, he’s softened the publics acceptance of lies to the point where he can deliver one and have it accepted as ‘the way things are now’. It’s not an accidental development, in my opinion, but a managed strategy to ‘disable’ a mechanism that might otherwise have brought his activities to an end. Gradually, he’s succeeded in lessening the importance we attach to telling the truth. Who’s going to do something about this? If he can “meh” anything at all from this point on, exposing lies will not be effective in countering the method.
    Think, gentlemen and women, think!

    • Tracey 4.1
      14 May 2014 at 1:13 pm

      agree.

      his dismissal of the cabinet manual recently.

      my answer is to vote for a party that behaves a different way, that wont play the “game”, and pointing to all such behaviour as unacceptable, whichever politician does it.

      it starts with individuals cos we accept the behaviour cos we think it serves us.

      bah. i havent voted for a party based on my own financial position ever.

      • robertguyton 4.1.1
        14 May 2014 at 1:25 pm

        Tracey, your answer, with respect, is confined to a single person, that’s you, and while that is admirable and right, doesn’t much affect the process of erosion that’s being employed here. What can you do that’s bigger than voting ethically? The erosion of a standard requires more than just an individuals response come polling day. With respect.

        • Tracey 4.1.1.1
          14 May 2014 at 1:54 pm

          no offence taken on my part.

          i am 47. i marched against nuclear ships coming here, i marched and petitioned for homosexual law reform, i marched again recently on gcsb and tpp.

          i got wayne mapp and jane kelsey to agree to debate each other. subsequent debate got no media coverage.

          i do pamphlet drops.

          i recently terminated a contract because the other party was, imo, lying to clients and ripping them off and by staying i felt i enabled and aquiesced that behaviour.

          as i have aged i realise the importance of macro and micro displays but that even macro displays require individual people to step up.

          self interest rules, call it survival or whatever. minimum wage earners and low income earners spend most time earning, worrying about how to pay the bills and not letting either impact their children. wrking their way through tge political advertising and marketing xampaigns masquerading as discourse would be hard..

          im not sure what, if anything, you are driving atbut i shudder at the idea that to defeat the behaviour you outline you have to employ similar techniques.

          so, my answer is to talk to those within my shere of influence but i do believe everything comes baci dont know what the bigger answer is.k to how each individual chooses to behave and to conduct themselves.

          the josephson institute has a great paper about rationalisation.

          • robertguyton 4.1.1.1.1
            14 May 2014 at 2:07 pm

            Tracey – I admire what you have done and accept that you “don’t know what the bigger answer is”. I certainly don’t advocate “employing similar techniques” to defeat the behaviour, though “similar” allows for ethical and strategic approaches and is not the same as “same”. I wonder, did you read the link supplied above? It’s chilling, amongst other things, but gives immediacy to the issue we are discussing.
            http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/2005/pinter-lecture-e.html
            I’m not asking you to save the world, just wondering aloud if there is someone out there who has a plan to counter the plan being realised by the liars.

            • Tracey 4.1.1.1.1.1
              14 May 2014 at 2:14 pm

              i do get thats what you are asking. my diatribe was more to indicate the things i have tried to do just that.

              i asked unliffe a quextion on his online session yesterday which he was really unable to answer well. it concerned me cos it goes to the heart of the lying and misinformation spread by key. his answer seemed to suggest no prior thought had been given.

              no link was given above. i will read it now though.

            • Tracey 4.1.1.1.1.2
              14 May 2014 at 2:38 pm

              language is actually employed to keep thought at bay…. h pinter

              and he too offers no antidote… except arguably in the last two paragraphs.

              do we always need a leader, someone to galvanise us robert, or is it in fact about individuaks putting up a real or metaphoric hand and saying ” no more”…

              are you asking how to dissemble the lies so those indivuals say ” no more”?

            • greywarbler 4.1.1.1.1.3
              14 May 2014 at 3:47 pm

              Robert Guyton
              Think about what to do and come up with a list of 3 possible ways that don’t involve war and little violence if any thanks.

              I hate these stories that don’t have endings and the author leaves you to work it out for yourself. Particularly when it’s life as we know it they are writing about. So seeing you have brought up this idea, take it further in your pragmatic imagination and give us some ideas to buoy us.

              • greywarbler …
                14 May 2014 at 4:20 pm

                Although – This quote from Ennui in Open Mike which I think fits here and follows RG’s thoughts in a very definite statement that is rather chilling, again.

                Some insight from Cluborlov.com under Moneybag Logic
                A Princeton University study by Gilens and Page performed a regression analysis on over a thousand public policy decisions, and determined that the effect of public opinion on public policy is nil. That’s right, nil. It doesn’t matter how you vote, it doesn’t affect the outcome in any measurable way. By extension, that also goes for protesting, organizing, dousing yourself with gasoline and setting yourself on fire on the steps of the US Senate, or whatever else you may get up to. It won’t influence those in power worth a damn.

                Yet for the sake of our potential transcending the mundaneness of our power and advantage seeking, some people have to attempt to keep the world so as to be able to save it, before they leave saying ‘bye and thanks for all the fish.

              • robertguyton …
                14 May 2014 at 4:30 pm

                grey warbler and (perhaps) Tracey.
                You hate stories that don’t supply solutions?
                Hmmmm…
                How to protect people from the effects of a programme to destabilise their view that lying is wrong?
                Firstly, call it each time, as is happening here at The Standard. That is good. The effect however, is far too localised. ‘People’ aren’t hearing it. Constant ‘calling-out’ of the lies from Government Ministers through every available broadcast is vital. Underpinning that though, is the need for an ‘agency’ (cluster of intelligent people etc) who can look at the process being employed (the blurring of the importance of truthfulness in the public mind) and the most effective way to undo the effects and progress of that process. Those who are applying the method have thought it through and decided how to go about making it real. Who will think it through and go about negating the effects of their programme. I see the need for the advisors to the Opposition leaders to address this issue and arm themselves with whatever’s needed to staunch the effects of it’s application. And fast. Key and his orcs are deploying it daily and is not being immediately and effectively pulled up.
                How hard can it be?

                • robertguyton …
                  14 May 2014 at 4:37 pm

                  The propensity for humans to not be able to see the wood for the trees is a boon to those who seek to befuddle. Finding the core of the issue and repeatedly presenting that frees you from the distraction of arguing each ‘tree’. Where is this happening? Are our papers running Guides to Sifting Truth from Lies?
                  Should be.

                • Richard Christie …
                  14 May 2014 at 6:02 pm

                  ffs somebody do something

  5. greywarbler 5
    14 May 2014 at 12:57 pm

    Open Mike has been swallowed by discussion on the Budget et al,
    I would like to put a comment about something positive happening for NZ people and this might offset the information about the monster with the blue tongue who is so pervasive.

    Something good – a warm little bright flame in the darkness.
    http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon
    10:09 Tommy ‘Kapai’ Wilson wrote the Kapai the Kiwi children’s book series and he is now the Executive Director of Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services in Tauranga – an organisation focusing on the wellness of families and whanau.

  6. North 6
    14 May 2014 at 1:01 pm

    In short, licensed by the thick as backwoodsman in the Speaker’s chair, ShonKey Python treats Parliament with contempt more often than not. Inexplicably most of the
    MSM seem content to accord his utterances on all things a professorial status. Cheap yuppie arselicks they are.

  7. geoff 7
    14 May 2014 at 1:12 pm

    here’s another one for blip’s list….

    “Mr Key says a Labor Government there left the new Coalition Government with heavy debt and ongoing deficits and compares that to the position here.”

    from…

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/budget-2014/244335/power-play-with-brent-edwards

    This from the man who has increased government debt from $10 billion to over $60 billion.

    • BLiP 7.1
      14 May 2014 at 2:24 pm

      ‘

      Thank you. That’s not the first time John Key has told that lie. Its actually become something of a ritual chant for National Ltd™ to decry the economic “mess” left behind by the last Labour government as if they firmly believe that if you say something often enough it becomes the truth. Alas, it does seem to work to some extent in that, with the media’s help, such lies become the perception. Its as if the “shadows on the cave wall” are considered reality rather than its reflection. Plato was right!

      . . . Having condemned his predecessor for many years for paying off debt too quickly, English said: “I want to stress that New Zealand starts from a reasonable position in dealing with the uncertainty of our economic outlook.”

      “In New Zealand we have room to respond. This is the rainy day that Government has been saving up for,” he told reporters at the Treasury briefing on the state of the economy and forecasts . . .

      —> http://www.nzherald.co.nz/audrey-young/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501219&objectid=10548753&pnum=1

      . . . truth is, thanks to National Ltd™ giving its rich mates a tax cut, New Zealand is now $50 billion+ worse off, inequality has grown, more people are unemployed, more children are living in poverty, and critical infrastructure has been weakened. At least Brent Edwards pointed to a part of the truth in that article you linked.

      • BLiP 7.1.1
        14 May 2014 at 2:33 pm

        ‘

        EDIT: D’oh – after actually reading the article properly, I see Key was referring to Australia. Still, apart from my compliment to Brent Edwrds, my comment stands, IMHO.

        • Tracey 7.1.1.1
          14 May 2014 at 2:41 pm

          it stands because he was saying the mess abbott is in was left by labour which compares to what labour did to national here.

          i think its more like 60 billion now, kind of like the deficit abbott finds himself in now… oh wait…

  8. Tom Gould 8
    14 May 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Carter is just an old fashioned privileged Tory who, after a lifetime of inherent arrogance, simply knows no better, sitting there with that silly grin while Gerry turns irrelevant points of order into 5 minute political speeches and Key makes a mockery of the place.

    • yeshe 8.1
      14 May 2014 at 1:55 pm

      exactly this. but to whom can we complain about the partisanship of the Speaker ? does any mechanism exist .. maybe Graham McCready might have a view ?

    • Mary 8.2
      14 May 2014 at 8:28 pm

      What does a Speaker have to do to get shunted out? Problem is he knows he’s only got a few weeks left so not only is he not going to improve but will go all out to help the government look as good as he can before September. Guess he doesn’t care that his legacy will be known as the most biased speaker in NZ political history.

  9. Tracey 9
    14 May 2014 at 2:01 pm

    What are the 10 myths of ethics?

    It’s ethical if it’s legal and permissible. Loopholes, lax enforcement, and/or personal moral judgment do not outweigh what’s right or lawful.
    It’s ethical if it’s part of the job. Separating personal ethics from work ethics can cause decent people to justify actions at work that they would never do at home. Everyone’s first job is to be a good person.
    It’s ethical if it’s for a good cause. People can be vulnerable to rationalizations when advancing a noble aim. This can lead to deception, concealment, conflicts of interest, favoritism, or other departmental violations.
    It’s ethical if no one’s hurt. Ethical values are not factors to be considered in decision-making; they are ground rules.
    It’s ethical if everyone does it. Treating questionable behaviors as ethical norms under the guise of “safety in numbers” is a false rationale.
    It’s ethical if I don’t gain personally. Improper conduct done for others or for institutional purposes is wrong. Personal gain is not the only test of impropriety.
    It’s ethical if I’ve got it coming. Being overworked or underpaid doesn’t justify accepting favors, discounts, or gratuities. Nor is abusing sick time, insurance claims, or personal use of office equipment fair compensation for one’s services or underappreciated efforts.
    It’s ethical if I’m objective. By definition, if you’ve lost your objectivity, you don’t know you’ve lost it. Gratitude, friendship, or anticipation of future favors can subtly affect one’s judgment.
    It’s ethical if I fight fire with fire. Promise-breaking, lying, or other misconduct is unacceptable even if others routinely engage in them.
    It’s ethical if I do it for you. Committing white lies or withholding information in professional relationships (such as performance reviews) disregards the fact that most people would rather know unpleasant information than soothing falsehoods.

  10. hoom 10
    14 May 2014 at 2:19 pm

    So who is laying the complaint to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee?

    • ghostwhowalksnz 10.1
      14 May 2014 at 6:14 pm

      The opposition doesnt have a majority so it wont change anything.
      Plus the Speaker gets to decide if its taken up by the committee.

      Guess how that will turn out ?

  11. ghostwhowalksnz 11
    14 May 2014 at 6:37 pm

    This is hilarious.
    Judith Collins address to Chinese leadership Academy on October 13 2013.

    The topic: Government Corruption !!

    http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/address-china-executive-leadership-academy-pudong-celap-china

    “Fighting corruption is not easy, it is a complex offence that is difficult to detect.
    Three tools are needed to fight corruption: Prevention, detection, and prosecution.
    The New Zealand model provides an excellent example of international best practice in using these tools.”

    Im not making this up . Collins was lecturing the Chinese on how pure and clean we are.

    • RedLogix 11.1
      15 May 2014 at 9:18 am

      The Opposition should have made more of a play of this. The stench of hypocrisy and hubris from this one rivals the pack of dead fish rotting in my rubbish bin right now.

  12. RedLogix 12
    14 May 2014 at 10:41 pm

    Have a quick read of this:

    On the eve of the 2013 federal election Tony Abbott promised no cuts to education, health, or the ABC and SBS, and no changes to pensions. Fairfax Media looks at how those promises fared in the Abbott government’s first budget.

    Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/business/federal-budget/then-and-now-the-abbott-governments-broken-promises-20140514-zrcfr.html#ixzz31gXm0y7l

    Two fascinating things here, one is that this is a FairFax publication taking on Abbott on very, very direct terms.

    Secondly Abbott is being unconditionally branded a liar. Nothing the man every says again can be taken on trust. Nothing.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.1
      14 May 2014 at 11:12 pm

      Now, just imagine what would happen if our media weren’t so busy kissing Key’s arse and actually held this government to the same standard.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    20 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

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

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
    The Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
    The Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti Expressway
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announced
    Two New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Attendance action plan to lift student attendance rates
    The Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today.   New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – Peters
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.    “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th session
    Mr President,   The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe.   New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately.   At the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government woolshed roadshow kicks off
    Today the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister launches Government Targets
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglement
    Natural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government responds to unsustainable net migration
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand on stage at global Space Symposium
    Space Minister Judith Collins will speak at the Space Symposium in the United States next week, promoting New Zealand’s rapidly growing place in the sector as we work to rebuild the economy. “As one of the largest global space events, attended by more than 10,000 business and government representatives from ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-16T20:00:12+00:00