Power Up!

Written By: - Date published: 10:51 pm, January 19th, 2017 - 41 comments
Categories: climate change, global warming, International, political alternatives, science - Tags: , ,

Back in 2008, Andrew Simms and Dr Viki Johnston worked out that we had about 100 months before it was no longer ‘likely’ that global average surface temperature increases could be held below 2 degrees centigrade. That was 100 months ago.

Over that time, Andrew Simms has been writing a ‘Climate Change Diary’ for the Guardian, designed, as he says, to raise questions and monitor progress.

Yesterday, he wrote a piece reporting on the views of a number leading climate scientists and analysts he’d approached. Suffice to say, their feedback reflected a broad and bloody depressing monkey shit consensus on this mess we’re in. That aside, his piece, which really is worth taking the time to read, ended with a straight forward observation and a simple enough question.

With the amount of carbon burned by humans, we have now created a climate not experienced on Earth since the Pliocene era, 2m-5m years ago. We are daily rolling the climate dice with the odds stacked against us. But we are also clever, quick and innovative when we want to be. Now that we understand the game better, the question we face is whether we will choose to change it, fast and enough, so that we can all have better lives.

About that choice –  a “tangerine nazi rapeclown” (and climate change denier to boot) is about to become the most powerful politician in the world and  The Guardian, to mark the occasion “will spend the next 24 hours focusing on climate change happening right now, and what we can all do to help protect the planet.” Which seems appropriate.

Maybe it’ll be worth checking in from time to time.

And don’t get depressed. Get angry and demand change; make change happen.  Or alternatively, choose to turn away and put off ’til tomorrow that which should never have been put off ’til today. Physics doesn’t care either way.

41 comments on “Power Up! ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. weka 1
    19 January 2017 at 11:36 pm

    Nice move by the Guardian.

    A comment was made in OM today that now that Tr*mp is president the world will forget about CC. Like fuck. He doesn’t own the place, so let’s not hand the deniers any more power than we have to. And yep, get angry and make change.

    • Bill 1.1
      20 January 2017 at 12:17 pm

      Just had a quick squiz at the Guardian. Looks like their doing reams of OMG! (“ominous signs for climate in Trump administration”), rather than “what we can all do”…and that wording has now been removed from the top of the page.

      I’d say they’ve well and truly dropped the fucking ball.

      • Pat 1.1.1
        20 January 2017 at 12:23 pm

        perhaps the thinking is the softly softly approach aint working and its time for shock tactics?

        • Gosman 1.1.1.1
          20 January 2017 at 12:42 pm

          Yeah because that has worked a treat in the past hasn’t it /sarc

          I have toi agree with Bill here. Much better to have ‘What we can do articles than the ‘Oh woe is us’ pieces.

          • Pat 1.1.1.1.1
            20 January 2017 at 12:46 pm

            perhaps..except there are a raft of eminent climate scientists/campaigners that appear to have lent their gravitas to the campaign….have they dropped the ball as well?

            • Gosman 1.1.1.1.1.1
              20 January 2017 at 12:58 pm

              I’d suggest they might be great on science but they aren’t very politically savvy. Banging on about the negatives will likely turn people off rather than lead to calls for change.

              • Pat …
                20 January 2017 at 1:02 pm

                does political savvy include doing the same thing expecting a different result?….believe Einstein had something to say about that

              • corokia …
                20 January 2017 at 1:50 pm

                “Banging on about the negatives”- care to enlighten us on the positives of fucking the climate

                • Gosman …
                  20 January 2017 at 2:04 pm

                  How is banging on about how the environment is getting screwed helping your cause?

                  • weka …
                    20 January 2017 at 2:29 pm

                    In the case of the Guardian, they’re not a charity, so if writing about CC is losing them readers I suspect they wouldn’t do it

                    Note to everyone else in this conversation, Gosman thinks that Climate Change is our cause not his. Beware the windup.

                • weka …
                  20 January 2017 at 2:31 pm

                  I think it’s more case of what Bill was referring to – the Guardian doing too much focus on Tr*mp and how bad that is, rather than reporting on what is being done and can be done. I think that running page is changing a lot though, I didn’t see a lot of negative stuff on it when I looked.

                  • Bill …
                    20 January 2017 at 3:17 pm

                    Maybe – just maybe the problem with the likes of the Guardian, is that many of those higher up within the organisation – the editors and subs – are pushing up at being within that 10% of people who need to make the most substantial change to their lifestyles if we’re going to make a serious move on 2 degrees.

                    So when they have their little meetings (as I believe The Guardian does) to decide what angle will be pursued on any given topic, their own prejudice, blindness or personal denial dictates that they will tend towards ‘the lightbulb and showerhead’ end of the spectrum with regards what can or can’t be done.

                    Outside of opinion pieces (say by Monbiot), I don’t think I’ve read anything in The Guardian indicating, that editorially, they’ve even come close to grasping the scale of change that’s necessary.

                    Indicatively, there have been reports enough, that just throw bio-energy carbon capture and storage into the mix as though its ‘arrival’ is nothing more than waiting for the next Apple OS upgrade.

                    Or then there’s the likes of the celebratory reporting that accompanied Paris for a day or two before reporting on it just completely disappeared – as though things had somehow been taken care of.

                    The Guardian, like much else and many others, seems locked in cultures and ways of thought; to award credence to institutional, cultural and economic norms, that preclude even contemplating the types of action that are required to be undertaken in order to avoid 2 degrees.

                    Constantly, the refrain seems to be ‘maybe this’ or ‘maybe that’ where the ‘this’ and the ‘that’ are beyond our control (climate sensitivity for example) or based entirely on wishful or magical thinking.

                    • Pat …
                      20 January 2017 at 4:41 pm

                      “Just had a quick squiz at the Guardian. Looks like their doing reams of OMG! (“ominous signs for climate in Trump administration”), rather than “what we can all do”…and that wording has now been removed from the top of the page.

                      I’d say they’ve well and truly dropped the fucking ball.”

                      and/or

                      ‘The Guardian, like much else and many others, seems locked in cultures and ways of thought; to award credence to institutional, cultural and economic norms, that preclude even contemplating the types of action that are required to be undertaken in order to avoid 2 degrees.

                      Constantly, the refrain seems to be ‘maybe this’ or ‘maybe that’ where the ‘this’ and the ‘that’ are beyond our control (climate sensitivity for example) or based entirely on wishful or magical thinking.”

                      I think I can see the problem here….

      • weka 1.1.2
        20 January 2017 at 12:51 pm

        Their entry page via Environment looks ok at the headline level (haven’t looked at the articles). One US article about resistance to Tr*mp’s denialism by working at the state level, 15 things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, sea level rises of 6 – 9 metres in a new report, Scotland’s new targets, and a quiz on do you understand global warming?

        https://www.theguardian.com/uk/environment

        Your link doesn’t look too bad right now either, it’s focussing on Asia/Pacific, and there are a few OMG Tr*mp articles, but lots of other good stuff too, even a bit about the South Dunedin sea wall 🙂

        https://www.theguardian.com/environment/live/2017/jan/19/global-warning-live-from-the-climate-change-frontline-as-trump-becomes-president

  2. red-blooded 2
    20 January 2017 at 8:28 am

    Yes – it’s certainly going to be even harder with this appalling arsehole in the White House, but we can’t pull back from trying to address climate change. Here in NZ, that means not letting our government use their usual “not until everyone else goes first” argument. I can’t see English changing that line – so TBH, that means changing the government.

    BTW, perhaps The Guardian deserves a bit less scorn than many people on this site tend to dump on it when using “Guardian reading” as an insult..?

    • Adrian Thornton 2.1
      20 January 2017 at 1:02 pm

      Sorry to comment negatively to you again red blooded, however I just can’t let this statement go unchallenged “The Guardian deserves a bit less scorn than many people on this site tend to dump on it”
      The Guardian deserves every bit of scorn heaped on it,and more.
      The Guardian has exposed itself to be the proverbial Trojan horse of the left.
      If their editorial stance in the UK and the US are to be taken at face value, one could only come to this conclusion…that they would rather have a right centre party in power, than anything resembling a progressive Left project.
      They have done more damage to the Left over the past twelve months than any right leaning media organization has done in the past decade, that they are the sworn enemy of the progressive socialist Left, is undebatable.

      • Gosman 2.1.1
        20 January 2017 at 3:12 pm

        I do love it when people on the left go to war against so called splitters and backsliders.

        [you were warned not to do the snide, trolly comments. 2 month ban – weka]

  3. Gosman 3
    20 January 2017 at 8:49 am

    Richard Heinberg has been advocating an approach where middle class people bring on the collapse on purpose to enable the move to the post carbon world by combining together and reducing their consumption (which he thinks will be the catalyst for the current system to fall over). Why don’t a bunch of you lot go ahead and do that? I’d be fascinated to see the outcome.

    • Bill 3.1
      20 January 2017 at 9:07 am

      Who is this “you lot” that your sneering’s aimed at Gosman? Seeing as how I wrote the post, I guess I’m included.

      But I’m not middle class Gosman. Are you?

      Do you maybe fall into the 40% of people who spew 40% of our emissions?
      Or maybe you’re in the 10% who spew 50% of our emissions?

      As for ‘combining together’ and ‘reducing consumption’ – been there, seen that, done it. It works.

      What about you Gosman? Ever done anything besides letting that floppy cock in your head flap against the insides of your otherwise empty skull?

      • Gosman 3.1.1
        20 January 2017 at 9:13 am

        One thing that Richard Heinberg does is at least propose practical steps to take to his vision of a low carbon future. Instead of spending precious time and (carbon based) resources discussing it on here I thought it would be in your interest to actually start following some of his proposal. His idea around bringing on the collapse is for a mere 10% of the middle class to reduce consumption and direct their assets towards the new powered down future. Surely you can convince 10% of the middle class to do that.

        • Bill 3.1.1.1
          20 January 2017 at 9:38 am

          If the 10% were the top 10% of emitters, then we’d see a huge and almost instant drop in emissions…a reduction of about 30% if their life styles were brought in line with the average European.

          So Heinberg seems to have the numbers right, though his focus might be a bit soft. But seeing as how the studies that produced the numbers I’m referring to were only undertaken a couple of years back, Heinberg can be forgiven on that front.

          One last thing. Any more sneering or bullshit from you Gosman and I’m going to throw dice to determine the length of your ban.

          • Gosman 3.1.1.1.1
            20 January 2017 at 9:48 am

            That wasn’t his point. I’m surprised you aren’t aware of his suggestion since it was you who referenced him here.

            I’m actually quite interested in seeing alternatives in action. No sneering on my part.

            [Goodbye Gosman. You’re lying. You referenced … damn that was a close one! Had I not had to open a new window to double-check on the spelling of Heinberg’s name…So you’re not banned, but I’d suggest you tread very lightly from here on in, because I’ve got 5/8ths of sfa tolerance for b/s today] – Bill

            • Gosman 3.1.1.1.1.1
              20 January 2017 at 10:06 am

              My apologies, It was Weka who initially referenced Richard Heinberg in the last post. I think you should check some of his stuff out though as it makes interesting reading.

              [in the Powerdown post comments I linked to David Holmgren’s work on the strategy of the middle classes collapsing the global economy as a way of mitigating the worst of CC (he’s talking about them removing their investments rather than reducing consumption). I don’t know if Heinberg supports that or if he’s talking about something else. Gosman in the same comment thread said he thinks there is no crisis and that humans will muddle through, so it’s hard to know what to make of his comments here.

              Given the confusion he’s just caused and the amount of trolling he does, I suggest that we have a rule for Gosman, that *any time he refers to something like this he either puts up a direct link or he gets a ban. So Gosman, you now need to provide an exact link (or links) *and quotes, to what you are referring to and those links and quotes need to help other people understand what you are saying – weka]

              • Paul …
                20 January 2017 at 10:23 am

                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGqJKVeS7Tg

                [Paul please stop dropping videos into conversations without providing some context or explanation of what you are wanting to say. You can leave general vids at the bottom of a thread, but it’s still better if you give a synopsis – weka]

              • Gosman …
                20 January 2017 at 10:48 am

                My fault again. It was David Holmgren’s idea that Richard Heinberg was referencing. I got lost chasing links from Heinbergs website. Still the idea is a fascinating one regardless of whose it is (I think Heinberg supports the concept in priciple).

                https://holmgren.com.au/crash-demand/?v=3a1ed7090bfa

                • weka …
                  20 January 2017 at 10:54 am

                  You need to quote as well Gosman, because as far as I can see you have misrepresented Holmgren’s proposal.

                  • Gosman …
                    20 January 2017 at 11:16 am

                    How have I misrepresented his proposal? As for quoting, it is slightly difficult as it was specified in a PDF I downloaded to my phone

                    Edit: I have gone to the PDF from the link I posed and here is the relevant quote

                    “…I believe radical change in the behaviour of a relatively small proportion of the global middle class could precipitate such a crash. For example a 50% reduction of consumption and 50% conversion of assets into building household and local community resilience by say 10% of the population in affluent countries would show up as 5% reduction in demand in a system built on perpetual growth…”

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2017 at 12:42 pm

                      Thanks Gosman, that’s all you have to do to clear things up. My understanding from his original proposal was that the middle classes pulling their investments out of the global economy was a critical part of it, not just reducing consumption which is how you were presenting it. So what ensued was a wild Gosman chase, which could instead have been an actual conversation about the actual thing.

                      I suggest you take more care in future (in any post), including providing links and explanations as you go. Moderator time is short, and patience is getting thin too.

                    • Gosman …
                      20 January 2017 at 12:54 pm

                      It is a two pronged approach from what I gather as you suggest. However the practicalities of what he proposes is not entirely clear. The middle class can divest from all investments but unless they burn or hide cash they will have to spend it.

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2017 at 1:04 pm

                      It’s been a long time since I read it, but from what I remember he was suggesting putting cash into land and resiliency tools and assets. I gave an example in the Powerdown conversation about well off people paying someone to garden for them and produce all their own food. A food forest, or well developed piece of land in sustainability and resiliency terms is both an asset in a CC world and security for when older. It’s about shifting away from ‘asset’ and ‘investment’ being money, and looking at what we really want (security mostly).

                    • Gosman …
                      20 January 2017 at 1:13 pm

                      Ultimately it is suggesting people move away from living in an urban environment and go back to rural lifestyles. Funnily enough I would love to do that too just not in the way envisioned here. Unfortunately the capital to do this is beyond the reach of most people. It would become even worse if the capital value of urban property crashed so I’m still not sure how this move will work in practice. I go back to my original question though. Why don’t people here who agree with the concept of a ‘Powerdown’ actually do something about it?

                    • weka …
                      20 January 2017 at 1:21 pm

                      I personally am doing something, and I see others on TS doing things too. I think you haven’t been paying attention.

                      Holmgren isn’t advocating back to the land, so you are mistaken if you think that is the natural extension of his idea. In fact he did a whole project on how to retro-fit the suburbs in Australia and NZ.

                      People can buy land together if they want rural.

                    • Gosman …
                      20 January 2017 at 1:34 pm

                      That’s great. What is it exactly that you are doing then?

        • Red Hand 3.1.1.2
          20 January 2017 at 10:19 am

          Do it by example and improve your physical and mental well being. Some people will notice and be tempted to try it too. Join the trend Gos, you don’t have to be too open about if you’re shy or a bit scared. You can make a difference.

  4. Siobhan 4
    20 January 2017 at 1:32 pm

    For those, like me, interested in the picture.

    “Follow the leaders,” Berlin, Germany, April 2011. Credit: Isaac Cordal

    “Politicians discussing global warming” — that’s what social media users have dubbed this tiny puddle sculpture by Spanish street artist Isaac Cordal.

    As it turns out, Cordal’s sculpture is actually called “electoral campaign” and it’s part of a larger street art installation called “Follow the leaders.” The tiny cement figures, arranged in bleak scenes of urban disintegration, represent the faceless businessmen who run our capitalist global order.

    “These pieces reflect our own decline,” says Cordal. “We live immersed in the collapse of a system that needs change.”

    https://www.pri.org/stories/2014-03-26/what-politicians-debating-global-warming-will-look-soon

    • Bill 5.2
      20 January 2017 at 10:34 pm

      I noticed the Guardian clock before but couldn’t figure why the supposed budget sits at 2 900 Gt (it seemed far too high…the IPCC synthesis report gave budgets for 2 degrees that were around the 1000 Gt + range ). I noticed that your second link runs on a budget of 940Gt (which seems about right) given that we pump about 30 Gt into the atmosphere every year and 2014 was 2 years ago..

      Regardless, both countdowns are about the same time wise (about 20 years), but assume no increase in the global rate of emissions…

      So definitely less than 20 years (and I’m still confused over that Guardian budget)

      • Pat 5.2.1
        20 January 2017 at 11:07 pm

        the budget remaining in the Guardian clock is around 800 Gt….this statement from the article would appear incorrect….the word “remaining” should not be there

        “The total carbon budget remaining figure used is 2900 GtCO2-e (within a range of 2550 to 3150 depending on various factors). This is one estimate of the amount emissions need to stay under to limit total human-induced warming to less than 2C relative to the period 1861–1880 with a probability of >66%.”

        The 2900 Gt figure is total budget since 1870 as noted in the quoted IPCC report…
        “SPM
        Multi-model results show that limiting total human-induced warming to less than 2°C relative to the period 1861–1880 with a probability of >66%7 would require cumulative CO2 emissions from all anthropogenic sources since 1870 to remain below about 2900 GtCO2 (with a range of 2550 to 3150 GtCO2 depending on non-CO2 drivers). About 1900 GtCO28 had already been emitted by 2011. For additional context see Table 2.2. {2.2.5}”

        https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full_wcover.pdf

        page 10

        probably used bot editing

        the lower estimate for 1.5C in the second clock is sobering

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T01:46:00+00:00