Reasons to vote against CERA

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, April 14th, 2011 - 77 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, Gerry Brownlee, same old national - Tags:

1) the powers given to Gerry Brownlee are excessive and unchecked. Dean Knight wrote the, so far, definitive critique of the CERA law in an amazingly short period of time after the Bill was finally released to the public on Tuesday. It is damning reading: the purposes clause is so wide and vague that it is effectively unlimited, the powers that can be exercised for those vaguely defined purposes are too extensive, there’s no effective ability for people to contest Brownlee’s decisions in court because the law so limits the jurisdiction of the courts that all they can do is check that those excessive powers have been exercised in pursuit of those vague, broad purposes.

Even if Brownlee doesn’t abuse his powers (and that is an ‘if’ that citizens of a democracy should never have to rely on) CERA won’t do what is needed.

Now, Lianne Dalziel has commented that CERA is needed because the council has failed to come up with a rebuilding plan. I disagree. It has always been clear that the rebuilding plan would have to be government-led. The fact that Bob Parker is a vainglorious, preening arsehole is no reason to condemn Christhchurch and the country to the virtual dictatorship of Gerry Brownlee. The CERA bill as drafted is simply not the answer to the problems that no-one denies Christchurch is facing.

2) with such huge powers being entrusted to the government, and one minister in particular, we must be able to have complete trust in them. Has anything Brownlee has ever done instill confidence in you? He is perhaps the most high-handed and arrogant of Key’s ministers. He has shown absolutely no compunction in using his powers to their fullest extent and ignoring public opposition in the past.

Brownlee’s tendency towards secrecy was illustrated by the fact that he gave the Christchurch City Council CEO a copy of the CERA bill last week but with orders that it be kept from the elected councilors and the general public. Not to mention the insult of a select committee process we’ve just seen, where only Brownlee’s mates were invited and Christchurch councilors only found out it was happening from the media.

And look at what happened when Clayton Cosgrove commented that it looked like Brownlee was just doing the select committee for appearances and had no interest in listening to suggestions:

“The only conclusion I can draw is you’re going to do this your way. That you’re not going to take amendments seriously. “What’s the game? I would have thought you wanted detailed advice from key stakeholders.”

Mr Brownlee replied: “I don’t have a response to that. It’s an opinion. I’m not here to argue about an opinion.”

So what was he there for? A bit of PR cover so he can get on doing whatever he wants to do. Who can trust him to do the right thing?

3) Brownlee is going to make a mess of this. He is a disastrous minister. He fucks up everything he touches. He is a member of a popular government, yet he managed to raise the largest protest in a generation against his last big policy – Schedule 4 mining.

CERA is already a mess. The first guy that was tapped to lead it refused to work with Brownlee.

The progress on the ground has been rated a D by a New Zealand expert who has been involved in 17 major disaster responses. There still aren’t enough toilets. The government has twice missed its own deadlines just to announce who will build the temporary emergency housing. The Japanese have thousands of houses built already.

The word from inside National is that they expect to lose a lot of votes in Christchurch. It’s not just that people have high expectations today that are hard to meet, Brownlee is failing to meet even basic expectations. His majority will be slashed. Is the Opposition going to pick up more votes by jumping on Gerry Brownlee’s wagon as it heads for the cliff-edge or by raising principled opposition to the excesses of the CERA legislation and then offering valid criticism and alternatives as he fucks up again and again?

77 comments on “Reasons to vote against CERA ”

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  1. Armchair Critic 1
    14 April 2011 at 7:45 am

    1. Gerry Brownlee – Disaster Minister
    2. Go the Greens – oppose this Bill, in order to make it more workable.
    3. Fingers crossed that Labour won’t fall into the same trap they did with CERRA.  Sure, something needs to be done, but this is not good enough, and their role, as the major opposition party, is to make this Bill better.

  2. mickysavage 2
    14 April 2011 at 8:22 am

    Can I urge Labour MPs to vote against this legislation.
     
    Promise to work for the rebuilding of Christchurch and to put the resources that are required.
     
    But tell the People of Christchurch that you do not have to establish a dictatorship to do so.

  3. rd 3
    14 April 2011 at 8:31 am

    What happens if the govt have a reshuffle and make Anne Tolley the CERA minister!!!

  4. Steve Withers 4
    14 April 2011 at 9:12 am

    Gerry Brownlee was made Minister of Energy and one of the first things he SAID he was going to do was look at electricity pricing.

    Today, my electricity costs me 25% more than it did a year ago. I now pay 26c a unit instead of 20c a unit…and it isn’t even winter yet. 

    Now Gerry Brownlee is looking at Christchurch. Good luck to them.

  5. Steve Withers 5
    14 April 2011 at 9:26 am

    Lanthanide: I’m with PowerShop already. Check their forward pricing. It heads North of 27 cents / unit.

    • Lanthanide 5.1
      14 April 2011 at 4:50 pm

      Most expensive rate for pre-purchase for me is 25.40c or there-abouts. Current rates are about 23.10c.
       
      Instead of purchasing units for set periods in advance, you can actually purchase cheap power now for use later. It does have expiry dates on it, but you can buy lots of everyday power now at a cheap rate for use into the next couple of months. The strategy reverses coming out of winter – buy as little power as possible until the lower spring-time rates kick in.

  6. Rob 6
    14 April 2011 at 9:30 am

    Unfortunately my hopes are not high for people voting against. Not just because if they voted for it last time then why not this time? It means they have to admit they were wrong.

    • Carol 6.1
      14 April 2011 at 9:35 am

      Cosgrove just did a great case of exposing the shoddiness of Brownlee’s process, the lack of consultations, the unduly rushed process, the breaking of promises and meetings for consultation with Labour and others, and the unprecendented dictatorial powers the law gives him…. then said Labour would vote for the Bill…. WTF?  He qualified by saying they are keeping careful records of the process and promises by National, and will hold them to account that they do the best for the people of Christchurch.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.1.1
        14 April 2011 at 1:15 pm

        If Labour vote for this bill then they will lose a lot of voters trust and deservedly so. I suspect even a number of their core voters will not be voting for them this year if they support this bill.

        • Lanthanide 6.1.1.1
          14 April 2011 at 4:51 pm

          It’s definitely another impetus for me to vote Green.

        • Swampy 6.1.1.2
          14 April 2011 at 10:18 pm

          If Labour votes against they lose a lot of votes, is how it would turn out in the minds of Goff and his political advisers.

          • Colonial Viper 6.1.1.2.1
            14 April 2011 at 11:13 pm

            Pah, not many votes left to lose, might as well stand by your principles.

      • Swampy 6.1.2
        14 April 2011 at 10:17 pm

        In other words Labour would do the same if they were in  office. Afterall they did in 1941 – and got the election postponed by two years.

        • Marty G 6.1.2.1
          14 April 2011 at 10:21 pm

          yeah, because World War 2 is equal to an earthquake.

          And it was a National/Labour coalition in 1941 that decided to delay the election.

    • Bright Red 6.2
      14 April 2011 at 9:54 am

      The Greens, at least, aren’t too proud to admit they were wrong last time. And this bill does go further, giving a point difference for less brave parties to point to.

  7. Bill 7
    14 April 2011 at 9:43 am

    If we had a society that incorporated effective modes of organisation, then there would be no need for CERA type proposals.
    To move beyond the dictatorial aspects of CERA for a moment, the fundamental problem would seem to be that we are a society with ineffective organisational structures.
    It strikes me that our organisations are weighted towards promoting a particular managerial perspective – one that is very good at having meetings and generating bureaucratic systems and ‘safeguards’ – that falls over when the question is one of action.
    I’m not suggesting that theoretical systems of management shouldn’t be in place. But what we have are management systems that are inadequate in situations where practical application is required.
    So for example, we get portaloos distributed on the back of phone calls received instead of on the back of the real situation. Ie, we had people tasked to deal with reality acting from an abstracted perspective. It seems obvious that our organisations promote people with more abstract or theoretical abilities; people who can operate well in a ‘talking heads’ environment, or an abstracted systems environment but who lack in areas of practical knowledge and know how.
    It’s like the office people in the Twin Towers (this may or may not have been true, but is believable) who thought they were trapped and who escaped because some guy who just happened to be there doing repairs or whatever, simply kicked through the insubstantial internal walls. The office workers, smart and intelligent as they were, didn’t have the knowledge that would allow them to consider kicking a wall in. To them, a wall was an impenetrable fact.
    So anyway, back to the point. What will Gerry do? He’ll fuck it up. He will surround himself with the same type of person who would have been promoted through the existing inadequate managerial or organisational structures. The only difference will be that him and his team will fuck it up faster ’cause they won’t have to wade through the same piles of ‘paper checks’ that the organisations already in place would have to wade through.
    The question we aren’t asking is the more fundamental one of whether our organisations are capable of serving our needs. And if they can’t, then what we can do to ensure that they do.
    I acknowledge that the consequences of the earthquakes would be difficult to deal with, regardless of the people tasked with dealing with them. But it seems we have the wrong type of person in charge, no matter whether we are looking at Gerry with his CERRA structure or bureaucrats and managers in pre-existing organisational structures.
     
     
     

  8. ChrisH 8
    14 April 2011 at 11:28 am

    The politician’s syllogism:
    1) Something Must Be Done.
    2) This is Something.
    3) Therefore This Must be Done.

  9. Samuel Hill 9
    14 April 2011 at 12:16 pm

    New Zealand becoming the new Argentina?

    http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DrH6_i8zuffs&h=9083c

    I don’t have a Ph.D in Economics but there are some very interesting similarities.

  10. Carol 10
    14 April 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Unbelievable!  The government is witholding the last minute changes from public and opposition view to the CERA Bill that is currently being rushed through parliament under urgency.  Is there no end to the contempt this government shows for democracy?!  How can anyone consider ever voting for these charlatans, let alone for CERA, if they value democracy?

    Labour this morning asked to suspend consideration of the bill because the Government had not produced the formal details of changes it was proposing. The request was denied by the chair.
    Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said it was not essential that the formal details for changes were before Parliament while the bill was in its final stages. Brownlee said parties had been given an informal summary of the changes that would be put forward in a Supplementary Order Paper (SOP).
    Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove acknowledged the summary paper but said the formal SOP was needed, so that the details were clear.
    Brownlee’s office has declined to release the summary paper, saying media would have to wait for the SOP to be tabled. Brownlee’s office has so far not explained why the summary paper will not be released and not said when the SOP will be tabled.
     
     
     

  11. Big Bruv 11
    14 April 2011 at 2:46 pm

    Labour’s opposition to CERA is the most cynical and sickening thing I have ever seen in our Parliament.
    It has nothing to do with excessive powers, it has nothing to do with submitters not having the chance to be heard, this is all about Labour attempting to slow down the Christchurch recovery so they (Labour) can then attack the government about the slow pace of the Christchurch rebuild.
    Labour have done some nasty things in the last twelve years, however this would be the dirtiest, it just proves that the left in NZ has no morals, no heart and no shame.

    • r0b 11.1
      14 April 2011 at 3:43 pm

      Sorry BB, no takers. Looks like you’re not going to get your trolling fix here today.

      • Pascal's bookie 11.1.1
        14 April 2011 at 5:02 pm

        Heh, he sounds more like Gaddaffi everyday.

        These so called pro-democracy forces are all criminals and misanthropes, They’re all high on drugs! They’ve kids I tells ya, tricked by al-qaeda!

        • Luxated 11.1.1.1
          14 April 2011 at 8:33 pm

          I would have gotten away with it, too, if it wasn’t for you meddling kids.
          Actually that is probably something Brownlee would say following an electoral defeat.

    • Bright Red 11.2
      14 April 2011 at 4:15 pm

      Labour is supporting CERA, dumbarse.

    • Draco T Bastard 11.3
      14 April 2011 at 4:59 pm

      No, the passage of the bill proves that the right, which includes Labour, have no morals.

  12. Gareth 12
    14 April 2011 at 3:24 pm

    Well there’s only one party voting against this law – the Green Party

    • Big Bruv 12.1
      14 April 2011 at 3:44 pm

      Yes Gareth, and we all know why the Green party moonbats are against it.

      • Bright Red 12.1.1
        14 April 2011 at 3:52 pm

        because they believe in democracy?

        • higherstandard 12.1.1.1
          14 April 2011 at 4:13 pm

          What like the repeal of S59 of the crimes act ?

          • Bright Red 12.1.1.1.1
            14 April 2011 at 4:17 pm

            s59 went through our democratic process, including select committee and itwas support by over 100 MPs, including both major parties.
            Brownlee is avout to get the power to override our democratic process at the flick of a pen.
            If you think s59 was an outrage against democracy, what do you think of law by decree?

            • higherstandard 12.1.1.1.1.1
              14 April 2011 at 4:38 pm

              BR just pointing out that people will bleat that something is an outrage against democracy whenever it suits them and take an opposite position within the space of a breath.

              For the record I can scarcely give a fuck about either case.

              Brownlee’s a lazy slug without the nouse to do much apart from talk talk talk and eat eat eat.

              • Bright Red …
                14 April 2011 at 4:53 pm

                “just pointing out that people will bleat that something is an outrage against democracy whenever it suits them and take an opposite position within the space of a breath”
                There’s nothing logically inconsistant about that when the two cases are substantially different.
                CERA is an outrage against demcoracy and s59 isn’t.

              • Draco T Bastard …
                14 April 2011 at 5:02 pm

                Brownlee’s a lazy slug without the nouse to do much apart from talk talk talk and eat eat eat.

                If that’s true then you should be terrified of this bill as it won’t be Brownlee pulling the strings.

                • higherstandard …
                  14 April 2011 at 6:30 pm

                  yes it’ll be the end of the world as we know it…….. snore

                  • Tigger …
                    14 April 2011 at 6:33 pm

                    The Greens have the luxury of being the only party in Parliament with no electorate MPs.  Means they can stand on principle the whole time.  I agree with their stance here but I can’t blame Labour for their position also…

                    • Carol …
                      14 April 2011 at 6:38 pm

                      Electorate MP Hone Harawira (and Chris Carter) voted with the Greens on this bill & it’s amendments too.

                    • wtl …
                      14 April 2011 at 7:47 pm

                      I accept that Labour was probably in a lose-lose position on this… either risk being portayed as anti-Christchurch, or voting for a bill which they don’t really agree with. They chose the latter option.
                      But I don’t really understand the logic of your statement… Why does having electorate MPs make any differences as to whether or not to take a stand?

                  • Marty G …
                    14 April 2011 at 10:38 pm

                    enabling act? snore
                    kristallnacht? snore
                    anschluss? snore
                    lebensraum? snore
                    Will it come to that? probably not. But in 1933 who would have thought that giving the government emergency powers after the reichstag fire would come to what it did?
                    At least the SPD had the sense to vote against it. Our SPD rolled over.

  13. Samuel Hill 13
    14 April 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Clayton Cosgrove just announced that Labour will support the CERA legislation.

  14. William Joyce 14
    14 April 2011 at 3:54 pm

    Check out Photostream
    Feel free to copy, use and distribute.

  15. James 15
    14 April 2011 at 5:26 pm

    Well. Can’t vote Labour after this. Better get back to my latte and hand-wringing huh?

  16. MrSmith 16
    14 April 2011 at 7:26 pm

    Isn’t Brownlee the guy with the plan, remember this http://thestandard.org.nz/confirmed-brownlee-made-it-up/
     
    This Guy just makes shit up when it suits, so CHCH could end up looking like a great big pudding.

  17. MrSmith 17
    14 April 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Maybe this is part of the plan .
    “Statistics New Zealand figures show that in the month of February, 3908 New Zealanders left for Australia on a long-term or permanent basis. That’s 139 Kiwis leaving every day. Even when you take into account arrivals from Australia, we lost a net 3136 New Zealanders across the Tasman that month.”
     
    This should sort out the housing shortage for King Gerry, Hey and maybe Wonkey meant a brighter future in Ozzy.

  18. the sprout 18
    14 April 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Reasons to vote against CERA Labour

    Yet another sterling performance from an already consistently stunning Labour team.
    Supporting National by voting for CERA.
    Supporting National by voting for Internet Copyright Law.
    What utter fucktard sellouts.
    Now I know for sure I’m not voting Labour this year.

    • Fat Uncle 18.1
      15 April 2011 at 12:13 am

      Not keen on voting for Norman either….leaving us with the serious option of?

      where are those dudes with the video that were standing for the Christchurch council? could be worse right?

  19. mickysavage 19
    14 April 2011 at 8:24 pm

    Ummm

    I am aware that I am a passionate supporter of the Labour Party but guys …

    FFS

    The legislation is an abomination.  In constitutional terms it is appalling.

    By voting for it you have made Brownlee more powerful.

    I appreciate that behind the scenes  much discussion was had and some improvements were made.

    But occasionally you should just say no to the bastards. 

    Be brave, stand up for your principles.

    Here endeth rant.

    • Armchair Critic 19.1
      14 April 2011 at 8:32 pm

      FFS micky this is appalling.  I listened with a bit of pride as Clayton Cosgrove demolished Gerry Brownlee, the legislation and the processes used to create it, and then recoiled in horror when he said “..but we will vote for it anyway.”
      The legislation is not good enough, Labour and the Greens know it, Labour and the Greens said it, Labour and the Greens put up a whole lot of amendments, but only the Greens (and a couple of independents) acted like an opposition.  I may as well have voted National in 2008.
      I’m just hoping that someone has the courage to post about it at RA, so I can give them a bollocking.  Very disappointed.

      • mickysavage 19.1.1
        14 April 2011 at 8:38 pm

        Aye, the speech was great but when it came time to say “sorry we will do our utmost to help in the rebuild of Christchurch but this legislation will not help and we cannot support the concentration of power in Gerry Brownlee’s hands without some sort of democratic control by the people of Christchurch” they went silent.

        Uuuuuuuurrrrrrrrgggggggg.  Be brave ….

        • Swampy 19.1.1.1
          14 April 2011 at 10:30 pm
          Because Labour don’t control the council as well. So they vote for the CERA because it undermines the council.
    • the sprout 19.2
      14 April 2011 at 8:34 pm

      i’m impressed ms – that says a hell of a lot coming from a very loyal supporter like yourself

  20. wtl 20
    14 April 2011 at 8:55 pm

    But just look at the MSM reporting on this bill – a little about this here and there, but no real analysis of the contents of the bill or any expert opinions on it. And people here are pissed off with Labour for voting for it. I can’t say I blame people for being upset, although I would say that MAYBE this decision by Labour was pragmatic. Anyone who is pissed off enough to change their votes will give their votes to the Greens. This won’t affect the chances of a Labour-Green government next term. But these are people who know enough about the content of the bill to form an opinion. What about the general public, which make up a bulk of the voters? Thanks to the wonderful media in this country, they probably have no clue. This issue will be forgotten about in a few days. I doubt it will have much affect on their voting.
     
    On the flipside, if Labour had voted against the bill, I’m sure the MSM would have seized the opportunity to make it seem like Labour was anti-Christchurch. And I don’t think Labour would have stood a chance winning the battle of spin that would have ensued. Nact have proven to be experts at media manipulation. Of course one might argue that Labour just need to lift their game. But I’m not sure it would have been a good idea to try to do that with this issue. The opinion of others may vary.
     
    Another point is this just goes to show the whole point of the use of urgency by this government – to get controversial legislation passed with little analysis. Introduce the bill, pass it in a few days, and hope the media attention dies down before anyone can properly digest what’s going on. And time and time again it’s been proven to work. The media just don’t pick up on it or care. I can see no other reason to use urgency. They have had months to come up with legislation and certainly did not need to have it passed in a few days. With something this important, we need to make sure we do it right, not do it quickly. But the only people thinking that are are tiny percentage of the population who read blogs like this and are actually informed enough to make a decision. Everyone else is clueless.

    • mickysavage 20.1
      14 April 2011 at 9:02 pm

      Aye WTL

      All very good points.

      It makes you despair about democracy though …

      IMHO the best thing the Labour Party (and Green party) could do is get its activists onto the street and just talk to people.  There really is a need to bypass the MSM.

    • the sprout 20.2
      14 April 2011 at 9:04 pm

      I would say that MAYBE this decision by Labour was pragmatic

      oh i’m sure it was, and that pragmatism is serving Labour soooo well
      can you remember the last time Labour voted on principle?

      • wtl 20.2.1
        14 April 2011 at 9:10 pm

        can you remember the last time Labour voted on principle?

        No I can’t. Though one good thing to emerge from this fiasco is the Greens did vote on principle, and it seems that them voting for CERRA last time was just a blip. So if we want principle, we still have the choice to vote Green. Of course it is very sad that NZ politics is like this but one choice is better than none.

        • Marty G 20.2.1.1
          15 April 2011 at 12:00 am

          the Greens were sideswiped by CERRA and voted for it without having a chance to properly consider it. They readily admit that was a mistake. In voting against CERA, they’ve upheld the principles of democracy.

      • Marty G 20.2.2
        14 April 2011 at 10:42 pm

        “can you remember the last time Labour voted on principle”
        probably some time in 2008.
        I think the saddest thing, sprout, is that you and I both believe to our core in what Labour is supposed to stand for. But the party failed us, again.
        It’s like loving someone and then discovering they don’t love you anymore. It makes you realise that the dream who thought you shared has only existed in your head for some time.
        It’s made a Green voter of me.

        • the sprout 20.2.2.1
          15 April 2011 at 10:20 am

          Well said Marty, that’s exactly how I feel.
          I want to vote Labour, and I don’t want to vote how I now intend to vote this election, but I can’t bring myself to enable the NZLP in its current form. I also think voting for another party will have a better likelihood of achieving the sort of government I want for this country. That feels very odd indeed for someone who’s only ever campaigned for Labour.
          Canceling my monthly donations this week too.

          • Armchair Critic 20.2.2.1.1
            15 April 2011 at 10:55 am

            I will find it very difficult to vote Labour this year, too. So I’ll probably vote Green.  Here’s how I see it:

            National, for all their faults, have acted like a government.  Not a good government, and they done a lot of really bad stuff that I detest, but government-like, none-the-less.
            The Greens have acted like an opposition.  I heard Gareth Hughes on the Copyright Bill, and saw the final votes for the CERA Bill.  The Greens did the job I expected Labour to do.
            Labour seem lost – torn between being National-lite and a proper left-wing party.  Once they find their way I’ll reconsider my voting intentions – I hope they can do it by the end of this winter.

            Specifically regarding CERA, a promise to replace or amend the Act with something that will work would partially ameliorate my revulsion at Labour’s failure to be The Opposition this term.

          • Jim Nald 20.2.2.1.2
            15 April 2011 at 11:01 am

            Suggest you move your monthly donation to The Standard.
            I’m waiting to be emailed The Standard’s bank account number so that I can make a cash donation.

            • lprent 20.2.2.1.2.1
              15 April 2011 at 11:47 am

              Have a look at the donations page. You reminded me and I finally delivered after checking with the other trustee of the trust.

              • Jim Nald …
                15 April 2011 at 11:52 am

                Thanks very much, Handsome.
                 
                That gives me a good reason to step away from the computer before Kiwibank shuts today.
                 
                captcha: income  (yes, a wee bit coming in)

              • Colonial Viper …
                15 April 2011 at 12:16 pm

                Just gave my monthly pint of Guinness to The Standard. Well worth it 🙂

                Now, how much more a month will be needed to open the satellite TV channel of The Standard? 😀

                • lprent …
                  15 April 2011 at 1:13 pm

                  Thank you…

                  After having a vague look at the struggle to keep Triangle alive, I’m not sure I’d want to. Finding the content would be a bugger.

                  • the sprout …
                    15 April 2011 at 2:26 pm

                    If we had a TV channel most of us would have to wear hoods over our faces – it’d look like the broadcasting wing of the Al Aqsa Martyr’s Brigade 😆

                    • lprent …
                      15 April 2011 at 3:32 pm

                      But just think – requiring hoods would probably improve the appearance quality of the current affairs presenters (fill in the name of your candidate for the presenter that you’d least want to have in front of you..).

                      Sure I know it is shallow, but a radio format would be better for political reporting/opinionating.

                    • marg …
                      15 April 2011 at 6:44 pm

                      I know I’d prefer Paul Holmes with a hood.

    • wtl 20.3
      14 April 2011 at 9:14 pm

      Another point regarding urgency. It not only deprives the public of a chance to be informed and form a view, but it also deprives MPs of the same. Labour and the Greens would have had very little time to consider the legislation and make a decision what to do. FFS, they didn’t even know the contents of the final bill until a few hours before the vote. When rushed into a decision, the decision made often isn’t the best one. Something really has to be done to stop this abuse of the process. It is getting very serious.

  21. Descendant Of Smith 21
    14 April 2011 at 8:56 pm

    I’m slightly stunned as well but only slightly as I still see Labour as not being the party it once was – right wing antidemocratic pricks.
    In the era of cut benefit rates et al I oft said that National had infiltrated the Labour Party – looks like they are still there.
    Fuckwits – I thought nothing had pissed me off more with the recent Labour Party than not putting the $20-00 back on benefits but this does.
    Action speaks louder than words – don’t they get that simple premise.
    They better come out with some decent policy soon cause the only thing that is saving them in any way at present is that the other bastards are worse.
     
     

  22. Colonial Viper 22
    14 April 2011 at 11:12 pm

    ***SIGH*** 🙁

  23. Sookie 23
    14 April 2011 at 11:27 pm

    I am sure Labour decided to hold their noses and vote for this clusterf*ck because the average munter in the street would believe the hysterical spin if they didn’t, but I still think they’re a bunch of sellouts. I’ve been thinking of voting Green all year, and this along with the stupidass internet piracy bill sells it for me. Congrats Greenies, you just picked up a shitload of pissed off lefties. Kudos to Harawira and Carter as well. Independents in parliament are a good thing.

  24. Key selling off NZ 24
    15 April 2011 at 12:37 am

    If Labour will vote in favour of Brownlee, the Green will stand up to him.
     
    There is community resistance to National and their sell it all agenda http://beyondresistance.wordpress.com/ Brownlee wanted to mine national parks, now national want to mine Southland, drill off the East Coast and sell off energy assets. Rich supporting the mega rich.
     
    If labour won’t stand up to Brownlee and neoliberalism, others will. Roger Douglas is leaving parliament this year, his ideas can leave with him.
     
     

  25. Carol 25
    15 April 2011 at 7:25 am

    There were some really good pieces of critique in the CERA debates yesterday in the House from Labour and Green MPs (especially Clayton Cosgrove & Ruth Dyson from Labour).  They exposed the duplicity of Bronwlee & the Nats, who promised cross-party consultation and then blatantly broke their promise and did not listen to any alternative views – they pretty much just included what Brownlee wanted in the Bill, with one or two teeks in response to some submissions.
     
    But after the great critiques and exposes, and showing they were wanting the best for the people in Christchurch based on what the people wanted, I was dumbfounded to see Labour vote for this Bill.  It has done nothing to convince me o change my vote from Green to Labour.  The Greens stand has made me feel continuing to vote for them is the correct choice.

  26. Jim Nald 26
    15 April 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Hehe. Just watched the video.
     
    May I be pedantic and ask what is (what I thought I saw) “Se la vis”?
     
    Might that be “C’est la vie” ?

    I’m thinking of a “funraising” karaoke night for The Standard that includes this video.

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  • Arguing over a moot point.
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    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

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