Save our tea breaks

Written By: - Date published: 2:50 pm, October 23rd, 2014 - 97 comments
Categories: labour, workers' rights - Tags: ,

Workers’ rights, including the right to tea breaks, are under attack from National. Labour has a petition to save our tea breaks:

The Government’s currently trying to rush through a law to stop workers from having the right to a tea break.For thousands of working Kiwis across the country, it will mean the risk of losing the breaks they take to have a deserved rest and a cup of tea or coffee.

We don’t have long to show the Government the strength of feeling against this proposal, but if they know that thousands of Kiwis feel strong enough to speak out against their plans in just a couple of days, there’s a chance they may back down on this part of their proposals.

Can you add your name to the petition and stand up for workers’ rights? The more of us who sign it, the more likely it is the Government will be persuaded to rethink their plans.

Why not go sign the petition?

tea-breaks

tea-break-greens

97 comments on “Save our tea breaks ”

  1. vto 1

    National Party people are just mean mean mean.

    mean, nasty and unpleasant. Bunch of scrooge mcducks.

    Mean

    • adam 1.1

      So working people in this fair land, happy you voted for Key now?

      Happy for Nice Mr Johnny boy – giving you the middle finger?

      The corporate elects now get to exercise their muscle and see if anything happens. They feel so confident they can do anything they like to working people, and nothing will happen.

      Mmmmm so much for the people who died to bring people fair working condition, so much for the people who died so working men and women didn’t have to die just going to work. SO MUCH for a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.

      If you settle for this, your children will be slaves – the ballot box is fast becoming a bad bad joke.

      • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 1.1.1

        With my children looking forward to Christmas in a couple of months, as well as Labour weekend just around the corner, I have encouraged them to rally to – Save Santa’s tea break 🙂

        Getting them to start early. Pointed out Santa wears red. Real red.

  2. Phil 2

    Link to the Bill?

  3. hoom 3

    Far too late & completely pointless at this stage.
    Why wasn’t this the key point of the election campaign?????????

    ‘if you vote for these guys you are voting for removal of tea breaks’ it should have been all over the campaign, every 2nd sentence from Labour & Greens.

    • Rosie 3.1

      “Far too late & completely pointless at this stage.
      Why wasn’t this the key point of the election campaign?????????”

      I couldn’t get my head around that either hoom. The only thing that stopped the ERA amendment going through earlier this year was Banks’s departure from Government – had he remained they would have had the numbers, but even then this massive reduction of basic hard won work rights flew well under the radar. Now here we are, they have the numbers and it’s too late. It’s not just about loss of tea breaks either it’s about the abandonment of good faith bargaining too.

      Labour had some good workplace policy, opposition to the ERA amendment should have been a focal part of it, it wasn’t. It really surprised me at time that it wasn’t, knowing this was around the corner.

  4. ianmac 4

    More flexible? For whom tolls the bell?
    How does the Key lot get away with it? I wonder if having a growing number of contract workers disguises the loss of rights. What group of contract workers could possibly mount a challenge?

  5. Tracey 5

    breaks are important for workplace safety. we have a pretty poor record on workplace safety… but murders get the headlines

    • Phil 5.1

      we have a pretty poor record on workplace safety

      Could you post your sources?

      😛

      • Tracey 5.1.1

        how many dead each year is acceptable to you? numbers of dead in workplace accidents is the same or more than murders in a year. dept of statistics

      • GregJ 5.1.2

        You could start here.

        “Comparing the relative ranking of New Zealand’s non -standardised reported occupational fatal injury incidence rates, New Zealand performs in the lower half of the rankings for 8 of 13 International Standard Industry Classification (ISIC) major level industry classifications examined in this analysis. Industries in which New Zealand ranked in the lower half of the relative rankings for all 9 comparative established market economies were: Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing; Mining and Quarrying; Manufacturing; Electricity, Gas and Water Supply; Construction; Financial Intermediation; Public Administration and Defence; and Wholesale Trade”

        Our death rate/100,000 person years is twice that of Australia and almost three times that of the UK. We lag behind Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Norway, Spain, Sweden & the UK.

        You can also then check out the ILO database – although you’ll have to do some of the work yourself.

        Essentially, and broadly speaking, Workplace Health & Safety showed improvement in NZ from 2002-2008 and is now worsening again.

        • b waghorn 5.1.2.1

          I was in the forestry for 8 years we never had smoko we had to 4 hour runs with between half hour to hole hour for lunch which included walking out and refueling. I doubt it’s changed. The forest could do with a union.

          • GregJ 5.1.2.1.1

            Yep – it’s bloody hard work – fortunately I’ve never had to work in the industry but I know people that have. Dirty, dangerous and physical outdoor work. I suspect conditions have not moved on much from when most Forestry was state-owned – arguably it’s probably worse.

            First Union represents Forestry Workers and I know they’ve been working with Helen Kelly & the CTU to bring forestry safety & health much needed publicity.

    • Bob 5.2

      I very much doubt that I create and manage health and safety systems so many accidents actually happen before and after a break and this is due mainly to concentration levels being broken. You are also more likely to have an accident at the beginning or near the end of the day for the same reason. According to some of my data you are also more likely to have an accident in summer than in winter (although this will vary between industries).

      Using the Health & Safety argument is actually a very weak argument as the 10 minute smoko breaks were created for a having a cigarette not Health & Safety.
      Creating a Health & Safety culture in the work place is the only true way of creating a safe work place and no law can do that only people can.

  6. Grantoc 6

    Who takes formal ‘teabreaks’ and ‘smokos’ in this day and age? Very very few do.

    21st Century workers basically take breaks when they feel the need to, and their organisations support them in this.

    Most organisations take the view that if you meet expectations, its of no consequence if you decide to have a long lunch or leave early, or go out for a coffee during the day.

    ‘Tea Breaks’ and ‘Smoko’s’ are anachronisms. They are not relevant in the 21st Century workplace.

    • Tracey 6.1

      could you post your sources?

      • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1

        No, because he hasn’t got one, never mind any.

        • Tracey 6.1.1.1

          in every factory I have ever visited… every supermarket and call centre worker I know cannot just get up and take a break. they are 100% determined by roster and supervisor….

          • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1.1.1.1

            In the twilight of what used to be known as Conservatism, which has been twisted to the service of greed, lurk those honest souls who can spot a shit response at a hundred paces. Smart employers promote them. What does that say about this government*? Rhetorical question.

            *Seriously, you wingnut gimps: is this what you call governance? Mit der dummheit…

    • shorts 6.2

      in many office based workplaces this often is the case for non public fronting staffers…. for everyone else this is not the norm

      don’t think for a second your workplace culture is emulated through the land in other words – support those whom don’t have such freedoms is the point here

      • Kiwiri - Raided of the Last Shark 6.2.1

        Grantoc has in mind the 21st century CEO and senior management working class who make as many cuppas as they like, whenever they want, and raid the biscuit tin multiple times of the day while complaining there wasn’t that particularly special kind that they like. Also, they step out of the office anytime they like to do chores for their children or partners, as well as make phone calls during work time to anyone they can think of to find study/career opportunities for their favourite child.

        Making this up? No, ask the lower/lowest tier of workers who have to put up with the errant ways of the privileged members of the senior working class who are culpably absent from work.

      • Tracey 6.2.2

        precisely

    • Rosie 6.3

      Grantoc, things may be sweet in your place of work and you may have no requirement for formalising your breaks schedule but regular rostered tea breaks are a basic foundation of our work rights, and are essential for the productivity of workplaces where refreshed and rested workers keep the wheels in motion, eg, nursing staff.

      There is a health and safety element to rest breaks for those working in manual labour jobs, (as there is the health professions too).

      Not everyone has the luxury or being able to come and go as they please, and in my case, where I worked sole charge in a shop for 8.5 hours every day for almost two years I didn’t even get a break, despite the fact this situation wasn’t legal. It’s bosses like my former one who are behind this bill.

      The right to a break must come before the petty greed and minor inconveniences of bosses, but under National the wants of a few come before the needs of the many.

      • left for deadshark 6.3.1

        Too right Rosie,if employers cannot under stand that,well they doing a poor job managing that work place,I’ve said it once if not a thousand times,an as for living wage,if the can’t manage that,DO the job yourself,lazy bastards.

    • tc 6.4

      so Grantoc why the need to change the law if in your view ‘..its of no consequence..’

    • sabine 6.5

      unless you work in a call centre were all breaks are planned in and will and can only be taken when allocated.

      the only ones that are going to the bath room when they need it are the ones that are not logged in a phone system and have their attendance monitored by big screens on the wall telling everyone who is or is not logged in.

    • karol 6.6

      Well you don’t do my job then.

      And anyone who deals with the public, or works in factory jobs as part of a team, etc, cannot just take tea and lunch breaks when they like, or leave early.

      And then there’s the safety issues of drivers, forestry workers etc, being asked to work through tea and lunch breaks for too many hours at a stretch.

    • politikiwi 6.7

      This is true in certain industries – I work for a niche private-sector IT company and, generally, my workplace is very flexible. This counts for a lot.

      However, many people who work for larger organisations, and particularly what are referred to as “lower skilled” workers, generally have their breaks managed aggressively.

      I’m lucky I don’t have to deal with this myself, but other people certainly do.

  7. One Anonymous Bloke 7

    National will get to look conciliatory by “giving back” the right to smoko. Meanwhile they will attempt to practically put an end to good faith bargaining.

    It’s time ethical employers stepped up to oppose this shit, never mind the Human Rights Commission and the Left – weird right wing notions about employment law don’t end well.

  8. Tom Gould 8

    Who has ‘tea breaks’ these days? Most people just get it when they can. Is there any correlation between the Labour stance on this matter and that only 20 per cent of wage and salary earners are now in unions? And most of them are public servants who ‘do coffee’ as necessary. Serious question, people.

    • s y d 8.1

      stop extrapolating your experience to ‘most’ is what I would say.

      Most people – like who? you and your mates in the office, the car yard, the boardroom?

      It’s a principle at stake – the right to have a rest, take a piss, stretch the back, stare into the distance, even just talk to other people without being docked pay.

      go work in an orchard, a packhouse, a supermarket or any other place where you physically need to stop, then tell me most people get it when they can.

      serious answer

    • fisiani 8.2

      Labour wonder why they are increasingly irrelevant. When they invent hysteria and hyperbole and claim that the sky is falling or even more ludicrously that tea breaks will disappear can anyone be surprised when they are ignored and mocked and fall further in the polls. Remember the hysteria about how the 90 day right to prove yourself would lead to heaps of people being laid off on day 89? More people employed than ever before. Labour are always crying wolf. Eventually no one believes the bullshit,

  9. What a pack of arseholes this Govt are.

    About time we forced the closure of their free food and booze outlet in Parlaiment and make them sit in the debating chamber for 9 hours a day with no breaks.
    Who the hell do they think they are ?
    They, (National) are a disgrace to the human race.
    You bastards.

    • music4menz 9.1

      This proposed legislation doesn’t seem to have as its intention denying workers’ their right to a tea or lunch break. It is aiming to give workers greater flexibility around their breaks to reflect their changing and/or different working environments. Opponents are deliberately misrepresenting the tea break aspects of the bill. You are suggesting that overnight workers won’t be allowed a smoko or a lunch break. You know that is not true.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 9.1.1

        “Doesn’t seem” – doesn’t seem?

        Paging Dr. Weasel.

      • Tracey 9.1.2

        you are deliberately misrepresenting the amount of power many employees have to make such flexibility work for them…

      • sabine 9.1.3

        this is a full load of horse manure.

        really just that…a stinking pile of manure.

      • Bob 9.1.4

        That is what it was always suggesting a lot of people on this site seem to have gone and created something different in their minds.

  10. tc 10

    wow a petition, can’t wait for the bumper stickers and leaflet campaign.

    If only we had a major event in which such issues could be raised in the public eye and debated to say a large TV audience such as an election …….doh !

  11. Rawmadness Natshark 11

    Although I hate National, I bit the loss of breaks propaganda hook line and sinker, many media and people have been hollering it.

    What a load of crap. All this does is give flexibility around break times. Flexibility around your contract for meals breaks for crying out loud this would also allow me to negotiate a longer day and longer breaks. Frankly if you sign to an employer and their is no break clause in the contract your a muppet when you could have tweaked your contract to suit both parties.

    Actually it’s freaking good!

    Pick our battles this is not worth it and we are twisting it for political gain which the public as I did in two minutes can sus out. This is why Labour lose elections blowing crap out of all proportions and coming out looking like eggs.

    If we want to score points against National then lets not make ones up, when their is plenty of real crap to go on about with keys performance to date. Seriously this is not what is being portrayed stop it. Or show me why I am wrong on this because I cannot see removal of breaks anywhere just the word flexable which works both ways.

    Lastly who made a law that forces an employer to compromise with a collective. Seriously? You think I’m that stupid to know this forces employers to unions/collective demands but allows the collective to walk away. Bad bad legislation when we cry fair play but force them to negotiate.
    IMHO.

    • Tracey 11.1

      flexibility for those with power in the employee employer relationship.

      remember when the 90 day trial was just for a few work places and just during the gfc.

      • Bob 11.1.1

        I worked on 3 month trial contracts before the legislation came in so it existed in a different format long before the 90 day trial which is exactly the same thing.

    • Murray Rawshark 11.2

      Reading your confused contribution, I can only think that you hate National because it’s too left wing for you.
      What the hell does this mean?
      “You think I’m that stupid to know this forces employers to unions/collective demands but allows the collective to walk away. Bad bad legislation when we cry fair play but force them to negotiate.”

      Yeah, I do think you’re pretty stupid. You seem to think that employers should be able to do what they like.

  12. RRM 12

    Can someone please CALMLY AND CLEARLY quote the exact section of the bill that constitutes “taking away your right to a tea break”?

    I see simplistic allegations, a lot of sound and fury, little substance.

    Just “hurry up and sign this petition saying you agree with what we just said.”

    • Rawmadness Natshark 12.1

      There is none RRM. But you know that as well as I do. On this I’m on the side of intelligence not scaremongering..

    • politikiwi 12.2

      I might be wrong about this, but I’m assuming that the part causing all the furore can be found here: http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2013/0105/latest/DLM5160293.html – specifically sections 69ZE and 69ZEA, particularly section 69ZEA(1)(b).

      Here’s section 69ZEAwhich I expect is the sticking point:
      —–
      An employer is exempt from the requirement to provide rest breaks and meal breaks in accordance with section 69ZD(1)—
      “(a) to the extent that the employer and the employee agree that the employee is to be provided with compensatory measures; or
      “(b) if paragraph (a) does not apply, only to the extent that, having regard to the nature of the work performed by the employee, the employer cannot reasonably provide the employee with rest breaks and meal breaks.
      —–

      As a non-lawyer, my reading of this is that employers have the right to withold rest breaks if giving the employee a break is not “reasonable” – so it’s all down to context. For example, a coffee retailer with only one employee might say it’s not reasonable to close the store for half an hour at lunch time, and so they could argue that it’s not reasonable to give the employee a break. But, again, it would all hinge on the definition of “reasonable”, and as I understand it that would be decided by the courts.

      So, while this doesn’t directly remove the right to rest breaks, would it does do is open the door for employers to take advantage of their employees if the employer deems it’s not “reasonable” to offer the employee a break. The employee’s ability to challenge that decision would require they go to court (by the look of it), and who’s got the time or energy to do that?

      Please correct me if I’m wrong about any of the above.

      • Rawmadness Natshark 12.2.1

        So Really removing breaks is scaremongering, section b is the stickler however a reasonable employer should abide fairly.

        The over ruling agreement in law is based on the employee, employer acting in good faith and a employer abusing that would be wise not too, or face stiff action at a ERA court hearing.

        A sharp employee would find another job whilst working. Whilst not saying this works for everyone I found two job offers in a fortnight, whilst employed by my present company and found I was suddenly much more appreciated than I had been led to believe. I currently have a fantastic relationship with my employer but had some tough moments getting there.

        We have the power of choice if they want a free market well two can play that game, we are free to NOT, work for bad employers. Simple as that. IF you do not like the contract do not sign it.

        If you sign it don’t cry about the agreement you signed.

        Harsh but hey they want to play nasty so can each and every one of us.

        • adam 12.2.1.1

          Rawmadness Natshark.

          Are you white and middle class by any stretch of the imagination?

          Male?

          Educated?

          No kids?

          Just wondering, been in the workforce long?

          A specific skill set, desired by employers?

          Because their is a world of difference from the freedom to, and the freedom from. Yes in an ideal world we all can have the freedom to walk away from bad employers. In the real world – that freedom is curtailed by obligations, expectations and just basic survival. The freedom from abuse, and villainous actions of bad employers, is the freedom we have lost under this government. And, all the governments before it, back to the 4th Labour government – which decided to sell working people down the river.

        • Tangled_up 12.2.1.2

          We have the power of choice if they want a free market well two can play that game, we are free to NOT, work for bad employers. Simple as that. IF you do not like the contract do not sign it.

          If you sign it don’t cry about the agreement you signed.

          For people struggling to find a job I’d say that it’s not that simple.

        • Tracey 12.2.1.3

          laws arent made for reasonable people, they are to cover the unreasonable people. In this case employers who use the power of “if you dont like it I can find a replacement” as part of their “bargaining”.

      • Bob 12.2.2

        The reason this was put in was because of the ridiculous situations that occurred at Gisborne air traffic control where plans had to circle while the sole air traffic controller took their brake.

  13. Rawmadness Natshark 13

    After all the workplace deaths lately a better tactic would be to approach Key and bargain with him. Tighten safety rules and more inspectors and employment dispute resolution staff and we will vote for this bill.

    Just saying.

    • sabine 13.1

      bargain with John Key when he is the Prime Minister? Or when he is just representing the Office of the Prime Minister? Or when he is John Key the MP?

      And once you are done bargaining with John Key do you believe he will recall the bargain? And which John Key bargained?

    • BM 13.2

      Hilarious, politicians working together for the betterment of NZ,.

      You obviously don’t understand how left politics work, which is surprising, it’s rather simple.

      National always bad, therefore you must never agree or work with them, LabGreens always good.

      LabGreen would never gain power if they worked/agreed with National, working together, LOL, what a crazy suggestion.

      • sabine 13.2.1

        Ok BM, what will be better if the Labour Laws are changed and tea breaks are history?
        I can see why as a business person I might not want to pay two ten minute breaks a day…that could go into real money if you have several thousands of staff….but really what are the benefits for the workers? And all other aspects of New Zealand?
        also, do you want your children to have it as good as you had, or are you one of those that believe that the ones that come after us should just harden the ef up and accept that they will not have what you currently have?

        also BM, if you dislike the left so much, why are you here, should you not be on a National Page/Blog/Chatroom of sorts and circle jerk?

        • BM 13.2.1.1

          also BM, if you dislike the left so much, why are you here, should you not be on a National Page/Blog/Chatroom of sorts and circle jerk?

          The Standard is an enjoyable site to read.

          I like the CSS,search function and the ability to have nested comments as well as the out there people who tend to post here.

          I rarely agree with what’s written but think it’s a good idea to read a different point of view.

    • Tracey 13.3

      how can people be dying with only reasonable employers out there???

  14. sabine 14

    a long time ago, about a 100 years ago, children worked up to ten hours a day with little to no breaks.
    adults worked up to twelve hours a day with up to little to no breaks.

    as per the govt:
    http://www.dol.govt.nz/infozone/myfirstjob/employees/during/holidays-and-leave/breaks.asp
    Tea and lunch breaks
    Employers are required to provide employees with the following paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks:

    one paid 10-minute rest break if their work period is between two and four hours;

    one paid 10-minute rest break and one unpaid 30-minute meal break if their work period is between four and six hours;

    two paid 10-minute rest breaks and one unpaid 30-minute meal break if their work period is between six and eight hours.

    Now one can see clearly that there is no stipulation as to how the breaks are to be taken, but I guess what the government and their business mates have an issue with is that they actually have to pay for the break.
    Of course If the right to a 10 minute paid break is taken away, and one must use the bathroom because usually once every three to four hours one must, than they can just work an extra 10 minutes at the end of their shift. Simple as that.

    Now that is awesome flexibility isn’t it? And most importantly it is unpaid! Win Win.

    Mind the concerning worker can always go to work wearing an adult depends and forgo breaks altogether….now that really would be a show of flexibility.

  15. dave 15

    it was that fucker jamie lee ross does any one know where he lives ??

    • BM 15.1

      You’re not going to go throw feces at his house are you Dave?

      Christ, who’d want to be a politician when you’ve got nut bars like Dave running around free.

  16. BassGuy 16

    This gets me angry, incredibly angry. I am employed at a workplace where I don’t get any breaks.

    I mean that: no breaks whatsoever. I’ve worked 13 consecutive hours without a break – or even pay for the 5 extra hours. I was told that it was my job and too bad, if I didn’t like it, I can quit.

    I’m going to have to be very careful to not let any clues out as to where I work because it will mean my job if they discover I’ve said this.

    All I will say is that I’m minimum wage/part-time, on-call as well as having some fixed hours, and the guy who owns the business is a multimillionaire. The head guy at work alters time sheets to suit his budget, and he steals breaks and blames then employee for not taking them. He refuses to have his timesheets filled out accurately (they’ve stolen hundreds of hours from their minimum wage employees in the last 18 months alone) and outright refuse to pay stat days for part-timers. They won’t even discuss that, simply dismissing it by telling us that it’s legal and if we don’t like it we can resign – they know the employment situation in town, that there are thousands of unemployed and only hundreds of jobs.

    It’s been made very clear to me that if I join a union, or discuss this with the Department of Labour, I’ll find myself without a job.

    It may yet be worth it.

    But this cannot go on. We must do something to stop this crap and we must do it now. I’ve signed the petition already but that’s not enough.

    What else can we do?

    • r0b 16.1

      Reading your comment – I’m so sad and angry at the situation that you and the other workers are in! If I had any brilliant ideas I would share them – I don’t. My only suggestion would take at least 3 years. Join the party of your choice and work to change the government. All the best….

      • adam 16.1.1

        A change of government, hold on we will make it better if we get a change of government – that is such a cop out.

        I believe that is the lamest thing I think I’ve read on this forum – ever. I’m serious, what planet are you own r0b, Pontius Plata hand wringing planet?

        People need to live through this shit now, they need to organise, and they need food on the table. They need to know going to work won’t kill them, or get them seriously injured – because of some petty little shit has a modicum of power.

        Grow a spin r0b, or at least the appearance of one.

    • RedBaronCV 16.2

      Collect or squirrel evidence of this as it happens if you are able to. A day by day record when you get home if possible.

      If there is some older employee retiring or leaving the workforce for some other reason then they may be willing to complain to DOl etc.

      I believe you can join a union as a hidden member but that may be risky.

      When this sort of stuff comes to light the courts have a habit of making back orders. Even if it isn’t solved today there will be a change of government and laws someday making you less vulnerable then. Complain then on a well organised plan that freezes owner’s assets. .

      And frankly I do think this is shite for you – not sure I have been of any help

    • fisiani 16.3

      What else can we do?
      Stop inventing horror stories. Eh ba gum lad, you don’t know how lucky you are.
      Do you expect anyone to believe your confabulations?

      • Tracey 16.3.1

        If all employers are so flexible and cool and kind why do we need a law change????

      • BassGuy 16.3.2

        Inventing horror stories, as well as confabulations? That’s pretty juvenile, but I’ve been reading this site for a while and I was fully expecting a troll like that, from you in particular.

        But the question to be addressed is: why do you consider what I’ve stated to be untrue? Is it because employers are so pleased to have staff that they would never do anything in breach of employment law? Or is it because employers are just such good people?

        Something I’ve never heard from any employer: “Never mind the profits, lads, here’s a pay increase out of the kindness of my heart! While we’re at it, take the rest of the day off, you’ve earned it!”

        Something that’s interesting to note is your apparent confusion between confabulation, a non-deliberate confusion or distortion of memories, and “inventing horror stories,” which obviously means to lie. These are contradictory positions to hold as they cannot both be true at the same time.

        Of course, they are also attacks. Why do you feel the need for this? Are these attacks because of a challenge to your apparently firmly held ideal that employers willingly do no wrong?

        I stand behind every word I wrote. I have been keeping track of these events for a while. If necessary, I can point to particular dates when hours have been removed from my time sheets, and I can produce evidence that time sheets are regularly inaccurate. I’ve got documentation proving I’ve worked hours that aren’t represented on my time sheets.

        I’ve sufficient documentation that, should I find myself not relying on that job just to survive, significant fines may be levied against the workplace.

        That’s rather difficult to do that for a lie or confabulation.

    • adam 16.4

      Brother, then you have no choice, none – you can stay as you are and probably have a work related accident, or organise.

      Because next you’re going to be put on a zero hour contract so you will then not be eligible for any help from winz either. The new reality is more work instability.

      Here, try these resources – print them out but don’t let anyone see you have them. Only people you trust. Memorise them, then pass them around.

      http://libcom.org/organise/workplace

      This is the whole lot on organising – english but a great resource

      http://libcom.org/organise

    • Murray Rawshark 16.5

      You should join a union. It may be possible to do this without your boss knowing immediately. The union can then advise and help you.
      You could speak to a lawyer, or your local MP. If you’re in a NAct electorate, it’s probably better to speak to a Green or Labour MP.

      As long as you think you are by yourself, you have no power. You need to realise you have interests in common with all workers, and organisation is power.

    • music4menz 16.6

      Bass Guy- don’t be a wimp. If what you say is true- if- then be a man and do something about it. The media would LOVE your story- Campbell would lap it up. You would have your chance to be a Labour/Green/Mana pin-up boy.

      Go on, grow some balls and stand up for yourself.

      IF what you say is true.

      • BassGuy 16.6.1

        It’s easy to talk tough like that, but when you’re sitting as close to the red line as I am, all it’d take is the boss to fire me and my partner and I would lose everything in a few short months.

        It really doesn’t matter that I would probably win at the employment court in the long run, I’d lose so much more in the short term.

        If I can find another job, I’ll be quite willing to go public. Once I’m employed it doesn’t matter how much I annoy the owner: he can have his quiet words with all of his mates as much as he likes but I’ll already have a job.

        A few others have suggested that the workers at the bottom should work together and join a union. I’ve actually discussed that with them. One of them is so young he’s willing to take whatever crap they throw at him because it’ll give him experience and a good reference, and very soon someone will recognise his genius so he can move up. Some of the others are studying and will move on once they’ve graduated, so they don’t care. There really aren’t enough of us to band together.

  17. Trendy Lefty 17

    Section 69ZD sets out the proposed changes and does appear to provide for the employer dictate the duration and frequency of the breaks, including not providing for them.

    They pasty office dwellers including those on here claiming paid rest breaks to be irrelevant, who trot off for a coffee whenever they like might not be affected but a shitload of New Zealand workers will be. never done a hard days work for shitty pay, I expect let alone years of it.

    • tc 17.1

      Wait till those patsies get the same treatment, they arent irreplacable and then lets see how they feel about that nice bloke they voted for and his brighter future.

    • Rawmadness Natshark 17.2

      I work at an engineering co, heavy, hot, hard graft. My employer is fine as he understands it dangerous and we need the breaks for other reasons. Knowing him, paying for me sitting on my arse for 30 minutes a day probably annoys him but I respect that.

      But I signed a contract , that contract was negotiable, in it were stipulated breaks this law change does not alter the terms of my contract.

      For those starting after any changes in law, you still sign an employment contract and you should be focused on that as it’s your legal rights and stated work conditions.

      An Employer cannot amend a contract changing your work conditions unless you agree to it.

      Or are we saying every employment contract in NZ will have to be rewritten after any law amendment passes on breaks?

      @Bassguy, I understand, I was in a hard position after coming back from years of sickness, their are good employers out there, if your current job and employer is bad do you have the option where you are of finding other work? IDNK everything their are always exceptions 1%’s, it’s life I suppose.

      • GregJ 17.2.1

        Out of interest do you belong to a Union (or any of the others in your Company?)

        • Rawmadness Natshark 17.2.1.1

          No gregj

          nor would I feel very safe if I said to my boss Hey I’ve joined the union no matter how much I believe I have the right too, or could have used help.

          However I feel these days unions have no power in small businesses. Employers have to many other ways to get rid of you if you complain about things including damn it safety. Things are shocking I have been away from NZ’s workforce twice for ten years, and then returned once overseas once with long term illness. Both times I’ve seen radical changes but currently it’s fairly low safety wise and wage related to spending power.

          You see a lot of bright yellow fluro jackets around but theirs a whole universe of small garages, small town engineering shops, you get the picture safety?

          I see a tui advert coming up. In a real workshop we work with our employers in loyalty and common sense, safety in mind but guards training seem missing at a lot of machines in the real working environment. Time pressure causes accidents, pressure of greed over safety. profit over everything. Their has to be checks and balances true?

          At the moment with higher unemployment wages are low , costs are high , having a job is more important than arguing about rights.

          perhaps fixing the economy so their is a job surplus is another avenue of restoring our employee balance.

          • GregJ 17.2.1.1.1

            Thanks – I suspected as much. I grew up in small towns so I kind of know what you are talking about. And in small towns “troublemakers” like Union people soon get identified.

            An interesting comment about how Health & Safety can actually be used against an employee by the employer. Anecdotally I’ve heard of this happening and I’m sure it does. Ironic really that something designed to make worker conditions better can be used as another rod to keep them down! One is tempted to say that it proves that any lever an employer can use against workers they will use it (eventually).

            Would I be right in assuming that at least some (most? all?) of your colleagues would not be Labour supporters? I’m assuming your boss certainly wouldn’t be?

            • Rawmadness Natshark 17.2.1.1.1.1

              “Troublemakers” hit’s it bang on the small town button.

            • Bob 17.2.1.1.1.2

              If an employee is creating hazards for the work place and making it a dangerous place for other employees of course it can be used against them. Under the current Health & Safety Act employees have responsibilities as well as employers.

  18. RedBaronCV 18

    As well as signing a petition drop in on your local Nact MP and give them an earful.

    • Rawmadness Natshark 18.1

      I have not seen one Louise Upston Missing Person in my Town in the last 5 years I’d say apart from a little column she posted in the local paper on her first term then that died down too now nothing for at least 3 years.

      We have an MP and I have not a clue where or what she is doing for my town at all. Or my region unless you live in Taupo I suppose. She however has a street level party house with a HUGE freaking picture of her on the Window to make you sick on your way to work. I bet those rich Taupo residents are well taken care of, not us up in the small town labour voting area’s eh Louise. We just get your mug shot to represent us.

      • GregJ 18.1.1

        Yeah Taupo is a weird electorate now – and adding in Cambridge and its surrounds has made it a much safer National seat (my folks live there). South Waikato by any chance – the Tirau-Tokoroa axis? (It’s OK – don’t answer that – you never know who is watching!)

        • Rawmadness Natshark 18.1.1.1

          Yes Gregj, Tokoroa and I’m happy to discuss any issues I have with my employer if he found me posting here. It took awhile for me to realize he wasn’t such a twat after all. However I would not be able to tell him I joined a union because in such a small outfit that would look like I was dissing his integrity and he would take it the wrong way..

          I found finding a new job and telling him I was not satisfied with his pay rate for the work I did and his if you don’t like it leave statements rude. So I did and he realized I was very valuable and had not expected me to call his bluff.

          Now we get along like best mates it’s bloody great actually. However it was a fluke I doubt any employer in the land would put up with what I did and still want me to stay I was lucky he was bluffing really.

          Now I do some of the hardest stuff and most expensive machining products. I really came out far better off with a far better relationship.

          We give each other shit in a humorous way now, and both know where we stand. he knows I’m a labour party member and we discuss issues.

          Like this one I took the wrong way.

          I still have some issues I’m working with him on. One is pay through xmas as he doesn’t pay early and due to banking I’m left over xmas broke like last year. This year I will be complaining hard about that.
          Secondly if we work through smoko for urgent jobs I am not compensated with the “I already pay for your smoko I am not paying you again” statement.

          So we have issues but at least we now work with each other not against each other.

          Had I had a union this wouldn’t be an issue, but with unions seen as bad not many small work places can have them.

          Secondly the 90 day trial stops you signing up to union representation as it may cause your instant dismissal frankly.

          None of us like national except the employer and we cannot blame him for that, dangle the National carrot so to speak in answer to your other question. However we both agree all parties seem to be more about themselves and fulfilling three terms for a lifetime pension than representation currently.

          .

          • GregJ 18.1.1.1.1

            Thanks. Sounds like you are fighting the fight in your own way. Keep commenting here – the labour movement needs your voice heard (especially from those on the front lines).

  19. Red delusion 19

    bassguy stop making stuff up, if what you say is half true grow some proverbial and deal with it, stop been a pathetic little victim

  20. greywarshark 20

    Interesting. An example of government pre-empting people’s rights to not have to have the latest technology to participate in the political process?

    I was set to sign the petition about tea breaks. It said you could put your phone or email. I chose to put my landline number and it won’t accept that as valid. I don’t give my email address to just anyone, it is too easy for people to invade my personal space with stuff that is not vital or important, sort of like having a letterbox full of advertising bumf. I already have a cause a day that I should be concerned about besides my personal interests.

    I don’t want to be a slave to my cellphone, similar to the email. If people want to communicate I am happy for them to phone on my landline, that’s why I pay to have it, or they can leave a message,. Why force me to be fiddling round with a cellphone that I use as an extra or when I am away from home?

  21. Treetop 21

    When it comes to a child contacting a parent, it is helpful for the child to know when the parent is on a tea break. This can be said for an elderly parent or a unwell spouse as well.

    Next a person will be docked for taking a toilet break. Most people are considerate and use the toilet when they have a tea break.

  22. James 22

    Bassguy,

    Your situation is terrible, (assuming that it is real that is).

    But assuming that it is all true – I feel for you.

    Im disappointed in the “caring left” because saying wait for a change in government, etc is just bulls**t.

    What is happening is illegal. Pure and Simple. Regardless of who is in power. If Labour were in now you would still have the same shi**y boss, and same laws under which to fight him.

    There are remedies for you – some free of charge (CAB for example). Lodging a personal grievance (or laying he work for one) is very easy.

    I would recommend start documenting everything. If you are uncomfortable approaching your boss (or putting it in writing), document the reasons why (scared for job? why? What has he said or done to make you feel that way).

    Document your hours, keep your pay packets. Keep any documents he alters.

    Then get a lawyer (there are no win / no fee ones) and take it from there. IF you are bringing it whilst in a job – it will protect your position while you look for something better.

    And from the sounds of it – most jobs will be better.

    There is no place ever for employers like that.

    Good luck.

    • Murray Rawshark 22.1

      “Im disappointed in the “caring left” because saying wait for a change in government, etc is just bulls**t.”

      One person made something like that suggestion, and was quickly pulled up on it. Most commentators apart from the RW underbridge dwellers made constructive suggestions.

      What is your agenda that makes you begin your comment with such bullshit?

  23. lyn 23

    Well if our tea breaks are to be taken away then I assume parliament wont be having tea breaks either, after all they work for us.

  24. Chris John Findley Newman 24

    MR JOHN KEY I WANT MY BREAKS TOO OR ELSE IT WILL BE A HEALTH PROBLEMS TO MOST OF THE WORKERS AND HAZARDS FOR THE WORK PLACES TOO.
    BY THE WAY IT IS NOT PROSTITUTION AND CONVENTION CENTRES BUT RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT EXALTS NATIONS.

    [r0b: You are welcome to comment here, but please check out the policy link at the top of the page. And please don’t post in ALL CAPS – it is considered to be “shouting”.]

    • Chris John Findley Newman 24.1

      I will shout. People’s basic human rights are being trampled on and people are suffering. Now is not the time to be all genteel and nice.

  25. Chris John Findley Newman 25

    To the establishment and parliamentarians: if you and your buddies say “everything is honky dory in our patch, never mind the others ( meaning workers)” but try to deny people their basic rights then lookout. Read what happened to ancient Israel (which was set as an example for us) in the books of the prophets and Lamentations. Do you think that something similar won’t happen to New Zealand? Unless you repent and change your ways it will. We will be like the Philippines, a laughing stock and by word to the world. Repent before it is too late for you Mr John Keys and you others.

    I noticed you said that the change of labour laws and loss of rights to meal and tea breaks “won’t effect most people.” Well it shouldn’t effect anybody. Or are you trying to deliberately segregate a group of people and have them without their basic human rights like the nazis did. The Lord has his eyes on you and he will not listen to your parliamentary prayers unless you repent. The Lord says,”This is a foolish and wicked/rebellious generation that does not listen to me. Therefore I will punish them and punish the crowd who do the punishing later”, all dependant of course on whether you repent.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – Does CO2 always correlate with temperature?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    5 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: In today’s ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Tuesday, March 19:Kāinga Ora’s dry rot The Spinoff DailyBill McKibben on ‘Climate Superfunds’ making Big Oil pay for climate damage The Crucial YearsPreston Mui on returning to 1980s-style productivity growth NoahpinionAndy Boenau on NIMBYs needing unusual bedfellows Urbanism SpeakeasyNed Resnikoff's case ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 hours ago
  • Relentlessly negative
    Negative yesterday, negative today. Negative all year, according to one departing reader telling me I’ve grown strident and predictable. Fair enough. If it’s any help, every time I go to write about a certain topic that begins with C and ends with arrrrs, I do brace myself and ask: Again? Are ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    8 hours ago
  • Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    Bryce Edwards writes –  It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    8 hours ago
  • Promiscuous Empathy: Chris Trotter Replies To His Critics.
    Inspirational: The Family of Man is a glorious hymn to human equality, but, more than that, it is a clarion call to human freedom. Because equality, unleavened by liberty, is a broken piano, an unstrung harp; upon which the songs of fraternity will never be played. “Somebody must have been telling lies about ...
    8 hours ago
  • Don’t run your business like a criminal enterprise
    The Detail this morning highlights the police's asset forfeiture case against convicted business criminal Ron Salter, who stands to have his business confiscated for systemic violations of health and safety law. Business are crying foul - but not for the reason you'd think. Instead of opposing the post-conviction punishment and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    8 hours ago
  • Misremembering Justinian’s Taxes.
    Tax Lawyer Barbara Edmonds vs Emperor Justinian I - Nolo Contendere: False historical explanations of pivotal events are very far from being inconsequential.WHEN BARBARA EDMONDS made reference to the Roman Empire, my ears pricked up. It is, lamentably, very rare to hear a politician admit to any kind of familiarity ...
    9 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Scoring 4.6 out of 10, the new Government is struggling in the polls
    It’s been a tumultuous time in politics in recent months, as the new National-led Government has driven through its “First 100 Day programme”. During this period there’s been a handful of opinion polls, which overall just show a minimal amount of flux in public support for the various parties in ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    10 hours ago
  • Bishop scores headlines with crackdown on unwelcome tenants – but Peters scores, too, as tub-thump...
    Buzz from the Beehive Housing Minister Chris Bishop delivered news – packed with the ingredients to enflame political passions – worthy of supplanting Winston Peters in headline writers’ priorities. He popped up at the post-Cabinet press conference to promise a crackdown on unruly and antisocial state housing tenants. His ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    11 hours ago
  • Will it make the boat go faster?
    Ele Ludemann writes – The Reserve Bank is advertising for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisor. The Bank has one mandate – to keep inflation between one and three percent. It has failed in that and is only slowly getting inflation back down to the upper limit. Will it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi The fact that a ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    14 hours ago
  • Is Simon Bridges’ NZTA appointment a conflict of interest?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Last week former National Party leader Simon Bridges was appointed by the Government as the new chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). You can read about the appointment in Thomas Coughlan’s article, Simon Bridges to become chair of NZ Transport Agency ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    14 hours ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' at 10:10am on Tuesday, March 19
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Gavin Jacobson talks to Thomas Piketty 10 years on from Capital in the 21st Century The SalvoLocal scoop: Green MP’s business being investigated over migrant exploitation claims Stuff Steve KilgallonLocal deep-dive: The commercial contractors making money from School ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    14 hours ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things on Tuesday, March 19
    It’s a home - but Kāinga Ora tenants accused of “abusing the privilege” may lose it. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The Government announced a crackdown on Kāinga Ora tenants who were unruly and/or behind on their rent, with Housing Minister Chris Bishop saying a place in a state ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    16 hours ago
  • New Life for Light Rail
    This is a guest post by Connor Sharp of Surface Light Rail  Light rail in Auckland: A way forward sooner than you think With the coup de grâce of Auckland Light Rail (ALR) earlier this year, and the shift of the government’s priorities to roads, roads, and more roads, it ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    16 hours ago
  • Why Are Bosses Nearly All Buffoons?
    Note: As a paid-up Webworm member, I’ve recorded this Webworm as a mini-podcast for you as well. Some of you said you liked this option - so I aim to provide it when I get a chance to record! Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    19 hours ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6.06 pm on March 18
    TL;DR: In my ‘six-stack’ of substacks at 6.06pm on Monday, March 18:IKEA is accused of planting big forests in New Zealand to green-wash; REDD-MonitorA City for People takes a well-deserved victory lap over Wellington’s pro-YIMBY District Plan votes; A City for PeopleSteven Anastasiou takes a close look at the sticky ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Peters holds his ground on co-governance, but Willis wriggles on those tax cuts and SNA suspension l...
    Buzz from the Beehive Here’s hoping for a lively post-cabinet press conference when the PM and – perhaps – some of his ministers tell us what was discussed at their meeting today. Until then, Point of Order has precious little Beehive news to report after its latest monitoring of the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • Labour’s final report card
    David Farrar writes –  We now have almost all 2023 data in, which has allowed me to update my annual table of how  went against its promises. This is basically their final report card. The promise The result Build 100,000 affordable homes over 10 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • “Drunk Uncle at a Wedding”
    I’m a bit worried that I’ve started a previous newsletter with the words “just when you think they couldn’t get any worse…” Seems lately that I could begin pretty much every issue with that opening. Such is the nature of our coalition government that they seem to be outdoing each ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    2 days ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-19T11:28:02+00:00