Spot the difference! Stating the nation

Written By: - Date published: 10:19 am, January 23rd, 2014 - 97 comments
Categories: child welfare, class, climate change, cost of living, david cunliffe, democratic participation, economy, education, election 2014, equality, greens, john key, labour, poverty, russel norman, same old national, sustainability - Tags:

The MSM are talking up the contest between the up-coming 2 speeches by John Key today, and David Cunliffe on Monday.  Both are targeting West Auckland for their first speech, setting the platform for their upcoming election campaigns.  Key was chosen the Trusts Stadium in Henderson – Paula Bennett’s territory.  Cunliffe has chosen Kelston – location of the new Kelston electorate, seen as solid Labour territory.

But there are other differences – too obvious for the stating:

John Key’s event as in an invite on the Accountant Blog:

The West Auckland Business Club and ATEED are proud to present a lunch with special guest speaker Prime Minister the Rt Hon John Key – in his first address of 2014.

The first Business Forum of the year on 23 January will be the sixth occasion the Prime Minister has agreed to speak to a Business Forum.

The lunch will be an ideal opportunity to network with leaders of the West Auckland business community, catch up with Business Club members after the holidays, and host your team and key clients at a table.

Come along and enjoy a buffet lunch amid lively conversations prompted by the Prime Minister’s insights.

Please register quickly before this event sells out.

The West Auckland Business Club is a not-for-profit organisation and for the past 21 years, all profits from events have been donated to the West Auckland community.

Date: Thursday 23 January 2014, 11:00am – 1.30pm
Venue: Genesis Lounge, The Trusts Arena, 65 Central Park Drive, Henderson
Cost: $90 + GST each, or book a table of 10 for $850 + GST (includes lunch)
Register here.

According to National Party cheerleader, John Armstrong, Key will:

Key has chosen education as the main focus of his speech because he believes elections are won and lost on how governments handle matters fundamental to people’s daily lives, such as law and order and economic management.

Last year’s disappointing PISA results showing that New Zealand school students’ performance in reading, maths and science had slipped against some countries has left National vulnerable in a portfolio area where it had previously felt it held the advantage over Labour in terms of putting forward policies that parents wanted to see implemented but which did not square with Labour ideology.

Cunliffe’s speech is a free, no frills event at Kelston Girls College:

Join Labour leader David Cunliffe for the State of the Nation Speech 2014: A Nation of Opportunity.

Be there at the new venueKelston Girls’ College Auditorium, Corner Great North Road and Archibald Road, Kelston, West Auckland.

If you can’t be there in person catch up later on YouTube. Have your say on Facebook, with Twitter#Labour2014 or email stateofthenation@cunliffe.co.nz.

This event is for members and supporters of the New Zealand Labour Party.

According to the Labour Party website,

State of the Nation

Join David Cunliffe for his State of the Nation address – at the new venue, Kelston Girls’ College Auditorium.

David will speak about creating opportunities for every New Zealander, no matter who they are or where they were born.

Cunliffe has already indicated some of the possibly less palatable parts of his policy platform: GGST to remain on fruit and vege; no $5000 tax free zone; superannuation age will stay ay 67 years with some adjustments for gender and social equity.  And he has put some distance between Labour and the Greens in not totally opposing deep sea oil drilling.

Russel Norman has expressed disappointment about Cunliffe’s support of deep sea oil drilling (with legislation ensuring strong safety measures), and called it a huge mistake.  This will test the Labour-Green relationship (as micky has posted on The Standard), but I don’t see it as insurmountable. It is one of the reasons why my party vote will still be for the Green Party.  It also shows a clear difference betwen the two potential coalition partners, even though they have similar aims for society: a good thing about MMP, is that significant issues need be given some public airing, and the public can have some input on it.

What other differences will there be between these two upcoming important speeches by Key and Cunliffe?

[Update] Metiria Turei’s speech, Sunday: Picnic for the Planet

When:  Sunday, January 26, 2014 – 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: Waitangi Park, Wellington

Join Metiria and the Green team for Picnic for the Planet 2014.

Metiria will give her State of New Zealand speech at 12pm followed by performances by Nelson’s own Minuit and special guests.

There’ll be plenty of food and drink stalls to keep you refreshed, kids entertainment for the little ones and friendly NGO stalls sharing their good green message.

Picnic for the Planet is free so bring the family, your mates and enjoy the sun, music and hear about our Green vision for 2014.

View Facebook event

No clues so far as to what will be in Turei’s speech.

green_party_leaders_russel_norman_and_metiria_ture_4dec906e26

[UPDATE] Key’s speech defensively slammed Greens and Labour then focused on the corporatising of education.

Key starts his speech by hoping everyone had a good Christmas like him – playing golf! He then put a diversionary gloss on the (to him on-) growth of the income inequality gap: he said it’s not tru what the opposition say: “”It’s not true that the rich are getting richer and the poor getting poorer.”

key attacked Lab-green power policy; Labour on taxes, super, decreasing competition; Lab-green power policy;

He got into a muddled attempt to reiterate the “neoliberal” focus on individual responsibility, with reference to his own, state-house-to-bankster-PM myth.  He said Lab-green want to take us back to the 70s – the 70s from which he got far better support from NZ’s welfare state than low income people today.

Key claims he’s strong on trust and integrity

Then he got onto education – claimed NZ’s record has gone backwards since 2000.  So, to help the kids, he’ll put the focus on improving teaching first, and leadership 2nd.  His policy – outlined in this Nat press release, is about corporatising education, and increasing competition within the system: a system with extra layers of bureaucracy and hierarchy; with “Executive Principals” and “Lead Teachers” paid extra on top of their salaries.

[Update] Tweet from Metiria Turei:

Vote Green and you get both – great education policy and protected beaches. I’m making an education announcement in Sunday mx

Winston Peters responds to Key’s speech:

Rt Hon Winston Peters says the Prime Minister presented a particularly self-serving, selective view of what is actually happening in New Zealand.

Newstalk ZB: Transcript of Key’s speech.

Green Party responds to Key’s speech: ‘National fails to address inequality in education

Cunliffe’s stand up today – Key’s speech was “a six page apology for Hekia Parata”.

97 comments on “Spot the difference! Stating the nation ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    Thanks Karol

    In my humble opinion it is inevitable that there will be policy differences between Labour and the Greens and on some occasions they will just have to agree to disagree.

    This issue may show how important it is that if Labour and the Greens are to become Government they do not rely on NZ First for confidence and supply. I am sure that the continuation of deep sea drilling will be something that NZ First will not budge on.

    • geoff 1.1

      At least Labour and Greens don’t appear to have hugely divergent views on the causes and consequences of climate change. It’s only in their response to it where they significantly differ.

      In comparison, National doesn’t know what it thinks about Climate change, whatever is convenient on the day seem to be their MO.

      • AmaKiwi 1.1.1

        Geoff – “It’s only in their response to it where they (Labour and Greens) significantly differ.”

        Don’t walk into the minefield of divide and conquer.

        National’s spin is “the Left is a bunch of disorganized crazies who couldn’t organize a piss-up in a brewery.”

        Churchill and Roosevelt had differences. But like them, we must remain clear about the evil we must defeat.

        I belong to one of these parties: Labour, Green, or Mana. I don’t care which you belong to as long as you vote for one of them.

        • geoff 1.1.1.1

          I’m not walking into any minefield, it was just a statement of fact.

          But don’t you worry, I will be voting for one of those parties! ;P

    • Olwyn 1.2

      Now that National feels free to treat ACT like a niche-market branch, which goes against the spirit of MMP, they also feel free to squawk about the differences between Labour and the Greens. Of course are differences – they are different political parties. But this does not mean they cannot work well together.

      • karol 1.2.1

        There are also differences between Dunne and the Nats – RMA for instance. Yesterday on Stuff: ‘Dunne signals no progress on RMA reforms’:

        Restored minister Peter Dunne has signalled a gulf remains on some issues that could stop him supporting key Government legislation.
        […]
        Today Dunne said that since he warned he would not vote for RMA reform in the form that was proposed late last year, there had been little movement or discussion with the Government.

        Differences with Craig and his Conservative Party on many things.
        Conservative website on issues:

        No asset sales, no large land sales to foreigners, no ETS and free trade only if on a level playing field
        […]
        No sovereignty ceded through the signing of international/UN agreements

        Differences between Nats and Maori Party

        And, the Nats’ fall-back position: differences between Peters & the Nats – e.g. asset sales.

        • Olwyn 1.2.1.1

          Yes, the gulf between NZ First and the current Nats goes far deeper than the differences between Labour and the Greens. As to Craig I am not so sure – I suspect him of being yet another niche-market branch, disguised as an independent political party.

  2. Steve Alfreds 2

    On the issue of the environment and deep sea oil drilling the Greens will have to get used to horse trading and compromising, that’s coalition government. Otherwise they’ll be on the cross benches.
    P.S. I’ve given the Greens my party vote at the last three elections.

    • McFlock 2.1

      only if labour can play the greens and nz1 off against each other.

      Otherwise the greens have the biggest horse in the room 🙂

  3. toad 3

    Let’s not forget Metiria Turei’s Picnic for the Planet speech on Sunday, Karol.

    BTW, so appropriate the the Nats have once again chosen a venue funded by gambling.

    • karol 3.1

      Oh. thanks, Toad. Will add it to the post.

      • toad 3.1.1

        Just got emailed a media release from Metiria (doesn’t appear to be online yet) indicating that her speech on Sunday will also relate to education, but will focus on the inequality kids suffer so teachers can focus on what they do best – educate our kids.

  4. karol 4

    3 News has a livestream of the event– not sure if the speech has already happened.

    Just a lot of people milling about.

    • Arfamo 4.1

      Where – this link just takes me to a tv3 page of news videos. No live stream obvious.

      • karol 4.1.1

        The livestream has now finished. I’ve added a link to a transcript of the speech to the post. The speech started a little after 11am.

  5. karol 5

    Key starts his speech by hoping everyone had a good Christmas like him – playing golf!

    Starts with misinformation about supporting people on low incomes/beneficiaries.

  6. karol 6

    key says, what opposition says is not true. Key says,”It’s not true that the rich are getting richer and the poor getting poorer.”

    That’s a diversionary gloss on the growth of the income inequality gap.
    Then attacks Lab-green power policy;

    Key attacks Labour on taxes, super, decreasing competition – Lab-Green = step backwards.

    Key claims he’s strong on trust and integrity – retells his state house to PM journey – as evidence his trust, integrity – shaped by up-bringing ashaped his views – belief in individual responsibility – plus state support for equal opportunity – now to education.

    Education plays huge part in shaping lives of young people.

    Focus strongly on quality of teaching in classroom as biggest influence – 2nd bigggest influence is school leadership.

    • Skinny 6.1

      Key-National have gone to the public cheque book early vote buying. Targeting the sometimes fickle bunch ‘teachers’ One of Joyce’s focus groups will have identified the influence a few carrots to this group and they’ll get votes from this block and of course a bit of dog whistling at parent interview time. Of course it also stops the minds of the middle classes waning at the polling booths.

    • AmaKiwi 6.2

      Key is a genius at putting down the opposition with completely unsubstantiated lies.

      MSM. If you are reading this, it’s your job to not let him get away with lies. Either don’t print his lies or point out they are lies.

      Example: Despite overwhelming statistical evidence to the contrary, the PM claimed, “It’s not true that the rich are getting richer and the poor getting poorer.”

  7. Skinny 7

    Looking at Nationals coalition options after this years election surely must be off putting especially Collin Craigs Conservative Party and Winston Peters NZF. Many voters wouldn’t want a bar of it, too unstable compared to a Labour-Green set up, I have reservations that Winston will join L/G’s, they probably won’t need him the rate things are going.

  8. karol 8

    Key on education = corporatising the schools! Adding extra layers of admin – “Executive prinicples” with extra pay on top of salary – brings trickledown lie to education.

    “Lead teachers” – extra pay on top of salaries. More pay for teacher development – especially writing, maths, science and digital literacy.

    Nat press release on it’s education policies

    • Rob 8.1

      I think there is some very good initiatives here.

      I especially like the one for expert teachers, this enables good teachers to earn more whilst remaining in a valuable teaching role , rather than having to search for a principal type role for advancement. It will also enable highly skilled teachers to work across a number of schools in a more formal mentoring role.

  9. red blooded 9

    Actually, while I await the details, I’m not as negative about the education policies as you seem to be. For starters, we teachers have been saying for decades that we need more cooperation between schools and a wider range of opportunities for teachers who have strong teaching skills but want to stay in the classroom rather than going into management. There was a working group between PPTA and the Ministry looking at this issue under the last Labour government – it led to the creation of the Specialist Classroom Teacher role (very similar to what Key is describing as “Lead Teachers”) and of Subject Advisors (who were leading teachers working across schools trying to improve practice in their subject areas, taken out of their own schools for one year). This was meant to be the start of a more systemic set of changes, but Labour wouldn’t commit to anything more and the Subject Advisors were discontinued after one year (Trevor Mallard, angry at having to provide salary increases in the a new collective agreement, killed the trial) and the SCT positions remained fixed at 1-2 per school, depending on roll size (whereas they were meant to slowly increase in number, so that a school of 2000, for example, might have 4).

    Of course, these changes may not dramatically strengthen out (already good) system, but I don’t think they should be seen as an attack, at this stage. At least it’s not the tired old (discredited) right wing argument that “successful” teachers should simply be paid more than “unsuccessful” teachers, and that somehow this will help to improve levels of engagement and achievement. That simplistic crap is what I feared from JK. Of course, there will still be issues over how people are selected, what level of responsibility they are given over their colleagues and how their performance is judged, and I’m sure the picture won’t be as rosy as JK presents it, but it’s not anywhere near as disastrous as it might have been.

    • karol 9.1

      I agree on this, rb:

      we teachers have been saying for decades that we need more cooperation between schools and a wider range of opportunities for teachers who have strong teaching skills but want to stay in the classroom rather than going into management.

      I’ve also spent the major part of my adult life working as a teacher.

      The Nats have cleverly taken this demand, and worked it into a corporate model, stressing competion and hierarchy over collaboration.

      It’s a clever attempt to get teachers on board, without addressing the major problems with the long tail of student under-achievement – that requires an strong emphasis on the interaction between teachers and the community.

      I think there is more than enough details to see where this policy is heading.

      The upside is that the Nats wouldn’t bring in this policy til after the election. It gives the opposition more than enough time to respond – hopefully with an improved career pathway for teachers.

  10. Arfamo 10

    Where’s the bloody live stream they promised? Idiots.

    • karol 10.1

      There were livestreams at TV3 & One.

      • Arfamo 10.1.1

        Cunliffe said here they’ll be livestreaming the speech. Where is their freaking link on their bloody site. Morons. If they didn’t have a livestream sewn up he shouldn’t have said it was going to be livestreamed. FMD. I’ve been looking for the last 30 bloody minutes.

        • karol 10.1.1.1

          Cunliffe’s speech isn’t until Monday – usually such links don’t go live til a little while before the speech.

          • Arfamo 10.1.1.1.1

            Whoops. Embarrassment. I’m not well at the moment. WTF was I thinking. I think I’d better go and lie down.

        • Colonial Viper 10.1.1.2

          Breathe, count to 10, relax mate.

        • freedom 10.1.1.3

          Do you mean Key’s speech or Cunliffe’s ?
          Cunliffe’s speech is on Monday Arfamo,

          and if you mean Key’s speech, why are you bitching at Cunliffe?

          • Arfamo 10.1.1.3.1

            Apologies apologies apologies – oh lord. I really am feeling stupider than usual. I’ll just run away and hide for a bit.

            • karol 10.1.1.3.1.1

              No problem, Arfamo — and the best speeches are yet to come.

            • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 10.1.1.3.1.2

              lolz I enjoy your comments Arfamo, and lets face it – you were simply expressing great distraught at missing the highly anticipated amazing vision & policies that Cunliffe is going to speak of on Monday – (we hopes, otherwise being called ‘morons’ will be the mildest of criticisms Labour is going to face 🙂 )

              • Arfamo

                (I’ve taken back the idiots and morons comments and am hanging on to these two titles today because I’ve earned them.)

                • Colonial Viper

                  😀

                  • Anne

                    If you’re struggling with a flu-like illness then we’ve all been there, done that Arfamo. 😀

                    • lprent

                      …a flu-like illness then we’ve all been there, done that…

                      Yeah I was off for a number of days in december because of the damn thing. Felt bad with no particular symptoms apart from a higher temperature and a complete inability to think clearly (ie I couldn’t program). I was really grateful that I had the raised temperature to prove to myself that I wasn’t just going senile…

  11. captain hook 11

    Nationals message is how much more donkeyote and his gang of graspers can get away with before they are chucked out of office.

  12. blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12

    One looks like – and has attitudes akin to – the Penguin from Batman, yet sounds like Daffy Duck.

    The other looks, and sounds like the next Prime Minister of New Zealand.

    • Rob 12.1

      Ah ha, amazing analysis when only one speech has occurred.

      • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12.1.1

        With my finely tuned skills of observation this is the prediction I arrive at. 🙂

        • Rob 12.1.1.1

          You would get my vote.

          • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12.1.1.1.1

            …yes – that would be a very good choice if you had it (what a pity aye?)- ….there is more brilliance where that came from too

    • SHG (not Colonial Viper) 12.2

      Yes, what this country needs is another millionaire suit living in one of Auckland’s most expensive suburbs.

      • felix 12.2.1

        If that’s really your criteria for disapproving of a PM (it’s not) then you must be livid about the current bloke.

  13. freedom 13

    here are great leader’s words,
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11190903
    or at least the ones they are telling us he said 😉

    brick walls for bashing your head against are all around you

  14. Bill 14

    Oh fuck. Take the teachers and principles who jumped aboard the ‘charter school’ bandwagon; who are happy to ‘teach the test’ in order to produce the right stats…and promote them into positions of authority where they can whip the rest of the profession into line.

    That about right?

    • karol 14.1

      Well, there’s always the questions of who and how the “expert principals” & teachers are decided…. can be subjective, depend on the school they are in, etc.

      It also is slipping perforamce pay in via the cover of providing a better career path for teachers.

      I’m sure the Nats will make it work withtheir charter school policy.

    • adam 14.2

      Thought that summed it rather well there Bill. I also think it was wonderful how our PM lies so well. He does it with a smile and a wave – pooofff your all my slaves. Whoops wrong speech, no he’s not into neo-feudalism – he’d never create a situation were we all bend over for our corporate masters, not honest john key.

      One question – How long do people put up with immoral psychopaths?

      • McFlock 14.2.1

        Usually until the person or targeted or the psychopath is publicly disgraced – perp walk, for example.

        But typically it starts with the seduction phase (the psycho needs you so ingratiates themselves to you), then you get uneasy (usually a short period, where the psycho no longer needs you so stops trying), then you are targeted as quickly as possible and gone (e.g. fired, get other work, or tied to chair in basement – but it can take a while to realise that you are being targeted, and by whom).

    • Skinny 14.3

      That pretty much sums things up in a nutshell Bill, creating a corporate business style to schools. Money at the top and middle or should I say a whip at the top and a carrot in the middle. Fairly loose policy release with scant revelations of the detail. I don’t think Parata will front the details, she will make a hash of it, Key will rolling out their number one snake oil salesman Joyce.

    • felix 14.4

      Yes Bill I believe that’s pretty much on the money.

  15. scotty 15

    Labour should largely ignore Keys’ bait re education.

    Key is obviously comfortable debating education issues,

    He would like nothing more ,than the MSM to focus on the “Nationals’ better education for all” policy v “Self serving teacher Unions” debate stealing all the oxygen .in the months leading upto the election.

    • karol 15.1

      Well, Cunliffe has ben slow to respond, but Vernon Small seems to have seen some comments from Cunliffe somewhere. Small tweeted:

      Cunliffe says National’s education plan underwhelming. Stresses speech is six page apology for Hekia Parata

      And Small followed up with this:

      Cunliffe says Labour plan goes beyond the Nat one. Will also recognise excellent teachers.

      Peters and Turei have come out more aggressively with immediate responses to Key’s education plan.

      • SHG (not Colonial Viper) 15.1.1

        By even acknowledging that some teachers are better than others and that they deserve recognition that underperforming teachers do not, Cunliffe just conceded the education debate.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.1.1

          Or, on the other hand, your false frame could just be taken as evidence of dishonesty and bad faith.

          Yeah, that seems more likely.

          • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.1.1.1

            PS: Specifically “underperforming”. Let’s get a few facts established shall we?

            1. To be a teacher requires earning qualifications. So they’ve already jumped a hurdle before they start. What qualifications are required to spout right-wing drivel on the internet? Obviously you need to save up enough to get your pre-frontal lobotomy, but what else?

            2. Teachers are required to engage in professional development, and are rewarded for doing so.

            3. The single most influential factor in student achievement is household income.

            4. All these facts are publicly available.

            5. Given these facts, is there a range of teacher ability. Sure, just like in every other field of human endeavour.

            6. So why are you applying negative judgemental labels that just happen to parrot right wing lies? Coincidence?

            • SHG (not Colonial Viper) 15.1.1.1.1.1

              Some teachers are excellent. They deserve recognition.

              There are some teachers who are not excellent. They do not deserve the recognition that excellent teachers deserve.

              Labour policy, 2014. Thanks Cunliffe.

              • One Anonymous Knucklehead

                I note the teachers’ unions are cautiously optimistic about Key’s announcement, let alone Cunliffe’s. Perhaps you can form a protest group to advance your personal perspective on this.

                • SHG (not Colonial Viper)

                  The announcements were welcomed by the teaching profession, including PPTA President Angela Roberts and Principals’ Federation president Phil Harding.

                  Ms Roberts said she was “cautiously optimistic” and welcomed the extra resourcing to support teachers, as well as greater collaboration between teachers across schools.

                  She said its ability to work as intended would depend on how it was implemented, but welcomed Mr Key’s promise that the profession would be involved in implementing the new roles.

                  Principals’ Federation President Phil Harding said the announcements were significant for both principals and teachers.

                  “It’s hard for me to say it but I’m pretty damned impressed. It is a huge amount of new money and I have never seen such a transformation of ideas and discussion into policy and money in my life.”

                  • One Anonymous Knucklehead

                    The devil will be in the detail. Watch the proposal turn to shit if the Nats try and use their deceitful “standards” as a benchmark.

                    If, of course, these new senior teachers are chosen the way they are now, it represents extra money and nothing else other than a win for the teachers.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 15.1.2

        A six page apology for Hekia Parata 😆

  16. ianmac 16

    I wonder how the excellent lead teachers will be chosen especially in a Primary School where each teacher teaches multiple subject areas?
    Perhaps a prerequisite might be membership to the National Party.
    Maybe those who can inflate test scores best.
    Or maybe those who teach just like their best buddy, the Principal.

    • geoff 16.1

      +1 ianmac.

      This is divisive, cynical policy and I’ll be disappointed to see Labour mimic it.

    • Colonial Viper 16.2

      Policy details are not important. As already identified, this money is a right wing slush fund for divide and conquer tactics.

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 16.2.1

        Not necessarily. If the new senior teachers are chosen the way they are now, this represents little other than more money for education, spun in a way that helps Hekia save face.

        PS: the Nats are “throwing money at the problem” – not exactly their core philosophy now, is it?

        • Skinny 16.2.1.1

          It’s election year and money buys votes, in a capitalist age of self interest the fickle bunch that teachers are will take the bait. The only time you see this group at regional union meetings is when their CA is up and they want your solidarity for their blue, the time you need them they pull the neutrality card of political correctness. Labour will be forced with ‘me too’ + 1 only. That is better it and sum, Cunliffe is already talking this way.

  17. aerobubble 17

    Spot the difference. Helen was going to form a five headed monster. Key, out does her, on top of the five heads he’s going to have a potential sixth head, Colin Craig, virtual head. Politics answer to vaporware.

  18. Mr Mediocrity 18
    IT IS A MATTER OF PERSONAL BELIEF AS TO WHETHER A HIGH PROPORTION OF ALL CENTRE STAFF SHOULD BE TRAINED TEACHERS.

    JOHN KEY, PRIME MINISTER, 2010

    [deleted]

    http://www.matuaplunketkindergarten.co.nz/Why_Trained_Teachers.html

    http://www.beststart.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Anne-Smith-NZEI-ECE-hui-Oct-2013

    [lprent: Repeatedly shouting slogans is discouraged. Save it for a protest. I muted it. Read the policy because I won’t do the particular favour of re-editing a comment to conform to the site rules too often. ]

  19. Mr Mediocrity 19

    Opps, sorry about that…. new to the game.

    Fair point

  20. Clemgeopin 20

    I was HIGHLY impressed with the last two minutes of Cunliffe’s talk with the journalists today. Towards the end I felt a glimpse of the real Mr Cunliffe, PM and leader, when he spoke with real passion and conviction. Watch this link.

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL1401/S00054/cunliffe-underwhelmed-by-keys-state-of-the-nation-speech.htm

    [P.S : Earlier, I posted this probably in the wrong topic]

  21. Xtasy 21

    It seems that John Key spent most of the years that Labour was last in government on excessively drinking whiskey and beer, with impaired senses and “foggy” observation, as there is no other explanation for what he claimed in his SON speech today!

    Extract from his speech:
    “It’s vitally important that over the next few years we continue to build on the hard-won gains we are making as a country. That includes a huge improvement in managing the country’s finances. We have made careful savings, been disciplined with spending, and run the public sector far more efficiently. That’s a lot different than the previous government, which increased spending by 50 per cent in just five years. That spending helped push mortgage rates to almost 11 per cent and crippled the internationally competitive parts of the economy. New Zealand can’t afford that approach again.

    The Government will get back to running surpluses next year. At first they will be very small but they will build up over time. There might be some room for modest spending or revenue initiatives, but the top priority has to be getting our debt down. The Government has borrowed – on behalf of New Zealanders – around $50 billion over six years to get the country safely through a recession, the greatest financial crisis since the 1930s, and one of the most expensive natural disasters in history.

    In better economic times we have to reduce that debt. That will lift national savings, and help keep a lid on interest rate rises as the economy heats up.”

    So Labour in government increased spending, and that was supposedly the reason for interest rates going sky-high? What a load of rubbish, it was the excessive private borrowing during the housing and consumption boom, that drove up private debt and hence interest rates the banks charged!

    At least he admits having borrowed heaps to “get the country safely through recession”, but that is also only a half truth, as there were tax cuts favouring the higher earners, leaving the budgets short, and there were corporate bailouts and more, looking after to the top end of the asset and wealth owning part of the country. There were giveaways for share buyers, there were some other measures, where National looked after their lobbyists and voters, while only taking some from the lower earners and beneficiaries in the way of 25 percent increase in GST, and borrowing the rest for the shortfall. Some borrowing has also been for the Christchurch rebuild, so to claim it was to simply see the country through recession is a LIE.

    Also the interest rates will be set by the Reserve Bank, so how can he claim his government will keep a lid on them? Liar Key, liar Key, liar Key, caught out again, but the media failed to mention this!

    Indeed the speech is full of LIES, if you go through it, and the only other explanation for Key’s claims is, his mind was “fogged” most the time, on booze and the “strange” effects it has.

    Let us see how “sober” he will see himself and the government through 2014.

    • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 21.1

      Thanks for this Xtasy

      John Key’s speech full of lies and the media didn’t mention them?

      Hmm now why does that not surprise me…..

      • karol 21.1.1

        The lies got a lot of comments on twitter – but the MSM journos just go for the education policy

        Edit: and One News is treating it as a fait accompli – I thought it will only happen if the Nats get re-elected. In the speech Key said:

        And we intend to introduce the new principal and teaching roles from next year.

        • Zorr 21.1.1.1

          Tracy Watkins is saying that John Key has “stolen a march” on Labour
          http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/9642414/Key-steals-Labours-thunder

          I think we need to coin the NZ equivalent of “drinking from the Kool-aid” because the way some of these jonolists act, it can be the only explanation for their deluded reporting. Maybe “drinking from the private reserve” with regards all this wine that the Nats just love to pass out to their “best mates”…

          • karol 21.1.1.1.1

            Yeah. i saw that Zorr – on her own planet is that Watkins.

            3 News, even while Gower sort of talked it up, actually reinforced Cunliffe’s comment that it was an underwhelming policy – and opinions are pretty divided on it. The secondary teachers’ union liked it; the primary teachers union was more reticent, with some teachers not liking it at all; education acadmic said it was totally wrong; Cunliffe had the great line/sound bite about it being “a 6 page apology for Hekia Parata. And Gower also basically said it was a bit of a desperate attempt by Key to regain some lost support.

            One News was more enthusiastic – but began assuming the policy would all happen in practice and framed it by how education would b changing for specific students. Did they not listen to and read the speech? It’s an election campaign policy, and wouldn’t be introduced til next year. And they did include some of the critics of the policy.

        • Skinny 21.1.1.2

          I saw a news clip of Keys speech the crowd were reserved, like they were listening to a politically ‘dead man’ talking. I guess the life expectancy of teflon must be 6 years.

        • Xtasy 21.1.1.3

          “Edit: and One News is treating it as a fait accompli”

          A key player in the MSM, TVNZ that is, seem to be committed to keep him in the job then?!

          I heard the same enthusiastic approval coming from Duncan Garner on Radio Live this afternoon, and he hailed the comments from Angela Roberts from the PPTA, who showed some guarded positive response to the announcements by Key, while the NZEI was rather critical and negative.

          No surprise that the whole speech is offered by 1ZB, and I wonder, whether they will give the same treatment to David Cunliffe, and other leaders of other parties.

          I am sure that many in the MSM will do all to keep the positive reporting on Key and Nats going throughout this year.

          • Skinny 21.1.1.3.1

            Most of these jurno’s can be bought for a song, you often hear of the invites to National ‘good news’ parties, JK Xmas wine presents, Key taking the press out for dinner (Garner told that one) while on a overseas junkets.

            You won’t have a shit show in hell of getting these National shysters on RNZ in election year, although they may jump in on a kind ear-Jim Morea’s afternoon show, painting some rosy picture.

            • Xtasy 21.1.1.3.1.1

              Jim Morass will have someone like Key welcome, I think, and it will fit in nicely to let him (John) tell the listeners:

              “Yeah, golf is a nice sport, you meet many great and influential people, that is how I got it made, and yes, my daughter and son are doing well, being “good” Kiwi kids, studied, now into this that and the other, I like the colour blue, black or purple, I really recommend this beer or wine, yeah, and I also share my experience when having been in such and such country, hell, can they drink, talk, laugh, lay it out, yeah, we Kiwis have got it made, we are the best and on top, yeah, just vote me again, and I will ensure more of all this.”

              “And of course, we do this, that and the other, sports, yachting, cricket, rugby, all good, we work for NZ Inc, we have Hollywood in our homes, we have our friend Abbott (the “mad monk”) come and join us for dinner, it is all a real family affair, just as we Kiwis like it. Merry Xmas, Happy Easter, good success, enjoy your day, and week, and month, and do not forget to vote for ME, as I am one of yours.”

              JK

  22. Tracey 22

    How come labour and greens have to agree on everything but national act uf nzf mp dont?

    so was key lying when he said the gap between rich and poor is not getting bigger? Did he quote his source? Did a journo ask for it before printing the statement?

  23. Tracey 23

    What, no reduced class sizes, like in the school he chose from all others to send his son?

    “Average English class size: 21 students per class”

    The Pm could do worse than adhere to the vision of that school

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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 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
    5 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
    3 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
    8 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
    10 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
    11 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. ...
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    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
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    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
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    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
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    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
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    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
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    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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