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 venue, Kelston 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 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. mickysavage 1
    23 January 2014 at 10:30 am

    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
      23 January 2014 at 10:40 am

      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
        23 January 2014 at 9:46 pm

        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
          23 January 2014 at 10:04 pm

          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
      23 January 2014 at 11:17 am

      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
        23 January 2014 at 11:30 am

        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
          23 January 2014 at 11:40 am

          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
    23 January 2014 at 10:40 am

    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
      23 January 2014 at 12:13 pm

      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
    23 January 2014 at 10:53 am

    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
      23 January 2014 at 10:56 am

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

      • toad 3.1.1
        23 January 2014 at 1:17 pm

        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
    23 January 2014 at 11:44 am

    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
      23 January 2014 at 1:20 pm

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

      • karol 4.1.1
        23 January 2014 at 1:33 pm

        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
    23 January 2014 at 11:52 am

    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
    23 January 2014 at 11:59 am

    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
      23 January 2014 at 12:24 pm

      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
      23 January 2014 at 9:55 pm

      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
    23 January 2014 at 12:10 pm

    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
    23 January 2014 at 12:13 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 3:03 pm

      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
    23 January 2014 at 12:55 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 1:04 pm

      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
    23 January 2014 at 1:07 pm

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

    • karol 10.1
      23 January 2014 at 1:19 pm

      There were livestreams at TV3 & One.

      • Arfamo 10.1.1
        23 January 2014 at 1:30 pm

        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
          23 January 2014 at 1:34 pm

          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
            23 January 2014 at 1:40 pm

            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
          23 January 2014 at 1:39 pm

          Breathe, count to 10, relax mate.

        • freedom 10.1.1.3
          23 January 2014 at 1:40 pm

          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
            23 January 2014 at 1:42 pm

            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
              23 January 2014 at 1:46 pm

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

            • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 10.1.1.3.1.2
              23 January 2014 at 1:52 pm

              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 …
                23 January 2014 at 2:01 pm

                (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 …
                  23 January 2014 at 2:14 pm

                  😀

                  • Anne …
                    23 January 2014 at 5:08 pm

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

                    • lprent …
                      23 January 2014 at 11:47 pm

                      …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
    23 January 2014 at 1:11 pm

    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
    23 January 2014 at 1:28 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 3:08 pm

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

      • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12.1.1
        23 January 2014 at 4:13 pm

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

        • Rob 12.1.1.1
          23 January 2014 at 4:21 pm

          You would get my vote.

          • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12.1.1.1.1
            23 January 2014 at 4:32 pm

            …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
      23 January 2014 at 4:36 pm

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

      • felix 12.2.1
        24 January 2014 at 1:43 am

        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
    23 January 2014 at 1:28 pm

    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
    23 January 2014 at 2:09 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 2:36 pm

      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
      23 January 2014 at 2:54 pm

      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
        23 January 2014 at 3:09 pm

        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
      23 January 2014 at 3:17 pm

      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
      24 January 2014 at 1:44 am

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

  15. scotty 15
    23 January 2014 at 2:21 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 2:34 pm

      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
        23 January 2014 at 3:06 pm

        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
          23 January 2014 at 3:10 pm

          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
            23 January 2014 at 3:22 pm

            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
              23 January 2014 at 3:32 pm

              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 …
                23 January 2014 at 3:38 pm

                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) …
                  23 January 2014 at 3:49 pm

                  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 …
                    23 January 2014 at 3:59 pm

                    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
        23 January 2014 at 3:07 pm

        A six page apology for Hekia Parata 😆

  16. ianmac 16
    23 January 2014 at 3:29 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 3:46 pm

      +1 ianmac.

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

    • Colonial Viper 16.2
      23 January 2014 at 3:57 pm

      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
        23 January 2014 at 4:01 pm

        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
          23 January 2014 at 4:24 pm

          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
    23 January 2014 at 4:44 pm

    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
    23 January 2014 at 4:50 pm
    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
    23 January 2014 at 5:49 pm

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

    Fair point

  20. Clemgeopin 20
    23 January 2014 at 6:00 pm

    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
    23 January 2014 at 6:56 pm

    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
      23 January 2014 at 7:08 pm

      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
        23 January 2014 at 7:12 pm

        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
          23 January 2014 at 7:32 pm

          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
            23 January 2014 at 7:43 pm

            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
          23 January 2014 at 7:35 pm

          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
          23 January 2014 at 7:50 pm

          “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
            23 January 2014 at 8:35 pm

            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
              23 January 2014 at 10:42 pm

              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
    24 January 2014 at 10:30 am

    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
    24 January 2014 at 11:39 am

    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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    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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