The smoke & mirrors of the surveillance-military-economic-complex

Written By: - Date published: 2:22 pm, May 21st, 2014 - 29 comments
Categories: accountability, afghanistan, democracy under attack, greens, john key, labour, same old national, Spying, trade, uk politics - Tags: , , ,

There are a range of issues in the main and secondary media, which are part of a GCSB-intelligence-surveillance-military-complex. Some significant elements seem to be posing as diversions from other parts of the complex, and the way all parts hang together. What will he offer Obama, to advance a NZ’s position in the TPPA?

socialist aotearoa fuck tppa

Most of the mainstream media are focusing on the drone issue.  They and politicians are keeping up the heat on John Key as to whether he and/or the GCSB have been complicit in providing intelligence resulting in US drones attacking drone strikes killing civilians and (at least one) Kiwis in Afghanistan Yemen.

DRONES

Surprisingly, as micky savage points out, the MSM has pretty much ignored the significance of the extra details, and narrative produced by Campbell Live last night: a narrative that charts the shift of the GSCB’s main focus from military-based security, to include a strong focus on “economic” security.  This includes issues of digital copyright, as reflected in the Dotcom saga, as well as with significant aspects of the TPPA.

The Green Party and David Cunliffe have raised questions about why the PM is not going to be asking questions related to the drone issue, in his up coming meeting with Obama.  In contrast, Key has said the focus of his talks with Obama will be trade and the TPPA (see for instance Patrick Gower’s article on this).  Here, in plain sight, is an issue that, in the MSM today, is  not being treated as a major issue. This is at a time when the TPPA negotiations are at a  crucial point. Claire Trevett gives it passing mention:

A White House statement said the meeting will cover co-operation on matters from the Trans Tasman Pacific Partnership to military to military co-operation. Mr Key said that did not necessarily mean a visit by a US warship was in the near future.

[…]Mr Key said he would not raise issues of drone strikes or mass surveillance by intelligence agencies.

Jane Kelsey’s press release today, on her monitoring of the TPPA negotiations, has received little attention.

‘At the end of a two-day ministerial meeting on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in Singapore it seems clearer than ever that New Zealand stands to get almost nothing if they do reach a deal, and we will pay a very high price in return’, according to Professor Jane Kelsey, who has been observing the meeting.

Today’s statement from the TPPA ministers had the familiar recycled rhetoric of “meaningful progress”, “narrowing remaining differences”, and “building momentum”.

‘There are signs of a possible breakthrough on the sticking point of agriculture. But that would fall far below Trade Minister Groser’s “gold standard” of comprehensive liberalisation for agriculture’, Kelsey said.

While Grosser has claimed he will not accept any major formal concessions on “medicine patents, copyright, or state-owned enterprises,” it is unclear how his lack of bargaining chips will result in significant positive results for NZ.  Kelsey concludes:

‘In return for what looks like an empty deal, New Zealand will still be expected to make major concessions on the rules for Pharmac, Internet freedom, regulating foreign investment and much more’.

The TPPA ministers announced a ‘pathway for intensified engagement’ in market access and rules, such as intellectual property and state-owned enterprises, includes another ‘chief negotiators’ meeting in early July. By not calling it ‘a round’ they can avoid the need for any formal stakeholder presence.

‘The question now is where the New Zealand government will draw its new red line, and what price it will make the country pay for a deal that delivers few, if any, tangible returns’.

So what can Key possibly achieve in his talks with Obama on trade?  And does he think he has some major bargaining chips?  Some TPPA concessions for NZ in response to Key holding the line in support of the US government and intelligence services with respect to drones, digital surveillance, etc?

key Obama

  • As pointed out byghostwhowalksnz, Clapper is labelled “top NSA spook” by Dotcom, in the Twitter image. He is Director of National Intelligence (DNI).  He does not have information about all the details of operational matters of the NSA, but has overall responsibility for the NSA and  other US intelligence agencies.

29 comments on “The smoke & mirrors of the surveillance-military-economic-complex ”

  1. Philj 1

    xox
    ” You see John, it’s just like this ….”

  2. Tracey 2

    the thing is, i have a caddy already

  3. Clemgeopin 3

    I thought that during the parliamentary question time today, Cunliffe’s grilling of Key regarding the GCSB issue was weak and Key’s mumbling answers were even weaker.

    The questions should be specific, single and sharp, avoiding two parts, which gives Key the advantage of wriggling out easily by answering just the easier part.

    The opposition needs to be smart and incisive in its razor sharp questioning. .

    • karol 3.1

      It may not be the right time because Key would have been well prepared for any questions on the topic. There were some interesting points in the replies. Basically, Key fell back on his memory (which he indicates may be faulty).

      Hon David Cunliffe: Why did he state on 4 April 2013 that the role he played in Ian Fletcher’s appointment as head of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) was “Only that the State Services Commissioner came to me”—came to me—“with the recommendation.”, when in fact he personally phoned him to encourage him to apply for the job?

      Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Because at the time I was asked in the House that was my recollection. At the end of the day, it was my appointment anyway.

      Hon David Cunliffe: Who organised the breakfast meetings on 17 June 2011 and 12 March 2010 between him and Ian Fletcher at the Stamford Plaza and Hyatt Regency respectively?

      Rt Hon JOHN KEY: I cannot be 100 percent sure, but, to the best of my recollection, it would be my office.

      Hon David Cunliffe: Given that, to the best of his recollection, his office organised both meetings, is it correct that the 17 June breakfast was held 3 days after he signed off on the interview panel for the GCSB director’s position and 3 weeks before the existing shortlist of candidates for that position was scrapped; if so, does he still claim that the GCSB role was not discussed with Mr Fletcher at that breakfast?

      Rt Hon JOHN KEY: In answer to the last part of the question, yes.

      Hon David Cunliffe: Was anyone from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet or his office present at the meeting held on 14 December 2011 to brief on Operation Debut against Mr Kim Dotcom?

      Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Well, no one from my office was. I cannot be sure whether the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had a representative there.

      So if they didn’t discuss the GCSB role, what did they discussed? It could have been things to do with surveillance, the NSA, etc…?

      Cunliffe then went on to the topic of the GCSB sharing information about New Zealanders with our partners. This is related to the broader role of the GCSB and the shift in its focus which began with the lead up to fletcher’s appointment.

      It is interesting that Key fudges this point. This indicates some issues of significance re the PM’s and/or other ministers jobs were liekly discussed.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 3.2

      Agree here.
      None of the questions were on notice, it was just a generic stand by your answers thing.

      Key obviously didnt bother to get answers to possible questions and if he did ignored his briefing and just gave generic answers that could apply to any meeting.

  4. Anne 4

    I’ve been pondering the question:

    Why is the MSM ignoring the matters arising out of the Campbell Live programme?

    Is it too big for them so they’ve decided to look the other way?
    Are they scared to report on it because their bosses (MSM and political) won’t like it and they might lose their positions?
    Is it professional jealousy because they didn’t have the gumption to do it?
    Is it too complicated for them to get their heads around it so they’ve decided to ignore it?
    Or are they just showing their political prejudices in favour of the Key government.

    Is it one of these in particular or a bit of all of them?

    • Clemgeopin 4.1

      Yes, it is strange and enigmatic! What Campbell revealed was a matter of very serious nature, involving the PM’s integrity and misleading of parliament and the public. Perhaps the MSM is waiting for some more revelations before taking up the issue? Of course, a lot of political journalists and commentators in the MSM seem to enamored by Key for some reason. We have quite an inefficient, uncritical, un-analysing and lazy fourth estate in this country, who seem to be more interested in minor issues generally!

    • Colonial Viper 4.2

      Why is the MSM ignoring the matters arising out of the Campbell Live programme?

      Senior editors don’t want to run with it.

      • Anne 4.2.1

        That’s the short answer CV. But I want to know the reason they don’t want to run with it. For example, have they been warned not to run with it? A brief word in one person’s ear and a few text messages is all it would take.

        • karol 4.2.1.1

          Trotter makes some good points on this.

          For me, the most significant thing about CL last night was the narrative it constructed about the shifts in NZ intelligence and surveillance under Key’s watch – cosying up to the US, and the shift towards economic or commercially-based surveillance, digital copyright, etc.

          This is where the TPPA comes in as a significant issue re-Key’s trip to visit Obama.

          Cunliffe was focusing more on the drones issue.

          • Anne 4.2.1.1.1

            Trotter makes some good points on this.

            Yes he does karol. That is why I am suspicious of the MSM’s avoidance of the issue. I suspect they’ve been tipped off to keep their mouths shut or else… There are subtle ways of doing this without issuing direct threats.

            It makes a nonsense of the claim that NZ is corruption-free.

            • karol 4.2.1.1.1.1

              This evening, Audrey Young, channeling John Key has launched an attack on John Campbell:

              Prime Minister John Key has accused TV3 broadcaster John Campbell of falling for conspiracy theories in the wake of Campbell Live show on Tuesday about the unlawful surveillance of internet mogul Kim Dotcom by the GCSB spy agency and the appointment of its chief, Ian Fletcher.

              Mr Key suggested facetiously that Campbell turn next to whether US President Barack Obama was born in the United States, whether the American Government was behind the September 11 attacks and who killed the Kennedys.

              “I’ve had some respect for John,” Key said to reporters at Parliament, “but when you do, I suppose, two years and come up with absolutely nada, what you do is what he did which was set a whole lot of assumptions to music.

              “The first I ever heard of Kim Dotcom was the 19th of January 2012.”
              […]
              “I can’t tell you exactly everything we talked about because I would never say that,” Mr Key said “but I can tell what we didn’t talk about.

              “We didn’t talk about Kim Dotcom because it is impossible to talk about someone you don’t know.”

              Mr Dotcom tweeted this after that that was “the logic of a liar.”

              Kim Dotcom insists he has proof that Mr Key is lying when he says he first heard about him on January 19, the day before his Coatesville mansion was raided by the FBI and that the proof will force Mr Key to resign.

              And the clincher from Key, attacking Dotcom’s claim in court that Banks had talked to Key about Dotcom’s firework display at New Years eve in Auckland:

              Mr Key said he had “no idea what John Banks said to Kim Dotcom but all I know is he has never spoken to me about going to fireworks.”
              He would never go to such fireworks anyway because he always spent Christmas and New Year in Hawaii.

              What with Key’s shunning of NZ holidays, and citing US conspiracy theories…… all adds up to supporting the narrative in Campbell Live, showing how much Key was cosying up to and following the US govenrment.

              • Anne

                This evening, Audrey Young, channeling John Key has launched an attack on John Campbell

                I’m sure John Campbell is expecting it, and coming from Tory girl Audrey Young (Daddy an ex Nat minister and brother a Nat MP) he won’t be too bothered.

                • karol

                  When I have time, … which won’t be for a day or two, I might do a post showing how Young has unwittingly reinforced the suck-up-to-the-US narrative presented in Campbell Live.

                  John Key, claiming to be the typical Kiwi bloke, trots out US conspiracy theories, sucks up to powerful Americans, and runs of to Hawaii at every chance.

                  • Anne

                    I might do a post showing how Young has unwittingly reinforced the suck-up-to-the-US narrative presented in Campbell Live.

                    Good one karol.

                    Whenever trolls (and Key is our top troll) are lying or don’t have an answer they trot out the conspiracy theorist jibe. Like Richard Nixon, he will get his comeuppance in due course.

              • Tracey

                The chronology as stated by Karol (summarising CL) and BLiP’s links to actual quotes of John key are not fabrication.

                As those of you who have read here the last couple of days have seen, my own interest is the denial of Key being the one to suggest Fletcher and telling Rennie he would contact Fletcher following their meeting about the unsuitability of the short listed candidates. And then doing so.

                I haven’t seen anyone provide any plausible explanation, apart from John Key forgot. But that is NOT plausible because it was not a cabinet club meeting to fundraise, or a dinner at Antoine’s or even a golf fundraiser, it was a meeting to talking about appointing the new head of the GCSB, for which Key has Ministerial responsibility. It is not, I submit, plausible that he did not remember.

                His answer reminds me of Paula Bennett when asked about the cabinet club by a reporter… it looked like she couldnt remember whether it was se cret to be covere dup or not, so she defaulted to lying.

          • freedom 4.2.1.1.2

            With the TPPA being just one of the handful of new global [empire] treaties being written that the USA is central to, it makes one wonder, what other countries have had new spy bosses installed?

          • Wayne 4.2.1.1.3

            Karol,

            The visits etc have been occurring for many years and is an integral part of the “5 eyes” relationship. And I really don’t think it has much to do with TPPA.

            But I am sure TPPA will be a central discussion topic on the the PM’s visit to the US. It is after all the strategic economic initiative that the US has in respect of its Asia Pacific relationships. But it will only happen if everyone thinks they are getting something worthwhile out of it. The Us cannot force the other states into it – it requires give and take by everyone.

            • Tracey 4.2.1.1.3.1

              but will john remember any of it afterwards

            • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.1.3.2

              But it will only happen if everyone thinks they are getting something worthwhile out of it.

              But that’s not true is it Wayne? Not everyone is in on the discussions and, from what we’ve seen of the actions of this government, they’re more than happy to go against the interests of NZ for US corporates.

        • Paul 4.2.1.2

          They’re running with it.
          They’re just running with John Key like the repeaters, lapdogs and poodles they are….

          http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10068990/Key-knocks-Campbell-conspiracy-theories
          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11259123

          And TVNZ pretending it never happened.

  5. A.Ziffel 5

    “providing intelligence resulting in US drones attacking civilians and Kiwis in Afghanistan.”

    Kiwis in Afghanistan attacked by U.S. drones, really?

  6. greywarbler 6

    Really.

  7. ghostwhowalksnz 7

    There is a major error in the job description of ‘top NSA spook James Clapper’

    He is not head of the NSA nor is he head of the CIA, he is Director of National Intelligence ( DNI) which is a coordination body , nominally in charge of the NSA and CIA and the whole alphabet soup of US intelligence archipelago.( Around 16 different bodies) plus reporting to the President.

    He previously had been had been in charge of DIA ( Defence Intelligence Agency, the military)

    There is no way Clapper would have been aware of any detailed observation targets like Dotcom.

    When you are trying to get specifics nailed down this is a major fail, and really blows any link to Clapper and the Key GCSB circus.

    GCSB is just a tiny atoll in the NSA lagoon.

    • karol 7.1

      Well, I have added a note to the post. That quote about top spook is from Dotcom’s Twitter. I have read him before referring to Clapper in that way.

      He may not have knowledge of all operational matters, but he is an important figure in the narrative about the change of direction of the GCSB under Key’s watch.

  8. Instauration 8

    Sorry Karol
    But if you reference of; “drone strikes killing civilians and (at least one) Kiwis in Afghanistan.”
    refers to the Kiwi “Daryl Jones” – he was murdered in Yemen, not Afghanistan.
    Yemen is not an acknowledged theatre of war.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T15:13:26+00:00