The voices of the GCSB protest

Written By: - Date published: 6:53 am, August 20th, 2013 - 66 comments
Categories: activism, Spying - Tags: , , ,

The Auckland Town Hall was full – nearly 2000 people – for the GCSB protest last night (with more people being turned away at the doors). Update – full video of the whole event (all speakers) is now up on YouTube:

This meeting comes along with the results of the Campbell Live poll:

How many did we get? 52,666 – way more than the online snapper submissions, and in a much shorter time.

It’s also the biggest poll in TV3 history, significantly more than any online or text poll either we or 3 News have ever run, and text polls are much easier to vote in.

And here’s the results – 11 percent of you supported the GCSB bill. That was 5879 votes. And 89 percent of you opposed it. That was 46,790. If you didn’t vote, you had a week to do so. And if you did vote, thank you, whatever side of the issue you were on.

Finally, some photos of the audience. Bravo to all!

GCSB-protest-full-house2

gcsb-protest-full-house

GCSB-full-house3

66 comments on “The voices of the GCSB protest ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. phillip ure 1
    20 August 2013 at 7:16 am

    christie and mutch are two ‘voices’ who have opined..

    http://whoar.co.nz/2013/comment-tvnz-breajfast-mini-review-jessica-mutch-does-it-again-confirms-her-crown-as-new-zealands-worst-political-journalist-ever/

    (excerpt:..)

    “..ed:..go to tvnz online and watch christie and mutch talking about the anti-spooking town hall meeting..

    (tho’ i would advise you put any objects suitable for hurling at the screen out of arms’ reach..just to be safe/sure..)

    ..and see mutch pull off the stunning trick of making christie look like the serious one/intellectual of the two..(!).(i kid you not..!..)..”

    phillip ure..

    • amirite 1.1
      20 August 2013 at 8:00 am

      We don’t have journalists in the MSM. We can’t call these sycophantic, uncritical, arse licking followers of a personality cult professionals.

    • Sable 1.2
      20 August 2013 at 9:25 am

      I don’t remember the last time I watched a mainstream news show. They are, as you can see not “mutch” use. Misinformation and Tory drum beating seem to be standard fare for most of them.

      Personally I just ignore them and based on this poll so do most other New Zealanders.

  2. karol 2
    20 August 2013 at 7:25 am

    Full 2 hour video of the meeting here:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wsn3VXl2xE0

    • Carol Hadfield 2.1
      20 August 2013 at 9:18 am

      thank you Karol – also for the transcript on the campbell live interview.

    • freedom 2.2
      20 August 2013 at 10:55 am

      it seems to have been taken down/blocked/hidden/thrown into a small cybercell to sit amongst the detritus of truth, where reality quietly rocks on its haunches awaiting its execution.

      As Winston Smith said
      “Stones are hard. Water is wet”

  3. phillip ure 3
    20 August 2013 at 7:41 am

    (this morning we have seen the night and day of mainstream journalism..first the mutch/christie sad excuse for the profession..

    ..and then smalley plays a blinder..)

    http://whoar.co.nz/2013/comment-tv3-breakfast-mini-review-did-john-key-just-admit-the-spooking-is-being-set-up-for-corporates-to-spy-on-us-oh-and-rachel-smalley-does-a-ripper-of-an-interview-of-key-one-that-t/

    (excerpt:..)

    “..ed:..i would recommend going to tv3 on-demand to watch the smalley interview of key..

    ..to see a masterclass from both..

    ..smalley does a ripper of a job as an interviewer/journalist..

    ..and key gives a master-class in political ducking/weaving/slime-ing..”

    phillip ure..

    • Linz 3.1
      20 August 2013 at 8:42 am

      I heard that. Key: “if any company approaches us for a warrant….”
      What the FARC!

      • vto 3.1.1
        20 August 2013 at 9:47 am

        link linz?

      • Linz 3.1.2
        20 August 2013 at 10:08 am

        Sorry, I watched it live. I have recorded just the sound of the interview. Can anyone tell me how to make that available. It’s pretty bad quality.

        • yeshe 3.1.2.1
          20 August 2013 at 10:14 am

          what format do u hv it recorded in ?

        • karol 3.1.2.2
          20 August 2013 at 10:24 am

          The sound quality in the Hall was poor – for me at the front of the Hall, I was hearing 2 versions – one from the speakers at the front, and an echo from the back. Various media people had their own mics on the lectern. They probably recorded better quality. The audio quality of the youtube vid of the meeting sounds good – at least at the beginning.

          • phillip ure 3.1.2.2.1
            20 August 2013 at 10:51 am

            that sound quality started off well..(upstairs/front)….then it went pear-shaped..voice + voice on slight-delay..)

            ..for the rest of proceedings..

            ..and a bit of a shocker that it wasn’t fixed/attended to..

            ..i had tongue-bleed from heckle-suppression…

            ..a ‘f.f.s!..fix the sound!’ screaming to be heard..

            ..(all that stopped me was thinking it was maybe just where i was..

            ..and in hindsight..i should have..

            ..n’z’ers are far too polite..sometimes..)

            phillip ure..

    • Sable 3.2
      20 August 2013 at 9:27 am

      NZ rates poorly for journalism on an international scale, I have been saying this forever. The mainstream media in NZ and Australia are bottom feeders, pure and simple.

  4. Sable 4
    20 August 2013 at 9:18 am

    I voted for this one, no secret which why the wind blew with me. I feel reassured that that the people of this country are not sheep and are in fact, quite discerning.

    The bullshit from the vast majority of mainstream media, such as the incredibly ignorant article by Kerre McIvor and other journalistic hacks isn’t having the effect they had hoped for.

    So BM and Srylands, anything to say to all of this? Looks to me like the facts speak for themselves. Care to comment?

    • Richard Christie 4.1
      20 August 2013 at 9:31 am

      …incredibly ignorant article by Kerre McIvor

      You are not wrong. I could hardly believe that someone could publicly identify themselves as being so terminally stupid.

    • BM 4.2
      20 August 2013 at 9:36 am

      I quite like the friezes in the town hall, it’s a real jewel in Aucklands crown.

      Didn’t realize there were still so many historical buildings left in Auckland, I thought they all got shitcanned back in the 80’s

      Just noticed the organ in the background, impressive.

      • Tim 4.2.1
        20 August 2013 at 9:48 am

        so you are the organ grinder then. I had my suspicions

      • Dr Terry Creagh 4.2.2
        20 August 2013 at 10:53 am

        BM – it is good to know that you can see something when you trouble to open your eyes, but it seems that you miss seeing anything that is really important.

      • Rogue Trooper 4.2.3
        20 August 2013 at 11:03 am

        might put a frieze around the top of the lounge walls.

  5. Nicolas 5
    20 August 2013 at 10:04 am

    Shame about Dotcom’s presence. I understand he is a high-profile victim of our government’s actions, but I still struggle to cheer for the billionaire who specifically complied with Banks’ request for a $50,000 donation to be split in two. Corruption goes both ways: Banks was at one end, Dotcom was at the other.

    I understand politics involves pragmatism, but I find it disgraceful to see Dotcom in the line-up. This is no Manning or Snowden; this is just a billionaire with close ties to a less-than-credible local MP…

    • yeshe 5.1
      20 August 2013 at 10:19 am

      He is the loudest most accomplished voice for our freedoms, and there is more to come… I wonder, did he actually know Banks request was illegal ?

      Without him, we would know so much less about this bloody bill and all it carries with it.

      • Nicolas 5.1.1
        20 August 2013 at 10:25 am

        Dotcom knew Banks required the donations to be split so that they would be “anonymous”…

        What exactly motivates ANYONE to donate $50,000 to a guy like Banks? Doesn’t that smell bad to you?

        And what do you mean by “accomplished”? He’s a billionaire, that doesn’t instantly mean he’s accomplished anything meaningful for anyone, besides himself.

        He is an opportunist, not a “voice for our freedoms”. Norman is a voice for our freedoms. So is Dr. Harrison, Prof. Kelsey, Nicky Hager… Not Dotcom, mate.

        • QoT 5.1.1.1
          20 August 2013 at 10:09 pm

          What exactly motivates ANYONE to donate $50,000 to a guy like Banks? Doesn’t that smell bad to you?

          Leverage. Same reason any number of companies in the US donate to both Republican and Democratic candidates.

          And when they ask you to split the donation so it’s anonymous? Dotcom could probably hardly restrain himself from cackling. That’s leverage with a leverage cookie on top.

          I’m not saying it’s ethical or anything, but if you’re a pragmatic hypercapitalist …

      • Nicolas 5.1.2
        20 August 2013 at 10:30 am

        And let’s be honest: while I understand his mansion’s raid brought more attention to the Bill, the constant “without him, we wouldn’t know this much” comes dangerously close to implying he carried out some sort of investigation into this. This is no Greenwald, mate. Without him, we wouldn’t know this much, but it’s not like he purposely tried to “uncover” the GCSB.

        • karol 5.1.2.1
          20 August 2013 at 10:32 am

          Dotcom’s lawyers have done some investigations that KDC claims have thrown up stuff damaging to Key.

          • Nicolas 5.1.2.1.1
            20 August 2013 at 10:36 am

            Yes, but none of that has come out yet. When people refer to him “shedding some light” upon the GCSB, people mean his mansion’s raid, and how it exposed the dodgy practices by our spying agency. But Dotcom was simply unlucky there; it’s not like this is a guy who has always been a prominent defender of civil liberties, and whose efforts have motivated an important public debate.

            In fact, I might be being cynical here, but his public involvement in the GCSB opposition is likely to have been motivated by advice from his lawyers. This is a guy who stands to gain a lot from public support.

            Again, I truly struggle to see this billionaire as a martyr of any sort.

            • karol 5.1.2.1.1.1
              20 August 2013 at 10:43 am

              Who is painting KDC as a martyr?

            • vto 5.1.2.1.1.2
              20 August 2013 at 10:48 am

              he is not a billionaire, stooge.

            • yeshe 5.1.2.1.1.3
              20 August 2013 at 11:19 am

              yeshe 7
              20 August 2013 at 11:13 am
              Doubt remains that he understood it was illegal to make his donation in the way he was requested. In fact it wasn’t. How Banks did or did not delcare them was the illegality. And I agree, why does anyone make such donations to any one of the various nefarious sods that receive them .. Sky City and such like, and all the ones of which we know nothing.

              I agree with much you have said, but Dotcom was entitled to his seat and allocated time last night. He is the highest profile victim. And I referred to his ‘accomplished voice’ because, so far, everything Kim Dotcom has said, or claimed, or implied, has been proven to be true. This is his accomplishment in my eyes. And as he said so deliciously last night — his court case will the true public inquiry in to what has gone on. That is a major accomplishment indeed and under the tutelage of one of our best legal minds. And personally, I am very happy and appreciative that he is on our side through all of this.

              At no stage do I derogate, or compare him with, any of the marvelous names you mention.

              Actually, all of this reminds me of the groundswell that began to emerge against Muldoon. Let the tsunami of opposition begin.

              • freedom …
                20 August 2013 at 11:41 am

                and I am confident it has been explained to Dotcom that if he is shown to be lying at any time that the kiwi clobbering machine will turn on him faster than you can blink.
                Kiwis are oddly reliable that way

    • phillip ure 5.2
      20 August 2013 at 10:57 am

      it is not against the law to donate to politicians..

      ..it was banks who broke the law..

      (tho that apparent ideological-arc..(from banks to bomber?)..on the part of dotcom ..

      ..is still somewhat unexplained/unclear..)

      ..and didn’t banks promise to help him with his immigration-issues..?

      ..to dotcom..ends would likely justify means..in this case

      ..and banks happened to be those means to hand/just another politician with a for sale/hire sign hung around his neck…

      phillip ure..

      • karol 5.2.1
        20 August 2013 at 11:05 am

        I do think Dotcom was expecting some support from Banks after donating to his campaign – shows dodgy values on KDC’s part. But when KDC was in Mt Eden prison, he tried to get some help from Banks. Banks turned his back on the big man…. the rest is history.

        From the Dom Post in Sept 2012:

        ‘John Banks has been through enough and I think it’s enough, it should go to rest, the whole topic I think it also wasn’t easy for John Banks,” he said.

        He added: ”I think the Prime Minister has made his choice about the John Banks donations saga and it’s time to move on.

        ”It’s a very fragile majority, the balance of power is threatened by the John Banks affair so I think the Prime Minister has had to make a choice: am I going to uphold high ethical standards or do I want to remain in power?”

        Dotcom says he went public over the donations because Banks refused to help him when he was held in Mt Eden prison earlier this year. Dotcom was arrested on US anti-piracy charges and faces extradition. He suffered two slipped discs and his lawyer Greg Towers asked Banks to intervene.

        After Dotcom’s arrest Banks told the media he hardly knew Dotcom. And he told Towers it wouldn’t look good to publicly support the mogul.

    • Murray Olsen 5.3
      20 August 2013 at 5:57 pm

      Dotcom has lost more than anyone else we know about to the illegalities of the GCSB and the propensity of our PM’s tongue to clean American orifices. We have learned more because it happened to him than we have learned from any other single case. I’m glad he’s chosen to be on our side in this matter. The rest is pure diversion.

  6. karol 6
    20 August 2013 at 10:50 am

    One of the speakers at the meeting said that Aussie telcos had already succumbed to US agencies’ demands they have access to all communications into the US. And now we have a company planning a new undersea internet cable to NZ, via an Aussie telco.

    Hamish Fletcher gushing about it on the NZ Herald.

    A company hoping to build a US$350 million submarine internet cable out of New Zealand has lined up a listed Australian telco as a customer in a multi-million dollar deal.

    TPG Telecom, an ASX-listed IT and internet company, has issued a letter of intent saying it plans to acquire fibre capacity on the Australia-United States leg of Hawaiki’s proposed cable system.

    A statement issued by both parties last night, which called the agreement a “multi-million deal”, said TPG also intended to acquire capacity on the Sydney-New Zealand section of the international internet link.

    Auckland-based Hawaiki Cable is planning to build a 14-000km cable system between New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and the US west coast and said last month that the project could be operating within two years.

    • yeshe 6.1
      20 August 2013 at 11:25 am

      What Seeby Woodhouse spoke about last night is frightening. If the Telecommunications bill (TICS) goes through as written, not only will the telcos be forced to allow the secret fitting of the GCSB/NSA intercepting equipment, but they will be forbidden by law to tell their customers .. as in Seeby said last night, that under the new law, he would not be permitted to stand on that stage and discuss it without breaking some law!!!

      I’ll find a link I read through the weekend about it … just horrific stuff.

      • yeshe 6.1.1
        20 August 2013 at 1:38 pm

        karol .. this is the link I mentioned re TICs bill .. from NBR …it’s a must read as it has been much ignored ( surprise) by herald and stuff .. very startling details about SECRET ALREADY APPROVED CABINET DIRECTIVES …

        http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/revealed-govt-plans-secret-orders-so-service-providers-under-spy-bill-ck-144562

        Interestngly, while looking for this link again, I stumbled into Pete George’s blog ( eek!) but he quotes Peter Dunne as saying he has not guaranteed his support for this bill beyond committee stages … dated Aug 8 .. but where does he stand now I wonder ?

        PG: “I put the question to Peter Dunne and he has responded:

        “The TICs bill is still before a select committee. I have not committed any support beyond its current stage so far, and will not make any decision about its future until it is a little further through the select committee process and I can assess the state it is likely to emerge in.”

        http://yournz.org/2013/08/06/dunne-on-the-tics-bill/

        Now I need to go and wash my hands for at least five minutes ….

  7. amirite 7
    20 August 2013 at 12:42 pm

    A chilling reminder to all those who are dismissing the GCSB bill:

    Guardian says Britain forced it to destroy Snowden material

    http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/20/us-usa-security-snowden-guardian-idUSBRE97I10E20130820

    • Anne 7.1
      20 August 2013 at 2:42 pm

      I have just watched (in the House) the most appalling display of petulance, bullying and dammed lies from the most appalling bully of a prime minister this country has ever seen. I have experienced public service bosses do this in the past – ie. bully and intimidate then have the gall to accuse the other party of said behaviour. The opposition parties must not allow this despot of a man to get away with it.

    • Colonial Viper 7.2
      20 August 2013 at 3:46 pm

      Holy fuck.

  8. Poem 8
    20 August 2013 at 3:53 pm

    It was cool to see David Shearer get off the stage to talk with members of the audience at the end of the meeting.

  9. Jellytussle 9
    20 August 2013 at 6:53 pm

    I enjoyed Shearer’s speech but I think he was well outshone by Russel Norman, who was quite brilliant truth be told.

  10. Poem 10
    20 August 2013 at 7:22 pm

    Collectively, I thought everyone was great in their own way. they all got the message across brilliantly and that’s what counts, it wasn’t a competition !!

    • phillip ure 10.1
      20 August 2013 at 9:53 pm

      it may not have been a competition..

      ..but the fact is that norman blew shearer away..

      ..norman and harawira were best-performing politicians on the night..

      ..(i kept looking at peters and thinking:..’but..!..but..!..weren’t you going to do a deal with key..?..before dunne hung his for sale sign around his neck..?’..)

      ..but of course you must also give credit to that audience..

      ..for an audience of polite/docile kiwis..they roared like lions..and in unison..

      ..it was quite the spectacle..

      ..and it left you wanting more political meetings/passion like that..

      ..maybe in defence of what harawira so adroitly pointed out..?

      ..in defence of those nz’ers already under state-surveillance/state-suppression/persecution/stigmatising/isolating/demonising..being made/manufactured into ‘the other’..and ‘unworthy’ for most nz’ers..

      ..the poor/sick/beneficiaries..

      ..phillip ure

    • Jellytussle 10.2
      22 August 2013 at 6:30 pm

      Hmmm………might not have been a competition but Shearer’s not the leader anymore!

  11. North 11
    20 August 2013 at 10:13 pm

    Just watched that facile little turd Jessica Mutch – TVNZ or One or whatever “deputy” political editor for Christ’s Sake. Where the fuck does she get off saying (in effect) that we have no GCSB legislation and the government “had to” rush it through ? Because we’ve got “nothing” ? There’s a legislative vacuum ???

    What’s the basis for that ? None at all. What an absolutely idiotic and senseless misdirection is that ? Would love the opportunity to ask the beige idiot personally. At least Old Flibbitigibbert McIvor nee Woodham screams of being a Womens’ Weekly dickhead. This one works the lofty claim to political knowledge and understanding. Fraudulent.

    I always thought that Mine Potty Gower took the cake for rubbish but this morning she trumped even that goon.

    Vainglorious bastards who think they’re “stars”. Part of the story oh right. Neither of them even alive in the Norman Kirk/Muldoon days. What the fuck do they know about anything ? Seriously.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • $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
    1 hour 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
    3 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    8 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
    19 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
    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T05:35:42+00:00