web analytics

A culture of intimidation

Written By: - Date published: 9:35 am, April 16th, 2015 - 61 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, Dirty Politics, national, uncategorized - Tags: , ,

National has a long history of attacking and intimidating people who are expressing inconvenient opinions. It’s a culture that brought us dirty politics, and one of its recent manifestations was the attempt to silence a roading advocacy group during the Northland by-election.

Back in January, New Zealander of The Year Dame Anne Salmond wrote:

Over the past decade or so, politicians seeking to uphold their own power have abused democratic freedoms in New Zealand. Journalists including Jon Stephenson (for reporting on New Zealand’s involvement in Afghanistan), Andrea Vance (over a suspected leak of a report about the GCSB spy agency), and Nicky Hager (for exposing scurrilous relationships between senior politicians and muck-raking bloggers) have been intimidated and attacked.

While our leaders do not shoot people, they work with others to try to ruin the lives and careers of those who disagree with them. The means may be different, but the intent is the same. One way or another, their critics (however valid their points of view might be) must be silenced.

It is not just outspoken individuals who are at risk. Institutions that are the bulwarks of our democracy have been undermined. Since the 1980s, the civil service, which is supposed to offer informed, impartial advice to politicians, has been brought under ministerial control, and instead of serving civil society now largely serves its political masters. …

And so to the most recent case in point:

Rape prevention group ‘told not to speak out’

The departing head of a rape prevention group says she was told its funding was at risk if she continued to speak out against Government policy.

Rape Prevention Education executive director Dr Kim McGregor said the comment came in a phone call from a public servant and she was shocked by it.

“I had a phonecall when I was at RPE and our funding was threatened because we were being advocates, we were speaking out against Government and that was quite shocking to me at the time.”

This is disgusting. National is leading by example in creating a culture of intimidation and fear. Is this really New Zealand?

61 comments on “A culture of intimidation ”

  1. CnrJoe 1

    Planet Key.
    no toilets so no shit to see here.
    Flags! Prince Harry!

  2. SMILIN 2

    Fascism ring a bell anywhere you bet or any other form of totalitarianism
    There is plenty of examples in this govt, Vote Labour for a fairer govt

  3. Chooky 3

    +100 great Post…says it all….commitment to New Zealand women and girls and children and male victims and human rights is a very low priority of this John Key Nact government

    ….and ponder this Rape is a weapon of war and used in war to suppress and torture and humiliate opposition

    RAPE IS A WAR CRIME

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wartime_sexual_violence#Crimes_against_humanity_and_war_crimes

    http://www.rescue.org/blog/confronting-rape-a-weapon-war

    • Murray Rawshark 3.1

      They’ve even changed things so that being sexually attacked is a war crime. Think of how FJK, through his proxy Whalespew, used Tania Billingsley to attack the Greens. She was attacked and it was used to fuel a war on her and the Green Party. Somehow it doesn’t at all surprise me that a rape prevention group would also be attacked. We have a sick, sick regime.

      • Chooky 3.1.1

        yes that attack on young Tania Billingsley, who had the courage to come forward, was an absolute disgrace !

        …I would think that a number of aware , intelligent Nactional Party people must be getting quite uncomfortable by now

        ….no wonder Winston hit the big time in Northland….shades of things to come

  4. saveNZ 4

    Disgusting.

    I’m surprised the tax payers union aka right wing dirty politics action group haven’t already stolen the rape funding for the oppressed Mens group or men sexually violated or the like.

    That’s how they transfer the funding.

    Speak out, no more funding, instead a new ‘right wing’ funding body taking the tax payers dollars run by National cronies.

    All seeking to destroy the fabric of our society in NZ, wipe out the vulnerable and destroy empathy by flooding conflicting messages via MSM on the populous.

  5. The Murphey 5

    The NACT government enjoy defunding and threatening to defund victim support groups

    It has been a regular occurrence of the past 7 years and while not a new scenario to this government it certainly has a sense of being ramped up in recent times

  6. Sanctuary 6

    The problem is the blurring of the lines between the “National party” and “The Government”. It is born from Key’s corporate authoritarianism and his contempt for democracy and the Westminster system, and it has has always been there.

  7. One Anonymous Bloke 7

    a phone call from a public servant

    The National Party’s enablers, these unelected thugs. Until their crimes attract serious consequences nothing will change. Dr. McGregor must be supported if she chooses to name her assailant.

    • tracey 7.1

      and if we do not, we need to instal a mechanism to ensure that EVERY call made in and out of Parliament is recorded. So it can be retrieved in case of an investigation. The initial investigation can preserve confidentiality until such time as some wrong doing is established. Include cell phones. Anyone receiving or making a call on a device NOT programmed to record, and in the absence of a genuine technical failure, is instantly dismissed (including MPs). NOT OIA-able but able to be privately investigated by a person/body so appointed?

      • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.1

        Intimidating someone into silence – or the attempt to do so – is already a crime, ie: a police matter. I don’t believe that treating civil servants as though they are all National Party criminal scum is the best course of action.

        • tracey 7.1.1.1

          It is about protecting people. If everything is recorded then it protects people as much as it assuming they are “scum”. Funny thing is that whenever I rtalk ethics in this forum about out MPs I get instant criticism from some quarters.. I assume those people would be fine with a system like I am suggesting?

          • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.1.1.1

            Mass surveillance has a chilling effect on free speech. There are better ways to deal to National Party gang members.

            • tracey 7.1.1.1.1.1

              The thing is everything they write down has to be kept for Public record purposes. Now phone calls are made to avoid (in some cases) the kind of accountability required of those working at the behest of the people. The “surveillance” is of professional not personal issues. Is it unreasonable surveillance to make people keep every document they create in the public service?

              • One Anonymous Bloke

                Not to mention surveillance is illegal without a warrant. Good luck getting a warrant that covers the Beehive.

                It’s a terrible idea, which would be used by the National Party to further extend its intimidation of public servants.

                • tracey

                  Did you deliberately choose to not answer why you think it is not “surveillance” to keep every piece of written information created by public servants but it is if their work calls of the transfer of the same and similar information is recorded?

                  I have worked in organisations which do record all incoming and outgoing calls, especially if their phone is routed through the internet. Without agreement it is not able to be used against someone in a legal case etc. Many organisations record the calls coming in for “quality” assurance purposes.

                  I seem to recall our PM deleted stuff off his phone and breached the Public Records Act…

                  • One Anonymous Bloke

                    Welcome to the New Zealand government. If you know the extension number of the person you wish to speak to, please enter it now followed by the hash key. Otherwise please hold the line to speak to the operator. Just so you’re aware, we monitor all your calls.

                    Seriously? You want to lobby a Green MP about say, the Oravida pollution that’s killing the local wildlife, and they’re recording everything you say.

                    Whatever the merits, the fishhooks are outrageous.

                  • weka

                    “Many organisations record the calls coming in for “quality” assurance purposes.”

                    Can you give some examples where it’s not call centres for the organisation?

                    eg I think the WINZ call centre records calls, but I don’t think the case managers or managers have their calls recorded.

                    Did you deliberately choose to not answer why you think it is not “surveillance” to keep every piece of written information created by public servants but it is if their work calls of the transfer of the same and similar information is recorded?

                    People treat voice and written text differently. We need written records because written communication is usually more formal, and it’s the way that we have a shared understanding and evidence of what has been said.

                    We also have histories of people in positions of authority who abuse their power by writing things in files that negatively affect clients/patients etc. In the days before people had easy access to written information about themselves a lot of damage was done.

                    On the other side of that is what OAB is talking about. When you record everything someone says it creates a climate of fear/anxiety/hypervigilance and then cognitive dissonance, and suppresses not just free speech but creativity and healthy psychological functioning. I can imagine some situations where recording everything is useful, but doing it across the board is harmful IMO.

                    There are other ways to address the problems with the govt threatening social agencies. I don’t think hyper surveillance is the way to do it because it is part of their kaupapa of fear and control.

                    • weka

                      Having said that, I have no problem at all in that situation if the social agency records the call 😈

                      What I do when people in power abuse their power is ask for their name and position, and then ask them to repeat what they’ve just said in writing or in the presence of someone else. I also usually ask for the name of their boss. And make a note of the time and date of the call/conversation. Amazing how that changes people’s behaviours.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      Thanks Weka, you put it all so well.

                      And yes, as a wise man once said, when a bully steps forward, step forward first.

                      As for changed behaviour, sometimes: bullies still find targets, and will have come up against people they can’t bully before. It’s a good idea to go one step further than recording their behaviour and share your concerns.

      • Murray Rawshark 7.1.2

        The calls will already be recorded. No doubt we could ask the NSA if we could have the transcripts back.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.2.1

          Not without a warrant.

          I suppose getting a warrant would be up to the police, investigating allegations of issuing threats (section 307A of the Crimes Act?).

          • Murray Rawshark 7.1.2.1.1

            Your faith in authority is touching.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 7.1.2.1.1.1

              😆

              Who said anything about faith. The law is the law. You think they’ll apply it selectively? So do I. Shine a strong light on them as they do so and hold them to account.

              • Colonial Rawshark

                Hold whom to account? How? And if they fail to act, which journalist or newspaper are you going to go to in order to “shine a strong light” on them?

                In NZ we still have some partially working levers of democracy. But not for long though, by the looks of it.

                • cogito

                  Well said. NZ is descending into totalitarian fascism, led by a bunch of thugs and propagandists reminiscent of the 1930s.

                  • One Anonymous Bloke

                    And look what happened to them. When a bully steps forward, step forward first.

  8. tracey 8

    Who is surprised? Really? Please post if you are surprised? They also cut funding to avery successful high school girls self defence programme which as increasing girls self confidence and also saw sexual abuse reported in higher numbers. There is too much pretense about wanting to change the attitude toward girls and women in this country, and too much speed to disconnect sexual violence toward women and children with lower level attitudes (verbal and emotional which don’t involve sexual abuse). People need to visit the site of http://rpe.co.nz/ and read the actual programmes they deliver, not the ones people IMAGINE they deliver.

    IT IS A CONTINUUM.

    Until THAT is accepted, little progress will be made.

    • tinfoilhat 8.1

      Disgusted but not surprised.

      It would be great if Dr McGregor could name and shame this bully, however, i expect if they were removed another of the same ilk would take their place.

      • tracey 8.1.1

        and the MP behind the real intimidation would get off scot-free

        • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.1.1

          I bet the cowardly thug enabler would squeal under pressure.

          • tracey 8.1.1.1.1

            They would deny and that seems to satisfy this country. Prove it, they would say A disgruntled employee you say? Bah.

            • One Anonymous Bloke 8.1.1.1.1.1

              It’s a serious allegation made by a respected member of the community and deserves proper investigation. Put the squealer in the dock.

    • Heather Grimwood 8.2

      In support of your comment re cutting of funds to girls’ self-defence programme Tracy : I well remember the sadness with which we saw the original need for these programmes. I remember over the decades protesting on behalf of women that they had every right to expect to be safe in their homes, or when walking home as could their brothers and other men. It is a right that has taken and is taking/wasting huge energy to achieve. IT IS DEFINITELY A CONTINUUM and one which it is frightening to see is of small consequence to our cabinet. WHERE ON EARTH IS THE VOICE OF THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN IN THESE DECISIONS ???

  9. vto 9

    Also David Carter threatening other regional councils with Ecan-type coups if they didn’t get into line

  10. AmaKiwi 10

    Power corrupts and ultimate power corrupts ultimately.

    In NZ we have no counter balance to the dictatorial power of parliament (the PM’s cabal).

    The only alternative to dictatorship is control by the people (participatory democracy, binding referendums). We are a long way from the NZ public demanding such changes.

  11. Colonial Rawshark 11

    Rape Prevention Education executive director Dr Kim McGregor said the comment came in a phone call from a public servant

    And this is what happens when you fill up the public service with venal, unprincipled, careerist types.

    • tracey 11.1

      Or sack so many of their colleagues they fear the dole queue more than doing the right thing. I can only imagine the culture in our PS under this government… self preservation amongst intimidation

    • AmaKiwi 11.2

      “this is what happens when you fill up the public service with venal, unprincipled, careerist types”

      Unfair! What protection can you and I offer to someone in public service who wants to speak up against the PM’s Cabal? None!

      So the public employee has three choices: keep your mouth shut and be bullied; leave the public service; or speak up and be exiled to a dead end government office in a freezing wasteland like Dunedin.

      • Chooky 11.2.1

        +100 Amakiwi…the public service used to be filled with very principled and intelligent types who took their role to serve New Zealanders and New Zealnad very seriously

        • Colonial Rawshark 11.2.1.1

          I’m not disagreeing with your comment “used to be filled with very principled and intelligent types who took their role to serve New Zealanders and New Zealnad very seriously”. But that old public service culture has been eroded to destruction now.

      • Colonial Rawshark 11.2.2

        Unfair! What protection can you and I offer to someone in public service who wants to speak up against the PM’s Cabal? None!

        So the public employee has three choices: keep your mouth shut and be bullied; leave the public service; or speak up and be exiled to a dead end government office in a freezing wasteland like Dunedin.

        I don’t disagree with you. Whistleblowers usually know that they are permanently ending their careers. That’s why so few people step out of the long grey line.

        History is full of episodes where people continued to ‘just do their jobs’ even though their job was some small or peripheral part of something hugely abusive, repugnant or barbaric. Yes, the people in those jobs had families to feed, mortgages to pay and careers to consider. And that’s exactly how the wheels of these terrifying systems keep turning.

        • AmaKiwi 11.2.2.1

          CV, you surprised me. I expected you to disagree with my characterization of Dunedin as “a freezing wasteland.” I threw it in there for your benefit. Actually, I think it’s a more human place to live than where I live.

  12. Sable 12

    National are importing the worst aspects of US politics and its only getting worse.

    • AmaKiwi 12.1

      Wait ’til we adopt the American police policy of shooting at least one unarmed Black (or brown) man per week.

      The American Civil War (1861-1864) to free Afro-Americans is not yet over . . . and the outcome is not clear.

  13. Che Soffe 13

    Not surprising at all. Key doesn’t give a stuff about victims of crime. We saw that with Sabin and we see that again here.

  14. keyman 14

    you are either with us or your the enemy ,people need to think before they speak,
    if you speak out against John key you are an enemy an economic vandal and traitor to new Zealand think before you speak.

  15. whateva next? 15

    As soon as Key got elected with his swanky style, I knew the culture in my workplace would shift from decent values and communication/respect, to one of looking over the shoulder and protecting yourself, and it did. It always does with competition and being fiscally driven values of a National government.
    All we can do is wait until people realise there is a better way, cooperation and the “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts” produces good will and a determination to work cohesively.
    In my area of work, cooperation and communication saves lives, audits just take more time away from busy people.

    • AmaKiwi 15.1

      @ whateva next?

      You are out of step. The new government motto is “save money, not lives.”

  16. SHG 16

    How brave of her to sweep it under the carpet until the group couldn’t afford her any more.

  17. jenny kirk 17

    This is what happened to the Problem Gambling Foundation. Anyone who speaks out about current govt policy will be shut down ……… how on earth did we, in NZ, get to this state of affairs !

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart Nash
    This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to Auckland
    The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses
    $25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home
    80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in Australia
    The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Health and safety action plan for ports
    The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBT
    Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with Fiji
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New legislation to streamline Cyclone recovery
    The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi families
    Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living
    $1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay
    The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitment
    The Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sector
    Industry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Aotearoa New Zealand supports Pacific countries to combat animal disease 
    New Zealand will provide support for Pacific countries to prevent the spread of harmful animal diseases, Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri said. The Associate Minister is attending a meeting of Pacific Ministers during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji. “Highly contagious diseases such as African ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government delivers better public transport for Christchurch
    The Public Transport Futures project will deliver approximately: 100 more buses providing a greater number of seats to a greater number of locations at a higher frequency Over 470 more bus shelters to support a more enjoyable travel experience Almost 200 real time display units providing accurate information on bus ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister praises education heroes in cyclone damaged regions
    All but six schools and kura have reopened for onsite learning All students in the six closed schools or kura are being educated in other schools, online, or in alternative locations Over 4,300 education hardpacks distributed to support students Almost 38,000 community meals provided by suppliers of the Ka Ora ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government investments drive health and business outcomes in the Bay of Plenty
    A new health centre has opened with financial support from the Government and further investment has been committed to projects that will accelerate Māori economic opportunities, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. Community health provider QE Health will continue its long history in Rotorua with the official opening of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • UK NZ Working Holiday Scheme upgraded
    The new three year NZ UK Working Holiday Visas (WHV) will now be delivered earlier than expected, coming into force by July this year in time to support businesses through the global labour shortages Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The improved WHV, successfully negotiated alongside the NZ UK Free trade ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • 2023 Offshore Renewable Energy Forum, New Plymouth
    It seems like only yesterday that we launched the discussion document Enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy, which is the key theme for this Forum. Everyone in this room understands the enormous potential of offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand – and particularly this region.  Establishing a regime to pave ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-21T04:03:23+00:00