A study in contrasts

Written By: - Date published: 6:32 pm, May 24th, 2018 - 120 comments
Categories: phil twyford, transport - Tags: , , ,

Minister Phil Twyford has offered his resignation today, after revelations from the opposition that he took a call on an aircraft after its doors closed and devices were supposed to be switched to flight mode.

The Prime Minister has declined to accept his resignation as Minister of Transport, but has sanctioned him by taking the intermediate step of transferring all his responsibilities for the Civil Aviation Authority to his Associate Minister, Julie Anne Genter.

It is an interesting study in contrasts. As you all know, I am on record as wanting a high degree of accountability for Ministers, even when they come from Governments I support. It is also raises the spectre of the so-called “GateGate” incident, where Brownlee barged past airport security and never offered any sort of resignation. I’m inclined to say in this case that the Minister has received the appropriate slap on the wrist, especially as he was humble and put his head on the block voluntarily. Being prepared to be accountable, rather than being defensive, makes a huge difference for Ministers, in my view.

National is being… understandably quiet about this issue so far, as the counterbarbs are obvious, but it’s good to see the government working a bit more like it promised to in Ministers being accountable and holding themselves to high standards, not just making the PM enforce discipline.

UPDATE: Quick correction as I’m updating this story- as per Alwyn’s comment 1.1.2.2, it appears Brownlee was reported as offering to resign by RNZ. Thanks for the correction.

The saga continues with the next piece of sad dripfeed from Judith Collins.

If you’d like to join us in making fun of the severity of the second accusation that Twyford stowed an item that he potentially might have had trouble securing safely in his hands after the safety light went on, (seriously, you don’t even have to let go of a coat for it to hit someone during turbulence) #twyfordaccusations is active on Twitter, and I’ve even submitted a few myself. Here is a sampler:

https://twitter.com/MttCmpbll/status/999930182822543361

https://twitter.com/ArrestJK/status/999927057118253056

https://twitter.com/penquinnan/status/999926539180359680

 

120 comments on “A study in contrasts ”

  1. Matthew Whitehead 1

    Hmm I’m seeing some people saying Brownlee did resign as Transport Minister after this, but all I can tell at the moment is that he had Transport stripped from his portfolios after the next election. If anyone has a substantiation or refutation of that point I’d appreciate it. 🙂

      • chris73 1.1.1

        “The Prime Minister did say that he was going to hold National Party ministers to a higher standard of accountability, so I would have hoped that the prime minister would have waited for the facts to be on the table about what regulations Mr Brownlee might have breached,” he said in 2014.

        I’m going to guess that the embarrassment caused will be greater than any fine imposed 🙂

      • Matthew Whitehead 1.1.2

        Did I miss something relevant in that article I linked? Because I thought all it said was that he had the portfolio stripped after the election, something which is very much not a resignation.

        • Stunned Mullet 1.1.2.1

          Well there is the bit where you state that ‘..Brownlee barged past airport security and never offered any sort of resignation’

          and the article states that “..Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has offered his resignation after skipping airport security while running late for his flight.”

          • Louis 1.1.2.1.1

            In the stuff article you linked to Gerry Brownlee was specifically asked by a reporter if he had offered his resignation, his reply was “we had a discussion” he never said he did.

            • Matthew Whitehead 1.1.2.1.1.1

              Thanks Louis. I could have sworn I had never seen Brownlee actually confirm an offer of resignation was made.

        • alwyn 1.1.2.2

          He also offered to resign from Cabinet immediately he was made aware of the breach.
          http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/250573/pm-stands-by-brownlee-over-breach
          “On Thursday, Mr Brownlee offered his resignation over what he described as a thoughtless incident “.
          There were any number of other reports of his offer of resignation at the time.

          • Ross 1.1.2.2.1

            Alwyn,

            He didn’t offer to resign even after he was fined the maximum by the CAA.

            • alwyn 1.1.2.2.1.1

              He didn’t wait for the investigation.
              He had offered his resignation much earlier and it had been turned down by the PM.
              Twyford at that time had jumped up and down at the time and demanded that Brownlee should be stood down until the investigation was over.
              He should now demand the same thing for himself if he is going to be consistent.
              On the other hand consistency and this Government don’t go together do they?

              • Craig Glen Eden

                “He should now demand the same thing for himself if he is going to be consistent.
                On the other hand consistency and this Government don’t go together do they?”
                So what part of Twyford offering to resign and the Pm removing the aviation responsibilities from him did you not understand?

                • alwyn

                  Twyford wanted Brownlee to be sacked from Cabinet, and complained when it didn’t happen.
                  If he was “consistent” he wouldn’t just offer his resignation when he knew it wouldn’t be accepted. He should just quit.
                  But I suppose you think his behaviour is alright because “National did it too”

                  • Louis

                    Quit over a 60 second phone call? Over the top dont you think?
                    Does it even rank in comparison to Gerry barging through security? Is being stood down while the incident was investigated the same as “sacked from Cabinet”?

                    • alwyn

                      I see very little to distinguish them frankly. And I personally don’t think they were sacking offences.

                      You will see that I never called on Twytford to resign for what he did. I think he should resign because HE clearly regards such actions as unforgiveable.
                      Phil clearly did think it was a sackable offence, at least when it was done by someone on the other side of Politics. HE was the one demanding a sacking. If he thought so then he can hardly claim that when he does something wrong he should be treated differently without demonstrating that he is a hypocrite.

                      He really doesn’t seem capable of controlling himself does he? Only 8 months in Government and his arrogance is overwhelming. Sitting down while the plane is taxiing is not for important people like Phil it seems. That is only for the commoners.
                      https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national/judith-collins-makes-a-second-accusation-of-rule-breaking/ar-AAxMhcf
                      It does seem very worrying that Phil claims “not to remember”.
                      Is that just trying to cover up his misdeeds or is it early onset Alzheimers?

                    • Louis

                      There’s quite a difference between a 60 second phone call and Gerry knowingly barging through security when the report said he had plenty of time to board the flight if they had followed the usual security protocols, he even bought chewing gum and a soft drink at the bookshop after he did it. So what was his excuse again? Your comment “He really doesn’t seem capable of controlling himself does he?” describes Gerry Brownlee. I dont see a 60 second phone call is “overwhelming arrogance” in comparison to Gerry Brownlee. And isn’t asking for the then minister (Brownlee) to step down while the matter was being investigated standard procedure? Even The Green party called for that so whats hypocritical about it?

                      It’s “alleged” he stood up, so what Alwyn? Getting pretty petty and ridiculous don’t you think?

        • Ross 1.1.2.3

          Indeed, Matthew. After Brownlee was given the maximum fine of $2000, the article says Brownlee “spoke to the Prime Minister last night and although he did not formally offer to resign…” So no offer of resignation despite breaking the law! It’ll be a silly Tory who complains about Twyford.

        • Louis 1.1.2.4

          Yes you are right Matthew. In the interview that I watched on Stuff, Brownlee never said he offered his resignation.

  2. Anne 2

    Umm… Brownie points to Phil Twyford for coming clean immediately but given his workload, I expect he is more than a little pleased to be rid of Aviation responsibilities. 😉

    I’m sure Julie Anne Genter can handle it with ease. 🙂

    • cleangreen 2.1

      yes Anne,

      I told Labour in October to asign a portfolio to again another minister for ‘minster of rail’ as that transport and housing are very big portfolios so maybe you are right,.

      Phil should suggest to Jacinda to place another MP as “Minister of Rail” now since we own the asset now as we did when we owned it last during the 1980s.

      We always had a minister of Rail then when we owned the rail system, so why not now????

      • dukeofurl 2.1.1

        The direct answer is that Rail has its own board so has a responsible minister.
        Shane Jones

        Responsibility for matters relating to the Crown’s purchase of services from KiwiRail, for the purposes of regional economic development that are not covered by equity support for its operations (which are the responsibilities of the Shareholding Ministers)
        https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/our-business-units/cabinet-office/ministers-and-their-portfolios/delegations

      • veutoviper 2.1.2

        As dukeofurl says, Shane Jones in his role as one of the two Associate Ministers of Transport, in in effect “Minister of Rail” as detailed in the “View details” entry for Shane Jones in the DPMC link provided by dukeofurl.

        The transfer of responsibility for the Civil Aviation Authority from Phil Twyford to Julie Anne Genter, in her role as the other Associate Minister of Transport, is very much in line with her other current delegated responsibilities which already include all forms of transport safety, and maritime transport. See the “View Details” entry for Genter in the DPMC link immediately under that for Jones.

        This transfer makes sense regardless of the reason for the transfer – in other words, it would make sense just to take some pressure off of Twyford in light of his overall responsibilities including the massive housing portfolio.

    • Matthew Whitehead 2.2

      Given that she’s more qualified to be primary Minister than Twyford is, I’m sure she’ll do great, even though CAA isn’t the sort of thing we usually hear her talking about. 🙂

      • alwyn 2.2.1

        “she’s more qualified to be primary Minister than Twyford is”
        Is that the highest praise you can offer?
        Talk about damning with faint praise.

        I think my pet dog is more qualified to be the Minister of Anything than Phil Twyford is. David Bassett described him most accurately as
        “Phil Twyford, Minister of Transport and of Housing, is an accident in slow motion”
        https://origin.noted.co.nz/currently/profiles/michael-bassett-has-harsh-words-for-jacinda-ardern-government/

        • dukeofurl 2.2.1.1

          And Bassett was qualified for what Ministers roles when he was a minister ?

          hes ACT aligned for some time anyway.

          • Anne 2.2.1.1.1

            hes ACT aligned for some time anyway.

            I don’t think Michael Bassett was ever a member of the ACT party. I knew him quite well in the 70s, 80s and part of the 90s. The last time I had any communications with him in the 1990s he told me ACT was way too far to the Right for him. However he maintained his friendship with the likes of Roger Douglas and other former Rogernomes.

            He is an enigma of a man. On the one hand he was an ardent admirer of Michael Joseph Savage (had the obligatory framed picture of him in a prominent place in his home) and yet on the other… he was always feuding bitterly with someone or another in the Labour Party – the most famous being Helen Clark in the early 1980s and David Lange later in the same decade.

            I never did manage to work out why he chose to fall foul of people with whom he was closely associated. An arguable sense of intellectual superiority may have been partly to blame.

            • alwyn 2.2.1.1.1.1

              I heard him speak a number of times but I never had any one-on-one conversations.
              Your description of him does fit in with the impression he gave me though. I am glad to see that someone who knew him well has the same opinion of him. I could never be sure whether my detached opinion was accurate.
              Mind you, you never can certain about MPs. I’ve never met one yet, with the possible exception of Geoff Palmer, who wasn’t personally appealing. Richard Prebble was one of the most pleasant in that way.
              You could never be sure that what they were saying was what they really meant of course.

        • Matthew Whitehead 2.2.1.2

          No, it’s me restraining my fanboying over Genter, actually, lol. I don’t really have anything unkind to say about her, she is a standout member of our caucus, an excellent Minister, frankly the most qualified commentator on Transport I know, and several other things, but I am cautious about unnecessarily putting the boot in to Labour because I want to save my criticisms for when they’ve most richly deserved it.

          Yes, Twyford is becoming a bit of an Achilles heel at the moment, but he’s also been given the two hardest portfolios in the new government. I’m willing to cut him a bit of slack in his first year, assuming he makes his way through it.

          • Anne 2.2.1.2.1

            Phil Twyford is and honest bloke Matthew. Worthy of respect and admiration. If he has a fault it is his wholesale enthusiasm for everything he does which sometimes lands him in a bit of trouble. He is one of the most brilliant organisers and campaigners I have come across in a lengthy history of political activity. For these reasons I have no doubt he will be able deliver well in his portfolio responsibilities.

            I’m just glad he has been divested of one of them and it has been handed to yet another very competent minister.

            • Matthew Whitehead 2.2.1.2.1.1

              I’ve always thought he was an honest guy who listens hard to good ideas and tries hard but had a bit of a habit of getting over-stressed and running his mouth.

              His time as Minister has reinforced that impression, not that I haven’t been impressed with his performance relative to the difficulty of his portfolios, which is IMO how we should judge Ministers. I think perhaps Labour have overloaded him with difficult portfolios and scaling back a bit won’t hurt.

    • Tuppence Shrewsbury 2.3

      immediately after Judith Collins asked him more questions he couldn’t answer you mean

      • Baba Yaga 2.3.1

        I’m beginning to feel mildly sorry for Twyford. He’s making such a hash of everything he’s touching, and every QT he has to try to keep up with Collins. One portfolio down.

        • Hanswurst 2.3.1.1

          I’m surprised how ineffective Collins has been, actually, aggressively chirping away like a hamster that thinks a chihuahua is a big, imposing dog, and that it is one of them. It’s curious how often it happens that someone who looked quite well on top of things and hard to nail down when in government, with their own advisers and the ability to enact policy, just ends up floundering about and seeming a bit washed up in opposition. I doubt Twyford will be going anywhere for a while.

  3. Ad 3

    Hang in there Phil.
    It’s your policy delivery that will make or break this government (no pressure 🙂 )

  4. newsense 4

    Twyford needs to do the job. It’s a key portfolio. Give them nothing. Dead bat everything. Release endless pictures of built homes.

    • chris73 4.1

      Endless pictures? They have to start building them first, what National should be doing every question time is asking how many kiwibuild houses have been built and how many trees have been planted.

    • Matthew Whitehead 4.2

      Actually I’d be focusing on having positive stories around the transport portfolio if I were him. 😉 Of course I think he’s doing pretty great there atm, so maybe you’re right that housing is the area he can improve on, but I think to do that he would need to sell his party on a more radical agenda on housing.

  5. paul andersen 5

    so, it seems twyford answered his phone….crappy reporter on stuff leads with…twyford made phone call. big difference. one is responding to anothers actions. one is iniciating an action.. about time these drivers of public opinion were given a rocket….

    • alwyn 5.1

      You say that
      “it seems twyford answered his phone”.

      The story in the Herald says that, in a direct quote from Twyford

      “Twyford made the call after the aircraft doors had shut in preparation for take-off.
      “I recognise that I made the call when I shouldn’t have,” he said in a statement.”

      If Twyford says that “I made the call” who are you to claim he didn’t?

      You sound just about as bad as Helen Clark was when she told the Press that it was Henare who attacked Mallard in Parliament rather than telling the truth and admitting it was Trevor who started the fracas.
      Why is it so hard for people on the left to admit the truth about things?

      By the way. Why did you never answer my question the other day about how you could arrange anything with ANZ in Australia when you lived in New Zealand.
      To remind you here is my comment.
      https://thestandard.org.nz/trouble-within-nationals-ranks/#comment-1486938

  6. David Mac 6

    We need some better problems, hasn’t someone got a tummy ache?

    • cleangreen 6.1

      Yes Alwyn, you are relishing this we can see.

      your national angels are so pure and honest of course arent they?

      ‘To err is human to forgive is to Alwyn is disaster.’

      Many Politicians may have erred in making calls or texts that you and I will never know so we should not pass such a critical judgement on any politician as you seem now to be doing.

      Sitting that day through Parliament today was mayhem as your National Party was disrupting evberyone at parliament in one of the most ugly days I have ever witnessed so you should think about your own MP’s actions in Parliament trying to disrupt the peoples bussiness.

      I was disgusted by the attitude of your national Party today as they were not doing anything for our good.

      • alwyn 6.1.1

        They aren’t my National Party Charlie.
        Never have, never will be a member of any Political Party.
        You should try that yourself. Don’t you feel somewhat grubby mixing with those sort of people?

      • Puckish Rogue 6.1.2

        Maybe you should send the message of forgiveness to Twyford

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63297518/gerry-brownlee-fined-for-airport-security-breach

        “It is inexcusable for any minister, let alone the then-Transport Minister, to flout airport security rules in the way Gerry Brownlee did. By giving him the maximum fine the CAA has rejected Mr Brownlee’s initial attempt to play down the seriousness of his offence,” Transport spokesman Phil Twyford said.

        “Mr Brownlee made a tonne of excuses at the time, most of them hard to believe. The only way the truth will come out is if the report is released. Either Gerry Brownlee should publically ask CAA to release it or the new Minister of Transport should order the Authority to do so.”

  7. Antoine 7

    Ministerial accountability? Start with Curran

    • repateet 7.1

      How so?

    • Matthew Whitehead 7.2

      I am on record as agreeing, FWIW. Ardern should have demoted her to the backbench and replaced her with someone more talented, but now they’ve decided to defend her and see if her problems will go away, dropping her before anything new happens would be a bigger story than just waiting and seeing. It’s not right that that’s how government works, but it is how it works.

      I also think I’m being very hard on Curran in asking that she resign or Ardern fire her, however, and the modern National Party would never uphold a standard that high IMO.

  8. Ffloyd 8

    National is bereft of any ideas as to how to proceed so resorts to rabble rousing. Brownlee is hilarious in his huffing and puffing. Sanctions arise out of parliamentary rules being broken. That’s what National did. Tried to get away with rule bending. Didn’t work.They have to suffer the consequences the same as Labour did under tCarter’s abysmal time as Speaker.Paula Benett needs to learn to shut up. She is nowhere near as clever as she thinks she is. If she’s going to pound the podium she needs to be correct in everything she says and is following proper procedure. AS for comment Mallard says he heard, I believe him. He had no reason to make that up. Brownies clutching st st

  9. Gosman 9

    Except when a National Minister did resign as a result of doing something that was minor but still a breech of rules/laws many people here couldn’t accept someone would resign over something so trivial.

    https://thestandard.org.nz/heatley-story-full-of-holes/

  10. Ffloyd 10

    Obviously expendable.

  11. R.P Mcmurphy 11

    Iwant to know who was the shifty little tory nark who dropped the dime.

    • Puckish Rogue 11.1

      So basically Labour MPs don’t have to follow the same rules as everyone else, not very egalitarian is it

    • cleangreen 11.2

      TO; R.P Mcmurphy
      “I want to know who was the shifty little tory nark who dropped the dime.”

      My guess is;

      Leader of National or Deputy probably.

      They had the motive most of all.

      • Puckish Rogue 11.2.1

        whats more important, passenger safety or Twyford ringing an 0900 number to get his daily horoscope…gee thats a tough one

        • KJT 11.2.1.1

          Mobile phones are not, a hazard to aircraft.

          • Matthew Whitehead 11.2.1.1.1

            They are not known to be a hazard, correct. That does not mean that using them in certain ways during a critical incident couldn’t create a hazard, however. A lot of aviation policy is precautionary.

    • Matthew Whitehead 11.3

      Why? Twyford is right he shouldn’t have made(/taken?) the call, and there’s nothing wrong with narking on someone who does something seriously wrong in a public place.

  12. Puckish Rogue 12

    It took national a couple terms before the arrogance took hold but with Labour its less than a year and the born to rile mentality has already taken hold

    I bet he also said don’t you know who I am 🙂

    • Muttonbird 12.1

      The last government was arrogant before they even got in.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10492460

      http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0802/S00182.htm

      https://thestandard.org.nz/key-hopping-on-hobsonville/

      Seymour and Richardson proudly continue with arrogant, snobbish, and regressive nimbyism today.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.2

      More lies from a RWNJ.

      National are born arrogant. If they weren’t they’d never get into power as their actual capabilities are far below that needed. Their arrogance allows them to persuade people that they’re better than they are despite their ignorance.

      As I’ve said – their all perfect examples of the Dunning-Kruger effect. Pure ignorance portraying themselves as capable through lies.

      • Puckish Rogue 12.2.1

        🙂

      • Stuart Munro 12.2.2

        +1000

        All that codswallop about economic rockstardom? They haven’t released so much as a metaphorical single. No-one in the serious side of economics has even heard of them.

      • Puckish Rogue 12.2.3

        https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12058464

        “The common theme in Twyford’s two slip-ups is arrogance – a worrying trait so early in his Government’s first term.”

        I’m not the only one to see it happening

        • Draco T Bastard 12.2.3.1

          One is arrogance – the other likely to be simply human error. People make mistakes without really thinking of what they’re doing.

          • Puckish Rogue 12.2.3.1.1

            well there’s that, there’s the calling treasury kids and theres still the Chinese sounding names things as well, starting to become more the norm

            Wonder what will happen next week

            • Muttonbird 12.2.3.1.1.1

              And wasn’t he 100% right about the Chinese sounding surnames. No sooner did the Chinese dictatorship limit the flow of money out of the country than the NZ housing market stopped exponential growth.

              Well done Phil for drawing attention to a problem, keep it up.

              David Carter has protected NZ from future raids also with much increased scrutiny of non-resident buyers. Woe betide any NZ lawyer or agent complicit in offshore housing speculation by proxy…

              • Matthew Whitehead

                No, he wasn’t right. The problem with chinese investment in NZ property is not about how their names sound, it’s about our general vulnerability to overseas capital in New Zealand, and our need to actually own at least a little of our own bloody country. We can do that without tactics that are othering to asian New Zealanders.

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 12.2.3.1.2

            Pretty much the definition of arrogance then. Thoughtless, careless behaviour from one in a position of power.

          • Rozgonz 12.2.3.1.3

            So I think what you are saying is when a Labour MP stuffs up it is a “mistake” and when a National MP stuffs up it is arrogance..

            • Draco T Bastard 12.2.3.1.3.1

              No.

              National MPs are arrogant even when they don’t stuff up. Which they do. Often. Due to their ignorance.

  13. cleangreen 13

    “It took national a couple terms before the arrogance took hold”

    With who; – National or Labour?

    Define that commment clearly.

    • Puckish Rogue 13.1

      All governments become arrogant, National took two terms to become arrogant whereas its taken Labour less than a year

      • Robert Guyton 13.1.1

        Born.
        That way (Blue babies).

        • Puckish Rogue 13.1.1.1

          Didn’t take you for a Lady Gaga fan

          • In Vino 13.1.1.1.1

            I must say that I prefer the Lady to your current adored one, PR. Judith Collins can not sing, nor can she compose music, nor did she volunteer to join her natural soul-mate David Seamoor in DWTS… Why does she not let her talents shine forth like a beacon in the darkness for all to behold?

      • Rozgonz 13.1.2

        Twyford would have to be one of the most arrogant, smarmy and conceited politicians of all time. It will be fun watching his demise, with his personality he can’t do anything to stop it

  14. Rozgonz 14

    Do you really believe he offered to resign – how naive can you be?

    • Matthew Whitehead 14.1

      If the Prime Minister is happy to say he offered to resign, I am happy to take her at her word for now. She hasn’t exactly made a habit of lying to the public, unlike her last two predecessors.

  15. R.P Mcmurphy 15

    get some raid and flush all the fleas looking for someone to jump on. this whole thing is a nonsense and one little rule is not enough for this amount of public gumflapping.

  16. Matthew Whitehead 16

    This comment marks the point at which I updated this story to include the second allegation from Collins.

    As Twyford has already offered to resign and this allegation is absolutely weaksauce, I don’t really believe it merits serious discussion, so I have instead included some jokes for you all. 🙂

    • alwyn 16.1

      ” have instead included some jokes for you all”

      I started to read this sentence and read the words “As Twyford has”.
      I did wonder for a moment why you were bothering to mention him. Then at the end you put the bit about including a few jokes.
      All was now clear. Of course you had to mention f**k-up Phil.
      He is the biggest joke in New Zealand Politics.

      Is the reason they keep him is so that the other members of Cabinet are only seen as weak, whereas considered on their own they are clearly useless?

      • Matthew Whitehead 16.1.1

        I honestly don’t think Twyford has merited a resignation just yet. The first allegation was serious, but not SO serious that it actually merited the PM accepting his resignation IMO, and the fact that he offered it regardless speaks well of the fact that he’s genuinely still here for the right reasons. And you know from Curran that I don’t give a shit that this is a government I support- I will go after a Minister if I think they’re making it look bad. I don’t Twyford is there yet, but he needs to be really careful going forward.

        And unlike Brownlee, who did something more serious and far more arrogant IMO, and didn’t really apologize to the public at any stage, he got a real and public slapping on the wrist by pulling CAA out from his responsibilities. Brownlee’s story was carefully managed in the media and his portfolio quietly reshuffled after the next election.

        • Louis 16.1.1.1

          Labour always has to be ultra careful, cautious and held to account, that is something that the National party never has to worry about.

        • alwyn 16.1.1.2

          I don’t think Twyford’s actions here merit a resignation. I didn’t think that Brownlee’s did either.

          Twyford’s problem is that he appears to be incapable of actually accomplishing anything. This is particularly the problem in housing where everything he seems to attempt just seems to leave the Government looking foolish.

          Look at his effort on supposed Chines buying of Auckland houses. There might have been something in the story but his arguing that his case was proved by purchasers having Chinese sounding names was simply risible. That would have led to him claiming Denise Lee, MP, was Chinese.
          No evidence that I can see but Lee is an Asian name.
          https://deniselee.national.org.nz/

          Now look at his Kiwibuild. When you start looking at buying private development properties and reselling them as Kiwibuild houses don’t you make yourself, and your Government look stupid. How does something like that increase the number of houses?

          When you give inflated price targets, and even when they are queried you repeat them and finally claim you just made a slip of the tongue you look useless.

          When you talk of putting 4,000 houses on 29 ha, and don’t even think of where the people in them are meant to send their kids to school you look stupid. Particularly so when the local schools hurriedly change their zones to exclude this land.
          Is there anything he has done properly?
          Sorry, but New Zealand deserves better. He is simply a joke.

          • Louis 16.1.1.2.1

            Me thinks you doth protest too much Alwyn. Gerry Brownlee knowingly barged through security when the report said he had plenty of time to board the flight if they had followed the usual security protocols, he even bought chewing gum and a soft drink at the bookshop after he did it.
            So what was his excuse again? Quite different from a 60 second phone call.

            Twyford was vindicated re Chinese “buying of Auckland houses” National refused to do a registry, they collected data but refused to share it publicly, opposition could only rely on what data was available.

            You’re incorrect re Kiwibuild. He did not buy “private development properties to be resold as Kiwibuild houses” There were no new houses, the govt bought the land.

            “The site for the 18 homes became available for KiwiBuild after private developers were unable to finance purchasing the land, Twyford said. “We seized the opportunity to build KiwiBuild homes, rather than just watch the grass grow.”

            https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/103458716/first-18-kiwibuild-houses-under-construction-in-south-auckland

            $650 is the cap, not the price. The media and opposition and its supporters are being continuously misleading. Dont you lot want Kiwis to have roofs over their heads?

            The govt just bought the Unitec land in Mt Albert, way too early for you and others to make such gross assumptions.

            Phil Twyford has done a lot more than National ever did in 9 years. “New Zealand deserves better” that’s why the clowns, the sore loser National party got kicked out and are currently having tantrums just because of that. National playing victim, now that is the joke.

            • alwyn 16.1.1.2.1.1

              I wish you might read what I say more carefully before you comment about my views.
              As an example I don’t see any “gross assumptions”
              Stuff certainly thought he said 4,000. He may have come to his senses a little but even then he only went down to at least 3,000
              https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/102567247/4000-homes-to-be-built-in-mt-albert

              Schools have been altering their zones to exclude anyone living in these houses from going to them.
              “Ministry of Education’s Deputy Secretary in enablement and support Katrina Casey confirmed Gladstone School and Kowhai Intermediate had already changed their enrolment zones in anticipation of the development.
              “Mt Albert Grammar is in the process of consulting with the community about their proposed zone amendment.”
              https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12027212

              “Twyford was vindicated re Chinese “buying of Auckland houses”.
              Really? To be vindicated he would have to be shown to be right.
              What evidence do you actually have that he was?

              “He did not buy “private development properties to be resold as Kiwibuild houses” “. I never said he had bought them. I said that he has proposed that the Crown should buy, off the plans, properties Developers were planning to build. If they are planning to build them anyway what extra houses are going to be realised?
              http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA1805/S00088/kiwibuild-opportunity-for-developers-launched.htm

              I’m afraid you have been brainwashed by the fool from Te Atatu.

              • In Vino

                And, Louis, regardless of alwyn’s perpetual greasy, eely twisting of logic, reason, history and semantics, more importantly – correct Olde English is ‘thou dost’, not ‘you doth’. Please be more careful in future!

              • Louis

                The one here thats brainwashed is you Alwyn. Dont you want Kiwis to have a roof over their heads? Politicians have no control how the media frame the news. Other sources said 3000 – 4000 etc. Re: school zones again if schools want to do that, their choice. Twyford was vindicated, not a hard guess as to why National were so secretive. So you have changed your comment now. What you said was “buying private development properties and reselling them as Kiwibuild houses don’t you make yourself” then you ended in an insult. You were factually incorrect. BTW Insults are not an argument.

                • alwyn

                  In Vino has had one try at correcting your English.
                  I also had an attempt but you didn’t even realise the point of what I was saying.
                  You quoted me as claiming “He did not buy “private “. That is proposing that I had said it had already happened. You seem to think that I had proposed that the purchase had already taken place.
                  What I actually said, and pointed out to you a second time was that I had said “you start looking at buying private development properties and reselling them”. I certainly said that he was looking at doing this purchasing but NOT that he had already done so.
                  Are you incapable of understanding the difference?
                  Or accepting that I am factually correct?

                  If you think that Twyford has been vindicated you are claiming that there is evidence that his story, that if a lot of house sales are being made to people who have names that might be Chinese, proves that non-resident Chinese are buying a very large percentage of the houses in Auckland.
                  The word “vindicated” means, according to the dictionary I consulted, (Collins) that you are saying that they were proved correct.
                  “If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong”.
                  Well people certainly said he was wrong.
                  Neither you, nor anyone else has proved he was right. Just saying that IF National had collected some statistics it would have proved I was right just says you believe something. It no more proves that it IS true than does the fact that my children, when very, very young, thought there were fairies at the bottom of the garden PROVES that the fairies were really there.

                  Abraham Lincoln said “”You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.”
                  You are, when it comes to statements from Labour Party politicians clearly among the group of people he referred to as “some of the people”.
                  And yes, you really do seem to have been brainwashed.

                  • Muttonbird

                    Did they say he was wrong? I don’t think they did. Some people didn’t like the way he went about it but they are the same people who stood to lose from cheap Chinese money no longer entering the country.

                    No-one said he was wrong because those same people didn’t want the actual stats on foreign speculation of NZ residential housing to come out.

                    There is vindication aplenty because PHIL TWYFORD IS NOW THE MINISTER! That’s right, people actually voted for him to do the job.

                    There is also vindication because as I have said many times, when cheap Chinese money was no longer available the market stopped the run. It’s not rocket science.

                    • alwyn

                      “There is vindication aplenty because PHIL TWYFORD IS NOW THE MINISTER! That’s right people voted him to do the job.”

                      That is a truly fascinating claim. For the life of me I can’t remember anything among the ballot papers for the election that gave me a choice for picking the Minister of Housing. I remember a question on who I wanted as my electorate MP and which party I wished to vote for but nothing about any vote for a particular person as Minister of Housing or anything else.
                      Can you find a copy of such a question?
                      I would love to see this vote that I have clearly forgotten about.

                    • Muttonbird

                      Really Alwyn, you need some remedial help with politics.

                      The country voted for change. They got change. Phil Twyford was opposition spokesperson on housing and now he is minister of housing.

                      That’s what the country voted for.

                    • alwyn

                      Really Muttonbird. You need some remedial lessons in real-politick.
                      You appear at least to accept that nobody voted for Twyford as Minister of Housing, at least among the public. That is a start. There are some more stages you should consider.

                      I am willing to accept that we can accept the shorthand of voting for change for the people who voted for the Green Party, or for Labour. We can also agree, I think, that the people who voted for National were voting for the status quo.
                      There are about equal numbers therefore on each side of that divide.

                      I have no idea what the people who voted for New Zealand First wanted. Neither, I imagine, does anyone else, including the voters themselves. I certainly don’t think there was any consensus for or against a change in the direction of Government among the NZF voters.

                      We have the Government now in power because Labour were willing to offer Winston more in the way of baubles than National were. They are willing to accept Winston as the de facto PM even while Ardern remains the de jure one.
                      National were never willing to be that pliable. Thus you have Winston on the side he is. It had nothing at all to do with whether his voters wanted a change or the status quo. It was all about what was in it for Winston, both immediately and in the future.

                      Twyford was not, as you suggest, the Opposition spokesman on Housing. He was the Labour Party spokesman. If Winston had wanted someone in his own Caucus to have the job Twyford would have been looking forlornly through the window. I think Winston was keeping well clear of the job though. He knows that real progress over the next 4 or 5 years is going to be negligible and he is keeping his own reputation well clear.

                    • Muttonbird

                      Umm. Every single NZF billboard all over the country was emblazoned with two words. “Had enough?”

                      Every single NZF voter therefore had had enough.

                      It’s telling that whenever you and your fellow travellers get into a pickle on a forum you resort to the coalition negotiations being NOT FAIR!

                      Lol.

                    • alwyn

                      I realise that you find this very hard to do but why is it so difficult for you to accept that I find nothing at all unfair about the negotiations?
                      Labour were desperate for power. The would give anything to be able to have some place in a Government. Nine years on the Opposition benches is very hard.
                      Winston wanted the biggest bag of baubles he could get for himself. That was what Labour was offering and he took it. There was nothing at all unfair about the deal.

                      What Winston put on his billboards is meaningless. He said the same thing in 1996 and then went with National because they gave him more.
                      As Wiki says about the 1996 campaign
                      “In fact, he harshly attacked his former National colleagues during the campaign, and appeared to promise that he would not even consider going into coalition with them.”

                      Much the same thing happened in 2005 where, shortly before the election Peters made a speech
                      “Peters’ “Rotorua speech” on 7 September 2005 at a public address at the Rotorua Convention Centre, which had spoken of sitting on the cross-benches (and thus staying out of government) and eschewing “the baubles of office”.
                      We all saw then what that meant didn’t we.

                      Why do you believe anything Winston says prior to an election? Can you really be that naĂŻve?

                    • Louis

                      Muttonbird is right in all the posts made Alwyn, you must live in an alternate universe as others have correctly pointed out, you cheery pick and rewrite history to suit. You sound like a sore loser, much the National party that cant get over the fact that they lost.

                  • Louis

                    In Vino corrected my error of Olde English. You made no correction, you just kept changing what you posted. Why would you think National keeping its data from public scrutiny will support your view? Obviously it wouldnt have or else why keep it secret? They could have done a slam dunk on the opposition, but didn’t. They tinkered with a few concessions eg IRD number & NZ bank accounts as pressure from the public mounted, but still refused to release data from that information. You are in denial re Chinese property investors in the NZ market that enjoyed the advantages of NZ’s tax haven status under the National government. Singaporean radio station promoted Auckland as “an investor’s dream”, with no land tax, stamp duty or capital gains tax. In 2013 a Chinese TV producer offered local sellers commercial spots in Asian markets “to get the attention of the majority of the affluent Chinese community”

                    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11478724

                    Ray White has expanded its agency services to China, signing an agreement to list new and old properties for sale with China’s largest real estate agency

                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/82465472/ray-white-signs-deal-with-lianjia-as-it-launches-into-china

                    No surprises then that Chinese websites pushed NZ house sales ahead of the new Government’s crackdown.
                    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/98984001/chinese-property-website-pushing-nz-property-sales-ahead-of-government-crackdown

                    You appear to have been fooled Alwyn, your posts are waffle.

  17. In Vino 17

    So, Louis, you see what I meant about greasy, eely twisting, etc? Alwyn is an over-garrulous troll, who needs a healthier pastime.

    • alwyn 17.1

      As I have pointed out on a number of occasions there isn’t any law that requires you to read what I say. I am only trying to help you appreciate the Bible verse at John 8:32.
      “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”.

      If the truth is too much for you then you are free to follow the other path and remain in the slough of ignorance rather than being led into the light of the upper world, as Plato put it.

      It’s all the same to me whether you read what I say or not.

      • In Vino 17.1.1

        It would be nice if what you write were not selected, twisted half-truths.
        You need a healthier pastime.

      • Incognito 17.1.2

        It’s all the same to me whether you read what I say or not.

        You do a convincing I-couldn’t-care-less routine, Alwyn. Unfortunately, you give yourself away as soon as someone replies to you and especially when they challenge you.

        Maybe take a leaf out of your own book and practice the following:

        It’s all the same to me whether I read what you say or not.

        • alwyn 17.1.2.1

          But I do care about what replies I get. The people who reply may be able to provide me with a fresh perspective or they may be open to enlightenment.
          Or not, as in your case.

          It wouldn’t worry me in the slightest if you didn’t read what I said, and never replied to me. That is the difference. I suggest if it makes you feel better you should take a leaf out of my book and adopt the creed you have just expressed. At least I will have taught you something.

          • Incognito 17.1.2.1.1

            Illogical, as usual, and inconsistent, as usual. Either you care about other people, or you don’t. In your case, you only care about replies, which is exactly what I said. In other words, you only care about yourself. That is the difference. At least I have learned something, thank you, Master Alwyn.

            • In Vino 17.1.2.1.1.1

              Well said Incognito.
              Valid or not, any criticism at all brings a virulent, nasty reply. No care for people; just a person who needs a healthier pastime.

              • alwyn

                You seem to have developed a new fetish Vino.
                This must be about the fourth or fifth time in the last couple of days when you insist on telling me I should get a “healthier pastime”.
                I think you are another person who is trying to rationalise their own problems by indulging in Psychological Projection. What on earth has happened to you? It sounds as if you have recently been to the Doctor. Did he, or she, tell you that you must lose a lot of weight and give up your bibulous life-style?
                It certainly sounds like that. It must have been hard to hear but you should take that advice. Cold showers and no booze, together with reducing your Calorie intake will work wonders. Worry about your own health and adopt immediately the healthier lifestyle being recommended.
                I shall worry about myself. I really have no need for your advice on the subject.

                • Louis

                  “trying to rationalise their own problems by indulging in Psychological Projection” which is what you are doing Alwyn. You’re a hypocrite.

    • Louis 17.2

      Yes he does, I see what you mean In Vino.

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    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
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    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
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    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
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    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
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    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
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    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
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    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • AT Need To Lift Their Game
    Normally when we talk about accessing public transport it’s about improving how easy it is to get to, such as how easy is it to cross roads in a station/stop’s walking catchment, is it possible to cycle to safely, do bus connections work, or even if are there new routes/connections ...
    6 days ago
  • Christopher's Whopper.
    Politicians are not renowned for telling the truth. Some tell us things that are verifiably not true. They offer statements that omit critical pieces of information. Gloss over risks, preferring to offer the best case scenario.Some not truths are quite small, others amusing in their transparency. There are those repeated ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mƍrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
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    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
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    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
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    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. Ű§Ù„ŰłÙŽÙ‘Ù„ÙŽŰ§Ù… Űčليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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