Another world is possible

Written By: - Date published: 7:02 am, September 28th, 2019 - 55 comments
Categories: activism, climate change - Tags: , , , ,

Yesterday, 170,000 New Zealanders took to the streets as part of the global Climate Strike. This is one of the biggest protest mobilisations we’ve had. To put it into perspective,

170,000 is also a curious number for NZ at 3.5% of the population. Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard University, wrote a book about successful historical protest movements and what worked.

Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns. And although the exact dynamics will depend on many factors, she has shown it takes around 3.5% of the population actively participating in the protests to ensure serious political change.

Chenoweth asserted

the notion that no government can withstand a challenge of 3.5% of its population without either accommodating the movement or (in extreme cases) disintegrating.

In her TED talk, Chenoweth notes that non-violent resistance has become more common and more effective in the past 50 years, and points to the inclusive nature of these movements: elderly, disabled people, women and children can all take part, and the movements tend to cross divisions of class, politics, gender, age and so on. This makes sense to me, because once you have broad engagement across a population, those people are also our law and policy makers and other power holders in society (journalists and MSM editors, educators, business people, politicians). Parliament is full of people just as scared about climate catastrophe as the people on the street.

This is how change happens. It’s important to note that success is dependent on the active and sustained participation of that 3.5% of the population. While I don’t believe we can rely on parliament to lead on climate action, I can’t help but think of the potential for a growing movement over the next year leading into the 2020 general election.

I’m also wondering about the potential of the Climate Strike numbers happening at the start of our local body elections and hope we can see sustained local movements building on the actions this week. Even if we don’t see this reflected in the voting now, the same kinds of pressure and engagement needs to happen at the local level.

Dunedin had 6% of its population march yesterday.

The last time that happened was when 10,000 people took to the street to protest the closing of neurology services in the city. They won. To get 9,000 people yesterday suggests a shift happening on climate action in not just the progressive parts of the community but the more conservative parts too.

Auckland’s march yesterday was 4.5% of the local population, Nelson 3.8%. Wellington was 18%. These are big, hopeful numbers. In part because, as Chenoweth reports,

… the visibility of civil resistance actions allows them to attract more active and diverse participation from [these] ambivalent people.

More and more people know that we can’t just go back to our ordinary lives and hope that climate change will do away. We’re on a tipping point of climate action being mainstreamed.

Also heartening were the number of businesses who closed in solidarity with the Climate Strike and to allow workers to march. Social enterprise support organisation Ākina Foundation recruited 267 NZ businesses this week to take part. Here too is change happening, because business owners and managers are also people increasingly concerned about climate action and the wellbeing or their children and grandchildren.  This is exactly the kind of movement we need at this point, because these are the people who will implement our climate mitigation and adaptation strategies once we are ready to change.

______________________________________________________________________________

By the way, because apparently some people haven’t been paying attention, School Strike 4 Climate NZ’s list of demands is:

  1. that parliament declares a climate emergency
  2. that all parties support and pass an ambitious Zero Carbon Act
  3. that the government ceases all exploration and extraction of fossil fuels
  4. that the government invests in building a renewable and regenerative economy now
  5. that the government gives practical effect to its responsibilities through the Pacific

 

55 comments on “Another world is possible ”

  • Comments are now closed

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    28 September 2019 at 8:32 am

    "It has now reached the stage where it is getting totally out of hand"

    A glimmer of understanding from someone who trolled here not so long agosmiley

    • Pat 2.1
      28 September 2019 at 8:49 am

      who's that quote from?

      • weka 2.1.1
        28 September 2019 at 8:57 am

        Our own Boris Gosman?

        • Pat 2.1.1.1
          28 September 2019 at 9:03 am

          oh…so no one of any influence then

          • Robert Guyton 2.1.1.1.1
            28 September 2019 at 9:11 am

            I chose not to link to the blog as it's entirely empty of content smiley

            • greywarshark 2.1.1.1.1.1
              28 September 2019 at 9:17 am

              Ooh – do we get 3 guesses and a chocolate fish?

              • Robert Guyton …
                28 September 2019 at 9:22 am

                I've forgotten the forgettable. Can't remember the unmemorable.

                • greywarshark …
                  28 September 2019 at 9:40 am

                  True, there is too much to think about, have to prioritise the good, the useful, the ideas and people with integrity, and let the detritus fall away. We have to think about triage in these coming days and years, there is only so much ability of each individual to use what their talents are, and time is limited and conditions not always amenable for action and processing new information and monitoring already implemented ideas and systems.

                  I suggest start limiting fictional television, a large part of which is accompanied by advertisements. It is highly coloured which increases the trip into unreality, and limits the time for living and using your own agency. The news is interesting to see the field of action where things are happening. But reading and radio and news clips will give you more bang for each minute of attention.

                  I did think this morning that we should give attention to our farming community in a supportive way as we demand they make changes, and into the future. It would be wise to listen to the Country news on RadioNZ each Saturday morning earlyish, and I think it is repeated. We need to understand our farmers, and their difficulties, and support them in their efforts, always thinking about crops and weather and animals. Apparently they are anxious about the new water rules, and there have been meetings of 300 etc. The genuine farmers, living on his or her farm, taking part in life in New Zealand should be our brothers and sisters, town and country combining together.

  3. WeTheBleeple 3
    28 September 2019 at 9:11 am

    The 'authority' of uneducated self-absorbed parenting is finally being called into question. Right (and left) wing adults are being rightfully questioned. This is a generation that seeks real answers, and rather than knee-jerk rebelling via drinking and stupid antics are instead mobilising against the utter BS we've all been dragged into (the BAU rat-race).

    Travelling in to the march on a crowded bus, there were maybe two kids burrowed into their phones the rest were lively, engaged, funny… They are smart, energised, organised, and they do us all proud.

    Even the online debate has changed. No longer a solitary voice in a desert of dumbass… many friends I'd never have guessed (Bikers, farmers, business owners, nat voting types) are joining the debate calling out the more vacuous/vicious trolls and gremlins where they spring up.

    Now watch as the ideas start being generated. The beach clean up, plantings and hikoi yesterday all prime examples of self-mobilised movement for change. Not only are the kids engaged, they're wanting and willing to muck in and get things done. It's not just that we support them or get out of the way: also, that we support them or get left behind.

    • Robert Guyton 3.1
      28 September 2019 at 9:15 am

      At yesterday's climate march in Invercargill, the roving reporter sidled-up to ask me my opinion:

      "Environment Southland councillor Robert Guyton, who is vocal about Southland declaring a climate state of emergency, says it's a shame that it has come to high school students to find leadership.

      "This something Environment Southland should be doing. We were elected to do this and we neglected to follow it up, so this is what happens.""

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/116158479/southland-students-want-climate-state-of-emergency-declared
      At the march’s end, there were speakers speaking; I encouraged the crowd, thinking especially of there younger ones, to learn to grow and plant trees and when they had done one round of that, to do another and another. Marching’s important but when you get back home and have poured over all of the platforms reporting on the day, looking to see if you’re part of a “thing”, it’s really useful to have something actual to do; sow a seed, plant a pit, get something growing.

      • greywarshark 3.1.1
        28 September 2019 at 10:11 am

        I was wondering – if I want to plant a tree, do something to act not just think. Where do I go. I just can't plant trees in my back yard, no room, have one already and they can be too shade producing in some places and people don't want to trim, cut them down when they have negative effects on light, sun and health.

        So what do you suggest – I was wondering about speaking to local Councils, getting a designated spot, with protocols on how to do it, requiring a position two paces from the nearest one, dig and plant properly put a post up with the name on the tree, shrub in permanent marker etc. Also to make a note for oneself of where it is amongst the plantings, and go and give it water regularly while young, and in summer with about 5 litres of water to spread round it,

        It is good to get the itch to plant a tree, it is where and how so that it can grow and be part of a healthy woodland. Do you think that would be a sensible approach to take to Council?

        • Cricklewood 3.1.1.1
          28 September 2019 at 11:01 am

          Don't ask, just do. Find some wasteland, empty land, road reserve etc and start planting. Plant small and in autumn. You'll be amazed how quick a small plant will establish. Just wander around and trample down any weeds occasionally they'll act as a mulch layer.

        • solkta 3.1.1.2
          28 September 2019 at 11:14 am

          Have you joined Forest and Bird?

          • greywarshark 3.1.1.2.1
            28 September 2019 at 11:37 am

            Have you? And how would that help with what I asked about?

            And Cricklewood you aren't being intelligent. Trees popping up everywhere will be as useful as wilding pines. People won't know what they are. They may be poisonous. They may be a nuisance. And maybe the weeds are more useful, and wanted as part of establishing a better greensward like a 'ley' I think they call it. Some people when they feel justified about something, can go OTT. I think that there needs to guidance about tree planting otherwise it could be as practical as releasing rabbit calcivirus by the eager and pretty ignorant.

            • Cricklewood 3.1.1.2.1.1
              28 September 2019 at 11:56 am

              You're wrong there Grey. Any tree is a good tree, if you aren't sure what to plant go with a native or ask your local nurseryman for trees which do well in your area provide fodder for birds etc.

              Where in the country are you I can point you to a good nursery.

              Guerrilla gardening for the win. Reckon ive snuck over a 1000 trees into public spaces over the last 10 years or so… some are quite large now.

            • solkta 3.1.1.2.1.2
              28 September 2019 at 12:04 pm

              Fuck. You ask for advice as to how to link in to tree planting programs. I suggest the very long established organisation that exists to do that along with other initiatives and you respond with "have you?" What is wrong with you?

              Why do you come here and ask stupid questions and then not bother to follow up when people reply?

              Forest & Bird is defending nature on land.

              Our branches are involved in practical projects to restore nature – trapping predators, removing weeds and planting trees.

              https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/land

              • greywarshark …
                29 September 2019 at 11:14 am

                You dopey person. I was asking Robert how an ordinary person who wanted to work with Council would go about it.

                Forest and Bird is good. But that wasn't what I was asking. Not everyone knows about F & B. And you just said have I joined Forest and Bird. That costs money, it is a barrier in the way of someone just wanting to plant a tree as suggested. And I notice some random people here thinking that it’s okay to shove one in anywhere. Please co-operate with your local Council and get them to start plots for a successful result for your community from your good-hearted action. It is theoretical saying that any tree is a good tree, only from the planets POV but we still have to live in it. Perhaps you can find a way to help by putting in four in a square as posts in which tree huts can be built?

                Why don't you come down off your high horse. You like putting one sentence replies as if there can be no question that you know and have the perfect answer to what is raised. I don't see you always explaining why, what is in your mind. Just a didactic approach .

        • Graeme 3.1.1.3
          28 September 2019 at 1:49 pm

          Down here we've got the Wakatipu Re-forestation Trust They collect local seed, raise the seedlings in their nursery and then plant them out in project areas around the district. And an army of volunteers who do an amazing amount of work

          Last weekend around 90 of us had 1100 plants in the ground by smoko.

          • greywarshark 3.1.1.3.1
            28 September 2019 at 7:18 pm

            One hour! Good organisation. What would be a modern replacement for smoko – kambucha? Or traditional hot scones and lemonade?

  4. Cinny 4
    28 September 2019 at 9:17 am

    Yesterday while walking past the protest in Motueka an old man said to me…. 'haven't they got anything better to do?'

    My response was… 'I don't know, saving the planet is kind of important'

    Old man turned away and stomped off. Lololz was pretty funny.

    What I'd like to see is a list of companies who cause the most damage being actively circulated via the media and social media. And people boycotting those companies. We all need to walk the talk to make change. Our consumerism is what is killing the earth.

    • greywarshark 4.1
      28 September 2019 at 9:25 am

      I think we should report which companies are aiming high, and what others are doing to improve and encourage them by listing them with priority to the best achievers, when looking for product and services; still be concerned about price, but be looking among the top listers. More will be prodded to make import change. The faults of the ones who show unconcern and resistance to becoming responsible should also be noted under the tick list.

    • Robert Guyton 4.2
      28 September 2019 at 9:26 am

      The Invercargill protest was smaller than those in other centres, but we had no grumpy bystanders; on the contrary, the tooting and waving from passing vehicles was surprising!

      Our policeman minder was very pleasant, stepping in to over-ride the traffic lights and giving us all friendly waves as we filed through.

      • Cinny 4.2.1
        28 September 2019 at 9:43 am

        Good stuff Robert that's wonderful to hear such fantastic support especially for Southland, awesome. 🙂

        We had a couple of hundred in Motueka, I was thrilled at the turn out, good on them. No police minder, they just marched up and down the footpath of our main st and everyone came out of their places of work to watch and show their support. It was awesome.

        The old man, was amusing because he was soooo stereotypical. Super funny.

    • weka 4.3
      28 September 2019 at 12:21 pm

      I saw a reference to the list of NZ companies responsible for the most emissions. I'm curious now too who they are.

      • weka 4.3.1
        28 September 2019 at 12:26 pm

        Here we go. No surprises which is the top company.

        By trawling company reports, Emissions Trading Scheme documents, and international carbon disclosure files, Stuff was able to tally the annual emissions for 10 companies which are likely to be the highest emitters in New Zealand.

        …

        Combined, they produced an estimated 54.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases, roughly two-thirds of the national total.

        https://twitter.com/wekatweets/status/1177741150716739584

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/114431409/nzs-biggest-greenhouse-gas-emitters-and-their-struggle-to-pollute-less

        • weka 4.3.1.1
          28 September 2019 at 12:29 pm

          Scratch that, the figures are probably useless,

          For example, Z Energy reported just over 13m tonnes of emissions in 2018, but when Stuff asked BP for its New Zealand emissions, it reported just 4200 tonnes. BP was only counting the emissions from powering its stores, car washes, and offices. It wasn't including any emissions from the burning of the millions of litres of petrol it sold.

          Figures reported to the Carbon Disclosure Project in 2016 by BP's global arm showed the purchase of nearly 4.5m tonnes of carbon offsets under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme, giving a stronger indication of how much of an impact the British company has in New Zealand.

  6. phillip ure 6
    28 September 2019 at 9:58 am

    'that all parties support and pass an ambitious Zero Carbon Act'..

    i noted the other day that the british labour party conference pledged 'to de-carbonise britain by 2030'..

    my takeaway from this is : 'good on them..!'..

    and meanwhile back here it makes our 'carbon-neutral by 2050'…seem somewhat paltry/nowhere near enough..

    so cd the greens have a re-think on that one..and also pledge 'to de-carbonise' nz by 2030..

    this would also be a useful tag for j.a. to frame the required political action around..?

    the size of this march/and the percentages required for change cited above – tell us (and j.a.) that the seachange-moment of enough of the general public 'getting it' and demanding change – so many have been waiting for – is here..

    and will not go away – will not be silenced by political inaction/more of 'the same'..

    and most certainly just can't be ignored..

    so j.a./grns etc must be perceptive enough to know that vague promises to do something by 2050…is no longer enough..not for the planet – not for the people marching..

    so i look forward to hearing their program – to de-caronise nz – by 2030..

    and of course..even promising this – will see this govt re-elected with an enlarged majority..with a groundswell of support from a politically energised young..

    and the tories denialism/do-nothing pledges being rejected y those of their own – with half a brain..and them turning to lab/grns for just those environomental reasons/imperatives..

    bridges/the denialists – are on a road to nowhere – destination: political-irrelevence..

    (and can i just note that ‘de-carbonise’ is much more powerful/palpable that the (effete) ‘carbon-neutral..esp as the latter allows pollutors to buy ‘credits’ to keep polluting..
    that ain’t good enough – any more..

  7. Stuart Munro. 7
    28 September 2019 at 10:24 am

    Learning to change the world when they are young will create a politically powerful generation; the age of flatulent old fools like Gerry Brownlee is drawing to a close, and we might actually get some things done for a change.

  8. phillip ure 8
    28 September 2019 at 11:54 am

    if 'the march' – as we can now call it – has a spotify playlist..

    this would be on it..?

    you'd think..?

    (elton and ringo are also good on this..)

    • Duncan 8.1
      28 September 2019 at 6:37 pm

      My favourite song of all time. Some similarity in the facial appearance of Marc Bolan and Greta.

      Personally I have never seen a reason to get excited about humanities direction until Greta announced a purpose and anger that to me is refreshing.

      I just hope the left pick up on it, unite, get angry, and force change.

      There is no time left for petty arguments or platitudes.

  9. Tiger Mountain 9
    28 September 2019 at 3:09 pm

    The young people yesterday learnt some important things, such as–how to take direct action and defy authority–whether that be Principals, BOTs, parents, peers not into it, media lines, or grumpy old blokes in denial.

    It was an awesome, creative, feel good day of people acting together. Not National’s version of “ordinary New Zealanders”, but the real thing!

    More militant action including particularly non students, will now be required to get Government and corporates to act.

    • weka 9.1
      28 September 2019 at 3:26 pm

      More non-violent, sustained and persistent action I think.

      • phillip ure 9.1.1
        28 September 2019 at 4:23 pm

        @ weka..

        'more non-violent, sustained and persistent action'

        yes..but it must be remembered that if these polite protests are just ignored by our political leaders..

        this will escalate into more disruptive actions..that could well spill over..

        so best we just live up to our reputation for commonsense and leading..

        and do just that…

        • weka 9.1.1.1
          28 September 2019 at 7:37 pm

          My position at the moment is we should do all the things that are needed. Polite ain't it. The strikes are good and necessary, but we also need Extinction Rebellion and other actions that are willing to disrupt the status quo. We also need solid work within the culture that give people pathways to action of building resilient and sustainable communities.

          I'm ok with disruption, because I believe we will have far, far worse disruption if we don't act now, and the need is urgent. I think that intentional disruption needs to be well thought out and implemented. ER used Chenoweth's work in developing their strategies and kaupapa.

          • Adam Ash 9.1.1.1.1
            2 October 2019 at 1:55 pm

            Agree with you there Weka.
            The government needs to revisit its zero carbon policies and strengthen them substantially to get change happening.

            The tax-the-bad actions and give-the-tax-to-the-good actions has very little net cost to the state, but can cause significant change.

            Government needs to strongly promote uptake of EVs (including getting a basic Everyman's-EV manufactured under license here to replace fossil clunkers for the commute, children to school and shopping trips), and also require installation of heat pumps in every home to replace log and multi-fuel burners for most home heating (leaving the burners installed for emergency use). These two actions would be hugely useful to reduce household emissions.

            Usefully, both obtaining an EV and installing a heat pump can see a reduction in household expenditure for travel and heating, while helping the climate, and providing safer and warmer lives.

            So when the children come home from school, they can ask their parents; "Where is the EV? Where is the heat pump?"

      • Duncan 9.1.2
        28 September 2019 at 6:46 pm

        weka,

        I remember you three or four years ago saying we should not over emphasise the threats of climate change because it would scare people and turn them off wanting to change.

        And nothing happened in the interim.

        People need to get organised, coherent, face the facts and do something about it.

        And Greta has provided the impetus.

        And her anger gives me hope, and I believe we need to channel that and do something rather than sit around accepting incremental change.

        There is no better opportunity offered than what has just been gifted to the left.

        Make the most of it.

        • weka 9.1.2.1
          28 September 2019 at 7:31 pm

          "I remember you three or four years ago saying we should not over emphasise the threats of climate change because it would scare people and turn them off wanting to change."

          I think you are mistaken. More likely I was saying that we should be careful about not focusing on messages that provoke fear responses that then turn people off. Nothing wrong with being afraid of CC when looking it in the face, but there are problems with the fearmongering approach of say Macpherson or telling people we are all going to die. People need to know the truth (which isn't Macpherson) but they also need pathways to action.

          A huge amount has happened in the interim. Greta Thunberg, Extinction Rebellion, a change in government in NZ with the Green Party in positions of power (not enough, but it's still a huge change from 3 or 4 years ago). Various MSM deciding to tell the truth about CC, and to limit deniers. A number if IPCC reports that are no longer tiptoeing around the crisis. All of that is momentum, and I agree there is great opportunity here.

          Maybe you are agreeing with me that we are at a tipping point? I've never argued for incremental change as the solution to CC. I've argued that the people who are doing incremental change like the Greens need to be supported and they need us outside of parliament to force the agenda. I've also argued that we have choices about where we intervene in the big societal changes and which way the tipping point goes.

    • Matiri 9.2
      28 September 2019 at 4:19 pm

      Yes. Students used to be militant, the Student Union when I was at college was a hotbed of thoughtful and lively talk, and dissent. And the music to match! Student debt and tuition fees killed all that.

      And the problem with Greta.
      https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/sep/27/the-greta-thunberg-problem-so-many-men-freaking-out-about-the-tiny-swedish-climate-demon

    • Sacha 9.3
      28 September 2019 at 6:43 pm

      More militant action including particularly non students, will now be required to get Government and corporates to act.

      Nope. From the original post above:

      Looking at hundreds of campaigns over the last century, Chenoweth found that nonviolent campaigns are twice as likely to achieve their goals as violent campaigns.

  10. greywarshark 10
    28 September 2019 at 7:02 pm

    I've just been listening to some lively Celtic music on a Womad series I think. It seems to me that humans are too wonderful and creative and imaginative and clever and silly to pass away. I think it is a bit like the Hobbits – we are on a journey to achieve an important outcome, and have to go through dangerous ventures and badlands and find fraternal brothers and sisters to mix and mingle with.

    We all need to have a trusting relationship with each other, sticking roughly to good guidelines to follow. And throw away capitalism – keep it's combining ethos and for the rest concentrate on having a wee home, work, food, good cheer, kindness, music and theatre, a look around the rohe, reciprocal hospitality and help, some physical games, a card game where someone always cheats, and regular socialising with less alcohol and drugs. And reducing all the negatives and high expectations, go for simplicity and colour and a laugh in the eyes of good people as we craic or crack on, as the ex-Brits say. Nau mai. Haere mai.

  11. mosa 11
    28 September 2019 at 8:29 pm

    Nothing will change until neo liberal policy and approach is dismantled.

    Climate protests are great but are not addressing the real blockwall of allowing any of these demands too be seriously addressed.

    If only the protest was targeting the devil in the room.

  12. greywarshark 12
    28 September 2019 at 10:07 pm

    Here is how to make a better world, it is not impossible. Barbara Sher

    (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2rG4Dg6xyI
    Isolation is the dream-killer, not your attitude

    Wish/Obstacle – we are problem-solving animals.

  13. cleangreen 13
    29 September 2019 at 12:57 pm

    I saw very little of the marches around NZ for climate action, as we walked among the almost 1000 in Napier Friday sadly, – as the media coverage was scant.

    The media has a short attention span like a young child. The media is less able to even comprehend good from bad as even young children can.

    This says a lot about the 'hollow mafia media'scam bubble today.

  14. aom 14
    29 September 2019 at 8:15 pm

    Top marks to Miriama Kamo and the Sunday team with their 'climate catastrophe' segment. There are few things more inspiring than to see young people respond to being treated as the adults in the room. The strike leaders certainly made the dead-headed politicians with their pathetic soundbites look trite and inconsequential. Hopefully the Air NZ representative is as genuine as she appeared, and that the airline is true to her words. The next generation to inherit the world are without doubt more wise, informed and committed that too many of their resource exploitative seniors.

  15. velcro 15
    2 October 2019 at 1:54 am

    Lenin’s ‘useful idiots’. Misinformed, manipulated hence misguided

  16. Adam Ash 16
    3 October 2019 at 2:23 pm

    The funny thing is Velcro, that these misinformed, manipulated misguided people are only asking that the world becomes a place where humans have far less impact on the environment that we do currently. They want us to move away from the dark satanic mills of the past and present into a future where we are all gainfully employed and living in a better place, and doing that in a way which ensures economic stability and environmental and social harmony.

    Surely you would accept that a) these are worthwhile objectives for any social movement, and b) if we continue as we are the present unhappy state of the environment and associated miserable social situations will only continue to get worse and the widening gap between haves and have not will see increased tension and violence?

    Where, then, is the downside of following the lead of these 'misguided' souls? Our present 'system' has got us into a mess and cannot get us out of it. Should we not embrace a global effort to make things better, even if you disagree with their climate views?

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    Earlier this week at Parliament, Labour leader Chris Hipkins was applauded for saying that the response to the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care had to be “bigger than politics.” True, but the fine words, apologies and “we hear you” messages will soon ring ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: In news breaking this morning:The Ministry of Education is cutting $2 billion from its school building programme so the National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government has enough money to deliver tax cuts; The Government has quietly lowered its child poverty reduction targets to make them easier to achieve;Te Whatu Ora-Health NZ’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 26-July-2024

    Kia ora. These are some stories that caught our eye this week – as always, feel free to share yours in the comments. Our header image this week (via Eke Panuku) shows the planned upgrade for the Karanga Plaza Tidal Swimming Steps. The week in Greater Auckland On ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 day ago
  • God what a relief

    1. What's not to love about the way the Harris campaign is turning things around?a. Nothingb. Love all of itc. God what a reliefd. Not that it will be by any means easye. All of the above 2. Documents released by the Ministry of Health show Associate Health Minister Casey ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Trust In Me

    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet


    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KƍreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te PokapĆ« Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kƍrero, he kƍrero, he kƍrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kƍrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

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