Campbell Live Dumped

Written By: - Date published: 2:42 pm, May 21st, 2015 - 83 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, censorship, Media, scoundrels, tv - Tags: ,

It’s just been announced that John Campbell will leave TV3 and the show that he has fronted superbly for 10 years is to be axed. It will be replaced with a co-hosted current affairs show, but any expectations that it might be any good will probably need to be seen in the light of the admission that it will be part of the comedy and entertainment arm of TV3.

Mediaworks  spokesman Mark Jennings weaselled “John has decided he wants to take a break from the job and we respect his decision”.

Mediaworks’s message to viewers: We hate you, we won’t listen to you, and if you choose to watch our channels, please switch your brains off, we just want your eyeballs.

John, if you’re reading this; good on ya mate. You were as good as gets. Hope we see you again soon.

Ka kite ano.

 

Edit: Media commentator Phil Wallington nails the political aspects of the axing on Radio NZ.

 

 

 

 

83 comments on “Campbell Live Dumped ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    Simultaneous post TRP! I will amend mine …

  2. Sable 2

    I signed the petition. I do not watch MSM news at all but Campbell did a lot of good honest journalistic work. Its clear how much “value” that has in the context of the MSM in NZ but then that was hardly a secret.

    • Puckish Rogue 2.1

      I’m sure the multi-millionaire will be able to find suitable employment elsewhere

      • McFlock 2.1.1

        Sour grapes, pr? Are you envious of the cash, or just the fact that Campbell has actually managed to improve a lot of people’s lives rather than parasiting off them?

      • tracey 2.1.2

        I’m not sure money was ever the point (from Campbell’s POV), was it? citation needed.

        • Puckish Rogue 2.1.2.1

          Then it shouldn’t be a problem for Campbell to get a slot on another channel

  3. Clean_power 3

    A commercial decision by TV3 , after all. Time to let JC find his political home.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1

      I look forward to you saying the same about Hoskings Henry and Plunkett. Nah, you’ll just exhibit some hypocrisy instead, eh.

    • tracey 3.2

      It was making money when its ratings were 150,000. It must have made much more over the last few weeks, commercially speaking.

    • Ross 3.3

      Well, TV3 has ended its contract with Mazda, if that’s what you mean by “commercial decision”. Apart from that, the decision to dump Campbell was political.

    • Ben 3.4

      It was pretty clear he had already found it, moved in and redecorated.

  4. Joy Clark 4

    The only reason to watch TV3 is going…. I quit Seven Sharp because of the Hoskings vitriole and switched to Campbell Live and LOVED IT ! TV3 have lost this family…. end of story… I hope you are reading this John Campbell… angry tears sting in my eyes right now… what is happening is wrong on many many levels and I am shocked…. I was naive enough to believe they would listen to the majority.

    • ianmac 4.1

      A sad day. Bugger TV3. Some years ago we switched to the news there and watched avidly Campbell Live. Now? Never. I’m with you Joy but joyless.

      • mac1 4.1.1

        Me, too. Campbell’s gone from TV3 and so have I. Had a look a week’s listings. Nothing there for me, so I suppose I’m no great loss, just the news and Campbell when I had time.

        A pity. Campbell was the only current affairs worth watching- genuine, warm, and socially conscious, and conscienced.
        If I want entertainment, I watch real entertainers on Sky, not the other ‘current affairs’ offerings.

        Thank God for MySky, books, puzzles and newsprint.

    • Shedila 4.2

      They probably did listen to the majority! I am sure there are more interesting things for your family to watch or do at seven p.m. which was obvious the only choice they had before. Don’t want to lose them, do you?

    • Macslernz 4.3

      Er… Campbell left on his own accord. Mediaworks offered him a position on the new four day a week show and Mr Campbell refused to accept. Mr Campbell turned down a job offer but I am sure he will find employment when he is ready to resume working.

      • Molly 4.3.1

        Hello Macslernz.

        Usually comments look past the narrative spun by the liars, fools and PR focus group briefings. But give it another go, you might end up debating yourself.

  5. Brillo 5

    So the right-wingification of our media continues, flat tack.

    I no longer have any reason to watch TV3. Tara, chucks.

    That’s Me 1: TV3 0, I believe.
    But Shallow Arsewittery 1: Intelligence and humanity 0, also.

    • Ben 5.1

      Arguably CL’s ratings were mimicking the Labour party’s – both on a steady slide to oblivion.

      • Ross 5.1.1

        Actually they weren’t. Try again.

        • Ben 5.1.1.1

          They were – the recent rise was due to people trying to save the show. Unless MediaWorks changed the format they knew that viewers would soon slip in to their old (no) viewing habits.

          • Colonial Rawshark 5.1.1.1.1

            lol it’s a completely political decision and everyone can see that. Stop taking us for idiots.

            • Puckish Rogue 5.1.1.1.1.1

              Yeah sure thats why he had his show for ten years…sheesh

            • Ben 5.1.1.1.1.2

              Completely political? So are you saying that there was external influence from the Govt, or that the MediaWorks board are all right-wingers and simply didn’t like JC’s politics? MediaWorks is answerable to the shareholders (which I’m sure include left supporters), and if CL was turning a profit it would be a big call to forgo that profit due to political leanings. Irrespective of JC’s political bent, what it boiled down to is that he’d had his day and it was time to try something new. In case you missed it, MediaWorks is in financial strife.

              When Henry and/or Hosking get the axe, it will be for financial reasons, and even if Labour are in power at the time the last excuse you will hear from the right was that it was due to political influence.

              • Colonial Rawshark

                LOL what eva

              • amirite

                In that case, they should’ve ditched Paul Henry’s show already as it has failed dismally to match the ratings of their TVNZ competition.

          • Ross 5.1.1.1.2

            You ignore the fact that CL has been, and continues to be, one of the highest rating shows on TV. Hardly sliding into oblivion.

            • James 5.1.1.1.2.1

              You ignore the fact that its getting killed by 7 sharp. week in, week out.

              Thats the problem.

              • And as has been pointed out many times since the “review” of Campbell Live was announced, TV3 also gets “killed” by One News. This is possibly one of the biggest factors in Campbell Live’s lower ratings vs Seven Sharp because most viewers don’t change the channel after the news.

                If Mediaworks were smart they would’ve figured out what was working about Campbell Live to draw in extra viewers at 7 and applied it to their 6pm slot.

                But you know that. “Campbell Live didn’t have the ratings” is key line #1 on your crib sheet.

            • jane 5.1.1.1.2.2

              This is silly. The show remains 3rd out of 3, despite the recent bump. More people talk about it than actually watch it.

  6. esoteric pineapples 6

    John Campbell had about as much chance of staying with TV3 as Amanda Bailey had of keeping her job at that café.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 6.1

      She’s no longer working there? Citation needed.

    • tracey 6.2

      Yup, you can’t tell the truth to men in business, they just won’t have it.

    • That’s a great point. Both are workers who have been unfairly treated because they dared to speak truth to power.

      • Macslernz 6.3.1

        How has Mr Campbell been unfairly treated? Mr Campbell was offered a job on the revamped show but he refused and decided to leave MediaWorks as is his right. What is unfair about that?

        • Dialey 6.3.1.1

          He was offered half of four fifths of a programme

        • Emalitza 6.3.1.2

          He was offered a position, as one of two presenters, on a 4 day a week, ‘rival to Seven Sharp’ new ‘current affairs’ type show.

          Not a full time position, continuing as the sole presenter, on a self titled 5 day a week show that he has been heading for the last 5 years, that cannot be compared to Seven Sharp.

          Clear enough?

  7. thechangeling 7

    Very sad news. Phil Wallington said it all really on RNZ today.

  8. Rosie 8

    Bastards!!!

    We’ve lost a real broadcasting treasure, an advocate, a good hearted man with great integrity and professionalism and a one show telethon machine.

    I’ve watched Campbell Live for the whole ten years and am gutted he will no longer be around in my living room. The whole team are great too, a great group of talent. What a terrible family break up for them.

    In a parallel universe all NZ journalists and reporters would walk off the job for the day to show solidarity and support with Comrade Campbell and the team.

    Big hugs to you John and all the team. Go well.

  9. Once was Tim 9

    I heard Russell Brown on RNZ this morning and I thought to myself …. Christ!!!! – and you’re the media pundit.
    It was ALWAYS going to be – all they were doing over the past few weeks has been looking for the easiest way to announce their intention (what better than Budget day).
    Welcome to the world of Jooolie Christie and Mark Walden ….. Masters of the Universe …. they who should not be challenged – no matter how cowardly they are.

    Btw….. can someone remind me – WHY do we actually NEED a stock exchange?

    • Molly 9.1

      …”WHY do we actually NEED a stock exchange”…

      I can’t think of any good reason for it.

    • felix 9.2

      My thoughts too on the Russell Brown commentary.

      I thought he was being sarcastic at first and then I realised fuck, he actually doesn’t have any idea.

  10. Tiger Mountain 10

    Good night and good luck; John Campbell!

  11. Clemgeopin 11

    If John Campbell goes, I will not only NOT watch ANYTHING again on TV3, I will also stop using any of the media works’ other outlets such as Radio Live too to show Media Works a lesson. Yes, I can live with that. Sure, my solitary action will not affect them much, but just imagine if 50% of their regular clients take the same action! Then it will be the crap biased useless management that will get the sack. That would be well deserved just desserts and sweet revenge. We are not beholden to those idiot managers there. They are to us!

    The Media Works management seem like a crooked bunch of despicable RW arseholes.

    Thank you John for the great meaningful worthwhile show you have produced for over ten years.

    I hope John Campbell will soon get some other avenue to host a show. Fingers crossed.

    • Sans Cle 11.1

      Mediaworks probably wont care, once they are bought out by Oaktree Capital.
      Government subsidy for Steven Joyce’s (former?) company, to prop it up for a sell out.

      • dukeofurl 11.1.1

        Exactly, older males are not wanted in audience, female , 25 to 35 are the hot numbers for advertisers.

        Oaktree Capital is a vulture private equity group, it scavengers the carcass after ordinary private equity ( Ironbridge and banks) have lot a bundle.

        They will try in wrap it up in another media group, possibly radio and flog it off in a public shareholding. But as we know Key/Joyce like funding their mates, so some government cash somewho

  12. Melanie Scott 12

    The last few comments have said it all. I will not be watching TV3 again. I preferred it’s 6pm news programme and of course Campbell was great. Also John’s assistants – I came to really like Ali Ikram’s whimsey and the jolly duo of Tristram and Lochlan – and Billy Weepu and Fenna Owen – great team. I am sure they are all very sad.
    Those bloodless, devious bastards who conspired to do this deserve a special place in hell.
    My other faves are Grand Designs and 7 Days. I’ll have to give up 7 Days and Graham Norton (not as good as he used to be anyway) but can anyone suggest a way of watching Grand Designs without going to TV3?
    All the best Mr Campbell, I hope this is not the last we will see and hear of you. Thanks for being a great TV presenter and all the issues you have championed.
    Irony indeed that Campbell Live’s continuous exposure of child poverty in NZ will have gone a long way towards ramping the pressure that has led to some, albeit measily, increase in financial support for the most disadvantaged.

    • BrianBoru 12.1

      RE: grand designs

      http://www.channel4.com/programmes/grand-designs

      you’ll need a reasonably fast internet connection + vpn client though.

    • Invisible Axe 12.2

      search grand designs torrents, plenty there. I’ve changed my viewing habits already, watching tv1 news, so bye bye tv3 from me.

    • lprent 12.3

      Avoid sky unless you want to get repeating repeats of ads about repeating repeats…

      In the likely absence of it being on any of the internet services (quickflix, netflix, apple, and the like), your best bet is a buying the series on DVD or Bluray via fishpond or the like and even Amazon.

      I’d say video stores, but they appear to be just closing down.

      And of course if you get desperate and noone is willing to sell it, you could try a cry for better TV distribution channels. That is at eztv.it, but get a VPN first

      • Daveinireland 12.3.1

        Doesn’t buying things from Amazon make you a tax avoider? Not to mention supporting a company that destroys jobs and pays no tax at all.

        • lprent 12.3.1.1

          I think that the last time I brought something from Amazon was at least 2 years ago. It was some light dimming patches to put over the LEDs that seem to be breeding in my apartment and making the night go light. I couldn’t find anyone with them in NZ.

          The last time I brought from eBay was at Xmas. I got a USB3 powered screen for my partner’s laptop that ASUS had chosen not to sell here, and hadn’t since the previous Xmas.

          You will note a trend here. Locally for me means that it is available fast. I am highly price insensitive, so paying or not paying taxes is just part of the price. I buy locally because I can get it without delays – like it being held at customs for the GST that should be on it.

          In political action, the idea is to get some results. It isn’t there to provide some holier than thou stupidity. Rather than reflexively doing things because they sound good and trendy (the Fashionista fallacy), the best idea is to do things because they are effective.

          Trying to boycott companies who provide a service providing goods that aren’t available locally isn’t effective. All it does is reward local distributors stupidity.

          The reason to pay local suppliers is if they provide their market with locally held local stock. It is not that they pay taxes. Apart from anything else, even kiwi companies tend to go to considerable lengths to avoid paying taxes here.

          Companies either do things legally or someone (like the IRD) winds up laying a complaint and dragging them into court. Since the cost risk of that is so high (ask comrade Cameron Slater what being embroiled in the court system is like 😈 ), almost every company plays pretty much by the rules, or at least to the lighter side of the grey line.

          A failure to pay taxes is something that you boot politicians out for. They are failing in their job if the tax burden of society is inequitably spread.

          In this case, I suspect that the optimal person to target would be the Minister of Revenue. Successive holders of that position have consistently and for a long time failed to plug the online tax loophole of internet purchases.

          Incidentally, the blindingly obvious thing to start with would be require GST to actually be paid on ALL purchases before goods are allowed into NZ. The burden of proof should be on the purchaser, not the supplier. Because then they will demand that the supplier provides that service (or they use a competitor).

          If required taxes paid isn’t shown on the invoice and packing slip, then the goods should be seized by the state without compensation, and sold to collect the taxes. There is most of the collectable tax right there.

          In the absence of that, then I’d suggest that the person to work against is Todd McClay, our very slack Minister of Revenue. I’d also suggest that Peter Dunne, a long time holder of that position would also be a person of interest to blame. Michael Cullen? Ummm… probably before these kinds of purchases became a real issue. But also not that useful as a target as he hasn’t been a targetable politician fro 7 years.

          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inland_Revenue_Department_(New_Zealand)#List_of_Ministers

      • Melanie Scott 12.3.2

        Thanks for all the suggestions, but I am pretty internet illiterate. I will have find out what VPN means for a start! It’s great that a network like The Standard provides a platform for people to share like this. Much appreciated.

    • Ovid 12.4

      I recommend unotelly – which is about $5 a month. I use it to access overseas channels (BBC iPlayer is amazing) and flip between Netflix iterations.

  13. Tiger Mountain 13

    Hunter Thompson goes in and out of fashion, being known for the odd spot of hyperbole but this from “The Gonzo Papers Vol#2” is fitting indeed; “The TV business is uglier than most things. It is normally perceived as some kind of cruel and shallow money trench through the heart of the journalism industry, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs, for no good reason”

    I watch very little broadcast TV and it will be less now. Fuck ’em, the bloated reality queens and the suits a size too small execs at media works.

    • felix 13.1

      The next bit of that Thompson passage is particularly fitting:

      Which is more or less true. For the most part, they are dirty little animals with huge brains and no pulse. Every once in a while, they will toss up a token human like Ed Bradley or Hughes Rudd… and there are others, no doubt, like Studs Terkel in Chicago and the twisted Rev. Gene Scott, who works like a sleepless ferret in the maniac bowels of Southern California….
      But these are only the exceptions that prove the hideous rule. Mainly we are dealing with a profoundly degenerate world, a living web of foulness, greed and treachery… which is also the biggest real business around and impossible to ignore. You can’t get away from TV. It is everywhere. The hog is in the tunnel.

  14. One Anonymous Bloke 14

    There are two reasons to watch TV3: live sport, and the other one.

    I forget the other one.

  15. dukeofurl 15

    So the people who said Campbell Live would be replaced by Jono and Ben:

    The replacement show will be 4 days a week [ and on Fridays will be replaced by Jono and Ben]

    • James 15.1

      I think you will find the only people who said that were the herald – and they made it up.

  16. Mark Craig 16

    Have been a great fan of JC and his style of journalism ,gutted to see him go.Also enjoy Radio live ,except Plunkett .Hmmm what to do ,I cannot stand the dross on ZB.

  17. Ross 17

    Mark Weldon and John Key are as thick as thieves. To suggest Campvell’s dumping is simply a result of poor ratings, and is not a political decision, is naive in the extreme.

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2015/04/10/guest-blog-rex-widerstrom-thirteen-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-mark-weldon-ceo-of-mediaworks/

  18. Richard Christie 18

    The cretin that is Garner had already caused me to abandon TV3 news.
    Now my TV will simply stay off until 8pm

    I refuse to buy that rag named the NZ Herald.

    Now of the daily MSM, it’s RNZ only.

  19. The moment he held Simon Bridges and John Key’s feet to the fire he was a dead man walking.

    But conspiring? Our governement with the MSM Ceo’s all owned by one corporation? Never. Our government loves us and they represent us and make decissions for the best of all of us!

    I hear RT is hiring and maybe Campbell should start an RT NZ Divission here. Just imagine and content that actually means something!

    • tc 19.1

      Yup the last thing key and ministers needs is to be held accountable so off Campbell goes at the hands of shonkys little henchmen banksta buddy boy Weldon

  20. Southern Man 20

    To all those hand-wringers I say this – don’t get angry, get even. I have deleted TV3 from the channels on my TV and will boycott those restaurants that stock Weldon’s ‘Terra Sancta’ wine.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 20.1

      Supposing for a moment that getting even* is the goal, that’d be a piss poor way to do it.

      A good thing to do would be to return employment law to no-brainer principles such as living wages and freedom of association: a rising tide lifts all boats.

      It’s tempting to seek vengeance on the incompetent instead.

      *getting even with wingnuts is your benchmark?

      • Southern Man 20.1.1

        I have already acted and achieved my (modest) objectives. In a years time you will still be whittering about changing employment legislation, not realising that the majority of New Zealander’s simply don’t agree or care.

  21. RedBaronCV 21

    And if I were Mazda the sponsor I would take my money and drive away and find a worthwhile programme to sponsor somewhere else. Even if I didn’t put the same dollars, in something on Maori TV that caters for all might be a good idea. JC resurrected. It doesn’t seem very businesslike to turn down cold hard sponsorship cash. That really surprises me about TV3

  22. emergency mike 22

    While I’m sad to see him go, and it does matter, TV has been dead to me since they started making reality shows about people renovating their kitchens. Showed it the door years ago. Recommended.

  23. BG 23

    What many on the vocal left don’t understand is that there is a silent majority. This is seen by the ratings that Seven Sharp has held over Campbell Live for quite some time. We have so many people telling us that Hosking is a right-wing sycophant, but the bottom line is that more people want to watch him, as they find him more appealing (that there is no argument)

    It’s funny but during the election the noisiest group were the ‘hate the govt left’ yet the majority who voted, voted right. Real middle NZ does not appeal to Campbell Live but they don’t make a song and dance about it (or climb trees, or #ourhatred). Don’t believe me?…look at the Campbell Live vs Seven Sharp ratings and compare them the results of the last election (they correlate well) .

    TV3’s Campbell live has been pandering to the minority and that’s why the ratings for the show have stagnated.

    All the vitriol against Paul Henry (and Hosking) is from the vocal minority, and mediaworks understand this. If it wants more viewers it needs to appeal to the majority. Just saying.

    • dukeofurl 23.1

      Wrong .

      Hosking and Co have lower ratings than Paul Holmes etc did.

      TV1 has higher ratings from One News and the flow through effect is well known.

      Your ideas about middle NZ are just fantasy, the biggest rating show at 7Pm is Shortland St. According to you thats Middle NZs favourite ?

      Ratings are often counting 5 years up, its demographics that matter, and female demographic in 20s and thirties that really matters.

      National voting people 45 and older may make up numbers but arent wanted, except for pharmaceuticals.

  24. SMILIN 24

    This is what happens to honest people with this govt

    Im sorry our signatures mean nothing

    GOOD LUCK TO YOU HONEST JOHN CAMPBELL

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    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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 ...
    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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 KōreroBy 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 ...
    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
    21 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 Pokapū 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 kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. 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 kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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