Can we trust David Seymour?

Written By: - Date published: 10:04 am, May 1st, 2021 - 48 comments
Categories: act, david seymour, Parliament, parliamentary spending, the praiseworthy and the pitiful - Tags:

David Seymour has got himself into a little bit of trouble.

He filed a Parliamentary Pecuniary interests return that was not, ahem, in accordance with the rules.

The first problem was that it was late.  Sir Martin Wevers gave him a rather pronounced telling off.  From the introduction to the 2020 Register of Pecuniary Interests:

I was disappointed that three members—the Hon Peeni Henare, David Seymour, and the Hon Willie Jackson—submitted their returns after the deadline.
All three are experienced members who have submitted previous returns correctly, and I expected the same this year. Standing Orders make it clear that members are responsible for submitting their returns by the deadline. Because of the importance of providing transparency over members’ interests to the House and the public, I have decided to include these late returns in this summary.

But there were other problems as well.  He apparently made some fundamental mistakes in his return.  From Derek Cheng at the Herald:

Seymour is commonly cited as owning no property in media stories about the number of MPs who own homes and multiple homes, while Parliament is scrutinised over its handling of the housing crisis.

“The fact that the average National MP owns 2.2 properties of their own might suggest why they’ve spent a lot of time introducing solutions that you’d almost suspect weren’t supposed to work – because they certainly haven’t,” Seymour told RNZ in May 2017.

He has also talked about being unable to afford a home in his electorate of Epsom, despite earning a six-figure salary.

The 2020 register of pecuniary interest shows Seymour as a beneficiary of three trusts: the NN Faithfull Family Trust, the BH & VA Seymour Family Trust, and the Beachcomber Trust.

The properties were held in the latter two trusts, Seymour said.

“The bit where I’ve made a mistake is where I just thought I don’t own any property and moved on. I should have read properly that if you’re a beneficiary of a trust that owns real property, then you must declare an interest.”

The oversight came to his attention as he was instructing Act’s new MPs about the register and what it covered, he said.

“As I was advising other people in our caucus, I thought, ‘Jeepers, actually, I need to think about what that means for my own.’

“Frankly, the whole thing’s ridiculous and I’ve been back and forth with the registrar about it. I wouldn’t ever put down that I own, for instance, my grandma’s beach house.

“The trusts are discretionary, and the trustees could very well choose to say, ‘Actually, you know what, David? Grandma and Poppa never really liked you. You’re out.’ The trust deeds are very clear that the trustees have absolute discretion.”

It is correct that Seymour declared the trusts in his return.

But he clearly did not read the instructions.

Clause 5 of the rules requires a MP to disclose:

(f) the location of real property in which the member has a legal interest, other than an interest as a trustee, and a description of the nature of the real
property, and
(g) the location of real property, and a description of the nature of the real property, held by a trust to which the following apply:
(i) the member is a beneficiary of it, and
(ii) the member knows or ought reasonably to know that the member is a beneficiary of it, and
(iii) it is not a unit trust whose name is disclosed under subclause (1)(d), and
(iv) it is not a retirement scheme whose membership is open to the public and whose name is disclosed under subclause (1)(h)

Seymour also forgot to disclose a Kiwisaver account that he held.  He should be more careful.

Giving him the benefit of the doubt the most obvious conclusion that can be drawn is that Seymour the lawmaker may not have a very good understanding of the complexities involved in his job.

And I would be more sympathetic to him but he is a member of a party that has done the tough on crime stuff for political jollies for a long time.  Their world view does not tolerate weaknesses.

No doubt his return will now be scrutinised in more detail.  I wonder if other problems will be found.

48 comments on “Can we trust David Seymour? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Peter 1
    1 May 2021 at 10:41 am

    Of course we can trust David Seymour – trust him to be a grandstanding little knob. If Winston Peters or some Labour MP were in the same situation he would be front and centre screwing it for all it was worth.

    His sycophantic zb crew like Bruce Russell would be on board with their Boy Wonder booting hell out of whomever.

  2. Anne 2
    1 May 2021 at 11:02 am

    Giving him the benefit of the doubt the most obvious conclusion that can be drawn is that Seymour the lawmaker may not have a very good understanding of the complexities involved in his job.

    Yes, and when you add the arrogance of youth (iirc he was 23yrs old when he first entered parliament) then you have a good example of a 'know-all' lacking self awareness. Since he's owned up to his miss-steps then you have to give him a some points – even if he knew that if he didn't someone else would.

  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    1 May 2021 at 11:04 am

    “Jeepers…” Trust? I would trust Mr Seymour to ceaselessly support the parasite class of employers and finance capitalists-but little else!

    As per fellow underwear sniffers-The Taxpayers Union-Mr Seymour will likely exhibit zero shame at his being exposed on his property interests.

  4. AB 4
    1 May 2021 at 11:18 am

    We've never been able to trust David Seymour because his mind is seemingly stuffed full of an ideology that's divorced from reality. Which means that given sufficient power, there's always a decent chance he will unleash dumb and dangerous sh*t on his fellow citizens. This revelation about his property interests is merely additive, not defining. Also National clearly want their voters back from ACT – so the Herald will be happy to push a bit on this one.

  5. Sabine 5
    1 May 2021 at 11:28 am

    No one can not trust any politician.

    • The Al1en 5.1
      1 May 2021 at 12:18 pm

      Do you mean 'no one can trust any politician'?

    • Clive Macann 5.2
      1 May 2021 at 12:57 pm

      no-one?

      Please do not speak for everyone else.

      You have made a statement that is not proven to be anywhere near the truth.

      That shoots your credibility down a dozen notches.

      • Sabine 5.2.1
        1 May 2021 at 1:12 pm

        I don't ever speak for anyone but me. Take that as you will and feel free to trust or not anyone whom you like.

        And considering that i have no idea who you are i shall not concern myself with your worry about my credibility. But i have noted your concern and shall continue as i was.

    • AB 5.3
      1 May 2021 at 2:47 pm

      “No one can not trust any politician.”

      Pretty much. However, that doesn't mean that they all pose an equal threat to us – they clearly don't and some are worth supporting for that reason.

  6. Ed 6
    1 May 2021 at 12:08 pm

    Simple answer.

    No.

  7. David 7
    1 May 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Another case of an Aunty Herald headline being divorced from the detail.

    So his grandparents and father each own a property to which he is the current future beneficiary when they die. Cool. So all those renters bemoaning the fact they can’t get on the property ladder are suddenly property owners too if they might one day inherit their parents or grandparents home. Property crisis solved. Fantastic news.

  8. Stuart Munro 8
    1 May 2021 at 2:33 pm

    Seymour is what he is, a poor substitute for Rick Moranis.

    It is the trusts that need reforming – they confuse David's sense of responsibility, and likely his sense of tax liability. We need to help him live up to his responsibilities by clearing away the vehicle for this confusion.

    • Morrissey 8.1
      1 May 2021 at 3:51 pm

      … a poor substitute for Rick Moranis.

      Who's he talking to—-Louise Upston?

      • Stuart Munro 8.1.1
        1 May 2021 at 5:44 pm

        I expect it's someone called Audrey.

        But the question is – is Seymour the kind of guy who would make a Faustian pact, whereby he feeds the poor and the destitute to a man-eating alien monster to win the affections of his romantic object?

        I think that he probably is. Then again, so would all the Chicago Boys in Treasury.

        • Morrissey 8.1.1.1
          1 May 2021 at 8:18 pm

          Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) does have a doppelgänger in the NZ parliament, but it's not David Seymour. It's the Rt. Hon. Paul Goldsmith.

          But the question is – is Seymour the kind of guy who would make a Faustian pact…

          He is indeed. He makes a Faustian pact every three years, when he sits down for a "cup of tea" with whoever is supposed to be leading the National Party.

  9. Jester 9
    1 May 2021 at 2:49 pm

    The herald article clearly states his grand parents and father each own a property which is in a trust. David Seymour is only a beneficiary of the trusts, and may one day inherit some or part of the properties.

    My parents own a house in Auckland……….so does that make me an Auckland property owner?

    If my parents put the house in a trust and I was a beneficiary I still wouldn't own a house in Auckland.

      • David 9.1.1
        2 May 2021 at 8:42 am

        Misses the point.

        Seymour doesn’t own a house. He happens to have parents and grandparents who do.

        Do we now expect Labour MPs to amend their declaration for the homes of their extended family that they might one day inherit?

        No, thought not.

        • Muttonbird 9.1.1.1
          2 May 2021 at 9:09 am

          We all want MPs to fill in their forms correctly, particularly ones who regularly use others' indiscretions in this area against them for political gain.

          Parliamentary watchdog is after all why ACT and its paramilitary wing, The Tax Dodgers’ Union, were founded.

        • Incognito 9.1.1.2
          2 May 2021 at 11:35 am

          Do we now expect Labour MPs to amend their declaration for the homes of their extended family that they might one day inherit?

          Yes, of course, we do, at least, I do. As long as they are in a Trust, those Labour MPs are beneficiaries of said Trust, and failed to declare those interests before and on time. Inheritance is not identical to being a beneficiary of a Trust. You know that, so why are you trolling?

          • RedLogix 9.1.1.2.1
            2 May 2021 at 9:00 pm

            In reality many family trusts have often been run rather loosely, and the beneficiaries are either unaware of their potential interest, or the categories of beneficiaries are so widely defined that many simply discount that interest to zero.

            Yes there is a technical breech of a rule here, but one of no practical consequence as far as I know, and a mistake that's been corrected voluntarily. I really can't see any useful traction on this one.

            • Incognito 9.1.1.2.1.1
              2 May 2021 at 9:23 pm

              That might indeed be the case but this is David Seymour, Leader of the ACT NZ, and MP since 2014. His filing was late and initially incorrect on a number of accounts. The traction is that his personal brand has been dented. Other than that, storm in a teacup.

        • Louis 9.1.1.3
          3 May 2021 at 2:28 pm

          David, you missed the point.

    • Visubversa 9.2
      2 May 2021 at 8:44 pm

      But you would have an interest in a house in Auckland – and that is what they ask you to reveal.

      [Second time: I’ve changed the e-mail address; it was the wrong combination of approved user name + approved e-mail address]

      • Incognito 9.2.1
        2 May 2021 at 8:48 pm

        Mod note for you.

      • Jester 9.2.2
        2 May 2021 at 9:17 pm

        How do I have an interest in my parents house? They may end up writing me out of the will for all I know. I remember reading an article about Chloe Swarbrick saying the most expensive thing she owns is a couch. Based on your logic, if her parents own a house, then I guess she needs to declare that.

        • Muttonbird 9.2.2.1
          2 May 2021 at 10:35 pm

          Ridiculous and diversionary. Seymour's parents and grandparents deliberately put their houses into a trust arrangement to protect something from something. My guess is they are protecting little David from the big, bad Leftie.

          Meh. When you see such trusts you know there is no trust. Seymour is not an idiot despite you trying to convince us he is.

          David Seymour is simply, conveniently dishonest. As it ever was.

  10. Peter 10
    1 May 2021 at 4:39 pm

    And misses the other point of the perpetual 'holier-than-thou' Seymour attitude.

  11. Byd0nz 11
    1 May 2021 at 5:47 pm

    Sounds like a NZ version of Nalvarney.
    Next he’ll be claiming to be NZ’s main opposition bleader.

  12. Herodotus 12
    1 May 2021 at 8:06 pm

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/business/300224963/air-nz-apologises-after-revelations-it-helped-saudi-arabian-military?rm=a

    do you mean like our PM investing and increasing her wealth in companies that deal in weapons to Saudi Arabia should follow the same in being more careful given comments directed to Air NZ

    ”Seymour the lawmaker may not have a very good understanding of the complexities involved in his job.”

    I counter that with our speaker getting confused regarding what rape is ?

    Perhaps with these examples above we should be careful throwing stones 🤭 as we expect perhaps too much from them and are too unforgiving to all of them from all sides of the spectrum.

    [I was so looking forward to a day without moderating 🙁

    You’re right that (personal) attacks just for the sake of it or point scoring are rather pointless. Unfortunately, you didn’t do your argument any favours by going on the attack yourself. In addition, the #whatabout and #theydidittoo make you look like even more like a disingenuous diversion troll especially given the cherry-picked ‘examples’ that you offered and given that you insinuated equivalence across them, which is clearly misleading.

    The OP is hardly “throwing stones” and does mention the need for accountability and transparency with regard to MPs. It is crucial that David Seymour’s honesty, integrity, and ability to do his duty as MP are scrutinised. However, the topic of this OP is David Seymour, not any other MP or our PM.

    This is your warning – Incognito]

  13. woodart 13
    1 May 2021 at 8:40 pm

    can you trust anyone who says "jeepers"? and is not auditioning for a role in jeeves and wooster.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

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

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-24T16:33:12+00:00