Changes in the United States

Written By: - Date published: 9:00 am, January 8th, 2017 - 79 comments
Categories: International, us politics - Tags:

We are but a few days away from Donald Trump’s Presidency of the United States. His policies from the campaign trail are now clarified by the people he has hired to implement them, and by the broader policy intent of the Republican Party that has strong majorities on both the Senate and Congress. This is the most powerful nation in the world, and what we should expect from this next term of government of the United States remains important to the whole world.

Many view his unexpected rise and triumph as a chance for renewal of tired political institutions that have slowed the efficiency of governing across Washington. Losing candidate Hillary Clinton felt to many like she represented that atrophy. But to renew the decay within United States’ political institutions, there is no case for optimism. Donald Trump has not proposed any institutional solution to the broad state’s capture by powerful interest groups (other than minor proposals about lobbying). The most important signal to the whole political order that he has sent is about his own business interests, which remain deliberately opaque as to paying tax, and shows absolutely no signal that he can separate his own financial interests from his powers as President. Tax is the core instrument of the state to redistribute private gain to public policy good. Trump has signaled that the incoming president primarily works not for the public, or the core idea of the public good, but first and foremost for his own commercial interests.

Similarly, the core of influence in the United States government is the power of money over the legislature and over voters. He has made no commitment to re-challenge Supreme Court decisions like Buckley V Valeo and Citizens United V FEC. These argued that public donations and spending on lobbying are a form of free speech and therefore constitutionally protected. The plug stuck under the swamp will not be pulled by President Donald Trump.

But there will certainly be churn on the surface. President Obama worked pretty hard to get things done with either marginal Democrat majorities or extremely hostile Republican majorities. He got several strong initiatives through, which I’ve commented on before. But the sense of torpor was extremely strong when the Republicans refused to approve budgets. President Trump will get activity going again because all three branches of legislation are now controlled by the one party. The legislation may not be useful, or workable in practise, or popular, but that sense of standstill will be released as all parts of government share strong political alignment.

Where Trump made huge inroads into rustbelt states like Wisconsin, his calls to clamp down on heavy manufacturing going overseas were popular. He has certainly made protectionist moves already. His tweet-influences about manufacturers choosing to stay in-state are doing what the Presidential bully pulpit should do. But if all he can do is tweet rather than enact entire policy, he will effect perhaps thousands of jobs, when the test of policy is to effect tens of millions. Who knows, perhaps he really will renegotiate trade deals and crack down on illegal immigration. But both trade protectionist and immigration control measures will spark comparable trade retaliation by other countries of a scale that will undo much of the trade dynamic that has lifted poorer countries out of poverty in the past three decades: trade and labour mobility. Britain is about to feel the consequences of similar moves as it exists the European Union.

As for the much-vaunted infrastructure plan, presidents have come and gone promising about the same. Infrastructure expenditure remains in the hands of the Republicans in the Senate and Congress. I’m not optimistic that there will be increases in public spending other than on instruments of warfare.

Those instruments of warfare will I think be less likely to be used under President Trump. He will continue President Obama’s rapid withdrawal of U.S. military influence in the world. I can easily foresee money, rather than diplomacy or hard military force, being the primary mode of international exchange – money and the deals to get there are the sole language that Mr Trump understands. The shift to mercantilist governance from one guided primarily in world affairs by military intelligence and military power will be a really important shift for world powers. Again, I’m not optimistic that the rest of the world will concur.

Donald Trump is the first major United States party candidate for whom promotion of a democratic world order – for so long at least notionally the calling of the United States – has absolutely no resonance. He above all will seek to wipe away diplomacy and military force as restraints to capitalism in the world.

I expect Trump to accelerate the trend under Obama to rapidly remove troops from U.N.-mandated conflict lines, downgrade its strong diplomatic presence from the United Nations itself in areas such as climate change, and continue to shrink the full role of the United States in the world.

That may sound attractive to some, until you look at the alternative leaders who fill that inevitable vacuum. Those who have grown used to the way the United States has operated in world affairs may not like such scale of change, because this scale of force withdrawal will be akin to the polar icecap melting: it will shift the way the political world rotates even more than the decline of the Soviet Union, and there will be damage to people along the way.

I do not yet know what the emerging world of populist nationalism will look like, but what is clear is that Trump is a part of making the whole ambit of politics much smaller: smaller states, smaller multilateral horizons, fewer and weaker cross-national binds. There will be no more Paris 21’s, no more GATTS, no more cooperation. It is the world of the strong countries and strong corporations looking after the strong, against the weak. That means us.

Trump reminds all us small states what we have strived to avoid since the whole of postcolonial liberation: we are on our own.

79 comments on “Changes in the United States ”

  • Comments are now closed

    • aerobubble 1.1
      9 January 2017 at 12:21 pm

      A line of tanks on the border of Saudi ready to move north, will we see its like again. US using biofuels in their jets. Russia withdrawing aircraft carrier from Syrian conflict.
      Blowing stuff up is more costly in a globalized world, economy. So militrary power is less likely and so more likely as everyone gets its temporary. Its Afghanistan, men and gold was less of a costnow more nuanced, time limited, excursions will rule. And that surely requires much better, less tied hands, leaders. Notable how Putin and Trump have less affection for truth and facts, working together the west will defeat ISIS arguable created by the west to hone militrary budgets anyways, i.e. put pressure on Russia’s south, etc etc. A kind of hot detante, get the attention of the west and western leaders will contort their arses off on tv to bring the maximimum of bad outcomes your way.

      • aerobubble 1.1.1
        9 January 2017 at 12:27 pm

        What is Syria? But the US, EU, Russia getting everthing they want. Syrian impunity of its people broken, iSIS located under western bombs, Turkey out of the EU, EU boosted by the Syrian middle classes, who loses? except Assad and any Syrian to keen to take up arms than get gone while the chances were available. They may not redraw the borders but effectively they are there now, Turkey gets a buffer and moves the kurdish problem along, while having greater terrorist powers. Assad, what a loser.

  2. garibaldi 2
    8 January 2017 at 9:29 am

    “.We are on our own”. Sounds better than being in the TPPA etc etc etc.
    We can hypothesise as much as we like about how this new situation with the USA will unravel but it would be wiser to watch and learn rather than fall for all the ‘false news’ going down at the moment.

    • lprent 2.1
      8 January 2017 at 9:43 am

      The problem with the TPPA and several other similar agreements was the level to which it was trying to suborn local decision making into a supranational and largely unaccountable legal framework with little or no recourse to any appeal.

      That was worth fighting against, and was.

      However, with a few notable exceptions, the multilateral and bilateral treaties that have been signed since the 1950s not operated on that basis. They tended to move more and more towards a basis of mutual advantage and stability (compared with the 19th can early 20th century treaties).

      Which why they got signed and persisted.

      The US for all of its numerous faults has tended to be a big part of pushing that. Largely because its internal institutions like their press and levels of local representation tended to push for it. However those institutions have been falling apart for quite a while now.

    • AmaKiwi 2.2
      8 January 2017 at 12:44 pm

      “We are on our own?”

      No. We are a mouse that sleeps in bed with an elephant.

  3. lprent 3
    8 January 2017 at 9:35 am

    The shift to mercantilist governance from one guided primarily in world affairs by military intelligence and military power will be a really important shift for world powers.

    I suspect, in my words, that you’re envisaging an policy of active corruption including bribes, blustering, military aid and threats under various labels all plastered under a label of patriotism. Trump has already been engaging in some of those internally. I’m sure that when he finally discovers the rest of the world he will engage in them offshore as well.

    This type of policy package isn’t new. It has been done numerous times in the past by various late imperial powers. It stomps on the weakest and cause lots of viscous small wars as revolutions and insurrections arise against their corrupt bribe taking elites.

    Think of what happened during the long fall of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the Soviet empire, the British empire, and so on down to the current slow disintegration of the Russian Federation.

    I guess it is inevitable. Especially the blindness that Trump and his supporters display as part of this process (Putin does appear to be aware of it, but I suspect have quite constrained choices).

    I suspect that it will make the world an uncomfortable place for a generation or two.

    • Ad 3.1
      8 January 2017 at 11:04 am

      I hope I wasn’t implying that mercantilism meant active corruption. I hope that isn;t the case.
      I was thinking more along the lines that trade principles would rule all other objectives, like Britain treated its colonies including the United States prior to Independence. Bribes are simply the deals you keep in secret: Trump’s mode will be simply to put the ‘art of the deal’ right out in the open.

      I agree that the growing sense of accelerated decline for the United States is incredibly destabilizing globally. And it will be for us.

      It certainly doesn’t feel like the Cold War of the 1970s, but it’s a far colder, harsher world for the likes of little old New Zealand, with our bulk commodities, our vulnerability to pretty much everything, our poor diplomacy, our weak and rarely-tested alliances.

      • garibaldi 3.1.1
        8 January 2017 at 3:38 pm

        My memories of the Cold War centre around panic by the West that we were inferior to the Russians. Turns out we were far, far superior. Then there was Vietnam and how patriotic it was to support the noble Americans against the ‘domino affect’. All a load of tosh, and a shameful period of our history.
        Now they are at it again and ,lo and behold, most people are swallowing all the pro American bullshit without hesitation. Ever get the feeling we are repeating our mistakes? Let’s hold off judgement until the truth is out over who did what to who.

  4. pdm 4
    8 January 2017 at 10:22 am

    So far Trump appears to be making all the right moves. His Cabinet appointees are mostly strong people in their own rights and there is no room for sycophants.

    He may be hard to like but at the moment he is a `breath of fresh air’ through the Political scene world wide.

  5. Sanctuary 5
    8 January 2017 at 10:33 am

    “…Trump reminds all us small states what we have strived to avoid since the whole of postcolonial liberation: we are on our own…”

    If Trump turns out to be the corrupt crony capitalist wannabe strongman I think he will, then the world will be a safer place for Plutocrats and kleptocrats and autocrats everywhere.

    From a diplomacy point of view, our weasel, colonial cringe Neoliberal governing elite will desperately stick their heads in the and try and pretend the US and the Anglosphere empire is still an ally worth having. However, should Trump prosper in his attempts in turning the United States into a hopeless corrupt 21st century version of Argentina then we will have to face the cost of rearming for neutrality. And it won’t be pretty (conscription would be certain) and it will cost an eye watering amount. But I’d rather we had the means to defend ourselves than have to kowtow to the butchers of Beijing or the new Gauleiters of Washington.

  6. Sanctuary 6
    8 January 2017 at 10:40 am

    Question: Can the union hold if the GOP and Trump manage to turn the USA into a vast, corrupt to the eyeballs, one party state? How long will the East the West coast states put up with extremist madmen in the White House?

    I can imagine the USA breaking up within 20 years if Trump and his cronies seize power and make elections meaningless. California, Washington state and Oregon and possibly Idaho and Arizona would be a major Pacific power, New York along with 9-10 of the old union states would be an easily viable nation. A Trumpestan of the rusty bible belt and the old South would remain.

    Alternatively, if Trump continues to be as thin skinned and erratic as he is now, I am almost 100% sure the military will remove him, quietly and “legally” if possible but assassination by the generals is not out of the question.

    • Ad 6.1
      8 January 2017 at 11:08 am

      I can’t see the Constitution changing on the issue of Federation, if that’s what you’re thinking. There would be nothing wrong with the Constitutional question of the role of states and the Federal government, and where the balances of power and responsibility lie. Australia nearly got to that question under the previous Labour government, but nowhere near enough.

      We need to see the EU elections and Brexit play out in the next year to understand the proper terms of debate for devolving multinational entities back into a more loosely held federal system.

      • Clump_AKA Sam 6.1.1
        8 January 2017 at 3:48 pm

        Actually the GOP is just 2 state leigislators away from gaining the nessecary majority to make amendments to the US constitution

        • Ad 6.1.1.1
          8 January 2017 at 7:47 pm

          I could see McConnell going for further entrenchment of the “right to bear arms” clause. But that would be it.

          • Clump_AKA Sam 6.1.1.1.1
            8 January 2017 at 7:53 pm

            I see it more as a cry for help. They see there debt and want it payed off

    • joe90 6.2
      8 January 2017 at 11:31 am

      I can imagine the USA breaking up within 20 years if Trump and his cronies seize power and make elections meaningless.

      Conceivable, and this bloke reckons the end of empire is nigh.

      But the main book setting out Galtung’s fascinating forecast for the US is his 2009 book, The Fall of the American Empire—and then What?

      The book sets out a whopping 15 “synchronizing and mutually reinforcing contradictions” afflicting the US, which he says will lead to US global power ending by 2020—within just four years. Galtung warned that during this phase of decline, the US was likely to go through a phase of reactionary “fascism”.

      He argued that American fascism would come from a capacity for tremendous global violence; a vision of American exceptionalism as the “fittest nation”; a belief in a coming final war between good and evil; a cult of the strong state leading the fight of good against evil; and a cult of the “strong leader”

      http://motherboard.vice.com/read/us-power-will-decline-under-trump-says-futurist-who-predicted-soviet-collapse

    • Andre 6.3
      8 January 2017 at 1:19 pm

      Hmm, if the USA broke up, it would be really interesting which states went with the West Coast. CA, OR and WA certainly. Alaska I’ll guess would make the pragmatic geographic choice to join the West Coast. I’d pick Nevada almost certainly with the WC,

      Colorado and New Mexico would certainly want to join the West Coast, but would want a bridge via Utah and/or Arizona. Although Utah is solidly Republican, they might prefer the liberal ideals of tolerance from the West Coasters than the potential persecution from Trumpestaners. The pull of a stronger cultural affinity for the West Coast may well be enough to overcome Arizonans traditional Republicanism.

      Unless there’s been dramatic change since the last time I was there, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and everything east of the Rockies really are culturally different enough to the West Coast so they’d be solid Trumpestaners. Until you get to the northeast states.

      As far as how long Congressional Republicans tolerate Trump, well right up until the point they decide he’s too much of an electoral liability. Then they’ll swiftly rediscover their constitutional ideals and impeach him under the emoluments clause. But in the interim, they’ll try to use the threat of impeachment to push through their agenda. That’s if Pence and the Cabinet don’t stage a coup using section 4 of the 25th Amendment. However the downside of removing Trump is obvious and even scarier: President Pence and Vice-President Ryan.

      • Macro 6.3.1
        8 January 2017 at 1:38 pm

        ” However the downside of removing Trump is obvious and even scarier: President Pence and Vice-President Ryan.”
        OMG the thought of it makes me come out in a cold sweat.
        Yes I think your analysis on the time of impeachment is correct. They will use Trump for as long as he is useful to them – then…. Off you go chump!
        They surely have enough on him already, I can see that they have been “happy” to use him as a means to an end. But as soon as he becomes too much of a political embarrassment, they will dispose of him pronto.

        • Andre 6.3.1.1
          8 January 2017 at 2:14 pm

          On further reflection, my fears about Pence may be a function of being a dual national. The horrible shit Pence would want to inflict on the American people would be pretty much confined to the US.

          From a purely New Zealand perspective, Pence would be pretty much business as usual, leaning towards further expansion of the corporatist neo-liberal model. Unpleasant, but not as scary as the outright chaos and upheaval with a view towards plutocratic authoritarianism that looks likely from Trump.

      • Draco T Bastard 6.3.2
        8 January 2017 at 3:35 pm

        Alaska I’ll guess would make the pragmatic geographic choice to join the West Coast.

        Out of all the US states I’d say that Alaska has the option of becoming an independent nation as it’s not connected by land to the rest of them while also having a large enough land/resource base to support itself.

        As it seems to be a Republican stronghold it probably won’t do that though.

  7. pdm 7
    8 January 2017 at 11:05 am

    Sanctuary – corruption is a word I see mostly associated with the Clintons and Hillary in particular.

    Trump has no need to be corrupt as far as I can see.

    • AmaKiwi 7.1
      8 January 2017 at 12:41 pm

      Trump is the most corrupt US president in memory. He makes Hillary look like an angel.

      • pdm 7.1.1
        8 January 2017 at 12:43 pm

        Impossible.

        • Ad 7.1.1.1
          8 January 2017 at 12:46 pm

          Hillary Clinton finished being an elected representative of any kind in 2009.
          That’s a little while ago.

          Hillary Clinton has no relevance to the incoming President Trump.

          • AmaKiwi 7.1.1.1.1
            8 January 2017 at 4:37 pm

            @ Ad

            Agreed about Clinton. Trump has concealed everything about his financial affairs. A interestingly uncovered set of facts from the Washington Post:

            Trump owes $3 BILLION dollars to huge foreign lenders in more than a dozen countries. Real or imagined conflicts of interest are inevitable. Eventually the public will find them intolerable. My forecast is that Trump’s business dealings will cause his political death.

          • pdm 7.1.1.1.2
            8 January 2017 at 5:49 pm

            Hillary stood for President and one of the main factors in her losing, apart from under estimating Trump, was her perceived corruption.

            In politics perception is everything.

          • mosa 7.1.1.1.3
            9 January 2017 at 12:09 pm

            Hillary’s relevance ended on November 8th.

            She is still in a coma.

    • Andre 7.2
      8 January 2017 at 12:53 pm

      Have you ever done any kind of side-by-side comparison of Clinton corruption vs Trump corruption?

      Fr’instance, Clinton Foundation, heavily and publicly audited, no problems found. Trump Foundation, very private but known to buy stuff for Trump and pay fines for him, among other illegal self-dealings.

      Tax returns, the Clintons’ returns are available for many years, Trump has managed to trash the transparency norm in place for 40 years and keep his secret.

      The list goes and and on. It could fill a book, and it probably will at some point.

      • Ad 7.2.1
        8 January 2017 at 12:58 pm

        To get back to the content of the post, what changes to the world order do you see from a Trump administration?

        How will Trump be relevant to New Zealand?

        • Andre 7.2.1.1
          8 January 2017 at 1:37 pm

          “How will Trump be relevant to New Zealand?”

          I expect an impact on dairy. Wisconsin is very solidly dairy country, and dairy is still important in other Rust Belt swing states. Dairy is also fairly emotive, which is why subsidies and protections have lasted so well in the US.

          With Bannon in particular in the White House, I expect further attacks on objective journalism. With the weakening of Fairfax and NZME, there’s going to be more shit like the Donghua Liu nonsense and less capability to expose and debunk it.

          We’re going to have some really tough questions around our military capability and posture with respect to Southeast Asia, particularly given China’s actions in the South China Sea. Given Trump’s apparent total lack of impulse control, there won’t be any good choices, just a cornucopia of crap ones.

          If we want to continue propping up property values via immigration, I’ll guess there’ll be plenty of Americans wanting to help us out. And it won’t have the backlash that Chinese and Indian immigration does.

          For the sake of having a conversation, I’ll stop there rather than going on and on like I could.

          • Macro 7.2.1.1.1
            8 January 2017 at 1:51 pm

            Yeah the South China Sea scenario is quite scary. Trump’s silly tweets have only inflamed the situation, and I suspect that China are only waiting until 20 Jan before stirring the pot even more. The Russian Navy visiting the Philippines is also an “interesting” development. They will be looking to protect their rights of passage through there as well. Maybe that will keep China’s expansionist ideals in check. For China to annex Taiwan would make their claim to the South China Sea more “valid”, which, of course, is their argument all along.

            • Draco T Bastard 7.2.1.1.1.1
              8 January 2017 at 3:25 pm

              For China to annex Taiwan would make their claim to the South China Sea more “valid”, which, of course, is their argument all along.

              Taiwan is already considered as part of China. That’s actually where the ‘One China’ policy originates – it’s about keeping regions that don’t want to be part of China internationally recognised as being part of China any way.

              Also, it would give no more validity to China’s claim of the SCS at all. The internationally recognised 200 mile EEZ would still apply making the vast majority of the SCS international waters. China’s trying to go against that international law in it’s claims on the SCS.

              • Macro …
                8 January 2017 at 9:41 pm

                Yes Draco – i’m well aware of all of that. Trouble is Trump isn’t – or doesn’t appear to be.
                Actually the building of Island aircraft fighter bases on rocks which they claim as part of China – is an attempt to legitimize their extending claim over the SCS.
                NZ’s EEZ is vastly extended by the inclusion of the Kermadecs for instance.

                • Draco T Bastard …
                  8 January 2017 at 10:21 pm

                  Actually the building of Island aircraft fighter bases on rocks which they claim as part of China – is an attempt to legitimize their extending claim over the SCS.

                  And artificial islands, which is what they’re building, can’t be used as territory to base territorial claims upon.

          • Draco T Bastard 7.2.1.1.2
            8 January 2017 at 3:18 pm

            If we want to continue propping up property values via immigration, I’ll guess there’ll be plenty of Americans wanting to help us out. And it won’t have the backlash that Chinese and Indian immigration does.

            I’m pretty sure that the backlash will be about the same. It’s not race that’s the problem but that we have such high immigration and the fact that it’s not propping up the economy. What it’s doing is increasing GDP which is completely different kettle of fish.

          • Wayne 7.2.1.1.3
            8 January 2017 at 5:35 pm

            Andre,

            Given Trump is against the TPP, Wisconsin dairy is under no threat from NZ. Trump would have to go into trade negotiations for that to happen. Since Trump wants trade deals to primarily favour the US, there won’t be too much interest from anyone else in doing trade deals with the US (unless it is just bluster). Other nations, like NZ will look for other options which provide benefits for both parties. Maybe much more of a push with India.

            The China issue is the big unknown and the biggest risk for everyone, the US, China, and most of the rest of the Asia Pacific. Will Trump do much about the South China Sea? Perhaps not, given the Chinese bases already exist. But that is not the only dynamic.

            Any vigorous trade action by the US against China could (actually likely) will result in China being more assertive in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, just to make life difficult for the US. Any action the US takes against China will be met with a counter reaction from China.

            So there are real risks ahead.

            NZ won’t automatically line up with the US, if the problems are seen to be caused by imprudent US actions.

            • Andre 7.2.1.1.3.1
              8 January 2017 at 5:46 pm

              Wisconsin dairy is not under a new threat from NZ and TPP, but the farmers there might think (and persuade Trump) that they would prefer to be the ones supplying the $1.2billion of dairy products NZ sells to the US. Let alone maybe a bit of help selling into markets NZ sells into now. Certainly when I worked in Wisconsin, the locals were pretty quick with a dig about NZ unfairly competing with them.

              https://www.tpp.mfat.govt.nz/assets/docs/TPP_factsheet_Dairy.pdf

              • exkiwiforces …
                8 January 2017 at 7:00 pm

                The problem with those Wisconsin dairy farmers is they can’t get their dumb head around the NZ run dairy faming Co-Op’s. To them a Co-Op is socialist/ commie government run thing that benefits the farmer.

                • Clump_AKA Sam …
                  8 January 2017 at 7:04 pm

                  Capitalism is good if it promotes competition but trade deals dissuade competition. TPP is anti free market and pro wealth concentration/cartel/oligopoly/duopoly. What pisses me off is Prebble sold NZ rail and became a major shareholder in mainfreight. That should never have happened.

                  Bond yields are weak (http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/b2) so we’re going to have to a to have a 5 year manufacturing and jobs programme ready to go to raise the figurative boats if our IOU’s become unserviceable. The 30 year bond which Thatcher funded neoliberalism on is coming to roost.

                  We should have included a swaps deal in our trade pax. Wayne should have done a lot different, but he keeps banging on about yesterday’s problems.

                • One Anonymous Bloke …
                  8 January 2017 at 7:05 pm

                  Ahem!

                  Wisconsin Sheep Dairy Cooperative is a farm-to-table cooperative located in Northern Wisconsin. The farmer members raise and milk sheep on sustainable family farms. As the single largest source of high-quality sheep milk for dairy plants in the United States, we are the premier makers of sheep dairy products, such as artisanal and speciality sheep milk cheeses, yogurt, and butter.

                  ..and this:

                  Madison Commies unite!

                  It’s amazing what a Google search for “wisconsin dairy coop” turns up 😉
                  .

                  • Andre …
                    8 January 2017 at 7:16 pm

                    “artisanal”

                    Cheese in Wisconsin was really disappointing. Went to a couple of different shops, they all had lovely selection of different cheeses that looked delicious. Both times I got a wide selection home, and they all tasted like cheddar. Every fucking one. Even the runny brie and the one with blue vein mould in it. Fucked if I know how that’s possible, but it was.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      8 January 2017 at 7:24 pm

                      I blame Charter schools.

                    • exkiwiforces …
                      8 January 2017 at 11:25 pm

                      I know what you mean with their so called cheese/ dairy products rubbish. You should try eating in a Yank DFAC on a Yank military base it’s the shits in more ways than one.

            • Draco T Bastard 7.2.1.1.3.2
              8 January 2017 at 8:19 pm

              Given Trump is against the TPP, Wisconsin dairy is under no threat from NZ.

              It never was. NZ dairy is under threat from Wisconsin though.

      • Psycho Milt 7.2.2
        8 January 2017 at 1:00 pm

        It could fill a book, and it probably will at some point.

        Oh, yes, Many, I expect.

  8. Morrissey 8
    8 January 2017 at 11:14 am

    Yes, there’s a real concern that the United States will start supporting ISIS in the Middle East, supporting the blockading, incarceration and mass murder of Palestinians, and crushing democracy in Central and South America.

    Oh, wait….

  9. Draco T Bastard 9
    8 January 2017 at 12:24 pm

    But both trade protectionist and immigration control measures will spark comparable trade retaliation by other countries of a scale that will undo much of the trade dynamic that has lifted poorer countries out of poverty in the past three decades: trade and labour mobility. Britain is about to feel the consequences of similar moves as it exists the European Union.

    Still swallowing the Koolaid I see:
    ‘Michael Fish moment’ as UK economy thrives after Brexit vote

    Economic forecasters had a “Michael Fish moment” over their mistaken Brexit predictions, the chief economist at the Bank of England has said.

    Andrew Haldane said it was “fair cop” to say the profession was “to some degree in crisis”.

    Of Course Brexit Didn’t Cripple The Economy – British GDP Growth Revised Up To 0.6%

    Back in the spring, before the referendum vote on whether Britain should leave the EU, we were warned that economic doom would follow swiftly upon any decision to do so. The Treasury told us all that the economy would crumble under the uncertainty, the Chancellor that there would be immediate tax rises and spending cuts. 6 months after we did so vote to leave it is obvious that this hasn’t happened. Indeed, we’ve just had the news from the ONS that the economy is doing rather well, with GDP growth just revised up to 0.6% for the quarter.

    BRITAIN’S BREXIT RICHES: IMF expert BLOWS APART gloom of discredited Remoaner economists

    European economics guru Ashoka Mody said the UK is destined for a richer and fairer future after unshackling itself from the “depressing decay” of the failing Brussels project.

    And he emphatically swatted aside europhile claims the economy has not felt the impact of Brexit because it has not happened yet, pointing out that companies have already factored in that the country is leaving the EU.

    Professor Mody, an academic at the world-renowned Princeton University and the former deputy director of the IMF’s European arm, said that even as an optimist he has been surprised by how Britain has boomed since June 23.

    Trade has never really made people better off. It’s development of the economy that does that but trade actually prevents that.

    The shift to mercantilist governance from one guided primarily in world affairs by military intelligence and military power will be a really important shift for world powers.

    The US has always used it’s military to advance it’s oligarchies interests. That’s not about to change.

    I do not yet know what the emerging world of populist nationalism will look like, but what is clear is that Trump is a part of making the whole ambit of politics much smaller: smaller states, smaller multilateral horizons, fewer and weaker cross-national binds. There will be no more Paris 21’s, no more GATTS, no more cooperation. It is the world of the strong countries and strong corporations looking after the strong, against the weak. That means us.

    Probably and another reason to develop our economy and strengthen our defence forces.

    • Ad 9.1
      8 January 2017 at 12:42 pm

      Britain hasn’t left he EU yet so there’s no useful points to be made about its current GDP and any causation to leaving the EU. As I noted, we will have to wait for at least the whole of 2017 to see what those effects will be.

      • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1
        8 January 2017 at 1:10 pm

        Yeah, one of the articles I posted addressed that point as well.

        Simple fact of the matter is that once development of the economy starts trade has very little effect upon the welfare of a nations populace.

    • ian 9.2
      8 January 2017 at 2:33 pm

      I would disagree that ‘companies have already factored in that the UK is leaving’ because I don’t think any multinationals know what form the separation will take.
      When you think about it, the substantial considerations for what might impact business are not what the UK draws up, but the Eurozone’s reaction to it. For instance, what if the UK left, and the Eurozone required that all testing of medicines be conducted in domestic laboratories and by staff that were ensconced in an EU state? Boom, there goes their pharmaceutical industry. What if the Eurozone’s reaction wrt information privacy was that (like New Zealand) a person’s private information cannot be transmitted outside the Eurozone? Boom, there goes the financial services industry. There are so many things at this point that are outside of the control or possible forecasting of business that it would be foolish to read anything into their behaviour.

      I would agree, though, that this is probably a going to be a ‘Michael Fish moment’ except that it will play out in the true sense of the expression. A pronouncement of fair weather based on a slightly more buoyant quarter, followed by a devastating storm.

      • Draco T Bastard 9.2.1
        8 January 2017 at 3:14 pm

        For instance, what if the UK left, and the Eurozone required that all testing of medicines be conducted in domestic laboratories and by staff that were ensconced in an EU state? Boom, there goes their pharmaceutical industry.

        More independent studies of the effects and efficacy of pharmaceuticals – great idea.

        What if the Eurozone’s reaction wrt information privacy was that (like New Zealand) a person’s private information cannot be transmitted outside the Eurozone? Boom, there goes the financial services industry.

        That would probably be good for them and the rest of the world.

        Really, the financial ‘industry’ is what’s sucking the life out of economies everywhere.

        When you think about it, the substantial considerations for what might impact business are not what the UK draws up, but the Eurozone’s reaction to it.

        A business should be able to survive solely upon the local population. If it can’t then it’s actually grown too big.

        • ian 9.2.1.1
          9 January 2017 at 8:04 am

          I agree completely with all of your points, particularly that business should be able to survive solely on the local population. Unfortunately, that is not what has happened in the UK and, as their hinterland shrinks following Brexit, it is very likely that their economy will contract substantially. One quarter of good news (likely off the bat of a stronger than expected Eurozone performance) does not, a summer, make.

    • Wayne 9.3
      8 January 2017 at 5:44 pm

      Draco

      Your anti trade bias is against the views of just about every economist in the world. Trade is clearly a benefit for most nations. Virtually none of them can make everything.

      For modern sophisticated goods, it looks like a minimum economic size is 500 million people at first world levels. Take civil aircraft. There are two suppliers in the world for the most advanced large aircraft, Boeing and Airbus. Sure there are other civil aircraft manufacturers, but for 787 of 350 sized aircraft there are only two.

      Without trade New Zealand would have a nineteenth/early twentieth century lifestyle. No international telecoms, no internet, no international air travel, cars that are like the unlamented Trekka, etc, etc.

      Now I know nothing I say will convince you, but at least you should acknowledge some basic facts.

      • Andre 9.3.1
        8 January 2017 at 5:56 pm

        “Your anti trade bias is against the views of just about every economist in the world.”

        And at least one R&D engineer, whose career has been spent working on products that are majority exports and wouldn’t have been viable projects without access to export markets.

      • Sacha 9.3.2
        8 January 2017 at 6:41 pm

        As with Hamilton’s Pacific Aerospace, our high-tech manufacturing has to be well-matched at global niches where we have better understanding or design. Sometimes we might be the world leader in one like Buckley Systems.

        The Trekka was only possible because of trade from Czechoslovakia, in any case. Heard Todd Niall’s RNZ story on it recently.

      • Draco T Bastard 9.3.3
        8 January 2017 at 8:15 pm

        Your anti trade bias is against the views of just about every economist in the world.

        Reality isn’t a popularity contest.

        Trade is clearly a benefit for most nations. Virtually none of them can make everything.

        Actually, they can make everything. Anything that can be made by one country can be made another. They just need the knowledge and the infrastructure.

        For modern sophisticated goods, it looks like a minimum economic size is 500 million people at first world levels. Take civil aircraft. There are two suppliers in the world for the most advanced large aircraft, Boeing and Airbus. Sure there are other civil aircraft manufacturers, but for 787 of 350 sized aircraft there are only two.

        And neither of them would be commercially viable without massive government subsidies.

        In fact, that is actually the problem. You’re basing your assumptions upon commercial viability rather than economics. Consider this: How commercially viable would manufacturing of cars be if oil was US$200 per barrel and CO2 emissions was US$200 per tonne?

        Economies of scale would no longer match – and neither would those aircraft manufacturers.

        Without trade New Zealand would have a nineteenth/early twentieth century lifestyle.

        No we wouldn’t be.

        And, at end of all that. I’m not against trade – just against being dependent upon it as we are now.

        Do some research – exchange it for other research from other nations and then develop and produce what we need for ourselves from our own resources.

      • ian 9.3.4
        9 January 2017 at 8:24 am

        Whoops! There are only 320-odd million people in the United States, home of manufacturer Boeing. And here is the actual list of manufacturers that produce aircraft in the Dreamliner/A350 weight range: Boeing, Airbus, Ilyushin, Tupolev, Comac, Antonov.

        • Clump_AKA Sam 9.3.4.1
          9 January 2017 at 4:30 pm

          If you take each of trumps policies and test what effect each one will have on real GDP you’ll obviously get different results but you could establish a base line which is like throwing darts. You’ll learn more about the economy studying earthquakes than that.

          First you have to prove if running a budget deficit is negative. If it’s negative then doomsday predictions set off and soldiers go to places where trade stops flowing.

          If running a budget deficit (my money is on this) is positive then the US government pumps money into the economy by spending more than they receive in taxes until you’ve raised all boats then start paying it down. Seeing how there are two unoccupied seats on the US federal reserve board, my prediction is trumpet will put two republicans in meaning the board will be a large majority GOP and trump will park all his new debt on the fed res.

          • Colonial Viper 9.3.4.1.1
            9 January 2017 at 4:42 pm

            If running a budget deficit (my money is on this) is positive then the US government pumps money into the economy by spending more than they receive in taxes until you’ve raised all boats then start paying it down

            It helps if you happen to have the privilege of issuing, out of thin air, the world’s always-in-demand reserve currency.

            • Clump_AKA Sam 9.3.4.1.1.1
              9 January 2017 at 4:50 pm

              We have one to we just choose to borrow from there’s for political reasons. And political reasons can be changed. Welcome to trumpism

              • Colonial Viper …
                9 January 2017 at 5:03 pm

                We have one to we just choose to borrow from there’s for political reasons. And political reasons can be changed.

                Touché

                (And another reason why pretend lefties like Labour talking about why the UBI or NZ Super are “unaffordable” is so galling)

                • Clump_AKA Sam …
                  9 January 2017 at 5:08 pm

                  Reganonmics/Thatcherism/Rogernomics experiment was all funded on the 30 year bond. That’s gone now. This is our chance to make a new. We’re smarter now, motivated, we know what we want to build. Let’s not fuck it up

                  • Colonial Viper …
                    9 January 2017 at 6:16 pm

                    You and I might have some “radical” ideas about what we urgently need to build for the future; however others still support building “affordable” $600,000 first homes in Auckland.

                    • Clump_AKA Sam …
                      9 January 2017 at 6:23 pm

                      I can’t tell the market I’m right.

                      The markets tell me if I’m right.

                      This isn’t a dig.

                      There are so many designs/consent ready and waiting for cash. Just how much cash will fill those buckets is yet to be seen.

          • Nic the NZer 9.3.4.1.2
            10 January 2017 at 8:35 am

            Gerald Friedman analysed Bernie Sanders proposals in a similar way, and concluded that Sanders economic policy would set off a boom in the US economy.

            You can imagine what the establishment thought of that!
            http://krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/romer-and-romer-on-friedman/?_r=0

            And more pertinently, Krugman calls the end of the recovery period just in time to say that the deficit is important again.
            http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/opinion/deficits-matter-again.html?rref=opinion&module=Ribbon&version=context&region=Header&action=click&contentCollection=Opinion&pgtype=Blogs

  10. adam 10
    8 January 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Thanks Ad, good read.

    I was thinking whilst reading your piece, of a quib a mate of mine uses, and which is in the latest Pillager documentary.

    China is a one party state, but with enough pressure you can change policy. The USA have two parties, and elections, but you can never change policy.

  11. Cinny 11
    8 January 2017 at 8:19 pm

    Turns out Vice President and President are exempt from disclosing any conflicts of interest. USA legislation is out dated in this regard, so many rules and Trump will always find the loop holes. Sadly USA citizens only have Trumps word that he won’t use his position of power to enrich himself and his companies.

    How many times has he gone back on his word?

    Counting the Cost is rather insightful this week

    • Colonial Viper 11.1
      9 January 2017 at 4:45 pm

      Trump enrich himself? You mean from $3 billion wealth to $4 billion wealth?

      That’s the beautiful thing about Trump – he’s not like the Clintons who needed to sell their public office and their political career to keep the money train going.

      BTW a massive amount of Trump’s business value is in the perception of his main brand = TRUMP.

      And when he was elected as President of the United States, the value and prominence of his brand skyrocketed.

      So he’s already massively profited from being President.

Recent Posts

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    39 mins ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    9 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    11 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    12 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    13 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    15 hours ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    16 hours ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    17 hours ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    19 hours ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    21 hours ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    21 hours ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    22 hours ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    22 hours ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    24 hours ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 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
    15 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T19:39:46+00:00