Chloe Swarbrick should stand strong in Auckland Central

Written By: - Date published: 6:07 am, July 17th, 2020 - 63 comments
Categories: greens, labour - Tags: , , , , ,

The MMP-savvy Green Party know that campaigning in the electorates increases their party vote. While it’s likely that their vote will increase this year as a result of rebuilding trust with voters after 2017, their solid policy platform, and 2017 Labour voters wanting to pull Labour leftward/greenward, it’s not a year to be complacent. And why would the Greens want to lessen their party vote anyway?

The Greens also tend to have key electorates where they run strong candidates for their own sake as well as I think working on the long game of having electorate MPs in the future.

In the past day many of the issues with vote splitting between Labour and the Greens has been covered elsewhere, I want to raise another point: having two strong left wing women standing in an electorate where the incumbent National MP has stepped down due to the own goal dumpster fire that National are still warming their hands around is potentially gold.

Demonstrations of how to do clean politics that are based on humans being respectful to each other is something we desperately need right now, and I’m hoping will be in stark contrast to the kind of politics we are most likely to get from a Collins-led National. I hope both of the leftwing women can hold that balance between competition and allyship.

Having two left wing women campaigning also increases coverage of left wing policy and values, and is another tug on the Overton Window. We should be welcoming the opportunity.

We’ve seen both/and campaigning in the Greens’ female co-leadership contest in 2018 between Marama Davidson and Julie Anne Genter, where they were in competition but that competition brought out the best of policy and both women (witness also how adults do leadership changes).

Jacinda Ardern and Julie Anne Genter in the Mt Albert by-election in early 2017 was similar. Women in particular benefit from seeing strong female representation on the left, especially where that representation isn’t in the perpetual conflict of macho politics, but this is good for all of us.

Ardern in that post-election interview,

This idea of running against someone doesn’t have to be adversarial. We both had the absolute same view that there was nothing wrong with our parties contesting – we are separate parties. But the way in which we were going to do that was in a really collegial, constructive way.

You don’t have to resolve everything, you can just agree that you’ve got different ideas. That’s OK.

Genter,

One moment that was quite funny in the campaign was when I showed up at the Mt Albert train station with a bunch of volunteers, and Jacinda was there with a volunteer handing out leaflets. Initially it was a little bit awkward, but actually it worked really well. We had a great time, [Green Party co-leader] James Shaw joined me and the three of us did some selfies and handed out leaflets and engaged with the commuters.

Even though obviously both of us are campaigning for our respective parties, the reality is Jacinda and I have very similar values and vision as to what New Zealand can be like. We’re both driven by the idea that government has a key role to play in protecting and empowering people and making sure that things are fair.

That relationship and willingness to work together was further demonstrated in the 2017 campaign where Labour finally stood up with the Greens and worked to change the government. It was co-operation, not conflict-based adversarial politics, that gave us the right government at the right time for 2020.

I don’t know the Labour candidate Helen White, nor anything about whether White and Swarbrick get on or not. This doesn’t have to be a Kumbayah fest, there’s no contradiction between being strong and independent and working respectfully, it’s about offering up a different way of doing politics based in human relationships and a shared understanding of the wider good.

Swarbrick’s campaign is good for the Greens, good for women, and good for the left.  Not that  Swarbrick isn’t coming out fighting,

I’d vote for her. This is how I want politics to be done,

63 comments on “Chloe Swarbrick should stand strong in Auckland Central ”

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  1. The Al1en 1
    17 July 2020 at 7:03 am

    The greens should stand a candidate in all seats, as you say, to campaign for the party vote. I don't think there's a constituency they can win, even with a modicum of tactical voting from labour voters (with no close second places), but green voters can, like me, affect results in a few by selecting the labour candidate in some seats.

    • Andre 1.1
      17 July 2020 at 9:16 am

      The only electorate I can see where there's enough combined Labour and Greens party voters to possibly make an electorate lifeboat work for the Greens is Wellington Central. Only about 35% of Labour party voters would need to tactically vote for James Shaw to make it work, assuming the vast majority of Greens voters vote for Shaw rather than a significant portion tactically voting for Robertson like they did in the last few elections.

      https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/statistics/split-votes-electorate-60.html

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellington_Central_(New_Zealand_electorate)

    • RosieLee 1.2
      17 July 2020 at 12:56 pm

      And, surely, that is the whole point of MMP. It should not be used as a way of manipulating and gerrymandering (?!!) the vote. Let's have some honest numbers.

      • Rae 1.2.1
        18 July 2020 at 1:35 pm

        It has been for a long time in Epsom. If the darling of the moment, one J Collins, had not summarily binned the recommendations for change to MMP that came out of the 2012 review I believe it would be far more conducive to honest voting.

    • Rae 1.3
      18 July 2020 at 1:33 pm

      And if all left voters voted for Goldsmith in Epsom, bye bye Seymour. Nelson is ripe for the picking if tactical voting were employed bye bye Nick Smith. Kelston will need left voters to rally around Deborah Russell as there are a reasonably hefty number of NZF voters from last election not likely to vote for them again and Russell's majority is quite slim.

      With the name recognition I believe Auckland Central is sewn up for Swarbrick

  2. observer 2
    17 July 2020 at 7:25 am

    " The MMP-savvy Green Party know that campaigning in the electorates increases their party vote."

    When I handed out bumf for the Greens near Auck Uni and AUT, the message to students was not just "party vote Green" but "have you enrolled yet"?

    A soggy leaflet in the junk mailbox won't reach those voters, but Chloe and her profile on campus will – and did. Thousands of party votes, right there. 4.9% on election day = 5.1% on specials.

  3. Darien Fenton 3
    17 July 2020 at 7:26 am

    I'm surprised you don't know Helen White. She has an impressive record as an union/ employment lawyer with some of the most difficult bosses, including Ports of Auckland. She used to work for the SFWU. She is rated by the blue collar unions. I agree Chloe should continue to stand, but what is irritating are the calls from some that Helen should stand aside for Chloe. I understand no one is seeking that from the parties, including the Greens. Also look at the numbers ; Helen came within 1500 votes of beating Nikki Kaye last time around. The Greens got around 2000. Helen has kept on organising in Auckland Central ; It would be heroic to assume that Chloe could make up the difference of 8,000 to 9,000 votes plus gain some from the Nats. Even with tactical voting not all voters just obey ; in this instance it would just hand the seat to National.

    • observer 3.1
      17 July 2020 at 7:30 am

      "what is irritating are the calls from some that Helen should stand aside for Chloe. I understand no one is seeking that from the parties"

      Agreed. The calls are mostly from media commentators who can't be bothered to do any maths homework.

    • Enough is Enough 3.2
      17 July 2020 at 9:26 am

      Don't underestimate name recognition. In 2020 Chloe is a high profile, and strong performing Green MP that is in the main stream media often. She is well respected on both sides of the house.

      Most Auckland central voters would struggle to name a blue collar union, let alone who their lawyer is.

      Helen will benefit from being the Labour candidate, but I think Chloe being the more recognisable person will suck away enough votes to again gift the seat to whoever National puts in there.

      • Andre 3.2.1
        17 July 2020 at 9:36 am

        … again gift the seat to whoever National puts in there.

        Which would mean that someone fairly high up on the Nats list that doesn't win an electorate misses out on going into Parliament on the list. Is that a bad thing?

        • Enough is Enough 3.2.1.1
          17 July 2020 at 9:50 am

          I don't really care who misses out on National's list. There is no scenario in this universe which has National winning the election. So who is in or out on their list is irrelevant to me

          I do care about who wins Auckland Central though.

        • Rae 3.2.1.2
          18 July 2020 at 1:37 pm

          Remember Auckland Central while going to a Nat did not register the highest party votes for National. Much of the reason it was the Nats seat was because of Kaye herself. Without her, I can easily see it changing

      • Bearded Git 3.2.2
        17 July 2020 at 10:19 am

        I find myself agreeing with you Enough….a painful experience this early in the day.

        Checkpoint did a walk down a street in Auckland Central last night….EVERYBODY recognised Swarbrick….few if any recognised White. Well worth a listen.

      • Darien Fenton 3.2.3
        17 July 2020 at 12:04 pm

        I think Chloe has had a couple of goes at name recognition. In the end, it comes down to who lives in Auckland Central, and people make the mistake of thinking they are all progressive green types. They are not,

        • Enough is Enough 3.2.3.1
          17 July 2020 at 1:24 pm

          Clearly they are not "progressive green types" if thy have voted Kaye in 4 times.

    • weka 3.3
      17 July 2020 at 11:25 am

      I agree Darien, neither party appears to want to do concessions and calls for either side to unilaterally give to the other just fosters unconstructive conflcit.

      I'm out of the loop of a lot of mainstream things. I live in the rural South Island (Auckland is like another country) and am a long term beneficiary. I was raised by a mother who was a life long member of the PSA, so I grew up pro-union, but it's not been something I've been centred in. My focus is the deep green and regenerative subcultures. I didn't know Helen White, but I can tell you who Kay Baxter or Robina McCurdy or Kay Brereton are.

      Looking forward to learning more about Helen White though, and hope both women get a good run at this.

      • Darien Fenton 3.3.1
        18 July 2020 at 12:45 pm

        Yes I agree totally. I am feeling a bit wearied by the blokes telling two women what they should do. They should both stand ; their parties should campaign and hopefully, both will be in parliament.

  4. Visubversa 4
    17 July 2020 at 8:12 am

    The Green voters put Nikki Kaye into Auckland Central the last couple of times. They could cut National out of the seat entirely and have 2 good women MPs if they were smart enough. However, there is good evidence that they are not that smart.

    • observer 4.1
      17 July 2020 at 8:39 am

      I think you just provided the evidence that they are smarter than you.

      I'm not going to spend another day explaining MMP for Beginners, so just read the other thread, there's all the solid evidence you need.

      • Sabine 4.1.1
        17 July 2020 at 11:35 am

        actually they did.

        you might not like it, but the Green voters did not vote for a Labour Candidate but rather voted from whom ever was nominated – if anyone can still remeber – and as a consequence in 2014 Jacinda Ardern lost by about a 1000 votes – pretty much the number the Green Party member got.

        Once can argue that they voted for purity and such, but then we have seen what purity brings, it got us another few years of John Key.

        numbers per 2014

        KAYE, Nikki (NAT)12,494 45.84

        ARDERN, Jacinda (LAB)11,894 43.63

        ROCHE, Denise (GP)2,080 7.63

        and sometimes MMP simply means to support the one that has the biggest chance of getting it, and the Green Party Member stood no chance at all. But purity feels good. 🙂

        • observer 4.1.1.1
          17 July 2020 at 11:57 am

          Yes, I know the numbers. I was responding to the claim that " there is good evidence that they are not that smart."

          If we accept that measure of smart (and I don't), then Labour voters must be at least twice as stupid as Green voters.

          In Auckland Central, some Green party voters ticked the Green candidate. If none of them had, and they had all ticked the Labour candidate instead, then Nikki Kaye would have been a National MP on the list, instead of a National MP in an electorate.

          In Epsom, more Labour party voters ticked the Labour candidate. If none of them had, and they had all ticked Goldsmith instead, then ACT would have been out of Parliament altogether.

          So: 1) no change to National party vote and number of MPs, or 2) total destruction of ACT.

          I'd say one is a lot worse than the other, but then I ain't "smart".

    • Darien Fenton 4.2
      17 July 2020 at 12:07 pm

      Um no. Denise Roche was the last Greens candidate. Anyway there will be no deal. So if Chloe thinks she can win she should go all out. My prediction is that Auckland Central will be a strengthened National seat. Some people should read the demographics of this seat.

  5. Andre 5
    17 July 2020 at 8:49 am

    Chloe absolutely should go hard in Auckland Central, TRP's wind-up from yesterday notwithstanding.

    But here's the challenge to everyone that thinks Labour should try to gift the seat to Chloe to give the Greens a lifeboat: explain how it could possibly actually work out, using real life numbers of the numbers of voters for the different parties and actual real-life split-ticket voting patterns. Particular attention needs to be paid to the possibility of some Labour party voters being sufficiently opposed to the Greens that they would vote for the Nat specifically to deny the Greens the lifeboat.

    To start you off, here's some of the real-life data needed for this challenge:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland_Central_(New_Zealand_electorate)

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/statistics/split-votes-electorate-1.html

    https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/statistics/split-votes-electorate-12.html

  6. gsays 6
    17 July 2020 at 9:01 am

    Thanks, Weka. Couldn't agree more. I figured yesty's post was an anomaly.

    I did finally get why Labour shouldn't stand aside to 'gift' a seat to The Greens. It would mean The Greens would be owned.

    I figure with the next intake of younger voters, The Greens will have a bigger voice in the next parliament.

    Legitimately.

    Looking at you Mr Brittas.

    • weka 6.1
      17 July 2020 at 11:27 am

      there's probably a psychological thing about being close to 5% and gaining a seat and then being dependent on it to stay in parliament. Better for the Greens to seriously go for electorate seats when they're on 20% and in the meantime play to their party list strengths.

    • Sabine 6.2
      17 July 2020 at 11:41 am

      The Greens are owned one way or another, as is any other Party for that matter.

      First – the voters who own them, as without them the dears in beige suits go nowhere.

      Secondly – the donors own them as without them the dears in beige suits go nowhere.

      Thirdly- in MMP any small party is owned by the biggest party that leads the coalition.

      Which is the eternal problem of the Greens. In all these decades they never grew any further then what they are now, and thus need a larger party to give them a seat at the table. And thus they are not 'free'.

      • Sacha 6.2.1
        17 July 2020 at 1:02 pm

        in MMP any small party is owned by the biggest party that leads the coalition

        Because Winston First is so 'owned' by Labour, eh.

    • Incognito 6.3
      17 July 2020 at 1:05 pm

      Nope, yesterday’s post was not an anomaly. It happens all the time here on The Standard that Authors disagree and sometimes strongly. They write in their own personal capacity and have their individual opinions. Some write deliberately provocatively to stimulate the commentariat. Today’s post is just a counter-view by another Author. No bad blood between the two, they’re almost like Ardern and Genter 😉

      • gsays 6.3.1
        17 July 2020 at 4:01 pm

        Roger.

        You're right it wasn't an anomaly. TRP regularly has me spluttering the muesli with his reckons. Great stuff. Something that gives you pause for thought.

        I've navigated these waters long enough to not expect the view, from TS.

        Listening to the tranny this arvo, the idea of Labour and Green voters voting for Goldsmith in The Brittas Empire was explored. Sometimes you can be too tactical.

        • Incognito 6.3.1.1
          17 July 2020 at 4:36 pm

          I've navigated these waters long enough to not expect the view, from TS.

          Good one; don’t even go near it because you’re almost guaranteed a harsh telling off comment from the one who shall not be named 😉

  7. mauī 7
    17 July 2020 at 10:26 am

    It is a bit of a worry that after more than 20 straight years being in Parliament the Greens are still fighting for their electoral survival. Part of the blame should go on Labour for not helping them win an electorate seat. All of those Green voters who vote for a Labour candidate and they get a big FU in return. Labour aside the Greens should have a formula to win an electorate by themselves already.

    • observer 7.1
      17 July 2020 at 12:35 pm

      If a party depends on an electorate seat, they become defined by that one MP and that electorate (imagine trying to change the leader who holds the seat, for example). That is an unhelpful position for any party, but especially for the Greens with their kaupapa. The best formula is lowering the threshold. Anything else is a band-aid.

      • gsays 7.1.1
        17 July 2020 at 4:03 pm

        Lowering the threshold, what is the most likely way for that to happen?

        A private members bill?

        • Ed1 7.1.1.1
          17 July 2020 at 9:16 pm

          I believe the coat-tailing rule is inconsistent with the threshold. If the coat-tailing rule did not exist, there would still be some incentive to play games as in Epsom, but it would not manifest as fundamental unfairness for a party to gain MPs when a party with a higher level of party votes but not enough to meet the threshold gets none. The threshold should be reduced at least as was recommended in the most recent review of the system.

  8. Brigid 8
    17 July 2020 at 12:38 pm

    "Labour’s Candidate, Helen White, and I were both invited on TVNZ Breakfast tomorrow morning to talk Auckland Central. She declined, and the segment was pulled.

    I remain very keen to debate the representation our city deserves, and the issues we face. Nobody is entitled to anything, and politicians must be accountable to the communities they seek to represent."

    Chloe Swarbricks facebook post yesterday

    • Breanna 8.1
      17 July 2020 at 1:36 pm

      Ignoring that National and Labour have been knocking on doors and making phone calls for weeks while the greens have hardly been seen, or that there are already more than a handful scheduled debates for the community of Auckland Central (rather than fuelling Chloes need for a national ego boost).

      Perhaps Helen thought it was bad taste to start picking the carcass of a widely liked local MP the day after her resignation? But I guess Chloe as a career politician wouldn't care if it got her views…

      • solkta 8.1.1
        17 July 2020 at 1:49 pm

        while the greens have hardly been seen

        Oh gosh that's terrible, how many observers do you have in the field?

        • Irene 8.1.1.1
          18 July 2020 at 9:22 am

          I'm in Ponsonby and I haven't seen a green doorknocker this election or the last – kinda unimpressed, tbh

      • Brigid 8.1.2
        17 July 2020 at 3:07 pm

        "National and Labour have been knocking on doors and making phone calls for weeks"

        Have they? How do you know that. Are you a member of both parties?

  9. Breanna 9
    17 July 2020 at 1:42 pm

    I appreciate your hopes for a friendly campaign, but given that Chloes commentary has already turned nasty, calling Helen entitled, lazy and unwilling to say the same thing on the doorstep as she would in parliament, perhaps the greens need to take a look at whether or not they actually want to run a friendly campaign?

    [You are new here and in all of your comments so far you have been sniping at the Greens, which is tolerated here. However, we don’t tolerate people making up shit to suit their opinions and/or personal agendas. You can back your accusations with a link or withdraw your comment. What you do next will influence for how long you can keep your commenting privilege here but I should let you know that in Pre-Election time tempers are frail and Moderators have increasingly less patience for dealing with recidivist behaviour – Incognito]

    • Sacha 9.1
      17 July 2020 at 1:43 pm

      Chloes commentary has already turned nasty, calling Helen entitled, lazy and unwilling to say the same thing on the doorstep as she would in parliament

      Can you please link to places she has said that. Does not sound like her.

    • Brigid 9.2
      17 July 2020 at 3:05 pm

      "calling Helen entitled, lazy and unwilling"

      No.

      Chloe hasn't said that.

    • Peter 9.3
      17 July 2020 at 3:15 pm

      Please give us evidence of that. If you cannot you should apologise.

      I know the parties are different but we need internecine bullshit like we need a hole in the head.

      If that's going to happen the Labour and Green candidates may as well pull out and leave Auckland Central to National.

    • Incognito 9.4
      17 July 2020 at 3:26 pm

      See my Moderation note @ 1:42 PM.

    • te reo putake 9.5
      17 July 2020 at 4:07 pm

      Just did a quick search and it appears that Chloe Swarbrick did unintentionally slight Helen White in an interview in the Herald, but quickly corrected herself:

      "She pointed to her track record of the past three years and said that White's voice might be stifled by her own party.

      "It's really important for Auckland Central to have someone who says the same thing on the doorsteps as they say in Parliament. There's a massive distinction between fighting words on the ground and taking that fight into the halls of power."

      She clarified that she wasn't talking about White, in particular."

      Re: entitlement, from the same interview:

      "But Swarbrick is also door-knocking in what she describes as the party's biggest push in Auckland Central.

      She didn't think Kaye's retirement would necessarily benefit White.

      "It's difficult to say where those votes will sit. Like I said back in 2016 [when Swarbrick ran unsuccessfully for the Auckland mayoralty], nobody owns votes, nobody can think they are entitled to those votes."

      I can't find anything that suggests Chloe called Helen lazy and I doubt I will, because the immediate clarification she made in the first section quoted above suggests she's thoughtful and careful with her words. However, I suppose that if a person was two faced and entitled, it's not a big jump to suggest that equates to laziness.

      The takeaway here is that Chloe Swarbrick's words were not intended to be provocative or disparaging. Sadly, her recent tweet about Helen White's unavailability to do a radio interview was not really in the same generous spirit.

      • Incognito 9.5.1
        17 July 2020 at 4:16 pm

        Ta

        I would have like Breanna posting an explanatory comment like yours but that now seems unlikely. Still, Breanna could comment on the alleged accusation by Chlöe of calling Helen White “lazy”.

        The floor is your, Breanna!

      • Pete George 9.5.2
        17 July 2020 at 4:20 pm

        …her recent tweet about Helen White's unavailability to do a radio interview…

        "…a bit of a misinterpretation, but ok"

        https://twitter.com/Nof_Grant/status/1283724459342352384

        • Robert Guyton 9.5.2.1
          17 July 2020 at 4:29 pm

          Says Nick, but Pete, what does that mean??

          • Peter 9.5.2.1.1
            17 July 2020 at 6:36 pm

            What does it mean? Top me it suggests that trivial points can become headlines, can become issues can become the sort of mindless petty crap approaches we criticise the MSM for. In terms of the big picture it's nothing but fractious tetchy sweating the small stuff.

        • te reo putake 9.5.2.2
          17 July 2020 at 4:31 pm

          Thanks, Pete. The tweet did leave an unfortunate impression, as does the article I quoted above which was headlined 'gloves off', which suggests a macho slugfest in AK central. As this post makes clear, that's not going to be the case.

          (Robert – the tweet seemed to be suggesting that a debate had been agreed and the Labour candidate pulled out. The producer is clarifying that the discussions never went that far.)

          • Sacha 9.5.2.2.1
            17 July 2020 at 4:49 pm

            the article I quoted above which was headlined 'gloves off'

            Really need to pay less attention to what editors, journos and political opponents want us to believe and more to what people actually say.

    • weka 9.6
      17 July 2020 at 6:26 pm

      another mod note for you here Breanna (comment moved to OM)

      https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-17-07-2020/#comment-1731433

  10. Richard D James 10
    17 July 2020 at 5:39 pm

    Either labour and the Greens need to do a deal on Auckland Central—I reckon in a months time the polls will be neck and neck between Lab/Nats and if the seats falls over a split vote we will have a change of Govt.
    As labour have already started putting the billboards up with Helen White I’m guessing they don’t want to do a deal at this point in time?

  11. Cinny 11
    18 July 2020 at 9:39 am

    I'd vote for Chloe in a heartbeat. She's a stand out MP.

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    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
    10 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    11 hours 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
    12 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    17 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    21 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, 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?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Feline Friends and Fragile Fauna The Complexities of Cats in New Zealand’s Conservation Efforts

    Cats, with their independent spirit and beguiling purrs, have captured the hearts of humans for millennia. In New Zealand, felines are no exception, boasting the highest national cat ownership rate globally [definition cat nz cat foundation]. An estimated 1.134 million pet cats grace Kiwi households, compared to 683,000 dogs ...

    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Or is that just they want us to think?
    Nice guy, that Peter Williams. Amiable, a calm air of no-nonsense capability, a winning smile. Everything you look for in a TV presenter and newsreader.I used to see him sometimes when I went to TVNZ to be a talking head or a panellist and we would yarn. Nice guy, that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Did global warming stop in 1998?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Did global warming stop in ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Arguing over a moot point.
    I have been following recent debates in the corporate and social media about whether it is a good idea for NZ to join what is known as “AUKUS Pillar Two.” AUKUS is the Australian-UK-US nuclear submarine building agreement in which … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • No Longer Trusted: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    Turning Point: “What has turned me away from the mainstream news media is the very strong message that its been sending out for the last few years.” “And what message might that be?” “That the people who own it, the people who run it, and the people who provide its content, really don’t ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Mortgage rates at 10% anyone?
    No – nothing about that in PM Luxon’s nine-point plan to improve the lives of New Zealanders. But beyond our shores Jamie Dimon, the long-serving head of global bank J.P. Morgan Chase, reckons that the chances of a goldilocks soft landing for the economy are “a lot lower” than the ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    6 days ago

  • Sad tales from the left
    Michael Bassett writes –  Have you noticed the odd way in which the media are handling the government’s crackdown on surplus employees in the Public Service? Very few reporters mention the crazy way in which State Service numbers rocketed ahead by more than 16,000 during Labour’s six years, ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • In Whose Best Interests?
    On The Spot: The question Q+A host, Jack Tame, put to the Workplace & Safety Minister, Act’s Brooke van Velden, was disarmingly simple: “Are income tax cuts right now in the best interests of lowering inflation?”JACK TAME has tested another MP on his Sunday morning current affairs show, Q+A. Minister for Workplace ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Don’t Question, Don’t Complain.
    It has to start somewhereIt has to start sometimeWhat better place than here?What better time than now?So it turns out that I owe you all an apology.It seems that all of the terrible things this government is doing, impacting the lives of many, aren’t necessarily ‘bad’ per se. Those things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Auckland faces 25% water inflation shock
    Three Waters became a focus of anti-Government protests under Labour, but its dumping by the new Government hasn’t solved councils’ funding problems and will eventually hit the back pockets of everyone. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 8:06 am today are:The Government ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Small accomplishments and large ironies
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VII
    In order to catch up to the actual progress of the D&D campaign, I present you with another couple of sessions. These were actually held back to back, on a Monday and Tuesday evening. Session XV Alas, Goatslayer had another lycanthropic transformation… though this time, he ran off into the ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    6 days ago

  • Accelerating the Growth Rate?
    There is a constant theme from the economic commentariat that New Zealand needs to lift its economic growth rate, coupled with policies which they are certain will attain that objective. Their prescriptions are usually characterised by two features. First, they tend to be in their advocate’s self-interest. Second, they are ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • The only thing we have to fear is tenants themselves
    1. Which of these acronyms describes the experience of travelling on a Cook Strait ferry?a. ROROb. FOMOc. RAROd. FMLAramoana, first boat ever boarded by More Than A Feilding, four weeks after the Wahine disaster2. What is the acronym for the experience of watching the government risking a $200 million break ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Peters talks of NZ “renewing its connections with the world” – but who knew we had been discon...
    Buzz from the Beehive The thrust of the country’s foreign affairs policy and its relationship with the United States have been addressed in four statements from the Beehive over the past 24 hours. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters somewhat curiously spoke of New Zealand “renewing its connections with a world ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    14 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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 ...
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    3 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
    3 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
    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    3 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    4 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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
    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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 ...
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    7 days 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

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
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    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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