Daily Review 09/09/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 pm, September 9th, 2015 - 58 comments
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Key magazine

Daily review is also your post.

This provides Standardistas the opportunity to review events of the day.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Don’t forget to be kind to each other.

58 comments on “Daily Review 09/09/2015 ”

  1. Paul 1

    The fact that Tony Abbott’s racist government has taken 12 000 refugees while we can make only 600 is shameful for Key.

    • Muttonbird 1.1

      Key’s reason for the low emergency intake is that NZ lacks the infrastructure and services required to accomodate more in a way which provides decent outcomes for both refugees and for the country.

      This is a frank admission that infrastructure and services have have not been updated sufficiently under his watch.

      • Paul 1.1.1

        That is simply an excuse.
        The infrastructure could be built.
        Easily.

        • Muttonbird 1.1.1.1

          Indeed, but social services have been gutted by his ideology and to reverse that would be an admission the ideology is wrong.

          • mickysavage 1.1.1.1.1

            The new buildings at the Mangere centre are coming on line. Makes you think the Government could keep the old resources running for a while and that way they could really increase the number of refugees they could deal with.

        • weka 1.1.1.2

          “That is simply an excuse.
          The infrastructure could be built.
          Easily.”

          They should put Gerry Brownlee in charge of that.

          • Clemgeopin 1.1.1.2.1

            Or Murray McCully the master builder who built a fantastic fancy sheep farm in Saudi Arabia somewhere in the centre of the Sahara desert for only $11.5 million to house about 900 sheep, many of which sadly or happily entered their sheep heaven before even reaching their destination. I suspect none have survived now and have probably been long turned into ‘Dum Biryani’ gracing many a dining table of Sheiks and sultanas under sunset and al kuhool. Salaam!…good luck with that.

            Recipe:
            http://sharmilazkitchen.com/hyderabadi-dum-biryani/

      • Lanthanide 1.1.2

        In John Campbell’s first piece of journalism since being sacked by TV3 a few months back, this morning on National Radio he interviewed people at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre.

        There were two interesting pieces of new information in his piece:
        1. NZ is the only country in the world that has a single centre that all refugees go to when they first enter the country. They stay for 6 weeks before being moved on to one of a few cities in NZ (Christchurch was notably absent; only Nelson from the South Island was included).

        2. They can currently accommodate 150 refugees at a time, but a $5M upgrade that is already underway will take this capacity to 190 mid next year. This upgrade was included in National’s 2014 budget.

    • Clemgeopin 1.2

      Yes, I agree. The government should have supported, allowed and passed the two proposed motions by Labour and the Greens (immediate extra 750 emergency intake, and permanent increase to at least1,000 per year instead of the current 750).
      We do have a vacuous and crap of a government here.
      ————
      On a related matter, I read two articles today giving a different perspective on this refugee/immigrant issue in Europe where Germany is taking in over 800,0000 and the super wealthy/sparsely populated Gulf countries where the intake is practically zero:

      [1] Migrant crisis: Why the Gulf states are not letting Syrians in
      http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-34173139?ocid=socialflow_twitter

      [2] Germany: Moral leader or misguided?
      http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34185970
      ————

      • foreign waka 1.2.1

        The golf region countries and the US are heavily involved of creating the situation in the first place. If such an undertaking is planed, there is also collateral damage calculated.
        These states don’t really care about people, people are expendable. I mean -really truly.
        Saudi Arabia is the cradle of the Wahhabism, developed into an extreme form of Islam. The European parliament has identified this faith as the main source of terrorism. Perhaps this is not explained in the Anglo Saxon world.
        For a refugee to settle in Saudi Arabia or Qatar would be akin to going into a lions den.
        As for the US, I don’t have much respect for their dictatorship by the rich. So far 1500 refugees were allowed into the US. That says it all.

        • Clemgeopin 1.2.1.1

          “The golf region countries”

          Why would anyone reject such regions? Unless one doesn’t have a bag, may be.
          Key, Obama and Trump would jump at the chance.

      • RedBaronCV 1.2.2

        there’s a ranch in Texas that should be housing more than a few…

  2. Clemgeopin 2

    A Quiz for you:

    Adam has posted earlier today, that today, 9 September, is Bernie Sander’s birthday.
    http://thestandard.org.nz/sanders-leads-clinton/#comment-1068642

    Name the following people who were also born on 9 Sept:

    [A] A celebrated writer, a recognized moralist and a distinguished social reformer born in Yasnaya Polyana and is regarded as a great literary giant.

    [B] A kiwi model turned actor, born in Glenfield, and who starred in a film with Daryl Hannah.

    [C] American businessman and entrepreneur born in Indiana and who sold his business for $2 million dollars in 1964, i.e, 51 years ago.

  3. swordfish 3

    Latest Colmar Brunton once again places combined Oppo support ahead of Govt support.

    So much for the Key/National “defying gravity”/”as popular as ever”/”far more popular than the Third Term Clark Govt” meme being pushed by the Herald on Sunday and dutifully regurgitated by Jane Clifton in this week’s Listener.

    (See my scrutiny of their claims here …….. http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-06092015/#comment-1067612 )

    Quite a bit of angst was expressed on the Left-leaning blogosphere when the latest Roy Morgan and Herald-DigiPolls came out, suggesting the Nats were up on 50-51%. Like I said at the time, wait for the 2 TV polls.

    Tragically, though (and all-too-predictably) One News Pol Editor Corin Dann’s analysis is woefully misplaced: “National is continuing to ride high in the polls…the result will be a big confidence boost to National and John Key……..National doesn’t appear to be suffering in the polls……..on these numbers, National would appear to be as strong as ever……..Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high……..”

    Ahhh, Corin, please understand that almost the entire Government/Right Bloc vote now coalesces tightly around National. 47% just aint enough. The Oppo Bloc is on 51%……….
    ….you know……..a majority.

    The Oppo Bloc is up about 7 points on the 2014 Election, the Right Bloc down about 5 points.
    The Nat vote is “holding up” because of that collapsed support for their Little Helpers on the Right.

    (Note to Mr Pete George and one or two Tories on KiwiBlog………Yes, I’m well aware that NZF support for a Labour Govt isn’t guaranteed. We’ll take that as read. Is more likely than not however)

    • Anne 3.1

      How about you send this comment to Corin Dann for his edification and education swordfish. He will be so grateful to you for putting him on the right track. 🙂

      Seriously why don’t you. Give the little p***k a sharp poke in the eye. To be fair, he’s not as bad as Gower – or maybe he is but more subtle about it.

      If these two truly believe the shit they sometimes talk then their knowledge and comprehension of political polls in particular falls woefully short of acceptable and they should be kicked out of their respective positions.

      • Clemgeopin 3.1.1

        A number of our journalists/political commentators are not at all intelligent, learned or objective, and more importantly not fair or objective. Some of them, like Hosking and Henry are permanently attached to Key’s bottom jowls, while some others seem to be longing to join those two sucklers.

        Here is the thing:
        National at the last election had a party support of 1,131,501 votes=47.04%

        Labour/Greens then had a party support of
        LABOUR=604,534 votes, 25.13%
        Greens =257,356 votes, 10.70%
        A combined vote of 861,890=35.83%
        A poor result with a lag from National of 269,611 votes or 11.24%

        Now today’s poll shows that Nats are at 47%
        And Labour and Greens have 32%+12%=44%
        Labour has improved by 7% and the Greens by over 1%.
        Compared to the election result, National have “improved” by 0% on their own, while Labour and the Greens have actually IMPROVED by 44%-36%=8%!

        And get this:
        The gap between National Vs Lab/green which was at 11% at last election just 11 months ago, is now ONLY 3% ! That is quite a big improvement actually. Isn’t it?

        So what the bloody hell is wrong with the NZH and Corin Dann! Did they not check the figures, have made an inadvertent error or are they playing dirty politics?

        • Anne 3.1.1.1

          …are they playing dirty politics?

          Pretty much the latter in that they grasp at anything which shows National and Key in a good light because they are tribal National. Simple as that. They choose to ignore the well known fact that prime ministers always get a much larger vote over the opposition leader because they are the prime minister and therefore better known. It’s hard for us political addicts to comprehend, but there’s a mass of people out there of all ages who only know the name of the prime minister. So, when they are confronted with the question “who would you like as PM” they say the only name they know which is currently John Key. They’re not going to own up to the fact they don’t know who the other leaders are.

          That’s why the gap always narrows in the three months leading up to an election because for the first time some of those people discover the names of the other leaders in contention.

        • UniBoy_YoungVoter 3.1.1.2

          Clemgeopin, I think that is a very big call you announced there?

          You stated what Dann’s characteristics – you have not said what he has done. I am not convinced, that your opinion on Dann is fair, do you have any sources that can back up what you said?

          In this respect, if you think Dann is not so competent, what about the agenda of New Zealand’s media?

          • Clemgeopin 3.1.1.2.1

            Yes, I accept that I was rather too severe in my criticism of Corin Dann which was prompted by his headline in the transcript, which said,

            ” What rough patch? National and Key riding high in ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll”

            https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/what-rough-patch-national-and-key-riding-high-in-one-news-colmar-brunton-poll-q09860.html

            To me, a more objective and fairer headline would be something like:

            “National has made zero progress from its election result”

            “Labour and the Greens have steadily increased their party vote by 8%”

            or,

            “Labour and the Greens narrow a 11% gap from National to just 3% in under eleven months”

            • UniBoy_YoungVoter 3.1.1.2.1.1

              Why do you think the media or specifically TVNZ, has broadcasted this news story in this manner. It has convinced me that TVNZ is playing a game of bias, yes I have read and watch the link that you shared with me. Thank you.

              Thinking about the headlines you provided, yes I can see your version of your truth. I strongly believe that this does extend my questioning of TVNZ’s agenda. You really think it’s Dirty Politics? Clemgeopin, maybe you are thinking a bit too much, with all due respect.

              But is political journalist, fair though?

              Honestly – I do appreciate your statistics and mathematics. I am sure TVNZ and Dann do not.

              Golden question – why haven’t they done what you did?

              Political journalism – it’s not fair isn’t it?

              Now you have mentioned the New Zealand Herald, what’s that all about?

              • Clemgeopin

                If it is not dirty politics, then the report at least shows that these journalists do not seem to take Key or National to task/in depth questioning for even very serious scandals such as Saudi sheep, Pony tail pulling, Asset sales, Airport gate jumping, Misuse of money and Government Porkies etc).

                In other words the journos seem to be afraid or prejudiced in favour of the RW.

                They paint National in a positive way and Labour in a negative way. That is wrong/dishonest for any objective journalist with integrity to do.

                • UniBoy_YoungVoter

                  Strongly agree. I think its prejudice rather than fear. Yes, I can agree with your ideas on this press’s favour for the right wing. It was on the back of my mind.

                  It is a wrong and dishonest for any objective journalist without integrity.

                  So journalism is not fair. News is not fair.

                  I think the example that you provided does explain it all and what you said about “What rough patch? National and Key riding high in ONE News Colmar Brunton Poll”.

                  What about pro-Labour, or pro left wing news press? Would they paint National in a negative way and Labour in a positive way.

                  Would that lack in integrity in political journalism? I think so.

                  Like I said earlier, I do think its prejudice rather than fear that shapes news and journalism’s agenda.

        • Johan 3.1.1.3

          It is obvious that Dirty politics has and will play a major roll in retaining Key and National as the governing body in NZ.
          Broadcasters, whether on radio or TV are on the whole biased in favour of right-wing parties. They in effect are scared to lose their jobs, eg John Campbell, if they are seen to be rocking the boat. We in NZ do not have an effective Fourth Estate, to stave-off political corruption.

    • Paul 3.2

      Dreadful reporting by Dann.
      Just another paid puppet.
      Another contemptible sell out.

    • swordfish 3.3

      Colmar Brunton also finds Pessimism on the economy unusually high at 45%, optimism has plunged to 33%. Until the July poll, optimism had massively outstripped pessimism throughout 2014 and 2015.

      As for Dann’s assertion that “Key’s personal approval ratings also continue to ride high”

      Key’s on 40% Preferred PM in this Colmar Brunton poll, his post-2014 Election average in the TV polls is 41% and his average over the last 4 TV polls is just a smidgen above 39%.

      Compare that to his average Preferred PM ratings in the Colmar Brunton and Reid Research Polls over recent years:
      52% in 2011, 51% in 2009, 48% in 2010, 45% last year.

      He’s currently receiving very similar ratings to Helen Clark at the same point in her third term.

      Far too often this steady fall in support for Key is overlooked or downplayed by journalists placing all the analytical focus on the gap between Key and Little.

      The detailed Reid Research ratings on a whole lot of diverse measurements surrounding leadership attributes reinforce this evidence of a slow but relatively steady fall from grace for our hyperactive PM.

      • Paul 3.3.1

        Dann is lying for his corporate masters.

        • UniBoy_YoungVoter 3.3.1.1

          And whom would the corporate masters be? A certain media domain? government organization?

          • Grant 3.3.1.1.1

            Grammar police here. It’s which not whom.

            • Muttonbird 3.3.1.1.1.1

              That’s today’s University education for you.

            • Neville Longbottom 3.3.1.1.1.2

              Comma after ‘which’. Grammar Armed Defenders Squad here

              • Grant

                Yes, possibly, but the omitted comma is a Summary Offences matter, whereas the which / whom error falls under the Crimes Act.

                • Neville Longbottom

                  There is no such thing as the Summary Offences and there is no such thing as the Crimes Act.

                  • lprent

                    That must have fooled generations of criminal lawyers in NZ. But I really suspect that you are just some kind of delusional dickhead who is inadequate at explaining their ‘logic”. In other words some kind of a nutter.

                    Summary Offenses Act 1981
                    Crimes Act

                    I’d point out that it usually isn’t wise to be noticed by me as either when I am moderating. I find that they equate to “troll” and I like seeing how low they can be crushed. Read the policy.

                    You are less likely to have such problems if you explain your ideas clearly. While the other commentators may ridicule your ideas and demonstrate their flaws, they can’t really humiliate you and then ban you the way that I can.

      • Smilin 3.3.2

        Keys popularity “a figment of the imagination” stumped up with bullshit figures

  4. Grey Area 4

    Stuff reports that “Serco facing more than $1m in fines for Mt Eden prison failings”.

    The so-called “fines” are in fact reductions in the potential performance bonuses it can earn under its contract.

    Wouldn’t a fine be financial penalty it has to actually pay rather than simply a reduction in the bonuses it can earn as part of its service contract?

    Interestingly I saw the same story first leading on the National Herald mobile app before it disappeared.

  5. Northshoredoc 5

    “Homeopathy conference ends in chaos

    An alternative medicine conference has ended with dozens of delegates being hospitalised after taking hallucinogenic drugs.

    The patients, aged between 24 and 56, were found suffering from delusions, breathing problems, increased heart rates, and cramps, with some in a serious condition, Deutsche Welle reported.

    Broadcaster NDR described the patients as “staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps”. ”

    😆 suffering from delusions..staggering around, rolling in a meadow, talking gibberish and suffering severe cramps 😆

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/71907286/homeopathy-conference-ends-in-chaos

    • greywarshark 5.1

      This doesn’t sound like regular homeopaths to me, nor naturopaths but more probably the description “alternative medicine practitioners” would be right. I wonder if correct meaning has been lost in translation.

      From stuff report.
      The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.

      In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.
      “The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.
      The drug is classed as relatively new and not widely available. In New Zealand it is a Class C controlled substance, meaning it is banned.

      • weka 5.1.1

        I’m guessing there are multiple translation and media reporting issues.

        Interesting that nsd is so guillible.

        • northshoredoc 5.1.1.1

          @weka

          Just as well the drug they were poisoned with caused heart and breathing irregularities and severe cramps as no one would have guessed there was anything wrong with them if the only symptoms were delusions, talking gibberish and rolling around in a meadow.

          • weka 5.1.1.1.1

            Ok, nasty and guillible.

            You wanted to slur homeopathy and homeopaths and presumably people who go to them. You picked something off the internet that is obviously hugely problematic in terms of both information and reliability and you posted it on a political blog.

            Or maybe you just lack the critical thinking skills when it comes to things you have large bias against.

            Or maybe you thought it was funny, ha ha those idiotic homeopaths being poisoned.

            Seriously, it’s hard to know what you were thinking when you posted that, but I’d guess prejudice underlies all of it.

            • northshoredoc 5.1.1.1.1.1

              @Weka… there, there diddums.

              Go and have some herbal tea diluted 1:100,000,000.

              • weka

                and there we have the sum of your ability to debate. Get to the point of not being able to discuss the issues and your true nature is revealed.

                • northshoredoc

                  “Get to the point of not being able to discuss the issues and your true nature is revealed.”

                  Oh the irony 😆

    • John Shears 5.2

      Ah!!!! but at the end of the Stuff article that you posted it says :-

      “The Association of German Healing Practitioners (VDH), which represents homeopaths as well as other naturopaths, quickly distanced itself from the incident.

      In a statement, it said none of its representatives were at the conference.

      “The organisers of this obscure conference are unknown to us and such events will not be tolerated by our Association,” a spokesperson said.”

      So not actually a Homeopathic Conference at all and the cause
      was 2C-E a drug banned in NZ and in Germany.

      Are you trying to be scaremonger? Try a bit more water in your
      favourite tipple, it might help or is it the Electric Puha, whatever.
      On the other hand perhaps Specsavers might be the answer.

    • KeepLeft 5.3

      This is a hit by Big Pharma on alt. medicine cos alt. medicine threatens the capitalistic status quo! Just look at the TPPA!!! People could have died! There are even RWNJs making jokes about how the patients overdosed because they forgot to take their medicine. Not funny!

  6. Draco T Bastard 6

    John Skelton’s “Speke Parott”

    If you ever thought you could go back in time and speak the lingo 😈

  7. adam 7

    Did anyone else notice this burred in the business section of the Herald?

    http://m.nzherald.co.nz/employment-relations/news/article.cfm?c_id=189&objectid=11509633

    My guess a wet bus ticket and a strongly worded, tusk tusk.

    The future people, as long as we have a Tory government hell bent of scaring the middle class out of existence.

    • Draco T Bastard 7.1

      My guess a wet bus ticket and a strongly worded, tusk tusk.

      Yeah, pretty much. What needs to happen is that these exploiters have everything taken from them, they get jailed for several years and they’re never allowed to own a business or be in a management position ever again.

    • John Shears 7.2

      @Adam thanks for reminding me I saw the headline but missed reading the article. Scumbags like that should be deported.

    • Johan 7.3

      Indian bosses are noted to be one of the worse to exploit their workers. Just examine what happens in their, so-called democratic homeland. Money is their god without doubt.

  8. Tautoko Mangō Mata 8

    Robert Reich article plus trailer for his film titled “Inequality for all”

    “A Crisis of Public Morality, Not Private Morality
    America’s problems have nothing to do with what happens bedrooms, or whether women are allowed to end their pregnancies.

    Our problems have everything to do with what occurs in boardrooms, and whether corporations and wealthy individuals are allowed to undermine our democracy.”
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-reich/a-crisis-of-public-morali_b_8105366.html

  9. Smilin 10

    KEY “Hair today gone tomorrow” lets hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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