Daily Review 19/09/2017

Written By: - Date published: 5:30 pm, September 19th, 2017 - 124 comments
Categories: Daily review - Tags:

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 …

Graphic courtesy of the outstanding @nzsaysfun

124 comments on “Daily Review 19/09/2017 ”

    • Union city greens 1.1

      So, who are you voting for, Adam?

      • adam 1.1.1

        Your mum.

        Ludicrousness enough response to your fetish?

        • Union city greens 1.1.1.1

          Simple enough question, Bra. Who you voting for?

          • mickysavage 1.1.1.1.1

            So UCG who are you going to vote for and why? Simple enough question …

            • Union city greens 1.1.1.1.1.1

              Easy to answer and happy to do so. Thanks for the opportunity to play.

              Electorate is a tactical vote for labour. Because they have the best chance to unseat the sitting national member.
              Party vote is for the greens. Because their policies are more left than labour, and with luck, in government, they’ll stop the reds from being national lite. One can hope, any way.

              So, second intervention of yours in a couple of days on my posts.
              Seeing as we’re playing questions, what’s your angle?

    • Anne 1.2

      I note more people think National are best on new transport infrastructure. I guess most of them are thinking of the Waterview tunnel. That was a Labour initiative. National just got to be in power when it finished. 🙄

      • adam 1.2.1

        Yeah that one was odd, couple it with the design disaster in Onehunga, plus the roads of national importance looking as bad as people predicted. I’m not sure what people are thinking.

      • james 1.2.2

        of course National made it an extra lane each way and delivered it for 700 million cheaper than what labour were going to do (even with less lanes).

        https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/96543448/factchecking-waterview-tunnel-claims

        • Draco T Bastard 1.2.2.1

          And destroyed several communities while ‘saving’ that money.

          I think we’ll find that the extra damage to those communities will far outweigh the monetary savings.

          EDIT: And there seems to some debate about just how much the government ‘saved’.

          In 2009, NZTA made a presentation claiming the Clark government proposal would cost $2.77b for twin two-lane bored tunnels or $3.1b for a three-lane version.

          But this number included improvements to State Highways 20 and 16, and it is not clear if the cost can be directly compared to the government’s headline cost for the tunnel itself of $1.4b.

          A fairer comparison could be to the cost of the entire Western Ring Route, which NZTA has priced at $2.4b.

          $300m is piddly.

        • Trewindle 1.2.2.2

          Good, that would make up for the lanes they chopped off the Harbour bridge then had to add back on a few years later, which are now showing signs of fatigue…

      • Muttonbird 1.2.3

        Bingles has shamelessly used the Waterview tunnel in his campaigning. They even did campaign ads there before it opened and have used photo material extensively.

        They don’t own that tunnel at all.

      • mickysavage 1.2.4

        Its a function of the simplicity of the debate, moar roads means less congestion.

        A whole lot of education is required to persuade people otherwise and one of the main parties is not interested in having the debate …

  1. patricia bremner 2

    Sad to hear Jacinda has lost her Grandmother. It is comforting to know she will have Gaylord travelling with her from now on with the funeral Friday morning. The small hours can be lonely away from home in these circumstances.

    • JC 2.1

      Huge Condolences! (Sincerely)

      … listening to Jacinda Ardern on Checkpoint just now. (Link not up yet)

      John Campbell concluding asked if she would be the next PM?

      To which she replied: ” Yes I am!

      kia kaha Jacinda !

      Great Interview, I can now understand the Stardust!

    • AmaKiwi 2.3

      What happens to tomorrow’s final leaders debate?

      Having been through the grieving process many times, including the death of my spouse, I would recommend she NOT debate. If she debates, she will lose. She cannot possibly be mentally and emotionally in top form.

      Being politically hard nosed about it, Jacinda could justifiably cancel. It would win sympathy votes. It would highlight National’s health failures.

      • Anne 2.3.1

        I’m inclined to agree with you AmaKiwi. Its easy to think you’re alright but in fact you are not as anyone who has been through the process would know.

        Grant Robertson would be a suitable replacement given he is shadow Minister of Finance. He was exceptional debating with Steven Joyce a week ago.

  2. Anne 3

    Another CB poll being released on TV1 tomorrow at 6pm. I suppose this one will register the momentum gained by National over their attack and scaremongering strategy – not to mention the despicable lies.

  3. Its Jed Clampetts fault !!!

    Him and his consarn shotgun !!!

    Now nobody’s going anywhere’s fast !!!

    Beverly Hillbillies Theme Song – YouTube
    beverly hillbillies song▶ 0:54
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwzaxUF0k18

  4. Trey 5

    Jesus Paddy needs to settle down. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. His National paymasters will not be happy with this.
    http://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/national/comment-national-guilty-of-biggest-campaign-lie/ar-AAscsnt?li=AAaeXZz&ocid=ientp

  5. james 6

    This is great news (assuming that the poll is accurate):

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/poll-clear-majority-for-kelvin-davis-in-te-tai-tokerau.html

    Great to have Harawira kept out. Parliament (who ever is leading it) is a better place without him (on the odd occasion he turned up).

    • garibaldi 6.1

      That is bad news. Hone was one of the best Mp’s in the house. A straight talker with no bullshit – the complete opposite of National.

      • james 6.1.1

        I agree he is the exact opposite of National – thank goodness.

        He’s a disgusting person.

        • Muttonbird 6.1.1.1

          ‘Disgusting’ is not the opposite of National.

          • james 6.1.1.1.1

            I respectfully disagree.

            But everyone is entitled to their views.

            • Robert Guyton 6.1.1.1.1.1

              Including Hone. He doesn’t need someone like you calling him “disgusting” for expressing his views, does he, james?

              • james

                when his views are disgusting – then yes.

                • Robert Guyton

                  So James, I noticed you posted some disgusting comments of your own at 8:46, then deleted them shortly afterwards. Given that they were disgusting, and you authored them yourself, ought we to call you “disgusting” from here on? By your reasoning and claim, it seems we should. Fair enough, though it goes against the grain; you’re disgusting, James.
                  Edit – and now, look what you’ve started! Reason is calling you names, James! Remember, when you point a finger at someone, there are 3 fingers pointing back at you!

                  • james

                    You know that they were all Hone quotes with just the race reversed right?

                    And I prefaced it with “do you think the following comments are racist”.

                    Obviously you agree with me that Hones comments are disgusting. Top man.

                    • Robert Guyton

                      I didn’t see anything other than your own disgusting comments, James; the ones you eventually deleted. Sadly, you’ve cast a stone that’s bounced back and caught you smack in the eye. You know what they say about throwing stones, James? Ruins the look of the best-kept glasshouse.

                    • you’re just a dimwit james – nothing a noddy like you says is meaningful – Hone was correct in targeting little bias pricks like you

                • Cinny

                  nah james, Hones ‘Feed the Kids’ bill is not a disgusting view and I’m so happy that others are keeping it going no matter what his electorate result.

                  dude, you are busy on here wasn’t going to comment cause I thought you were getting enough attention already, but I had to say something because I’m a strong supporter of that particular bill.

            • NewsFlash 6.1.1.1.1.2

              James, I’d probably vote National too but they LIE too much and can’t be trusted with anything, so maybe this time I’ll vote for someone else who’s honesty is still regarded as a VIRTUE

        • Ian 6.1.1.2

          Looks like he is not going back on the gravy train. His attendance record at parliament broke all records for not turning up.Kept getting paid though. Gosh’some people have short memories.

      • reason 6.1.2

        Hi and Cheers garibaldi …. I’m replying to your comment below of this post as the reply button is not showing to me on that one …

        But when it comes to disgusting Politicians ….. its hard to trump John Key or Judith Collins …

        Pike River and John Key refusing to pay Government compensation to victims families ….despite Government culpbability …. and also despite the Government pocketing millions in insurance payouts ….. http://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/9399690/PM-avoiding-Pike-River-payout

        “families received the news that the Government had refused to stump up with the $3.41 million reparation ”with an air of resignation and sadness”.

        Its still National party policy and its still disgusting …………..

        James is a race to the bottom type guy …………….

    • ScottGN 6.2

      I reckon Davis will win TTT but I also reckon those Newshub Māori seat polls are rubbish.

    • Ad 6.3

      Kelvin is a good unit, and will keep drilling into the Corrections culture whether in government or not.

      Great to catch up with him at the Avondale Markets on the weekend.

    • CC 6.4

      Great news? The loss of a seat to a progressive coalition that needs a stalwart to accommodate the ‘far’ left support is pretty disappointing.

    • reason 6.5

      Hone Harawira was fighting racism when National was supporting it ……

      More recently he was for feeding hungry NZ schoolkids …..

      What other things do you dislike him for James ? ?

      • james 6.5.1

        fighting racism?

        ***Edit – I put some Hone quotes here (with edits) – but decided to delete, as well – they are racist as hell.

        Besides that – he’s a sell out – see the whole Kim Dotcom thing.. what a guy

        • Muttonbird 6.5.1.1

          Would it surprise you to know I feel the same way about David Seymour? To me he is the worst kind of human pond scum in politics, after David Garrett of course.

        • reason 6.5.1.2

          Well Nelson Mandela would disagree with you ….. and was lifted by people like Hone fighting racism when National were supporting it …..

          All the countries who boycotted and ruined the Montreal Olympics because of Nationals support of contact with racist Apartheid South Africa would also disagree with you ……

          The fact he supported hungry white kids getting fed in schools ….. as well as the brown ones ……… also tends to disagree with you.

          The fact is James your an apologist for a Government that resides over a murderous suicide rate for Maori ….

          Let me say as one Pakeha to another….You are a white maggot who talks bile ……

          By actually listening to interviews of Hone ….. a much different Man emerges than your NAct party smears/spin

          You racist maggot

          • james 6.5.1.2.1

            “Racist Maggot” – classy (and amazing funny).

            • Robert Guyton 6.5.1.2.1.1

              James – can I help? You’ve waded in to waters over your head. You can’t see that you’re insulting a person reason respects, and doing so gratuitously. Reason has explained his reasoning clearly, but you’ve persisted to the point where reason has labled you “a white maggot who talks bile”. Perhaps an apology from you would help? There was no need for your unpleasantness and there are others here who find your (disgusting) comments offensive. Can righties like you say sorry?

              • james

                Robert – I love how you follow me around commenting on my comments like a wee puppy dog.

                When Im in the wrong (as I have been) – I have apologised.

                I couldn’t give a flying fudge if reason respects Hone – I dont – and I do think hes a disgusting person.

                • Robert Guyton

                  So, not a glimmer of self-awareness here, James?
                  No matter. I wasn’t really expecting any, it’s just that you said, and I quote;
                  “I respectfully disagree.”
                  I’m just trying to pin down what you meant by “respectfully”, ’cause, you know, your behaviour belies your words.

                • In Vino

                  Shallow and simple, huh?

                • reason

                  Others can listen to Hone and make up their own minds ……. James will be the one who comes out looking disgusting …..

                  I think the first link dealing with Teina Pora is perhaps the best ….

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOpvCyJPMgU

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhx5VDWVv0M

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj2Oan7YW4Y

                • Ian

                  Robert seems to have forgotten how Hone got besotted with the fat german ‘s money , and sold his soul to the devil. But Robert speaks in lovely prose and is authoritive and this is his feeding ground so be warned young fellow.

                  • reason

                    Hone does not have $8 million of pseudo anonymous donations like National gathers ….. let alone the ones we know about ….

                    22 November 2011: National Party receives $50,0000 donation from Citi Financial Group. Shareholders: Yan Yang and Qiang Wei. (Source) (Source)

                    22 November 2011: National Party receives $1,600 from Oravida NZ. (Source) (Source)

                    26 November 2011: NZ General Election

                    30 November 2011: National Party receives further $55,000 donation from Oravida NZ. (Source) (Source)

                    27 January 2012: Government ministers approve Shanghai Pengxin’s application to purchase 16 Crafar farms. https://fmacskasy.wordpress.com/tag/crafar-farms/

                    When one listens to Hone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOpvCyJPMgU

                    ……… you understand that the James and Ians are speaking Bill shit ….. Dirty politics, the latest chapter being written in real time.

                    I’ve also taken note that James thought a post mentioning our disgraceful murderous suicide rate for Maori …. and my insult in relation to that …. to be “amazing funny) ”

                    laugh like a racist James …………

                    Hones a much better man than you ……….

                  • Hanswurst

                    The salient point for me is that I’ve always been pretty clear on where Hone Harawira stands politically, regardless of what money has or hasn’t been behind his campaigns. For that reason, I think it can be categorically stated that any attempt to discredit his policies on the grounds of association with Dotcom is a smear (also, anyone who uses the expression “the fat German” is categorically a dick).

                    • garibaldi

                      I logged off last night after telling James that Hone was a good MP.
                      Great to read the responses this morning. Thank you all (especially Reason) for supporting Hone against the right wing bile and bigotry from the likes of James and Ian.
                      Hopefully on Saturday we can relieve the Country from that sort of leadership.
                      Party vote Green.

    • millsy 6.6

      Hone is notas left as everyone thinks he is. When he was in the Maori Party he supported welfare reform and privatisation of social services.

    • swordfish 6.7

      How accurate ?

      September 15, 2014 Reid Research-Māori TV poll (Te Tai Tokerau)
      Vs 2014 Election Result:

      ………..………………….Poll …… Election Result
      Electorate Vote
      •Harawira, Mana … 45% … … 41% … – 4
      •Davis, Labour …. .. 44% .… .. 45% … + 1
      •Paenga, Maori …. . 11% … … 12% … + 1
      •Dearlove, Ind …… …1% … …… 2% … + 1

      (2014 poll included those Unsure = so I re-calculated to make comparable)
      .

  6. ianmac 7

    Remember the Kids interview each of the Leaders Part 2 tonight at 8-9pm on TV1.
    Strangely engaging. English is first up tonight – started last night. English, Winston, & Seymour tonight.

  7. Trey 9

    Maori Television has the Maori electorates debate on tonight. It has been well worth the watch. Te Tai Tokerau is on at the moment. Marama Davidson earlier on has had the best comment of the evening. Tax is sharing.

  8. AsleepWhileWalking 11

    Heartwarming election story

    “A passionate Labour supporter died less than two weeks before voting opened, but his message has reached thousands.

    Rangiora community stalwart Peter Allen – who suffered from motor neurone disease – died on August 30, 12 days before early voting began.”

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/96987242/staunch-labour-supporter-leaves-dying-message-ahead-of-elections

  9. millsy 12

    I have this nagging feeling in the back of my head that National is going to win, and win big.

    Jacinda will be grieving from the death of her nana, when tomorrow’s debate happens. English will take full advantage of this and destroy her.

    I say this all with sorrow.

    • McFlock 12.1

      Well, anything can happen, but over half a million have voted already. That lowers the impact of the debate.

      Nobody would blame Ardern if she bowed out, and if she doesn’t blinglish can’t be too much of a prick because that’ll backfire. But equally, I’ve seen some folks channel pain quite spectacularly and blow their objective out of the park – then let out the pain in private, later. Obama was in a similar place in ’08.

    • Muttonbird 12.2

      If that’s the case it will be New Zealand’s loss because we’ll have to wait another three years for what absolutely everyone agrees will be the inevitable.

      Horrible to think what further damage to communities National will do in that time and I don’t really understand why, if change and a Labour/Green win is inevitable, people would want to delay it.

      • james 12.2.1

        “I don’t really understand why, if a Labour/Green win is eventually inevitable, people would want to delay it.”

        Well – its eventually inevitable that National will go on to beat them at some point in the future – so they are just skipping a government 😉

        • Muttonbird 12.2.1.1

          As human impact on the environment in terms of population increase and resource usage begins to bite hard, environmental parties and socially conscious parties will become more popular. Consumption parties will become less popular.

          No matter the result on Saturday, these are the death throes of the National government in New Zealand so you’d better enjoy it while it lasts. 🙂

    • james 12.3

      Whilst I would love National to win big – I just cannot see it.

      It really is anyones guess how this is going to unfold – I think it will be close either way.

      I wouldnt blame Ardern if she wanted to pull out of the debate – and if she did English should support that decision.

      • Muttonbird 12.3.1

        You are begging for her to pull out of the debate. Your mates at Kiwiblog were just today saying they suspect Ardern’s grandmother died on purpose this week for the sympathy vote. These are your people we are talking about here.

        • james 12.3.1.1

          actually no – not at all. Im saying if she did, then engligh needs to support that decision – with a bit of class and with respect for the situation.

          if she wants to debate – great.

          and no – any one saying that is not ‘my people’ – just as some of the people on here who say some things arnt ‘your people’ either.

      • Ed 12.3.2

        Why do you want National to win big?
        So they can reduce taxes for the rich even more?
        Pollute our waterways more?
        Destroy our health service more?
        Sell more of our country to foreigners?
        And make James richer.

        • james 12.3.2.1

          well for starters – if National win big – it prob means that the greens and NZ First are less than 5% and hopefully goneburger.

          I’d be happy for a big National win on that basis alone.

          • reason 12.3.2.1.1

            At a time of unprecedented environmental destruction, species extinctions and climate change ………….. James wants to see the Green party gone.

            Obviously a delusional white dinosaur …….

            You should be made to drink our polluted river water James …… until you either wise up ……….. or go extinct.

            • James 12.3.2.1.1.1

              In fairness. I might just get my wish on current polling. So I’m not the only one.

              • reason

                In Fairness ….. you were predicting and lusting for the same thing to happen to British Labour under Corbyn …..

                Being the big David Cameron fan that you are ….. english chap.

                Lets hope your foresight is as good re the greens getting obliterated in New Zealands election ……

                Btw, …..Its quite funny to hear a dinosaur say …… ” So I’m not the only one.” ….. extinction is a group event buddy.

                Just follow the English ……

  10. Woody 13

    Reading Bryce Edwards article earlier regarding the youth quake reminded me of this.
    It’s well known fact that as people get older they tend to become more right wing.
    It’s also a fact that as you get older you lose brain cells.
    I would therefore like to propose that Toryism is a degenerative illness.

  11. National .

    Rowley Birkin QC – Very Drunk, Terrible Flattulence – YouTube
    Video for Rowley Birkin QC – Terrific Snowstorm▶ 1:10
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh8CQRerBVA

  12. joe90 15

    Risk being bystanders in history – the prick’s going to start a war or two and his senate has given him the green light to do whatever tf he wants to.

    Donald Trump will use his first address to the UN general assembly on Tuesday to call for international action to confront North Korea and Iran, which he will portray as twin threats to global security, the White House said.

    The US president will warn member states that they risk being “bystanders in history” if they do not mobilise to confront such threats, according to a senior White House official.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/18/donald-trump-first-speech-un-north-korea-iran?

  13. Oh btw … to the GSCB or whoever who keep hijacking and putting up a ‘your access to this site has been blocked 503 ‘ all night long ,….

    Go fuck yourselves.

    Or then again,… it could be just this , however , … with an election 3 days away and Nationals track record?, … yeah bloody right… :

    Why Do I Get 503 Service Unavailable? – YouTube
    Video for access blocked 503▶ 2:56
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFRMZMVRxk8

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  • Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Geoffrey Miller writes – Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Dune 2, and images of Islam
    Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture ...
    1 day ago
  • New Rail Operations Centre Promises Better Train Services
    Last week Transport Minster Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre. The new train control centre will see teams from KiwiRail, Auckland Transport and Auckland One Rail working more closely together to improve train services across the city. The Auckland Rail Operations Centre in ...
    1 day ago
  • Bernard's six newsy things at 6.36am on Monday, March 18
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson said in an exit interview with Q+A yesterday the Government can and should sustain more debt to invest in infrastructure for future generations. Elsewhere in the news in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 6:36am: Read more ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: Wang Yi’s perfectly-timed, Aukus-themed visit to New Zealand
    Timing is everything. And from China’s perspective, this week’s visit by its foreign minister to New Zealand could be coming at just the right moment. The visit by Wang Yi to Wellington will be his first since 2017. Anniversaries are important to Beijing. It is more than just a happy ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to March 25 and beyond
    TL;DR: The key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to March 18 include:China’s Foreign Minister visiting Wellington today;A post-cabinet news conference this afternoon; the resumption of Parliament on Tuesday for two weeks before Easter;retiring former Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson gives his valedictory speech in Parliament; ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bitter and angry; Winston First
    New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters’s state-of-the-nation speech on Sunday was really a state-of-Winston-First speech. He barely mentioned any of the Government’s key policies and could not even wholly endorse its signature income tax cuts. Instead, he rehearsed all of his complaints about the Ardern Government, including an extraordinary claim ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #11
    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, March 10, 2024 thru Sat, March 16, 2024. Story of the week This week we'll give you a little glimpse into how we collect links to share and ...
    2 days ago
  • Out of Touch.
    “I’ve been internalising a really complicated situation in my head.”When they kept telling us we should wait until we get to know him, were they taking the piss? Was it a case of, if you think this is bad, wait till you get to know the real Christopher, after the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bring out your Dad
    Happy fourth anniversary, Pandemic That Upended Bloody Everything. I have been observing it by enjoying my second bout of COVID. It’s 5.30 on Sunday morning and only now are lights turning back on for me.Allow me to copy and paste what I told reader Sara yesterday:Depleted, fogged and crappy. Resting, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The bewildering world of Chris Luxon – Guns for all, not no lunch for kids
    .“$10 and a target that bleeds” - Bleeding Targets for Under $10!.Thanks for reading Frankly Speaking ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This government appears hell-bent on either scrapping life-saving legislation or reintroducing things that - frustrated critics insist - will be dangerous and likely ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    3 days ago
  • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    It hardly strikes me as fair to criticise a government for doing exactly what it said it was going to do. For actually keeping its promises.”THUNDER WAS PLAYING TAG with lightning flashes amongst the distant peaks. Its rolling cadences interrupted by the here-I-come-here-I-go Doppler effect of the occasional passing car. ...
    3 days ago
  • Manufacturing The Truth.
    Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
    3 days ago
  • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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