web analytics

Death threats and dud deals

Written By: - Date published: 9:10 am, October 29th, 2010 - 78 comments
Categories: business, film, Media - Tags: , ,

Much like the ongoing earthquake aftershocks in Canterbury, the rumblings following on from the tumultuous Hobbit wrangling are going to echo on for some time yet. Today we learn just how extreme some of the anti-union nutters in our country are:

Death threats fly over Hobbit

Actresses and unionists have received threats, including some against their lives, during the heated row over The Hobbit movie. Police have been called and private security arranged for some of those targeted.

The worst threats appear to have been aimed at Australian union boss Simon Whipp and Actors’ Equity organiser Frances Walsh, although actresses Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Robyn Malcolm have also been abused. The threats have become so bad the union has hired a guard for its Auckland office.

The people making such threats are dangerous. They need to be found, and brought before the courts. I hope we hear soon of a sustained police effort to track down the perpetrators. Or are we as a country going to effectively condone these actions by ignoring them?

In other news — I’ve been surprised at some of the media coverage of the Hobbit deal. I was expecting a one way Key love-fest, with little consideration of how the PM’s incompetence has sold us down the river. In fact there is much more balance than I was expecting. Today’s Herald editorial was particularly stinging:

Editorial: Price to keep Hobbit in NZ is extortionate

At some point during the negotiations over The Hobbit, someone should have stepped back and asked how much it was actually worth to this country to keep the filming here.

The hyperbole and hysteria of recent weeks might have led to the assumption that it was a matter of vital importance. Significant enough for Government ministers to be talking to executives of Warner Bros, the project’s financial backer.

And important enough for New Zealand to jettison part of its workplace law and compromise its economic principles. The hyperbole was misplaced. These were places the Government should not have gone in order to secure two films whose benefits are more in the realm of the imponderable than the imposing. …

There was no question of The Hobbit being shot elsewhere before an industrial boycott – lifted before the negotiations began – involving actors wanting to bargain collectively. Warner Bros simply seized the chance to apply pressure on unrelated issues. In both instances, it should have been resisted. The Prime Minister, however, always seemed relaxed about amending the law to provide “clarity” in the film sector. …

At the start of the talks, Mr Key had seemed opposed to providing bigger tax breaks. Unfortunately, his resistance went only so far. Warner Bros should not have got a cent more than was already on the table. …

In any event, the image is already ingrained, and the extra boost that The Hobbit might provide did not justify a greater outlay of taxpayer funds or a workplace law change. Warner Bros is used to playing hard ball. The allure of Hollywood goes far in most corners of the world. It should not have gone so far here. Confirmation that The Hobbit will be shot in this country is welcome. But the cost should not have been anywhere near so extortionate.

As ever, a picture (Emmerson, from The Herald) is worth a thousand words:

Emmerson has pretty much nailed it – though for the last panel I’d have gone with a different Disney character. I’d have gone with Mickey Mouse.

78 comments on “Death threats and dud deals ”

  1. The Chairman 1

    Let us not forget the Trades Hall Bombing was suspected to be aimed at a unionist.

    • Marty G 1.1

      nearly all the political violence in NZ’s history has been the right attacking left – Fredrick John Evans murdered by the police, massey’s cossacks, the special constables, Holland’s ‘state of war’ in 1951, the red squad, trade’s hall.

      violence and poverty – it’s how the elite keep the people down.

      • Daveosaurus 1.1.1

        Don’t forget the murder of Fernando Pereira in 1985 or the murder of Christine Clarke in 1999.

  2. Carol 2

    Yes, that Herald editorial was read from in the House debate this morning by a Labour Party member (Sue Moroney I think), and Hipkins and Grant Robertson. So it’s getting some mileage.

    The Labour Party has proposed an amendment for a sunset clause in the law (to expire on Nov 8). Meteria Turei has said the Greens will vote for the amendment. Turei said that ACT wants to extend the law to all workers. She also asked why the Maori Party is supporting the proposed law and spoke about the way the law will particularly hurt less well-off workers, especially Maori. She talked about how a film like Boy gave opportunities for young Maori actors who had few opportunities generally before that.

    Moroney talked about how other industries, that provide longer term employment than 2 films, could do with the money ($33mill?) . Among the examples whe gave was the racing industry. I’m not sure why she singled out this industry?

    Oh, Beaumont is saying the proposed Labour Amendment for a sunset clause on Nov 8, is appropriate because the NAct change to employment law is a Mickey Mouse one. And she read out & held up the Emerson cartoon with Key as Mickey Mouse.

    • millsy 2.1

      “..Turei said that ACT wants to extend the law to all workers..”.

      One wonders, Carol, if this could be the ultamite goal of this government – to turn every worker into an indenpendent contractor – dont have to sorry about overtime, ACC, sick pay, wages, payroll, even PAYE. Everything is outsourced to the worker. ECA on steriods. Not even Thatcher and Reagan went that far. This can totally do away with collective bargaining and unions. The Hobbit hysteria has certainly created a mood against the unions, and now this leglisation gives National an oppurtunity to smash the unions once and for all.

      The question is, would Key if he wins a second term, have the guts to extend this legislation to all workers. I think he might just have a go.

      Capcha: Bid.

  3. zimmer 3

    I am sure it will be investigated better than the Brash emails.
    I wonder in the old days were scabs threatened at all? I was in March/April 1985 while I worked in a hotel in Queenstown.

    • Gerorge 3.1

      You were probably threatened for being an arse. I see nothing’s changed.

      • zimmer 3.1.1

        no free choice in a union ah, follow the herd, [settle down — r0b].

        • NickS 3.1.1.1

          Well, you did have a choice not to break the picket line and find work elsewhere. As for the threats, definitely not acceptable, but not unexpected given that strikers are the ones putting their arses on the line for decent pay and working conditions, and are going to be fucked off to see others undoing their work.

          And personally, if I took a job off student job search etc, and found out I was going to be breaking a strike line, I’d probably tell the person hiring me to get fucked.

    • Marty G 3.2

      We all know who got the Hollow Men papers and gave them to Hager.

      He’s the Deputy PM.

      • luva 3.2.1

        Source Please……….?????????????????????

        • luva 3.2.1.1

          Your blog you can do what you like but lprent has written below

          [lprent: That is utter bullshit as far as I can see – like so many claims about the unions and unionists that I’ve seen recently.

          Provide a link to something credible (ie a quote from Kelly) where “Helen Kellys claim she was attacked by a lynch mob outside matterhorn” or withdraw it or face a ban for a unsubstantiated assertion of fact. ]

          Now where is something credible that says it was the Deputy PM….

          Over to you Marty G

      • lprent 3.2.2

        I’d have to agree with luva.

        I’ve never seen any definitive evidence that he was the culprit. He does appear to be the most likely source bearing in mind his motive and opportunity however.

        Nicky is probably the only person who could be definite about it, and he isn’t exactly willing to reveal sources.

  4. duh 4

    having seen the you tube footage of the ‘needed a police escort from the restaurant because of an angry mob’ – and it turning out to be just a couple of people politely (but repeatability) asking a simple question and no police in sight – it does make me wonder if this is just another lie trying to get sympathy for Robyn Malcom etc.

    IF its true – then I hope they catch the people – but as anything she says seems to be lies I really want to see proof first.

    • Colonial Viper 4.1

      but as anything she says seems to be lies I really want to see proof first.

      Oh so you’re part of the campaign of personal intimidation and abuse then.

      Shall we get her to forward the faeces mail to your home?

      • duh 4.1.1

        “Oh so you’re part of the campaign of personal intimidation and abuse then.”

        No Clare – thats a bit of a jump. IF it was true I would feel sorry for her and do not for a second support any idiot who would make death threats.

        BUT – like chicken little – you lie enough people stop believing you. And she holds very little weight about being honest.

        As for the “faeces mail” – she stirred shit – so I guess there is some irony in there somewhere.

        • Vicky32 4.1.1.1

          “As for the “faeces mail” – she stirred shit – so I guess there is some irony in there somewhere.”
          That comment makes you a completely offensive jerk. No argument.

        • Frank Macskasy 4.1.1.2

          It seems there is no bounds to the hysteria and vilification on this issue.

          Of course, “Duh”, it’s easy for you to be blase about hate mail, threats, faecal matter, etc, being sent to various people. Those people have stood up publicly to make their voices heard.

          Those who send offensive letters and material, or tacitly accept such cowardly behaviour, usually do so from the safety of anonymity.

    • Joe Bloggs 4.2

      I feel sorry for Malcolm and Jennifer Ward-Lealand in a strange way.

      Both of them have been pushed to the front where they’ve been hung out to dry by the unions.

      Naivety on their parts, maybe, although Malcolm has chosen to become more prominant of late as she eyes up a place on the Green Party list.

      But to get death threats for acting as glove-puppets for Simon Whipp and Helen Kelly? That’s over the top….

      …unless of course these death threats are yet more spin from the MEAA and CTU. The timing for turning villains into victims is awfully convenient. Who’s to know until we see the evidence.

      • Colonial Viper 4.2.1

        Honour to Malcolm and Ward-Lealand for standing tall and strong. They’ve been in the industry long enough to know the cause they are fighting for, even if the Right dismiss the concerns of workers out of hand.

        • Joe Bloggs 4.2.1.1

          You may laud Malcom and Ward-Lealand CV for standing tall and strong.

          But that’s what glove puppets do when the puppeteers have their hands in action. Take away the puppeteers and they return to being limp socks.

          • Frank Macskasy 4.2.1.1.1

            And ironically enough, those who support Warner Bros/Jackson/Key themselves seemed to have been stampeded by mass hysteria. Jackson lamented that we might lose “The Hobbit”, and a segment of society immediatly reacted with moral panic and outrage.

            As someone said, we’ve been “played like chumps”. And some New Zealanders still refuse to see the manipulation that was brought to play against us.

        • SHG 4.2.1.2

          I didn’t see Ward-Lealand standing strong and calling for a boycott on her HUSBAND’s production – the TV show Spartacus, a non-union shoot with conditions for employees far worse than those originally offered by the producers of The Hobbit.

          • Colonial Viper 4.2.1.2.1

            I give them respect for standing up to the big dollar boys from the US. They didn’t do well against them but they stood tall and firm and good on them for doing so.

          • Joe Bloggs 4.2.1.2.2

            that’s right – she didn’t… ‘nother one of those observations that have emerged about the nasty, backstabbing efforts of the unions to selectively destabilise the industry.

            OK, I call back feeling sorry for Ward-Lealand.

          • Bob Stanforth 4.2.1.2.3

            Ouch careful, those fact things really bite 😉

            • Colonial Viper 4.2.1.2.3.1

              No, just plenty of shonky Righty arguments. For starters SHG knows that most workers on both sets aren’t EMPLOYEES, which is a large part of the problem.

              Inconvenient facts huh.

              • Bob Stanforth

                And its a problem, because? Standard industry practice around the world, on any project based work – be it a film, or a large specialised IT project – lots of contract resource, some employees. And they all work side by side, quite happily.

                Well, until some idiot unionist institutes a black listing, and then claims all he wanted was to talk. Tui ad.

                And yet another very good summary of the inconvenient truths…

                http://dylanreeve.posterous.com/our-hobbit-overlords

                • Colonial Viper

                  Standard industry practice around the world, on any project based work – be it a film,

                  This is such an overgeneralisation it makes your statement untrue, BS.

                  Specifically, in successful first world film making countries (Australia, US, Canada, UK, Ireland), workers have much stronger union representation than in NZ. In those countries actors have much better access to collectively negotiated minimum terms and conditions.

                  And they don’t have producers who can simply get out of meeting and negotiating with the actors unions, SAG etc.

                  • Bob Stanforth

                    Did I say actors – you did, not me, doofus. The vast majority of people who work on films are contract resource, not union employees. Period. I see your BS, and raise you one talking arse. Which appears to be yours.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      The vast majority of people who work on films are contract resource, not union employees.

                      Ah but in those first world countries I mentioned, many are unionised even if they are not employees (don’t know where you got your figures from) and will have the protection of collectively negotiated minimum terms and conditions.

                      By the way, its not just actors who have unions in the industry – its many others including writers, film technicians; Jackson is a member of several himself.

                      I see your BS, and raise you one talking arse. Which appears to be yours.

                      Apologies I was just using your initials Bob, didn’t mean anything by it.

                      doofus.

                      I lol’d

    • Carol 4.3

      Doesn’t John Key have a hoard of minders escorting him everywhere so that no-one can get too close with a camera crew to ask him questions he doesn’t want to answer? At least Malcolm has appeared on a range of media lately to be interviewed and asked some tough questions.

      • SHG 4.3.1

        Yes, who can forget Malcolm’s awesome performance on Close Up.

        “There was never any boycott! And anyway, it was lifted over the weekend!”

    • ianmac 4.4

      I think you will find that two policemen on foot patrol happened to be walking past and walked with them to their car.

    • mcflock 4.5

      that video was the biggest load of crap I’ve seen in ages – the only audio of any level was the voice of the guy holding the camera, and it waggled between shoulders, sky and footpath.

      “No police in sight”? There could have been a gaoddamn ELEPHANT in the street and there’s only 50/50 that it would be identifiably in shot.

      • Lanthanide 4.5.1

        The guy sounded like a moron too, and it went on way too long and crossed the line from ‘making a point’ to harassment.

  5. Jim Nald 5

    hey rob

    agree that micKey would have been a better choice.

    whatta mighty mouse our Key proved to be! a chest-pounding tough-talking one.

    they played him and he danced to their looney tunes indeed.

    our shrewd wheeler dealer leader proved simply inept in the negotiations.

    failure to call their bluff and not using time that was on our side sealed the higher price we’ve paid.

    more tellingly, earlier and further upstream in the events, the government failed to keep an eagle eye on how things were unravelling, then tango-ed into the tangle, and now looks for scapegoat to distract and deflect.

  6. Colonial Viper 6

    The Herald took the piss out of John Key’s ‘relaxed’ meme. Frakkin amazing.

    Re: the death threats, abuse and intimidation. NZ is a much much nastier and red neck place in real life than many people imagine.

  7. Olwyn 7

    @Carol: I can see the sense in singling out the racing industry – there are NZers who are very good at breeding and rearing racehorses. This is an industry that involves specialist skills and attracts overseas buyers, so is well worth nurturing. Furthermore it is real, productive and ongoing.

    @ Jim Nald: while Mickey has the “key” factor, along with the pejorative “mickey mouse outfit,” etc, Mighty has the best and most apt slogan, “Here I come to save the day.”

    Overall: All this union-bashing in a low-wage, high cost country makes no sense.

    • Lanthanide 7.1

      Racing horses is a productive industry? Seems more like gambling to me and in the end doesn’t produce anything of enduring worth or value for society.

      • Olwyn 7.1.1

        It is not just gambling – non-New Zealanders buy our thoroughbred horses at yearling sales, and our horse breeders are highly regarded in Australia at least, and probably elsewhere.

      • Roflcopter 7.1.2

        Exactly, and when it can bring in $2b+ in overseas revenue, and keep 000’s gainfully employed, then they have a reason to come talking.

    • Jim Nald 7.2

      “Here I come to save the day” – out of Key’s mouth, that is false might.
      Doublespeak, double-tongue assurance.
      At best, cartoonesque.

  8. the tactics employed by the Govt, Jackson, Warners and other associated parties throughout this sorry saga have been both sobering and disgraceful.

    it’s a useful reminder to the left that our opponents are well capable of extreme tactics and willing to do whatever it takes, at any cost, to get their way.

    prepare for a vicious fight in 2011.

    • KJT 8.1

      “Why is everyone so up in arms about a, possibly, 200 mil benefit to NZ going after they happily waved goodbye to billions in employment and manufacturing over the last 30 years”.

      Where was the public outrage, to keep Skellerup, Firestone, Fisher and Paykel, boat building, coastal shipping, rail way and marine engineering, shoe making and all the other industries, as successive Governments did their best to remove employment and productive business from NZ.”

      Parnell could not have taken industrial action for an 8 hour day now, because industrial action of that kind is already illegal in NZ.

      • Colonial Viper 8.1.1

        This country is falling apart.

        Our high tech industries are worth $4.9B in exports per year and employ 24,000 people yet Cabinet spends a week on this foreign led debacle over a couple of hundred mill.

        • Jim Nald 8.1.1.1

          You raise memory of Yeat’s poem … (I’ll let others here google for it)

          Turning and turning in the widening gyre
          The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
          Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
          Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
          The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
          The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
          The best lack all conviction, while the worst
          Are full of passionate intensity.

          (harks back to Chinua Achebe’s book as well)

    • KJT 8.2

      Expecting truth and honesty from politicians is totally naive. Big business are totally unprincipled.

      Labour has now threatened the whole gravy train for the right.

      Expect the same sort of unprincipled, well financed and vicious opposition that every left leaning Government has had.

      We may not be invaded or have a forced Government change like Honduras, Guatemala, Indonesia or Chile as we are WASP’s also, but expect every sort of dirty dealing short of that.

  9. Nick C 9

    I’m sure these claims of death threats are about as credible as Helen Kellys claim she was attacked by a lynch mob outside matterhorn: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmzSlCY7_s

    [lprent: That is utter bullshit as far as I can see – like so many claims about the unions and unionists that I’ve seen recently.

    Provide a link to something credible (ie a quote from Kelly) where “Helen Kellys claim she was attacked by a lynch mob outside matterhorn” or withdraw it or face a ban for a unsubstantiated assertion of fact. ]

    • ianmac 9.1

      Nick. With such a pathetic case to present, you could get a job as fantasist in some obscure backroom. “Nick C Arrested for Drunken/drugged Raving on Blogsite.”
      It was reported that he was dragged away sobbing, “Nobody loves me!”

    • vidiot 9.2

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/4261379/We-may-as-well-not-live-in-NZ

      “Actors including Outrageous Fortune star Robyn Malcolm were accosted by film workers riled up over The Hobbit stoush as they left Wellington’s Matterhorn restaurant.

      Malcolm, an Actors’ Equity committee member, was one of several actors dining with Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly and other union members on Wednesday night.

      Technical workers who had taken part in Wednesday’s Save the Hobbit march were also at the restaurant.

      It is understood the technical workers approached Matterhorn staff and asked if they could approach the group and interview them. They were told they could do so outside and were warned against jostling or threatening the group.

      The union delegates left to take part in a TV interview, leaving the actors behind. When they emerged later in the evening, they were surrounded by the angry film workers.

      CTU president Helen Kelly said a message went up on a Facebook page encouraging people to head down to the Matterhorn to “abuse Robyn and throw eggs at her”.

      Ms Kelly said the actors were “hassled and bustled” as they left the restaurant. “

      • Joe Bloggs 9.2.1

        I see the moderators have let your evil observations slide past so let me do the dirty:

        ‘hassled and bustled’ and ‘accosted’ do not equate “attacked”. The words are even spelled differently

        [Charged with Utter Bullshit – guilty as charged – banned for a week for an unsubstantiated assertion of fact that is completely and utterly different to all of the unsubstantiated assertions of fact coming from the Left – take the prisoner down]

        [lprent: I caught this morning… (eventually). Thanks for your attempted assistance. ]

    • Nick C 9.3

      My appologies: It was in fact the technical film workers led by Sir Richard Taylor who she labeled ‘in a lynch mob mood’

      But Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said the crowd was “in a lynch-mob mood thanks to Richard Taylor, who has obviously wound them up like springs” and actors had to call the meeting off. “It was too dangerous.”: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/4255536/Jackson-hits-back

      She merely claimed that she was abused and needed a police escort outside the matterhorn, as vidiot indicates below.

      Of course, neither of her claims is true.

      [I will assume for now that this satisfies lprent and remove the moderation – of course he might have a contrary view when he gets back to this – but for now good to go. — r0b]

      [lprent: Yep. I don’t mind opinion, but assertions of fact are different. In this case it was conflating two separate incidents together to come up with something completely different to anything that happened. Sounds like Whale bullshit. ]

      • Draco T Bastard 9.3.1

        Got any proof that neither of her claims were true?

        • Nick C 9.3.1.1

          Proof that Matterhorn police escort claim is not true: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RmzSlCY7_s

          Whether or not the film technicians were a lynch mob is subjective, however here is a video of them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoqviKGAoJQ , it looks like a regular protest to me.

          Of course, it really should be up to her to prove her claims true than me to prove them false.

          • mcflock 9.3.1.1.1

            again, that clip is proof of nothing, given that most of the time it shows neither Malcolm nor Kelly.

            Heck, by your logic Hinkley never shot Reagan, and it’s doubtful Reagan was shot by anybody: it wasn’t in the footage so it didn’t happen.

          • Draco T Bastard 9.3.1.1.2

            Well, the first one proves that they were, as a matter of fact, hounded and probably proof of the lynch mob mentality as well. It doesn’t show any police but the focus was so tight it doesn’t actually show anything except the guys face so, no proof either way. I do note that there was some disturbance out of view. You can hear it briefly at one point.

            The second shows the protest march but doesn’t show the bit where they went to stand outside where the “Actors’ Equity members were to discuss their priorities for negotiations”. In other words, it doesn’t show the bit she was actually talking about.

  10. Anne 10

    When you have a govt. (and Prime Minister) who consistently panders to the lowest common denominator, then it isn’t surprising that the sick, the nasty and bigoted members of our society come out of the woodwork. I remember the Muldoon-led govt of the 1970s and the same thing happened. To give the old bastard his due, at least Muldoon didn’t present himself as ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ like the present incumbent!

    • Tiger Mountain 10.1

      Indeed, and it was an insult to many a pig that their poor heads were carried on sticks at various marches protesting the squat gin swilling bully.

  11. Rob M 11

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10683889

    “Sequels to James Cameron’s blockbuster film Avatar look set to be shot in Wellington, with the acclaimed director in talks with Weta Digital.”

    Coincidence?

    • Colonial Viper 11.1

      Jackson knew that he was going to be making a shed load of new money with Avatar coming in, but wanted to screw the NZ tax payer for another $30M anyways.

      • Lanthanide 11.1.1

        I don’t think the $30M is going to Jackson…

        • Colonial Viper 11.1.1.1

          Might not go into his pocket personally although it will definitely go into his equation for the next round of contract negotiations with the studio, so he’ll get financial acknowledgement from the studio for it one way or another.

    • Colonial Viper 12.1

      Got a lot of time for Chris Trotter. Labour need to be faster on their feet, and more ferocious. The Battle for 2011 is real. We have to take the fight to them!

  12. gobsmacked 13

    Quick heads-up –

    TVNZ One News is running trailers saying they have a story on the death threats, at 6 pm.

    • gobsmacked 13.1

      And no surprise. Turns out abusive e-mails were sent by a couple of Pillars of Society, male and right-wing.

      But they weren’t named and shamed. Got off lightly, thanks to Helen Kelly’s generosity. She’s a lot classier than they are.

  13. BLiP 14

    Wouldn’t be too impressed with the New Zealand Fox News Herald – it waited until “game over” before saying anything. Where are the “Democracy Under Attack” banner headlines and astro-turf swast1ka carrying protesters with this one, eh?

  14. Carol 15

    So the Warners deal brokered by John Key includes an extra subsidy or tax break for actors and other Hobbit workers, if the films are successful:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/4288988/Extra-Hobbit-subsidy-will-be-staff-tax-break

    And would that have been part of the deal if there hadn’t been the internationally-supported action by AE? And …. maybe it’s a little early in the morning for me, but….why is the government paying it, not Warners?

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart Nash
    This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to Auckland
    The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses
    $25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home
    80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in Australia
    The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Health and safety action plan for ports
    The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBT
    Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with Fiji
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New legislation to streamline Cyclone recovery
    The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi families
    Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living
    $1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay
    The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitment
    The Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sector
    Industry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Aotearoa New Zealand supports Pacific countries to combat animal disease 
    New Zealand will provide support for Pacific countries to prevent the spread of harmful animal diseases, Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri said. The Associate Minister is attending a meeting of Pacific Ministers during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji. “Highly contagious diseases such as African ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government delivers better public transport for Christchurch
    The Public Transport Futures project will deliver approximately: 100 more buses providing a greater number of seats to a greater number of locations at a higher frequency Over 470 more bus shelters to support a more enjoyable travel experience Almost 200 real time display units providing accurate information on bus ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Minister praises education heroes in cyclone damaged regions
    All but six schools and kura have reopened for onsite learning All students in the six closed schools or kura are being educated in other schools, online, or in alternative locations Over 4,300 education hardpacks distributed to support students Almost 38,000 community meals provided by suppliers of the Ka Ora ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government investments drive health and business outcomes in the Bay of Plenty
    A new health centre has opened with financial support from the Government and further investment has been committed to projects that will accelerate Māori economic opportunities, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. Community health provider QE Health will continue its long history in Rotorua with the official opening of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • UK NZ Working Holiday Scheme upgraded
    The new three year NZ UK Working Holiday Visas (WHV) will now be delivered earlier than expected, coming into force by July this year in time to support businesses through the global labour shortages Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The improved WHV, successfully negotiated alongside the NZ UK Free trade ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • 2023 Offshore Renewable Energy Forum, New Plymouth
    It seems like only yesterday that we launched the discussion document Enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy, which is the key theme for this Forum. Everyone in this room understands the enormous potential of offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand – and particularly this region.  Establishing a regime to pave ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Milestone reached in crack down on gangs
    Police has reached a major milestone filing over 28,000 charges related to Operation Cobalt. “I’m extremely proud of the fantastic work that our Police has been doing to crack down on gangs, and keep our communities safe. The numbers speak for themselves – with over 28,000 charges, Police are getting ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • New funding for Cyclone waste removal
    The Government will provide $15 million in the short term to local councils to remove rubbish, as a longer-term approach is developed, the Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. “Several regions are facing significant costs associated with residential waste removal, which has the potential to become a public ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Government working faster and smarter to support response and recovery
    $15 million of immediate reimbursement for marae, iwi, recognised rural and community groups $2 million for community food providers $0.5 million for additional translation services Increasing the caps of the Community and Provider funds The Government has announced $17.5 million to further support communities and community providers impacted by Cyclone ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • More Māori getting access to mental health and addiction services
    The Government’s approach of using frontline service providers to address inequities for Māori with mental health and addiction needs is making good progress in many communities, a new report says. An independent evaluation into the Māori Access and Choice programme, commissioned by Te Whatu Ora has highlighted the programme’s success ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-20T19:09:06+00:00