Do petitions work?

Written By: - Date published: 12:30 pm, June 24th, 2015 - 31 comments
Categories: labour, political parties, politicans, Politics, polls, referendum, uncategorized - Tags:

I don’t know the answer. However, although I haven’t voted Labour in the last 2 elections, I do receive their email-outs. Increasingly this means receiving a petition on one issue or another for my digital “signing” and submission.

I always make a point of writing something of my own to distinguish it and to help deflect the  assertions that real people aren’t submitting them, or not the numbers claimed.

I actually think this is a very clever innovation by the Labour Party because this Government has proven to be a weather vane lot, guided by polls.

Here is the “result” of one such petition notified today by David Clark

tracey, a year ago you signed our petition to save the Poisons Helpline. Well it’s been a long fight but together with other concerned Kiwis we’ve won!

The government has backed down from its plans to roll the poisons helpline into a generic call centre, and the National Poisons Centre at the University of Otago will continue to deliver the service.

This is great news! The experience overseas shows it’s much safer to keep poisons helplines separate and independent. When seconds count, experts matter.

I just want to thank you for taking part in this campaign. Without you and the thousands of other New Zealanders who stood up to protect the helpline things could have been a lot different.

By standing together we can make real change such as preserving this life saving service.

Thank you, tracey, for standing up on this important issue.

Yours,

Dr. David Clark
Labour Associate Health Spokesperson
MP for Dunedin North

P.S. You can read more about the helpline being saved here and an op-ed from the time here.

The Labour Party petitions may not be the only reason that things are changed but they surely deserve some credit for having contributed to any re-thinks? It’s a way for people to let Labour know what is important to them and what is not.

There is one protesting the TPP here

31 comments on “Do petitions work? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Charles 1
    24 June 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Nothing wrong with changing the World… one pixel at a time.

    • tracey 1.1
      24 June 2015 at 12:48 pm

      Labour get criticised a lot, including by me. However this is a good way to connect with some folks and to get an idea of what matters to people. I would like to hear more about how Unions are working at grass roots with Labour to build relationships and assist with the vision that the LP has for the folks on the ground earning bugger all and working very hard.

  2. Save NZ 2
    24 June 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Petitions are better than nothing.

    However will never replace direct action protest, satire, strikes and the like.

    It is those also that Labour and Greens needs to focus on. Feet on the Street and to for Labour to actually focus on the policies not hedge bets all the time.

    Ie against health privatisation in TPP but not against TPP? Unless Labour are against TPP but nobody knows because the don’t show up to street protests, don’t have a petition 100% against and the voters are just guessing cos of the the no show. Of course since TPP is secret, I guess by not being against TPP you are for secret deals that the public have zero say on.

    • tracey 2.1
      24 June 2015 at 1:09 pm

      The green Party is undertaking a membership drive and some strategies to build just those grassroots movements. Replicating something of the strategy that got them 30% of the party vote in Wellington Central last election.

      The pettiton linked to in my post is aimed at the TPP.

      • Save NZ 2.1.1
        24 June 2015 at 1:15 pm

        Hi Tracy

        I have already signed this and this is what I am referring to. Why does Labour only mention being against the health care part of TPP? What about the rest. To me National Lite. Why not have a petition saying we are against TPP because it is a government secret deal and we are 100% opposed.

        this is the txt

        Right now the government could be trading away your access to decent, affordable healthcare.

        New documents from the secret TPPA negotiations have been released online showing that foreign negotiators want to undermine our ability to bargain better deals on medicines.

        Under this proposal Pharmac, the agency that’s used to get more medicines, more cheaply, will lose its buying power. That means more expensive medicine and reduced access for all New Zealanders.

        We’re calling on John Key to guarantee that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement won’t affect Pharmac’s ability to provide medicines to New Zealanders.

        Will you sign the open letter?

        HELLO, I’M NOT SURE JOHN KEY CAN GUARANTEE THE TRANS PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP AND SINCE HE IS A KNOWN LIAR WHAT IS THE POINT OF ASKING HIM TOO?

        Step up Labour. Be clear. Because this petition certainly does not clear up the misunderstanding for me.

        To me it reads If John Key guarantees Pharmac then Labour are fine with the TPPA agreement going ahead.

        • tracey 2.1.1.1
          24 June 2015 at 1:19 pm

          As you might know from my previous posts I wrote to David Cunliffe before the election and got a reply from Goff which was non committal and suggested Goff supported TPP but would tinker if he had to. This is an issue, imo, where LP shows it doesn’t want to upset the “traditional” economic applecart and look like it goes against National’s framing of the TPP.

          IF I had to vote on the TPP alone, Labour Party would not get my vote. The green Party would.

          • Save NZ 2.1.1.1.1
            24 June 2015 at 1:27 pm

            Yep. I agree. At least the Greens are clear. But then I went to their website and they were going on about hearing aid petitions and child poverty petitions.

            They need to do better. TPP is a huge issue and I have nothing from the Greens.

            If you are worried about child poverty and hearing aids, wait till TPP comes in. Goodbye health and hello poverty – for 95% of the population.

            Get to the BIG issues.

            Step up Greens!

  3. cogito 3
    24 June 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I’ve signed several petitions. They are a good idea…. sort of. However, personally, I want to see National GONE, not just softened a bit around the edges.

    What NZ needs are not well meaning petitions. NZ needs a strong and forceful opposition, and a population that is ready to stand up and make its voice heard on the streets, as is the case in eg the UK.

    Change is brought about by individuals standing side by side and marching for a cause, not by electronic signatures.

    The French were absolutely right when they wrote their national anthem –
    Aux armes citoyens
    Formez vos bataillons
    Marchons, marchons
    Qu’un sang impur
    Abreuve nos sillons

    It’s time for Kiwis to pluck up courage, unite and follow their lead.

  4. maui 4
    24 June 2015 at 1:13 pm

    I signed up for one petition, then I think was put on Labour’s email list automatically and got emails at least once a week about various actions. I found it was too much and so I unsubscribed. It might be fine if you’re a passionate Labour supporter, but having a constant flow of their petitioning shoved into your inbox can be a bit off putting too.

    • tracey 4.1
      24 June 2015 at 1:20 pm

      One of my concerns was when I tried to submit one petition it wouldn’t let me UNLESS I checked the box saying I would accept emails from Labour. That is a mistake, imo.

      • James 4.1.1
        24 June 2015 at 2:00 pm

        Makes you wonder what their primary desire is ….. is it to effect change (in which case why not allow you without “signing up” to more labour info). – Or is it a medium to get more people on their mailing list.

      • weka 4.1.2
        24 June 2015 at 2:30 pm

        hmmm, I thought they’d stopped doing that. When they first started they were signing people on automatically but I thought more recently there was an opt out button, or even an opt in one.

        • tracey 4.1.2.1
          24 June 2015 at 2:31 pm

          I definitely hit submit on one last week and it wouldn’t go through. I tried several times (maybe from my phone?) but when i checked the box to receive emails it went through no trouble.

    • Save NZ 4.2
      24 June 2015 at 1:23 pm

      @Maui

      The concern for me is that the issues are LITE. I want to sign the petitions because I agree with them but they just repeat the same issues again and again.

      I have a bigger dream for me and NZ than just 17 yo are protected for another year and rentals are warm and dry and John Key can guarantee Pharmac and the rest of the TPP is tickety boo with Labour.

      This is the past emails I have received from Labour from 5 June to now.

      Will you ask for Too many kids are falling out of the system at 17 – that’s too young to sign a lease or easily access services like a student allowance. It’s not right and together we’ll get the government to fix it. WIll you sign the petition and help get this critical change across the line? Click here to sign the petition.

      This week, I sent an open letter to John Key signed by 21,000 New Zealanders asking him to ensure that all rental homes are healthy enough to live in.

      This time tomorrow, I’ll be sending my open letter to John Key asking him to ensure that all rental homes in New Zealand are warm, dry and safe to live in.

      This week one of the most significant global organisations, the OECD, called for our government to ensure Kiwi homes are healthy and safe for our kids. It was another warning about the poor state of too many New Zealand homes which are cold, damp and unhealthy for our kids, families and the elderly.

      We’re calling on John Key to guarantee that the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement won’t affect Pharmac’s ability to provide medicines to New Zealanders.

      The news that a state house could be so cold, damp, and unhealthy that it contributed to the death of two year old Emma-Lita Bourne was deeply upsetting. This isn’t supposed to happen in New Zealand.
      The government is considering the problem – but it doesn’t look like the solution they’re talking about will go far enough.
      Fixing this problem is really straightforward: every rental home in New Zealand should be well insulated and should have affordable, effective heating. We’ve written legislation that will do exactly that.

      My name is Kellie. At the age of 17, I was discharged from Child Youth, and Family. In New Zealand, every foster child gets discharged at this age unless certain strict exceptions apply.
      It was an horrific time. I felt unprepared and vulnerable – I had not completed High School and yet they decided I was capable of living on my own and being my own parent.

      Hundreds of New Zealand foster children are going to turn 17 this year and have the same thing happen to them. I don’t think that’s right.
      Right now, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley is looking into changing the law to increase the age of child protection. If enough of us tell her to change it she will have to do the right thing.
      Will you join thousands of Kiwis and sign the petition to raise the age of child protection?

      • maui 4.2.1
        24 June 2015 at 2:07 pm

        I agree with the having a decent standard of rental accommodation, I think that’s very important to sort out. The other petitions dance around the core issues though, they might lack some buy in there.

      • tracey 4.2.2
        24 June 2015 at 2:27 pm

        I don’t sign all of the Save. I pick and choose. I have my suspicions about what they are trying to do and the compulsory sign up to their emails if you want to sign the petition is part of that.

        Also, it’s constant which can water down the issues BUT different issues appeal to different people.

  5. Save NZ 5
    24 June 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Considering the current scandals..

    Sheepgate, Campbell Live, Immigration, pretty much everything discussed on The Standard and TDB but not mention from the Greens or Labour in their petitions.

    Dear I say, out of touch with many voters?

    • tracey 5.1
      24 June 2015 at 2:28 pm

      In fairness the LP has tackled the sheepgate thing front on in press and in parliament

      • adam 5.1.1
        24 June 2015 at 2:38 pm

        Plus the Greens and NZ first. They do appear to be a rather coherent opposition at the moment.

  6. Save NZ 6
    24 June 2015 at 1:31 pm

    They don’t even call on John Key to resign for all his lies. Now that would be a popular petition!

  7. Grant I 7
    24 June 2015 at 1:44 pm

    On the one hand, petitions are a good way of putting an issue in front of the public and getting them to engage with it and discuss it. But with so many online petitions now people seem to sign them and feel like they’ve done something and that’s enough. There’s nothing easier to do politically than sign a petition, is there? Recently I had a discussion with someone about the euthanasia debate. The first thing they said was that they had signed the petition in support and now it was up to politicians to do something. My hopes are not high that politicians will do anything! So petitions can be useful I guess but I’m sure most are ignored by those in power.

  8. Save NZ 8
    24 June 2015 at 1:49 pm

    From the Greens in last month – 2 on climate change, one on stingy budget aimed at under 40 year olds (what about the rest of us), one on introducing new leader.

    Nothing on the current political scandals of National, nothing on TPPA which most of the public are against.

    19 June
    Yesterday something incredible happened. Pope Francis – spiritual leader for the world’s one billion Catholics – used a powerful speech to urge all of humanity to act on climate change.

    In his first ever Encyclical (a formal papal letter), the Pope issued a compelling reminder that “our common home” is worth saving; that caring for it is a moral imperative, both for the sake of the environment and for the world’s poor.

    If you agree with Pope Francis, then join the campaign to stop climate change.

    30 May

    I’m James Shaw. I want you to be one of the first to know that I have just been elected as the new Green Party male Co-leader.

    26 May

    There’s just one week left to have your say on New Zealand’s climate change target. Please take a minute today to fill in a quick online submission.

    At around 5,000 submissions so far, we’re halfway to reaching our target of 10,000. With your help, we can double that this week. Don’t let the government use the lack of submissions as an excuse not to protect our climate.

    Over the last two weeks, hundreds of people across the country have dropped everything to turn out to the Government’s consultation meetings, despite the shockingly short notice. And what an impression this movement has made. In three cities, organisers were forced to make last minute venue changes to make room for us all.

    21 May

    Today John Key could have chosen kids.

    He could have backed all the young New Zealanders out there doing it tough.

    But instead the Prime Minister chose to give the bare minimum of help to our poorest kids and abandon the hopes of our younger generations.

    This stingy Budget is not for our kids and it’s not for those under 40 – the abandoned generations.

    • tracey 8.1
      24 June 2015 at 2:29 pm

      The Green Party tries hard to stay out of personal attacks etc. They do comment on braoder integrity etc but stick to issues they care to focus on rather than divert into attacks on the “man” not the “bal”. It may be a weakness but it is also something that helps kee them above the lowest common denominator behaviour

  9. Macro 9
    24 June 2015 at 3:34 pm

    There was the petition on “Clean up our Polluted Rivers” which Catherine Delahunty presented to Parliament with over 8000 signatures this week. Hopefully people had the opportunity to sign.
    Then there is the petition on micro beads which are increasingly used in clothing, and almost everything else, to give it “body”. These was out in the first few washes and are going into our oceans and becoming another environmental problem.
    http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2015/05/19/3659921/tiny-plastic-microbeads-getting-banned-in-numerous-states/
    I sign almost all the on-line petitions from Action Stations, and SomeofUs, AAVAZ etc.

  10. Open Mike 10
    24 June 2015 at 5:19 pm

    I don’t always sign the suggested petitions, but have been aware that this Government rules by polling. For a change, and some disciplined decision making, Labour has to be a convincing alternative in 2017. Small steps!

  11. b waghorn 11
    24 June 2015 at 5:28 pm

    I had miss givings about the share amount that come out from labour and action station but I’ve come to like it . I don’t sign them all and as it’s only a click to delete them they are not a issue really.
    Anything that gets people engaged in politics is good in my view.

  12. esoteric pineapples 12
    25 June 2015 at 8:25 am

    My 87 year-old mother signed the Save Campbell Live petition and now gets other emails sent to her. She’s learned other things from these that she is not hearing in the main stream media so these petitions should also be seen as a form of alternative media as well as serving their primary purpose.

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    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

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

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

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