Do we have cheaper fuel or do we trash the planet?

Written By: - Date published: 10:41 am, October 9th, 2018 - 64 comments
Categories: business, capitalism, climate change, Economy, Environment, global warming, greens, Judith Collins, labour, national, same old national, spin, sustainability, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, transport, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

The culture wars have recently erupted with a vengeance.  On the day that the IPCC has confirmed that the world is running out of time to do something to try and preserve what we have National and associated entities have complained that fuel prices are too high.  Talk about stark contrast.

This tweet from someone who used to be Labour’s chief of staff communications director but is now a paid shill for the Oil industry summarised the absurdity of the right’s position:

https://twitter.com/johnpagani/status/1049212616734728193

Note to John:

  1. The increase in taxes is just a small part of the overall increase.
  2. The US dollar has appreciated in value.  The Government has *not* devalued the dollar.
  3. Exploration as such has not been banned.  Current exploration can continue.  The change to get future permits for offshore exploration has been proscribed.
  4. Retailers are largely to blame.

If you want proof this tweet from Economissive contains the information in graphic form:

And the longer term experience suggests that RUC and FED increases imposed by the last Government did not have that significant an effect:

National is yelling blue murder about the increases even though the increases imposed by National last term were much greater than they are by this Government:

And as Russel Brown points out the use of the phrase “slush fund” is somewhat pejorative.

And here to show the extent of the culture war over climate change is a picture of a group of conservative Australian politicians celebrating the repeal of Australia’s carbon tax law four years ago.

https://twitter.com/ellinghausen/status/1049246987583803392

Ad has covered the intricacies of the politics of climate change in Australia and New Zealand with some incisiveness.  There is no chance of a consensus being reached anywhere.

Looks like we are going to have another argument where both sides talk past each other, the left saying rightly that we have to do something about climate change, while the right complain about taxes, ignore the environment devastation that is already occurring, and hope that people forget that when in Government they increased the RUC and FED continuously to pay for roads that will eventually be nothing more than gold plated monuments to that Government’s stupidity.

64 comments on “Do we have cheaper fuel or do we trash the planet? ”

  1. Bill 1

    The question asked in the headline is wrongheaded.

    It kind of doesn’t matter how much petrol prices are hiked, the price hike won’t lead to the necessary reductions in consumption – ie, the planet gets trashed.

    • Enough is Enough 1.1

      It also infers that the increase in petrol prices are designed to combat climate change through reducing demand.

      But yesterday our PM was saying the increase is due to the oil companies fleecing us and is going to legislate to prevent them doing so.

      I am assuming from Jacinda’s statement that the government wants the price at the pump to come down?

      • mickysavage 1.1.1

        The post is addressing the political divide. On one side are people that are indifferent to price increases but really concerned that we are not doing enough to address climate change. On the other side are people more concerned at how much gas is going to cost.

        The difference is stark. National is clearly going to side with those worried about the short term cost.

        • Enough is Enough 1.1.1.1

          “The difference is stark. National is clearly going to side with those worried about the short term cost”

          I think both major political parties are going to side with those worried about the short term cost. There is no other way to reconcile the message that was delivered yesterday by the Prime Minister.

          The government is going to empower the Commerce Commission with the clear objective of lowering fuel prices.

        • Antoine 1.1.1.2

          > The post is addressing the political divide. … The difference is stark. National is clearly going to side with those worried about the short term cost.

          For sure. So where are Labour-Greens going to side?

          A.

          • mickysavage 1.1.1.2.1

            On doing something to address climate change. I would think that was clear.

            • Antoine 1.1.1.2.1.1

              So they don’t want cheaper fuel (which would encourage people to drive more)?

              A.

              • Enough is Enough

                The Green Party doesn’t but the Prime Minister is sending some mixed messages again

        • Bill 1.1.1.3

          Well, if that’s the framing, then what about the thousands upon thousands of poorer people who can’t absorb these increases? Don’t they count, or have thoughts worth paying attention to?

          • mickysavage 1.1.1.3.1

            This is a post addressing the political stances of the various movements.

            We have to wean ourselves off oil. Whether this is through pricing, provision of public transport, simplification of our lifestyles, becoming vegan or whatever means does not matter as long as carbon output is reduced.

            Of course poor people matter. They are going to be the most affected by climate change.

            • BM 1.1.1.3.1.1

              I have to ask MS.

              Do you use buses/trains/etc as your main modes of transport?
              Are you a vegan?

              • mickysavage

                1. I own a Prius. My next car will be an electric. I catch Auckland’s electrical trains all the time. Yesterday for instance I caught the train to a meeting in Downtown Auckland from Glen Eden and return. I drove 8 km and trained about 30 km.

                2. I consciously eat meat less and less. The last meat I ate was on Saturday.

            • Bill 1.1.1.3.1.2

              What “movements” micky?

              Tory Party and Labour/Green Party wallahs?

              Tory bad/good versus Labour&Green bad/good with all the concomitant condemnation/justification? Yup, we get that.

              But what’s all that disconnect got to do with a) inaction around carbon reduction and b) increasing levels of fuel poverty as per the implication of the post title?

              On the basis that I don’t understand the logic or reasoning of the post, I’ll just step away. Sorry for the intrusion.

              • mickysavage

                Basically because I cannot see how we can have cheaper fuel and reduce carbon dioxide output at the same time.

                Sure let’s address inequality. But cheaper fuel will not address climate change or provide the income necessary to build public transport infrastructure.

                • Bill

                  Well, the studies on much more expensive fuel have been done (Anderson et al), and they don’t have much of an impact. Australia and a few other places tried carbon taxes and the impact was minimal – certainly not anywhere near the required reduction levels.

                  No-one (as far as I know) has looked at the impact of free fuel subjected to a hard sinking cap. Equity’s certainly assured, and carbon reduction’s certainly assured 🙂 .

                  But that idea won’t be entertained because it’s not a market orientated solution and, as I keep repeating, that’s the primary focus of our politicians and associated policy makers – to keep the current economy and its basic settings going in the face of “everything”.

                  That has included telling scientists they have to imagine non-existent stuff (CCS) and insert it into their scenarios so that physics can be make to be seen to “fit” with economic ideology.

                  But hey, we can keep on this track we’ve been on these past 30 years and guarantee failure (while arguing the toss over incidental details).

                  • Antoine

                    > Well, the studies on much more expensive fuel have been done (Anderson et al), and they don’t have much of an impact.

                    There is a price at which consumption will fall substantially

                    We just haven’t seen it yet

                    A.

                    • Bill

                      There is a price at which consumption will fall substantially

                      We just haven’t seen it yet

                      Just like tobacco, you mean?

                      Because at something like $80 for 50g, the reduction rate in smoking is no greater than it was before the introduction of the bullshit and punitive pricing regime.

                      “Price” cripples the already poor among us. “Price” doesn’t affect companies or the already rich and very carbon spewing of us who need to be affected.

                    • Antoine

                      I can say I wouldn’t use much petrol at $20/L

                      A.

                      (PS I’m not advocating that the petrol price should be $20/L, or even as high as it is now)

                • the other pat

                  all good and noble et al…..but a lot of people do not live in cities and have no access to public transport……many folks have had wages decline in real terms and this price increase hits hard but MOST importantly there are no affordable alternatives available.

  2. Antoine 2

    I repeat (paraphrase) my question from the other thread.

    Where do we want the petrol price to be?

    Do we want $5/L to get everyone out of their cars and using public transport? Or $1.5/L to ease the burden on consumers? Or somewhere in between?

    I am honestly unsure what Labour’s goal is here.

    Does anybody know?

    A.

    • Clive Macann 2.1

      For the Govt to reduce the tax take on petrol is the same as giving the Fuel suppliers a tax cut. In the end, we pay and the companies profits soar. The Tax take is to fund roading, pretty simple really.

    • JanM 2.2

      The problem, in many parts of NZ is what ‘public transport’. I live 20 kilometres out of a city and there are no buses!

    • mickysavage 2.3

      I am honestly utterly bemused by your concentration on the cost of fuel as opposed to the destruction of the world’s environment.

      What is your goal? What do you think should be prioritised.

      MS

      • BM 2.3.1

        That’s probably because you’re a wealthy guy MS, the price of petrol has very little impact on you.

        For your average person on the street when living costs in NZ are astronomical, the skyrocketing price of fuel hits them hard.

        Food on the table, paying the bills vs trying to stop some future event that is in all reality completely out of our hands.

        I know what most would choose.

      • Antoine 2.3.2

        > What is your goal?

        I don’t have a goal here. It would be silly for me to, as I don’t set fuel prices or influence them in any way.

        But what is the Labour/Greens Government’s goal? Would it rather see petrol at $1-50 or $5? Can you tell me? Can anyone?

        A.

        • BM 2.3.2.1

          In her campaign launch speech in Auckland on Sunday, Ms Ardern called climate change “my generation’s nuclear free moment”.

          https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/08/jacinda-ardern-climate-change-is-my-generation-s-nuclear-free-moment.html

          Combine that in with shutting down NZ oil and gas industry the only correct answer I can see is $5 a litre.

          Which does rather leave me doubting Arderns authenticity when she says that petrol prices are too high and she’s going to take measures to correct them.

        • Dennis Frank 2.3.2.2

          Of course not. If you’d been paying attention you’d already know that the first phase of policy formulation (extensive nationwide consulting to maximise the input of stakeholders) has given way to the second stage (policy formulation) and the minister has notified the public that the output will be with us soon. Whether it will include a specified fuel price seems most unlikely: neoliberalists vastly outnumber socialists in Aotearoa.

  3. Gosman 3

    This raises an interesting dilemma for people pushing policies for tackling climate change. If you don’t get broad based support there is a huge risk of blow back such that is happening in Australia. This would suggest a different approach should be considered one that seeks consensus rather than conflict. I don’t see much chance of that happening anytime soon given the tone of some commentators on the subject here.

    • adam 3.1

      The out right lies and misdirection by some is a real stumbling block. The continued use of tactics now utterly familiar because of use by the tobacco industry, are the norm by those who use this issue to divide society. Funny those tactics are not really coming from socialists, who are they coming from…

      • Gosman 3.1.1

        Whether you are correct or not is irrelevant. What are you able to do to counter it is the real question. You can double down and declare war on climate change deniers and attempt to force them to stop. I’d suggest doing that will lead to more conflict and blowback though.

        • adam 3.1.1.1

          Here the thing, they know if they carry on no one is going to call them on it. The devotees of liberalism have no spine to call them out, and socialist have no power.

          So I think your living in lala land gosman. You have to call them out your side of the isle – but I’m guessing you and your lot won’t do that. You don’t actually have a good track recorded of controlling or influencing the hard right crazies. Indeed all you do is wring your hands and let more extreme versions of the hard right get control of conversations.

          • Gosman 3.1.1.1.1

            So your answer is to rely on people like me to make the case for you is it?

            Interesting tactic.

            • adam 3.1.1.1.1.1

              My point is your lot are divisive, and you do nothing about it.

              Except as you just did, add to the divisiveness.

              So essentially our species is dead because of you.

              • Antoine

                I’m not dead yet!

                A.

                (Austin Powers styles)

                • adam

                  Your still to blame.

                  And your one of the worst for doing distractions and misrepresenting facts. Too soon with the truth.

                  • Antoine

                    I feel no guilt. My contribution to climate change is infinitesimal, as is yours.

                    A.

                    • adam

                      Mine is negative, You however have written you own a car – and you consume.

                      So I’m guessing you think your infinitesimal – but your not, and your one of the heaviest consumers and as such a perpetrator of the problem.

                      That aside, your doing exactly what I said to Gosman was one of the problems, and as such all right wing trolls are truly low lives who can’t lie in bed straight.

                    • Antoine

                      > So I’m guessing you think your infinitesimal – but your not,

                      How many tonnes per year, then?

                      A.

  4. David Mac 4

    Given what a litre of petrol takes to make it’s amazing it’s as cheap as it is…. I guess if we drank a million litres of wine a day it would be a similar price.

    As it becomes more scarce and difficult to produce, it’s inevitable it will go the way of all finite commodities.

    We’re coming off ridiculously low prices, crippled Venezuala, I think they were a flash in the pan, GFC prompted.

    $3 by this Xmas, $4 the next…

    • Andre 4.1

      “Given what a litre of petrol takes to make it’s amazing it’s as cheap as it is … ”

      Yup. That’s the result of huge numbers of incredibly smart people working hard for decades figuring out ways to produce more and more of it at ever cheaper costs. Imagine if similar efforts went into zero-GHG energy and climate change as a whole.

    • Antoine 4.2

      > $3 by this Xmas, $4 the next…

      Wanna bet?

      A.

  5. Gosman 5

    I am utterly bemused by the lack of an effective strategy by those pushing policies to tackle climate change. AGW has been an issue for over 20 years and yet the level of debate is at the same level it was (or worse even) when it first started gaining leverage in the wider political sphere. Surely there is something people have learned in that time.

    • Macro 5.1

      Well you should know!
      You have been actively promoting climate denial sentiment for as I can remember, both here and on Hot-Topic and around the web in NZ.
      Now that the flimsy case for denial has been shown to be the sham that it always was – the last step is to cry “Oohh! It’s far too to late.”
      Well the door of opportunity is rapidly closing, but unless you take the first step towards it – you will never get out.

      • Gosman 5.1.1

        Nope. I have never denied the scientific consensus on climate change. You are just making up stuff.

        • Macro 5.1.1.1

          Bullshit! You and I have crossed swords on Hot-Topic numerous times in the past.

          • Gosman 5.1.1.1.1

            Then you should be able to produce evidence for your claim that I have opposed the scientific consensus on climate change if it is correct (Which it is not)

  6. Nik 6

    If I may presume to answer MS on JanM’s behalf above (direct reply function not working), I believe the crucial aspect of her complaint is ‘no buses’. I would personally be in favour of paying a premium on fuel for my private vehicle if the taxes could be used to provide a far reaching nationwide public transport service.
    Of course, this would ultimately lead to less need for private fuel consumption, reducing unit sales for Big Oil, at which they will undoubtedly retaliate in whatever way they see strategically fit to continue their obscene profiteering.
    Meaningful positive economic reform can’t be possible while the richest, greediest most rapacious humans wield the absurd degrees of lobbying power that they presently do. Money, capitalism are not the root of evil, they are just exploitable means for the ends of the true root, being sociopathic greed.

  7. Antoine 7

    I’ve just realised the title of this post is wrong. It says “Do we have cheaper fuel or do we trash the planet?” It should be “Do we have more expensive fuel or do we trash the planet?”

    Typo, or fundamental misunderstanding?

    A.

    • Dennis Frank 7.1

      Think he was coming off the implication of Ardern’s asking the Commerce Commission to investigate the industry prices rises. She’s suggesting they are excessive & unwarranted. Makes a change from assuming they’re market-driven, eh? A traditional socialist stance, to see if govt can regulate the petrol price down. Plus the side benefit of distracting voters from her govt’s tax increases..

      • In Vino 7.1.1

        I disagree. Petrol companies have always done the same: immediate steep increases upwards when oil prices went up or our dollar went down, and when the reverse happened their price decreases were so slowly introduced, in far smaller steps. They are profit-gouging now, just as they always have. Because of Climate Change we should be increasing the price of petrol. But why let the profit-gougers continue to channel money into the pockets of the already-rich?
        Lower their profits, and increase taxes so that we can pay to fight climate change.

  8. Michelle 8

    the 17.5% gst rate jhonkey said no to a GST increase nek minute what happended they (the national party lot need to look in the mirror 28 cents petrol increase plus 2% Gst to add to the fire where is my gst tax going?

  9. esoteric pineapples 9

    The real problem is that New Zealanders have no real backbone anymore. They think they are the mirror of Sir Edmund Hillary when in fact they are incredibly weak and will always go for the easy option instead of the better long term option.

    They are so out of touch with life that they no longer understand that there isn’t always a good option and a bad option, but that you must choose the lesser of the two evils that will deliver the best outcome. To their mind if it is an evil, then there must be another way that isn’t evil. This makes them easy targets for politicians that sell then false solutions that are very often the worse choice in the long term.

  10. Nik 10

    I neglected to specify in my 1st par above (reply function again not working for me) that increased taxes could theoretically cover an EASILY AFFORDABLE if not FREE public transport system.
    Also in answer to precedents referenced above in which increased carbon tax is ineffective in reducing actual carbon output, I wonder whether in addition to reduction goals there may also be technologies we can develop to offset the impact of emissions, for which such tax revenues would be invaluable..?

    • Ed 10.1

      Free public transport would change habits.

      • the other pat 10.1.1

        but what do the people who work shifts do??….people who live outside a “city”…..i see a lot of opinions here that are very city centric………..a lot of yak is just obfuscating the fact that oil companies are making obscene profits …climate change aside……..persona;;y i have to drive 120km each day for work because im just an average joe and decided to live where i could afford………….there are thousands just like me………if you want to bankrupt us all keep on the present track.

  11. RedLogix 11

    Petrol was always far too cheap; for decades it’s stifled the development of alternative technologies. Remove the myriad of subsidies that sustain the industry globally and fuel would be twice the price.

    The ICE is a dead horse stalking anyway; the EU has pretty much banned it from 2030, that’s just 12 years off. Within a few more years no-one will be buying new ICE vehicles; and the marginal cost of maintaining all the fuel infrastructure will start to rise as fuel volumes fall.

    Little old NZ is at the far end of a massive global supply chain that is about the be massively disrupted. Time we got smart and made some big changes.

  12. mosa 12

    Simple the planet will be trashed because of the same old problems keep getting in the way.

    Greed
    Corruption
    Ignorance
    Arrogance
    Materialism
    selfishness
    Short term reactions
    Political expediency
    Powerful agendas

  13. R.P Mcmurphy 13

    the political system of every country is predicated on giving everybody more.
    there are no limits to the promises that politicians will make so that the people on the road to nowhere who have nothing better to do than to organise their lives around their cars are not frustrated in their infantilised desires to use the THROB of the automobile to give them the illusion that they have control over something.

  14. Poission 14

    Buried in the financial statements release is the peculiar case of the decrease in revenue from petroleum duty and excise.

    2017 1908b$
    2018 1898b$

    (ending june)

  15. sumsuch 15

    Brilliant dissection mickysavage. John, husband of Josie?

    I complimented Martyn Bradley on his usual forcefulness, re the IPCC report. But now 13 days later irony seeps in regarding his criticism of 7pm light media shows on the free tv channels. ‘Their low-quality prattle can’t give insight or critical debate to fundamental issues like climate change’. Not another story on The Standard or The Daily Blog since on climate change. We’re fucked because of us, not ‘them’.

  16. sumsuch 16

    The other thing , after Trump withdrawing from the intermediate missiles treaty, it appears America, pretty rationally, is going to tackle climate change nationalistically, militarily. Like all peoples did things before the century of the common man. They’re going to fight it out for what’s left.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-29T15:55:56+00:00