DPB: it’s for the kids

Written By: - Date published: 10:30 am, August 18th, 2009 - 40 comments
Categories: benefits - Tags:

A lot of right-wing beliefs can be traced back to a few core values. Two apply to the DPB debate:

  • a penny-pinching self-centredness
  • a moral viewpoint that good people prosper thanks to hard work and, therefore, anyone who isn’t prosperous is the author of their own demise, which makes them undeserving of help.

They object to the DPB on the first ground because they hate paying tax and think if all those mythical ‘welfare queens’ getting their $1000 a week were cut off they could have ‘their’ tax money back.

The second manifests in the oft-repeated ‘If they can’t keep their legs closed, they shouldn’t come begging from me’. Note, there’s ever any question why he couldn’t keep his thing in his pants, of course (there’s an underlying misogyny to this, as with so much from the right-wing). Nor any acknowledgement that actually most women on the DPB were in stable relationships when they had the kids, but the relationship subsequently broke up and they were, literally, left holding the babies. Nonetheless, I used to think a little like that – ‘why should I subsidise someone’s choice to have children?; their choice, their problem; etc’.

Then, at about age 11, I realised something: the purpose of the DPB is not to support the parent, it’s to ease the effects of poverty on the children. That shoots away the right’s moral argument.

I don’t care whether their mum is a 40 year old divorcee who’s always done her best and worked for 20 years or an irresponsible 21 year old who has three kids by three men, the kids deserves the same support, and the same chance to avoid being locked in the poverty cycle. The DPB provides that opportunity. Without it, women with young children would be left destitute and the potential of those young lives would be lost.

I’ve just noticed Annette King says something similiar in the Herald today:

what would those who criticise it say? They shouldn’t have had the children?” she asked. “But those children exist, and support for those children to ensure that they are fed and clothed and housed is what the welfare system is about.

I think if you were to ask, you would probably find you know some people who have led successful lives who, for a time at least, grew up on the DPB. In fact, we all know one man who wouldn’t be PM today if social welfare hadn’t been there to look after him when his father died.

The shame of it is Key is now leading a government that is exploiting misunderstandings and prejudices against DPB families, which can only be groundlaying work for benefit cuts to come. He ought to be defending the DPB for giving hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of kids, like him, who would otherwise be doomed to poverty.

40 comments on “DPB: it’s for the kids ”

  1. So Bored 1

    Pleased you mentioned that loathsome moral viewpoint of blaming people for their own position in life. It epitomises the whole Nact creed of greed. Externalise responsibility, turn it into somebody elses blame. Hum Dead Kennedy numbers.like “Kill the Poor”.

  2. BLiP 2

    Your forgetting that other tenet of the Right – pull the ladder up behind you.

  3. millsy 3

    What will it be, Middle New Zealand, the DPB?, or tax cuts and the sight of mothers and their children living under bridges or in their cars?? Give me the former any day. I dont begrudge paying my taxes for the DPB (Its paying for Obama’s wars that I hate).

  4. millsy 4

    Waiting for the Maori Party to have some guts about this….

  5. This is why the Maori Party are silent http://www.guide2.co.nz/politics/news/youth-unemployment-package-seen-as-a-good-start039/11/9878 – just one exmaple of why they don’t want to bite the hand that is feeding them. I know this is a rather facitious take on this policy but it is primarily designed for maori, rural youth. I hope the programmes, money and support gets to where it is needed most and those youth get some measure of self confidence and self sufficency from it.

    • BLiP 5.1

      I don’t share your hopes. This nonsense is actually just another plank in National Inc’s privatisation of the provision of social welfare and a leap in funding for corporate welfare. I hope that what ever benefit accrues to youth is not set against those “non-yoofs” who will be displaced.

      But, yeah, I see what you mean. The Maori (elite) Party will be setting up their whanau with the inside running on the establishment of the structures needed to implement the policy, the details of which have not been released to the rest of us – surprise surprise.

  6. Andrei 6

    Actually the core value that has been lost is the value of KIDS full stop.

    The next generation is this countries true wealth and we as a nation haven’t had enough of them.

  7. Observer 7

    Regarding
    “I don’t care whether their mum is a 40 year old divorcee who’s always done her best and worked for 20 years or an irresponsible 21 year old who has three kids by three men, the kids deserves the same support”

    I couldn’t agree more. However, a 40 year old divorcee who has worked and raised her children in a stable (till the end,) marriage is likely to spend her money very differently to a 21 year with three kids each of a different father. The former will probably provide good meals, promote education and put boundaries on her children’s behaviour; the latter will provide fast-food and/or takeaways and leave the kids to deal with life themselves while she goes looking for another man to pay for her entertainment as a way to get his own.

    Perhaps neither of them should be left with children to be looked after – a national child-raising institute might be a better solution
    Perhaps they should be limited to the number of children they have when they first claim a life paid for by the tax-payers, enforced by reversible tube-tying if they remove themselves from the role for 5 years.
    Perhaps the fathers of their children, identified from the mandatory national DNA database, should have child support at the level of (($250,000/240)*(1+cumulative monthly inflation since Jan 1st 2009)) per month. If they too are on benefit it should be disbursed to the mother first and if there’s anything left he can have it; if there’s nothing left give him $100 per week and a mandatory but free vasectomy.

    Perhaps we will be able to eat the cheese that makes up the dark side of the moon one day.

    • A Nonny Moose 7.1

      People mention class, gender and race as being push buttons in this debate, I think you’ve pointed out another – age. Because anyone under the age of 2X with 3 kids surely can’t be a responsible caregiver, right?

      I’m getting really tired of the ageism in this country, whether it’s surrounding procreation or driving habits. You want these “kids with kids” to support your voting choices, then give them a little respect back.

    • Akldnut 7.2

      A 40 year old divorcee who has worked and raised her children in a stable (till the end,) marriage is likely to spend her money very differently to a 21 year with three kids each of a different father. The former will probably provide good meals, promote education and put boundaries on her children’s behaviour; the latter will provide fast-food and/or takeaways and leave the kids to deal with life themselves while she goes looking for another man to pay for her entertainment as a way to get his own.

      Wow Observer well picked up on. You couldn’t be more correct

      You’ve obviously met the mothers of my children. Not a Family Court Judge or Lawyer by any chance?

  8. Hairy Monster 8

    “I realised something: the purpose of the DPB is not to support the parent, it’s to ease the effects of poverty on the children.”

    Agreed Eddie, however I’m sure you’re aware that despite this being the purpose in far too many households where the parents are recieving benefits that children are viewed as nothing more than a cash cow to support their parents lifestyle.

    • BLiP 8.1

      Assuming – just for a split second – your hideous notion had even a grain of truth, it would mean that there is even more reason that the children be protected, especially from the likes of you who would rather not see their smiling faces in this world.

      • Rex Widerstrom 8.1.1

        Sick as it sounds, in a small but significant proportion of households in receipt of benefits, that’s exactly what they’re seen as BLiP… as added income first and anything else second. I’ve grown up around poverty so while I know the vast majority of poor parents love and value their children, there are some whose level of neglect (while ensuring their own selfish needs are met) can only lead one to the conclusion they don’t given a damn for their offspring. Surely you’ve seen it too?

        Indeed there’s a handful who have admitted quite openly to me that while they didn’t get pregnant with the express intent of gaining a higher benefit, they went ahead and had the child for that reason (and sometimes then farmed out its care to other family members while retaining the increase in benefit payment for themselves).

        It’s why, many years ago, I came to the conclusion I supported increased welfare payments — but wherever possible by way of pre-payment (of rent and utilities) and supermarket vouchers and the like. I’m sure a supermarket chain would offer a substantial discount in return for being a preferred supplier to government, thus further increasing the effective benefit.

        I’m normally absolutely against state interference in people’s lives, even when state payments are involved. But it is the level of neglect I’ve seen in some (note: some) homes which has led me regretfully to that conclusion.

        And yes, I’m well aware of the fact that neglect and abuse isn’t correlated to receipt of a benefit. But it seems to me a way to assist a cohort of neglected children while at the same time providing more to all beneficiary families.

        • bobbity 8.1.1.1

          Nice Rex – amazes me that no-one in government has come up with a reasoned plan on how to ensure that the resources get to where they’re supposed to – the kids.

          There has to be a better solution than the DPB which is a pretty blunt instrument.

          I’d agree that most on the DPB struggle along and deserve all the help they get but there are those that use it as an income source for themselves rather than their kids – you’d think something could be done to ensure that in these instances it’s he kids who are being fed, clothed and looked after.

      • Swampy 8.1.2

        Oh come on that’s ridiculous.

        Far better never to have had the children in the first place obviously, if you can’t look after them properly then give them to someone who can.

        The whole driver of this debate of course is the passionate defence of this matter by the Left, which is mainly due to trying to convince the public that teenage girls can give their children a better start in life than adoptive parents.

  9. what would those who criticise it say? They shouldn’t have had the children?’ she asked. “But those children exist, and support for those children to ensure that they are fed and clothed and housed is what the welfare system is about.

    I think that’s the right approach for Labour to take and I guess we should be grateful that it only took them a month to come up with it; the other talking point they should emphasise is to remind women that the DPB is ‘there for them’ if their circumstances change.

    Anger towards the DPB keys into all sorts of racial and gender touchstones but most of the anger comes from older, uneducated white male voters and I think that’s a demographic that the National Party is pretty much maxed out in; if Labour can remind female voters that the DPB is there for them as well, even if they don’t need it right now then that demographic will also feel that anger directed towards them.
    The debate is not about the people who currently get the DPB, it’s about all the people it’s designed to support.

    • Pascal's bookie 9.1

      Anger towards the DPB keys into all sorts of racial and gender touchstones

      Lee Atwater (Ronnie Raygun’z Karl Rove) :

      Atwater: You start out in 1954 by saying, “Nigger, nigger, nigger.’ By 1968 you can’t say “nigger’—that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like forced busing, states’ rights and all that stuff. You’re getting so abstract now [that] you’re talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you’re talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is [that] blacks get hurt worse than whites.

      But what would he know?

    • Swampy 9.2

      The debate for me is very clear cut. I know lots of families who wouldn’t qualify for the DPB, where the mother makes a clear and obvious choice to go back to work as soon as possible after the child is born, for economic reasons. The biggest issue is simply that the DPB makes work optional. I even met people who said they could pretend to split up with their husband if they didn’t want to work, so that they could claim the DPB. There is no work optional if your income is too high or whatever reason to receive the DPB. You don’t work, you don’t get paid.

      So the point that is being lost is that Labour is campaigning for the DPB to be paid as of right to mothers who don’t want to work, and Labour has made it easier for them to choose their lifestyle by removing the work test that Jenny Shipley’s government introduced.

  10. ben 10

    * a penny-pinching self-centredness
    * a moral viewpoint that good people prosper thanks to hard work and, therefore, anyone who isn’t prosperous is the author of their own demise, which makes them undeserving of help.

    Hmmm. Most people think I am a right winger (actually I’m a classical liberal) I think the key principles that underlie my rejection of public welfare are

    a) there needs to be a safety net

    b) public welfare crowds out private charity

    c) all government programs have limitless capacity to expand and produce large negative returns, and short of fiscal bankruptcy there is almost no counterveiling pressure to prevent it – a problem avoid by private charity

    d) voluntary charity is morally preferable, by some distance, to coerced charity

    So yes I’m against the black hole that is the DPB and for assisting those less unfortunate.

    • Draco T Bastard 10.1

      b) public welfare crowds out private charity

      um, what? Nothing stopping you donating to charities of your choice.

      The big problem of course is that there isn’t enough private charity to supply the safety net that you say is needed. On top of that people tend to give to their favourite cause and that tends to miss out a lot of people in need. Finally, the government supplying that safety net can do it a lot more efficiently than private charities can.

      c) all government programs have limitless capacity to expand and produce large negative returns, and short of fiscal bankruptcy there is almost no counterveiling pressure to prevent it a problem avoid by private charity

      No more than private institutions do and I’ve seen worse in those.

      d) voluntary charity is morally preferable, by some distance, to coerced charity

      So, you think the crime we would have if we didn’t have the welfare system would be preferable?

      Basically, you’re spouting ideology that doesn’t relate to reality.

      • Swampy 10.1.1

        Government programmes always end up bloated for political reasons, lack of proper accountability and the government being a monopoly etc. The DPB probably wasn’t predicted to get to its current numbers at the time it was introduced.

        hence claims of efficiency are usually irrelevant it is never seen.

    • Stacktwo 10.2

      Someone else longing for the great leap backwards. “Are there no workhouses?”

      Fact is, spreading the load as evenly as possible through “public welfare” is necessary because private charity will never cut it. And if you regard the DPB as a “black hole”, how much more has it been made so by pulling up the ladders of education assistance that Bennett used to pull herself out of it?

      Private charities today are already unable to keep up with growing needs for foodbank assistance. Do you really want to see the lines growing outside the soup kitchens?

      Face it, we’re a greedy lot. Given the chance, with a healthy salary, and a nice family trust in which to hide his assets, does our respectable Finance Minister (who no doubt thinks of himself as a morally principled person) become charitable? No, he milks the system for whatever more he can get his greedy fingers into.

      Give us a break!

    • RedLogix 10.3

      voluntary charity is morally preferable, by some distance, to coerced charity

      Therein lies the clue to your real motive.

      You prefer private, voluntary charity because it inherently permits those ‘giving’ to make moral judgements about who they are going to help. Until the Great Depression most charity was church based (one way or another) and while it was certainly better than nothing, it was often doled out with great ugly lumps of prissy, petty and ultimately demeaning condescension. While it may have saved many from actual starvation and death, it was hugely resented as an enforcing tool of class distinction and privilege.

      This was one of the great drivers behind the evolution of a universal, public welfare system after the Great Depression when so many ordinary working people of the day were abused, traumatised and deeply offended by the treatment they received at the hands of private charities.

    • So Bored 10.4

      Ben,

      How about the coerced charity whereby a worker gives his labour at a discount to feed the extortionate profits that make the employer wealthy?
      How about the tax burden being shifted away from even those dubiously gained profits and put back by way of indirect taxes on the little the worker actually got paid?
      How about private charity? Show me when it has ever been widespread and sufficient?
      Why is it that the right, liberal or otherwise never has the balls to come straight out and say, yes we got the cash, yes we know it is socially unjust, but hey so what, stuff you! Whats with all the theoretical justification? Are you really ashamed or embarressed?

      There is a black hole on the right, it is where all the honesty gets sucked into.

  11. Mothers4Justice 11

    Has anybody seen that bastard dad4shit? I am pissed off big time.I got Ministry of Justice c##nts giving me shit about my 19 kids!!

  12. Funny how the left think if it doesn’t involve force and the state, people wont get support? Presumably if the DPB didn’t exist, all those who cheer it on wouldn’t donate money to help poorer families, wouldn’t rent out a room at a low rate to help them out? Why do you need to be forced to care?

    Oh and if it’s for the kids, any chance that everyone who supports these kids can get some time with them? Can go visit them and intervene if the parent you’re paying to support isn’t buying books, or isn’t looking after them, or take them on holidays, or actually do something for them? Thought not. Stupid me. My wife and I shouldn’t have bothered saving and waiting till we could afford to have kids, we should breed like rabbits and moan about all those people “who don’t care about our kids”.

    I think it comes across to views on people. Most on the left are pessimistic and think nobody will help others in trouble, yet compared to this selfishness they also don’t think those on welfare are self serving, but somehow innocent of this nature. Many on the (liberal) right are optimistic and believe people are generally good and give when they see a good cause that will see the money well used, but are not so naive to believe that people wont take advantage of a free lunch.

  13. Pascal's bookie 13

    LS, so if you think that people will take advantage of any free lunch on offer, why do you think they will voluntarily support those in need, to an extent that might allow them to escape poverty? I mean I’m sure they’d like to, but it’s not compulsory, and why if they give enough that that family doesn’t starve, then surely that’s enough, at least enough to feel quite good about themselves.

    Before we had a welfare system, class structures were far more entrenched, mobility out of poverty was incredibly hard. Why was that? Why did the children of the poor, work?

    Why did we institute a welfare system in the first place? Could it be that private charity, wasn’t working?

    • So Bored 13.1

      Sounds like for all his rhetoric of the right consisting optimism Lib has a highly pessimistic outlook about his fellow citizens, why else the worry about welfare recipients? Arguments are fine, but when you reference them to the historic record you would wonder there was any optimism remaining in the left. The rich despite welfare are richer again.

      • Pascal's bookie 13.1.1

        Yeah well, it’s not like the right has disappeared. Can’t make the kids of the poor work anymore, so they’ve spent the last 20 years shifting as much of the tax burden as they can onto the middle and working classes.

  14. Maynard J 14

    Libertyscott, who will make up the shortfall if universal welfare was abolished? The rich folk rorting the taxpayer with trust-WFF scams, or the people who have spent the past month engaging in sickening attacks on beneficiaries?

    I do not feel the love, nor the sympathy or respect, nor the optimism and generosity there.

    Excuse my negativity – but you might have to let it slide that I call it realism, and laugh at your fantasy wishes, your groundless idealism.

  15. Swampy 15

    There’s actually a lot more to this debate than you make out, one issue is that the DPB was not found necessary until 1974 when a Labour government introduced it.

    But in point of fact there is a very simple question, and that is why the DPB is being offered to mothers so that they can choose whether or not they feel like working. Wouldn’t it be nice if all benefits were paid like this? Needless to say, they aren’t or the welfare burden would be much more massive.

    The issue with the DPB is simply that these mothers should be expected to work, just as a lot of other mothers put their children into childcare and go out to work for the family. Families everywhere, where quite obviously they would not be able to get the DPB, are making these kinds of choices every day. Therefore the DPB has a lot more to do with the unwillingness of some (perhaps many) mothers to work than any of the other issues that have been raised about it. The DPB should be abolished and replaced by the dole, except in very special cases.

  16. Swampy 16

    “the kids deserves the same support, and the same chance to avoid being locked in the poverty cycle. The DPB provides that opportunity.”

    Only to some, multigenerational welfare dependency is well known.

    The kind of parent who imparts the best sense of opportunity to their children is the sort who are only on the benefit for a short time and are looking to get off it as soon as possible. Unsurprisingly there are a lot of people on these benefits who have made a lifestyle out of it, due to the poor parental example to their children, the offspring will remain in poverty.

  17. Swampy 17

    “the sight of mothers and their children living under bridges or in their cars”

    How about working? You guys are absolutely pathetic.

    The people that live under bridges aren’t people who got disqualified from benefits. They are mostly people who have several substance abuse disorders and the like.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • At a glance – The difference between weather and climate
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    12 hours ago
  • More criminal miners
    What is it with the mining industry? Its not enough for them to pillage the earth - they apparently can't even be bothered getting resource consent to do so: The proponent behind a major mine near the Clutha River had already been undertaking activity in the area without a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    12 hours ago
  • Photos from the road
    Photo # 1 I am a huge fan of Singapore’s approach to housing, as described here two years ago by copying and pasting from The ConversationWhat Singapore has that Australia does not is a public housing developer, the Housing Development Board, which puts new dwellings on public and reclaimed land, ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    13 hours ago
  • RMA reforms aim to ease stock-grazing rules and reduce farmers’ costs – but Taxpayers’ Union w...
    Buzz from the Beehive Reactions to news of the government’s readiness to make urgent changes to “the resource management system” through a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) suggest a balanced approach is being taken. The Taxpayers’ Union says the proposed changes don’t go far enough.  Greenpeace says ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    14 hours ago
  • Luxon Strikes Out.
    I’m starting to wonder if Anna Burns-Francis might be the best political interviewer we’ve got. That might sound unlikely to you, it came as a bit of a surprise to me.Jack Tame can be excellent, but has some pretty average days. I like Rebecca Wright on Newshub, she asks good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    17 hours ago
  • In many ways the media that the experts wanted, turned out to be the media they have got
    Chris Trotter writes –  Willie Jackson is said to be planning a “media summit” to discuss “the state of the media and how to protect Fourth Estate Journalism”. Not only does the Editor of The Daily Blog, Martyn Bradbury, think this is a good idea, but he has also ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    17 hours ago
  • The Waitangi Tribunal Summons; or the more things stay the same
    Graeme Edgeler writes –  This morning [April 21], the Wellington High Court is hearing a judicial review brought by Hon. Karen Chhour, the Minister for Children, against a decision of the Waitangi Tribunal. This is unusual, judicial reviews are much more likely to brought against ministers, rather than ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    18 hours ago
  • Both Parliamentary watchdogs hammer Fast-track bill
    Both of Parliament’s watchdogs have now ripped into the Government’s Fast-track Approvals Bill. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s political economy and beyond on the morning of Tuesday, April 23 are:The Lead: The Auditor General, John Ryan, has joined the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    19 hours ago
  • India makes a big bet on electric buses
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Sarah Spengeman People wait to board an electric bus in Pune, India. (Image credit: courtesy of ITDP) Public transportation riders in Pune, India, love the city’s new electric buses so much they will actually skip an older diesel bus that ...
    21 hours ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 6:36am on Tuesday, April 23
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 6:36am on Tuesday, April 22:Scoop & Deep Dive: How Sir Peter Jackson got to have his billion-dollar exit cake and eat Hollywood too NZ Herald-$$$ Matt NippertFast Track Approval Bill: Watchdogs seek substantial curbs on ministers' powers ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    23 hours ago
  • What is really holding up infrastructure
    The infrastructure industry yesterday issued a “hurry up” message to the Government, telling it to get cracking on developing a pipeline of infrastructure projects.The hiatus around the change of Government has seen some major projects cancelled and others delayed, and there is uncertainty about what will happen with the new ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • “Pure Unadulterated Charge”
    Hi,Over the weekend I revisited a podcast I really adore, Dead Eyes. It’s about a guy who got fired from Band of Brothers over two decades ago because Tom Hanks said he had “dead eyes”.If you don’t recall — 2001’s Band of Brothers was part of the emerging trend of ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 day ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks for Monday, April 22
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: writes via his substack that’s he’s sceptical about the IPSOS poll last week suggesting a slide into authoritarianism here, writing: Kiwis seem to want their cake and eat it too Tal Aster writes for about How Israel turned homeowners into YIMBYs. writes via his ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The media were given a little list and hastened to pick out Fast Track prospects – but the Treaty ...
     Buzz from the Beehive The 180 or so recipients of letters from the Government telling them how to submit infrastructure projects for “fast track” consideration includes some whose project applications previously have been rejected by the courts. News media were quick to feature these in their reports after RMA Reform Minister Chris ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Just trying to stay upright
    It would not be a desirable way to start your holiday by breaking your back, your head, or your wrist, but on our first hour in Singapore I gave it a try.We were chatting, last week, before we started a meeting of Hazel’s Enviro Trust, about the things that can ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • “Unprecedented”
    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    2 days ago
  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    2 days ago
  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    2 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    3 days ago
  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    3 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    3 days ago
  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    3 days ago
  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    3 days ago
  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    3 days ago
  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    3 days ago
  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    3 days ago
  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    3 days ago
  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    4 days ago
  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    4 days ago
  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    4 days ago
  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    4 days ago
  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    4 days ago
  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    4 days ago
  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    4 days ago
  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    You talking about me?  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    4 days ago
  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    4 days ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    4 days ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    4 days ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    4 days ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    4 days ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    4 days ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    4 days ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    4 days ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    4 days ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    4 days ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days 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
    12 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-23T17:10:43+00:00