Free houses?

Written By: - Date published: 9:22 am, February 17th, 2015 - 188 comments
Categories: housing, national - Tags: , , ,

Free houses? That may be what it takes to interest charities in becoming “social housing” providers:

Trust on state houses: We won’t buy unless they’re free

A community housing provider has told the Government that it won’t buy state houses when they’re put up for sale this year unless the price is zero.

Neil Binnie of the Bays Community Housing Trust on Auckland’s North Shore told Cabinet ministers Bill English and Paula Bennett at their first consultation meeting on state-house sales that a price of zero was the only way to fund both buying houses and redeveloping them. …

The government has had much the same reception from the Salvation Army. Did they do any consultation with charities before rolling out this “social housing” policy?

188 comments on “Free houses? ”

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  1. Clemgeopin 1
    17 February 2015 at 9:30 am

    This right wing rogue of a government, in spite of its pretensions, is a pro wealthy, pro corporate outfit that will squeeze the less privileged as much as possible with spin, lies, deception, BS and sweet talk, and quietly work in favour of the rich, particularly because that is where their votes, lobbying, influence, interests and donations are!

    • Gosman 1.1
      17 February 2015 at 11:31 am

      Then they wouldn’t be selling them to non governmental social housing providers but to the profit driven private sector.

      Are you abke to explain to me why someone receiving subsidized housing from a non governmental source is worse for the person than if they receive it from the State? I’m sure there is some sort of logic in your objections i just don’t know what it is.

      • vto 1.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:35 am

        These things have been explained countless times before gosman, why do you refuse to acknowledge the reasons?

        • Gosman 1.1.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 11:50 am

          The arguments have seemed to escaped the attention of not just myself but of people like Gareth Morgan. He seems to think the only objections being put forward are ideological based. Perhaps you could help Mr Morgan and myself by articulating the reasons why the State or local authorities are better than others on all cases at supplying social housing.

      • Clemgeopin 1.1.2
        17 February 2015 at 11:54 am

        “Then they wouldn’t be selling them to non governmental social housing providers but to the profit driven private sector”

        Watch the space. See what will REALLY happen over time.

        If you think that this RW government that has run on lies, BS, expensive spin and PR on behalf of the wealthy and the corporates is honest and altruistic in its intentions and policies in favour of the less privileged, the poor, the low waged, the ordinary workers and what Key calls ‘the ‘under class’, then either you are one of the privileged or just another gullible fool.

      • aerobubble 1.1.3
        17 February 2015 at 1:50 pm

        For one the state wont squeeze itself, but can private providers.

  2. miravox 2
    17 February 2015 at 9:44 am

    The thing is…. they’ll still be houses in the wrong places (according to the rationale for disposing of them). So why would the charities want them for their clients? As far as I can see, it’s just another layer in the process of selling them on to landlords and/or developers and absolving the government of blame for them ending up in the private housing market.

    Alternatively these houses are in the right places, so why sell anyway – except for redevelopment – which the charities have no money for.

    • Gosman 2.1
      17 February 2015 at 11:32 am

      Where is the detail behind which houses will be sold? I didn’t realize that had been released.

      • vto 2.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:37 am

        Oh, so there is no detail behind which houses will be sold?

        That’s hilarious. Typical right wing analysis these days – just run with ideology eh

        • Gosman 2.1.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 12:15 pm

          Funny considering the objections to increasing the role of non governmental social housing providers seem to be ideologically based or on hypothetical worse case scenarios that are dreamt up.

          • vto 2.1.1.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 12:19 pm

            Nope. Based on decades of experience starting with Savage and ending with the current market failure to supply housing.

            Can you not see that what Savage started significantly benefitted NZ and that the current market failure is causing nothing but anguish and hurt for huge chunks of the population?

            Why don’t you face the proven facts?

            • English Breakfast 2.1.1.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 5:13 pm

              There was a huge shortage of housing in the 1940’s not long after Savage’s death, particularly in Auckland. Was Savage to blame? The current shortage in Auckland has been brewing for 10-15 years, and most certainly isn’t a failure of the market. The market will meet demand, but it cannot do so when constrained by artificial and archaic development constraints.

              • One Anonymous Bloke …
                17 February 2015 at 5:16 pm

                Yes, you’re absolutely right: deregulation caused the problem, and obviously the solution is more deregulation.

                You people need some new lies.

              • vto …
                18 February 2015 at 8:48 am

                English breakfast “The current shortage in Auckland has been brewing for 10-15 years, and most certainly isn’t a failure of the market. The market will meet demand, but it cannot do so when constrained by artificial and archaic development constraints.”

                Wrong wrong wrong. I realise that this is what Nick Smith says, and Bill English, but they are liars and have a completely vested interest.

                Tell me how the numbers and demographics and geography stack up if you allowed carte blanche housing anywhere within 100km of central Auckland and canned all regulation. Come on English breakfast – spell out the detail.

                SHOW ME THE MONEY !

                • English Breakfast …
                  18 February 2015 at 3:11 pm

                  Your question is somewhat self defeating. It is the market that builds all houses. The public sector doesn’t build any houses. It may commission them, but it doesn’t build them.

                  • One Anonymous Bloke …
                    18 February 2015 at 3:19 pm

                    Yes, because clients have no role in the market, eh 🙄

                    PS: your ideology hasn’t grasped that government is an expression of demand. Have you? Pfft.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      18 February 2015 at 3:26 pm

                      The Govt is a client of the market. So what? If there is less constraint, the market will build more houses. Whether for the Govt or for private clients. At the present there are too many constraints, amongst the worst of which is the current Mayor’s stupid refusal to let Auckland sprawl.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      18 February 2015 at 3:28 pm

                      Sprawling has worked so well, after all. 🙄

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      18 February 2015 at 4:41 pm

                      PS: “a client of the market”? Clients are constituent parts of a market, not some external entity.

                      For a master of the universe you sure are dim.

                    • vto …
                      18 February 2015 at 9:25 pm

                      Bullshit english breakfast.

                      Answer the question, don’t avoid it.. it is a very very simple question and it goes right to the core of your claim. Explain yourself.

                      Here is the question again;

                      “Tell me how the numbers and demographics and geography stack up if you allowed carte blanche housing anywhere within 100km of central Auckland and canned all regulation. Come on English breakfast – spell out the detail.

                      SHOW ME THE MONEY !”

                      Answer it

                    • English Breakfast …
                      19 February 2015 at 10:37 am

                      “Tell me how the numbers and demographics and geography stack up if you allowed carte blanche housing anywhere within 100km of central Auckland and canned all regulation. ”

                      Gee you’d have to cite where I actually said that. I’m not advocating carte blanche. I’m advocating letting Auckland sprawl, which is entirely sensible given the huge areas of land available North and South of Auckland to allow that to happen. The evidence? Visit Pokeno.

                    • vto …
                      20 February 2015 at 9:48 am

                      “Tell me how the numbers and demographics and geography stack up if you allowed carte blanche housing anywhere within 100km of central Auckland and canned all regulation. Come on English breakfast – spell out the detail.

                      SHOW ME THE MONEY !”

                      Swap the words “carte blanche” for “sprawl”.

                      Now, show me the money. Pokeno is a failed example – check the cost of housing there.

                      come on, break down the cost of a new house and land package and explain how this will change with sprawl and with less RMA involvement..

                      you made the claim, now back it up with detail

                      (tho I suspect you will attempt to wriggle out again)

                    • English Breakfast …
                      21 February 2015 at 7:39 pm

                      Pokeno failed???? Are you serious? The place is booming, and is a great example of how satellite towns could assist the housing issues.

                      As to sprawl, it’s simple. The further away from a city’s CBD, the generally the lower the cost of land. Let Auckland sprawl, and don’t condemn the city to suburbs of high cost boxes.

          • David 2.1.1.1.2
            17 February 2015 at 2:32 pm

            Yes, this country is having a massive ideological battle right now. Some of those people who are so wedded to their ideology they can’t see how it effects society as a whole. Can you see this Gosman? Why do you insist on acting stupid?

            • Murray Rawshark 2.1.1.1.2.1
              17 February 2015 at 3:01 pm

              He’s not acting, David. He really believes that adoration of profit is natural law and anything else is ideology.

            • English Breakfast 2.1.1.1.2.2
              17 February 2015 at 5:07 pm

              David are you suggesting private ownership of houses, indeed private ownership of any part of the social housing stocks, is somehow new or secret? Why do you suppose that only Govt. should own social housing?

              • marty mars …
                17 February 2015 at 5:27 pm

                how about to provide for the common societal good (sort of why it is called social housing) rather than private profit for fat-cat exploitative profiteers

                • McFlock …
                  17 February 2015 at 5:32 pm

                  Private enterprise has no interest, desire, or regard for a public good.

                • English Breakfast …
                  17 February 2015 at 5:37 pm

                  “how about to provide for the common societal good (sort of why it is called social housing) “…which can be perfectly adequately provided by the Govt contracting social housing from private owners. Just like they do with may other services.

                  • marty mars …
                    17 February 2015 at 6:11 pm

                    why should they contract it out if provides a societal good – it seems like you don’t think Government should provide any societal good services and that private owners can do it all – is that correct?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      17 February 2015 at 6:14 pm

                      Nah, it isn’t so much that Trash doesn’t think, more that he doesn’t question the lies he gets spoonfed.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      18 February 2015 at 8:42 am

                      “why should they contract it out if provides a societal good ”

                      Why shouldn’t they? After all that works with roading, education, banking, housing….

                      “it seems like you don’t think Government should provide any societal good services and that private owners can do it all – is that correct?”

                      No. But if the private sector can provide a service without the Govt having to fund large sums of capital outlay, then why not? It works in so many other areas of society.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      18 February 2015 at 8:47 am

                      “If”. 🙄

                      All you need now is somewhere in the world you can point to that supports your unoriginal delusions.

                  • McFlock …
                    17 February 2015 at 6:47 pm

                    lol yes, because all services are totes identical /sarc

                    • English Breakfast …
                      18 February 2015 at 3:15 pm

                      “All you need now is somewhere in the world you can point to that supports your unoriginal delusions.”

                      New Zealand. Roading, schools (both construction and operation), health services, transport, telecommunications, airports…all provided by the private sector.

                    • McFlock …
                      18 February 2015 at 3:29 pm

                      Most of those are provided inadequately by the private sector.

                      In fact, they not only provide examples as to why social housing shouldn’t be privatised, they provide examples as to why the respective products and services themselves should not be privatised.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      19 February 2015 at 10:40 am

                      Seriously? You do realise our roading contractors at so well regarded they secure overseas contracts from foreign Govts? As do our private health providers, private school operators….the list goes on. The private sector provides excellent value for money…just look at the funding model for Charter Schools, where the private sector is delivering more for less.

                    • McFlock …
                      19 February 2015 at 12:00 pm

                      If you want to check in with reality any time, feel free.

                      Charter schools delivering more for less – lol, you’re the sort of student a charter school would fob off onto the state system.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      19 February 2015 at 4:50 pm

                      Charter Schools cost approximately $1million to set up and then are funded at decile 3. The then educate youth that are often on the absolute fringes of society, and thus far the evidence is that they are doing so very well. As time goes on you’ll understand that Charter Schools are just another successful interaction between the state and private enterprise. Just like private schools, private health providers, private roading contractors, private builders, private stationery providers, private printers………..

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      19 February 2015 at 4:55 pm

                      That’s right Trash: when in doubt, tell lies.

                    • McFlock …
                      19 February 2015 at 4:59 pm

                      Like I said, if you want to check in with reality at any time, feel free.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      20 February 2015 at 9:25 am

                      …or you could cite the other Charter schools that are successfully delivering, or the non-Charter schools that are failing.

                    • Clemgeopin []
                      22 February 2015 at 1:18 am

                      Have YOU and other RW politicians in ACT and National enrolled your own kids in any of the Charter schools ?

                    • McFlock …
                      20 February 2015 at 12:04 pm

                      yes, because a 20% failure rate is totally acceptable when talking about schools or parachutes 🙄

                    • English Breakfast …
                      21 February 2015 at 7:44 pm

                      Where do you get the 20% from? There is no such stat in the real world. In NZ we have established 5 Charter Schools and none have failed to date. Meanwhile…what do you think these people do?? http://www.educationgroup.co.nz/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=6&cntnt01returnid=57

                    • McFlock …
                      22 February 2015 at 5:43 pm

                      Yes, one of those five has failed.
                      Even if it suddenly turns itself around (which looks doubtfu), achieving an acceptable standard after a couple of years is still unacceptable for the students in those years.

                      Meanwhile, you’re welcome to develop a point with your (so far irrelevant) link.

  3. Sabine 3
    17 February 2015 at 9:46 am

    the charities are not to buy them. They are to refuse the houses as to expensive which they are doing.
    now the government can sell them to whom ever has the money, all they have to do is create a Housing Charity…and voila problem solved.

    did really anyone think that the sally army was going to get the statehouses in New Lynn? Or Grey Lynn, or any of the other million dollar suburbs?

    Here, come here, i have a bridge to sell to you.

    • Gosman 3.1
      17 February 2015 at 11:34 am

      Who will set up a housing charity? The Government? I thought they already essentially ran something similar. Do you mean private people? In which case surely more housing charities are a good thing.

      • vto 3.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:39 am

        Sabine clearly meant the government.

        carry on with your meaninglessness

      • tricledrown 3.1.2
        17 February 2015 at 11:48 am

        Gooseman charities are overworked and underfunded.
        This is a copout.
        From the man who grew up in a state house.

        • Gosman 3.1.2.1
          17 February 2015 at 11:52 am

          Then they obviously won’t take on the extra work if they can’t do it. If they feel like they can then why would you object?

      • Lanthanide 3.1.3
        17 February 2015 at 1:03 pm

        “In which case surely more housing charities are a good thing.”

        No, not really. Economies of scale suggest that fewer, larger charities will be more effective.

  4. One Anonymous Bloke 4
    17 February 2015 at 9:57 am

    They’ll get a better offer.

    Who cares about the houses – the land will be free, the government will pay to clear the land for development, the National Party will get a big donation, and retiring MPs will be offered directorships.

    The usual National Party corruption, as detailed very kindly for us by Simon Lusk.

  5. dave 5
    17 February 2015 at 10:03 am

    This government is rotten to the core with lies there not this they do I want the whole housing market to crash because its the only way to bring the country back to reality not this ponzi fantasy land we are living in all this government has done is kick to can down the road just long enough to loot as much as they can
    While they still can

  6. Brendon Harre 6
    17 February 2015 at 10:05 am

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11403054
    The small end of town in Auckland is up 26.5% -rentiers are making a killing and more of the bottom end of the market are being rationed out of decent housing. What is the government doing about it? The government is trying to do a shell game of pretending that social housing involving only a few changes in the 60,000? state housing stock will improve the conditions for the wider market of over a 1 million homes.

    John Key in the following older video clearly states his government doesn’t want property prices to go down. He then says -correctly -that the problem is land supply – he focuses on Auckland (which is wrong -no part of NZ has affordable housing like some overseas markets), saying that Labour cannot build KiwiBuild-homes for $300,000 because that would involve getting sections at $50,000, which John Key said was impossible. I think section prices of under $100,000 and family sized houses for $300,000-$400,000 (smaller homes even cheaper) would be doable by either compulsory acquisition of rural land or removing rural urban boundaries. Both/either of these processes should be focused on breaking the monopoly stranglehold that land banking has on our urban areas.
    http://bcove.me/zkxxhi93

    Lets stop the pretence that nobody understands what is going on here. We all know what is going on, some people in positions of power feign ignorance and avoid discussing it. Lets not play there game.

    • b waghorn 6.1
      17 February 2015 at 12:34 pm

      “compulsory acquisition of rural land or removing rural urban boundaries.”
      The last thing this country needs is cities spreading wasting more productive land and adding to traffic problems is all it achieve s.

      • Brendon Harre 6.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 2:25 pm

        If the first Labour government had listened to the likes of you then state housing in places like the Hutt valley and Mangere would not have happened. Urban areas actually use very little land. The big waster of rural land is lifestyle blocks -but as rich people buy those they cannot be restricted.

  7. Tracey 7
    17 February 2015 at 10:29 am

    Sallies have not even been spoken to by this Government.

    Isn’t this obvious?

    Offer them to the charities. Charities can’t afford them. Can’t give them away! Open to tender to private “providers”.

    CF

    Offer shares to “mums and dads” first. Very few can afford them, but you tried. Now you can sell them to institutional investors and overseas destined shareholdings…

    • Sabine 7.1
      17 February 2015 at 10:34 am

      ding ding ding

      we have a winner

    • Gosman 7.2
      17 February 2015 at 11:37 am

      If that happens then you have a valid objection. Until that time though it is pure conjecture. You may as well claim they are planning on rounding up social housing tenants and place them in giant work or “concentration” camps. It is equally baseless at this time.

      • vto 7.2.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:41 am

        Nope it is not. There is a pattern to the deception of the right wing, which Tracey has identified.

        Obviously logic dictates that this deception must countered immediately, not sit around and wait until the horse has bolted. Silly egg. Anyone would think you have a particular barrow to push…

        • Gosman 7.2.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 11:56 am

          What evidence do you have that it pays to counter immediately? Take the Sky City example. Following the same logic it would have been better to counter when the deal was first proposed yet when changes were mooted the opposition to them seems to have altered the plans. In that case countering later worked fine. Have you evidence of countering early working with this government?

          • vto 7.2.1.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 12:03 pm

            Your example about skycity is wrong. The plans were not altered, the plans were sent back to the original, thereby reinforcing my point that changes must be countered early.

            Why would you think that countering after the event works? It is virtually impossible to reverse the electricity sell-off now, after the event, for example.

            • Gosman 7.2.1.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 12:10 pm

              I never stated you should counter AFTER a policy is implemented. I agree that would be silly if you wanted to stop it. I am arguing that you should counter WHEN a policy is proposed and not BEFORE.

              • vto …
                17 February 2015 at 12:13 pm

                Nope absolutely not. Especially when there is a track record of certain behaviour and operation, which Tracey identifies.

          • McFlock 7.2.1.1.2
            17 February 2015 at 12:05 pm

            Worked fine?

            So we didn’t give them 500 extra pokies so private enterprise would build a for-profit convention centre?

            But as soon as it looked like we might be paying skycity up to $120mil for the privilege, as well as the extra pokies, the immediate counters made key backtrack pretty quickly and stick to his promise.

            • Gosman 7.2.1.1.2.1
              17 February 2015 at 12:13 pm

              Yep. People are generally happier with government working with Skycity on the first proposal rather than the second. Personally i wouldn’t want government doing this sort of thing at all. However the left i suspect would want the State to do the whole thing on its own which i object to even more.

              • McFlock …
                17 February 2015 at 12:33 pm

                Stop wriggling.

                By countering early, before there was a specific proposal to pay skycity a dime, key wasn’t as locked into the idea as a matter of pride.

                Sure, he takes a hit for even foreshadowing the possibility, but if people had waited until there was a plan on the table then opposition would have been more difficult.

          • tricledrown 7.2.1.1.3
            17 February 2015 at 12:45 pm

            Goosestepper their were plenty of protests against the sky city deal right from the outset.
            The latest revelations were the last straw.

      • adam 7.2.2
        17 February 2015 at 11:56 am

        OMG Gossy you did a Godwin…

      • Sabine 7.2.3
        17 February 2015 at 12:31 pm

        day dream much?

      • Tracey 7.2.4
        17 February 2015 at 12:52 pm

        this govt has a pattern of behaviour. past performance is a good indicator of future behaviour.

        your statement makes all analysis redundant with everything being dealt with only after the fuck up has happened.

        • Gosman 7.2.4.1
          17 February 2015 at 12:57 pm

          Have you evidence that the government has stated it will sell certain assets but has gone on to sell more than they claimed they would? As far as I can tell they have done the opposite, sold less than they stated they would.

        • The Murphey 7.2.4.2
          17 February 2015 at 2:36 pm

          Form Motive Probable Cause

      • David 7.2.5
        17 February 2015 at 2:35 pm

        When that happens it is too bloody late you numpty.

    • English Breakfast 7.3
      17 February 2015 at 5:22 pm

      You’re wrong. The policy was discussed in detail with the SA. As with many issues, the SA and the Govt aren’t entirely on the same page, but there will be other charities who are.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 7.3.1
        17 February 2015 at 6:20 pm

        “There will be other charities…”

        And there it is. If the National Party can’t corrupt existing charities, its owners will set some up.

        Come to think of it, the lying Prime Minister that Trash worships says the National Party is a charity already. Trash approves of this.

        • English Breakfast 7.3.1.1
          18 February 2015 at 8:43 am

          Why does anyone need to set new ones up? There amy be existing charities interested. Let’s wait and see.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 7.3.1.1.1
            19 February 2015 at 5:01 pm

            Then they should be stripped of charitable status: political dogma peddlers don’t make the grade, as Family sadists First recently discovered.

            • English Breakfast 7.3.1.1.1.1
              20 February 2015 at 9:29 am

              Well if your concerned about charities peddling political dogma, don’t forget Corso, Greenpeace, War on Want….

  8. Ron 8
    17 February 2015 at 10:34 am

    Why do we suddenly seem to have so many Housing trusts. We need then like a hole in the head. The only Housing organisation we need is Housing New Zealand. It should buy or preferably build enough houses that the need for social housing is fulfilled throughout New Zealand. If in the process it drives private institutions out of social housing then that will be very good. We do not need churches or NGO’s trying to run social housing. That is a governments job I hope that Labour will radically overhaul Housing NZ and return it to a department of the crown who will have a clearly designated purpose to ensure there is a supply of good quality housing to those that need it.

  9. greywarshark 9
    17 February 2015 at 10:49 am

    Local councils could charge high rates on empty unused housing land bought in suitable areas to encourage building by developers? Offer incentives if suitable houses are built to suitable standards. Take a firm hand with these people turning them from hoarders of essential goods for their own advantage, to the useful business people in the community that they like to promote themselves as. And stop giving them a platform in the media. I’ll gag next time I hear that Hugh whatsisname spouting about greenfields developments.

    The point is in his very words ‘green’ fields. That is farm land and we have talked for decades about the need to conserve our good growing land and we used to with sensible zoning. It leads to pre-emptive land banking sure, so do other things, but a change in rating for land not effectively used for its purpose would help. That would ensure if they did buy farms near to towns, they were being run as farms.

    At present in Christchurch there is a large piece of land near the airport sitting vacant. I don’t know if it is even grazed much. The Council and the owner have been at odds for years while, I think, the developer tries to get it passed for light industrial though the Council want that to go elsewhere.

    Neither Councils nor developers should be rigid unless – for good practical or environmental reasons. Having land sitting vacant when it is in a very suitable place for a needed purpose is part of the problem. (Unless it is Maori land and council would have to confer as to the iwi or hapu opinion of what is right and appropriate.) Council might then work with them in turning it into a lovely green tree area, around any urupa. Or use it for papakainga housing that the iwi or hapu might borrow to build while Council could assist and underwrite the mortgage, one house at a time so the project did not become large and unwieldy. It could even include Council assisting with supervisors and skills coaches and sweat-equity family working project for each building.
    edited

  10. vto 10
    17 February 2015 at 11:06 am

    And this morning we have Christchurch City Councillor, rich-lister inheritee Jamie Gough parroting the National Party line saying that the Council has no place providing housing for the city’s residents…….

    No reasons advanced for this.

    Just parroting.

    Goughie want a cracker?

    (sorry cant find link)

  11. vto 11
    17 February 2015 at 11:08 am

    Both central government and local councils are the ideal provider of housing for those who struggle to get the “free market” to meet their needs…

    By the way, where is the “free market” in providing housing for the market? Surely its non-existence is yet more evidence of the failure of the free market.

    • Gosman 11.1
      17 February 2015 at 11:39 am

      Did you not read Gareth Morgan’s take on this topic? He points out why governmental provision of social housing may not be the best option.

      • vto 11.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:44 am

        Have you not been able to see how the free market has failed to supply a demand?

        Free market failure gosman. And in one of our most used ‘products’ – our homes.

        Total failure of your ideology

        • English Breakfast 11.1.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 5:23 pm

          No, it isn’t. The market cannot supply what it cannot produce. There are laws in place limiting the supply of housing. When they are addressed, the market will meet the demand. The current problems are a failure of intervention in the market, not a failure of the market.

          • marty mars 11.1.1.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 5:34 pm

            themarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemandthemarketwillmeetdemand… soon, very soon

            • English Breakfast 11.1.1.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 5:39 pm

              No, only when the barriers are fixed. Starting with the RMA, and our nutty mayors obsession with public transport and making us live like residents of Hong Kong.

              • One Anonymous Bloke …
                17 February 2015 at 7:07 pm

                Said no evidence from any country ever.

                Tell your idol to spoonfeed you some more zombie lies. The limbs are falling off these ones.

                • English Breakfast …
                  18 February 2015 at 8:46 am

                  It’s evidenced and self evident. If there is no land available, there will be no houses built. I’m sure which part of this you don’t understand?

                  • One Anonymous Bloke …
                    18 February 2015 at 8:52 am

                    Said no evidence from any country ever. You just can’t comprehend that everywhere people are stupid enough to fall for your spoonfed dogma, it fails.

                    Didn’t Alan Greenspan’s humiliation teach you anything?

                    • English Breakfast …
                      18 February 2015 at 3:16 pm

                      So you’re suggesting that houses can be built with no land?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      19 February 2015 at 1:19 pm

                      Am I? Then you must be pashing Ayn Rand’s zombie corpse.

                      PS: you really don’t understand McFlock’s comment at 11.1.1.1.2 just below, do you. Is it all a bit challenging?

                    • McFlock …
                      19 February 2015 at 1:25 pm

                      Ayn Rand’s zombie corpse on a houseboat, Batman!

                    • English Breakfast …
                      20 February 2015 at 9:31 am

                      Clearly you’re struggling to keep up. You disagreed with this comment “If there is no land available, there will be no houses built.” and now you’re trying to recover. Supply and Demand is a simple concept, surely.

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      20 February 2015 at 9:44 am

                      No, I rejected your proven lies about regulations, and then I rejected your argument entirely.

                      Respond to McFlock at 11.1.1.1.2 or fuck off.

                    • English Breakfast …
                      21 February 2015 at 7:45 pm

                      I did. Now explain why you think houses can be built without land?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke …
                      22 February 2015 at 7:35 am

                      I don’t. You didn’t.

          • McFlock 11.1.1.1.2
            17 February 2015 at 5:44 pm

            and that’s a good example of why economics is a pseudoscience, a cult, and a sham.

            Categorical statements have inconvenient facts retconned in around them, rather than there being any chance of refutation of the theory.

      • Clemgeopin 11.1.2
        17 February 2015 at 12:01 pm

        If you think that Gareth Morgan knows the theory of everything and is correct all the time, you are being silly again.

        • Gosman 11.1.2.1
          17 February 2015 at 12:06 pm

          I never claimed he did know everything. However he has analyzed this from an economic angle and seems to make a good case. Many nations follow the non governmental social housing policy such as the Netherlands. This doesn’t seem to lead to worse outcomes than nations going down a more governmental approach to this issue. Why is that do you think?

          • Sabine 11.1.2.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 12:56 pm

            in the Netherlands one does not sign 6 month rental contracts.
            in the Netherlands one does not buy a house, rent it for six month and then sells it.
            in the Netherlands on can rent houses from the free market, or building associations which are supported by the state.

            also, i can rent a small Flat (1 bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, cellar space) for about 500 euros or about 1000$ NZD. I don’t get to rent a dog kennel for 1000NZd in Auckland, Christchurch or Wellington.

            i lived in the Netherlands, I worked there, and I paid taxes there.
            You however on more than one occasion have proven that you know nothing about much. And you clearly know very little about the Netherlands, with its beautiful public transport, public schools, excellent public healthcare, generous sick leave, excellent worker rights etc. etc. etc.

            http://www.government.nl/issues/housing/housing-associations

            Dear National Party, please upgrade your troll. Gossman has shown that he clearly is not up to specs, he lacks humor, incentive and his creativity is sorely lacking.
            i suggest you might feed or pay him better.

            ta

            • tricledrown 11.1.2.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 1:26 pm

              Goosestepper the Nact leper educated in a private school for the ruling elite.
              Not very sharp on his feet.
              Brain washed into believing he is always Right.
              But this year so far he has not got 1 Fact right.
              Not even one fact time goosestepper to redact.
              Head back to Nact propaganda school you pathetic trool!

            • Incognito 11.1.2.1.1.2
              17 February 2015 at 9:31 pm

              That would be € 500 per month, wouldn’t it?

    • Gosman 11.2
      17 February 2015 at 11:47 am

      As previously stated – Noone that I am aware has ever claimed that markets provide goods and services to all who need them. Indeed a supply and demand curve highlights that there will be potentially more demand for something beyond what is supplied if the price was lower. Resolving this mismatch is the role of social policy not of the market on its own.

      • vto 11.2.1
        17 February 2015 at 11:55 am

        Well best you outline what else the free market is not capable of providing.. let me start you…

        1. housing for probably 25% of our population.

        2. non-leaky homes

        3. safe workplaces

        4. enough electricity to keep the elderly warm in winter

        5.

        please add as your knowledge allows. It will certainly help with the debate about the usefulness of the free market and other neoliberal / Act Party myths

        • Gosman 11.2.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 11:59 am

          You’ve created a strawman argument. Congrats on that. As stated if you are looking at providing everybody with affordable goods and services of whatever type that is not the purpose of the market. Over time the market can certainly provide cheaper goods and services better than other alternatives but never for all. If a society wants that it will have to do this via other means.

          • vto 11.2.1.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 12:09 pm

            I repeat the above post. It is not a strawman it is an answer to your claim that markets do not meet demands. I would like to know which other demands are not met.

            The last 30 years has seen people like yourself and with your ideology promoting the use of the free market and self-interest (i.e. greed) as a driver for pretty much every single aspect of our lives….. the experiment has been tried and it has failed.

            • Gosman 11.2.1.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 12:49 pm

              I contend you agree with me on this issue but don’t realise it. Unless you are stating that the housing market should be 100 percent supplied via governmental means then you accept the market plays a large part in satisfying demand for housing. The issue is that a number of people cannot afford housing provided by the market and hence the decision to help them via social policies. If that provision is done via the State or local government means or via other means seems irrelevant to me.

        • Once was Tim 11.2.1.2
          17 February 2015 at 2:32 pm

          5. Democracy
          (that is of course under ‘crony keptlism’ such as we have – as opposed to what was once preached by the keptlists: i.e. small buzznissizz r good; comptushin iz good; setra setra setra!)
          Natzis might be surprised when hobbits awaken and SME’s realise they’re pushing shit uphill.

      • tricledrown 11.2.2
        17 February 2015 at 1:11 pm

        Gooseman Dutch govt propaganda.
        The EU,s investigation into netherlands housing failure.
        Identifies several areas massive privatedebt required, govt subsidies forcing up prices etc etc.
        As usual gooseman undone by your own argument.

        • Gosman 11.2.2.1
          17 February 2015 at 2:38 pm

          Interestingly Sabine disagrees with your take on the Netherlands.

          • sabine 11.2.2.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 10:42 pm

            no i don’t.

            the largest assosiation has gambled and lost a few billions here and there and now needs bailing out. Does that sound like a deja vu?

            My comments point to what the netherlands are , social by nature, with the government interfering in a great many things. Like public transport, or how many cars a family can free of charge park on the roads in Utrecht (1 only, if they have other cars they must pay for parking due to land restrictions), how many carparks a new office block can have, how much public transport is subsidized and whom the building association have to house, what standards they have to maintain etc.

            You however gossman, without reading much and understanding even less, have pointed out that the Netherlands have Assosiations running social housing, which they do but not on their own but with much, much , much government interference.

            In nz however, our PM…the one who can’t remember ever having been elected to lead the coutry rahter than rule, would like to just simply wash his hands, hand over a few derelict buildings to some sorry arsed charity from the tamaki bishop or someone like him and be done with social welfare.

            again, you are a bore

  12. Steve Alfreds 12
    17 February 2015 at 11:39 am

    If the houses are sold to developers or landlords in the private sector then there will be an accompanying blow-out in the Accommodation Supplement and Working for Families paid out by the government. State house rentals are much cheaper than the private sector. It’s so obvious, but market disciples like Mr Gosman can’t see that.

    • tricledrown 12.1
      17 February 2015 at 12:03 pm

      By not increasing supply to meet demand forces price out of reach of most.
      Increasing the the rent supplement is a subsidy for landlords forcing prices higher.
      Building more housing is the only answer.
      With a universal capital gains tax.
      That money could be used for building new building.
      Most new buildings mainly smaller 1 and 2 bedrooms because of our rapidly aging population.
      Freeing up larger houses for families.
      Chances of thisound happening Zero!
      To many vested vested interests!

    • Gosman 12.2
      17 February 2015 at 12:32 pm

      Noone is arguing that private sector rentals are generally higher than social housing. The question is whether the social housing is best provided by the government or via a combination of charities and government. If you argue the former what evidence do you have for that position beyond an ideological one?

      • One Anonymous Bloke 12.2.1
        17 February 2015 at 12:37 pm

        The evidence.

        Some more.

        Where’s yours Gosman? Somalia?

        • Gosman 12.2.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 12:53 pm

          The Netherlands is a good example of a country where large amount of social housing is provided by the non government sector

          http://www.government.nl/issues/housing/housing-associations

          • Sabine 12.2.1.1.1
            17 February 2015 at 12:58 pm

            silly gosman

            * About 75% of them are owned by housing associations.
            * Social housing is cheaper because it is subsidised by the state.
            * The government sets the rules for the allocation of social housing.

            from here http://www.government.nl/issues/housing/housing-associations

            Housing associations are also responsible for:

            housing older people, people with a disability and those needing assisted housing;
            building and letting social property such as schools and sports facilities;
            appointing caretakers and neighbourhood managers;
            maintaining houses and the immediate surroundings, such as alleyways and parking spaces;
            selling rented properties to tenants and other house seekers.

            • tricledrown 12.2.1.1.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 1:07 pm

              Gooseman Dutch govt propaganda.
              The EU,s investigation into netherlands housing failure.
              Identifies several areas massive privatedebt required, govt subsidies forcing up prices etc etc.
              As usual goosestepper undone by your own arguments!

            • Gosman 12.2.1.1.1.2
              17 February 2015 at 3:16 pm

              What us the major difference between a housing association and a non governmental social housing provider?

          • McFlock 12.2.1.1.2
            17 February 2015 at 3:35 pm

            Indeed.
            And this is the result.

            Much more efficient for the government to provide it itself.

        • English Breakfast 12.2.1.2
          17 February 2015 at 5:27 pm

          What arrant nonsense. You have no evidence that the private sector cannot do just as good a job as Govt in providing social housing. On the other hand NZ has many home in private ownership currently deployed as social housing. It works, and just like Charter Schools it delivers great result. Get over it.

          • McFlock 12.2.1.2.1
            17 February 2015 at 5:48 pm

            lol

            You must have been educated by a charter school if you believe that shit.

            • tricledrown 12.2.1.2.1.1
              17 February 2015 at 6:37 pm

              Blinglishes state funded house he is talking about how double dipper Bill English gets $56,000 from the taxpayer for his private house!

          • One Anonymous Bloke 12.2.1.2.2
            17 February 2015 at 5:58 pm

            Great results should be easy to obtain when you spend three times the money, and on Earth, right wing failures fail at pedagogy just like they fail at everything else.

            We find that students make considerably smaller achievement gains in charter schools than they would have in public schools.

            Beluco & Ladd 2004

            The discussion highlights the potential for choice and competition to constrain opportunities for educational innovation and to impose pedagogical and curricular conformity.

            Lubiensky 2015.

            …charter competition has a negative impact on student achievement and school efficiency…

            Yongmei Ni 2007

            Get some new lies, trash.

      • tricledrown 12.2.2
        17 February 2015 at 12:51 pm

        From 1896 till 1975 various govts increased the housing supply since then homelessness has increased steadily!

    • Sabine 12.3
      17 February 2015 at 12:34 pm

      oh but the current government has no issues with welfare paid to them.

      it is with welfare to poor people they have an issue with.

      see accommodation benefits paid to landlords overcharging on rent – because clearly without the accommodation benefits these apartment/houses would be empty until a tenant that could afford them would show up? So renting them to people that can;t afford them and expecting the government to pay the difference is nothing else but social welfare for landlords. Without the accom benefit rents would have to be adjusted or …you know….the market would regulate itself 🙂

  13. Lindsey 13
    17 February 2015 at 12:22 pm

    The only reasons for Charity type groups to be providing social housing are for those persons who are so damaged (or damaging) that they need much more of a wrap around service than HNZ can provide. I have a friend in a HNZ place and HNZ put a violent racist drunk in the other part of the duplex, and then dragged the chain on doing anything about him as he terrorised her and most of the rest of the neighbourhood. My letters to the Minister remained unanswered.

    Eventually one of his drugged and drinking buddies hit him over the head with a spade and set fire to his body on the front lawn.

    He needed much more than affordable acommodation, and my friend did not need the trauma of coming home to find his body in flames. She is still frightened every time the tenancy changes that someone similar will be moved in.

    Fortuntely, there are not a lot of them.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 13.1
      17 February 2015 at 12:30 pm

      Are you for real? When did providing a “wrap around service” stop being the government’s responsibility?

      Seriously, you think that volunteers are the ones who ought to be doing the heavy lifting?

      • Sabine 13.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 12:44 pm

        according to the current government yes.

        2001[edit]
        I don’t want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub.
        Interview on NPR’s Morning Edition, May 25, 2001

        Grover Northquist. http://www.atr.org/about-grover

        a lot more quotes of the man who is against all tax increases. 🙂

        http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Grover_Norquist

        none of this shit was grown on the PMs lawn, i don’t think that this geezer ever actually had an individual creative thought in his live, but I think he follows the Grover Northquist hand book to the t.
        starve every service until it can not perform anymore. Complain about the service not performing well, and promote the idea that privatized services would perform better…and would be cheaper.
        sell, outsource and sell all the services that used to be provided by the government to private service companies, wash your hands of responsibilities and laugh all the way to the bank.

        I sure hope, that the current cheerleaders in the short skirts with the revealing cleavages realize that once they are old and decrepit that there will be no one looking after them other then some volunteers…and they can but hope that these volunteers be kind.

        • One Anonymous Bloke 13.1.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 12:57 pm

          I’ve come to the realisation that National Party attacks on the unfortunate are motivated more by sadism than dogma: the dogma is just a smokescreen.

          What else explains the fact that they’ve been harbouring Sabin since before the 2011 election?

      • English Breakfast 13.1.2
        17 February 2015 at 5:29 pm

        ‘Wrap around services’ is often a euphemism for stopping no-hopers hurting themselves and others. Yes the public purse ends up paying, but it sucks.

      • weka 13.1.3
        17 February 2015 at 6:23 pm

        “Are you for real? When did providing a “wrap around service” stop being the government’s responsibility?

        Seriously, you think that volunteers are the ones who ought to be doing the heavy lifting?”

        OAB, you do realise that large amounts of social services are provided by NGOs, right? And have been for quite some time. And they’re not volunteers.

  14. hoom 14
    17 February 2015 at 4:02 pm

    <- Willing to setup a charity to provide Social housing (ie personally for me) if it gets me a free State House or several.

    This whole thing is an obvious forced attempt to create an artificial Market where Govt/Local Govt can, should & has historically provided primary service.
    Meanwhile the Private providers have shown essentially 0 interest in having such a Market foisted upon them.

    If there were say some large Corporate landlords/wannabe Slumlords out there with masses of Capital, demanding something like reduced minimum standards/RMA bypass to build suburbs of cheap small tenement blocks or something, or the Govt were actively ramping up Housing NZ as a profitable Corporate Landlord/Slumlord to then sell off it would maybe make some sense that the NACTs are be pushing it.

    Arguably even *might* be a good idea if they were actually willing to be putting the large numbers of new affordable housing needed into actual physical existence.

    • English Breakfast 14.1
      17 February 2015 at 5:33 pm

      There’s nothing ‘artificial’ about it. Social housing is required. This service can either be provided by the state or by private providers contracted to the state. Just like private schools, private roading contractors, private construction companies who build Govt buildings etc etc etc. Private/Public engagement is a long standing tradition in this country, as with many others. Your objection is simply irrational.

      • Clemgeopin 14.1.1
        17 February 2015 at 6:26 pm

        If the right wing rogues are opposed to state housing, then why don’t the same wealthy RW private corporations and the wealthy RW private individuals build on their own steam, good modern houses with all amenities for the socially deprived people and rent it out to the ‘underclass’ and the poor, at cheap rents? What is stopping them?

        Why should that be the work of charity organisations such as the Salvation Army?

        Had Michael Joseph Savage and the Labour party not built the thousands of state houses around the country to care for the less wealthy, and left it all to the greed of the ‘market’ or to the whims of the charity organisations, imagine what would have been the state of NZ housing today!

        • One Anonymous Bloke 14.1.1.1
          17 February 2015 at 6:31 pm

          Why should that be the work of charity organisations such as the Salvation Army?

          Inadequate social services provide a steady supply of victims for authoritarian sadists. That’s why the National Party underfunds them.

        • English Breakfast 14.1.1.2
          18 February 2015 at 3:19 pm

          I’m not sure I’ve read any comments that indicate any opposition to state housing. I’m certainly not opposed to the state providing social housing, but where is the rule that says the Govt has to own all the houses? They don’t own all the schools, all the bus companies, all the hospitals…

          • Clemgeopin 14.1.1.2.1
            18 February 2015 at 11:22 pm

            Tell me what is the INCENTIVE for the private free market ‘landlords’ to become ‘social housing’ providers? …to siphon some or lots of money from the government/taxpayers to enrich themselves? Do you think you can fool all of us?

            • English Breakfast 14.1.1.2.1.1
              19 February 2015 at 10:46 am

              Siphon? The money is either paid out in the cost of ownership by the state or as rent to private landlords. Explain to me why this model has worked so well in housing, health, education, roading etc etc for decades yet you can’t accept it? Is it wilful ideological blindness?

              • Clemgeopin …
                20 February 2015 at 12:58 am

                Tell me what is the INCENTIVE for the private free market ‘landlords’ to become ‘social housing’ providers?

                • English Breakfast …
                  20 February 2015 at 9:47 am

                  Money. The Govt. pays the rent, and provides a long term tenancy. In return the Govt gets a social house for no capital outlay. Win, win. Just like in health, roading, printing, education…..

                  It’s a very simple and highly successful model, one that’s been in place in NZ for decades.

  15. English Breakfast 15
    18 February 2015 at 3:22 pm

    “…why don’t the same wealthy RW private corporations and the wealthy RW private individuals build on their own steam, good modern houses with all amenities for the socially deprived people and rent it out to the ‘underclass’ and the poor, at cheap rents? What is stopping them?”

    Nothing. But you clearly don’t understand the way social housing works. The Govt contracts social housing to private sector landlords and pays a market (or close to it) rental. In exchange the landlord signs up to a long term commitment (usually 10 years). What may come as a surprise to you is that this system has been successfully in place for many, many years.

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  • Winding Back The Hands Of History’s Clock.
    Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
    Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • A clear warning
    The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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