Good on ya NZ – choosing Labour policy over Nat tax cut

Written By: - Date published: 7:03 am, September 3rd, 2017 - 27 comments
Categories: labour, leadership, national - Tags: , , , , , ,

It has been frustrating trial for leftie politics that, for a long time now, Labour’s policies have been more popular than National’s (including tax cuts), and (until very recently) more popular than the Labour party itself. I know I’ve lost some good sources on this, but here’s some that I did find again:
2011: Voters prefer Labour policy but not party: Poll
2011: Kiwis prefer capital gains tax over asset sales – poll
2014: Poll shows majority against National’s tax cuts
2017: Housing and healthcare the clear cut top priorities
2017: Tax cuts ‘very important’, but not top priority for most Kiwis
2017: New Zealand taxpayers favor increased spending over tax cuts

In a July Herald editorial:

Labour could spend all National’s tax cut on the needy

Credit where it is due. It takes courage to say that if elected, you will cancel a tax cut.

That is what the Labour Party has announced with its promise to direct the money instead to additional spending, particularly on assistance for low income families.

In doing so it has presented the voters with a clear choice which, for those without young families or earning above the income limits, will mean deciding whether to take the tax cut or give the benefit to children of the less well off. …

Now that Labour has found the leader that it needed and its popularity is matching its policies, the Nat attacks on Labour are sounding more and more shrill. One recent line, trying to scaremonger about Labour’s irrigation tax. But guess what:
Majority of Kiwis back water tax even if they face higher costs, new poll shows
Irrigation water tax on farmers supported by majority of Kiwis – 1 NEWS Colmar Brunton poll

The main recent attack is around National’s tax cut bribe. Bill English ran this hard in the recent debate, putting words in the mouths of Horotiu meatworkers. But guess what:

Meatworkers prefer Labour’s education policy over National’s tax cuts

Prime Minister Bill English has claimed a mandate from meat workers he met with at Horotiu during the leaders debate on Thursday night.

During the debate against Labour leader Jacinda Ardern, he said, “Try telling them that you’re taking my tax cuts back, to make education cheaper”. … Mr English said, “transparency would require Labour to look in the eye those meatworkers I spoke to yesterday in Horotiu, and tell them they are going to take a thousand dollars a year off them, because those people will get a thousand dollars from the tax cuts that are legislated- take it off them to spend on making tertiary education a bit cheaper for lawyers.”

So, what do those meat workers actually think? Former Union delegate Waata Muru has worked in the Horotiu plant for 35 years, and was there when Mr English came to visit. Mr Muru said he “certainly thought” there would be quite a few meatworkers and general factory workers across the country who would be interested in Labour’s policy with free education. “Especially people with children who are about to embark on tertiary education and go to university”.

Mr Muru said meat processing is seasonal, so he’s unlikely to see a full thousand-dollar cut anyway. Fellow workers up the road in Ngaruawahia are also keen on scrapping tax cuts. One resident said he had kids in school, and he’d been laid off from the meat works. “I’m struggling. To help my baby that’s still in school, that’s possible way of pushing it forward.”…

The above report seems to have been based on the work of the indefatigable John Campbell on the indespensible Checkpoint, who went to Horotiu to talk to people:
More money or more social spending? – Kiwis have their say
It is well worth watching:

At 8:30:

Yeah the extra $1000 would be great in our pocket, but I’m also I suppose more concerned in holistically in the whole country. Childs poverty and things like that, that’s just really upsetting to me. Housing, I think, in general, those are probably the issues…
…
$20 [a week], I’d rather it go to people who generally need it. We’re doing OK. And I’d rather it goes to someone who is not doing so OK.

Good on ya NZ.

27 comments on “Good on ya NZ – choosing Labour policy over Nat tax cut ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. nzsage 1
    3 September 2017 at 7:46 am

    That last interview on the John Campbell section really hit the nail on the head and highlighted the core difference between left and right in this country.

    There was someone who considers the wider community over self, someone who probably has a fraction of the wealth of Peter Tally (I refuse to call him “Sir”), yet feels she is doing well and the tax cuts would be better used on resolving the social inequalities we face,

    In suggesting Labour would take away $1000 from workers pockets Bill English clearly demonstrates the number one primary value of the right, namely “Show me the money!”

    Well done that lady!

    https://youtu.be/FFrag8ll85w?t=43

  2. Heather Grimwood 2
    3 September 2017 at 8:30 am

    Good on ya Anthony for bringing these things to me …made my morning.

  3. eco Maori/kiwi 3
    3 September 2017 at 8:57 am

    Yes it’s awesome to see our reporters whom fight for the underprivileged getting air time on our main TV news networks .
    They have been shutout /silenced for to long by the neo liberals keep up the good fight people we have been waiting for this paradigm shift for a long time .
    If national key was not bending breaking thee laws and cheating we would not have had this shit go down for so long.
    We have to do something to prevent this from happening again people please come up with some good policy’s to prevent this farcical behavior from people who get in government. For the last nine years these people have just shit on all our KIWI values principles and ethics. I am surviving but a lot of other people are not and that pisses me off……..

  4. Keith 4
    3 September 2017 at 9:00 am

    If Jacinda shows us nothing else then it is to remind us that Labour’s method of selecting leaders has been an abysmal failure.

    Nowhere in that laborious costly process did anyone within the Labour Party executive ever stop for a moment to think what was required to win was a front person with the personality and immediate wit to communicate their message. It appeared more a battle of wills and staunchness to get their man into the driver’s seat, a one up process in an internal power struggle.

    Cunliffe had no touch or charm about him and Little was the same, both dull grey men who were about as inspiring as a spent bus ticket. Leaders of a political party they were not.

    Jacinda has it, she says it in a way that awakens your hopes.

    Whatever happens, please Labour, ditch your failed leadership selection model. Its been the National Partys best friend.

    • r0b 4.1
      3 September 2017 at 9:10 am

      If Jacinda shows us nothing else then it is to remind us that Labour’s method of selecting leaders has been an abysmal failure.

      I disagree. Jacinda never put herself forward for selection. If she had, she might have won.

      Nowhere in that laborious costly process did anyone within the Labour Party executive

      The process was decided by the membership, and selection was driven by the membership. IT had every chance to select “a front person with the personality and immediate wit to communicate their message” – but I repeat Jacinda never put herself forward. Which may actually have been a good thing in the long run, because the way it has turned out has worked well for Labour.

      Anyway, nothing wrong with Labour’s democratic process.

    • rhinocrates 4.2
      3 September 2017 at 11:32 am

      Not to mention Gaffe and Mumbles the Clown.* What the fucking fuckety fuck were they thinking? I started watching Little’s tenure praying finally they might have someone halfway competent who wouldn’t end up with a knife in his back… and only felt ever-mounting disappointment and deja vu. Finally now… I really hope so.

      *That’s putting it kindly – he was an utter bastard as well as an idiot.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.3
      3 September 2017 at 3:44 pm

      Well that comment from Keith seems to have absolutely nothing to do with this post.

      Another attempt to derail?

      • Keith 4.3.1
        3 September 2017 at 5:06 pm

        “Now that Labour has found the leader that it needed and its popularity is matching its policies….”

        If you read the whole article you would have noticed that sentence which of course has everything to do with this post because its IN the post. I have put it in to assist you, not to “derail you”!

  5. ianmac 5
    3 September 2017 at 9:08 am

    Over on Pundit Katherine has identified the crucial elements in the Jacinda call for a Tax Working Group for after the Election. She writes in response to a rejection of Jacinda’s claim.
    Hope Katherine Moody doesn’t mind but her explanation deserves a whole column:

    “@Chris, yes read it. Rec 6. related to a comprehensive capital gains tax (not favoured by a majority – and a partial CGT seen as distortionary), whereas Rec. 7 was: ” The majority of the TWG support detailed consideration of taxing returns from capital invested in residential rental properties on the basis of a deemed notional return calculated using a risk-free rate.” which was not implemented. And Rec 8. was “Most members of the TWG support the introduction of a low-rate land tax as a means of funding other tax rate reductions.” – again not implemented (but the other tax rate reductions recommended were). And Rec 12. “There should be a comprehensive review of welfare policy and how it interacts with the tax system, with an objective being to reduce high effective marginal tax rates.” – again not implemented to my knowledge.

    Most importantly the changes made by National did nothing to broaden the tax base, as the recommendations explain, “Base-broadening is required to address some of the existing biases in the tax system and to improve its efficiency and sustainability.”
    https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/a-taxing-debate-night-but-everythings-changed

    • ianmac 5.1
      3 September 2017 at 10:14 am

      Katherine was referring to the Tax Working Group set up in 2009.

      “Finance Minister Bill English and Revenue Minister Peter Dunne today welcomed the establishment of a Tax Working Group, which will assist the government in considering the key tax policy challenges facing New Zealand.

      The Tax Working Group, co-ordinated by Victoria University’s Centre for Accounting, Governance and Taxation Research, will bring together invited private sector and academic experts, as well as Treasury and Inland Revenue officials. It will consider the medium-term direction of the tax system, including assessing policy options.”

    • KJT 5.2
      3 September 2017 at 4:04 pm

      Polls show majority support for CGT.

      Except among politicians, real estate agents and a few greedy Aucklanders.

  6. phillip 6
    3 September 2017 at 9:15 am

    for a lot of people the 1000 tax cut wouldn’t even be that much anyway
    currently there is the independent earner tax credit – which gives you are 520 reduction in tax if you earn between 24k and 48 k and don’t get working for families

    in the budget this was removed from next year, so if you currently are entitled to this your actual 1000 tax cut would be much less than the 1000 they say

  7. Ethica 7
    3 September 2017 at 11:10 am

    National’s Tax Working Group was made up of wealthy white men. Labour’s would be a lot more diverse.

  8. Janet 8
    3 September 2017 at 11:52 am

    2011: Kiwis prefer capital gains tax over asset sales – poll
    2014: Poll shows majority against National’s tax cuts
    2017: Housing and healthcare the clear cut top priorities
    2017: Tax cuts ‘very important’, but not top priority for most Kiwis
    2017: New Zealand taxpayers favour increased spending over tax cuts

    • Yes we do but also ALSO………….this long list !

    • Introduce UBI
    • Stop state asset sales
    • Restrict house and land ownership to NZ citizens and permanent residents
    • Establish council controlled organisations to develop land as affordable housing
    • Make state owned homes available as rent-to-buy
    • Review Housing NZ tenancies on an annual basis
    • Provide low interest loans and options for ‘rent to buy’ and ‘equity financing’ for first time home buyers
    • Make Kiwisaver compulsory
    • Introduce a capital gains tax on investment properties
    ALSO….
    • Increase funding to local authorities for building and maintaining local roads
    • Prioritise public transport over roading infrastructure
    • Create urban cycle and walking lanes
    • Begin the construction of a light rail network in Auckland and restart commuter rail in Christchurch
    • Build a range of cross-town bus priority routes in Auckland
    • Improve rural broadband
    • Work towards a zero-waste NZ and put a levy on single use plastic bags
    • Modernise wastewater treatment systems.
    • Support existing requirements in waterway fencing and planting
    • Ensure only NZ citizens, permanent residents and NZ owned companies will have rights to water
    • Only allow water to be used commercially if environmentally and socially sustainable
    • Support R&D of a natural alternative to 1080

    •
    ALSO……
    • Remove tuition fees for tertiary education
    • Re introduce programmes for adult learners
    • Create a new building apprenticeship regime for unskilled people
    • Stop the comparison of schools based on results and deciles
    • Review the three NCEA levels of assessment with teachers
    • Include ecological sustainability in the curriculum
    • Provide free public transport for students at all levels
    • Reduce costs by merging schools’ administrative functions
    • Increase school funding such that schools are not dependent on fees, donations and fundraising
    • Fund a base level of support staff centrally
    • Repeal amendments to the education act allowing charter schools
    ALSO….
    • Require visitors to NZ to have medical insurance and deny them access to free ACC.
    • Levy Sports Clubs an ACC fee relative to the number of injuries each sport manages to present to ACC weekly!
    • Introduce public health subsidies for eye, ear and teeth treatments
    • Widen free after-hours healthcare to include children up to 18, and the elderly
    ALSO ……
    • Re-establish NZ ownership of key infrastructure
    • Stop privatisation of power companies and buy back all electricity resources
    • Ensure ETS stays closed to international trade
    • Set a target of 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030
    • Champion solar panels for government agencies, hospitals, schools and marae
    • Subsidise domestic and community owned renewable energy options

    ALSO…..
    • Review immigration annually
    • Regulate immigration consultancy firms
    • Bring in skilled migrants only when local employment/training options have been used
    • Limit international students from working while studying
    • Immigrants must live in NZ for 25 years before getting superannuation
    • Limit other benefits for immigrants living in NZ for less than 10 years
    • Only accept refugees that closely align with NZ values
    • Direct aid to Pacific nations first
    • Remove all military from combat or hostile environments, focus on peacekeeping and rescue missions
    ALSO….
    • Initiate many more general referendums eg: on legalisation of cannabis, medical assisted death, water philosophy to adopt in this country.
    • Walk the talk – follow through sustainability education to seeing it in practise.
    Encourage organic / fully sustainable farming because its produce is green gold for New Zealand.
    So much to do but question is who gets to do it?

    • KJT 8.1
      3 September 2017 at 4:06 pm

      Why we need BCIR like the Swiss.

      Which would act like an upper house.

      Don’t see our “Management” allowing Democracy any time soon, however.

      • Janet 8.1.1
        3 September 2017 at 5:31 pm

        Yes,I did my “homework” and studied all the current policies being offered voters. You saw my dilemma and no doubt the dilemma of many. I support only 10 % – 20 % of most of the parties policies. We do need the Swiss system of governance. It seems to work. Their population is just over 8 million, they are economically strong, support the poor and the needy well and are dealing with too many immigrants right now. They are very environmentally conscious and active , they have capital gains tax, are considering UBI now , education is free through to tertiary level. They are the most Democratic country in the world. Referendums on 2 -4 subjects several times a year.
        “We can do this too !”

      • Draco T Bastard 8.1.2
        3 September 2017 at 5:39 pm

        Which would act like an upper house.

        Well, it would act like people believe an upper house works but never actually does.

        • Janet 8.1.2.1
          3 September 2017 at 9:37 pm

          No it is not an upper/lower house system.
          One chamber is directly elected by the population generally , from lists established by each political party in each district on a population basis . The other chamber comprises of two MPs supplied by each canton who were previously elected by the people of the canton. From the two chambers an executive committee of seven ministers is elected by the two chambers. There are rules that guide the process and ensure that parties and districts are evenly represented in the group of seven executive ministers. The president is voted out of that group of seven by the two chambers and only holds this position for one year. He has no power to act alone on anything. The executive ministers hold the cabinet portfolios and can change over portfolios and can hold positions permanently until they retire or are removed because they have compromised their position of been particularly ineffective.
          The cabinet ministers develop and agree by concensus, on proposals which are then presented to the two chambers to vote on. If the chambers cannot agree then the proposal goes back to the population to vote on, hence the regular public referendums.
          This system allows all voices to be heard, so important in a democracy and so important if you want to keep your population interested and engaged.

          • Draco T Bastard 8.1.2.1.1
            3 September 2017 at 9:44 pm

            That doesn’t apply to anything I said so I don’t know why you replied to me.

            • Janet 8.1.2.1.1.1
              3 September 2017 at 10:23 pm

              Sorry probably better directed to KJT who said ” would act like an upper house.”
              Was just trying to establish/clarify that the Upper house system which you said never actually works, was not the Swiss system of parliament, which does work !

              • KJT …
                7 September 2017 at 8:15 pm

                What I meant is, the citizens participation acts as the check and balance, which is supposed to happen with an upper house, but rarely works.

    • patricia bremner 8.2
      3 September 2017 at 6:14 pm

      That is some to do list. What time frames? Costs? Any idea?

      If we could have half of that I’d think we’d done well. On my list ….

      Re -organising welfare to be kinder.

      Developing better disability support.

      Encouraging Art and Cultural education for all ages.

      All policies to be people centered.

  9. Incognito 9
    3 September 2017 at 11:57 am

    I reckon that Labour’s policies may have been more popular but the ‘team’ behind them wasn’t so much. That seems to now have changed …

    I also think that policies such as cancelling tax cuts may actually increase credibility and trust. Perhaps this could be called the popularity paradox of NZ politics: John Key enjoyed huge popularity but didn’t use any of this ‘credit’ for the greater good while Labour appears to be willing and committed to make some tough calls and becomes more popular in spite of this.

    Are the Greens the exception that proves this?

  10. Gabby 10
    3 September 2017 at 11:58 am

    Just don’t fuck up, Labour. You leave poor people worse off this time, you won’t be back in a hurry.

  11. WILD KATIPO 11
    3 September 2017 at 1:50 pm

    ‘I don’t talk to the newsmedia. Goodbye ‘.

    Click.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-07T19:36:31+00:00