Greta Thunberg is now 18

Written By: - Date published: 9:06 am, April 2nd, 2021 - 59 comments
Categories: activism, climate change, Donald Trump, global warming, International, science, uncategorized - Tags:

Greta Thunberg turned 18 a few months ago and I did not notice it until now.

She has had this cut through with the world’s media for the past few years.  She set herself up as a one person campaign against climate change.  She simply said the truth and told us what a shit job us adults and leaders were doing to address the crisis.  Like a few years ago when she said:

My name is Greta Thunberg. I am 15 years old, and I’m from Sweden. I speak on behalf of Climate Justice Now!

Many people say that Sweden is just a small country, and it doesn’t matter what we do. But I’ve learned that you are never too small to make a difference. And if a few children can get headlines all over the world just by not going to school, then imagine what we could all do together if we really wanted to.

But to do that, we have to speak clearly, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. You only speak of green eternal economic growth because you are too scared of being unpopular. You only talk about moving forward with the same bad ideas that got us into this mess, even when the only sensible thing to do is pull the emergency brake. You are not mature enough to tell it like it is. Even that burden you leave to us children.

But I don’t care about being popular. I care about climate justice and the living planet. Our civilization is being sacrificed for the opportunity of a very small number of people to continue making enormous amounts of money. Our biosphere is being sacrificed so that rich people in countries like mine can live in luxury. It is the sufferings of the many which pay for the luxuries of the few.

Her social media was great and her twitter game extraordinary.  Like the time she owned then POTUS Donald Trump.

Right wingers hated her.  Dave Roberts in Vox has this description of some of the responses to her, especially after her Trump tweet response:

Trump’s sneering attack came amid a torrent of often misogynist and ableist abuse hurled at Thunberg since the speech, with conservatives attacking her demeanor, her looks, her mental health (she has autism), and above all her autonomy, claiming she is “brainwashed” or a victim of child abuse. Several have compared her speeches to Nazi propaganda.

“She’s ignorant, maniacal and is being mercilessly manipulated by adult climate bedwetters funded by Putin,” ranted C-list climate denier Steve Milloy, somehow fitting all the mutually contradictory stereotypes about powerful women into his pea brain at once.

What’s remarkable about this is not that the right-wing slime machine has gone to work against a new progressive threat. That’s what it was made for. What’s remarkable is how ineffective it’s been, how little it has affected Thunberg and her extraordinary influence.

The right-wing tabloid Daily Wire has published some of the vilest stuff about Thunberg. But when it sent Michael Knowles to Fox News to say Thunberg is a “mentally ill Swedish child who is being exploited by her parents and by the international left,” Fox took the rare step of apologizing to viewers and saying it would no longer book Knowles.

On a female-led Fox show, the lone male guest (“Buck Sexton,” I kid you not) went after Thunberg and was promptly scolded by the hosts for “kid bashing.” Up in Canada, Maxime Bernier of the far-right People’s Party of Canada was forced to apologize for calling Thunberg “mentally unstable.”

These moments of accountability on the right are rare, of course — there are dozens, hundreds more examples of attacks far uglier than this that have brought no pushback at all. But they help illustrate that Thunberg has the rare ability to tap into something human, something that, at least sporadically, can break through the media filter pushing the public into partisan camps.

The BFD has published 114 anti Greta posts.  The Heartland Institute, a conservative tank tank,  tried find an anti Greta, a young person who celebrated free markets.  Trying to match passion for unfettered capitalism with passion for saving the world from destruction just isn’t the same.

Greta’s approach, sticking to the science and refusing to be distracted, is optimal.  And it clearly shows the paucity of the right’s response to a crisis that by now is exceedingly clear.

I don’t know if her efforts to keep humanity safe from itself will succeed.  But we need good people like her to constantly remind us what is at stake.  And what we can do to turn this around.

59 comments on “Greta Thunberg is now 18 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Treetop 1
    2 April 2021 at 9:30 am

    Greta Thunberg speaks the truth and her words on climate change and pollution are a threat to those who are trashing the planet. For an 18 year old she has achieved so much already in her life, more than many will achieve in their whole life time.

    • Chris T 1.1
      2 April 2021 at 1:38 pm

      Apart from a lot of publicity, not sure what all the achievements you mention are.

      • Treetop 1.1.1
        2 April 2021 at 3:09 pm

        The backlash from many people in positions of power targeted her when she was only 16.

        WHY?

        I expected someone to raise what her achievements are. You have not disappointed me Chris T.

        • Chris T 1.1.1.1
          2 April 2021 at 4:39 pm

          What backlash?

          Do you mean criticism?

          Is everyone supposed yo not have an opinion of her actions, while she pranced about on the world stage, trying to get as much globa media coverage as possible? privileges?
          Who else gets this "special" only positive responses are welcome, or don't speak?

          Ardern next?

          • Drowsy M. Kram 1.1.1.1.1
            2 April 2021 at 5:04 pm

            Is everyone supposed yo [sic] not have an opinion of her actions, while she pranced about on the world stage, trying to get as much globa [sic] media coverage as possible?

            Chris T, it would be a pretty special person who didn't occasionally do a bit of 'prancing', or otherwise exhibit attention-seeking behaviour, don't you think?

            Greta Thunberg named Time Person of the Year for 2019
            https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50740324

          • Treetop 1.1.1.1.2
            2 April 2021 at 6:25 pm

            I know who Greta Thunberg is, what she stands for and if so called prancing on the world stage is the most effective way to deliver the message of how to preserve the planet and take action to stop the destruction of it, I will keep listening to her wisdom. The non visionary and aimless will just pass it on to the next generation.

            • Chris T 1.1.1.1.2.1
              2 April 2021 at 6:29 pm

              Her most high profile one was in a room full of scientists already trying to do what she was saying.

              While knowing a shitload more than her.

              • Treetop …
                2 April 2021 at 6:48 pm

                Were the scientists age 16?

                • Chris T …
                  2 April 2021 at 6:57 pm

                  Thankfully not.

                  Unless you want the people who are trying co-ordinate the battle against climate change to be teenagers, who bunk school.

                  • solkta …
                    2 April 2021 at 8:30 pm

                    It's not what people want, it's just that most adults don't give a shit. Big ups to the young people i say.

                    • Chris T …
                      2 April 2021 at 9:11 pm

                      Fair enough.

                      I will give her kudos for putting the issue more into the spotlight.

                      I disagree with some of the methods though.

                      When you start seeing reports of kids actually thinking they are going to be wiped out in 10 years from it, I think a bit of calm might have been in order.

                    • solkta …
                      2 April 2021 at 9:23 pm

                      So you are accusing her of lying now. That is dirty.

                • Foreign waka …
                  3 April 2021 at 3:59 pm

                  For goodness sake Treetop, if you are an admirer good on you. But you also need to accept that a 15 year old has not the same knowledge as scientists.

                  • Treetop …
                    3 April 2021 at 8:52 pm

                    Where did I say that a 15 year old has the same knowledge as a scientist?

                    Most people would know that a 16 year old does not have the same knowledge as a scientist.

              • Treetop …
                4 April 2021 at 7:45 am

                Reply to Chris T @1.1.1.1.2.1
                Do you think the scientists are acting fast enough when it comes to climate and ecological change?

            • Chris T 1.1.1.1.2.2
              3 April 2021 at 12:00 am

              Feel free to back this up and tell me it didn't freak kids out for no reason.

              Greta

              "Around the year 2030, 10 years 252 days and 10 hours away from now, we will be in a position where we set off an irreversible chain reaction beyond human control, that will most likely lead to the end of our civilisation as we know it. That is unless in that time, permanent and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society have taken place, including a reduction of CO2 emissions by at least 50%."

              • Incognito …
                3 April 2021 at 12:28 am

                [Link required]

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  3 April 2021 at 1:05 am

                  'You did not act in time': Greta Thunberg's full speech to MPs

                  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/23/greta-thunberg-full-speech-to-mps-you-did-not-act-in-time

                  Thunberg's speech may have freaked out a few MPs, but I reckon most of them are made of sterner stuff – unfortunately.

                  Attempts to belittle Thunberg and her achievements, including the power and clarity of her consistent messaging, are troubling indeed. Perhaps some view her as a threat?

                  • Chris T …
                    3 April 2021 at 8:52 am

                    I'm not belittling her achievements.

                    As I have said, she has brought a lot of global publicity to a cause we need to worry about.

                    But that is it.

                    To make out she has done more than that and irrationally scare the shit out of kids her own age is it, unless you can point out what all these other proclaimed achievements are.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      3 April 2021 at 10:31 am

                      Maybe I'm easily impressed, but increasing global awareness of a couple of significant (to put it mildly) challenges to the continuation of human civilisation, holding politicians' feet to the fire on those issues (has she did, for example, in her speech to U.K. MPs that you quoted from @1.1.1.1.2.2), and inspiring millions of people of all ages are achievements worthy of acknowledgement.

                      Honours and awards
                      Thunberg has received various honours and awards over the course of her activism. In May 2018, before the start of her school strike, she was one of the winners of a climate change essay competition by Svenska Dagbladet (The Swedish Daily News) for young people. Thunberg has refused to attend ceremonies or accept prizes if it requires her to fly, such as for the International Children's Peace Prize. She has received prizes from various NGOs, but also from scientific institutions that lauded her success in raising awareness.

                      Through her foundation, Thunberg donated the €1 million prize money "to charitable projects combatting the climate and ecological crisis and to support people facing the worst impacts, particularly in the Global South".

                      Personally I believe that any fear and/or anger 'kids' her own age and younger feel regarding the failure of our leaders to effectively address the challenges of global warming and ecosystem collapse is entirely justified. Do you understand why Thunberg is angry?

                      And if you, Chris T, can't also understand that "But that is it" is classic belittlement, then you need to adjust your worldview, imho, because "But that is it" is wide of the mark.

                      Tbh, your opinions of Thunberg’s achievements seem not a million miles away from Shadrach, a previous commenter here.

                    • solkta …
                      3 April 2021 at 11:11 am

                      The irrational are those who refuse to acknowledge how serious this is. It was a bit bizarre how she took it down to a particular hour, but it is a reasonable conclusion to say that no action will within a decade will "most likely" "lead to" the end of our civilisation as we know it. She didn't say that we would be "wiped out in 10 years from it", that was you telling a lie.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 5:55 pm

                      No reply option available to Solkta's post

                      I am sorry Solkta

                      But while I hope things will change and countries like the US, China and India get their shit together on Climate change initiatives, even if they don't we are not going to have "the end of civilisation as we know it" in 8 years.

                    • Incognito []
                      3 April 2021 at 6:22 pm

                      You asserted that GT had said that we’ll be dead in 10 years. You made that up. Own your own BS.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:01 pm

                      No I didn't

                      I said there were reports of kids saying we will all be did in 10 years

                      [yes, actually, you did say that @ 3 (https://thestandard.org.nz/greta-thunberg-is-now-18/#comment-1786447):

                      Depends whether you are dumb enough to think we will be dead in 10 years, from her or whoever else is saying it.

                      Seems to be jut her [sic]

                      Just about every comment of yours here was trying to belittle GT. Specifically, you used words such as “prancing” and called GT a “kid”.

                      If you genuinely believe that GT’s Climate Change campaign is merely publicity and not an achievement per se then this convo is futile. However, your comments don’t seem in good faith and you’re pissing all over this OP big time. That’s not smart – Incognito]

                    • Incognito []
                      4 April 2021 at 4:23 pm

                      See my Moderation note @ 7:01 pm.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:07 pm

                      Yet you didn't provide a link to the reports.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:14 pm

                      "Others respond to the climate crisis by simply shutting down and distracting themselves from the issue; in more extreme cases, people choose to deny the reality that the climate is changing. “All of us will fall somewhere on that spectrum from believing nothing worrying is happening at all, to worrying that in 10 years time everyone will be dead,” says neuroscientist Kris De Meyer, who studies how people form world views at King’s College. That spectrum makes it tricky for climate scientists and the media to communicate facts about climate change in a way that makes the public and politicians care, but not panic."

                      https://time.com/5735388/climate-change-eco-anxiety/

                    • Muttonbird …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:23 pm

                      All of us will fall somewhere on that spectrum from believing nothing worrying is happening at all, to worrying that in 10 years time everyone will be dead.

                      That's a generalised statement by the King’s College neuroscientist Kris De Meyer, not a specific report that states children are terrified they are going to die in 10 years which is what you claimed.

                      Have another go. And next time conclusively show where Greta Thunberg is responsible for this increase in anxiety among children who believe they will be dead in 10 years, because she was not mentioned once in that link.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:27 pm

                      Strange, that article on eco-anxiety makes no mention of Thunberg?

                      I said there were reports of kids saying we will all be did in 10 years

                      Must have missed that Chris T – where did you previously say that?

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:31 pm

                      Nice try….If a little desperate.

                      You asked for a link. I gave you one from an expert in the topic who actually researches it at one of the most prestigious colleges in the world.

                      I am not going to trawl through the internet for other news items from 2 years ago, to to feed your neediness.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:32 pm

                      Ok, mate. Don’t say stupid shit next time.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:43 pm

                      Drowsy M. Kram

                      Fair point.

                      I guess you mean she may not have been as big an influencer as some claim, with her 10 years comments.

                      Are you saying that achievement is not that massive?

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      3 April 2021 at 7:58 pm

                      Chris T, your increasingly desperate attempts to justify you initial critique of Thunberg as an individual who has achieved little (@1.1) apart from publicity by prancing about on the world stage (@1.1.1.1) are so much hot air, imho.

                      We Know We Are Hypocrites, But Do We Believe It? The Limits and Possibilities of Hypocrisy Discourse for Sustainable Consumption
                      Thunberg poses a significant intervention into the super wicked dilemma. Her critique is rooted in an active display of a particular expression of belief, walking the walk so to speak. Thunberg convinced her mother to sacrifice a successful opera career by swearing off of flying; slept in a tent outside the Davos World Economic Forum conference instead of a luxury hotel; travelled to the United Nations climate summit in New York via sail; and defied a serious social norm by refusing to go to school, if being educated means preparing for a world that will soon be ecologically devastated. Whilst stressing structural change and the imperative of political solutions over lifestyle choices, Thunberg nevertheless insists there are things individuals can do and should do. This presents an uncomfortable reality for those committed to an understanding of hypocrisy discourse as necessarily affirming a conservative view, or who believe that we live in a world without meaningful choices.

                      https://www.ted.com/talks/greta_thunberg_the_disarming_case_to_act_right_now_on_climate_change

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 8:57 pm

                      Fair enough.

                      If it helps. I am the same with people giving her credit for massive achievements, when they can't actually say any apart from publicity, which I acknowledged from day one.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      3 April 2021 at 9:06 pm

                      This seems like a massive backdown from the statement you made that Greta Thunberg caused anxiety in children such that they thought they'd die in 10 years.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      3 April 2021 at 9:18 pm

                      Fair enough Chris T.

                      I regard donating 1 million euros (prize money from just one of Thunberg's many awards and honours) to charitable projects combatting the climate and ecological crisis and to support people facing the worst impacts (mentioned @10:31 am) as an achievement.

                      If you don’t/can’t regard the act of donating to charity as an achievement, then maybe you can at least acknowledge the act as indicative of a 'walk the talk' personality, rather than a publicity-seeking prancer.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 9:25 pm

                      Drowsy M. Kram:

                      Fair play to her there. I wasn't aware of the donation.

                      Muttonbird:

                      I haven't backed down at all.

                      I still think that part of her "scare the kids to dath" publicity campaign is frankly stupid.

                      Personally think it was similar to Bush's everyone is a terrorist, everyone be scared campaign in the US, but aimed at kids.

                    • Muttonbird …
                      3 April 2021 at 9:37 pm

                      You keep walking into this. Don't worry, I know your shtick.

                      You claim Greta Thunberg has a campaign to scare the kids to death about climate change.

                      You liken this campaign to GW Bush's attempts to scare people to death about Islam.

                      We get it.

                    • Drowsy M. Kram …
                      3 April 2021 at 9:37 pm

                      I still think that part of her "scare the kids to dath" publicity campaign is frankly stupid.

                      You may well still think that, but the idea that Thunberg's activism includes a:

                      "scare the kids to dath" publicity campaign

                      is frankly stupid.

                    • Chris T …
                      3 April 2021 at 10:30 pm

                      Muttonbirds.

                      Yes

                      And like Asian sounding names and house buying.

                      There is a theme there.

      • Incognito 1.1.2
        2 April 2021 at 3:24 pm

        What have the Romans ever done for us?

  2. Morrissey 2
    2 April 2021 at 10:41 am

    Greta is wonderful, but she—or her "managers"/parents—are also susceptible to political manipulation. She was suckered into denouncing the democratic government of Bolivia a couple of years ago. Her natural goodness is treated as naiveté by some ruthless interests, as shown in a recent investigation by Max Blumenthal…

    Even mainstream environmentalists acknowledge that rising reliance on renewable energy “means a lot of dirty mining” to extract the minerals required for electric batteries and solar cells. This prospect has sparked excitement within the mining industry, with the editor of Mining.com, Frik Els, dubbing Green New Deal spokeswomen Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greta Thunberg “mining’s unlikely heroines.”

    “Going all in on the green economy and decarbonisation requires siding with the greens against fossil fuels,” Els informed fellow mining industry insiders. “It means selling global mining as the solution to climate change because mining metals is the only path to green energy and green transport.”

    https://thegrayzone.com/2020/09/07/green-billionaires-planet-of-the-humans/

  3. Chris T 3
    2 April 2021 at 10:39 pm

    Depends whether you are dumb enough to think we will be dead in 10 years, from her or whoever else is saying it.

    Seems to be jut her

  4. Jenny how to get there 4
    2 April 2021 at 11:19 pm

    New Zealand must be a leader

    New Zealand emits 0.2% of the world's carbon pollution burden.

    Because of New Zealand's low overall emissions on the global scale….

    Professor Gluckman the chief science adviser to Prime Minister John Key. On the official government climate website, Professor Gluckman wrote, New Zealand's greatest 'contribution' to solving global climate change, New Zealand must be an example to the world. (ie become a leader on climate change)

    “New Zealand is a small emitter by world standards – only emitting some 0.2% of global greenhouse gases.”

    “…..anything we do as a nation will in itself have little impact on the climate – our impact will be symbolic, moral and political.”

    Sir Peter Gluckman

    https://www.pmcsa.org.nz/climate-change/

    Famously John Key disagreed with his Chief Science Adviser, and said instead, New Zealand would be a "Fast Follower" on the climate.

    So what will it be?

    Fast follower, or leader?

    To avoid the worst affects of climate change the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, (UNFCCC), has set a target for the globe to be carbon neutral by 2050

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-52939325

    If we want to be a leader on climate change, 2050 which is the world target date to be climate neutral, cannot be our target date.

    Any governmentmental body or organisation, (including the newly set up Climate Change Commission), that has 2050 as its target date to achieve carbon neutrality has surrendered to the fast follower doctrine of John Key.

    In going for 2050 as our Target date, we are just following the herd, but worse than this, 2050 is just far enough into the future that we won't have to take any hard or meaningful measures in the present. Leaving up to the next generation to do so.
    By avoiding taking the hard decisions now and making the cuts in our emissions in the present, we will leave the coming generation with a problem which will be too late for them to anything about.
    In the present we will continue business as usual, our emissions will keep going up year by year. We will continue to subsidise major emitters like Air New Zealand.
    In the South Island we will continue to supply Tiwai Aluminium Smetler with cut rate subsidised electricity prices, while we burn coal and gas for electricity in the North Island. We will not rationalise and upgrade the electricity transmission system. We will build more motorways while we continue to underfund public transport. We will issue permits to mine coal on crown land in Huntly, We will continue to convert traditional cropping land in Canterbury to intensive dairying. We will still dig mine and export coal. We will not ban ICE vehicle imports. We will not set one leading example for anyone.

    Greta Thunberg, as she always does, cuts to the chase.

    Thursday, April 01, 2021

    Common Dreams

    Forget 2030 or 2040, Says Greta Thunberg, World Must 'Reduce Our Emissions Right Now'

    The world needs "to stop focusing on dates and numbers" and recognize that taking immediate action is what must be done, says the 18-year-old Swedish climate leader.

    https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/04/01/forget-2030-or-2040-says-greta-thunberg-world-must-reduce-our-emissions-right-now?cd-origin=rss&utm_term=AO&utm_campaign=Daily%20Newsletter&utm_content=email&utm_source=Daily%20Newsletter&utm_medium=Email

  5. pukahu road 5
    3 April 2021 at 6:31 am

    Greta Thunberg is an extraordinary individual who has undeniable magnetism. She is so unique in that the global community both admires and fears her. Depending on which side of the climate change track you stand on.

    Speaking truth to power is something only the bravest in our community can manage. The consequences for some can be dire and at the very least a challenge to maintaining a healthy standard of mental health.

    Julian Assange is an example of what power can achieve when it is threatened. Justice and truth becomes meaningless when power chooses.

    Greta Thunberg does have a remarkable support team around her and we can only hope that is enough to keep her safe so she can act and speak freely as leader must.

  6. Byd0nz 6
    3 April 2021 at 11:40 am

    Yes, Greta is great, if only she could steer the world to one that discards money systems, she may then have her ideals realised.

  7. AB 7
    4 April 2021 at 11:02 am

    "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength"

  8. Tiger Mountain 8
    4 April 2021 at 12:20 pm

    To put it simply, Greta is great and inspirational.

    I support direct action for Climate Disaster and all other pro earth initiatives possible.

    If she never does much publicly again, she has done enough. Take that; all you bloated old white bastards, and your younger equivalents!

  9. Michael Blaxall 9
    4 April 2021 at 4:11 pm

    She is obviously a young visionary and should be burnt at the stake like Joan of Arc

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • 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 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    6 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-10T09:27:14+00:00