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 ”

  1. Treetop 1

    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

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

      • Treetop 1.1.1

        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

          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

            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

            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

              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

                Were the scientists age 16?

                • Chris T

                  Thankfully not.

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

                  • solkta

                    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

                      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

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

                • Foreign waka

                  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

                    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

                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

              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

                [Link required]

                • Drowsy M. Kram

                  '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

                    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

                      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

                      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

                      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 []

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

                    • Chris T

                      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 []

                      See my Moderation note @ 7:01 pm.

                    • Muttonbird

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

                    • Chris T

                      "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

                      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

                      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

                      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

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

                    • Chris T

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      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

                      Muttonbirds.

                      Yes

                      And like Asian sounding names and house buying.

                      There is a theme there.

      • Incognito 1.1.2

        What have the Romans ever done for us?

  2. Morrissey 2

    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

    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. 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

    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

    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

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

  8. Tiger Mountain 8

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

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T11:53:40+00:00