How not to handle a rebel

Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, February 16th, 2011 - 38 comments
Categories: democratic participation, maori party, Media - Tags: , ,

The Maori Party handling of rebel MP Hone Harawira has been a complete mess. Harawira and the Party leadership have been fighting a public war for the heart and soul of the party, a struggle which the Party now portrays as Harawira’s “incidents of ill discipline stretching over the past five years”. During this gradually escalating process the Party has looked indecisive and ineffectual, has alienated much of its activist base, and has managed to risk alienating its strongest electorate.

The latest bizarre chapter in this story is the brute force gagging of Harawira by forbidding him to talk to the media. This has apparently now been extended to “a complete media ban will be strictly observed by the Maori Party including Hone Harawira on all aspects of the disciplinary disputes process until the formal hearing into the complaint has been concluded.”

A complete media ban? An MP forbidden from representing the views of his constituents? I’m trying to recall any precedent for such an extreme gagging of free speech by a political party. In recent memory the Nats’ rebel MP Brian Connell was suspended from caucus, but never prevented from speaking. Labour’s rebel Chris Carter received the same treatment. In fact, as Matt McCarten points out, Tariana Turia herself enjoyed even greater freedom:

If you read Harawira carefully, all his criticisms are not about policy differences but are based around tactics and strategies. What’s the crime in that?

Ironically, what Tariana Turia did when she was in the Labour Party was far worse. As a Cabinet minister, she actively opposed her government’s policy on the seabed and foreshore legislation. Was she expelled or even sanctioned? No. In fact, she was granted permission to speak and campaign against it. She eventually resigned to form the Maori Party but Labour never stopped her saying what she thought.

I’m sure that during this time Tariana Turia valued her ability to speak her mind and do her best to represent her people. She of all people should know better than to remove the same rights from Hone Harawira.

In short, this media ban reveals a nasty authoritarian streak in the Maori Party. It is at odds with the principles of the Party’s constitution and it is at odds with the expectation of free speech in a democracy. Does anyone in what is left of the Maori Party care enough to resist?

38 comments on “How not to handle a rebel ”

  1. Colonial Viper 1

    Labour’s lovin’ it. Oddly enough, I think John Key and his crew will also be appreciating their role in irritating for this successful implosion.

    On a more serious note, Hone represents the kind of independent voice that our MPs have lost over the year to a stricter and stricter party line system. That loss over the years has reduced the vigour and colourful nature of political debate in NZ And we are all worse off for it. Best wishes to him.

  2. lprent 2

    It is very weird. Offhand I cannot think of a precedent or even a justification to try to order an electorate MP muzzled. This should make reading the links (and comments) interesting to see if anyone can figure out a justification (that doesn’t engender a thought pattern past a belly laugh)

    • lprent 2.1

      Matt McCarten has the whole thing well bracketed. It is a policy debate similar to those I hear all of the time inside Labour, amongst the MP’s, and between activists and their MP’s.

      I spent about 20 years actively supporting Helen Clark whilst actively disagreeing with her on many policy areas, our strategies and tactics, or her interpretation of public mood in LEC or directly.

      I would have expected the same respect if I’d had ever been dumb enough to go into caucus. By the sound of it, the Maori Party leadership has long stopped listening to Hone in caucus – which speaks volumes about their inability to run the parliamentary party. So Hone inevitability speaks out inside the party and in the media.

      The point about politics is everyone disagrees with almost everyone else. You work together on what you agree with and argue on the rest. But you always get a voice inside the forums set aside for it. You look at behavior rather than policy disagreements as being the dividing line.

      The current leadership in the MP clearly don’t like being questioned. They should be bloody glad I am not in it.

  3. ianmac 3

    Reports say that Hone “burst into tears” over the “pressure of the conflict.”
    What actually happened was when starting to speak about the support from his wife and from his electorate, he bowed his head and tears fell. I took that to mean that he was humbled by the support.

    And yes Tariana should feel the weight of her hypocrisy. A bit like Bennet receiving help from the Benefit then diminishing it for others in need now.

    • Mac1 3.1

      I agree with your reading of those tears, ianmac, and it gives me some sympathy and respect for Hone Harawira as a man, especially since he has way off target over other matters. What lprent says about working within the tent gells with my near forty years experience in the Labour Party.

      One of the benefits of MMP has been that those within the Party who really did take different stands on pretty big issues have now sloughed off into other minor parties like ACT and the modern Party is much more philosophically united. Other small parties seem to have trouble with their philosophical roots, their selection procedures and the disadvantages of a small activist base – perhaps the Maori Party is too broad a church for Hone Harawira.

      I still predict and await with some satisfaction a post MMP shift and split within the National Party. There has been some already for example with the religious Right and ACT, but the urban/rural, liberal/conservative, traditional/neo-con divides are held together with the glue of office and opportunity. One or two good electoral reverses and who knows what will happen………

      Capcha ‘positions’. Ha!

      • lprent 3.1.1

        The point of having a party is to have the opportunity to argue. If there isn’t an opportunity to do that, that is when you get the type of mess that the Maori party (and for that matter the recent debacle in Act) shows – a ‘leadership’ that cannot get people moving forward in a common direction.

  4. Jum 4

    The Maori party have obviously never heard of personal sovereignty, or even all Maori sovereignty, but only elite Maori sovereignty; JKeyll and the business rotundtable have been pulling the strings on this, promising Turia, the biggest control freak of them all, some carrot which will eventually go rotten on the Maori party.

    Never mind Labour loving this implosion; I’m loving it. Karma to a party that refused to acknowledge the good things that Labour/Greens even New Zealand First did for Maori as Aotearoans/New Zealanders. The number of Maori I met up with around the 2008 election that had been filled with such venom against Labour/Greens by Turia and NAct was huge. At a protest march against the previous Auckland Council for refusing to follow through with the Otahuhu swimming pool Maori were even blaming Labour for that! John Banks, previous Auckland mayor, a Labour supporter – I don’t think so!

    • Adele 4.1

      Teenaa koe, Jum

      If Labour was as good as you say towards Maaori than there would be no Maaori Party.

      There is this huge assumption by Paakeha New Zealanders that what is good for Maaori is to be ‘white-minded.’ Think and be like the average Paakeha and ‘she’ll be right.’

      We have our own views on what is right for us as separate identities in this country – and Labour never bothered to listen or was too arrogant to take heed of these views.

      If the Maaori Party implodes that will not be the end of Maaori politicism. One final point, taangata whenua is a better term to describe the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, Aotearoan sounds like a waka from Mars.

      • Of course Maori have a different outlook on philosophy and living than Pakeha ,and so they should. However in Aotearoa we need to live in partnership with each other. Most would agree that Labour has done more to achieve this than National .I do not think Labour has ever run a campaign like Iwi/Kiwi. Just as it was Labour who condemned apartheid (although Bolger was first in line to take credit.),
        The Maori Party should acknowledge this ,but this will not happen under Turia. The hypocrisy of Turia is sickening . I expect this is inherited from her GI.Joe father .Its certainly not the way I have noticed among the Maori people I know .

        What I am hoping for is that Harawira will become the Leader of the Maori Party and then support Labour as the government whilst maintaining its independence/

        • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1

          And LAB needs to understand the spirit of MMP and treat the Mp as true coalition partners in all issues. (Mind you Turia needs to be gone for any of this to happen).

          NAT in contrast have been treating the Mp has a disposable political tool and that has become more than obvious 2 years in.

      • Jum 4.1.2

        Nonsense, Adele,

        Tariana Turia had an agenda; Labour did not agree that her agenda was for the good of All New Zealanders. Also, whenever I talk about Maori being people just like whites are people – good or bad and often both, I am accused of racism. That’s nonsense too. People are human beings first, their colour and culture second. Humans hold their humanity in common.

        After that commonality every person is different. Every person has a different view. Why do you mention a group of Paakeha New Zealanders – that is lumping them together. You also have the right to take me to task for writing about Maori as a group when it is quite obvious they are certainly not a group of people. They are individuals and they are letting their Maori party know that they are not happy about Hone Harawira’s treatment.

        By your use of the ‘aa’, you are not in either of those groups either. You are in a group of your own, Adele.

        • Adele 4.1.2.1

          Teenaa koe, Jum

          The double ‘aa’ is correct form in the absence of the macron – and the double vowel also denotes meaning as in wahine = woman, waahine = women. The group I represent is quite large.

          To extrapolate the commonality we share as humans to an overriding ambition towards oneness is such a steaming mass of tuutae – a waste product of last century thinking.

          However, if the hegemony all decide to become Maaori – I will gladly admit to wrong thinking, and will even volunteer to assist in performing the circumcisions.

          • Jum 4.1.2.1.1

            Adele,

            Why is it you cannot stand the fact that all inhabitants of this land are people? There is nothing inherently special about Maori. There is nothing special about you, except that you are a human being. Live with that.

            More importantly, if you seriously imagine I personally would want to be anything even remotely like you in your thinking and your racism, you are imagining shxt. You’re certainly blogging it. So, extrapolate off.

            • Adele 4.1.2.1.1.1

              Teenaa koe, Jum

              This country, the world, needs less ‘people’ like you, How can you possibly even think to imply that your humanity is somehow greater than mine when you refuse to acknowledge that ‘people’ are not all the same.

              Instead, you would rather obliterate difference, to skin the animal and reduce humanity to flesh and bone only – to make it less cumbersome, less trying for you, than to actually attempt to understand and celebrate the uniqueness of others.

              Also, Maaori have never claimed to be ‘special’ that word is usually used by the haters and wreckers to fuel anger ad nauseum. Maaori, as taangata whenua, however, do have rights as afforded by Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I know, you would rather that document was obliterated too.

              • neoleftie

                I think Phil Goff Could / might have said it right “two people, one nation”
                It not really white new zealanders fault for being misguided or not understanding maori it simple ignorance. Gosh the next ten years for this country are going to be so pivotal on the formation of what our nation really is and stands for.
                Unity or seperatism
                Bi cultural understanding and intergration of valued cultural impactors or a cleaved society.
                Gosh bring on the open and honest debate about our connected future in all facets.

              • Jum

                The world needs less divisive ‘people’ like you Adele, who deliberately set out to obfuscate what other people are saying. I will repeat it. “Maori being people just like whites are people – good or bad and often both”. In trying to deny that simple statement about people as a whole you are implying that Maori are special and that they have never committed any wrong in the past, at present or in the future.

                Again, “People are human beings first, their colour and culture second. Humans hold their humanity in common.”

                Again, “Humans hold their humanity in common. After that commonality every person is different.” You mislead when you try to imply I said my humanity is greater than yours. Get rid of the poison invading your system, Adele. On this thread you are the hater and wrecker.

                As for the treaty, that will play out in New Zealand in its own time, with or without your input or mine. We will also get to see how Maori deal with the power and influence they get from the resources that they are steadily gaining through the treaty process.

                ‘Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely’.
                (Origin

                Lord ActonThis arose as a quotation by John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834–1902). The historian and moralist, who was otherwise known simply as Lord Acton, expressed this opinion in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887:

                “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.”

                Another English politician with no shortage of names – William Pitt, the Elder, The Earl of Chatham and British Prime Minister from 1766 to 1778, is sometimes wrongly attributed as the source. He did say something similar, in a speech to the UK House of Lords in 1770:

                “Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who possess it”)

                • Adele

                  Teenaa koe, Jum

                  To follow your logic to its rightful place in absurdity I could very well make the statement ‘all dogs are the same’ – as they share common ancestry in the wolf.

                  Now have a fully-grown Neapolitan Mastiff sit on your lap in place of a Chihuahua, and then try to blithely say, “difference doesn’t matter – a dog is a dog.”

                  I find it ironic that you choose to quote to me the words of a dead white man (Google this) to further your pious cause. Moreso, since the dead one (Acton) is of the nobility, wealthy, an imperialist, and supported the confederacy in the American civil wars. Now which one of these virtues points to a man in sympathy with the commoner, or the slave?

                  It is presumptuous to lecture Maaori about the exercise of power especially as power corrupted first arrived here with the Endeavour and remains visible today in the power structures that are parliament, policy, finance, corporation and the media – an ocean of whiteness, and in comparison, Maaori are but flotsam and jetsam, caught in ocean currents.

                  Your type of thinking is the death of humanity not its salvation.

                  • Jum

                    Finally, you get it – a dog is a dog. A person is a person. A human is a human. Then you move on from there. You can be the Chihuahua if you like…

                    Your rant is a perfect example of why I am concerned that you have got so lost in your hatred of anyone who doesn’t agree with you, it is obviously clouding your logic.

                    Again, “People are humans first, their colour and culture second. Humans hold their humanity in common. AFTER that commonality every person is DIFFERENT.”

                    You really hate white people don’t you. Yet you forget in all of this that you are not the only person now, before and in future (brown, white, blue or black) that will suffer at the hands of the power structures of parliament, policy, finance, corporation and the media and if you weren’t so far up yourself, you would be viewing the future on behalf of everyone not just the ones you favour.

                    By the way, the mantra you’re spouting has no individual flavour to it, just what your ‘large group’ have instilled in you or you in it.

                    Maori speaking about the death of humanity forget their own past.

                  • Rosy

                    If we put our cultural differences ahead of humanity we’re lost, this does not mean we should ignore power relationships or work to recompense those who have been subject to injustices…

                    “To follow your logic to its rightful place in absurdity”… to put our cultural differences ahead of our shared humaness creates the sort of talk that justifies discrimination, if it is used by the powerful, and of course the extremes of discrimination – slavery, indigenous reservations & genocide. And it’s interesting through history to see the elite of complicit in the demise of their own through their support of the powerful. The elite in any culture have more in common with the elite in another culture than they do with the dispossessed in their own culture IMO.

                    • Locus

                      @ Adele. Who cares where a quote came from, it’s the idea that we should be debating. The idea that absolute power corrupts is worth thinking about.

                      Are Maori one type of dog and Pakeha another? What a strange analogy to use when you are trying (I think) to explain the primacy of historical oppression of a race and a culture over the ideas of human commonality.

                      I’ve lived my life all around the world, and been swamped in ocean of otherness (colour, culture, religion) in so many places. The fundamental learning is that we have more in common with others when we laugh and cry and debate together, and that our language and culture gives us a stronger sense of being part of a special family.

                      I will never know what it is like to be born into a minority in a culturally repressive society …. because I am from Aotearoa. As a New Zealander, I have the privelege of an education, clean water, sanitation, housing, a wonderful cultural heritage. Every day I wake up I am proud of our tikanga and our uniqueness as New Zealanders.

                      Maori have suffered and are suffering the results of colonialism, so we have to make things better and all play our part in creating a future where we can all delight in a kiwi culture that is a product of the best of Maori and Pakeha.

                    • Adele

                      Teenaa koorua, Jum and Rosy

                      The western tradition is vilified the world over because of the type of thinking that you both maintain. The blank state that you call ‘humanity’ is a total fiction perpetuated to alleviate any moral guilt associated with assimilating or making extinct the traditions and cultures of others.

                      Rosy, discrimination occurs when difference is denied, demeaned, and discounted.

                    • Jum

                      Adele …
                      20 February 2011 at 2:36 am ‘discrimination occurs when difference is denied, demeaned, and discounted.’

                      Ye Gods. Again, “every PERSON is DIFFERENT.” That is not denying any person, demeaning any person or discounting any person.

                      In Rosalind Miles book ‘Women’s History of the World, she writes about evidence of a single female having the gene which has flowed down through all the humans in the world, so whether you (and I) like it or not Adele, you, Rosy and I are a lot closer than you are trying to preach.

                      PS I’m not sure what colour or culture Rosalind Miles is.

                    • Rosy

                      @ Adele I won’t argue your definition of discrimination. I agree discrimination always occurs when difference is demeaned. I have no problem with acknowledging difference and I have no problem that discrimination and injustice resulting from difference needs to be resolved. My problem is when it is put ahead of acknowledging a common humanity first.

                      A very straightforward real world example: apparently there was (until yesterday) a facebook page called ‘I hate poor people’ It had post something along the lines of ‘poor people don’t have GPs they have veterinarians.’ IMO this is exactly what happens when people forget to their common humanity.

  5. tino rangatiratanga 5

    Will Sharples lose his seat to Shane Jones this year as the fallout to the Maori party taking orders from the Iwi Leadership Group and the National Party…

    Tamaki Makaurau Kaumatua call on all to “prepare to hikoi”
    February 14th, 2011

    http://news.tangatawhenua.com/archives/10140

    Elders from the National Maori Council have called for another hikoi from Northland to Parliament to oppose the new Marine and Coastal Area Bill.

    Kuia and Kaumatua of Tamaki Makaurau present at a Public Meeting held last week expressed their concerns related to the statements that have been made by the Maori Party co-Chairpersons, Dr. Peter Sharples and Tariana Turia.

    The Kaumatua and Kuia of Tamaki Makaurau have moved a vote of no confidence in the Maori Party leadership.

    Selwyn Muru an esteemed Kaumatua of Ngati Kuri who resides in Tamaki Makaurau said, ‘we were very dissatisfied with the Takutai Moana bill as put out by the Labour Party and we are equally dissatisfied with the bill put out by the National Party,’

    The Kaumatua went on to say ‘how dare the Maori Party leadership trample the Mana of our Tupuna.’

    Mr Muru further stated ‘that as a result of this and our immediate concerns for the Mana of Maori we are calling for everyone to prepare to Hikoi (March) against the Takutai Moana Bill.’

    Networks have been alerted throughout Aotearoa to prepare for a Hikoi to oppose the Takutai Moana Bill.

    _____________________________________

    * Selwyn Muru – Ngati Kuri Kaumatua- [redacted]
    * Lillian Howe – Kuia o Te Whanau a Apanui – [redacted]
    * Ngaire Te Hira – Executive NZ Maori Council – [redacted]

  6. ak 6

    In short, this media ban reveals a nasty authoritarian streak in the Maori Party

    Mmmm….either that or a timely desire (by both parties) not to shatter the aspirations and blood-wrought toil of generations by self-imploding in a blaze of NACT-fed media hysteria.

    Labour’s lovin’ it.

    Got a link for that Colly? If they are, and are anything but deeply concerned and doing their level best to avoid another Alliancehilation, then the last shreds of political nous and progressive principle just left their building.

    • Colonial Viper 6.1

      Sorry mate just an educated stab, I am guessing that no one in LAB has sympathies for Turiana getting some of her own medicine back.

      But yeah its a bit like cutting ones’ nose off.

  7. Tony P 7

    This week’s Listener editorial has (surprise surprise) come down firmly in favour of the Maori Party in all this.
    http://www.listener.co.nz/

    • neoleftie 7.1

      actaully i wonder how much the MParty has been a brake on the tory far right faction on developing policy. If you weight things up not much really has happened in a radical sence given the power players within national. So maybe just maybe a blue rinse maori party caucus actaully modfied somewhat the extremes that could have happened.

      • Colonial Viper 7.1.1

        Interesting theory, but NAT also do not need the Mp, and its a question of who Key and English would prefer to placate – their own blue grass roots or the Mp. I pick the former personally.

        The far bigger motivating factor in being highly centrist this term – the shot at a second term in power that they do not want to waste.

        • neoleftie 7.1.1.1

          true true but the Tories arent highly centrised, they simple are precieved and have given the false preception the are more centre right this go around – the great hood wink.
          Sorry to say it but if the economy was in better shape the tories would have quietly gone about the far right agenda. They only brake is the they cant touch the State or its function cause this is holding the economy up. privatising = job losses, resizine the public sector = job losses.
          job losses = less tax and less spending.
          The maori party, in my opinion, is looking long term. look to the next coalition positioning to see the true spirit of maoridom, maybe they pick and choose micro level policies that benefit them but apart from supply and confidence as per the agreement they really fundamental back the left block.

  8. Adele 8

    Teenaa koe, Rosy

    Thank you for your rational response. The issue for me is that I do not believe that it is possible to appreciate the humanity of another without first acknowledging and appreciating the differences (culture and traditions) that construct their humanity. I say first understand the differences and then you may just arrive at the underlying agreement that is humanity.

    It is not sufficient in this day and age to depend upon the basic concept ‘we are all human’ to survive living amongst others. That is simply too arrogant (and lazy) an approach towards understanding the humanity of another.

    • Jum 8.1

      Adele,

      Culture and tradition come after birth. It is neither arrogant or lazy to state that humanity is a commonality of living creatures that take the human form.

      Maybe another word is in order – humanoid? humanist

      But possibly there is a place for you, Rosy and myself in the word ‘humanity’: 1.the human race, 2.the quality of being human, 3.kindness or mercy – which suggests one function of humanity.

      Still, Adele, with your arrogant replies, there is little chance of you and I ever reaching a stage of understanding, kindness or mercy, but I have no problem continuing the struggle.

      Unlike you, I certainly don’t want to ‘survive living amongst others’. I want to enjoy the process of living amongst others. Providing ‘others’ treat my opinion with the respect they expect from me with their opinions, there is more chance to do so.

      Maybe, a compromise is in order:

      Humanity begins and ends at babyhood. Following that the personage is moulded and raised by other persons which is when the culture and traditions kick in.

      • neoleftie 8.1.1

        hmmm what is so wrong with one of a different culture wishing to celebrate and rejoice in the difference of that culture…The only seperatist we have are those locked inside the majority who dont want to even consider that another just maybe another culture might have some insight into ways that would bring the betterment to humanity.

        • Jum 8.1.1.1

          Neoleftie

          I suggest you read the whole thread, which was actually about the Maori Party. It ended up being an assault on me being white and for daring to quote a white person who talked about total power corrupting, which I thought was a good quote for anyone contemplating sovereignty. Adele and I have had this debate before and no doubt we will have it many times in the future.

          Then we moved on to what humanity meant. I’m quite enjoying it.

          I also had a wee chuckle because at some stage we were sort of agreeing but that had got lost, I think…

          I suggest Adele reads Rosalind Miles’ book that I quoted above. It talks about the female goddess who once ruled supreme. She had many names but she was the one true God and she was female. It ties in with Adele’s blurb on Deborah’s ‘Two World Views/In a Strange Land.

          Adele has an arrogance in that she believes everything she says but never accepts that other people, those bad white people, could actually have a view too.

          Adele is arrogant in that she seems to think Maori are the only ones who subscribe to the ways of women. I also mention that Maori men may not have her beliefs; I’ll stand corrected on that as regards marae, but not in the back streets of New Zealand.

          You are totally wrong in suggesting I don’t think Maori culture can offer insight into ways that would bring betterment to humanity. I just got pissed off about the way she talks down and decided to call her on it.

  9. Adele 9

    Teenaa koe, Jum

    My apologies for the delay in responding to your passive aggressive post.

    Because I live two worldviews I can articulate between the two with relative ease and a measure of expertise. You on the other hand are fixated in one – stuck in the crack of a broken-down CD – jum, jum, jum. Your ongoing rant about “humans holding their humanity in common” has grown from a steaming mass to a veritable maunga of manure. Let me once again attempt to explain why.

    Humanity in common has its roots in western philosophy and is not universally comprehended. From an indigenous perspective, to say “I am human” is a meaningless statement to make; it renders the person incomprehensible and without form. To say “I am Ngaati Awa,” on the other hand, adds flesh to DNA and whakapapa to bone. Thus, is your first conceit – to assume western ideology is meaningful to all.

    So now confronted with difference in social constructs we arrive at the next conceit of the western traditionalist (predominantly white but not necessarily so) and that is to assume the western worldview is the normative. Thus when divergence is encountered the difference is immediately translated as unimportant, a side issue, perverse.

    The third conceit is when the western traditionalist seeks to impose their worldview over others – to assimilate, obfuscate, render impotent, and when all else fails, to make extinct. This is the process of colonisation.

    I am fully aware of the views of white people as they are expressed as the majority opinion, and echo loudly in the auditoriums of power – parliament, policy, finance, corporation, and media (including the blogosphere). Not content with this much percussion, however, you then insist upon more white noise – how are the edicts of a dead white man and a non-dead white woman salient to me as an indigenous person practicing indigeneity. We like to rock to the sounds and rhythms of Oceania – yes, we have our own scholarship and philosophers.

    Finally, I am not talking down to you; I think that you are just having an issue measuring up.

    • Jum 9.1

      And in the end I will continue to hold my views and you yours and with your definite attempts at talking down, adding in your own ‘veritable maunga of manure’ laced thickly with conceited views of your own importance and using the very words of the traditional society you loathe so much, that is very unlikely to change.

      I’ll remain a human being; you can be whatever you like. And I mean that sincerely.

      I do have a question which no one else ever answers – did Maori colonise other earlier peoples in New Zealand, on the Chatham Islands for instance? Did they take slaves? Did they commit the same atrocities they always blame others for but never themselves?

      It’s fine to take the moral high ground now and utter fine big words and flowing bigotry, but under the skin colour the good and the bad still remains. And to quote your words “to assimilate, obfuscate, render impotent, and when all else fails, to make extinct” Maori certainly did that just as much as every other coloniser throughout history.

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  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
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  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
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    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
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  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
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  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
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    2 hours ago
  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
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    5 hours ago
  • A crisis of ambition
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago
  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago
  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 hours ago
  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago
  • The worth of it all
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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    10 hours ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    12 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    12 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
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    12 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    12 hours ago
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    13 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
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  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
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  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
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    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    19 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
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    21 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
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    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    22 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    23 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
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  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
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  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
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  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
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    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
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    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
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    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
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    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
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    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
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    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
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    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
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    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
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    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    3 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
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    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
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    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
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  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
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    4 days ago
  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
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    5 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
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  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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    6 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
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  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
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  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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