Human rights, culture wars and the right

Written By: - Date published: 10:49 am, June 17th, 2022 - 39 comments
Categories: boris johnson, Christopher Luxon, human rights, immigration, International, law, law and "order", national, same old national - Tags:

This week National and Christopher Luxon have been talking publicly about which human rights they could trash for gang members.

Generally Luxon is pretty good at delivering the same old cliches time and time again.  But every time he strays into slightly more specific comments he puts his foot in it, or at least the left think that he does this.

Who can forget his description of helping poor people as bottom feeding or his insistence that public transport should pay its way?

This week he added another draw dropping example of some pretty crazy stuff by proposing that photos of gang member wearing bling should be banned from social media.

From Radio New Zealand:

Luxon told Morning Report National also wants gang activity to be restricted on social media.

He said police were telling the party that gang members were doing an effective job of selling gang lifestyle on social media to attract new recruits.

While it was a difficult area to navigate it had been used to control extremist material so the same approach could be tried with content promoting gangs.

Told that Internet New Zealand has dismissed the proposal as impossible to police, Luxon said it has been difficult to deter violent extremism and organisations and he could not see why it cannot be tried.

“Gang life is actually promoted with all the bling and all those presentations. That’s what we can have a crack at it.

“I appreciate it’s tough and it’s hard but we should try doing something and giving the police some tools to push back on.”

When Luxon was pressed on whether the party’s gang policy had been formed taking into consideration the Bill of Rights and the Human Rights Act, he countered that gang members wanted the rights and not their responsibilities.

So any gang member wearing bling will have their photos banned from social media?  And a picture of a Headhunter with a fancy watch is the same as the live video from the Christchurch Mosque massacre?

Any leftie or person who actually believes in human rights would think that proposing this would be crazy.  The attack of the freedom of expression would be so profound, with such limited benefits that it would have to fail.

There has been another example overseas which makes me wonder if this is not a random event but a feature of right wing politics.

In the United Kingdom the Conservative Government has its own egregious attempt to undermine human rights.  The Government has proposed that asylum seekers, no matter which country they come from, should be shipped off to a holding prison in Rwanda as a way to deter people smugglers.

The policy was announced with some fanfare by Boris Johnson who promised to dig in for the fight with leftie lawyers to make sure that the policy succeeded.

He said this:

There’s going to be a lot of legal opposition from the types of firms that, for a long time, have been taking taxpayers’ money to mount these sorts of cases, and to thwart the will of the people, the will of parliament. We’re ready for that,” he said.

“We will dig in for the fight and, you know, we will make it work. We’ve got a huge flowchart of things we have to do to deal with it, with the leftie lawyers.”

And dig in they did.  The Government resisted applications for interim injunctions through the English Judicial System but a last minute decision by the European Court of Human Rights stopped the flight.  The test case involved an Iraqi national who claim that he had been tortured has some support from medical authorities.  The Court ruled that the arrangement, involving a non legally binding promise to return refugees to England on request and the question whether Rwanda was actually safe deserved proper consideration.

The Government’s response was typical with deputy prime minister Dominic Raab claiming the Court had overstepped its powers.

Asked about death threats made on social media to human rights lawyers, he said they were unacceptable but then doubled down by saying that Britain’s Human Rights Act had led to an “industry” of lawyers promoting “elastic interpretations” of the law on behalf of their clients.

And pro Brexit backbenchers have gone to town and demanded that England withdraws from the ECHR, even though it was set up before the European Union primarily through English efforts to address human rights violations that occurred during the second world war.

The Rwandan policy has been heavily criticised not only by Human Rights lawyers but also by the Churches, Prince Charles, and even even some Tory backbenchers, including the former prime minister Theresa May.  It has all of the hallmarks of that other example of accelerated cruelty where the Australian Government transported refugees to a detention centre on Christmas Island.

I mention this because the UK policy and National’s anti gang rhetoric have some similar features.  Attack an unpopular minority with laws that breach their and our rights and get ready to blame the lawyers if the attempts fail.

And Luxon’s proposal that social media be scoured for Gang members wearing bling will have another feature that National normally repels from, a multitude of public servants will need to be employed to scour individual face book pages, and tick tock and instagram feeds.

Both attempts are crass and directly violate some fundamental human rights.  It is sad that there exists a political market for this sort of behaviour.

39 comments on “Human rights, culture wars and the right ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Matiri 1
    17 June 2022 at 11:04 am

    Boris Johnson’s grandfather Sir James Fawcett was knighted for his work for the European Commission of Human Rights. One of those leftie lawyers.

    His own family is more than critical of the Rwandan policy.

    https://bylinetimes.com/2022/06/10/dear-boris-your-nihilism-betrays-your-grandfathers-legacy-hed-be-appalled/

  2. Tiger Mountain 2
    17 June 2022 at 11:07 am

    The constant use of “woke” in a pejorative sense like “soy boy”, “snowflake”, and above all, the much earlier–Pee Cee “PC”–shows how people can get hooked into right wing and authoritarian narratives, framing and memes.

    Supporting various exploited and oppressed groups should be viewed as positive surely?
    Grumpy white blokes apparently are to be treated gently because they might vote Epsom Twerker or natzo–sod ’em I say.

    Luxon is a political lightweight, without massive media support he would be gone by lunchtime. “Take the bikes from the Bikies” “the public has had a gutsful” was a Norm Kirk policy at one time–not many if any were ever taken! Boy racer crackdown said Bentley and Harley owner Banksie, same result, Crusher Collins did not crush many either, though Anne Tolley stood on the hood of one allegedly about to be crushed…about as believable as her office “firebombing”.

    I would support patch wearers over Luxon anyday. Gangs are an expression of the problem not the main problem.

  3. Molly 3
    17 June 2022 at 11:37 am

    Perhaps, instead of spending energy on discussions about Luxon's policy, we could address the issue and post our own solutions.

    First, it is useful to accurately state the problem:

    1. Gang violence seems to be increasing, and is taking place more publicly – we need to determine whether this is so;
    2. The number of serious firearm offences seems to be increasing – is this tied into gang conflicts, whether internal or external? If not, what could be a factor? If so, how do we address it?
    3. Is there a negative effect on the public that is both intended and exploited by the wearing of a patch associated with criminal activities, and perceived increasing violence? If so, should this be addressed? How could it be addressed?
    4. Are patches a form of advertising or recruitment to young people? Is the status given when they achieve a patch indicative of achievement or a form of intimidation – or both? Does this have to be addressed, ie. is there other options available for young people to meet their need to belong, and to be protected in some form, by that belonging?
    5. Are there other groups that identify themselves in similar ways, with similar intent? Any action that is proposed, should include those groups as well.

    I'm sure there's more, or improvements or edits that can be made on the above, just getting the ball rolling.

    We could spend time complaining about Luxon, but really, did you expect anything else?

    • Mike the Lefty 3.1
      17 June 2022 at 12:27 pm

      I'm not sure that gang violence is actually increasing. There have always been gang related violence episodes happening pretty much around the country at any particular time but because the spotlight is now on them rather than the road toll and beach drownings they seem to be worse. I think that crime in general is on the increase and nobody seems to know how to stop it, unless the government plans to increase the size of the police force tenfold (which we know they won't and can't afford). Harsher punishments don't stop crime – they only punish worse those that are caught and if they are not caught then they can't be punished.

      As for Luxon's policy. He knows damned well it wouldn't work but that is not really the point – the point is that it winds people up and that what he wants to do. Wound up people are easy prey for manipulation and National just LOVES to manipulate.

      • Molly 3.1.1
        17 June 2022 at 1:17 pm

        I agree that policies such as Luxon's are inadequately formed and political and divisive in intent. But I have no interest in improving the suggestions if the National party

        Do left-wing parties think there is an issue?

        If so, what are their proposed solutions?

        People who have dealt with public intimidation and gang violence, will be looking for answers.

        Does the left have any, or do they truly believe there is nothing to address?

        • aom 3.1.1.1
          17 June 2022 at 3:09 pm

          The crimes v gangs issue isn't a left-right binary scenario. There are hard-line lock 'em up and throw away the keys adherents and on the other side are those who advocate a problem solving approach – usually based on the understanding that there are plenty of more productive options other than using social violence. It is easy to rant and rave at 'other' while not appreciating that our social structures are now moulded by a neo-liberal philosophy which legalises the 'rich get richer and bugger the rest' social ethos.

          Gangs are intimidating to many, but the question needs to be asked as to whether it is real, or imagined, and fed by irrational paranoia. What proportion of the population have only ever been confronted vicariously. The other thing that needs to be acknowledged is that a significant proportion join gangs because they feel they have been intimidated.

          • Tiger Mountain 3.1.1.1.1
            17 June 2022 at 3:55 pm

            “Intimidated” and you could add alienated…by capitalism, neo liberalism and post colonialism.

            Stick it to them is one response–join “The Filthy Few”, don’t run with the herd–most in our society after 40 years of Roger’n’Ruth’s toxic legacy become compliant consumers, emotional wrecks after one redundancy too many, or mere survivors on some level.

            I have been on the periphery of gangs just because of who I know since the late 70s, and frankly try to have little to do with patched members or associates. If you are not a member you are not shit in that world. But by and large they are not out to get you!

    • Ross 3.2
      17 June 2022 at 1:04 pm

      We could spend time complaining about Luxon, but really, did you expect anything else?

      There was a post recently where I think Micky asked if there would be a snap election. Clearly the answer was no as National wouldn’t want one! There’s too much hay being made while the sun is shining.

      I look forward to Labour MPs defending the rights of gangs. Curiously there don’t seem many prepared to do that. In fact Stuart Nash and Greg O’Connor have been vocal critics of gangs. It’s great when we see bipartisanship on a political issue. Now let’s focus on the victims of crime.

    • Blade 3.3
      17 June 2022 at 5:16 pm

      Molly, way to go! It's about time we had suggestions from the Left. The ''tread water'' strategy Labour has at present regarding crime ain't working. So it's time for solutions from the Left.

      As to Luxon's suggestion regarding social media. It could work, but the effort wouldn't be worth it. But…at least they trying something. As I have repeated ad nauseam, major restructure of Winz, Justice and Police with the requisite legislation in place is required. Everything else is just tinkering, and Luxon's idea is a good example of that.

  4. Maurice 4
    17 June 2022 at 11:43 am

    Welcome to the Party Pals. The attacks on despised minorities is a well worn path practiced by BOTH sides of the political spectrum

    Firearms owners tried to point this out when previously lawfully held property was confiscated.

    Then those marching to Parliament to speak with their 'representatives' recently were demonised.

    Attacking minorities is SOOOOOO "democratic"

    Only the Majority or a particularly chosen group deserve "rights" … or is that "privileges" ????

    • Populuxe1 4.1
      17 June 2022 at 4:37 pm

      Just before I get out my teeny tiny violin, can you please explain how the quality of your life has been detrimentally impacted by you not being allowed to have military style semi-automatics and assault rifles?

      • Maurice 4.1.1
        17 June 2022 at 6:37 pm

        Ye of little understanding …..

        Have enjoyed shooting for many years – especially target shooting with pest control a necessary chore.

        Have been a disabled volunteer farm pest controller for many years but since not employed as such was not eligible for a "P" endorsement to keep my semi-automatic Modern Sporting Rifle. Still assist my farming friends but at a lot lower hit rate so that instead of being allowed ten deer a year I now am given the chance at one or two since they have had to use far more shooters with bolt action (ex-military!) rifles to control the other pests on their farms – of which there are now ever increasing numbers due to lower hit rates.

        The manual actions are far more difficult for the disabled to use quickly and manual loading rather than magazine changes far more painful.

        Also participate in Service Rifle matches where exactly the same problems arise.

        So without the semi-autos I am of far less use to my farming friends and they now have to do much of their pest control themselves – working all day on the farm then control pests at night where as they could sleep while I and my helpers did the job – at no charge.

        WE have ALL been diminished and the removal of these firearms from Licence holders has had little of perhaps even a negative effect upon firearm crime – which no rational person can dispute.

        Oh! As collectors many of us where left owning REAL FULLY automatic Assault rifles which we cannot use as they must be kept inoperable while the semi-automatic sporting rifles were taken from us!

  6. AB 6
    17 June 2022 at 11:47 am

    We can condemn the right for the cynical creation of a law and order panic for political gain – and then when they actually get power producing nothing but ineffective, grandstanding, performative gestures. (The right's real and abiding interest is redistributing wealth upwards when they are politically strong, and at a minimum preventing its redistribution downwards when they are politically weak. Law and order is a convenient sideshow.)

    That's all true. But when it comes to gangs it's the only game in town because the putative left won't or can't offer an alternative that enough people will believe in.

    • Incognito 6.1
      17 June 2022 at 12:55 pm

      Law and order is a convenient sideshow.

      In the hands of some RWs Law and Order is and has been an instrument of power to suppress the underclass. As such, it’s a key pillar in the efforts of upwards wealth distribution (‘trickle up’) and simultaneously to instil and enforce their ideological values (…) on the lower class.

      What are they gonna ban next: gangsta rap, Eminem ("Lose Yourself"), hoodies, tats, AB T-shirts?

      • AB 6.1.1
        17 June 2022 at 3:49 pm

        Yes – that is a more complete formulation than mine. Thanks. In my mind though, it makes the formation of a credible and popular left alternative to the problem of gangs even more important.

  7. Robert Guyton 7
    17 June 2022 at 12:20 pm

    "photos of gang member wearing bling should be banned from social media."

    Remember the photo of John Key in his swimming pool, (gloating),with his very expensive watch on his wrist?

    Bling! Bling!

    • Tricledrown 7.1
      18 June 2022 at 8:40 am

      Merrill Lynch, BT most likely laundering Russian oliagarch billions. London was a wash with Russian money in the post communist era still is.Money Traders would have known .White collar criminals get a knighthood the great unwashed go to jail.

  8. Ad 8
    17 June 2022 at 2:48 pm

    Yes but Mickey … our government is quite happy to sanction listed names of Russian rich people, and most governments around the world are confiscating great volumes of their property.

    And in NZ, the Police appear to be deploying the Proceeds of Crime Act to take much of gang motorcycles, cars, property, and cash already.

    Long may it continue.

    If the new Minister of Police with his Masters in Criminology can encourage the Police gang unit to perp-walk the blingy fools, strip them of their patches, and reduce them to ordinary citizens who have to earn their money the legal way, then Minister Hipkins has just a wee chance of being able to turn the gang crime story around for Labour.

    If Hipkins can't show how we are actively stripping gangs of their wealth, we've lost the law and order narrative completely, and it will seriously hurt us in the polls.

  9. Tricledrown 9
    18 June 2022 at 12:41 pm

    Red Logix National froze Police budgets for 9 yrs effectively cutting the police budget by 20% over those 9 years.John Key made the very loud and bold claim he was going to rid NZ of the scurge of P its use grew exponentially from that moment.Police numbers were cut while the population grew by 20%. 501's started and have lead to more vicious more organized expanding gang prolification. With poverty homelessness continually increasing especially since Covid and the Ukraine invasion the gang problem is only going to get far worse.The same trends are happening across the world. This govt has increased police numbers but they need to put many more police out on the streets to let people know they are able to match gang numbers and be a preventative force. Police have been stretched beyond their capability with the covid response having to do more duties with sickness etc,taking police away from frontline duties. Even traffic policing has been affected.Police just don't have the numbers to pull over convoys of Gangs on a regular basis they can't police the roads effectively either.The Road Traffic policing should be a seperate arm of Policing so we have a constant and consistant effort.Police district commanders have traffic policing hrs targets so at the end of a month if the targets aren't being met Police district commanders throw all the police out on the road at once for brief periods to get their allotted targets.That needs to be changed so Traffic Police maintain high numbers constantly . Police visibility drives crime down. Gangs are expanding at a rapid rate if Police were able to confiscate motorcycles and vehicles from gang members at high rates it would disrupt drug trafficking and gangs expanding.The money to buy these vehicles should be a factor if it can't be proved that the Gangster who owns the motorcycle has paid for their motorcycle with legally obtained money that should be siezed for a money laundering crime.Remember Al Capone was brought down by money laundering laws ie tax evasion. We need a Gang Response team and now NSW has seen a drop in gang violence since they introduced the tactical gang response unit.Labour Hipkins needs to get ahead on this problem.Breaking down doors removing fortifications confiscating bikes even if its for 28 days until that person can prove they got the money legally.The Labour govt needs to get stuck in and not dither because while National is all mouth and No action like Key and Muldoon.Perception is what voters are seeing and National can keep taking cheap shots while not having their poor reputation of underfunding police exposed.

  10. Corey Humm 10
    18 June 2022 at 1:25 pm

    Banning gang insignia and bandanas over peoples faces could be a thing but not gang members being blinged up but it'd have to be done by social media and big tech not the government which doesn't have anywhere near the resources.

    Gangs are violent vile thugs who hawk meth and poison and terrorize their neighbors and neighborhoods and with 501s it's only getting scarier, but throwing money at the problem when there's no resources to do what a party wants ain't going to do shit. It be better in fact to ban Facebook etc from allowing those profiles in our country than banning the individual but I don't know how that'd be possible because we have very little sway with such a small population.

    Itd be better to make poor and working class peoples living standards better so they aren't tempted to join gangs (or forced into it) but gangs are thugs. I don't think the left appreciates the terror they inflict on communities like the one I grew up on and with these mega state house apartment blocks instead of stand alone homes it's getting worse and more unsafe. Instead of a having a yard and a fence to seperate you you have them literally right next to you or above you (they really ought to do hardcore background checks before they put people in these apartment blocks to protect the vulnerable tenants in them from thugs, not saying don't build these apartment blocks but am saying don't let gangs take them ovdr and terrorize the other tennents, but the rights solution just will make the problem ten times worse and more violent.

    One side seems to want to ignore the other seems to want to throw gas on the fire.

    My next vote will be against a national govt not for a labour govt. That's the best I can offer, voting against something worse, not for something better.

  11. swordfish 11
    18 June 2022 at 4:15 pm

    .
    What an absolutely remarkable reversal … citizens' long-held fundamental rights to freedom of expression & equality under the law now under constant attack & regularly derided here as "freeze peach" … unless, it seems, you're a violent-sadistic gang member/associate with a long history of criminality & inflicting gross harm on others … in which case your human rights, dignity & freedom of speech are apparently being viciously "trashed".

    Tough shit for their numerous victims.

    Yet another example of the affluent Woke’s perverted moral compass.

    The self-centred Luxury Beliefs of a 400 buck-an-hour narcissistic virtue-signaling Professional Middle Class …. who get to indulge in ostentatious displays of prestige-enhancement to signal their fidelity to the new elite while ensuring they're never in a position to do the suffering they indirectly inflict on others.

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    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
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    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
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    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
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    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
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    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
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    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
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    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • The worth of it all
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    4 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days 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 ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
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    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
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    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
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    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
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  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
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  • 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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    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
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  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
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    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
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  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
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    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
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    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
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  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
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    7 hours ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

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

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

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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