Interview the leaders

Written By: - Date published: 11:12 am, March 28th, 2008 - 51 comments
Categories: activism, election 2008, interview, progressives - Tags: , , ,

leaders450.jpg

We’re going to interview the leader of each party but we’d like to give you the chance to ask the questions.

Starting next week we’ll submit two questions to a leader each Monday, one of which will be the same for each of them to allow you to compare those answers; the second question will be ‘leader specific’.

Each leader’s reply will be posted the following Monday and the questions for the next leader will be emailed. This process will continue until we’ve talked to them all.

We’ll choose the questions from your suggestions posted in the comments section of this post.

This is your chance to ask the political leaders questions you would never hear on the evening news. Keep them above the belt but make them tough.

First cab off the rank is Jim Anderton from the Progressive Party. Ask away!

51 comments on “Interview the leaders ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. James Kearney 1
    28 March 2008 at 11:17 am

    Jim. Why did you take my nos away?

    (Captcha: vice Committee)

  2. Robinsod 2
    28 March 2008 at 11:21 am

    I’d like to know what changes Anderton thinks he’s made as progressives leader that he couldn’t have done if he’d folded back into Labour.

  3. Sam Dixon 3
    28 March 2008 at 11:42 am

    Johnny K: What is your position on the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights?

  4. Tane 4
    28 March 2008 at 11:44 am

    Hey Sam, cheers but this thread’s just questions for Anderton. You’ll get your turn with Johnny K later.

  5. Matthew Pilott 5
    28 March 2008 at 11:55 am

    General Question (for all the leaders):

    New Zealand elections have been reduced, in the eyes of many, to a popularity and soundbite contest.

    What will you and your Party do to return to robust debate on issues and government policy that will affect New Zealanders, as opposed to point-scoring type electioneering?

  6. Sam Dixon 6
    28 March 2008 at 11:55 am

    ah. ok.

    Jim: why are you trying to strike a balance between sustainabiltiy and commerical intersts when setting fishing quotas? The sustainable level is the sustainable level, anything more means the stocks will be exhausted

  7. Daveo 7
    28 March 2008 at 11:57 am

    Why should left-leaning NZers vote Progressive rather than Labour or Green?

  8. Billy 8
    28 March 2008 at 11:58 am

    Jim: Was the government’s assistance to Sovereign Yachts a good use of taxpayers’ money?

  9. r0b 9
    28 March 2008 at 12:04 pm

    What a most excellent idea!

    I’m not at all interested in the Progressives as a party, but I am interested in Jim’s long term experience and perspective.

    (1) MMP seems to be working. What do you think motivates calls for another referendum? http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0803/S00297.htm

    (2) Should political parties be state funded? Why, or why not?

    (3) Is politics getting dirtier, or does it just seem that way?

    (4) Is there any room for idealism in politics?

  10. Matthew Pilott 10
    28 March 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Mr Anderton(we’ve been expecting you *hugo weaving voice*): Now that I can’t buy BZP, do you know where a good, reputable dealer is? Prefer Newtown area, non-gang affiliated, located near snack foods and bus routes.

    Cheers.

    (sounds like I’m with James Kearney there too…)

  11. BeShakey 11
    28 March 2008 at 12:05 pm

    Jim: assuming you win Wigram, the key issue will be if you get enough party votes to bring in a second MP. For someone weighing up giveing their party vote to Progressives or Labour, what substantive difference would their be between having a second Progressive MP compared to another Labour MP?

  12. outofbed 12
    28 March 2008 at 12:33 pm

    Jim could you do a deal with Labour to stand a high profile progressive candidate in a safe labour seat?
    There for getting more seats because of the overhang?

  13. Wat Tyler 13
    28 March 2008 at 12:38 pm

    For the general question, how about: What is your proudest achievement in politics?

  14. Matthew Pilott 14
    28 March 2008 at 12:40 pm

    How can an achievement be proud? 😉

  15. Wat Tyler 15
    28 March 2008 at 12:43 pm

    yeah yeah.

    “which of your achievements in politics are you most proud of?’

    that met with your approval Mr Pilott? Doesn’t have the same ring to it though.

  16. MikeE 16
    28 March 2008 at 12:51 pm

    a) Do you wish to reduce drug harm in New Zealand

    b) Will you resign from parliament if the consumption and supply of Pure Methamphetamine increases due to the Ban on BZP?

    c) Will you resign if the harm from BZP increases due to its use and supply now being criminalised?

    d) Why is New Zealand’s most harmful drug, alcohol being left out of the review of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

    e) Why do you continually refer to BZP being Cattle drench, even though their is no recorded instance of BZP ever being used as an animal wormer*. Surely this is gross misrepresentation of the facts for the Associate Minister for Health and unofffical “drug tzar” to be making?

    *Although other piprazines have been tested as wormers in the 50s, not a single ingredient in party pills has bee.

  17. Billy 17
    28 March 2008 at 1:02 pm

    Or, so as not to end the sentence with a preposition:

    “Of which of your achievements in politics are you most proud?”

  18. Stephen 18
    28 March 2008 at 1:19 pm

    Why would anyone go from BZP to THE hardest drug on the market??

  19. Matthew Pilott 19
    28 March 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Wat, Billy – maybe The Standard can use you guys as drafters for the final questions 🙂

    MikeE, in the same vein, are you willing to offer your congratulations to Mr Anderton given that P use is actually decreasing in NZ at present (which, FTR, is in no way related to BZP use)?

    How would you show a direct causal link between a BZP ban and an increase in P supply and consumption?

    Are you aware piperazines were developed and tested as cattle drench (and does it matter a whit? gross misrepresentation – I daresay there are more important points at hand that what the stuff is called)?

    Those points aside I’m not thoroughly disagreeing with you, though, but perhaps I don’t imagine that the effects will be as bad. However, I considered BZP a good tool in harm minimisation.

    As for “d” – alcohol isn’t classified as a drug is it? genuine point here – could it be included in the review at all given that?

  20. G 20
    28 March 2008 at 2:19 pm

    All leaders: Do you think the Standard will provide a balanced view of all Leader’s answers?

    IrishBill says: We will be publishing responses verbatim and are looking for good, smart questions to pitch to each leader. We’ll also expect good smart answers. We have a robust and smart readership and leaders are aware of this and comments will be open on each post.

  21. IrishBill 21
    28 March 2008 at 2:22 pm

    I’m disappointed by the failure of our resident right-wingers to provide any searching questions.

    Personally I don’t have much I’d want to challenge Jim on because I don’t disagree with his general political direction (except on drugs but that’s not really a strong political issue for me).

    We are hoping to get some well thought-out and well researched questions from the right that we could pitch to Jim but so far you people just don’t seem to be trying. I know you all pride yourselves on your political literacy so let’s see it.

  22. Robert Cowan 22
    28 March 2008 at 2:49 pm

    How is the government planning to monitor human rights in China?
    Will the free trade agreement, once in place, be abondoned if it is discovered that the Chinese government is not adhering and not enforcing human rights?

  23. Occasional Observer 23
    28 March 2008 at 2:58 pm

    IrishBill says: Dull OO. Very dull. Last warning and then a month ban

  24. higherstandard 24
    28 March 2008 at 3:32 pm

    I’d be interested to know how his work in the catholic youth and diocese in Auckland influenced his political views and also his views on how local body politics and bureaucracy has changed since his days at Manukau City Council.

  25. Draco TB 25
    28 March 2008 at 3:47 pm

    General question to all parties.
    With the probability that Peak Oil is already here and the price of oil reaching record heights in real terms what policies does {Party} have to maintain our economy and living standards in the face of increasing energy shortages?

    For J. Anderton
    As Minister of Agriculture what are you doing to encourage farmers to clean up their farms so as to minimize environmental damage?

  26. Richard Hurst 26
    28 March 2008 at 5:07 pm

    1.Jim- what have you done to reduce complanice costs for farmers, especially sheep and beef farmers?

    2.Why did you vote for farm dog microchipping?

  27. insider 27
    28 March 2008 at 5:26 pm

    MAybe the righties view Anderton as completely irrelevant and so not worth the bother.

    My question: How many jobs did your machine create (if any), can you prove it, how much did they cost to create, was it worth it?

  28. MikeE 28
    28 March 2008 at 6:43 pm

    I’m glad I don’t count as right wing.

    Then gain Jacqui Dean did refer to me as left wing.

  29. Robinsod 29
    28 March 2008 at 6:49 pm

    Ah yes, she of ban-water infamy…

    Oh, and playschool. Goddamn I used to watch that when I was a kid – I still worry about the metanarratives that ratbag may have planted in my psyche…

  30. Stevedore 30
    28 March 2008 at 7:37 pm

    Mr Anderton how would you rate your achievements inside Parliament during the last 6 years, compared to the achievements of Laila Harre outside Parliament during the same time frame?

  31. Roark 31
    28 March 2008 at 8:56 pm

    I’d like to know why Anderton thinks the government is better at picking winners that the market is and I’d like to see some clear proof from him that companies backed by his Ministry of Economic Development had produced better results than non-subsidised businesses.

  32. Robinsod 32
    28 March 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Fuck off Roark.

    Oh, and I just want to say it’s a fuckin coup to have leaders commenting on your blog – it shows how important the sphere is getting in politics.

    [lprent: RS: language is excessive]

  33. r0b 33
    28 March 2008 at 9:44 pm

    OK, it took me a while, but I have got the question that I would like to hear answered by each of the leaders:

    “What are the challenges facing NZ in the next 20 years, and what is the evidence (historical, national and international) that your party’s policies are the best way of addressing those challenges?”

  34. Julie 34
    28 March 2008 at 10:08 pm

    Well it’s quite a facetious question, but what I’d really like to ask Jim A is when he’s going to retire and what his plans are to make sure the Progressives survive his retirement as a vital and influential political party? Yes my tongue is a bit in my check (with the last bit), but I think an honest answer would be quite interesting nonetheless!

    Great idea by The Standard – I hope you get lots of timely replies from the leaders.

  35. Policy Parrot 35
    28 March 2008 at 11:13 pm

    If Roger Douglas is elected as an ACT MP this election, what will be your first words to him across the debating chamber?

    (captcha: Miriam Street – good guess)

  36. Gobbler 36
    29 March 2008 at 12:23 am

    “Robinsod
    Mar 28th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

    Fuck off Roark.”

    I can only assume that you are referring to Roark’s post above yours Sod?

    Unless I missed something I believe that it is a relevant question –

    Jim: Can you demonstrate that Government investment in initiatives such as the ‘jobs machine’ the Ministry of Economic Development or New Zealand Trade and Enterprise generates a greater return to ‘NZ inc’ than say Government investment in a national fibre optic network and additonal overseas fibre optic cabling? – Just as one example…

  37. Robinsod 37
    29 March 2008 at 8:06 am

    Yeah, fair enough Gobbler – It’s just Roark’s said some pretty nasty stuff here in the past but that was a fair comment. I retract my remark and apologise.

  38. r0b 38
    29 March 2008 at 10:20 am

    Well spoken ‘Sod.

  39. Ari 39
    29 March 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Congrats on landing interviews with the party leaders, guys. I’m especially looking forward to John Key. :>

    Okay, questions for Jim Anderton:

    Why do you support raising the legal age for Alcohol when the law has only started to be taken seriously and rigorously enforced since that age has been lowered to 18? Don’t you think it makes people more likely to binge drink if they have not been exposed to alcohol in a moderated environment at a younger age? How do you answer general claims about more liberal legislation surrounding alcohol and other soft drugs leading to reduced harm, given your position on this issue?

  40. Ari 40
    29 March 2008 at 7:01 pm

    Actually, perhaps I should clarify that last question:

    How do you answer claims that criminalising soft drugs like alcohol or BZP is harmful, by leading to them being sold by the black market, outside of regulation and safety guidelines? How can criminalisation and age restriction avoid people determined to subvert the rules without causing even more harm?

  41. Murray 41
    29 March 2008 at 8:34 pm

    Prime Minister: [deleted – defaming spouses]

    [lprent:
    You have just caught my attention.

    I’ve scanned back on the comments and it appears you don’t contribute anything of any value. Amongst other attributes I see that you have cut and pasted comments across threads. I also see that the moderators have warned you previously.

    If you want to do things in the toilet, take it elsewhere. Around here you will act in a moderately civilised manner.

    This is your first warning. From me, that also means your final warning.
    ]

  42. Murray 42
    29 March 2008 at 9:22 pm

    Your wrong about the cut and paste, I have never done that, I don’t know how. As for not contributing anything of value, that’s a matter of opinion. In my honest opinion the moderators are wankers.
    And for the record compared to Robson I think I am bloody civilised.

  43. lprent 43
    29 March 2008 at 9:27 pm

    “Your wrong about the cut and paste”

    Yes – apologies for that. It is two in the same thread
    http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=1498#comment-24945
    Looks like you got caught by recaptcha.

    I don’t read the comments by post, just all comments in date time order. I’m looking for behaviour and getting rid of the spam comments that sneak through the filters.

  44. travellerev 44
    30 March 2008 at 9:36 am

    I would like to ask Mr. Anderson the following: Rio Tinto last year bought the NZ mining company that had the consent for prospecting for metals in the black sands of our seabeds from Auckland to Taranaki, which is also the Maui dolphin habitat. New Zealand is one of the few countries that still allow deep sea bottom trawling and as such is responsible for the destruction of huge areas of valuable habitat and the fragile ecosystem that should be preserved since it supports our fishery. Is the fact that you have not banned all forms of deep sea bottom trawling indicative for your stance on seabed mining and would you be in favour of seabed mining? Also would the fact that the profits of such a venture would now be going abroad and as such would not be benefiting the New Zealand people be of influence on your position?

    As a general question I would propose the following:

    Why is the war in Afghanistan, which so far has done nothing for liberating the Afghan people, rehabilitate the position of women and has caused the opium harvest this year to be the biggest in recorded history causing a huge rise in the availability of heroine on the streets of every major city in the western and the eastern world, not on this election agenda?
    While we are at it: Why does none of our leaders seem even remotely interested in the fact that what should have been a short intervention to catch Osama bin Laden and his marry band of terrorists, and while we were there the liberation of the oppressed people who would welcome us with open arms and reinstate democracy give their women freedom and equality has now entered it’s seventh year with no end in sight and with young men who should be with their families here in NZ instead of in some god forsaken ford in the deserts of Afghanistan has changed into a brutal occupation with a puppet government, supportive of the Big oil interest that wanted this war in the first place?
    When are our leaders going to ask questions about our involvement in the misbegotten illegal wars of aggression the US has gotten us into as the result of the events of 911?

  45. Brett Dale 45
    30 March 2008 at 11:11 am

    To Mr Anderton and other New Zealand politicians who are against the Canadian Pension Fund buying into Auckland International Airport.

    My Question is…

    “Don’t you think its wrong to say, that the Airport belongs to all New Zealanders, when in fact it actually belongs to the share holders, the people who had the courage to invest in it, the people who built it up, to what it is? and what right have you got to say who I can and can not sell my shares to?

    Follow up Question…

    If a group from the Pacific Islands had decided to buy into the Airport, is it fair to say that Labour, The Greens and the Maori party wouldn’t oppose it, because that could affect their voting base, and it borders on being bigoted to try and stop it, because its a group of North Americans that have tried to buy into the airport?

  46. Gooner 46
    30 March 2008 at 9:37 pm

    My question:

    Jim – it may transpire this election that the Labour Party needs not only the Progressives to govern but also possibly Act. That could mean policy concessions both from the Progs to Act and of course vice versa.

    Could your party engage with Act in constructive dialogue to allow a government to be formed?

    BTW – this is a good idea guys/gals. Well done.

  47. ak 47
    31 March 2008 at 9:07 am

    (Aye, top idea standardistas)

    Jim: Congratulations on your long and successful career and on achieving the almost unique status of an NZ MP who has never compromised on base principles.
    Having been round the traps longer and more successfully than most, what is your opinion on the possibility of National doing a deal with the Maori Party to form the next Government? (eg offering to repeal Foreshore and Seabed in exchange for abstinence/support on supply and demand)

  48. the sprout 48
    31 March 2008 at 9:20 am

    Jim:
    What are the indespensible characteristics of an effective PM?
    What characteristics are valuable but not essential?
    Which of these characteristics can be learnt and which cannot?

Links to post

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • Plunket to help increase childhood vaccination rates

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello have announced a pilot to increase childhood immunisations, by training the Whānau Āwhina Plunket workforce as vaccinators in locations where vaccine coverage is particularly low.  The Government is investing up to $1 million for Health New Zealand to partner ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    40 mins ago
  • Holding careless builders accountable

    The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • Further action to tackle driver licence wait times

    The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses

    The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations

    Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui

    Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses

    This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval

    Kia uru kahikatea te tū.  Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to boost renewable electricity

    The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track to drive transport projects forward

    The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Fast-track projects released

    The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ruakākā recreation centre opened

    A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago

    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation

    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property

    The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Government support for residential construction market announced

    The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.    “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New appointment to the EPA board

    Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects

    The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes

    Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future.    “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity

    The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable

    Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs.  “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration

    This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings

    Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum

    Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar.  Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Positive progress on Government health targets

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets.  Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Supporting better access to data for Kiwis

    The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “To grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making.  “As Statistics Minister one of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Progressing remote building inspections

    The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  “We know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • PPTA accepts charter schools

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. “The PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed

    David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea

    The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland

    Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed

    In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care.  “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minor variations no longer major problem

    It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New diplomatic appointments

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments.   “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.”   The appointments are:   Andrew ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • SuperGold Information Hub live

    The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-10-08T21:24:53+00:00