IT doESN’t aDD up

Written By: - Date published: 7:49 am, August 10th, 2020 - 57 comments
Categories: covid-19, Gerry Brownlee, making shit up, national, spin, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

For a few days now Gerry Brownlee has been peddling dog whistle conspiracy theories that the Government is hiding bad news about Covid and we should all be really concerned.

On August 5, 2020 the Spinoff commented on a press release that he had provided in this way:

Gerry Brownlee has issued a press release that reads as though it might at any moment break into all-caps. “The government needs to come clean on what they know about the state of Covid-19 in New Zealand,” said the National deputy leader. “We have had three-months of no community transmission, then inexplicably, Ashley Bloomfield tells the nation today that a second wave was a likely prospect. As well, health minister Chris Hipkins tells the House in Question Time that tomorrow he will tell Kiwis the conditions in which they will be expected to wear masks in the event of the country moving back into level two.”

He added: “It doesn’t add up. Why announce this now when there are few cases? What do these guys know that they are not telling us? New Zealanders have already sacrificed a lot during this pandemic. The least they deserve is more honest, transparent treatment.”

Then according to this Herald report he repeated his claim.

As New Zealand marked 100 days without community transmission of Covid-19, National Party deputy leader Gerry Brownlee says the Government’s warning of an approaching second wave is “very puzzling”.

The Ministry of Health announced the milestone on Sunday, with no further new cases in of the deadly virus reported for the fourth consecutive day.

There remain 23 active cases of coronavirus nationally, all in managed isolation facilities, while the number of New Zealand’s confirmed cases remains at 1219.

Director general of health Dr Ashley Bloomfield thanked every person who had been tested for Covid-19, saying Sunday marked a “significant milestone”.

“However, as we all know, we can’t afford to be complacent,” he said in a statement.

“We have seen overseas how quickly the virus can re-emerge and spread in places where it was previously under control, and we need to be prepared to quickly stamp out any future cases in New Zealand. Every person in the team of five million has a role to play in this.”

But Brownlee told Newstalk ZB the Government’s warning of an imminent second wave of Covid-19 in New Zealand was “puzzling”.

“People have made a big effort on this and they expect to get all the relative freedom,” he said.

“None of us are complacent about it, I believe, it is something that is going to be with the world from this point on.”

And to top things off he is questioning why the Government’s advice on masks, which has gone from neutral to positive, has changed.  Overseas experience where dim witted politicians have questioned expert medical advice has not ended well.

Getting ready for a potential second wave is not puzzling.  The world is awash with the disease and we will be doing extraordinarily well if we continue to keep it out.  And you just have to see what has happened in Australia and South Korea and Singapore to see that the virus will come back and hurt if it is not eradicated.

We have elected to keep our borders open to returning kiwis and selected others.  The only other option would be to seal the borders shut to everyone.  This is not a policy decision this Government is willing to make, and not one that any Government in the world has taken.

Some of these returnees are infected.  We have had a couple of scares but so far so good.  But it should be remembered that there is a low chance that each infected returning Kiwi may spread the virus.  This is through contamination of quarantine staff, or early or late onset of the disease, or plain bad luck.  Te Punaha Matatini, a team of mathematicians and scientists, have estimated that New Zealand could expect one person over the next 18 months to be released into the community while still infectious.  That may be enough to set off a second wave.

So of course the Government should be preparing for the possibility of a second wave.  Brownlee reaching out to the tinfoil wearing sector of the population in an attempt to score political points is just weird.

57 comments on “IT doESN’t aDD up ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Incognito 1
    10 August 2020 at 8:19 am

    At the end of the day, if the Government had not warned about a possible second wave then Brownlee would have accused it of being complacent, ignorant, or negligible even and not doing enough to prepare NZ and keep us safe. With his ‘puzzling’ comments, he’s seeding doubt, fear, and distrust into this Government, authorities, and experts alike. The sub-liminal message seems to be, as always, that you cannot trust anybody and nobody is good enough except National, of course. Leave it to ‘the better team’. Yeah, right! BTW, I don’t believe for a moment that Brownlee ‘masterminded’ this campaign ‘tactic’ but his natural ignorance makes him the right person to front-foot it.

    • Sacha 1.1
      10 August 2020 at 8:36 am

      He's sounding more like Act with the 'freedom' angle. All over the place. Party of desperation.

    • lprent 1.2
      10 August 2020 at 8:43 am

      It could just be an honest mistake. Gerry Brownlee after all is well known to have the forethought that results in claims about the 2010 earthquake in Canterbury still being not settled today.

      The most recent bill to clean up that mess being passed on the 31st May last year, as much as anything because the insurance claims having to be reopened. Its most recent status on the admissibility of evidence being the 8th July this year.

      If he got so confused with what was happening on the ground a decade ago that he didn’t have the forethought to anticipate dealing with it fairly and transparently, I can imagine Gerry Brownlee getting confused by having to anticipate and getting prepared for a probable and possibly even likely future event.

      His history tends to indicate that such forethought is not part of his nature.

      /sarc

      After the 9 years of their last government, you’d have to wonder if the National Party has any history of policy issues about anticipation of problems.

      Looking at the way that they have now effectively gutted the tertiary sector with their strong push from 2011 for overseas students being a classic example. The risk levels of disruptions to air travel and border entry were always high even without a pandemic. Now we have universities over extended with plant and staff in way that will force hard sale decisions if a vaccine isn’t immediately forthcoming. If UoA were a business, they’d be shuttering about a third of the buildings.

      • PsyclingLeft.Always 1.2.1
        10 August 2020 at 9:28 am

        National have never had Forward Thinking. Let alone Forward Planning. Well, not for NZ's Greater Good anyway…

  2. Peter 2
    10 August 2020 at 8:20 am

    Last week Gerry Brownlee had it the Government doing anything like suggesting every home has masks was scaremongering. And today he's trying to make out there's scary stuff being hidden.

    It must be scary for his party if this is the best he and they have.

  3. Ad 3
    10 August 2020 at 8:45 am

    OMG they need some new attack lines.

  4. Christopher Randal 4
    10 August 2020 at 8:50 am

    He's a woodwork teacher. He doesn't have the brains for epidemiology.

    • Clive Macann 4.1
      10 August 2020 at 11:35 am

      Very insulting for all other woodwork teachers, suggesting they don't have the brains for …. whatever.

      • Jilly Bee 4.1.1
        10 August 2020 at 2:22 pm

        Thank you Clive Macann – I always react quite badly when I hear that old chestnut. My partner is a retired Woodwork/Technology teacher, who has his City and Guilds (Advanced Trade Cert – NZ equivalent) qualifications earned whilst doing his apprenticeship in the UK in the late 1950s. This study entitled him to a equivalent of a BA salary during his teaching life. I have no idea what Mr Brownlee's work-working qualifications are, nor do I care – apparently he didn't last too long in that profession.

    • Chris 4.2
      10 August 2020 at 12:21 pm

      Brownlee is incredibly thick. There's just no doubt about that. But it's his nastiness on top of being incredibly thick that takes him out of the species. He certainly ain't the full quid.

      • OnceWasTim 4.2.1
        10 August 2020 at 5:58 pm

        I'm saving up to buy him a set of Crayola Supertips for Christmas. Any suggestions for Jude? It's probably going to have to be something synthetic, made in China from the $2 shop.

    • peter sim 4.3
      10 August 2020 at 9:56 pm

      No wood work teacher would break through an airport security door.

      Brownlee is clearly deranged/stupid.

  5. dv 5
    10 August 2020 at 8:53 am

    It is really good that the Natz in their 9 years prepared the hospitals for such a pandemic by making sure there were enough ICU beds!!

    Sarc

    • Incognito 5.1
      10 August 2020 at 9:01 am

      The current version of the New Zealand Influenza Pandemic Plan is dated August 2017 and updated the previous version of 2010. Guess which party was leading the Government during that period.

  6. I Feel Love 6
    10 August 2020 at 8:57 am

    Brownlee says something here about NZrs not getting immunity, herd immunity I assume. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/morningreport/audio/2018758380/gerry-brownlee-questions-timing-of-mask-advice-changes

    • OnceWasTim 6.1
      10 August 2020 at 7:11 pm

      Given that he was talking about Sqirrels running up trees and all, its more likely he was referring to the herd immunity among the obstinancy of buffaloes he lives with.

      • OnceWasTim 6.1.1
        10 August 2020 at 7:46 pm

        Ekshully, a couple of years ago when I was in the remote whops, I was woken up by the sounds of a buffalo trying to screw (root) a cow. All the rest of the herd (5 or 6 at most), well managed with their shit and other output used in a productive and sustainable way. All had names – except these two. If only I'd realised at the time. Gerry and Jude would have been perfik. You'd need a pair of earmuffs though – the sound wasn't very pretty. And just up the road a kilometre or two was a cow sanctuary where unwanted and abandoned cows were rescued and lived at the pleasure of a long-suffering fella who looked after them on charity (begging for the funds to feed them), in the absence of any state assistance.

        If only I'd known the significance of it all. Spooky! Gerry and Jude!

        • greywarshark 6.1.1.1
          10 August 2020 at 8:08 pm

          Heard, herd immunity? Baah.

          • OnceWasTim 6.1.1.1.1
            10 August 2020 at 8:50 pm

            I've got photos of the cow sanctuary if ya want them (little lady). I thought taking pics of the 'act' wasn't really very couth and I was half awake anyway at the time so I don't have the dirty feeeelthy ones – and I was concerned for the welfare of my digital camera. The spectacle could have crippled it and there were only so many pixels avalaable to fit a Gerry into.

            To sumarise though, Gerry groaned and moaned – like a buffalo does, while Jude screeched and squealed like it was something out of this world. More like a pig or a weana – but as if it was some sort of practiced sound.

            But in retrospect, I think Jude would fit into that sanctuary quite well. It was fairly evident at the time though that Gerry was a spent force whose only polite option was probably just to lay down and die gracefully. Alternatively, shuffle himself on down the river and offer himself up as a bit of Gucci leather – but then think of all the chemicals and emulsifiers that would be needed to process that sort of carcass

  7. tc 7
    10 August 2020 at 9:11 am

    The way granny etc keep serving this clickbait shit up screams desperation.

    Jez's public credibility is at about used car dealer level let alone what chch thinks of him.

  8. Tricledrown 8
    10 August 2020 at 9:20 am

    The more I know nuthink Brownlee says the less support National gets.

  9. Graeme 9
    10 August 2020 at 9:33 am

    Once upon a time Gerry was appointed Minister of Maori Affairs. The local daily where I was living at time took to using the alternate spelling of his surname

    Don't think he lasted long in that job

  10. Anne 10
    10 August 2020 at 10:05 am

    Brownlee told Newstalk ZB the Government’s warning of an imminent second wave of Covid-19 in New Zealand was “puzzling”.

    Dead giveaway Brownlee was playing a political game with a Pandemic issue.

    All the Govt. did was warn people that despite our success we must not become complacent because Covid 19 is still spreading around the world and we need to remain vigilant. That does not equate to an imminent second wave.

    There will be plenty of people who will start to panic because of his mischievous behaviour and he should be pulled up on it by Hipkins, Ardern and Bloomfield.

    • Tricledrown 10.1
      10 August 2020 at 10:30 am

      NZers know Gerry is a bumbling fool this is just more proof.

      That's all National have is scaremongering and creating hysteria.

      Crying Wolf one to many times just proves National are desperate and deranged.

      • tc 10.1.1
        10 August 2020 at 12:01 pm

        It's the tactic of choice as national's a policy free zone.

        got that NZ, 2 elections in a row with zero policy and proud of it

        • greywarshark 10.1.1.1
          10 August 2020 at 8:20 pm

          Political tennis. Nats get in with no inflated promises, just to do a good job, more cheaply. They invite the citizens to put forward projects needed, not employ expensive consultants. Citizens travel to various venues for conferences, at their own region's expense, put forward projects which have taken many days to put together and cost. Politicians call in Treasury and discussions are held over many hours. Treasury decides that only 1:100 are viable, and turns all the others away.

          Government agencies are already manipulating the tender process I understand. When a certain level of negatives is reached, firms will find it an unreasonable cost for the business to bear, when certain firms always seem to be priced under others, or can provide some advantage over competitors.

          Nats stand, waiting for the ball, citizens serve and get smashed back. Result – No love. That would be the sort of racket they would like to set up when next back in Parliament.

  11. Rapunzel 11
    10 August 2020 at 10:14 am

    What doesn't add up for me is that he is against any idea that NZers need to have better systems in place to cover health issue but the National Party, & I wish the man no ill, are so lenient when it comes to themselves. I wish him no ill but by comparison they're in full pursuit of a more than average MP in Muller in a safe seat being off the scene for six weeks paid and likely to return and be equally as average paid by the tax payer and now in line to complete nine years and receive his hefty MPs superannuation

    • I Feel Love 11.1
      10 August 2020 at 10:48 am

      Muller has been there for 9 years???

      • Rapunzel 11.1.1
        10 August 2020 at 12:01 pm

        No only six but he only has to do another 3 and his MP's pension is not at risk – basing that on an old understanding of it. I'm not surprised if you're surprised it has been even 6 years because he did nothing he's in a safe seat and it's been pointed out that it shows with that being the case with Falloon and Walker. And in regard to to Falloon Collins has has the gall to go out in support of the National candidate in Manukau for abuse with pics etc but in return for Falloon's and others' behaviour in that vein she put the boot into Lee-Galloway and his family

  12. Byd0nz 12
    10 August 2020 at 10:43 am

    I think that labour is keeping us aware of the fact the pandemic is still out there, knocking on the door and are perhaps using it to advantage in the campaign, but hang on!, it's a reasonable and good ploy, because what they are not saying directly, is that if the Nats should happen to get in, they would surely open the border a bit wider and increase the danger of the second wave, smart thinking by Labour because grouchy Brownlee and co wont directly accuse Labour of using it, they can only hint that way, but whatever it wont work for them. They're toast already.

    • anker 12.1
      10 August 2020 at 4:56 pm

      Bloomfield is issuing the warnings of a second wave. He is a non political civil servant….

      Anyone who thinks NZ is all done with Covid now has not been paying attention.

      BTW hubby and I are currently on holiday spending some tourist dollars in our own backyard……its terrific. And those in the position to do so (we know we are lucky), thoroughly recommend you get out there!

      One tourist operator we spoke to was desperately hoping for a bubble with Oz. But he was even more adamant that the worst thing that could happen right now was if we had to go into lockdown again. He was also very appreciative of us local tourists (actually we get thanked everywhere for doing tours etc)….somewhat puzzling though think the guy was likely a National voter (trotting out where's the money coming from lines)

  13. George 13
    10 August 2020 at 11:31 am

    Victoria will do for labour what no amount of campaigning can achieve. And undo anything said by National, John Key, Helen Clarke and anyone else currently pushing for NZ to open up the borders any faster than is happening now. It's basically a giant election hoarding offshore…

  14. mpledger 14
    10 August 2020 at 12:25 pm

    The reason that NZ is in danger now more that at any other time is that the number of daily new cases is still increasing outside our boarders.

    Even in places that were looking like they were getting things under control e.g. Japan, Spain, Australia; they are having second waves that are almost as bad or worse then their first waves.

    The more people coming here with the disease the more likely it is that it will escape isolation/quarantine. On the bright side these probabilities are all really small – its just they're not zero.

  15. mary_a 15
    10 August 2020 at 1:25 pm

    I have a sneaky feeling National is hoping for a second wave Covid-19 community outbreak, prior to the election, giving Gez and Jude the opportunity to say "there I told you so, the government has failed NZ."

    • Brian Tregaskin 15.1
      10 August 2020 at 6:59 pm

      I have a sneaky feeling National is hoping for a second wave Covid-19 community outbreak, prior to the election, giving Gez and Jude the opportunity to say "there I told you so, the government has failed NZ."

      The deep throat MOH leaker may in fact be trying to "assist"

      Jacinda please use our Security Services to try and prevent this scene from becoming reality.

  16. Treetop 16
    10 August 2020 at 3:13 pm

    It comes down to what can be trusted/relied on and what cannot be trusted/relied on when it comes to lowering the draw bridge.

    During the plague was the draw bridge lowered when there was an epidemic?

    So much is unknown scientifically when it comes to Covid-19 and this is why strict isolation is the best defence.

    I am not happy with how an international flight crew is managed due to the exposure of Covid-19.

  17. Ken 17
    10 August 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Do we really have time to go into all the things that Gerry's confused about?

  18. anker 18
    10 August 2020 at 4:59 pm

    Brownlee saying this stuff is a disgrace. Again trying to find an angle (lie) to pitch against Labour in an election campaign

  19. sumsuch 19
    10 August 2020 at 10:47 pm

    Aren't both these parties fucken ridiculous. For us who have seen Muldoon on through. 5 to 10 % of the electorate taking the appropriate notice. Hence the nonsense goes on before our noses. Aggravating. Why evolutionary designoid is superior to the designs of our species.

    A grand laugh is what it amounts to, and the stupendously stupid keep on having children, much like the cockroaches. Yep, we take a round-about way to be as blind as the other species. 10,000 years of agriculture and 270 years (!) of industry and we cogitate up a right to to plenty forever. Life now is brilliant, lets enjoy it, and support the rational and the neediest. 10 years to respond to …

  20. peter sim 20
    10 August 2020 at 11:11 pm

    AW! C'mon, be fair.

    Gerry hated being a woodwork teacher. He just wanted to be prime minister, minister, member, whatever.

    He is just another, self entitled politician with expert knowledge on everything, especially airport security doors.

    Frontier security does not matter to him.

    I suspect the so called "tourism industry" will be backing him in destroying border controls.

  21. Austringer 21
    11 August 2020 at 6:07 pm

    Eh! Gerry, if being in Haiti, after their quake and suggesting your proffering your aid, you would have been pin needled after your attempted aid, and corporate care.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

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

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T09:27:48+00:00