Joining US military alliance not in our national interest

Written By: - Date published: 1:56 am, April 22nd, 2024 - 23 comments
Categories: AUKUS, australian politics, China, defence, Diplomacy, Disarmament, FiveEyes, International, uk politics, war - Tags:

Cross-posted from Solidarity

Helen Clark, o how I miss you.  The former New Zealand Prime Minister – the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory – gave a masterclass on the importance of maintaining an independent foreign policy when she spoke at an AUKUS symposium held in Parliament’s old Legislative Chambers on April 18.

AUKUS (Australia, UK, US) is first and foremost a military alliance aimed at our major trading partner China.  It is designed to maintain US primacy in the region and opponents are sceptical of claims that China represents a threat to New Zealand or Australian security.   

The recent proposal to bring New Zealand into the alliance under “Pillar II”  would represent a shift in our security and alliance settings that could dismantle our country’s independent foreign policy and potentially undo our nuclear free policy. 

Clark’s assessment is that the way the government has approached the proposed alliance lacks transparency.  National made no signal of its intentions during the election campaign and yet the move towards AUKUS seems well planned and choreographed. 

Voters in the last election “were not sensitised to any changes in the policy settings,” Clark says, “and this raises huge issues of transparency.”  Such a significant shift should first secure a mandate from the electorate. 

A key question the speakers addressed at the symposium was: is AUKUS in the best interest of this country and our region? 

“All of these statements made about AUKUS being good for us are highly questionable,” Clark says.  “What is good about joining a ratcheting up of tensions in a region?  Where is the military threat to New Zealand?”

Clark, PM from 1999-2008, has noticed a serious slippage in our independent position.  She contrasted current policy on the Middle East with the decision, under her leadership, of not joining the US invasion of Iraq in 2003.  Sceptical of US claims about weapons of mass destruction, New Zealand made clear it wanted no part of it – a stance that has proven correct. Our powerful allies the US, UK and Australia were wrong both on intelligence and the consequences of military action.  

In contrast, New Zealand participating in the current bombardment of Yemen because of the Houthis disruption of Red Sea traffic in response to the Israeli war on Gaza is, says Clark, an indication of this change in fundamental policy stance:

“New Zealand should have demanded the root causes for the shipping route disruptions be addressed rather than enthusiastically joining the bombing.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind that if the drift we see in position continues, we will be positioned in a way we haven’t seen for decades –  as a fully-signed-up partner to US strategies in the region. And from that, will flow expectations about what is the appropriate level of defence expenditure for New Zealand and expectations of New Zealand contributing to more and more military activities.”

Clark addressed another element which should add caution to New Zealand joining an American crusade against China: economic security.  China now takes 26% of our exports – twice what we send to Australia and 2.5 times what we send to the US.  She questioned the wisdom of taking a hostile stance against our biggest trading partner who continues to pose no security threat to this country. 

So what is the alternative to New Zealand siding with the US in its push to contain China and help the US maintain its hegemon status? 

“The alternative path is that New Zealand keeps its head while all around are losing theirs – and that we combine with our South Pacific neighbours to advocate for a region which is at peace,” Clark says echoing sentiments that go right back to the dawn of New Zealand’s nuclear free Pacific, “so that we always pursue dialogue and engagement over confrontation.” 

Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service.  His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War.

23 comments on “Joining US military alliance not in our national interest ”

  1. Stephen D 1
    22 April 2024 at 7:09 am

    https://youtu.be/MTCqXlDjx18?feature=shared

    Our current policy so reminds me of this.

    Reply
    • SPC 1.1
      22 April 2024 at 12:05 pm

      But benign environment it is not.

      The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

      The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was adopted in 1982. It lays down a comprehensive regime of law and order in the world's oceans and seas establishing rules governing all uses of the oceans and their resources.

      China ignores the ruling on the South China Sea, and after promising not to – places military bases on the the atolls they turned into islands. In the area they harass the fishing boats of ASEAN nations (whose claims were recognised).

      This is in accord with their maps.

      Their map is one reason India is in the QUAD group (with Oz, Japan and USA) – this group is the containment of China alliance.

      The Chinese Communist Party’s ‘standard map’ is updated each year to include Beijing’s ever-extending territorial claims. Neighbours see it as a sinister measure of Beijing’s imperialist threat, but to the party it is a sacred document, a badge of legitimacy, encapsulating its historic grievances and its growing ambition. It must be faithfully reproduced in school textbooks and in government and corporate handouts and plastered to the walls of workplaces and classrooms.

      The new map also restated China’s claim to almost the entire South China Sea, enclosing it in a dotted line the shape of a cow’s tongue – a territorial grab the size of which the world has rarely seen before. The area is rich in natural resources and encompasses vital shipping lanes – an estimated $3 trillion of international trade transits the area each year. It is also claimed in part by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam, which all reacted angrily to the latest map. The dotted line is often referred to as the ‘nine-dash line’, but this year it gained an extra dash around Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. China has ignored an international tribunal ruling that its claims are illegal and has continued to militarize the area, turning reefs into military encampments equipped with radar, missiles and aircraft.

      https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/chinas-standard-map-is-a-chilling-reminder-of-its-imperial-ambitions/

      Reply
      • Subliminal 1.1.1
        22 April 2024 at 8:56 pm

        Funnily enough, the US as the main organiser of the "containment" of China refuses to ratify UNCLOS.

        Also, UNCLOS has no ability nor authority to determine issues of sovereignty.

        Lastly, historically, it has always been the position of both France and England that the Spratly Islands belong to China. Suddenly they are agnostic on this issue and NZ, Aus and Japan are being lined up as the obedient lap dogs we have often been.

        Give me Helen Clark and the heroics of her refusal to be drawn into the idiocy and deceit of the Iraqi orgy of blood that the rest of the west indulged in. She was determined and right then and she is right again. It's just that there are few leaders of her calibre to be found any more.

        Reply
  2. SPC 2
    22 April 2024 at 12:46 pm

    Helen Clark is wrong.

    While I was one of those harassed by the deep state over the Iraq issue (visited by police over faxes to the US embassy telling them their Iraq play was wrong – during the spurious investigation of the "CIA false flag threat" to the golfer Tiger Woods – as if opposition to an American policy made one anti-American and thus a threat to Americans), I do not agree with her assessment of AUKUS.

    I think she conflates disagreement with her position with a weakening of our independent foreign policy.

    Our "independent foreign policy" here might well be based on not seeking a confrontation with China over Taiwan, but a preference for a formal status for an autonomous Taiwan within China.

    But she goes further, she advocates for a non aligned Pacific including New Zealand – that has never been our policy, we are NATO+ and adherent to the notion of collective security (Korea Kuwait, Persian Gulf action against terrorism* and now protection of Red Sea shipping) and that surely includes the ASEAN region (who are also trade partners).

    *
    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/clark-dismisses-war-role-for-frigate/RWUPKTPYNKRCJWQQNQDPM3ZFGI/

    New Zealand did not withdraw from ANZUS and become non aligned, it failed to meet a requirement of membership (hosting ships on a neither confirm nor deny policy) in favour of a nuclear free South Pacific.

    The conflation with an independent foreign policy and New Zealand within a non aligned South Pacific is her own.

    Unless she is arguing for an end to NZ-OZ security alliance (formal withdrawal from ANZUS) and defence co-operation over their purchase of nuclear powered subs (AUKUS Pillar 1), what is her point?

    Her failure to support action to defend shipping through the Red Sea from an armed gang in Yemen supplied by Iran is sad enough – it is as if she knows nothing about Quds, the arming of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shia militias in Iraq (and the planned move to Syrian bases to war for the Golan Heights), but her silence on UNCLOS, ASEAN security, China maps etc – it is if only by not noticing can there be the continuance of a benign environment for an FTA with China.

    It is as if she needs to be protected from another disappointment

    https://assets.editorial.aetnd.com/uploads/2013/09/chamberlain-declares-peace-for-our-time-75-years-agos-featured-photo.jpg?width=1920&height=960&crop=1920%3A960%2Csmart&quality=75&auto=webp

    Reply
    • Anne 2.1
      22 April 2024 at 5:36 pm

      “The alternative path is that New Zealand keeps its head while all around are losing theirs – and that we combine with our South Pacific neighbours to advocate for a region which is at peace,” Clark says echoing sentiments that go right back to the dawn of New Zealand’s nuclear free Pacific, “so that we always pursue dialogue and engagement over confrontation.”

      I go along with that every time. When did NZ ever shine? When we stood by our innate values and refused to be party to crap created by other nations.

      I accept there are differences between what is at stake today and what has been the state of past interventions, but Helen Clark proved time and again that her conclusions were invariably correct. I would also suggest her knowledge of the Indo-China political sphere – not to mention other volatile regions – are as profound as that of any other world-ranking leader past or present.

      Interesting though you should have been harassed by the police. Thirty five years ago I was harassed by state-sponsored personnel. In my case it was conducted through covert surveillance means and included my work-place situation. I was never able to pin-point precisely who they were working for, but suspect it included the police. It occurred during the height of the nuclear stand-off with the US and, as a public servant, I dared to express anti-nuclear sentiments. I guess that made me a Commie suspect.

      Reply
  3. aj 3
    22 April 2024 at 6:45 pm

    This writer sums up the problem well for me .. he has mapped the evolution of the USA as a country "which is coping successfully with the problems of its internal life and with the responsibilities of a world power, and which has a spiritual vitality capable of holding its own among the major ideological currents of the time" to one which is losing it's sight of it's 'spiritual vitality'

    More than anything, what this confirms is the fundamentally nihilistic vision the US now has for the world, and for its place in the world. Which is the very reason why it's currently losing out. Let me explain.

    To sum up, what we have here is the US:
    – Funding 2 active wars, one which already wiped out an entire generation of military-age males and the other one which turned into a genocide, with most victims being women and children. And in both wars not only is the U.S. making no genuine attempt to end them (except, which is the same, saying they can only end with total capitulation of the other side): as this "aid" package proves, it's fueling the fire.
    – Laying the groundwork for a 3rd war in Taiwan by inundating an island they officially recognizes is part of China and officially say they "don't support independence" for… with weapons against China.
    – Banning a social media platform that they believe is making young Americans question the wisdom of their country's warlike nature.

    ……

    And what the world at large wants to see are prospects for peace: a "responsible world power" is one that can bring about sustainable peace, not fund endless wars without any positive vision for bringing an end to them or for what comes afterwards.

    The only somewhat discernable vision here is "we want to win these wars decisively as losing them would mark an end to our hegemony", which frankly at this stage is more of a selling point for 90% of the planet than something that'd make them side with America… For the very reason that it's become obvious to most that the US is not a "responsible world power" anymore but instead one that has descended into a nihilistic vision where nothing else matters but the maintenance of its own domination at any cost, including paradoxically the loss of its own responsibility and "spiritual vitality".

    https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1781901966773477701

    Reply
    • Subliminal 3.1
      23 April 2024 at 12:21 pm

      Absolutely to the point.

      He is also excellent on the history of the sovereignty of the Spratly Islands:

      Also, important reminder that the Americans told the Philippines at its independence in 1946 (the Philippines were an American colony) that the Spratlys were not Philippine territory, because the Spratlys were not part of the Philippines per the 1898 treaty Spain signed with America (in which Spain ceded the Philippines to America).

      But of course, the exceptional nation just "creates new realities" to paraphrase the Shrub administration.

      https://en.rattibha.com/thread/1777878375203516641

      Reply
      • aj 3.1.1
        23 April 2024 at 7:45 pm

        Agreed. He has the ability to eloquently pull apart propaganda and here's another example today.

        "We have the most sophisticated semiconductors in the world. China doesn't. We've out-innovated China,” boasts Secretary Gina Raimondo. “Well, ‘we,’ you mean Taiwan?” asks Lesley Stahl.

        https://twitter.com/60Minutes/status/1782185453409488962

        And his take down:

        First the exchange where Raimondo says "we've out-innovated China" and the host replies "by 'we', you mean Taiwan!" to which Raimondo replies "fair".

        Which goes to show that beyond all the empty rhetoric about respecting the One-China policy, not supporting Taiwan independence, etc. US officials actually deep down see Taiwan as a proxy, an American imperial outpost. Their innovations are "ours", not China's. Second, it demonstrates unequivocally just how completely bullshit their original justification for the semiconductors sanctions was: that it was purely to prevent use of advanced semiconductors by China in military applications.

        At this stage, Raimondo doesn't even mention this anymore, it's crystal clear from what she says that it's all about preventing China technological development across the board, which is why she's so obsessed with pure consumer goods like Huawei's new phones. Again this goes to show the fundamentally Orwellian nature of the US today with its doublespeak….

        https://twitter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1782571920762032521

        Reply
    • Ad 3.2
      23 April 2024 at 10:06 pm

      Yes it really was China that keeps pouring money into the UN and UNRWA, China that last month fought back against the Houthis and enabled sea trade to go through the Red Sea again, China that has armed Taiwan to deter invasion, China that just completed massive naval exercises in the South China Sea against China's sustained aggression against Malaysia and Vietnam and Philippines, China that strengthened NZ's responses to massive public sector hacks emanating from China last month, China that funded arms so that Ukrainians could resist Russia's armed invasion, and China that has fully recognised the independence of the Cook Islands and Niue and opened full embassies in Vanuatu, Solomons and Tonga.

      Amazing guy China.

      Reply
  4. Kat 4
    22 April 2024 at 8:19 pm

    In my living memory "the safest pair of hands this country has had in living memory" was Keith Holyoake followed by Norm Kirk…….

    Reply
    • Kat 4.1
      22 April 2024 at 8:38 pm

      ….then Helen and Jacinda……..

      Reply
    • Anne 4.2
      22 April 2024 at 9:03 pm

      yes

      I remember the photo of Holyoake standing all alone, head bowed, alongside the Hercules aircraft as they loaded Kirks coffin to return him to his home town Waimate for burial.

      That was a very sad day. We may never have endured nine years of Muldoon had Kirk not fallen ill and died.

      Reply
      • Tiger Mountain 4.2.1
        23 April 2024 at 8:54 am

        Agree.

        If Big Norm had a life trainer and proper medical care…have you read Margaret Hayward’s book “Dairy of the Kirk Years”? Got the Big Norm record off a friend and noticed his copy was signed on the back by…Roger Douglas and Michael Bassett among other Labour people…

        Reply
      • Ad 4.2.2
        23 April 2024 at 7:06 pm

        In most respects Muldoon was more Labour than Labour dared to be.

        Reply
    • adam 4.3
      23 April 2024 at 12:53 pm

      Before my time.

      Reply
    • Phillip ure 4.4
      23 April 2024 at 3:55 pm

      @kat..

      Um..!…he wasn't gung ho..but Holyoke did take us into Vietnam…

      Reply
      • aj 4.4.1
        23 April 2024 at 7:30 pm

        take us into Vietnam…

        But arguably just a token gesture . . . ?

        Reply
        • Phillip ure 4.4.1.1
          24 April 2024 at 8:44 am

          To his credit.. Holyoake resisted the heavy leaning on him from both u.s. and Australia (who were firmly attached to America's hip .and in there boots and all)

          They wanted him/NZ to 'do more'…

          He demurred…

          Reply
  5. adam 5
    23 April 2024 at 12:49 pm

    I don't remember the gaggle of Tory parties saying they would let our young men and women die for the Yanks?

    Why are we hitching our wagon to a country that will give us trump or biden?

    China is less than perfect, so what the point in going to war with them?

    China is not as paranoid as Russia, don't you think?

    That said:

    Our government are currently letting Japan rearm with some vulgar slurs against China.

    Bob Carr is well worth a post on this issue as well.

    Reply
    • Phillip ure 5.1
      23 April 2024 at 4:01 pm

      Have you forgotten the Tories berating Clark for not taking us into Iraq…?

      Had they been in power..we would have had sent our soldiers to that imperial action..

      Reply
      • adam 5.1.1
        23 April 2024 at 4:41 pm

        Then the frothing at the mouth by Key whilst he was PM.

        When we could have just offered logistical support to the Kurds and that would have probably helped more against the head choppers – than what we did.

        Reply
  6. Ad 6
    23 April 2024 at 9:54 pm

    These "South Pacific neighbours" Clark wants us to join with are for the most part strongly aligned already with just four countries: New Zealand, Australia, France and the United States. By strongly aligned I mean already part of their territory in a fairly strong form.

    There are still a few marginally independent ones like Samoa and Tonga, but the rest who aren't within the full orbit of the main 4 countries are just playing one side off against the other for the best deal. They ain't our allies or our friends. They are actually just takers.

    If Clark were honest she's admit there's no organising the Pacific Forum into something useful like ASEAN. Unless the four countries above want to actually cooperate across their island territories.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to aj

Cancel reply

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • First Reading – Repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989
    I present a legislative statement on the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill Mr. Speaker, I move that the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Social Services and Community Committee to consider the Bill. Thank you, Mr. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • First reading of 7AA’s repeal: progress for children
    The Bill to repeal Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has had its first reading in Parliament today. The Bill reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the care and safety of children in care, says Minister for Children Karen Chhour.  “When I became the Minister for Children, I made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • China Business Summit 2024
    Kia ora koutou, good morning, and zao shang hao. Thank you Fran for the opportunity to speak at the 2024 China Business Summit – it’s great to be here today. I’d also like to acknowledge: Simon Bridges - CEO of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce. His Excellency Ambassador - Wang ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Assisted depatures from New Caledonia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home.    “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Assisted departures from New Caledonia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed a New Zealand Government plane will head to New Caledonia in the next hour in the first in a series of proposed flights to begin bringing New Zealanders home.  “New Zealanders in New Caledonia have faced a challenging few days - and bringing them ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Government to rollout roadside drug testing
    The Coalition Government will introduce legislation this year that will enable roadside drug testing as part of our commitment to improve road safety and restore law and order, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister responds to review of Kāinga Ora
    The Government has announced a series of immediate actions in response to the independent review of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “Kāinga Ora is a large and important Crown entity, with assets of $45 billion and over $2.5 billion of expenditure each year. It ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased that Pseudoephedrine can now be purchased by the general public to protect them from winter illness, after the coalition government worked swiftly to change the law and oversaw a fast approval process by Medsafe. “Pharmacies are now putting the medicines back on their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand-China Business Summit
    Tēnā koutou katoa. Da jia hao.  Good morning everyone.   Prime Minister Luxon, your excellency, a great friend of New Zealand and my friend Ambassador Wang, Mayor of what he tells me is the best city in New Zealand, Wayne Brown, the highly respected Fran O’Sullivan, Champion of the Auckland business ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New measures to protect powerlines from trees
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced that the Government will make it easier for lines firms to take action to remove vegetation from obstructing local powerlines. The change will ensure greater security of electricity supply in local communities, particularly during severe weather events.  “Trees or parts of trees falling on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani win top Māori dairy farming award
    Wairarapa Moana ki Pouakani were the top winners at this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy awards recognising the best in Māori dairy farming. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka announced the winners and congratulated runners-up, Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board, at an awards celebration also attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • DJ Fred Again – Assurance report received
    "On the 27th of March, I sought assurances from the Chief Executive, Department of Internal Affairs, that the Department’s correct processes and policies had been followed in regards to a passport application which received media attention,” says Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden.  “I raised my concerns after being ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
    Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
    New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
    New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Further sanctions against Russia
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • One year on from Loafers Lodge
    A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
    New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
    Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Minister attends global education conferences
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
    Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
    New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Panel announced for review into disability services
    Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
    Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
    Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
    Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
    Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
    The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-21T09:34:45+00:00