Key lied to Parliament?

Written By: - Date published: 12:23 pm, February 21st, 2013 - 71 comments
Categories: john key - Tags: ,

Breaking news, but it certainly looks like John Key has (1) made up nonsense, and (2) lied to Parliament:

TVNZ: SkyCity hasn’t asked us for land

TVNZ says it has had no approach from SkyCity to buy its land for the proposed convention centre, contrary to the Prime Minister’s assurances to Parliament yesterday. …

TVNZ’s position is in contrast to statements by John Key to Parliament yesterday when he was quizzed over what discussions he and his staff had with SkyCity about TVNZ’s taxpayer-owned land.

What’s going on here?

Update: Key is publicly backing down. Looks like an apology and explanation to Parliament will be needed.

71 comments on “Key lied to Parliament? ”

  1. Craig Glen viper 1

    John Key being John Key if he’s not planking he’s lying and history seems to suggesting he is good at just making things up and doing figures on the back of a serviette. Why would he stop now the MSM has fallen fall all his crap and even helps him out from time to time.

  2. vto 2

    .
    It has been said a million times before but what is going here is John Key making shit up as he goes along (lying) and then simply keeping going and going until each debacle gets lost in the annals of time.

    John Key is a compulsive liar

    • SpaceMonkey 2.1

      And if ever he runs out of wriggle room… the brain fade kicks in.

      • rosy 2.1.1

        “And if ever he runs out of wriggle room… the brain fade kicks in.”

        I’ve gotta give him a bit of leeway there. When a person lies about so much stuff so much of the time, a person can forget where the truth ended and the lie began, so it gets mixed it up sometimes. In the end the brain fade can be the only thing that has a ring of truth to it.

  3. saarbo 3

    Amazingly John Key and National are wriggling out of this scandal. This is the sort of corruption that governments in third world countries get up to.

    I hate to say it but John Key is one of the most adept politicians when he has his back against the wall. There is NO WAY he should be able to wriggle out of this one…but he will, as he did with the Dot Com saga. Mr. Shearer simply cant nail him, he doesnt even get close.

    This leads me to how David Shearer is going to perform in the debates next year, I listened to him on BFM yesterday, not good and student radio shouldnt be the toughest domain in the world for a Labour leader. There is a huge gap between Key and Shearer when it comes to debating, John Key will do anything to get himself out of the shit, he will say anything. David Shearer has to retain a lot of facts and information to nail him. I hope he can improve over the next 20 months.

    • Chris 3.1

      key does not debate! He just makes up a lot of shite on the trot.He gets away with not answering questions in parliament because the speaker allows him to (same with hekia parroter) He is allowed to go on with his “and BY THE WAY Labour did this about a hundred years ago yadayada” he is allowed to be personally abusive, he is allowed to call opposition “hypocritical” even though it’s against historical rules of the house.How is Shearer or any opposition able to enter into a true political debate when key has set the bar so low with the enablement of the speaker. Carter would not budge on Tuesday when tackled on keys non answer to Shearers question,and also Meteira Turei’s question.What is the bleeding point of question time? And he is ALLOWED TO LIE without being pulled up and censored.Question time in Parliament is farcical.It just makes me so angry.

      • vto 3.1.1

        “It just makes me so angry.”

        Yes, me too as often seems to come out in my posts. It is the complete and utter double standards of these arseholes – making laws and rules and setting and expecting standards of us, while they themselves just waltz all over those laws and rules and standards and shit everywhere stinking up the place, lying and deceiving being fraudulent and dishonest and ignoring people and shit and shit and shit.

        Personally I have nothing but contempt for pretty much the lot of them. [.. insert abusive swear word here…]

        But, you know, we all get our dayin the sun …….

    • Hami Shearlie 3.2

      He’s had well over a year already, so I don’t think I’ll be holding my breath waiting. Shearer is the worst Leader that Labour has ever had, end of!

    • Don't worry be happy 3.3

      I found it revealing (and dispiriting) that it was the leader of NZF who did the research and laid down the ground work for Key to make a right dick of himself to Parliament, again.

      Not the ‘leader’ of the Labour Party…..

      Seriously, we need Key gone, closely followed by Shearer, Robertson et al.

      We’re in for a rocky row, boys and girls. ‘Every man for himself’ (the National Party foundation slogan) is not going to work.

  4. BLiP 4

    .

    And, another one for the list. Thanks John, I’m lovin’ it.

    – We seek a 50% reduction in New Zealand’s carbon-equivalent net emissions, as compared to 1990 levels, by 2050. 50 by 50. We will write the target into law.

    – National Ltd™ will provide a consistent incentive for both biofuel and biodiesel by exempting them from excise tax or road user charges

    – I didn’t know about The Bretheren election tactics

    – If they came to us now with that proposal [re trans-Tasman Therapeutic Goods regime], we will sign it

    – 1981

    – Tranzrail shares

    – Lord Ashcroft

    – National Ltd™ would have sent troops into Iraq

    – Standard & Poors credit downgrade

    – I didn’t say I want wages to drop

    – the real figure of inflation is 3.3 percent.

    – the tourism sector has not lost 7,000 jobs

    – I won’t raise GST

    – the purchase of farmland, by overseas buyers will be restricted to ten farms per purchase

    – capping, not cutting the public service,

    – north of $50 a week

    – privatisation won’t significantly help the economy

    – wave goodbye to higher taxes, not your loved ones

    – I never offered Brash a diplomatic job in London

    – Tariana Turia is “totally fine” with the Tuhoe Treaty Claim deal

    – Kiwisaver

    – National Ltd™ is not going to radically reorganise the structure of the public sector

    – tax cuts won’t require additional borrowing

    – 14,000 new apprentices will start training over the next five years, over and above the number
    previously forecast

    – Our amendments to the ETS ensure we will continue to do our fair share internationally

    – we are committed to honouring our Kyoto Protocol obligations

    – we [NZ} have grown for eight of the last nine quarters”

    – National Ltd™ will tender out the government banking contract

    – we will be back in surplus by 2014-15

    – unemployment is starting to fall

    – we have created 45,000 jobs

    – we are likely to create 170,000 jobs in the next 4 years

    – I don’t know if I own a vineyard

    – the Isreali spy killed in the Christchurch quake had “only one” passport

    – the Police will not need to make savings by losing jobs

    – GCSB re Kim Dotcom x 3 (that we know about)

    – I voted to keep the drinking age at 20

    – New Zealand is 100% Pure

    – I’ve been prime minister for four years, and it’s really 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365
    days a year

    – baseball in New Zealand is attracting more government support

    – the public demanded that we change the labour laws for The Hobbit

    – “The Hobbit” created 3000 new jobs

    – we have delivered 1000 extra doctors in the public service

    – I wasn’t working at Elders when the sham foreign exchange deals took place

    – I was starting School Certificate exams in 1978

    – cutting consent fees and times and opening up land to developers will create affordable housing

    – Labour left the economy in poor shape

    – forecasts show unemployment will fall

    – our [NZ’s] terms of trade remain high

    – the TPP is an example of democracy

    – National Ltd™ will use the proceeds of state asset sales to invest in other public assets, like
    schools and hospitals

    – overseas investment in New Zealand adds to what New Zealanders can invest on their own

    – overseas investment in New Zealand creates jobs, boosts incomes, and helps the economy grow

    – National Ltd™ will build 2000 houses over the next two years

    – Sky City approached TVNZ about the purchase/use of land owned by the latter

  5. “I hope he can improve over the next 20 months.”

    Like at least twenty two of caucus do, having ‘secretly’ staked their credibility to the mast, even though they’re not accountable for failing… Except for Grant Robertson, who’s probably more focussed on 2015.

  6. emergency mike 6

    Maybe Key will rehash his “I wasn’t at the meeting but I’ve got an email from an mate whose name I’ll keep secret that says I’m telling the truth,” line. Or perhaps we’ll be lucky enough to be graced with an all new one after he turns to the next page in his copy of ‘Bart Simpson’s Big Book of Excuses For Corporate Managers’.

  7. Zaphod Beeblebrox 7

    Same as with The Warners execs and then th Kim Dotcom advice he did then did not receive. Is anybody surprised?

  8. Treetop 8

    People have got to know whether or not there president is a crook.”

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/watergate/articles/111873-1.htm

    Nixon was exposed for what he was, a liar. Eventually the lies caught up with him because those who knew the truth would no longer protect him or could not protect him as their lies would be exposed.

    Key is being protected by some of his ministers and unless those ministers are also exposed (by pressure being put on them) the full extent of the public being lied to re SkyCity will not be revealed.

    I reiterate that there will not be a government clause to state that pokie machine numbers will be reduced to pre convention numbers once the convention centre is paid for by pokie addicts. If Key really wants a PAID for convention centre by SkyCity, this is the only deal I would offer SkyCity bearing in mind the damage that the extra machines will do in the interim.

  9. r0b 9

    Key is publicly backing down. Looks like an apology and explanation to Parliament will be needed.

  10. burt 10

    Following the low level of accountability demonstrated by the last Labour government the privileges committee will determine he misled parliament and the people and his punishment will be that he is required to tell us that we need to move on.

    Lets hope that unlike the untouchable Labour/NZ First leaders that there is actually some accountability. IMHO he should resign. I’m sure if you scan the campaign leaders debates from 2008 you will find that Key said if he is ever found lying he will resign. May be worth taking the time to review the footage and if I’m correct – playing it back to him !

    • emergency mike 10.1

      “Key said if he is ever found lying he will resign”

      You are assuming he wasn’t lying about that. To some people promises are just things you say to get something you want in the moment. You can always figure out how to break them later. Am I right Hekia Parata?

      • Puddleglum 10.1.1

        I suppose Key could get all definitional about when a lie is a lie, but burt is correct – footage of promising to resign if found lying sitting alongside pretty damning evidence (and general agreement) that he has lied would, at the very least, spell the spluttering end of the shooting star that has been John Key’s political career.

        Forgetfulness (I have so many conversations as PM during my tours of the country as Number One Entertainer …), confusion (Sorry, I was getting it mixed up with the conversation I had over getting DoC to sell Fiordland to Peter Jackson for filming of The Silmarillion…), shoulder-shrugging (OK, yeah, if that’s what you think …) are likely responses from Key.

  11. JonL 11

    “Key is being protected by some of his ministers and unless those ministers are also exposed (by pressure being put on them) the full extent of the public being lied to re SkyCity will not be revealed”

    Well, don’t hold your breath that Shearer and co will do anything about it!

  12. The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12

    So, no grand conspiracy to force TVNZ to transfer land to Sky City? Happy now?

    • vto 12.1

      No. The Prime Minister of New Zealand is a liar and that is a most unhappy state of affairs.

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1.1

        Yeah, my hopes weren’t high.

      • Treetop 12.1.2

        At the very least a FOOL. He either knew or was misinformed. If he knew yes he lied, if he was misinformed, he was lied to and he needs to publicly expose the liar and fire them.

        Which one?

        • emergency mike 12.1.2.1

          He may end up going for ol’ brain fade. Whoops! Got ma facts wrong somehow, I’m human after all. Everyone makes little mistakes now and then right? Move on.

          Or maybe blame an underling? Someone else messed up and gave me some information that was, er, out of date, um, a rough draft, ah… an inter-office prank… just a proposal… Don’t worry he’ll think of something.

          • Treetop 12.1.2.1.1

            Key knew he would be questioned in the house re SkyCity and were I the PM I would make sure that I had the correct facts before I addressed the house on something as big as the SkyCity scandal, (it is his job to have checked).

            Immature to give brain fade as an excuse (shows he does not have the capacity to learn from a previous experience).

            • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.1.2.1.1.1

              …were I the PM I would make sure that I had the correct facts before I addressed the house

              But you’re not the PM, are you Treetop?

    • Pascal's bookie 12.2

      So, no grand conspiracy to force TVNZ to transfer land to Sky City? Happy now?

      How do you make that out?

      The negotiation seem to be along the lines of:

      You wanna build a convention centre?

      Maybe, how much you putting in?

      Nothin. But yknow, got any problems we could make go away?

      We aren’t allowed anymore pokies :(. More pokies would be nice.

      Right. It would have to be a big convention centre.

      We’d need more land to build it, but how does this look? *shows design of centre incorporating TVNZ land*

      Looks nice. *Doesn’t tell TVNZ*

      • The Gormless Fool formerly known as Oleolebiscuitbarrell 12.2.1

        In that conversation (which you invented, but we’ll accept as gospel) there’s no conspiracy to arrange the transfer of TVNZ’s land to Sky City.

        • Pascal's bookie 12.2.1.1

          Yet.

          But without the transfer, there’s no deal on offer. And the deal is in play.

          And I had to make up the actual words, as the numbers guy from New York didn’t keep notes when he had his sit down with the Casino boss, strangely enough.

          But if you read the report, or even the reporting on it, I’m pretty sure you’ll find that that’s the best estimate we have about how negotiations went.

          • the pigman 12.2.1.1.1

            Exactly – exactly. This is the point that someone actually needs to nail John Key on. I think the extent of his knowledge of the expansion plans onto TVNZ land speaks to the depth of his involvement in the deal.

            The key to making him lose some sleep over this lies there.

            • Treetop 12.2.1.1.1.1

              Now let me see what SkyCity wants

              1. More land to be acquired

              2. 500 extra pokie machines

              3. Government subsidy once the convention centre is built.

              When it comes to the other so called expressions of interest the deal is off the table because all Key can see is a building. He needs to see the hidden costs/liabilities/embarrassament to the government and the damage which pokie addiction causes.

              There is to be a category in the DCM V which is to be printed in May 2013 on online gaming addiction. Key has given the argument that people can go online to gamble. Key does not have to be responsible for any other casino as he is not doing a deal with them. When it comes to SkyCity he is and he needs to be responsible and accountable for the outcome of pokie addics who use SkyCity.

    • DH 12.3

      “So, no grand conspiracy to force TVNZ to transfer land to Sky City? Happy now?”

      AO report seems to suggest it was a done deal and since TVNZ now state they never agreed to it then it’s a safe assumption it going to be forced on them……

      5.47 “However, before making a recommendation to Ministers to that effect, officials
      wanted to be sure that there would be no “show-stopping” barriers to the
      proposed convention centre being built on the Hobson Street site, and that the
      design met the international standards for a convention and exhibition centre
      that could take conferences of 3500 (and more) people. Therefore, officials began
      a range of detailed work to explore a full range of potential practical issues,
      including:

      • a “walk-through” of planning and consent aspects for the centre and site
      (carried out by Auckland Council in April 2011);
      • being clear (with the Offi ce of Treaty Settlements) about any Treaty of Waitangi
      claims on the TVNZ land needed for an expanded centre;
      • valuation of the TVNZ land;

      ……………

      One can reasonably assume they wouldn’t go to that trouble without first confirming the TVNZ land was actually available.

  13. bad12 13

    Slippery being Slippery what we would all really expect of our Prime Minister, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the aforementioned,

    It is obvious that the Prime Minister mislead the New Zealand Parliament, He,(Slippery), cannot have mislead that Parliament from having gained wrong advice form His Ministers, Craig Foss, the Minister of Broadcasting, and therefor the Minister in charge of Television New Zealand has already said that He knows nothing of any proposal for TVNZ to sell any land or buildings to Sky-City,

    The board of TVNZ have also said that they know nothing of any such proposal and have not been approached by Sky-City,

    SO, who then advised the Prime Minister that the deal was to be done between Sky-City and TVNZ, and, Has Slippery the Prime Minister got a shred of evidence that could have lead Him to the belief that such a deal had already been put to TVNZ by Sky-City,

    The answer to that is a resounding NO, the Prime Minister letting His Slippery little mouth get the better of Him has simply made up a story which He has then foisted upon the New Zealand Parliament and on the people of New Zealand,

    He, the Slippery little Shyster we have as Prime Minister should be made to stand befor the Privileges Committee of the Parliament charged with deliberately misleading the Parliament and face censure over what is best described as another LIE in a long series of them glibly Slipped from the mouth of the Prime Minister over the past 4 years…

    • freedom 13.1

      +1
      ” has simply made up a story which He has then foisted upon the New Zealand Parliament and on the people of New Zealand,”

      and we were once a Country with such promise

  14. One Tāne Huna 14

    It could be that he’s lying because he’s corrupt. On the other hand it could be that he didn’t bother to verify the information because he’s bored and doesn’t want the job. Or that he was drunk.

    Or maybe all three.

  15. Afewknowthetruth 15

    Tony B Liar, the Mafia boss beginning with B who wants to get back into power, Nickel arse Sarkozy, Hi Liar Clinton and her ‘I didn’t have sex with her’ husband, Jonny -they’re hurling babies into the water- How hard, O’Bomber, the Macaroon man ……. they all lie continuously. Lying is what politics all about: he/she who can lie most successfully while looting the till and enriching his/her mates wins.

  16. tracey 16

    John banks

  17. Just a little aside.
    Would it be consensus that Key lying to parliament is a golden opportunity for the opposition parties to score a long waited for blow on behalf of us over here on the left?
    And would it be a fair assumption that these unfolding events will feature heavily in the the opinions of those sought for next months round of polling?
    And if so, will this be considered the first real, proper chance for DS to show his position is indeed his own and he really is the man to beat the man who would be king?

    If its all about numbers, which it is, what are we looking at here next moon?
    If you’re not into crystal ball gazing, come at it from what you expect from Labour that will show they’ve got it right? And seeing many here are posting quite correctly that key done wrong, what do they expect to see from the new lanky number nine with an open goal in front of him?

    Make or break? Probably not given current circumstances, but should it be?

    • gobsmacked 17.1

      Just what I was thinking, Allen.

      Here’s the question for the Labour leadership – are you going to make Key pay for this, or are you going to let it slide by? The 6 pm TV news shows aren’t running hot with this yet (sure, they covered it but only as a minor story, and with the weekend coming, it could just disappear). Will Key get off the hook … again?

      So here’s what you could do: co-ordinate with the Greens and Peters, dedicate the whole of the next QT in Parliament to putting the heat on Key, tag-team as much as possible, delete all other questions (never mind whose turn it is to ask in their portfolo, you gotta be flexible and smart here), let the others share in the attack (i.e. don’t waste all your chances on Shearer), and be ready for all the follow-up: every release and interview and blog and tweet dedicated to your one goal …

      Yes, you can blame the usual suspects (the Speaker will be biased, the MSM will be trivial, the Tories will be devious, all and any distractions will be used, you KNOW how it works, surely?). But in the end it’s up to you. You can continue your disjointed and lethargic ways, and maybe the polls will keep moving up, and everything will be fine. Or you can act like a hungry and determined and bloody ruthless opposition. Like we’ve been asking for years.

      I’m sure most of us couldn’t give a toss who gets the credit for nailing Key. Just nail him.

      • Anne 17.1.1

        So here’s what you could do: co-ordinate with the Greens and Peters, dedicate the whole of the next QT in Parliament to putting the heat on Key, tag-team as much as possible,…blockquote>

        That’s pretty much what they did today gobsmacked. I was watching and it was my impression there was a coordinated effort on behalf of the 3 Opposition parties. They can’t stop govt. MPs trying to derail the attempt by asking patsy questions on other issues but they did a good job today. It started with a long session from Robertson, that was followed 15mins later by a session with Peters and towards the end of QT another lengthy session with Norman. Each of them came at it from a different angle. It was Joyce who had to do the batting back, but you can be sure there will be another session next Tues.

      • MrSmith 17.1.2

        Labour would rather spend 4 more years on opposition GobS…. than share, haven’t they made that obvious already.

  18. tracey 18

    Its much harder to remember lies than the truth. I think key forgot that sky and tvnz werent supposed to have talked.

  19. bad12 19

    I doubt whether the truth of the assertion Slippery was making over TVNZ and Sky-City having already started negotiations over land issues even entered that ones mind,

    The Slippery little Shyster we have as Prime Minister is a ‘compulsive’ and under fire from the opposition over His claims that He wasn’t at the center of the Sky-City deal and this wasn’t a ‘done deal’ right from the time that Key and His officials dined with Sky-City executives on a number of occasions befor attempting to cover their tracks by seeking expressions of interest from other party’s, He has simply done what all compulsive’s do when put on the spot of their previous dishonesty,

    Tell an even bigger one to distract attention form the last batch of BS, the last batch of course having at it’s heart the actual ‘corruption’ of and within the whole process,

    Today Slippery gets to back off from the lie used as the ‘smokescreen’ to hide that corruption of process with the ‘thinking’ being that being caught with a minor piece of BS will satisfy the circling sharks of the opposition, entertain the media for a day, and then all will be forgotten,

    Not only should the Prime Minister be getting a date to appear befor the Parliament’s Privileges Committee, He also should be getting an ongoing and substantive grilling over the coming months from the combined Opposition questioning every aspect of this ‘process’ right down to the details of digging out ‘who’ paid for the dinner dates between the Prime Minister,His officials and the Executives from Sky-City…

  20. One Tāne Huna 20

    When it comes down to it it’s the National Party’s responsibility. A responsibility to itself. Do they want to give up the pretence that they are a modern democratic organisation, committed to the rule of law and answerable to New Zealand, or are they prepared to acknowledge that they are little more than a criminal organisation, committed to graft and corruption.

    Your call, National.

    • muzza 20.1

      Good stuff Bloke – You won’t get an answer though, and should spread it wider than National, like perhaps parliament, local govt and take it from there…

      Do they respresent NZ, or are they criminal organisations, answerable to criminal organisations..

      Loving the new attitude, hot stuff!

  21. BrucetheMoose 21

    Key caught lying? Noooooo

  22. BLiP 22

    .

    If it turns out that John Key is corrupt and has been for some time and has been arrested a charged with theft, will his spouse/partner also face criminal liability? Just askin’.

  23. tracey 23

    The tvnz thing is confusing, they say they have not been approached by sky BUT they do say when they “heard” sky was looking at their land they engaged an architect to see how they could better use their building. Or have I misunderstood?

    • Anne 23.1

      The left hand didn’t know what the right hand was saying tracey?

      Can’t remember their names, but my impression was that the TVNZ bloke interviewed tried to cover up for Key but the woman interviewee was telling the truth. She stated categorically that there had been no approach from Sky City for the land – end of story as far as she was concerned.

  24. irascible 24

    As a Money speculator the art of dissembling and lying has been so well embedded in the brain of its arch practioner that he sees no difference as the PM of a country when launching yet another unresearched speculation onto the market. He, of course, doesn’t recognise the damage such behaviour causes as he would’ve long left the scene with hispurse well lined.

    • tracey 24.1

      I agree. I have seen it alot over the last 24 years in law. There are people to whom lying is second nature (probably started when as kids they got caught and tried to wriggle out). Interestingly it seems that the more they repeat the lie the more they begin to believe it is true. It is much easier to continue the lie with a sort of sincerity because they now actually believe it is the truth.

      Mr Key has been VERY honest about his ethics, without meaning to of course. By saying he wouldn’t lose any sleep he revealed the Machiavelli in him (even if he doesn’t know how to pronounce it).

      “Abilities

      Due to their skill at interpersonal manipulation, there has often been an assumption that high Machs possess superior intelligence, or ability to understand other people in social situations. However, research has firmly established that Machiavellianism is unrelated to IQ. Furthermore, studies on emotional intelligence have found that high Machiavellianism actually tends to be associated with low emotional intelligence as assessed by both performance and questionnaire measures. Both empathy and emotion recognition have been shown to have negative correlations with Machiavellianism. Additionally, research has shown that Machiavellianism is unrelated to a more advanced theory of mind, that is, the ability to anticipate what others are thinking in social situations. If high Machs actually are skilled at manipulating others this appears to be unrelated to any special cognitive abilities as such.” wikipedia

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  • Beware political propaganda: statistics are pointing to Grant Robertson never protecting “Lives an...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – Throughout the pandemic, the new Vice-Chancellor-of-Otago-University-on-$629,000 per annum-Can-you-believe-it-and-Former-Finance-Minister Grant Robertson repeated the mantra over and over that he saved “lives and livelihoods”. As we update how this claim is faring over the course of time, the facts are increasingly speaking differently. NZ ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago
  • Winding back the hands of history’s clock
    Chris Trotter writes – IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in acknowledgement of electoral victory: “We’ll govern for all New Zealanders.” On the face of it, the pledge is a strange one. Why would any political leader govern in ways that advantaged the huge ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago
  • Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
     Bryce Edwards writes – The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill ...
    Point of OrderBy xtrdnry
    23 hours ago
  • Business confidence sliding into winter of discontent
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy at 10:06am on Wednesday, May 1:The Lead: Business confidence fell across the board in April, falling in some areas to levels last seen during the lockdowns because of a collapse in ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the coalition’s awful, not good, very bad poll results
    Over the past 36 hours, Christopher Luxon has been dong his best to portray the centre-right’s plummeting poll numbers as a mark of virtue. Allegedly, the negative verdicts are the result of hard economic times, and of a government bravely set out on a perilous rescue mission from which not ...
    1 day ago
  • New HOP readers for future payment options
    Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
    1 day ago
  • 2024 Reading Summary: April (+ Writing Update)
    Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
    2 days ago
  • At a glance – Clearing up misconceptions regarding 'hide the decline'
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    2 days ago
  • Road photos
    Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
    The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago
  • NZDF is still hostile to oversight
    Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Winding Back The Hands Of History’s Clock.
    Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
    2 days ago
  • Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
    Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
    2 days ago
  • A clear warning
    The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    2 days ago
  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    2 days ago
  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    2 days ago
  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    2 days ago
  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago
  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic plan, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago
  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago
  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    3 days ago
  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    3 days ago
  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    4 days ago
  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    5 days ago
  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago
  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago
  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    5 days ago
  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago
  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    7 days ago
  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago
  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    7 days ago
  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week 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
    1 hour 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
    6 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    20 hours 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 day 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 day 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 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days ago
  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
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    3 days ago
  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
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    5 days ago
  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
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    5 days ago
  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
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    5 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    6 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
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    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
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    1 week ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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    1 week ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
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    1 week ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
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    1 week ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
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    1 week ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
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    1 week ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
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    1 week ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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