Key: tired & bereft of ideas

Written By: - Date published: 10:05 am, December 22nd, 2011 - 56 comments
Categories: john key - Tags:

Shearer’s never going to be a Churchill but his address in reply was well-delivered, passionate, issues focused. What a contrast to Key. All he could serve up were the same old lame jokes. Where was the plan for the next 1,000 days? Where was the plan for 200,000 kids in poverty? Where was leadership from the PM? Key’s forgotten all that. He’s pure beltway politics now.

56 comments on “Key: tired & bereft of ideas ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Enough is Enough 1
    22 December 2011 at 10:35 am

    Forgive me for using the same comment twise but it is relevant to both posts.

    Don’t be fooled people. National has an evil plan that was put together about the time English was rolled from the leadership but articulated when Key became leader.

    The plan was always swallow the dead rats in the first term and be Labour Lite (“i.e do nothing”), get a second term and then unleash the hellish hard right policies before we blink.

    Next year the welfare state will be gutted. Ruth Richardson will look like Santa Clause after next years budget. Our infrstructure will be sold to the Chinese…we can’t stop them with the FTA. And to top it all off the unions will get bashed, ECA II is coming to a workplace near you soon.

    When growth stalls we can expect more cut to public services and to stimulate the economy the rich will more than likely get another tax cut.

    This is not a do nothing government. They have a detailed plan and will do a hell of a lot in the next 12 months…all of it terrible.

  2. monty 2
    22 December 2011 at 10:56 am

    Wow EIE -I hope you’re right. Time they got stuck in!

    • mac1 2.1
      22 December 2011 at 11:00 am

      Aspirational to be one of the 1%, eh, Monty?

      • Populuxe1 2.1.1
        22 December 2011 at 3:07 pm

        When did “aspirational” come to mean “greedy self-centred arriviste nouveau riche parvenu”? That seems to be the way Key uses it.

    • Matthew Hooton 2.2
      25 December 2011 at 4:01 pm

      Monty – EIE is going to be pleasantly surprised (if in fact EIE really means what s/he says, which is doubtful). There will be no second term agenda, “hellish right wing” or otherwise.

      • Colonial Viper 2.2.1
        25 December 2011 at 4:32 pm

        There better be some kind of agenda, even if it is centrist; hard to have a plan for the country without one.

  3. monty 3
    22 December 2011 at 11:08 am

    Nah Mac more like 0.1%

    • mac1 3.1
      22 December 2011 at 11:25 am

      Hmmm, yep Faith, and Hope for sure. I too hope, Monty, that when your faith in yourself is justified, you will remember Charity is the greatest of these three virtues.

      Some think that the old saying goes, “Charity stays at home.” God knows there are too many in our society who need charity when a hope of a decent job and wage should be enough to aspire to.

  4. ghostwhowalksnz 4
    22 December 2011 at 11:12 am

    Look at this one
    Gisborne Napier Rail line cant cope with demand

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/6170794/At-risk-rail-line-can-t-cope-with-demand
    Ravensdown, which had more than halved its use of the line in recent years, indicated it was interested in moving 2000 tonnes of fertiliser a week from Napier to Gisborne by rail. At present it moves about 600 tonnes on the line each week.
    “We literally haven’t got the equipment or the crews on that line to do that

    gee fancy that , this government has let Kiwirail run down so much they dont have ‘crews’.
    And they were planning to ‘mothball’ the line, which would be the end as it would require too much work to bring back

    • insider 4.1
      22 December 2011 at 11:47 am

      “Closure of the line would mean one or two more trucks on the road each day.”

      That should tell you just how marginal this line is. And note the decline started in 2004.

    • Sweetd 4.2
      22 December 2011 at 11:50 am

      Further down you read the kicker line

      “Freight users choose to use road for its flexibility and competitive price.”

      • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1
        22 December 2011 at 11:57 am

        The problem, of course, is that it’s actually more expensive it’s just that the extra costs are hidden within taxes – most notably, the taxes on cars.

        • insider 4.2.1.1
          22 December 2011 at 12:11 pm

          So you are saying the cost are ‘hidden’ by direct taxes on the mode of transport being chosen….?

          • Draco T Bastard 4.2.1.1.1
            22 December 2011 at 1:06 pm

            Nope, I’m saying that the extra costs are mostly hidden in direct taxes on other modes of transport. In other words, there’s a subsidy going on from the general populace to business. Without that subsidy it’s unlikely that trucking would be cheaper than rail.

            • insider 4.2.1.1.1.1
              22 December 2011 at 1:13 pm

              Well the recent review of road funding said trucks were paying more than their share and it was light diesels that were being subsidised – ie Remuera tractors.

              ANd isn’t it exactly the same re the ongoing losses for rail freight and passengers, which are funded by indirect and direct taxes and levies on every tax or ratepaying NZer?

              • Draco T Bastard …
                22 December 2011 at 2:21 pm

                I’ve only seen two reports. One done by the NZ government department responsible for the roads which said that trucks didn’t pay anywhere near enough to cover the damage that they did and one commissioned by the trucking lobby that said that they paid more. My reading of the trucking lobby’s one was that the methodology sucked and was thus wrong. Now, if you’ve got a more recent peer reviewed report – link it. Else I’ll just keep believing the report released by the NZTA.

                • ghostwhowalksnz …
                  22 December 2011 at 3:27 pm

                  Insider , who seems to have similar views to RTF CEO Tony Friedlander ,is referring to this report, one of the ‘independent’ but not unbiased outsider reviews bought in by this government ( no members from the AA I notice)

                  http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/road-user-charges/docs/ruc-final-report.pdf

                  They want to reduce the very heavy trucks substantially by altering the formula for pavement wear, and as to maintain the same revenue lighter trucks and diesel SUVs would pay more.

                  They seem to have selective research to confirm their view, and help out the very heavy trucks.

                  The SUVs will have to pay more just so the government can collect the same money, rob the poor to pay the rich.

                  AS for the train line, 2000t a week is 50 trucks so I dont know where the ‘one or two truckloads a day’ comes from. Those 50 trucks a week is fertiliser only and with the new users as well easily another 50 trucks a week.

            • Tarmack54 4.2.1.1.1.2
              25 December 2011 at 9:52 am

              Can’t wait to read your list of hidden subsidies for trucking industry. But in this particular case, bulk is better on rail if delivery isn’t reliant on timeframe

      • mik e 4.2.2
        22 December 2011 at 7:42 pm

        communist trucking Being subsidized by the tax payer and private motorists

    • Kevin Welsh 4.3
      22 December 2011 at 12:21 pm

      At a public meeting earlier this year in Napier that was attended by KiwiRail, Ravensdown, Hatuma Lime, PanPac, MPs, Councillors and the public, KiwiRail gave the impression that they were not interested in keeping the line open no matter what. They were turning work away from the likes of Ravensdown and Hatuma and would not put a loading spur on the line so PanPac could move logs by rail (PanPac is built next to the main line).

      Both Ravensdown and Hatuma both stated that their preferred method of transport is rail as it is CHEAPER than moving by truck. All KiwiRail coul come up with in reply was that they didn’t have the staff or capacity to move more than what they were presently doing.

      There is now a massive amount of logging coming on-stream in the Gisborne area and instead of two or three trains a day going to the port and being lined up next to the ships to be loaded, there are up to 300 truck movements through Gisborne a day with double and triple handling to get the logs onto ships.

      This is a big issue in Hawkes Bay and the biggest problem has been KiwiRail actively discouraging companies from using them for freight.

      • Roy 4.3.1
        22 December 2011 at 3:45 pm

        I think the average motorist would rather that logs were moved by rail rather than by truck, too. I know I would.

      • Colonial Viper 4.3.2
        22 December 2011 at 4:09 pm

        This is a big issue in Hawkes Bay and the biggest problem has been KiwiRail actively discouraging companies from using them for freight.

        Have KiwiRail slowly strangle itself until it becomes “unviable” and is shut down and sold for scrap.

        • lostinsuburbia 4.3.2.1
          22 December 2011 at 7:01 pm

          The running down of rail has occurrd on other lines too. Lookat the North Auckland line, it’s “failure” to perform helps provide justification for the Puhoi to Wellsford RON.

          We should be investing heavily in these assets to future proof ourselves for an energy constrained future.

          It’s the same for the preservation of port land. It’s short sighted to want to build apartments etc on some waterfront areas, more space will be needed as more cargo and passenger berths will be needed (in part as more smaller ships will be needed – super container ships won’t be able to run or afford to visit little old NZ).

          • Colonial Viper 4.3.2.1.1
            22 December 2011 at 7:26 pm

            As DTB points out we are almost out of time to prepare for an “energy constrained future”. As a consolation prize, the rich pricks in their Mercedes 4WDs are going to be using them as sail boat anchors before long.

            • lostinsuburbia 4.3.2.1.1.1
              22 December 2011 at 10:27 pm

              We can all take overseas holidays to all the offshore rigs the Nats want to get built.

      • Tarmack54 4.3.3
        25 December 2011 at 9:55 am

        Are you suggesting Rail doesn’t double/triple handle? In this respect, trucks are more efficient.

        • Colonial Viper 4.3.3.1
          25 December 2011 at 12:00 pm

          ‘efficiency’ – in terms of kJ expended per tonne of freight moved, rail will come in ahead of road.

          Especially if you consider the embedded energy involved with maintaining the underlying infrastructure and vehicles.

  5. Tom Gould 5
    22 December 2011 at 11:16 am

    It took his personal glee club, formerly known as the Parliamentary Press Gallery, no time at all to fall back into ‘Key publicity department’ mode. Lovely TV shots of Key handing out prezzies to poor kids, and cracking jokes with ordinary folks. What a great guy he must be? And he’s doing a great job, too. Just ask him. And he is so funny, such a natural comedian, off the cuff, without notes according to Trevett. And Gerry dropped the best, and most cutting interjection, something like ‘you’ve already done that’, but is was devistatingly effective, she suggests. And what do you know, the economy is now officially booming, and we suddenly need thousands of extra workers, and we all made a bundle off the RWC, and house prices are too high because of planning laws, and kids are getting bashed because of bureaucrats, and $300 million on consultants was good value. Mind, the grovelling indolent craven MSM have already called the 2014 election, a guaranteed the third term, it seems.

  6. tsmithfield 6
    22 December 2011 at 12:13 pm

    “Shearer’s never going to be a Churchill…”

    🙂 🙂 🙂

    • Colonial Viper 6.1
      22 December 2011 at 12:20 pm

      I hope he isn’t as well, because Churchill was given the chance to shine as a PM due to a big fucking global war.

      • tsmithfield 6.1.1
        22 December 2011 at 12:25 pm

        Well, he might. Except, as Key correctly identified yesterday, the war is likely to be within his own party.

        • McFlock 6.1.1.1
          22 December 2011 at 1:24 pm

          Oh, well, if we’re going to draw parallels between NZ political parties and aspects of late 1930s Europe, then of course there is always the obvious comparison between two political parties led by politicians who were charismatic on the surface but had deep personality flaws, were supported by the financial elite of their respective nations, and tended to lead their team by rewarding toadying rather than ability or innovation.
            

      • Populuxe1 6.1.2
        22 December 2011 at 3:18 pm

        Aside from the fact Churchill was also incredibly racist (as in his dealings over India), a galloping imperialist, and had a nasty tendency to use civilians and British troops as bait (the Lusitania comes to mind). I suspect he was the man for the job during the war, but a horrific liability in peacetime.

        • ghostwhowalksnz 6.1.2.1
          22 December 2011 at 3:34 pm

          Churchills mistake, other than being like Hitler and thinking he knew better than his Generals, was to bring the Labour party into government so the people could see Atlee, Bevan etc at work.

          The last charismatic PM and great public speaker in NZ was Lange.

    • Draco T Bastard 6.2
      22 December 2011 at 1:08 pm

      All I can say is Thank god for that.

    • lostinsuburbia 6.3
      22 December 2011 at 7:06 pm

      Maybe, but I can also picture Key as Neville Chamberlin, this time waving some free trade treaty claiming “prosperity in our time”. Fast forward a couple of years and we find ourselves screwed.

      We need a leader to tell the free traders to go get stuffed (as crass as that is)

      • Colonial Viper 6.3.1
        22 December 2011 at 7:23 pm

        Don’t worry about decorum mate, after all we’re dealing with a bunch of rich a-holes who would bring back child labour and indentured servitude if they could.

        • lostinsuburbia 6.3.1.1
          22 December 2011 at 7:26 pm

          Yep, they want to party like it’s 1899.

          • Colonial Viper 6.3.1.1.1
            22 December 2011 at 7:31 pm

            More like 1799 I suspect. By 1899 ideas like the 40 hour working week and the abolition of child labour and slavery were far too popular.

            • lostinsuburbia 6.3.1.1.1.1
              22 December 2011 at 10:31 pm

              True, but it’s difficult to find jobs for children at open cast coal mines.

              But your right, the mindset for the last 20 years is that capitalism won, but the past few years and upcoming decade are going to pour cold water on that idea – albeit that those at the bottom will yet again suffer the most.

  7. randal 7
    22 December 2011 at 7:44 pm

    the country is ruled by accountants and their lawfirms.
    they are smallminded, anal and as the caption says bereft of any ideas.
    oh they might get drunk at a free lunch somewhere and start spouting ideas like innovation and creativity but when they see it they run like scared rats back into their tower blocks so they kid themselves that they have risen above it all.
    so we are in the grip of dunces and doolally dullards.
    and kweewee is one of them.

    • Populuxe1 7.1
      22 December 2011 at 7:48 pm

      You forgot HR Departments – leading cause of corporate blandness, lack of innovation and diversity, and probably responsible for a hell of a lot of unnecessary unemployment because the best people for the job don’t always tick all the little boxes.

      • tc 7.1.1
        23 December 2011 at 8:08 pm

        No the best people aren’t either in the club or possess the right stuff. That stuff being an adoration of the corporate culture a can do attitude that makes it happen regardless of any constraints and willing to suck up to the powers that be.

        Hr departments just ensure it all looks as if it’s actually a talent contest when it rarely ever is, jobs for the boys and girls mostly…..higher you go the more that applies otherwise someone with genuine talent and ability may just show up the lazy self serving incumbents, can’t have that now.

  8. Tanz 8
    24 December 2011 at 10:46 pm

    Anti Keywise.

  9. johnm 9
    25 December 2011 at 5:56 pm

    He’s resting on his laurels, he’s won the election as National’s so neeece Show Pony, that’s what they wanted a man who’d appeal to the better orf kiwi’s conceit and vanity and desire not to be besmirched by unsavoury realities like 200,000 kids in poverty, a man who’ll continue to bolster their advantages: no capital gains tax on houses priced out of the range for starting kiwi families because of the greed of using them to make Capital gain and of course tax cuts for the well orf kiwis and privileges for employers with minimal labour rights. He can show how tired and bereft of ideas he is who cares?!

  10. Wild.Colonial.Boy 10
    26 December 2011 at 9:15 am

    More highlights from UK conservative blogs ..

    http://conservativehome.blogs.com/thinktankcentral/centre-for-social-justice/

    “Centre for Social Justice” .. ?

    Nice tactic – appropriating common political phrases for party political objectives.

    Very post-modern.

    *That* phrase seems to have lost currency as a New Medievalism looms.

    • Colonial Viper 10.1
      26 December 2011 at 11:44 am

      Yeah this is a tactic honed to perfection by the Right Wing in the US. The capture of the English language to confuse ordinary punters. The Centre for American Progress, the Heritage Foundation, the Council on Foreign Relations etc.

      • damntheproles 10.1.1
        26 December 2011 at 2:12 pm

        fecking nutbars

        [3 comments so far, all of them useless. Try and contribute something useful here or you’re gone. Ho ho ho. — r0b]

      • Populuxe1 10.1.2
        26 December 2011 at 7:10 pm

        It’s not Right or Left, it’s simply about control. Control the expression of the idea and you control the idea itself. Orwell’s Doublespeak by any other name. The language is deliberately warped by those who want to control to make it nearly impossible to express a dissenting opinion. The Nazis did it in with the German, Stalin did it to Russian, political correctness despite it’s benign intentions, sometimes slides dangerously close, and Key did it when he tried to make “aspirational” mean “self-entitled”. Thatcher did it when she said “there is no such thing as society”.

  11. Wild Colonial Boy 11
    26 December 2011 at 9:32 am

    Interesting profile of Boris ..

    After Eton, Oxford and the Bullingdon Club, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson failed to obtain the first class degree which his contemporary, David Cameron, gained at the same University.  Lasting only a week as a management consultant, he went on to be sacked by the Times for falsifying a quote.  Surviving the revelation of a phone conversation revealing a plot by a friend to assault a journalist, he was appointed as a Daily Telegraph columnist and Editor of the Spectator. Reneging on a undertaking to its proprietor not to stand for Parliament, he was elected as the Conservative MP for Henley. Following accusations of having lied to Michael Howard, the Party’s then leader, he was sacked from its front bench.  Failing to be appointed to its Shadow Cabinet by David Cameron, he was backed by his old Oxford colleague to be the Party’s candidate for the Mayoralty of London after a prominent search for another candidate. Johnson then won the election, gathering in doing so the largest personal mandate of any politician in British history.

    http://www.conservativeintelligence.com/profiles-2/

  12. Populuxe1 12
    26 December 2011 at 7:13 pm

    Let us not forget that Boris also wrote a fairly mediocre book praising the achievements of the Roman state, while completely failing to acknowledge that this largely depended on an unlimited supply of slaves and constant border expansion. Even so, at the least the Tories in the UK are slightly more cultured than our lot.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T08:38:32+00:00