Labour’s GST and WFF policy announcement

Written By: - Date published: 2:06 pm, August 13th, 2023 - 168 comments
Categories: Carmel Sepuloni, chris hipkins, Economy, gst, labour, tax, uncategorized - Tags:

The news has now been confirmed.  Labour has announced that if re-elected it will take GST off fresh fruit and vegetables.  It will also increase working for families for about 160,000 families.

From Radio New Zealand:

Labour has confirmed its worst kept election promise – take GST off fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables.

It has also revealed it will increase Working for Families for about 160,000 families.

Leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled the package as part of Labour’s “10 point” plan to help New Zealanders with the cost of living, with two more left to announce through the campaign.

There would be no tax cuts or any wealth or capital gains tax under a Labour government, he reiterated, after ruling that out last month.

The 15 percent Goods and Service Tax would be removed from fruit and vegetables from next April, estimated to save households about $4.25 a week, based on an average spend of $32.50.

…

Labour would also boost the In-Work Tax Credit by $25 to $97.50 a week from April 2024, which social development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said would “deliver targeted meaningful cost of living support to around 160,000 low and medium-income working families”.

“We will also lift the Working for Families abatement threshold by more than $5000 to $50,000 from April 1st 2026, to ensure working families keep more when their pay increases or they pick up extra hours,” she said.

She said half of those getting Working for Families earned more than $40,000, and “with record wage growth fewer Kiwis have received Working for Families tax credits as their incomes have grown”.

“The combined impact of the $25 increases to the In-Work Tax Credit and lifting the abatement rate will see 175,000 households gaining $47 per week on average during the next term of government.”

Time will tell if the policies are popular.  As is clear from the figures the working for families adjustment will deliver considerably more for poorer families than the GST figures will.

No doubt some on the left will criticise the announcement for not going far enough.

But if there is a change in Government it is clear that none of this will happen.

168 comments on “Labour’s GST and WFF policy announcement ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. higherstandard 1
    13 August 2023 at 2:22 pm

    Labour is a [snip]

    [Removed as it offends a number of rules. Don’t spray meaningless lists that are unsubstantiated and walk away. This is a clear example of attempting to hijack the discussion. If you are going to make a comment address the post itself and make your comments relevant. First warning – MS]

    • SPC 1.1
      13 August 2023 at 3:04 pm

      A lot of claims that seem to be from different time periods added together without a single source to corroborate any of them.

  2. The Chairman 2
    13 August 2023 at 2:36 pm

    Robertson said the GST announcement and Working for Families Tax Credit changes are the centrepiece of Labour’s tax policy for the election.

    There are no changes to income tax levels and no introduction of new taxes such as a Wealth Tax or Capital Gains Tax, he said.

    “We have taken the decision that now is not the time for widespread changes to our tax system.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132734668/labour-to-cut-gst-on-fresh-and-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables-from-april

    Evidently, not much in it if you don't have young kids.

    In it for who?

    • SPC 2.1
      13 August 2023 at 3:09 pm

      WFF tax credits apply for parents with children up to age 18.

      They should have gone along with the Greens on rent control.

      (If they had determined on a two year rent freeze 2022-2024, they would probably be ahead of National in the polls. Rents went up $50 a week in the past year)

    • alwyn 2.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:21 pm

      I'm thoroughly in favour.

      We love fresh asparagus and now we will be able to eat it all the year round. Up till now we have only got it during the New Zealand growing season but now we will be able to eat the air-freight imported kind for the rest of the year.

      • SPC 2.2.1
        13 August 2023 at 6:01 pm

        I'm just hoping people buy more now GST free potatoes for their families – so I can get my preferred wedges at the on-line shop (pub style not first choice).

      • AB 2.2.2
        13 August 2023 at 6:16 pm

        Lovely to hear, Alwyn, that you will be basking in an even more decadent form of your accustomed luxury. Will you be wearing a silk dressing gown, perhaps with a string quartet tinkling through some trifling piece of Mozart's juvenilia to tickle your amusement at getting one over on the miserable peasants who might be grateful for such small mercies as this?

  3. Patricia Bremner 3
    13 August 2023 at 2:43 pm

    I did not give credence after "and 70% are not reported"

    How do you count unreported crimes?? waiting…. credibility counts, Higherstandard.

  4. Belladonna 4
    13 August 2023 at 2:45 pm

    And, it's also very clear now, that there is someone leaking Labour policy to Nicola Willis.

    • MickeyBoyle 4.1
      13 August 2023 at 2:53 pm

      On current polling many MPs will be out of a job in October. But surely they understand that leaking just makes that more of a certainty?.

      I know humans by nature are selfish, but leaking to National or the press is idiotic and will not have they desired outcome this person is hoping for.

      Unless that outcome is to destabilize the party in the hopes that your own personal ambitions can come to fruition?

      • Belladonna 4.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 3:06 pm

        I would say that the latter explanation is the most likely. Certainly the widespread leaking within National a few years ago, seemed ti be tied to lack of belief/loyalty to the leadership, and personal ambition.

        • Patricia Bremner 4.1.1.1
          13 August 2023 at 4:48 pm

          As the person? did not know the whole package, it was an earlier leaver? Seems possible imo

        • newsense 4.1.1.2
          13 August 2023 at 5:24 pm

          Or it’s an MBIE/Treasury civil servant.

          • Belladonna 4.1.1.2.1
            13 August 2023 at 5:47 pm

            Not really. They'd know that Labour was considering it (and that could have been the explanation for the earlier leak to Willis re wealth tax being investigated). But a MBIE/Treasury staffer wouldn't know whether Labour had decided to implement this one (almost certainly, several different policies have been investigated and costed)
            It pretty much has to be a member of caucus or a senior staff member in a cabinet office.

  5. gsays 5
    13 August 2023 at 2:50 pm

    More welfare for working people, says it all about the 'Labour' party.

    • SPC 5.1
      13 August 2023 at 3:18 pm

      Labour has always supported workers and families – Family Benefit (capitalisation for home purchase), the mortgage rebate for home ownership etc as well as income related (25%) rent for state houses.

      It'll take time for the FPA to have impact and gather a greater return to labour from economic proceeds.

      • gsays 5.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 3:54 pm

        It also takes time for the record migration levels to further negate any benefits from FPA…

        Labour only by name.

        • SPC 5.1.1.1
          13 August 2023 at 4:11 pm

          Whom else should they give welfare to if not working people?

          PS

          The only party opposing the migrant worker volume is NZF, one wonders if they might play that card – require any party they support to slow down the inflow (one of the issues Stuff and NZH as pro migrant worker media have against NZF).

          • gsays 5.1.1.1.1
            13 August 2023 at 6:10 pm

            How about working people not needing welfare?

            Radical, I know. It is within living memory.

            • Craig H 5.1.1.1.1.1
              13 August 2023 at 8:18 pm

              Migrants are usually only eligible for welfare if they hold a residence class visa. Exceptions are often made for emergencies like Covid, earthquakes etc. but there's no automatic entitlement for migrants on temporary visas.

            • Patricia Bremner 5.1.1.1.1.2
              13 August 2023 at 9:45 pm

              Actually Gsays we got "Family Benefit" ten shillings a week per child and a 30 year 3% Housing Loan " of $13400.00 in 1973, and I am 82 in Nov so when was this no welfare patch. So family welfare has had a long history. It is not a vote rabbit . It is family policy. Gradually Labour have reinstated workers rights, assistance such as free chemist meds, winter warmth and have tried to control excess by the wealthy stakeholders.

              • gsays …
                14 August 2023 at 12:32 pm

                Hi Patricia, while not quite your vintage yes I remember Family Benefit.

                The difference is back then often there was one wage coming in to the house, nowadays there are two or more jobs being worked, we have WFF plus Landlord subsidies Accommodation Supplement and whatever else I don't know about.

                As for the workers, I would contrast what you said With Minister Little fibbing, obfuscating and delaying around the nurses pay equity and wage negotiations, then Tinetti being obliged to offer more to teachers by the ERA.

                As I've said before, it's not Labour per se, it's their adherence to Neo-Liberalism that is holding them and us back from meaningful change. Witness the regressive GST only coming off Fruit and veges.

                Edit: This is not bagging them coz I am keen on Team Luxon, it’s coz a lifetime of voting Labour or left, I have been bitterly disappointed in this majority government and them squandering a wonderful opportunity to bring real change

              • gsays …
                14 August 2023 at 4:51 pm

                I would also belatedly add, because of the GST talk about fruit and veg, before the 'reforms' of the '80's, gardens were common place. My Dad had one, reluctantly.

                My generation (Gen X) dropped the ball in regards to gardens and semi food resilience. We willingly supported and empowered the supermarket duopoly because of having to work for longer for less and convenience.

            • Phillip ure 5.1.1.1.1.3
              14 August 2023 at 6:35 pm

              @ gsays..@ 5.1.1.1.1

              Aye..!

    • Ngungukai 5.2
      13 August 2023 at 9:16 pm

      Gsays~unfortunately the cost of living has got prohibitive here in NZ, our food distribution is mainly controlled by two companies Woolworths Australia and Foodstuffs NZ. Hence food prices here in NZ are very expensive vs other developed countries World Wide. Housing is also prohibitive and once many low income families have paid the rent their is very little funds left to cover food costs.

      • gsays 5.2.1
        14 August 2023 at 12:41 pm

        What you say is true, Ngungukai, but is only half the story.

        While costs are spiralling upwards, workers wages are still being left behind, so we are too busy either working, recovering from work, or tending to family needs to agitate, advocate or organise for change.

        Meanwhile the pollies ears are tuned into the lobbyists are meeting the wants of the well heeled clients.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 5.3
      14 August 2023 at 3:39 pm

      WFF isn't really welfare for working people – it is a subsidy to business which benefits by paying their workers less than they need to live on.

  6. Ed 6
    13 August 2023 at 3:48 pm

    Labour has been in thrall of neoliberal doctrine since 1984. It does not deserve the title labour as it has not represented the interests of the working class for a long time.

  7. Janice 7
    13 August 2023 at 4:11 pm

    Well that's it, for the first time in over sixty years I doubt that I will be voting this election. To mess up an easily administered tax system with exemptions shows how little Chippie knows of how business work. The cost of settling arguments and sorting out the administration will offset any benefits. I can't vote for Te Maori Pati because that appalling Elizabeth Kerekere will probably be there and the Greens are too airy fairy on how gender issues affect women.

    • Anne 7.1
      13 August 2023 at 4:39 pm

      I dunno.

      Jessica Mutch McKay, who I hardly imagine is dyed in the wool Labour, seems to think its a smart move:

      https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/08/03/jessica-mutch-mckay-gst-off-fruit-and-veg-is-clever-politics/#:~:text=Australia%20has%20a%20complex%20system,don't%20pay%20anything%20extra.

      Sure, there will be teething problems. There always is when big changes are made. And the Oppo will make out the population will be extinct by the end of the first year, but if Aussie can do it, why can't we?

      • MickeyBoyle 7.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 6:59 pm

        From her piece on the news tonight, she has changed her tune.

        • Anne 7.1.1.1
          13 August 2023 at 7:28 pm

          Of course she toned it down for public consumption. She would have been accused by the NActs of taking a non neutral stance or some such thing. Doesn't alter the fact she said it in an online opinion piece. No points there MickeyB.

      • Craig H 7.1.2
        13 August 2023 at 8:19 pm

        I don't like the policy from a policy perspective, but there's no denying that it's a popular policy with voters.

      • Ngungukai 7.1.3
        13 August 2023 at 9:18 pm

        There will not be any teething problems most developed countries world wide do not have GST on food products. All the software is available for food distributors.

    • newsense 7.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:28 pm

      Yawn.

      So with all your principles you say through the foreshore and seabed, Rogernomics, the turbulent Cunliffe leadership and any number of things and now a policy that puts $20 a month back into families pockets stops you voting Labour? A policy which exists in a considerable number of countries?

      You know the economists didn’t want to subsidise Lord of the Rings either? And that on polling it’s a popular policy across the board?

      Wait sixty years! The Black Budget, Wally Nash, etc etc

      Concern troll methinks. I’m concerned about a little bit of bureaucracy someone else will deal with and Simeon watsit will make out is the end of the world.

      • Anne 7.2.1
        13 August 2023 at 6:39 pm

        Talking of the turbulent Cunliffe leadership, it was Cunliffe who campaigned on a policy of 'GST off fruit and vegetables' in 2014 and was ridiculed by all and sundry. The first thing that came to my mind today was: I wonder what Cunliffe is thinking?

  8. Kat 8
    13 August 2023 at 4:20 pm

    The fresh fruit and vegetables kite could have a bumpy landing….

    GST removed from ALL food….would go down better.

    • mikesh 8.1
      13 August 2023 at 4:42 pm

      They are also aiming to remove GST from frozen fruit and vegetables. I just thought I'd mention it.

      • Patricia Bremner 8.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 4:54 pm

        Yes mikesh and there is a bigger bang for the frozen veg and fruit specials able to be stored.

      • alwyn 8.1.2
        13 August 2023 at 5:27 pm

        I see that Robertson was right earlier this year. IIRC he said that this ridiculous policy would make life easier for people who buy fresh beetroot but not for the average person who buys the canned kind.

        Chippie really should get back to his claimed roots and see how people on less than his half a million dollars per year live.

        • BruceE 8.1.2.1
          13 August 2023 at 6:22 pm

          Don't forget the working for families increase and the annual increases to benefits from 1 April each year – which you could imagine NACT being parsimonious on.

      • newsense 8.1.3
        13 August 2023 at 5:35 pm

        Bloody good. Buy in bulk and add a little to each stew or whatever, if you’re trying to avoid low season.

      • Mike the Lefty 8.1.4
        13 August 2023 at 5:37 pm

        I'm wondering if removing GST from FROZEN fruit and veges could be a bit problematic given that some (for example frozen chips) have preservative or other additives or are pre-cooked.

        I think the new policy will be more symbolic than really money saving, but it does put a bit of pressure back on National, who will have to think carefully about openly attacking a policy that will reduce food prices, even if only a little.

        Winston Peters will probably crow about Labour copying NZ First policy, or perhaps this is Labour trying to get onside with NZF now that they are polling over the 5% threshold?

    • Patricia Bremner 8.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:21 pm

      Hey Kat, we noticed the difference in our shop in Aus. Perhaps they will extend it as they afford it.

      • Kat 8.2.1
        13 August 2023 at 9:11 pm

        Not just extending but removing ALL GST from edibles would be a smart move, and affording it is not an issue…its selling the alternatives to the electorate which are the hard yards….

    • Ngungukai 8.3
      13 August 2023 at 9:19 pm

      The Removal of GST off Fresh Fruit & Vegetables has always been NZF Policy.

  9. Tabletennis 9
    13 August 2023 at 5:08 pm

    GST removed from fruit and vegies:

    It seems like a non checkable action.
    Today the apple cost 50 cent incl GST, tomorrow my apple is 50 cent without GST, ah but poor harvest, fewer apples received than ordered, etc etc. How to know eh, fruit and vegies varies from week to week anyway.

    Didn't I read there is a direct relationship between wage increases and rent increases. Seems like this will be another one, we'll pay the same, I only wish the difference went to the growers ……

    • Patricia Bremner 9.1
      13 August 2023 at 5:26 pm

      That is the defeatest position taken to change. Can't plan for "what ifs".

    • Ngungukai 9.2
      14 August 2023 at 6:25 am

      TT where are you getting your information from, generally Countdown try and make 100% mark up on fresh fruit and vegetables ie 50% Gross Profit, and Foodstuffs work on 80% mark up and 40% Gross Profit.

      So if Countdown are selling Royal Gala Apples for $5.99 per kg incl GST their sell price excl of GST would be $5.32 per kg. If Foodstuffs are selling Royal Gala's at say $5.40 per kg incl of GST the price would be $4.80 per kg excl of GST.

      Correct me if I am wrong I actually work in the Wholesale Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Trade here in Auckland, NZ ???

      • Phillip ure 9.2.1
        14 August 2023 at 6:42 pm

        Thank you for that insider info..

        That is a very useful nugget…

      • Tabletennis 9.2.2
        14 August 2023 at 6:44 pm

        Ngungukai- it is surprising that so many ppl believe that if the GST comes of vegies and fruit the consumer pays less.

        Vegies and fruit have a variable cost to the retailer/wholesaler, meaning those prices are not stable, or the same, from week to week when the retailer/wholesaler buys in.
        Supply (weather/demand) varies, so too does the exchange rates, as many vegies and fruit originate from China and other countries.
        Nor do fruit and vegies have a recommended retail price (RRP).

        IOW there is no way of knowing if you end up paying less or more, after the retailer’s mark-up on cost price or what the ‘market will beer’: in other words, the highest price that customers will pay.

        This is not a loaf of bread, of a certain brand, of which the price is, usually, stable. Such that you can calculate what it should cost excl. GST.
        Not so with fruit and vegies.

        • SPC 9.2.2.1
          14 August 2023 at 6:51 pm

          While fruit and veg pricing is more variable – regardless of that, there would be still be GST added on at the end. Unless it was not.

        • Ngungukai 9.2.2.2
          14 August 2023 at 8:11 pm

          TT you are 100% correct both Supermarket Chains will charge "prices which the market can bear", so if there is a glut of Royal Gala apples and the quality is starting to drop in the Coolstores, the price could drop to $1.99 per kg or even less if it is Choice GRADE fruit.

  10. Ad 10
    13 August 2023 at 5:23 pm

    Do they say how much income this will cost the government in tax income, and where they are going to make the savings to afford it?

    • Patricia Bremner 10.1
      13 August 2023 at 5:29 pm

      Yes apparently Covid allowance for Commercial rents? sure I heard that in the stand up.

    • newsense 10.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:33 pm

      Yep from the roads around Wanaka and other lifeboat electorates…a nice Robin Hood aspect there too.

  11. The Chairman 11
    13 August 2023 at 5:23 pm

    What about canned fruit and veggies? Why were they overlooked?

    • Blazer 11.1
      13 August 2023 at 5:28 pm

      How about milk and bread!

      • Gareth Wilson 11.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 5:33 pm

        Is brown rice covered? If not, why not?

        • mikesh 11.1.1.1
          13 August 2023 at 5:52 pm

          This would be a great policy for vegans if it included brown rice, and unprocessed nuts and seeds.

      • mikesh 11.1.2
        13 August 2023 at 5:50 pm

        Milk is neither fruit nor vegetable. Bread is processed wheat..

        • Blazer 11.1.2.1
          13 August 2023 at 6:33 pm

          No kidding!

          Milk and bread are staples,especially for low income families.

          Clearly the Govt can include or exclude whatever they…wish.

          • mikesh 11.1.2.1.1
            13 August 2023 at 9:32 pm

            Wholemeal bread is generally OK, but I wouldn't want to remove GST from white bread. However, even wholemeal is a mixture of wholemeal and white, so it's probably best to bake your own using only wholemeal flour. I do that sometimes, though not as often as I would like. I'm really a lazy SOB.

    • Patricia Bremner 11.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:33 pm

      Tinned fruit and Veg— Mostly they are processed and sugar or juice added.

    • SPC 11.3
      13 August 2023 at 5:48 pm

      Probably a sugar tax because of the addition of sugar/juice (drain and or water rinse for a healthier product)

      • Phillip ure 11.3.1
        14 August 2023 at 6:30 pm

        A sugar tax is a waste of time…and does s.f.a to address the obesity problem..

        The only approach that will work is to mandate maximum amounts of sugar allowed in any processed product..

        Debate on a sugar tax is grabbing the stick the wrong way around..and is just a not needed distraction..

        • SPC 11.3.1.1
          14 August 2023 at 6:45 pm

          I was trying to explain to The Chairman why the products were not included in the GST free food category. GST remaining is not a sugar tax per se.

          The issue of cheap foods is not just the amount of sugar, but also salt.

          Regulations should include both – and it's not just processed foods that get added sugar – sometimes fruit juice gets watered down and sugar added to make it cheaper. And then there is adding sugar to chocolate flavouring of milk – ironically I use a cheaper brand because it has less sugar than the up market one, which is sugar sodden.

    • newsense 11.4
      13 August 2023 at 5:52 pm

      Let’s take the tax off investment properties too!

      Or we can’t because we’re so busy playing BS David Seymour games about nuts and flowers?

      • mikesh 11.4.1
        13 August 2023 at 9:09 pm

        A case could be made for making rental income tax free: taxing rental income only pushes up rents. The poor old tenant pays the rent out of his tax paid income, and he then has to pay the landlord’s tax, which is built into the rent that he pays.

        • newsense 11.4.1.1
          14 August 2023 at 12:15 am

          I guess I was being a smart arse about the lack of outrage at robber baron untaxed capital gains made on property against the minutiae of this policy. If you include or don’t include figs doesn’t invalidate that a fresh salad at dinner and fresh fruit at breakfast and in a lunch box will now be cheaper.

          Our grandparents, while at times having it tough, had space – gardens and trees which meant they often had very good access to fresh produce. That’s not the case for everyone with infill housing 50 years old and density booming. We can’t go back in time, but we can help continue that legacy.

        • Blazer 11.4.1.2
          14 August 2023 at 10:34 am

          Are you serious?surprise

      • Ngungukai 11.4.2
        13 August 2023 at 9:23 pm

        Please elaborate what is ACT Party Policy on GST on Fresh Fruit & Vegetables.

    • Ngungukai 11.5
      14 August 2023 at 6:26 am

      Don't think they have been overlooked at this stage ?

  12. Blazer 12
    13 August 2023 at 5:27 pm

    Quick price comparison at Supermarkets in Sth Auckland today.

    Potatoes kg-$2.99-$3.99

    Bananas kg-$3.29-$3.79

    Avocado each-.99c-$1.90

    Cabbage 1/2-$2.69-$4.49

    Gala apple kg-$2.99-$3.99

    Very underwhelming…policy.

    • newsense 12.1
      13 August 2023 at 5:55 pm

      For someone who has a computer and an internet connection at home, yes sure.

      If you’re feeding a family of 3 or 4 or 5 on a benefit or minimum wage or after Auckland rents it’s a good addition to the free prescription policy that will help.

      Unless I’ve misunderstood your comment?

      • Blazer 12.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 6:20 pm

        My point is that price variations are usually way more than 15% atm.Budgeting will save you more.

        All you need is a cell phone.If you haven't got one its not viable.

    • Patricia Bremner 12.2
      13 August 2023 at 5:59 pm

      Two of us buy fortnightly, veg and fruit. * $68 so is * $10.20*gst

      4kg of potato/kumera red or orange. $12

      Zucchini 2or 3 cost $ 8

      Tomato 1kg $10

      Avocado bag 5 or 6 $ 6

      Pumpkin 6 to 800g $ 8

      Bunch of celery $ 6 or greens

      Soup veg assorted $ 5

      Kiwi fruit green $ 3

      Frozen veg 3 bags of assorted aprox $10

      I make veg soup, crustless quiche, pumpkin lasange, sides for mains and vegetarian dishes. Each fortnight I can now buy frozen berries for upside down cake, yay!! A treat.

      • weka 12.2.1
        13 August 2023 at 6:08 pm

        this is a good point, the policy may encourage more people to buy more fresh/frozen produce, which leads to better health.

        • Ngungukai 12.2.1.1
          13 August 2023 at 9:54 pm

          What about Mixed Grain and Sour Dough should GST be removed from those products.

      • Phillip ure 12.2.2
        15 August 2023 at 10:23 am

        Whilst a sole parent I found in general that the Asian supermarkets were the best to buy from..

        The rule of thumb was to never buy fruit/veg from duopoly…too expensive…

    • Ngungukai 12.3
      13 August 2023 at 9:23 pm

      Please elaborate non-comprehende ?

  13. mikesh 13
    13 August 2023 at 5:38 pm

    What about nuts and seeds, which are sold unprocessed but which can last a long time. Some are roasted and salted, but not all.

  14. newsense 14
    13 August 2023 at 5:43 pm

    What a miserable bunch! Hard to tell which are the concern trolls and which are the regular commenters.

    This is a great encouragement people to eat fresh. If the supermarkets, or the banks for that matter, are playing us for suckers we need to come down on them like a ton of bricks. Is being screwed over by virtual monopolists part of National’s view of NZ?

    This is a policy to help the lowest end. It’s a good popular Labour policy. The economists and Treasury would have prevented the Lord of the Rings and Avatar being filmed here. They’re a bunch of assumptions wrapped up in academic paper- not always applicable to a real situation.

    Families $20 better off a month with better health outcomes from better diets. Add that to the free prescriptions and you are seeing some proper Labour principles.

    Bloody good Chippy!

  15. newsense 15
    13 August 2023 at 6:03 pm

    And from last year 76.6% were in favour of it. I think there’s another more recent poll too, but I couldn’t find it.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/05/newshub-reid-research-poll-majority-of-kiwis-want-gst-removed-from-food.html

    • pat 15.1
      13 August 2023 at 6:21 pm

      "The move has proved widely popular with supporters across the political spectrum. A Talbot Mills poll found 66 per cent of 1296 survey respondents supported or strongly supported the policy.

      Eighty per cent of Labour supporters and 75 per cent of Green supporters were in favour, while 59 per cent of National supporters and 45 per cent of Act supporters also believed it was a good move."

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/labour-tax-policy-chris-hipkins-promises-to-remove-gst-off-fresh-and-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables/4PGQ2YJWDBA4PLJIOGEYUBTR3M/

      'Good politics' does not necessarily equal good policy.

      • mikesh 15.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 8:59 pm

        "Conventional wisdom" holds that a simple system which taxes everything is best, but "conventional wisdom" isn't always right.

        • newsense 15.1.1.1
          14 August 2023 at 12:01 am

          They’ll piss on us tell us it’s raining and the wealth will trickle down. That was mainstream economics. Remember that?

      • newsense 15.1.2
        14 August 2023 at 12:00 am

        That’s true.

        But good policy according to those who are criticising this was trickle down economics. It was no investing in films in NZ. And now good policy is apparently that, while accommodation and housing can increased by 100s of % over the years to handwringing, to fight inflation we need to have more unemployment.

        Well I’d rather be accused by the idealogues of poor policy and put $20 a month back to low families than correct the market and make a bunch of people unemployed to keep wages low.

        • Ngungukai 15.1.2.1
          14 August 2023 at 7:23 am

          Neoliberalism in the 1970'-1980's was going to be the Golden Bullet that saved us all, with the Free Market and Trickle Down Economics being the Ducks Nuts, well we all see how that played out with Instant Millionaires and Billionaires being created overnight, buying State Assets for a mere pittance and flogging the off to Offshore Corporate Interests.

  16. Chess Player 16
    13 August 2023 at 6:16 pm

    If Labour really thinks this is necessary, why haven't they just done this already?

    They've had unbridled power for 6 years – the first time anyone in govt has, since MMP came in.

    • Anne 16.1
      13 August 2023 at 8:55 pm

      There were a few other problems which needed attention first – like raising benefits etc. for the poorest in society and those who, for valid reasons, cannot work. Then there was setting up work schemes that actually work for those who needed work. Then along came a few tragedies that required attention and cost money to fix including a massacre by an offshore sadist (to put it politely) followed by a global pandemic that shut everything down for nearly two years. And finally a couple of cyclones that wreaked havoc up and down the country.

      Despite calls from the Oppo. parties for all these things to be sorted overnight it actually takes time and a hell of a lot of hard work – not to mention the associated billion plus dollar price tags that go with some of them.

      • Shanreagh 16.1.1
        14 August 2023 at 10:07 am

        Despite calls from the Oppo. parties for all these things to be sorted overnight it actually takes time and a hell of a lot of hard work – not to mention the associated billion plus dollar price tags that go with some of them.

        Agree Anne. Also not just with the Oppo parties, some on here have suddenly made gradual/gentle/measured into a dirty word called 'incrementalism'

        • Phillip ure 16.1.1.1
          15 August 2023 at 10:26 am

          'incrementalism' is a dirty word..

          It has got us where we are now..

          So just more of the same..?..y'reckon..?

          • Shanreagh 16.1.1.1.1
            15 August 2023 at 10:54 am

            Horses for courses.

            The whole premise of the rule of law and our democratic offices rests on reform as needed. This is mainly by additions to case law etc and new laws being enacted.

            In some instances we need to act urgently to get things through because of emergency or party policies.

            It is not a matter of choosing calmness or revolution. Both approaches are needed and both have a place.

            It is a point of wisdom to know which approach to use. The unwise limit themselves to one approach, in my opinion.

            • Phillip ure 16.1.1.1.1.1
              15 August 2023 at 1:41 pm

              Well ..we have been trying out incrementalism since 1980's…

              Maybe time to add a dollop of urgency..?… d'yareckon..?

    • Drowsy M. Kram 16.2
      13 August 2023 at 9:00 pm

      They've [Labour] had unbridled power for 6 years –

      Not for 6 years – checkmate smiley

    • mikesh 16.3
      13 August 2023 at 10:08 pm

      They were probably saving it for a "rainy day". And the polls would indicate that the "rainy day" has now arrived

    • Ngungukai 16.4
      14 August 2023 at 7:33 am

      Only the last 3 years Winston & NZF held them in check for the first 3 years in the 2017 Coalition Government.

    • mikesh 16.5
      14 August 2023 at 10:37 am

      They've had unbridled power for 6 years – the first time anyone in govt has, since MMP came in.

      I guess they don't play to a clock.

      • Phillip ure 16.5.1
        15 August 2023 at 10:30 am

        Oh..!..f.f.s..!

        That is the worst excuse ever for the chronic non-delivery of/from this labour majority gummint..

        It's up there with the ..we had a pandemic..and couldn't do anything else..one..

  17. pat 17
    13 August 2023 at 6:45 pm

    "Terry Baucher, a tax specialist, said policy advisers were “pretty much unanimous” in thinking that a comprehensive GST system shouldn’t be tinkered with.

    “When you read the officials’ analysis, they usually suggest it's better to give more targeted reliefs in the form of direct benefits rather than widespread initiatives,” he said.

    The second problem comes in ensuring that savings from the tax cut are actually passed through to consumers and not used to fatten the margins of retailers.

    Labour’s 2019 Tax Working Group looked at similar exemptions overseas and found consumers rarely received the full benefit."

    https://www.interest.co.nz/public-policy/123607/party%E2%80%99s-full-policy-includes-gst-exemption-boosted-tax-credits-working

    Ah…but the polls.

    • Patricia Bremner 17.1
      13 August 2023 at 7:12 pm

      They are doing both Pat.

      • pat 17.1.1
        13 August 2023 at 7:19 pm

        No they are not Patricia…the 'direct benefits' only cover those with children and below a very low threshold.

        They have sought the maximum voter appeal and to hell with logic.

        Fortunately despite the GST polling and focus groups it is unlikely to be implemented., as Robertson likely placates his position with.

    • gsays 17.2
      13 August 2023 at 7:20 pm

      Hang on, I got my laugh of the week the other day when Hipkins opined that he didn't do policy by polling.

      • alwyn 17.2.1
        13 August 2023 at 10:55 pm

        Did he really say that?

        Surely you must be making it up?

        • gsays 17.2.1.1
          14 August 2023 at 4:20 pm

          I was at my Mum's place when I heard it.

          It was a wee snippet on the TV news. Probably Prime because she likes to watch their weather and she thinks Eric Young is a bit of alright.wink

    • mikesh 17.3
      13 August 2023 at 9:20 pm

      “When you read the officials’ analysis, they usually suggest it's better to give more targeted reliefs in the form of direct benefits rather than widespread initiatives,” he said.

      Targeted benefits are not necessarily spent on fruit and veges. But making fruit and vegetables cheaper could encourage people to follow healthier diets.

    • Ngungukai 17.4
      13 August 2023 at 9:27 pm

      I smell Bullshit with the above comment.

    • mikesh 17.5
      13 August 2023 at 9:47 pm

      consumers rarely received the full benefit.

      Competition should ensure that customers are not overcharged. We should endeavor to ensure that supermarkets competed with one another. Buts that’s another issue.

  18. Phillip ure 18
    13 August 2023 at 7:23 pm

    This policy is ok for me…being vegan and all that..

    And I think most of the critics wouldn't be against the policy..

    (It’d be almost like being against motherhood..)

    They probably share my despair…that this is it..(!)..?

    This chump-change policy…giving chump change results..

    And those results delayed until April next year..(!)

    Labour seem to like a big dollop of delayed gratification with their incrementalist handouts…

    And this is hipkins big play..?

    His take on 'transformational'..?

    I think I will join the chorus of disbelief/dismay: in noting that ya hafta be fucken kidding me…

  19. Darien Fenton 19
    14 August 2023 at 3:30 am

    "Our cost of living package includes free doctor’s prescriptions, 20 hours free ECE for two year olds, free or half price public transport for children and young people – and now GST off fruit and vegetables and a $25 boost to Working for Families – and there’s more to come". Chris Hipkins.

    Just saying.

    • Shanreagh 19.1
      14 August 2023 at 9:33 am

      And all done without having to enact a wealth or CGT though with the possibility of further tax changes that don't involve CGT/wealth tax asa precursor etc.

      Hooray for for careful standard economic moves across several fronts even though some may involve/invoke the now dirty word of 'incrementalism'……..

      The story of the tortoise and the hare springs to mind

      What is the moral of the tortoise and the hare?

      'The hare is very confident of winning, so it stops during the race and falls asleep. The tortoise continues to move very slowly but without stopping and finally it wins the race. The moral lesson of the story is that you can be more successful by doing things slowly and steadily than by acting quickly and carelessly.

      https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/the-tortoise-and-the-hare#:~:text=The%20hare%20is%20very%20confident,by%20acting%20quickly%20and%20carelessly.

      • Shanreagh 19.1.1
        14 August 2023 at 10:04 am

        Adding to this. Perhaps these announcements look a bit like a Budget with tweaks.

        When all the financial announcements were made at the time of Covid I was very impressed with the reach and knowledge of Hon Robertson, in whose name they were all made, and who had a large hand in the work that went into them. The announcements seemed to cover every facet of our communities. I see the same hand in these announcements that Darien Fenton has noted. No big 'rah, rah' but altogether they will have an effect for the good across the whole country and particularly for those who are working & struggling.

        We need to see if this low key start can be maintained up to the election.

      • Patricia Bremner 19.1.2
        14 August 2023 at 10:07 am

        yes 100% incremental change is more likely to be bedded in. (exception Actangry)

        • weka 19.1.2.1
          14 August 2023 at 10:09 am

          Incremental change is killing the planet as we speak.

          • Patricia Bremner 19.1.2.1.1
            14 August 2023 at 1:12 pm

            We are up against huge money Weka, full of vested interest and lobbyists.
            Small steps on the people front.smiley

            The environment… in 2017 we wanted cameras on fishing boats… rolled out as soon as Nash left the role.

            Govt surveys to impress on Councils where their low lying land at risk of flooding lies.

            The promotion of Climate Change as real and Science based, not a Political football which can be picked up or dropped according to who is holding the power.

            None of the changes are quick enough, but 6 years or more of National would be disastrous for all.

    • weka 19.2
      14 August 2023 at 10:21 am

      Where did Hipkins say this? Please provide a source when quoting or copy and pasting.

    • Heather Grimwood 19.3
      14 August 2023 at 4:51 pm

      To Darien Fenton at 19:

      Indeed these facts must keep on being said! I guess that those who have no need to 'count their pennies' have no idea of the relief to those receiving these measures. One wonders whether their constant protestations are purely to create diversion and time-wasting diversions.

    • adam 19.4
      14 August 2023 at 6:44 pm

      whakapononga

      [you know better than to attack a TS author, but I would have banned you for saying this to any Labourite here. If you want to make a political argument, make it. If you want to abuse people or pick a fight, go somewhere else. One week ban – weka]

  20. newsense 20
    14 August 2023 at 10:49 am

    So apparently the main criticisms come from…the Taxpayers Union, the right wing NZ Initiative and sucking on a neoliberal tailpipe: Luke Malpass. Shock.

    Meanwhile, the policy is very popular amongst voters. What idiots imaging supermarkets can be regulated! That’ll never happen under National.

    https://thespinoff.substack.com/p/will-labour-choke-on-its-gst-free

    • Patricia Bremner 20.1
      14 August 2023 at 1:23 pm

      devil Yass!!! Malpass right over the divide. As for the other two Right Right and more to the right.

  21. newsense 21
    14 August 2023 at 10:54 am

    Oh, And Bernard Hickey points out what a prick you’d be if you complained about this tax change, but had not campaigned for a capital gains tax. It’d almost look like you were just a bunch of craven, paid off astroturfers, Luke!

    https://thekaka.substack.com/p/mondays-chorus-flattering-to-deceive?utm_medium=email

  22. Ffloyd 22
    14 August 2023 at 5:53 pm

    On Wallace Chapman s programme some commentors, apparently, have decided that because of the shouting down of the new policy advanced removing GST on fruit and veg by all the usual suspects and msm hystericals, that this proves it will be a good policy and they will be voting Labour. If the msm et al hate and decry it,this proves it’s worth to the Average NZer. Amen to that.

    • Phillip ure 22.1
      14 August 2023 at 7:06 pm

      Um..!…did you hear the results of their online poll..?

      69% against…31% in favour..

      And clearly hipkins et al have inflated an opinion on a minor topic..into a vote for labour..

      Is there a word for that..?

      Deluded doesn't quite nail it..

      • newsense 22.1.1
        14 August 2023 at 10:42 pm

        Online poll…

        • Phillip ure 22.1.1.1
          15 August 2023 at 10:37 am

          Yes..as I said..online poll…

          If you choose to just ignore that huge number opposing..(from a not right-wing radio audience..)

          That would be your mistake..

          • Incognito 22.1.1.1.1
            15 August 2023 at 10:58 am

            What ‘huge number’?

            You’re making up stuff.

            • Phillip ure 22.1.1.1.1.1
              15 August 2023 at 1:51 pm

              Nothing to link to…as I said..it was an online poll on the panel on rnz.. yesterday..

              And it was 69% against…and 31% in favour..

              And surely I wasn't the only one here who heard it..?

              (And I don't 'make stuff up'…in all my years of commenting here…not once..

              And incognito…Do you apologise for making such false accusations..?)

              [You quoted percentages (%), which are fractions or proportions of 100, not ‘numbers’ as such. For example, 69% of 100 people polled means 69 people, which is not a ‘huge number’. For the online poll to possibly mean anything else than just noise and fodder for the pundits to give their reckons on it should have included an absolute number that is standard with polls.

              The above is a simple misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a link to your source. However, weka has already asked you to link to the online poll and you refuse to provide a link, so I put you in Pre-Mod. You’ll have until tonight to provide a link and the number of people polled or you’ll be apologising to yourself for a week somewhere else – Incognito]

          • weka 22.1.1.1.2
            15 August 2023 at 11:12 am

            please link to the online poll so we know what you are referring to.

  23. adam 23
    14 August 2023 at 6:39 pm

    Scrapes from the masters table at best.

    At worst its' business as usual from the labour party – lose the election rather than lose control of the left.

    Well wage slaves what are you going to do?

    Sit by and let them?

  24. SPC 24
    14 August 2023 at 7:14 pm

    Deborah Russell says she now supports GST off food, as it includes frozen vegetables (sold all year around) and there was more fluctuation (weather events) – was wary as the big gains were off high priced items out of season.

    Robertson notes there is now a Groceries Commissioner to prevent any profit-taking by retailers.

    Others want non processed food staples included (milk, bread, meat, rice, nuts, etc).

    At some point this becomes a move to equity and public health policy (healthy food in schools), affordable healthy food. And food quality standards (and more than constraint on adding sugar and salt to foods).

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300949503/live-last-remaining-covid19-restrictions-removed

  25. newsense 25
    14 August 2023 at 10:51 pm

    The Herald is nervous.

    Despite ignoring the case for taxes to solve the housing market or the carbon market or the sharp increase in wealth inequality as the result of government interventions around Covid, it has now assembled 12 tax experts to bash the fruit and veges policy.

    Apparently it’s populist? Unlike the calls to revive the fictional Iron Maiden and the three strikes law etc.

    Is there no one in Labour, not necessarily too close to the leadership, who can do a bit of populist tub thumping? It’s all the right has been doing for months and look at the polls…

    The tax experts don’t care if you have a job, if you are paid fairly, if you’re missing out on handouts the millionaires are getting, if you can afford rent or mortgage payments, but they do care if your fruit and veges are a little cheaper. 12 of them, 20 of them, a whole astroturfed pressure group whose funders are secret! They want you to be unemployed to solve their problems. Let’s get rid of them instead.

    We’re in it for you.

  26. newsense 26
    15 August 2023 at 12:28 am

    Good news- National is going to abolish income tax until all fixed living costs, food, housing and medical bills are taken out! Are they f- , but watch who the hypocrites in the press are chasing…

    National has pledged to return the tax advantage, arguing it was a central premise of tax that you tax profit, not income.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/132681298/house-prices-to-rise-postelection-more-so-if-national-win-experts-say

    The rest of the article is how we get to vote for a screwed housing market or a completely screwed housing market. The returned tax advantage is to property investors of course.

  27. tsmithfield 27
    15 August 2023 at 9:18 am

    I think that removing GST from food as proposed by Labour is unlikely to make significant savings for consumers.

    The reason I have that view is that removing GST does nothing about the fundamentals that determine price. Fresh produce is very sensitive to supply and demand pressures. That is why prices for veges that are out of season tend to be much more expensive when out of season for example.

    What I think will happen is that prices will initially drop. Due to that pressure from the demand side of the equation will increase, and prices will rise accordingly. So, in my view, it won't take long for prices to rebound. Thus, I think the main beneficiaries of this policy will be producers and supermarkets.

    The same argument doesn't apply so much to frozen food. So, there may be more savings past on in that case.

    • SPC 27.1
      15 August 2023 at 9:42 am

      It makes little difference to the market fundamentals – season and weather (and supply and demand competition determine that).

      But on top of that remains GST, just as an Auckland 10 cent tax on petrol, or the nationwide petrol tax does – whatever the international market price.

      Whether in season produce or frozen.

  28. Blazer 28
    15 August 2023 at 11:10 am

    At the table…Winston to Chris H,'I'll see your removal of GST off fresh fruit andvegetables …and raise you….

    1. We will take GST off basic foods including fresh food, vegetables, meat, dairy, and fish.

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    Almost all of the Wellington City Council’s recommended zoning changes to allow many more apartments and townhouses in its inner-suburbs have been approved.Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for subscribers features co-hosts and , along with regular guest on geopolitics, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #19 2024
    Open access notables A Global Increase in Nearshore Tropical Cyclone Intensification, Balaguru et al., Earth's Future: Tropical Cyclones (TCs) inflict substantial coastal damages, making it pertinent to understand changing storm characteristics in the important nearshore region. Past work examined several aspects of TCs relevant for impacts in coastal regions. However, ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Losing confidence in the integrity of NZ elections
    Do you believe New Zealand runs its general elections fairly and competently? As a voter, can you be confident that the votes on your ballot will be counted towards the final result? As a political scientist, I’ve been asked these questions many times and always answered “yes”, with very few ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago

  • The Song of Saqua: Volume VIII
    Thus far May has followed on from a quiet April in the blogging department, but in fairness, it has been another case of doing what I am supposed to be doing, namely writing original fiction. Plus reading. So don’t worry – I have been productive. But in order to reassure ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    4 days ago

  • Pretending to talk other people’s languages
    Fakes can come in many forms.A Rolex, for instance.A tan can be fake. Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What’s new? A social agency with an emphasis on “investment” instead of “wellbeing” – b...
    Buzz from the Beehive A new government agency will open for business on July 1 – the Social Investment Agency. As a new standalone central agency effective from 1 July, it will lead the development of social investment across Government, helping ministers understand who they need to invest in, what ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • Following the political money
    Bryce Edwards writes –    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Hipkins would rather no one remember that he was Minister of Education
    Alwyn Poole writes –  After being elected to Parliament in 2008 the maiden speech of Hipkins was substantially around education policy. He was Labour’s spokesperson for education 2011 – 2017. He was Minister for Education from 2017 until February 2023. This is approximately 88% of the time Labour ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Fashionable follies
    Eric Crampton writes –  A fashion industry group is lobbying for protections. They make the usual arguments and a newer one. None of it makes sense. An industry group says it pumped $7.8 billion into the economy last year – that’s 1.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Justice for Bainimarama!
    In December 2006, Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a coup. He ruled Fiji for the next 16 years, first as dictator, then as "elected" Prime Minister. But now, he's finally been sent to jail where he belongs. Sadly, this isn't for his real crime of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • March for Nature in June
    Don't like National's corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" law? Aotearoa's environmental NGO's - Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, WWF, Coromandel Watchdog, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, and others - have announced a joint march against it in Auckland in June: When: 13:00, 8 June, 2024 Where: Aotea Square, Auckland You ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Thursday May 9
    Seymour describes sushi as too woke for school meals. There are no fish sushi meals recommended by the School Lunches programme. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Government will swap out hot meals for packaged sandwiches to save $107 million on school lunches for poor kids. MSD has pulled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • The non-woke $3 Lunch.
    I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadenceBut I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeahBut it's on the table, the fire's cookin'And they're farmin' babies, while slaves are workin'The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin'But I'm goin' hungry, yeahSome ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Labour’s chickens come home to roost
    The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Calvin Reviews Lord of The Rings
    Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

  • Climate Adam: How to visualise Climate Change (ft. Katharine Hayhoe)
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • The wrong direction
    Some good news on climate change today: the energy transition away from fossil fuels is picking up speed, and renewables now make up 30% of global electricity supply. Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, we're moving in the opposite direction, with Genesis Energy announcing that it will resume importing Indonesian coal. Their official ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • National hates democracy
    Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • No Tikanga Please, We're Lawyers.
    Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Member’s Day
    Today is a Member's Day, and it seems we've entered the slowdown as things emerge from select committee. First up is the committee stage of Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the second readings of Stuart ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Hurrah for coal – Shane Jones welcomes Genesis Energy’s import plans as natural gas production s...
    Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Following the political money
    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The political parties are legally obliged to make ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • A Left-Right ranking of universities in NZ: a practical guide for students and parents
    Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim. Extreme Left   Auckland University of Technology Evidence The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  •  Inflation and GST thresholds
    Eric Crampton writes –  I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –  Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • A law school to be avoided – Auckland University of Technology
    Gary Judd writes – The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline “Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 17 people in Malaita stand in way of China’s takeover of the Solomons
    Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.: ‘Many of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] each’, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands aren’t ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the Hamas Ceasefire Offer, and Mark Mitchell’s Incompetence
    With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Wednesday May 8
    Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • A few PT announcements
    There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • At a glance – Tree ring proxies and the divergence problem
    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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Nothing to sneer at
    Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • Still on their bullshit
    When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Drawn
    A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
    Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
     Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  •  Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
    Chris Trotter writes –  Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • A balanced and an unbalanced article
    David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Deeply unserious country
    Every bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students
    The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…  Gary Judd KC writes –  I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/?p=77196
    The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    7 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, May 7
    TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • HM Prison Aotearoa.
    A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • Get Your Webworm Merch!
    Hi,I know it’s been awhile since there’s been any Webworm merch — and today that all changes!Over the last four months, I’ve been working with New Zealand artist Jess Johnson to create a series of t-shirts, caps and stickers that are infused with Webworm DNA — and as of right ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    7 days ago

  • Top OECD economist puts Willis between a rock and a hard place
    The OECD’s chief economist yesterday laid it on the line for the new Government: bring the deficit under control or face higher Reserve Bank interest rates for longer. And to bring the deficit under control, she meant not borrowing for tax cuts. But there was more. Without policy changes—introducing a ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    7 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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