Labour’s jobs policy

Written By: - Date published: 1:04 pm, November 16th, 2011 - 34 comments
Categories: employment, jobs, labour - Tags: ,

Phil Goff on RNZ this morning said that the teapot tape saga had descended in to farce, and that it was time to focus on the policy questions which should be defining the election.  As good as his word, today Labour released its jobs policy:

Labour’s six-point plan for jobs

Labour Leader Phil Goff today announced Labour’s plan to get Kiwis into jobs. … “Under National, unemployment has remained far too high for far too long. Two years after the global financial crisis there are still 157,000 Kiwis out of work.

“That’s because National has not made jobs a priority. It has stood on the side lines and let events take their course.

“This inaction is soul destroying for those involved, and cost New Zealand $1 billion in unemployment benefits in 2010/11 alone.

“It’s not good enough. A great deal more can be done and should be done to get the economy moving again and people into work. Labour will do a lot more than host a ‘talkfest jobs summit’, and over promise on gimmicks like the cycleway, which created only 500 jobs – not all of them full time.

“Labour’s six-point plan for jobs:

* A savings scheme that will provide new investment for New Zealand businesses;
* Support innovation to develop new products to sell to the rest of the world;
* Change monetary policy to support exporters against a volatile New Zealand dollar;
* Help unemployed youth into training and apprenticeships;
* Stimulate the economy by putting money into the pockets of those who need it;
* Making Kiwi jobs a consideration when issuing government contracts.
…
“The only way to create jobs is to get the economy going again. My plan does this. National’s plan to sell assets won’t create a single job,” Phil Goff said.

Unemployment is up 50% under National. The last two budgets in a row they’ve promised 170,000 new jobs and they haven’t delivered. Now that we’re all over Nice Mr Key, maybe we can focus on minor details like the environment, the economy, assets, and jobs…

34 comments on “Labour’s jobs policy ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Lanthanide 1
    16 November 2011 at 1:13 pm

    And they’re also releasing a “not negative” negative ad about Key:
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/campaign-trail/5976262/Labour-ads-target-John-Key

  2. queenstfarmer 2
    16 November 2011 at 1:44 pm

    That is a 2 point plan. The first 4 will not create jobs. The last 2 may, although Phil had better be careful that #6 does not trample on the China FTA that Phil commendably signed for NZ, and which would have consequences for NZ.

    • Ianupnorth 2.1
      16 November 2011 at 2:50 pm

      I’d say 2 and 4 most likely will; there are a wide range of infrastructure things that will emerge in future years (e.g drainage, water supply, electrical supply) – time to get the youth ready for dealing with these.

    • Draco T Bastard 2.2
      16 November 2011 at 2:58 pm

      The first 4 will not create jobs.

      A savings scheme that will provide new investment for New Zealand businesses;

      Creates an investment fund that, in theory, creates new opportunities for work and thus jobs.

      Support innovation to develop new products to sell to the rest of the world;

      Related to the first in that it will use that investment fund.

      Change monetary policy to support exporters against a volatile New Zealand dollar;

      If what they do does what they’re hoping (at a guess I’d say that they’re looking to keep the NZ$ value down) then it could produce more jobs.

      Help unemployed youth into training and apprenticeships;

      Well, I suppose the jobs need to be there in the first place and being well trained doesn’t necessarily ensure that jobs exist.

      although Phil had better be careful that #6 does not trample on the China FTA

      China has a similar policy so it obviously doesn’t. So does Australia, the US, The UK…

      • Herodotus 2.2.1
        16 November 2011 at 3:57 pm

        DTB – question your premise regard savings how do we know the Kiwisaver funds will not invest offshore? Also with NZ share market stagnet in total capitalisation around $40b similar as it has been fo 20+ years.With more money available there is a strong possability that prices will be driven up and this resulting in a reduced ROI or dividend yield.

        • Draco T Bastard 2.2.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 4:21 pm

          That’s why I said “in theory”.

          • Herodotus 2.2.1.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 4:34 pm

            Appologies- missing a few things lately.
            Still does not both Lab and Nat have to find jobs for 170k to then allow their achieving a surplus? Not too sure how either can do this in 3 years, then add in net immigration, and the increasing of the working age into the equation.
            Still would love to read about any parties immigration policies. As Auckland population is to grow to 2million by 2031. Just love to see and local and central govt plan in advance find space for housing, jobs, finance and the infrastructure that will be associated in maintaining Aucklands functionality, it is stressed enough currently.
            http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/people_and_communities/geographic-areas/mapping-trends-in-the-auckland-region/population-change.aspx

            • KJT 2.2.1.1.1.1
              16 November 2011 at 6:25 pm

              A surplus in a recession is not necessarily a good idea.

              Neither is borrowing for election bribes to the wealthy to spend on Hawaii holidays.

              That is why you pay down debt in a boom. Like Cullen.

              To allow room for counter recessionary spending.
              Like the Labour Government that got us out of recession before most others in the 30’s.

  3. randal 3
    16 November 2011 at 1:46 pm

    qsf. stop the poormouthing and get in behind.
    are you going to vote for a positive government or become a pantywaisted whinger like kweewee.

  4. In Vino Veritas 4
    16 November 2011 at 2:00 pm

    “Under National, unemployment has remained far too high for far too long. Two years after the global financial crisis there are still 157,000 Kiwis out of work.”

    Now lets take that as a percentage shall we? That’d be, oh, say 6.6%. Now lets have a look at the average unemployment since say, the early 1990’s. Hmm, that’d be 6.5%. W’eve had a global financial crisis, a recession, an earthquake, and now the crisis in Europe, and our unemployment is running at it’s 20 year average. Not bad given the prevailing economic conditions over the last three years. I’d also point out that the treasury economic and fiscal forecast of 2008 had unemployment at 6.2%, with a downside scenario of 7.1% for 2011. A forecast the Mr Goff would be conversant in (unless of course he forgot he was briefed).

    Again, Mr Goff is not embellishing a good story with the truth.

    • Uturn 4.1
      16 November 2011 at 2:11 pm

      Population in NZ 1990: 3,410,400

      Population in NZ 2011: 4,428,858

      Let’s use the same percentage unemployed, say, 6.5%. In 1990 there would be a hypothetical 221,676 unemployed.

      In 2011, under 6.5%, there would be 287,875.

      A difference of 66,199 people.

      But how could that be? We used the same percentage of unemployed for both figures?

      Statistics, poorly used, makes 66,000 people disappear. No need to panic. Nothing has changed. Government is doing fine. Everyone go back to sleep. Or school if you prefer.

      • In Vino Veritas 4.1.1
        16 November 2011 at 2:16 pm

        You’re being mischeivous Uturn, and I’m sure you can figure out where your illogical argument has flaws, since I could just by looking at your numbers. Heaven help us if all left wingers have the same skills in analysis as you. Oh, and I’m sure Treasury have a reasonable grasp of the precentages since they are the entity that provided the percentages I have given.

        • Ianupnorth 4.1.1.1
          16 November 2011 at 2:51 pm

          You seem to forget that the number of people in actual full time work has shrunken considerably; how convenient!

          • In Vino Veritas 4.1.1.1.1
            16 November 2011 at 3:25 pm

            As it is convenient for Mr Goff to pedal numbers, rather than comparable percentages. Whilst I havent yet managed to dig out number son the full time workforce, here are some numbers re Labour force:

            Sept 11 quarter total 2,375,000, unemployed 157,000 percentage 6.6%
            Sept 08 quarter total 2,266,000, unemployed 94,000, percentage 4.2%

            By June 09, the unemployment numbers had gone to 138,000 or 6.0%. Now, it’d be a long bow to draw to claim that National, in 7 months, had caused a 46% increase in unemployment.

            Mr Goff is claiming a 50% increase in unemployment. Well, as you can see, 46% of it came off the back of his parties policies, financial management and leadership.

            • Puddleglum 4.1.1.1.1.1
              17 November 2011 at 12:01 am

              I don’t think it’s so much about how high it went but how persistently it has remained there.

              National have made no attempt to reduce unemployment via active policies. There appears to be a ‘wait for the market/economy to recover’ policy. Batten down, throw the injured overboard to stay afloat and … keep waiting.

              The question is how long are National prepared to wait without actively stepping in to implement job growth?

              Does this global slump have to last two more years, five more, ten more before National will start to think it needs to do something, perhaps … 

              • Draco T Bastard …
                17 November 2011 at 12:14 am

                National have made no attempt to reduce unemployment via active policies.

                National believe that the natural rate of unemployment is around 6%. With it sitting at 6.6% means that they won’t do a damn thing about it because, as far as they’re concerned, it’s where it should be. As doing nothing is unacceptable to the voters NAct will whinge about the unemployed and put in place policies that punish them to make it look like they’re doing something.

              • In Vino Veritas …
                17 November 2011 at 8:07 am

                Puddle, as I pointed out in my earlier post, the 20 year average for unemployment in NZ is 6.5%. Labour managed to get it down over 9 years soley because they endured the best economic conditions in a generation, plus they spent profligately in the public service. Ergo, nothing in the bank (without checking, I think it was 750 million, with a great chunk of it already committed) for the incoming government.

                We are now enduring economic conditions that havent been seen for 20 years and you have an expectation that unemployment will fall to levels only seen in the best economic conditions?

            • Galeandra 4.1.1.1.1.2
              17 November 2011 at 8:35 am

              to pedal numbers…like on a cycleway ‘of national significance’?

    • bbfloyd 4.2
      16 November 2011 at 3:38 pm

      i always find it amusing, (and slightly disappointing) to once more be regaled with yet another “intelligent” tory assuming a labour government would react exactly the same as a national one….

      it requires the will to forget reality as reported at the appropriate times….some would label that childish intransigence….. i just think it’s pandering to emotional imbalances…..

      does anybody remember helen clarke stating for the public record the governments intention to bring out a mini budget “just after christmas” during the election campaign, and probably before? yes… an actual positive move to deal with the impact of the global meltdown…. one that you can guarantee wouldn’t have included throwing money away for high priced housing/holiday homes, and subsidising share portfolios…..

      instead… we got a “government” that did “sweet fuck all” to cushion the impact on money circulation that maintaining the employment base would have…..exactly the opposite in fact….

      we got the ground pulled out from under research and development… the very things that have produced the advances that allowed new zealand to punch well above it’s weight economically, and socially….

      we are facing a situation where universal education is, once more, going to be a thing we can “aspire” to, since this government seems, (possibly more than any other national government)
      hell bent on the final dismantling of the legacy of the savage labour government….

      how many differences can there be in approach before it becomes obvious that a dry set of figures based on an unchanging approach, regardless of the consequences, are no more than a snapshot made utterly irrelevant by the passage of time…..assuming that the treasury assessment is accurate to start with….. highly unlikely considering the amount of political activism rife within treasury, and their well known sympathies…..

      i could list the differences between the treasury assumptions and the actions the labour government would have taken, and the obvious widening of the realities predicted, and realised, but this will do to start with…..

      • In Vino Veritas 4.2.1
        17 November 2011 at 8:12 am

        bb, I’m sure if you’d had the information, you would list it, rather than just say a whole pile of stuff that has nothing to back it up. The numbers from the statistics Department speak for themselves I would also point out that Treasury’s release in late 08 estimated unemployment in 2011 would go to 6.2% (worst case 7.1%), and they had no view on who would be in government.

    • KJT 4.3
      16 November 2011 at 6:26 pm

      257 000 if 100 000 had not emigrated.

  5. Craig Glen Eden 5
    16 November 2011 at 3:14 pm

    Of coarse if we go back to 1999 election English didnt believe unemployment should be below 7% he was fine with it.

  6. insider 6
    16 November 2011 at 4:50 pm

    Why would an investment fund provide more jobs than now? I’d like to see a bit more justification as to why this would work, especially if the fund could earn more offshore. Are they going to force people to invest in it like through Kiwisaver or will it be tax driven? Seems like a slogan than a policy

    I’ve never understood why people welcome a low exchange rate – as an importing country, that has a downside and pushes up the cost of living. Why wouldn’t you aim for an economy that produces premium products and experiences that people are willing to pay for and which are less vulnerable to a high exchange rate? Is cheap and cheerful Labour’s aim for the economy?

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1
      16 November 2011 at 5:19 pm

      I’ve never understood why people welcome a low exchange rate…

      It’s good for exporters (their products become “cheaper” on the world market boosting sales) and so will boost employment as well as address trade imbalances caused by a high exchange rate.

      Why wouldn’t you aim for an economy that produces premium products and experiences that people are willing to pay for and which are less vulnerable to a high exchange rate?

      That’s what the “Support innovation” is for.

      Of course, the whole things bollocks anyway as we only have limited resources and the plans (for all parties) is to push growth beyond the limits set by those resources. In fact, in some areas it’s possible we’ve already passed those limits. Farming and the resultant dirty rivers and lakes comes to mind.

    • KJT 6.2
      16 November 2011 at 5:57 pm

      Well, we could be producing premium products, but National wants us all to work in McD’s and as farmhands for minimum wage.

      35 years of artificially high exchange rates, due to the dopy reserve bank act, http://howdaft.blogspot.com/2011/06/vampire-economics-reserve-bank-act.html and a religious believe that Government should not help any industry, except farming, has removed our innovative manufacturing sector.

      Constant lower exchange rates encourage and support local production as well as helping exporters.

  7. BLiP 7
    16 November 2011 at 6:57 pm

    Ho- hum.

  8. Afewknowthetruth 8
    16 November 2011 at 8:45 pm

    It really is all getting too silly for words:

    ‘maybe we can focus on minor details like the environment, the economy, assets, and jobs’

    Focusing on the environment suggests actually doing something to protect it. However, in practice, stimulating the economy directly equates to wreckng the environment faster than it already being wrecked -whether that is by covering farmland with concrete and asphalt to accommodate more people or simply by burning fossil fuels to keep shifting people and stuff around.

    Needless to say, we ‘have to’ mine, frack and drill to keep the Ponzi scheme going a bit longer.

    (Yes, I know New Zealander’s favourite pastimes involve moving people and stuff around using internal combustion engines and we cannot upset them by taking their ‘toys’ away.)

    In other words its all about pandering to the short term interests of global corporations and money-lenders, together with keeping ‘the proles’ distracted and amused while it all turns to custard, whichever party forms the next government.

    I see that Italy is having a spot of bother paying 6 or 7% interest on government bonds when its economy is imploding due to peak oil and so-called austerity. Payment of 6 or 7% interest can only be achived via 6 or 7% devaluation (annually) of the common fiat currency against real stuff like oil, gold, food, water etc.

    These are such interesting time and such and such bizarre times.

  9. Brett Dale 9
    16 November 2011 at 10:18 pm

    Judging by labour mp’s tonight on twitter and facebook, they dont give a fuck about policies, its all about the tapes.

    • Draco T Bastard 9.1
      16 November 2011 at 10:32 pm

      Yeah, that would be why Labour have been releasing policy when National has been releasing bullet points.

      I’ll give you a hint Brett, politicians twitter and face-book threads aren’t official release channels.

    • lprent 9.2
      17 November 2011 at 1:14 am

      Social media does tend to emphasize the personal rather than the policy. It is why it is called social media.

      The Labour advertising campaign and almost all of the press releases have pretty much been about policy or reactions to policy. The nearest thing I have seen to non-policy in Labours public face has been the adverts that look at Nationals piss-poor record. Reminds me, there is one that I want to put up again.

      Don’t know who did the Labour campaign. But I am liking it.

  10. mike 10
    16 November 2011 at 11:02 pm

    Good points I feel. Except #5 seems a wee bit vague…

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    6 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T12:10:19+00:00