Launch of Drinking Liberally NZ

Written By: - Date published: 12:17 pm, May 15th, 2008 - 67 comments
Categories: activism - Tags: ,

If you’re down in Wellington and of the Left, you’ve probably heard people talking about Drinking Liberally New Zealand. Drinking Liberally is an international network that grew out of the US, where people from throughout the Left, greenies, union-types, feminists, anarchists, Labourites, and everyone else, get together at a bar in their town, have a drink, listen to a speech from a guest speaker, and talk about politics and ways we can work together.

Drinking Liberally New Zealand is launching on Wednesday next week (the 21st) from about 6pm at the Southern Cross. It’s fantastic to have Nandor Tanczos as the first guest speaker and it should be a really good time.

So if you’re wanting to find a way to get more active in politics or you’re like me and you’re active but you keep on hearing about all this other great work other people are doing and thinking ‘man, we could do some great stuff together’, then come along on Wednesday. It’s totally non-partisan and relaxed; it’s about having a good time and building ties. Hope to see you there (I’ll be the one with the beard, not it that that narrows things down much).

What: Launch of Drinking Liberally New Zealand

Who: Guest speaker Nandor Tanczos, lefties galore

Where: Southern Cross, Abel Smith St, in the garden bar

When: From 6pm, Wednesday, 21st May

Join the mail list: here.

67 comments on “Launch of Drinking Liberally NZ ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Lyn 1
    15 May 2008 at 12:37 pm

    Is there something like this in Auckland? Or any thought of starting it?

  2. Sam Dixon 2
    15 May 2008 at 12:39 pm

    So, it’s bascially a chance to meet people who are active and maybe doing stuff you are intersted in but whom you don’t know? And maybe get some kind of cooperation happening?

    Sounds like a good idea. Is this what the right call senergy?

  3. Patrick 3
    15 May 2008 at 12:43 pm

    This sounds like a great idea, sadly I’m busy next Wednesday but hopefully it will become a regular event!

  4. polaris 4
    15 May 2008 at 12:43 pm

    “Synergy” maybe, probably not “senergy”.

  5. Steve Pierson 5
    15 May 2008 at 12:44 pm

    There’s no Auckland branch yet. – I haven’t had much to do with the organisational side of getting it set up here in Welly but the guys said it was pretty straightforward. Drinking Liberally US has some software for planning and stuff they give you.

    If you, or anyone else is interested in being part of setting it up in Auckland, flick me an email at the thestandardnz@gmail.com

  6. Steve Pierson 6
    15 May 2008 at 12:46 pm

    Sam.

    Yeah for some people it’s a way to network, for others it might just be a chance to have a good time in like-minded company and have a chat with people about issues they care about.

  7. Phil 7
    15 May 2008 at 12:50 pm

    If you’re of a centre-right persuasion and looking for something similar, you can’t really go wrong with http://www.youngnats.org.nz/

  8. Phil 8
    15 May 2008 at 12:55 pm

    It should be pointed out that political action groups or public forums held in bars tend to be very bad places to pick up a date…

    The green party “I only date green guys” t-shirts with the lovely ladies (wearing one size too small?) is false advertising on the same scale as the Lynx ad’s

  9. Patrick 9
    15 May 2008 at 1:03 pm

    Thanks for the link Phil. I found the page on the Young Nat’s executive particularly enlightening. What a diverse bunch of people. I’m so glad that the minority that is white upper-middle class males finally have proper representation.

  10. Benodic 10
    15 May 2008 at 1:14 pm

    Great idea, I’ll try to make it along. This is just what the left needs.

  11. Macky 11
    15 May 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Isn’t Farrar a life member of the Young Nats? ‘uff said.

    See you there Steve.

  12. Robinsod 12
    15 May 2008 at 1:30 pm

    I’d love to show up but I fear it’ll attract psycho-righties like Whale’s creepy mate playing spot the leftie. Given the fact people know my name and the threats I’ve had made against my personal safety I simply wouldn’t feel safe…

  13. MikeE 13
    15 May 2008 at 1:31 pm

    Does drinking liberally support liberalisation of drinking laws?

    [Drinking Liberally has no political positions whatsoever. It is purely a forum.]

  14. Billy 14
    15 May 2008 at 1:39 pm

    What did Michael Laws say about the Young Nats? He’d never seen a group of people more in need of a bl*wjob?

    Captcha: the apr “Scull quantities”

  15. Billy 15
    15 May 2008 at 1:39 pm

    “apt”

  16. Phil 16
    15 May 2008 at 1:44 pm

    AFAIK, membership isn’t withdrawn, there is only a restriction on signing up before you get ‘old’. So I guess Farrar still counts…

    Anyway, by all accounts he’s actually a good sort once you get a couple of beers in him, but I’m not convinced he’d make a decent wingman.

  17. jafapete 17
    15 May 2008 at 1:48 pm

    Saw the US version on Faux News recently, and it looked a little lame. If you know much about American political culture, being a left-liberal is almost an underground thing in many places (think Kansas), so that was hardly surprising.

    We already have a bunch of lefties meeting at Galbraiths of a Friday, but it is a pretty popular time at NZ’s best brew pub…

  18. Steve Pierson 18
    15 May 2008 at 1:53 pm

    Ah, there you go Lyn – talk to jafapete.

    You mean Fox News didn’t give glowing coverage of a bunch of lefties getting together? Shock! 😉

  19. mike 19
    15 May 2008 at 2:06 pm

    “Given the fact people know my name and the threats I’ve had made against my personal safety I simply wouldn’t feel safe ”

    I think you might be taking yourself a bit too seriously Sod.

  20. higherstandard 20
    15 May 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Yes Patrick – almost as diverse as the posters on this site – at least there is one woman on their executive.

  21. Robinsod 21
    15 May 2008 at 2:15 pm

    I think you might be taking yourself a bit too seriously Sod.

    You’re not the one clearing threats out of your inbox on a regular basis mike.

  22. Steve Pierson 22
    15 May 2008 at 2:24 pm

    HS. Bro. Don’t go attacking the writers of this blog like that, it’s not necessary.

    We have writers an incredibly diverse range of backgrounds – men, women, different ethnicities, sexualities, ages, political leanings, an array of different jobs from business owners. fellas straight out of uni, people whose highest qualification is bursary, people with multiple degrees, all kinds of professional backgrounds, people who grew up in an array of family settings and different sectors of society, people who have never been politically active before and people who have been around the traps for years.

    Our commentators represent an even broader array of people throughout our society and from abroad.

    So don’t you come on this site and say we’re like those privileged, ‘entitled’, little toryboys.

  23. Steve Pierson 23
    15 May 2008 at 2:26 pm

    It would be cool if you could come ‘sod.

    Don’t worry about the tories, they’re all talk.

  24. Billy 24
    15 May 2008 at 2:26 pm

    “So don’t you come on this site and say we’re like those privileged, ‘entitled’, little toryboys.”

    Telling little piece of bile.

  25. higherstandard 25
    15 May 2008 at 2:30 pm

    Billy

    Isn’t it though !

    Steve always reverts to ‘Bro’ when he’s peeved

  26. Steve Pierson 26
    15 May 2008 at 2:31 pm

    Did you see the pics that the youngnats had up last election? Have you met them? All rich, paheka, born to rule, male, kids, studying finance but don’t need a student loan becuase daddy’s paying for it – they have no empathy or understanding of what most people’s lifes are like yet they feel themselves destined to rule.

    I am not like them, nor are my fellow standardistas. We are diverse and we embrace diversity.

  27. Robinsod 27
    15 May 2008 at 2:34 pm

    They are born to rule??? Oh shit. I thought I was. I wonder if I can get my deposit back on that crown and throne set…

  28. Matthew Pilott 28
    15 May 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Well, I do like to drink, er, liberally. On occasion. Did you all know Tuesday can be an occasion?

  29. higherstandard 29
    15 May 2008 at 2:35 pm

    Steve

    Glad to know you embrace diversity and have such empathy and understanding of other people Steve at the moment though you appear to be a bile spitting lunatic

  30. Steve Pierson 30
    15 May 2008 at 2:38 pm

    HS. Nah I called you bro because I like you and you had crossed a line that I didn’t want to see you crossing. Where I come from, Bro’s what you call a mate. You’re one of the best commentators we have here and I said bro, as a shorthand for ‘bro, you crossed a line in calling me and my fellow standardistas undiverse like the toryboys’ because you don’t know us, you don’t know our backgrounds, our genders, our sexualities, our ethnicities.

    And I’m proud that I get to write with such a diverse group of people who all truly believe in social and economic justice, and I was genuinely insulted by your remark.

  31. Ari 31
    15 May 2008 at 2:42 pm

    Mmm. Maybe I might trot over. It’s always awesome to hear from Nandor.

  32. higherstandard 32
    15 May 2008 at 2:48 pm

    You’re right Steve I don’t no the backgroung and proclivities of you and your fellow posters apart from your leaning to the left which you’re all very up front about .

    However your assumption that you know the backgrounds, sexualities, ethnicities and proclivities of the young Nats is bizzarre – I can oly assume you had a bad experience with one or more of them.

  33. higherstandard 33
    15 May 2008 at 2:49 pm

    Feck must spell check !!

    captcha To pharmacist – bizarre I am off down to the hospital pharmacy !

  34. Travellerev 34
    15 May 2008 at 2:57 pm

    F*&k, I’d love to come over but I live in Rag town, way out in the wops.
    I met Nandor a while ago and he is smart and honest.
    If you guys want me to give me a presentation about 911 just let me know, all I need is a bed and food. HS and Billy are invited.
    By the way did you know that most 911 thruthers are republicans and two time Bush voters?

  35. Billy 35
    15 May 2008 at 2:59 pm

    Careful, ev, it might be a trap.

  36. Patrick 36
    15 May 2008 at 2:59 pm

    higherstandard – you might want to take a look at the page I referenced, sure it doesn’t go into detail about their sexual preferences, but it does have a bit of background about the Young Nat executive. That is what I based my comment on.

    I particularly enjoyed this from their FAQ page:

    Are the Young Nats all male?

    No definitely not. Yes, the Executive members at the moment happen to be male, but the Young Nats as a whole are not. There are plenty of women involved in Young Nats, including the one writing this answer. We believe in electing people based on merit not gender, and women have previously held positions right throughout all levels of the Young Nats.

    So yeah, they wouldn’t mind electing more woman, if only any of them were any good. Well, I for one am glad that the Young Nats take this issue so seriously. ffs, if I were a female Nat supporter I would be seriously offended.

  37. Travellerev 37
    15 May 2008 at 3:01 pm

    oh by the way, I love drinking liberally.
    Did you know that while you can use just about anything in Holland, you cannot distil your own.
    Guess what, you can here. I love NZ

  38. Travellerev 38
    15 May 2008 at 3:09 pm

    Billy you’re a jerk, but quit possibly a loveable one.
    I don’t know until I meet you.
    And by the way; just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.

  39. higherstandard 39
    15 May 2008 at 3:20 pm

    Pat I might be getting on a bit but one of the young Nats executive does appear to be a woman !

    Eve – thanks for the invitation but it’s not my cup of tea I’d also suggest that most 911 ‘truthers’ as you call them probably make up the vast amount of all Americans both of the left and right persuasion

  40. Patrick 40
    15 May 2008 at 3:27 pm

    hs – and how is their ethnic diversity looking? Do they have any representation from Maori? Anyone who isn’t white? No, they just have a token female, that should shut those pesky liberals up.

  41. Travellerev 41
    15 May 2008 at 3:31 pm

    HS, I am sorry to read your message.
    I thought you where the kind of person who was keen on staying informed of everything of real importance.

  42. higherstandard 42
    15 May 2008 at 3:34 pm

    Pat

    I’m sure if they had an appropriate Maori, or a Lesbian Mongolian amputee, etc etc etc who wanted to be on the executive they could be if a position came up.

    Your remind me of the lunacy we have to put up with in the Health System wherein every time we open a new ward or surgical unit every lobby group and ethnicity have to have their say and perform a blessing.

  43. Robinsod 43
    15 May 2008 at 3:46 pm

    you’ve got it backwards HS. The young nats’ lack of diversity isn’t being criticised as an evil in itself but is being pointed to as a indicative symptom of the narrowness of the agenda they represent and thus their lack of ability to speak representatively on behalf of a broader section of society (as a political movement should be able to do).

    Captcha: “cycle Hoffman” – steal that book… and then ride away…

  44. Patrick 44
    15 May 2008 at 3:47 pm

    Yeah it’s really terrible when communities want to be involved in things like the health system isn’t it. I don’t see why they can’t just buy their health care at market rates.

    The fact is, I think it’s pretty ridiculous that one of the two major parties only represents such a narrow view of New Zealand.

  45. lprent 45
    15 May 2008 at 3:57 pm

    Galbraiths is ok. But I have to go under a pseudonym otherwise the room clears. Seems like the political types don’t like talking systems, computers and general tech all that much. 🙂

    Actually I’m too anti-social to turn up. It is like being a doctor – everyone has a sick system somewhere.

  46. Patrick 46
    15 May 2008 at 4:02 pm

    I feel your pain Lynn! It used to be as simple as telling people how to reset their iPods, but recently it’s been getting as full on as: “Soooo… what do you know about The Linux?”.

    I should just pretend that I’m a policy analyst.

  47. lprent 47
    15 May 2008 at 4:16 pm

    Ummmmm… Don’t think that works either. I’ve seen policy people surrounded – for some reason people seem to think that they have some kind of influence.

    Something boring. Accountant (nah everyone has tax problems – not just the righties), lawyer (nope), businessman (how many crackpot ideas do you hear a day), teacher (umm bloody parents), …. I have it

    Librarian!

    One of my hassles is that I know a hell of a lot about computers and almost everything else. Being a vicarious reader & getting a bit over the top with degrees does that to you. It is rare to hear conversations about things I didn’t know when I was in my 20’s or 30’s. But you have to say that the beer is good at Galbraiths, and a bit of alcohol is good at shutting down the higher brain functions. (But it makes writing code a bit harder later on).

  48. Billy 48
    15 May 2008 at 4:18 pm

    Go with real estate agent, lprent. Apparently, pretending to be a real estate agent is all the rage…

  49. lprent 49
    15 May 2008 at 4:23 pm

    Billy: In the current housing market? You have to be kidding. They’ll surround you trying to find out how to offload the mortgage.

  50. Robinsod 50
    15 May 2008 at 4:30 pm

    Or politely ask you to leave…

  51. randal 51
    15 May 2008 at 5:02 pm

    hey hs did ya get ya thorazine down at the pharmacy…chill out dude.

  52. randal 52
    15 May 2008 at 5:04 pm

    hey hs again if they wanted a certified moron they would get someone like you!!!!!!! make that exactly like you…hahahahahaha

    [lprent: That was over the bounds – did you forget which blog site you were on?]

  53. higherstandard 53
    15 May 2008 at 5:17 pm

    Sadly no Randal

    I’m neither young nor a moron, you on the other hand appear to fit one of those categories.

  54. Ruth 54
    15 May 2008 at 5:54 pm

    Lyn said ‘Actually I’m too anti-social to turn up’

    Same here! The thought of having to make conversation with people I don’t know sends my anxiety levels off the Richter Scale…so I often say I’ll come to events and then not turn up…which isn’t a good look.

  55. Ari 55
    15 May 2008 at 8:59 pm

    Just to check- the drinking part is optional, right? 😉

  56. Steve Pierson 56
    15 May 2008 at 9:19 pm

    If it was a Labour-run thing the drinking would be complusory.

    If it was Green-run, drinking would be banned.

    But the idea is that it’s a meeting place and forum for all on the left, so, drinking is voluntary.

    Ruth. Don’t be scared. We met once and you struck me as a perfectly socialable type.

  57. lprent 57
    15 May 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Ari: Drinking is always optional. But the beer at Galbraiths is very good. I’m sure that there must be beer in wellington as well (it is in the suburbs a bit 🙂 ).

    Ruth: I find meeting people is interesting. After I figure out what they’re likely to say next, the amusement value wanes and it starts getting boring. But thats me – over-educated and arrogant (to paraphrase my namesake). As a general rule I find the more people together, the lower the average intelligence level. Yawn – I think thats a reaction to being at a meeting this evening…

    Thats why I like programming – a guaranteed 30% learning curve every year. I’m sure in this day and age someone would want me on drugs for hyper behavior in my youth.

    captcha: scare recessions
    sounds like the news today

  58. Matthew Pilott 58
    15 May 2008 at 10:09 pm

    Not that it’s all about the drinking or anything, but…

    http://www.thecross.co.nz/menus/beers

    Billy and ‘sod, please note the god-awful misplaced apostrophe in “Tuatara Ardennes”. Ardenne does not own the beer, FFS! If it were my family, such a misplaced apostrophe would be enough to ensure a veto of the venue.

    That aside, it’s a damn good beer.

  59. Lew 59
    15 May 2008 at 10:47 pm

    The irony of having a rasta launching a drinking-and-arguing club is truly awesome.

    In my very limited experience out drinking with Standardistas, there’s a fair diversity of opinion. And it’s always interesting to see if people talk as big in public as they do on the interwebs.

    A double-header with this and Back Benches looks like it might be the ticket.

    L

  60. Brett Dale 60
    15 May 2008 at 10:50 pm

    Can I bring my Toby Keith Cd’s?

  61. Phil 61
    16 May 2008 at 9:53 am

    Steve’s comment back up the thread…

    “Did you see the pics that the youngnats had up last election? Have you met them? All rich, paheka, born to rule, male, kids, studying finance but don’t need a student loan becuase daddy’s paying for it – they have no empathy or understanding of what most people’s lifes are like yet they feel themselves destined to rule.”

    Bullshit. As a former Young Nat who loosely fits about half of those classifications, and doesn’t at all fit into the other half, I can tell you that there is more ‘we have a right to rule’ drivel coming from posts and comments on TheStandard than anything that was ever spawned in YN’s.

  62. Brett Dale 62
    16 May 2008 at 10:04 am

    Steve:

    In regards to the comments “All rich All rich, paheka, born to rule, male, kids, studying finance but don’t need a student loan becuase daddy’s paying for it”

    Dont you find that a bit bigoted and what is wrong with studying finance?

    Imagine if someone here wrote, that “Labour supporters from South Auckland are mostly Unemployed Samoan immigrants, who dont feel like working and believe that whitey owes them a house”

    Your comment is just as bigoted.

  63. killinginthenameof 63
    16 May 2008 at 3:47 pm

    When im back up in wellington, I shall definatetl pop my head in..

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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    2 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    5 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago

  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week 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
    12 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    22 hours ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
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    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
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    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
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    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
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    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
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    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
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    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
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    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
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    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
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    2 weeks ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
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    2 weeks ago

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