Leaders’ debate post

Written By: - Date published: 6:59 pm, September 30th, 2020 - 115 comments
Categories: election 2020, jacinda ardern, Judith Collins, uncategorized - Tags:

Post for discussion of the latest leaders’ debate scheduled for this evening.  Be kind to each other.

115 comments on “Leaders’ debate post ”

  1. mickysavage 1

    Miss Ardern … drink!

    • gsays 1.1

      Easy for you to say, I have just started a fairly high octane home brew cider..

    • roblogic 1.2

      if it's Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit, yes please 😛

    • Adrian Thornton 1.3

      Did you like the part when Collins out lefted Arden on house prices?..seems that Arden would rather let the country burn than see houses become affordable for our children…not even to fucking own but now, but even to rent FFS!

      Also interesting to note that no media pick up on Collins support of Trumps Israeli "peace" policies …of course that is because she seems to be some sort of mad religious nutter who probably thinks it brings us closer to the rapture or something.

  2. Anker 3

    Jacinda sounding good when I tuned in. Glad they are being asked about covid.

    but just can’t watch it! Too excruciating

    • Andre 3.1

      Did Judthulhu pick up some debating technique tips from watching the US "debate"?

      • Cinny 3.1.1

        It's scarily similar…. including the static hair.

      • mary_a 3.1.2

        Funny you should say that Andre (3.1). I was thinking the same thing.

        Judith Collins did a great repeat Trump debate performance last night. Jacinda in the main demonstrated good manners and respect towards her opposition, by allowing Collins to say her piece.

  3. riffer 4

    Lucky I'm not drinking every time one of them says "Paddy".

  4. bwaghorn 5

    You forgot

    "They think tax is love"

  5. gsays 6

    Opening round of hypotheticals goes to PM, as the questions have already been dealt with in the real world.

    The contender in the blue corner looks rattled. Despite calling in Thunderbirds Border Protection Agency.

  6. francesca 7

    Did I just hear Collins saying Samoa closed its borders a month before NZ???

    Well talofa !

    In actual fact they closed a couple days after NZ

  7. PsyclingLeft.Always 8

    Jacinda gettin the Applause : )

  8. Fireblade 9

    I like Judith's red shirt. It's great to see her supporting our next Labour government.

  9. Dennis Frank 10

    Significant win for JC when the PM refused to say her govt would change the law if necessary to defeat businesses rorting taxpayers, after JC said she would do that as PM – those businesses who took the wage subsidy without needing it.

    Ardern seems defensive. She's trying to be authoritative, only partially succeeding. Collins is talking over her answers, Gower is allowing that to happen, Ardern's appeals for courtesy & equal time to reply are being ignored. Makes her ineffectual.

    • NZJester 10.1

      To be fair JC would not change the law to get the money back but retroactively make them rorting the current system by lying legal so they can keep the money.

      The current system is based on honesty that the information they supply is true and correct to get the money out as fast as possible without a long delay checking the info supplied is true. Just because a few business are lying to them and supplying false information to get a subsidy does not mean a law change needs to be made. They just need to be charged under current law if they have knowingly supplied false information to get the subsidy instead of asked nicely to pay it back.

  10. Brian Tregaskin 11

    Judith is an ABOSULTE train wreck tonight, history is the making, this snowflake will be exposed tonight.
    Go Jacinda!!!

  11. georgecom 12

    I would repeat a few lines every so often

    If the SFO was mentioned, suggest Judith knows more about them. Ask her how many final warnings Key had placed her on before she got demoted and investigated by the SFO.

    The economy, mention Goldsmiths 8 billion hole, double counting etc. Can Paul balance his cheque book?

    Nationals changed it's covid border policy 5 times this year, even more than the number of times it changed leaders

    subtly paint Collins as the temporary National leader until after the election. Ask Judith how many times she stood for leader before she got it. How many National MPs were consdiering bringing back Bridges when it was a choice of Collins and Gerry. How long it might be before Luxon becomes the next leader.

    A few jibes at Judith to get under her skin. She is clearly thin skinned about some of this stuff.

  12. gsays 13

    Feilding!

    We made the tele!

  13. Brian Tregaskin 14

    Go Feilding! –making history tonight

  14. Dennis Frank 15

    Still no moral leadership from the PM on justice for cannabis users. She wants voters to believe civil rights for oppressed minorities are irrelevant?? Or she believes that particular minority deserves to be oppressed and is happy that the others have been liberated? At least JC is blatantly closet fascist.

    • The Al1en 15.1

      I didn't see it like that, so dunno what debate you're watching

    • In Vino 15.2

      Yes, I also would prefer that she come out and say it. But given the surge of "No" vote propaganda lately, and the rise in the No vote in polls, I can understand her holding back her hand, given the foolishly conservative nature of so many voting Kiwis. Better to concentrate on winning the election, and there is nothing wrong with staying neutral on either of the referenda, which are conscience votes anyway, and should therefore remain private.

      Jacinda is doing the wise thing rather than what she would like to do, maybe..

    • mikesh 15.3

      Nobody should be obliged to say how they would vote, in an election, on any issue, not even on a cannabis referendum.

  15. PsyclingLeft.Always 16

    Jacinda can Te Reo…Judith…not so much

  16. Chris T 17

    The problem is have lately iso Ardern is so vague with detail when answering.

    Refuses to answer yes/no questions etc.

    But I guess it is just not wanting to rock the boat with the polls.

  17. Cinny 18

    Dr shane.. drink ! lololz

  18. aj 19

    Gower is bloody annoying, but in a different way from Campbell.

    Collins has just targeted the health system as being racist. . . .

    • Cinny 19.1

      Personally I think Paddy is doing a brilliant job in this role.

    • Chris T 19.2

      Thought Arderns answer was basically the same.

      • observer 19.2.1

        In fact they agreed on quite a lot, though that won't make the headlines (sugary drinks, period poverty and feminism, 4 year terms, even Te Reo).

        Collins criticising Big Pharma was my unexpected nodding moment.

        • mikesh 19.2.1.1

          I thought her criticism unwarranted. At some point you have to draw the line on how much the state should spend on a treatment, which may not even work.

          • greywarshark 19.2.1.1.1

            mikesh – Put in a nutshell. We expect a lot from government that many profess to despise. Having their cake and eating it too.

  19. Dennis Frank 20

    Ardern's delivery & presentation has been improving steadily. Collins has eased back on her dominance/ bullying tactic and sounded genuine in acknowledging how unconscious bias in decision-makers produces racism.

  20. Cinny 21

    "It's not age judith, it's ideology and yours is outdated."

    Clapping from the audience follows yes

  21. Dennis Frank 22

    Collins has persisted in doing a standing trainwreck impression on climate change and water policy. Clueless dork syndrome and nothing else to offer.

  22. RedBaronCV 23

    Are the debates being biased or preframed by the location and the audience. Looks like both are studios – no Marae background for instance -and I assume those studios are in central city locations with matching audiences. Would you get a different audience make up if say one was held in Manakau with the locals out in force?.

    • Cinny 23.1

      I'd say Level 2 Covid restrictions in Akld would have a fair bit to do with their choice of location and audience size.

  23. PsyclingLeft.Always 24

    crusher Collins? More like condescension Collins. Patronising as . Pretty weak

  24. Pat 25

    Have watched 30 mins of the second debate and the only thing I have taken from it is that both leaders consider that there are not enough votes to be determined by their presentations….will anyone bother with the third obligatory offering?

  25. gsays 26

    "What's your plan, Judith?"

    Line of the night for me.

    Followed by "Jeepers". And Gower's reaction.

  26. Dennis Frank 27

    The thing proceeded better the last couple of segments: bipartisan consensus got acknowledged on a bunch of topics. Overall, no king-hits. Collins scored the best laugh moment & probably won on points.

  27. In Vino 28

    For most dimwitted swing voters, too long and they will have switched to some dumb home decoration or cooking programme. For my money, Jacinda won narrowly, but this is of no significance.

  28. Patricia 2 29

    Another debate ; another host who thinks it is more about him. Paddy could at least let the person being asked a question answer it.

    Judith Wong Tung has found christianity but will wipe the gun laws. Happy to work with David Seymour who is a man of principle.

    More of Judith's linguistic skills on display ; plenty of "By the way" and "I'll tell you what".

    Paul Goldsmith only made one error.

    She admires Donald Trump's recent negotiating in the Middle East.

    The audience seemed to be applauding more of Ms Ardern's statements but the panel (Trish Sherson / Mihi Forbes / ?? Pagani) thought the winner of the debate was Judith Wong Tung.

  29. observer 30

    Debates aren't really about "knockouts, winning on points" etc. That's the TV show, but it isn't what endures.

    What matters is leaders being on the record, and then having to deal with that for a) the rest of the campaign and b) in government. An example would be Ardern putting abortion on the agenda in 2017. It happened because she committed to it on live TV.

    By that measure, Collins gave two huge hostages to fortune. First on guns (a real vote-loser). And worse, being a cheerleader for Donald Trump. Polls show a majority of National voters don't like Trump.

    She'll be asked plenty about both of those, tomorrow. Not what she wants the media coverage to be about.

    • Incognito 30.1

      Do ACT voters like guns and Trump?

      • observer 30.1.1

        You mean she was trying to win them back. Possibly, but a high price to pay.

        Swing voters would have said "yeah, she can do some good gags, but a PM? No."

        • Incognito 30.1.1.1

          I think Judith is fighting a rearguard battle more than a frontal attack for the centre or swing voters. I think she’s losing on both fronts.

      • woodart 30.1.2

        I would say act likes the money that follows guns(nra).

  30. RedBaronCV 31

    Was it Mihirangi that made the comments about the Kahui twins? Just watching Judith wallow in hyprocrisy. Nact removes the Bristol clauses but Judith wants to capitalise on the Kahui twins.

    Tovea I'm over but who are the other two on the panels?

    .

    • lprent 31.1

      Of course. It is one of the nutbar constituencies that Seymour has cobbled together (reminds me of the 2005? Peter Dunne strategy).

      The gun manufacturer and retailer lobby's sock puppet group leader is 3rd on the list as I remember it.

    • RedBaronCV 31.2

      Okay I've worked out who the panel is . Tilting too the right methinks?

  31. ScottGN 32

    Collins gave the game away with the stupid flag question at the end, “why doesn’t Miss Ardern take it to a referendum, it worked so well last time.” You mean after the election Judith when she’s still prime minister?

  32. observer 33

    History trivia question: is that the first time a PM has been addressed as "dear" in a debate?

    Collins seems to think this line of condescension works (see also: "poor wee thing", "Miss Ardern" etc). I'm sure it appeals to the echo chamber of blokes who dismiss "Cindy". But that's a small minority of voters.

    • Wensleydale 33.1

      I don't think Collins possesses the self-awareness required to realise when she's being an obvious ass. She seems to think her pathological smart-arsery is witty and clever, when it just makes her look petty and childish. Still… plays well with a certain demographic no doubt.

  33. PaddyOT 34

    The debates are just slick posturing and showmanship, a joke show insulting to NZers intelligence as it pretends to advance informed voting choices.

    What was new learnings tonight? Nothing.

    Except pre debate Tova pointed out Natz Nicola Willis sitting in the Undecided block of seats in the studio audience.

    Judith's still pushing her brand new 'I've found God' personna, that perverse revelation again tonight on tv3.
    " As a Christian, I do actually believe in miracles but that ain't going to be one of them."

    Judith with these and her comments on Hagar meeting the maker, was appealing to her righteous, voter base. There's that underlying seditious message similar to Trump's 'supremacist' hate tactics over time. " A vote to the other party is a threat to Christians ….. and so on."

    Crusher has memory loss of neo-lib impacts, she must be an Old Testament follower of brimstone breath and ripping out eyes
    retalliation techniques.

    Judith trying to portray her innocence in her dirty politics relationship to Slater, Trump claiming innocence of tax evasion today in debate, Judith's ridiculous truck driver cap in winter another similarity…

    I feel there is more debauched americanism as an influence in this NZ election.

    Today in the US debate Trump was challenged about his white supremacist supporters during his shouty time with Joe Biden.

    But when asked to denounce the far-right group "Proud Boys" by name, he said: "Stand back and stand by." That deflection tactic Judith uses.

    A Proud Boys member must declare that he is "a Western chauvinist who refuses to apologise for creating the modern world" and has to wear a MAGA hat

    https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-53018201

    In a Trump manner Collin's re-colours the history of colonialism and deflects from answering issues… my husband is Samoan…, ' ' ' Is there something wrong with me being white?’ Collins twisting out of race relations questions at that time.

    This year on The Hui, Collins said she'll "never apologise" for being who she is when questioned over her comments during a hearing of Parliament's Finance and Expenditure Committee.

    Judith reacted to questions by Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey about Treaty partnership and Government procurement.
    "Oh Jesus Christ, stupid questions," Collins said. Blasphemous Judith…

    The committee chair – Labour's Deborah Russell – called that "a 'white girl comment' – crikey".

    "Oh no," replied Collins. "It's actually someone who is utterly sick of being demonised for my ethnicity, thank you very much." That narcissistic turning of issues to be about herself.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/judith-collins-fires-back-at-critics-over-white-comments.html

    Collins over weeks is moving away from a centrist position, dumping 'greening' policies – ' money for private Rio Tinto but NEVER for fixing injustice at Ihumatao' . Seymour for deputy PM would be excellent she feels . Collin's has dumped the tyrant softening baby blue jacket for Thatcher threads . Overtalking brashly, taking dog- shots ,Trump like in debate. It's not coincidental this week's old Judith styling herself as proud of her neo-lib inequality legacy and a proud christian and white girl.

  34. mikesh 35

    Does anyone think it's fair to send someone to jail for three years, if he/she hasn't committed a crime, but simply for refusing to shop in a family member. It's not desirable that a guilty person should get off scot free, but it's not the end of the world.

    • Jennifer 35.1

      It was the end of the world for that small human being and many more. How long do you want to turn a blind eye to our disgusting baby murdering stastistics?

      • mikesh 35.1.1

        Who's turning a blind eye. I'm pretty sure the police do their best to find out who the guilty party is, and prosecute. If they draw a blank, that of course is tragic. But does it justify sending someone to jail if he/she refuses to shop in a family member. It certainly doesn't in other situations.

        Judith was simply pandering for votes by playing on people's emotions.

    • greywarshark 35.2

      Three years – millions in fraud doesn't get that does it? It's a gotta show these low-lives who's boss thing I think. Which they already know and resent like hell being hassled.

  35. adam 36

    Mihingarangi Forbes saying the debate was split and supporters will say their side won. Then the two muppets that followed her both said judith won. Tory hacks are so blatant these days.

    Is it just me, or is anyone else over the rabid anti-intellectualism from the post debate female commentators on TV1 and TV3?

    • tc 36.1

      Never listen to the paid shills personally, most pass themselves off as objective commentators, however they're all part of manufacturing consent and meme pushing. That's why they're there.

      People need to see it for what it is, 2 leaders of major parties wooing swinging voters.

      Jude's needs to prevent them leaking elsewhere on the right, Jacinda just keeps it steady knowing the polls and her opposite's polarising nature shattering that sides vote to ACT etc.

  36. observer 37

    Here's a clip from the leaders' debate, 1987:

    https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/35680/party-leaders-debate-1987

    Who "won the game" in 87? What did media talking heads reckon? Nobody cares today.

    As mentioned, it's not the delivery of the lines, it's the content of the lines. What was promised is what matters. It's been put on the agenda. In this case, electoral reform.

    Lange didn't follow up, but Bolger did. So 33 years later, we'll be voting in an MMP election.

    What will endure, after last night's debate? My pick: Ardern's commitment to declare a climate emergency. It seemed to be off the cuff, but it's there now, can't be unsaid. So maybe the Greens were the real winners last night.

    • Bearded Git 37.1

      Agreed Observer…..I'm assuming (can't be bothered to look it up) that Judith and friends and Winston and friends prevented the CC Emergency being declared in the vote in parliament. For this reason alone it will be good to see these dinosaurs leave the house after Jacinda and James form their coalition.

      The debate will have pushed young people's votes to the Greens on the cannabis issue because of Jacinda's refusal to say how she will vote and Judith's whipping of her entire caucus to vote No.

  37. RedLogix 38

    This is why Joe Rogan (love or hate him) has been so successful; the does the exact opposite of these debate formats.

    • Phil 38.1

      I'm sorry, but, what are you on about?

      I've never seen or heard anyone so blatantly and obviously make absolutely everything about him in the way Rogan consistently does. Which has been a consistent criticism of both debates thus far.

      • RedLogix 38.1.1

        Rogan is not an interviwer in the conventional media sense. He's having a conversation with his guest, a human interaction where both people get to build on each other's idea's and experiences. As a result you get these fascinating discussions that go on often up to 3hrs. And when they end people, far from being bored, still want more.

        So yes Rogan put's himself into it in a way that you don't see in the msm. And that's because he's not trying to do what they do, and he's hit on a formula that demonstrably works. Of course now he's become competition, the smear and hit jobs will ramp up.

        • Phil 38.1.1.1

          It's not a smear or hit job to point out that Rogan is apparently quite happy for his platform to be co-opted by genuinely vile human beings seeking signal boost their racism, misogyny, and/or qanon-adjacent conspiracy theories.

          Within the 'interview' sub-genre of podcasts he's often classified, the closest analogue to what Rogan does is Marc Maron. Maron is far more engaging as a host and demonstrates a level of research into why his guests are there than Rogan ever has.

          • RedLogix 38.1.1.1.1

            Rogan has had a very wide range of guests. There will always be someone to hate on.

    • Gabby 38.2

      Rogan always manages to be the bigger bore.

      • RedLogix 38.2.1

        Why am I not surprised your superior intellect would find the most popular podcaster of all time to be utterly beneath you.

        So many ordinary people who like him … distasteful eh?

  38. ianmac 39

    That Right to Silence thing? Which person would you prosecute? How would you know if they knew anything or nothing?

    Sounds good to prosecute people on behalf of those poor little kids, but how and who?

    • Jennifer 39.1

      Where there is a will, there is a way.

    • Lettuce 39.2

      Prosecuting Catholic bishops who knew about priests sexually abusing children and did nothing, or worse covered it up, would be a great start.

    • Chris 39.3

      Just prosecute anyone. Anyone will do. And if it sticks, job done. If it doesn't, at least we've had a go so still job done. Easy.

      But yes, how is the question. So if someone refuses to talk are they convicted of refusing to talk? Is the penalty the same as if they’re convicted of the crime like refusing a blood test when suspected of drink-driving?

      I don’t know how removing the right to silence in oveseas jurisdictions hasn’t worked, as Ardern said last night, but my guess is that you simply cannot properly enforce the crime of refusing to speak unless the penalty is the same as being convicted of the crime you’re being questioned about.

  39. JohnSelway 40

    I don't like her, I won't vote for her but I feel JC won this round. She's a battler alright.

    But no – still no National vote from me.

  40. rod 42

    Collins certainly won the smarmy, smugness, prize again, a real natural.

  41. Rupert Watson 43

    Much is being made of Judith's Trumpian tone. I wonder what Professor Flynn thinks. Wish I could remember more of his lecture on Hobbes. Leviathan anyone?

  42. Ad 44

    CNN noticed that we did a far better and more useful political debate while the USA was making a complete hash of theirs.

    "Hours after United States President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden tore strips off each other before a horrified global television audience, a very different exchange played out on the other side of the Pacific.

    Two women, a combined 50 years younger than the gray-haired men vying for the US presidency, were having a comparatively civil debate about the future leadership of New Zealand.

    In front of an audience far smaller than the millions that tuned in worldwide for the US debate Tuesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and opposition leader Judith Collins clashed and argued, but also laughed and complimented each other.

    As Trump and Biden fought for air time, talking over the top of each other and the moderator, Ardern and Collins were reasonably polite. Even some of the questions from moderator Patrick Gower gave an impression of a kinder, gentler polity across the Pacific."

    https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/01/asia/new-zealand-ardern-trump-election-debate-intl-hnk/index.html

  43. lurgee 45

    I think we should be glad debates are pretty irrelevant in this race, as – with the best will possible – I'd score it 2-0 to Collins at this point. She's far better at it than Ardern, who often seems flustered, reactive and can't get her ideas out in a pithy soundbite. Also, she has to run on her government's record which – other than the whole Saving the Nation thing – is pretty ropey.

    Of course, being good at a debate is not really an essential skill for being PM. But I'm glad there is a 20% gap between the parties, not a 2% one.

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    The golden days of profit continue for the the Foodstuffs (Pak’n’Save and New World) and Woolworths supermarket duopoly. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, September 5:The Groceries Commissioner has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • The thermodynamics of electric vs. internal combustion cars

    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler I love thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is like your mom: it may not tell you what you can do, but it damn well tells you what you can’t do. I’ve written a few previous posts that include thermodynamics, like one on air capture of ...
    3 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Three.

    The notion of geopolitical  “periphery.” The concept of periphery used here refers strictly to what can be called the geopolitical periphery. Being on the geopolitical periphery is an analytic virtue because it makes for more visible policy reform in response … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    3 days ago
  • Venus Hum

    Fill me up with soundThe world sings with me a million smiles an hourI can see me dancing on my radioI can hear you singing in the blades of grassYellow dandelions on my way to schoolBig Beautiful Sky!Song: Venus Hum.Good morning, all you lovely people, and welcome to the 700th ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • I Went to a Creed Concert

    Note: The audio attached to this Webworm compliments today’s newsletter. I collected it as I met people attending a Creed concert. Their opinions may differ to mine. Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    3 days ago
  • Government migration policy backfires; thousands of unemployed nurses

    The country has imported literally thousands of nurses over the past few months yet whether they are being employed as nurses is another matter. Just what is going on with HealthNZ and it nurses is, at best, opaque, in that it will not release anything but broad general statistics and ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A Time For Unity.

    Emotional Response: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addresses mourners at the tangi of King Tuheitia on Turangawaewae Marae on Saturday, 31 August 2024.THE DEATH OF KING TUHEITIA could hardly have come at a worse time for Maoridom. The power of the Kingitanga to unify te iwi Māori was demonstrated powerfully at January’s ...
    3 days ago
  • Climate Change: Failed again

    National's tax cut policies relied on stealing revenue from the ETS (previously used to fund emissions reduction) to fund tax cuts to landlords. So how's that going? Badly. Today's auction failed again, with zero units (of a possible 7.6 million) sold. Which means they have a $456 million hole in ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Two.

    A question of size. Small size generally means large vulnerability. The perception of threat is broader and often more immediate for small countries. The feeling of comparative weakness, of exposure to risk, and of potential intimidation by larger powers often … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Nicola Willis’s Very Unserious Bungling of the Kiwirail Interislander Cancellation

    Open to all with kind thanks to all subscribers and supporters.Today, RNZ revealed that despite MFAT advice to Nicola Willis to be very “careful and deliberate” in her communications with the South Korean government, prior to any public announcement on cancelling Kiwirail’s i-Rex, Willis instead told South Korea 26 minutes ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Satisfying the Minister’s Speed Obsession

    The Minister of Transport’s speed obsession has this week resulted in two new consultations for 110km/h speed limits, one in Auckland and one in Christchurch. There has also been final approval of the Kapiti Expressway to move to 110km/h following an earlier consultation. While the changes will almost certainly see ...
    4 days ago
  • What if we freed up our streets, again?

    This guest post is by Tommy de Silva, a local rangatahi and freelance writer who is passionate about making the urban fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland more people-focused and sustainable. New Zealand’s March-April 2020 Level 4 Covid response (aka “lockdown”) was somehow both the best and worst six weeks of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    4 days ago
  • No Alarms And No Surprises

    A heart that's full up like a landfillA job that slowly kills youBruises that won't healYou look so tired, unhappyBring down the governmentThey don't, they don't speak for usI'll take a quiet lifeA handshake of carbon monoxideAnd no alarms and no surprisesThe fabulous English comedian Stewart Lee once wrote a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Five ingenious ways people could beat the heat without cranking the AC

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Daisy Simmons Every summer brings a new spate of headlines about record-breaking heat – for good reason: 2023 was the hottest year on record, in keeping with the upward trend scientists have been clocking for decades. With climate forecasts suggesting that heat waves ...
    4 days ago
  • No new funding for cycling & walking

    Studies show each $1 of spending on walking and cycling infrastructure produces $13 to $35 of economic benefits from higher productivity, lower healthcare costs, less congestion, lower emissions and lower fossil fuel import costs. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • 99

    Dad turned 99 today.Hell of a lot of candles, eh?He won't be alone for his birthday. He will have the warm attention of my brother, and my sister, and everyone at the rest home, the most thoughtful attentive and considerate people you could ever know. On Saturday there will be ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Open Government: National reneges on beneficial ownership

    One of the achievements of the New Zealand’s Open Government Partnership Fourth National Action Plan was a formal commitment from the government to establish a public beneficial ownership register. Such a register would allow the ultimate owners of companies to be identified - a vital measure in preventing corruption, money ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt One.

    This project analyzes security politics in three peripheral democracies (Chile, New Zealand, Portugal) during the 30 years after the end of the Cold War. It argues that changes in the geopolitical landscape and geo-strategic context are interpreted differently by small … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago
  • Tea and Toast

    When the skies are looking bad my dearAnd your heart's lost all its hopeAfter dawn there will be sunshineAnd all the dust will goThe skies will clear my darlingNow it's time for you to let goOur girl will wake you up in the mornin'With some tea and toastLyrics: Lucy Spraggan.Good ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • NLTP 2024 released – destroying pipeline of shovel ready local projects

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Waka Kotahi yesterday released the latest National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) for 2024-27. The NLTP sets out what transport projects will be funded for the next three years, including both central and local government projects. As expected given the government’s extremely ideological transport policy, it’s ...
    5 days ago
  • Can Brown deliver his roads

    The Government’s unveiling of its road-building programme yesterday was ambitious and, many would say, long overdue. But the question will be whether it is too ambitious, whether it is affordable, and, if not, what might be dropped. The big ticket items will be the 17 so-called Roads of National Significance. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • New paper about detecting climate misinformation on Twitter/X

    Together with Cristian Rojas, Frank Algra-Maschio, Mark Andrejevic, Travis Coan, and Yuan-Fang Li, I just published a paper in Nature Communications Earth & Environment where we use the Computer Assisted Recognition of Denial and Skepticism (CARDS) machine learning model to detect climate misinformation in 5 million climate tweets. We find over half ...
    5 days ago
  • Excerpting “Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies.”

    In the late 2000s-early 2010s I was researching and writing a book titled “Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Chile, New Zealand and Portugal.” The book was a cross-regional Small-N qualitative comparison of the security strategies and postures of three small … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago
  • Hating for the Wrong Reasons: Of Rings of Power, Orcs and Evil

    A few months ago, my fellow countryman, HelloFutureMe, put out a giant YouTube video, dissecting what went wrong with the first season of Rings of Power (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ6FRUO0ui0&t=8376s). It’s an exceptionally good video, and though it spans some two and a half hours, it is well worth your time. But ...
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change: “Least cost” to who?

    On Friday the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released their submission on National's second Emissions Reduction Plan, ripping the shit out of it as a massive gamble based on wishful thinking. One of the specific issues he focused on was National's idea of "least cost" emissions reduction, pointing out that ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Israeli Lives Matter

    There is no monopoly on common senseOn either side of the political fenceWe share the same biology, regardless of ideologyBelieve me when I say to youI hope the Russians love their children tooLyrics: Sting. Read more ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Luxon Cries

    Over the weekend, I found myself rather irritably reading up about the Treaty of Waitangi. “Do I need to do this?” It’s not my jurisdiction. In any other world, would this be something I choose to do?My answer - no.The Waitangi Tribunal, headed by some of our best legal minds, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • Just one Wellington home being consented for every 10 in Auckland

    A decade of under-building is coming home to roost in Wellington. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Monday September 2:Wellington’s leaders are wringing their hands over an exodus of skilled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Container trucks on local streets: why take the risk?

    This is a guest post by Charmaine Vaughan, who came to transport advocacy via her local Residents Association and a comms role at Bike Auckland. Her enthusiasm to make local streets safer for all is shared by her son Dylan Vaughan, a budding “urban nerd” who provided much of the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    6 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #35

    A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, August 25, 2024 thru Sat, August 31, 2024. Story of the week After another crammed week of climate news including updates on climate tipping points, increasing threats from rising ...
    6 days ago
  • An Uncanny Valley of Improvement: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power, Episodes 1-3 (Season ...

    And thus we come to the second instalment of Amazon’s Rings of Power. The first season, in 2022, was underwhelming, even for someone like myself, who is by nature inclined to approach Tolkien adaptations with charity. The writing was poor, the plot made no sense on its own terms, and ...
    6 days ago
  • Alcohol debris and Crocodile Tears

    I write to you this morning from scenes of carnage. Around the floor lie young men who only hours earlier were full of life, and cocktails, and now lie silent. Read more ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • When Do We Look Away?

    Hi,The first time I saw something that made me recoil on the internet was a visit to Rotten.com. The clue was in the name — but the internet was a new thing to me in the 90s, and no-one really knew what the hell was going on. But somehow I ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    7 days ago
  • The decades just fly by

    You turn your back for a moment and a city can completely transform itself. It was, oh, just the other day I was tripping up to Kuala Lumpur every few months to teach workshops and luxuriate in the tropical warmth and fill my face with Char Kway Teow.It has to ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago
  • 2024 Reading Summary: August

    Completed reads for August: Aesop’s Fables (collection), by Aesop Berserk: Volume XXV (manga), by Kentaro Miura Benighted, by J.B. Priestly Berserk: Volume XXVI (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXVII (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXVIII (manga), by Kentaro Miura Berserk: Volume XXIX (manga), by Kentaro Miura ...
    1 week ago
  • Is recent global warming part of a natural cycle?

    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 from the Gigafact team in collaboration with John Mason. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is recent global warming part ...
    1 week ago
  • White Noise

    Now here we standWith our hearts in our handsSqueezing out the liesAll that I hearIs a message, unclearWhat else is there to decide?All that I'm hearing from youIs White NoiseLyrics: Christopher John CheneyIs the tide turning?Have we reached the high point of the racist hate and lies from Hobson’s Pledge, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • The Death Of “Big Norm” – Exactly 50 Years Ago Today.

    Norman KirkPrime Minister of New Zealand 1972-1974Born: 6 January 1923 - Died: 31 August 1974Of the working-class, by the working-class, for the working-class.Video courtesy of YouTubeThese elements were posted on Bowalley Road on Saturday, 31 August 2024. ...
    1 week ago
  • Claims and Counter-Claims.

    Whose Foreshore? Whose Seabed? When the Marine and Coastal Area Act was originally passed back in 2011, fears about the coastline becoming off-limits to Pakeha were routinely allayed by National Party politicians pointing out that the tests imposed were so stringent  that only a modest percentage of claims (the then treaty ...
    1 week ago
  • Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • The Principles of the Treaty

    Hardly anyone says what are ‘the principles of the treaty’. The courts’ interpretation restrain the New Zealand Government. While they about protecting a particular community, those restraints apply equally to all community in a liberal democracy – including a single person.Treaty principles were introduced into the governance of New Zealand ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • The Only Other Reliable Vehicle.

    An Elite Leader Awaiting Rotation? Hipkins’ give-National-nothing-to-aim-at strategy will only succeed if the Coalition becomes as unpopular in three years as the British Tories became in fourteen.THE SHAPE OF CHRIS HIPKINS’ THINKING on Labour’s optimum pathway to re-election is emerging steadily. At the core of his strategy is Hipkins’ view ...
    1 week ago
  • A Big F U to this Right Wing Government

    Open to all - deep thanks to those who support and subscribe.One of the things that has got me interested recently is updates about Māori wards.In April, Stuff’s Karanama Ruru reported that ~ 2/3 of our 78 councils had adopted Māori wards in NZ.That meant that under the Coalition repeal ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Climate Change: James Shaw’s legacy keeps paying off

    One of the central planks of the previous Labour-Green government's emissions reduction policy was GIDI (Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry). This was basically using ETS revenue to pay polluters to clean up production, reducing emissions while protecting jobs. Corporate welfare, but it got the job done, and was often a ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • Gravity

    Oh twice as much ain't twice as goodAnd can't sustain like one half couldIt's wanting moreThat's gonna send me to my kneesSong: John MayerSome ups and downs from the last week of August ‘24. The good and bad, happy and sad, funny and mad, heroes and cads. The week that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Ditch the climate double speak and get real

    Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:The Government announced changes to the Fast-Track Approvals Bill on Sunday, backing off from the contentious proposal to give ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to August 30

    The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts and talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest science of changing sea temperatures and which emissions policies actually work; on the latest from Ukraine, Gaza and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • This Govt’s infrastructure strategy depends on capital gains taxes & new road taxes

    Billions of dollars in value uplift was identified around the Transmission Gully project, but that was captured 100% by landowners and not shared to pay for the project. Now National is saying value capture should be used for similar projects. Photo: Lynn Grieveson/ Getty ImagesMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 30-August-2024

    Kia ora and welcome to the end of another week. Here’s our regular Friday roundup of things that caught our eye, in the realm of cities and transport. If you enjoy these roundups, feel free to join our growing ranks of supporters by making a recurring donation to keep the ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Table Talk: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.

    That’s the sort of constitutional reform he favours: conceived in secret; revolutionary in intent; implemented incrementally without fanfare; and under no circumstances to be placed before the electorate for democratic ratification.TO SAY IT WAS RAINING would have understated seriously the meteorological conditions. Simply put, it was pissing down. One of ...
    1 week ago
  • Big Norm and Chris Hipkins

    It’s 50 years ago today that “Big Norm” Kirk died of a heart attack in Wellington’s Home of Compassion. Home of Compassion. Although he was Prime Minister for only 623 days, he has an iconic place in New Zealand history, particularly Labour history. When Labour leaders like Jacinda Ardern recite ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #35 2024

    Open access notables Arctic glacier snowline altitudes rise 150 m over the last 4 decades, Larocca et al., The Cryosphere: We mapped the snowline (SL) on a subset of 269 land-terminating glaciers above 60° N latitude in the latest available summer, clear-sky Landsat satellite image between 1984 and 2022. The mean SLA was extracted ...
    1 week ago
  • Unravelling the String of State: New Zealand Sovereignty and the Treaty of Waitangi

    Oh dear. Sometimes people just need to prod the sleeping dog. We currently have a parliamentary dispute over the nature of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, as signed between the British Crown and New Zealand Maori: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/526451/sovereignty-debate-split-on-party-lines Specifically, the National Government takes the traditional view that Maori ceded sovereignty ...
    1 week ago
  • Rigour, PLEASE

    You may have noticed I have been taking my time getting home. You may have wondered if that might have anything to do with our brave little nation being constitutionally and morally abused by this woeful excuse for a government. It does. I have enjoyed being able to turn the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago
  • Making A Difference.

    The Jacinda and Ashley Show: Before the neoliberals could come up with a plausible reason for letting thousands of their fellow citizens perish, the Ardern-led government, backed by the almost forgotten power of an unapologetically interventionist state, was producing changes in the real world – changes that were, very obviously, saving ...
    1 week ago

  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

    New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

    5 September 2024  The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

    As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.   “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • More choice and competition in building products

    A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul

    On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • International tourism continuing to bounce back

    Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency

    The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.  “That is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape

    The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government backs women in horticulture

    “The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says.  “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout

    The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003

    Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants.  “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New priorities to protect future of conservation

    Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Faster 110km/h speed limit to accelerate Kāpiti

    A new 110km/h speed limit for the Kāpiti Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS) has been approved to reduce travel times for Kiwis travelling in and out of Wellington, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • IVL increase to ensure visitors contribute more to New Zealand

    The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) will be raised to $100 to ensure visitors contribute to public services and high-quality experiences while visiting New Zealand, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Matt Doocey and Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka say. “The Government is serious about enabling the tourism sector ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Delivering priority connections for the West Coast

    A record $255 million for transport investment on the West Coast through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s road and rail links to keep people connected and support the region’s economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Government is committed to making sure that every ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Road and rail reliability a focus for Wellington

    A record $3.3 billion of transport investment in Greater Wellington through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will increase productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. We're focused on delivering transport projects ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Record investment to boost economic and housing growth in the Waikato

    A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Waikato through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more efficient, safe, and resilient roading network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “With almost a third of the country’s freight travelling into, out ...
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  • Building reliable and efficient roading for Taranaki

    A record $808 million for transport investment in Taranaki through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Taranaki’s roads carry a high volume of freight from primary industries and it’s critical we maintain efficient connections across the region to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Supporting growth and resilience in Otago and Southland

    A record $1.4 billion for transport investment in Otago and Southland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more resilient and efficient network that supports economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in Otago ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Delivering connected and resilient roading for Northland

    A record $991 million for transport investment in Northland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s connections and support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “We are committed to making sure that every transport dollar is spent wisely on the projects and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Top of the South to benefit from reliable transport infrastructure

    A record $479 million for transport investment across the top of the South Island through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will build a stronger road network that supports primary industries and grows the economy, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “We’re committed to making sure that every dollar is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Government delivering reliable roads for Manawatū-Whanganui

    A record $1.6 billion for transport investment in Manawatū-Whanganui through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will strengthen the region’s importance as a strategic freight hub that boosts economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Delivering infrastructure to increase productivity and economic growth is a priority for our Government. ...
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  • Restoring connections in Hawke’s Bay

    A record $657 million for transport investment in the Hawke’s Bay through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support recovery from cyclone damage and build greater resilience into the network to support economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “We are committed to making sure that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Transport resilience a priority for Gisborne

    A record $255 million for transport investment in Gisborne through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will support economic growth and restore the cyclone-damaged network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “With $255 million of investment over the next three years, we are committed to making sure that every transport ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Prioritising growth and reduced travel times in Canterbury

    A record $1.8 billion for transport investment Canterbury through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and productivity and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Supporting growth and freight in the Bay of Plenty

    A record $1.9 billion for transport investment in the Bay of Plenty through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will boost economic growth and unlock land for thousands of houses, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity in the Bay of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Getting transport back on track in Auckland

    A record $8.4 billion for transport investment in Auckland through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will deliver the infrastructure our rapidly growing region needs to support economic growth and reduce travel times, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Aucklanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, phantoms projects, ...
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  • Record investment to get transport back on track

    A record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network through the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) will create a more reliable and efficient transport network that boosts economic growth and productivity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “New Zealanders rejected the previous government’s transport policies which resulted in non-delivery, ...
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  • Consultation is open on gambling harm strategy

    Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed the start of Gambling Harm Awareness Week by encouraging New Zealanders to have their say on the next three-year strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm.  “While many New Zealanders enjoy gambling as a pastime without issue, the statistics are clear that ...
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  • JOINT STATEMENT FOR THE OFFICIAL VISIT OF NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER CHRISTOPHER LUXON

    1.    Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted Prime Minister Rt. Hon Christopher Luxon on an Official Visit to Malaysia from 1 to 3 September 2024. Both leaders expressed appreciation for enduring and warm bilateral ties over 67 years of diplomatic relations. The Malaysia – New Zealand Strategic Partnership 2.    The ...
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    5 days ago

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