Leave it to the pros

Written By: - Date published: 4:20 pm, August 19th, 2008 - 51 comments
Categories: Media, spin - Tags:

Thanks to what I can only presume is a technical glitch at the Listener there’s online access to a lot more of their current content than usual including Jane Clifton’s column in which she’s bemoaning the blurring line between bloggers and jounalists.

Hilariously she focuses on the responsibilities real journalists have and bloggers don’t but still manages to rename our very own Clinton Smith, “Clinton Brown”.

On a more disturbing note she claims:

And, as we’ve found with Dead Fish-gate, some activists are even turning unwary journalists into political activists by selectively leaking them choice tidbits of covertly taped conversations. Unable to resist, journalists are effectively running party spin holus-bolus.

Ironically Clifton is claiming Garner is “unwary” and “effectively running party spin” because he broadcast those infamous secret agenda tapes while she is simultaneously and implicitly running the National party line that the tapes were made by a labour party activist.

That’s a truly impressive rhetorical sleight of hand. But then again Clifton is (as she is at pains to remind us) a pro.

51 comments on “Leave it to the pros ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. IrishBill 1
    19 August 2008 at 4:26 pm

    It should also be noted that:

    a) Dead-fish-gate is just an awful awful phrase

    b) While David is a National Party activist/staffer/member, Clint isn’t a Labour Party activist. In fact he’s not even a members, in fact as far as I know he’s never even voted for them.

    But then again, Clifton is the pro so maybe she knows something the rest of us don’t.

  2. coge 2
    19 August 2008 at 4:33 pm

    Actually, Clinton Brown is one of Wellington’s finest bass players.

  3. Crank 3
    19 August 2008 at 4:52 pm

    For a man who has nothing to do with the Labour party Clinton sure seems to show up at a lot of the young Labour rallies and protests.

    I remember during the EFB rally last year that Clinton gave some off the cuff speech on behalf of the young Labour protesters where he stated for dramatic effect that he didn’t vote Labour…or something along those lines.

    I just hope that some spur of the moment remark has not prevented him from being honest since about his true political allegiance.

    Not that it really matters.

    [lprent: Very bad idea telling a person on their own blog that they’re lying – especially when you have no evidence.

    In this case you have had a clear statement by SP that he is not into NZLP. He has just been at a number of demo’s where NZLP supporters (and probably greens) have been as well.

    In effect, what you are arguing is a guilt by association. Apart from violating the principles in the Bill of Rights Act you should realise that is just stupid because it applies to everyone.

    I could as easily say that because you sometimes agree with opinions that are also held by Whale, that you are also a closet pornographer with a homo fetish. Or because you hang around here, that you agree with my harsh moderation policies.

    I take this kind of thing extremely seriously because it is a flame starter as well as being obnoxiously offensive to me. Typically these days I usually ban at the first offence on the general basis that it improves the breed. It indicates that someone has been stupid enough to comment on a site without looking at the site rules (think of it as evolution in action).

    Bearing in mind you have been a effective commentator I’ll let it go. But I suggest that you read About and Policy at the top of the page closely. ]

  4. Tane 4
    19 August 2008 at 4:56 pm

    Clifton, what a hack. I’ve gotta say, I’ve never once read an article by her talking about substantive issues, y’know, like how policies and issues actually affect ordinary NZers in their day-to-day lives. It’s always smug crap about which MP was funny in the house, and it’s the kind of reporting that portrays politics as a game played out by an elite and completely disconnected from the ordinary people. Fuck that.

  5. Tane 5
    19 August 2008 at 4:59 pm

    Oh and Crank, you’re right, it’s all a Labour Party plot. Well done mate, give yourself a pat on the back.

    Or, better yet, come up with some actual evidence before accusing authors on this site of lying.

  6. dad4justice 6
    19 August 2008 at 5:01 pm

    “The Blogerati Russell Brown, David Farrar et al”

    Jane’s a pro alright, class A idiot.

  7. Steve Pierson 7
    19 August 2008 at 5:02 pm

    Crank. I think I’ve been taken part in organising 2 protests in conjuction with Young Labour – the efa one and the one at NatCon.. and of course they’re involved in lots of political stuff around town… often see them at drinkling liberally for example.

    and crank, I’ve never voted Labour, accuse me of being a liar again and you can go back to Kiwiblog.

  8. Steve Pierson 8
    19 August 2008 at 5:02 pm

    I think Clifton is confused with Clint Brown, but she’s the pro of course maybe I’ve got my surname wrong.

  9. higherstandard 9
    19 August 2008 at 5:12 pm

    Quite true with a beard like that SP could only be a true blue (green) green.

  10. Steve Pierson 10
    19 August 2008 at 5:14 pm

    aw shucks, hs. I guess you’re right though, it is pretty glorious.

  11. IrishBill 11
    19 August 2008 at 5:17 pm

    “it’s the kind of reporting that portrays politics as a game played out by an elite and completely disconnected from the ordinary people.”

    Tane, I couldn’t agree more. I get the feeling that’s why there’s a growing antipathy to bloggers in teh Msm (even though they are all starting their own blogs). I am pleased with Colin Espiner though as he gets into the cut and thrust of dealing with comments on his blog. I imagine Clifton would be too precious to do so.

    “I think Clifton is confused with Clint Brown, but she’s the pro of course maybe I’ve got my surname wrong.”

    Steve, I laughed out loud.

  12. higherstandard 12
    19 August 2008 at 5:18 pm

    Note to SP I am not Billy to your Robinsod

  13. Janet 13
    19 August 2008 at 5:31 pm

    It amazes me that in these days of huge public concerns about conflicts of interest and the importance of disclosure that Jane Clifton’s political column in the Listener is not accompanied by a note that she is the partner of National Party strategist and potential cabinet minister Murray McCully.

    She may not be influenced by his opinions, or have access to National Party inside knowledge, or benefit financially from the relationship but it would be ethical to at least inform the readers about this association.

  14. Robinsod 14
    19 August 2008 at 5:32 pm

    Jeez HS – am I just a figure of mirth for you???

    Oh and Jane Clifton? Hack. I couldn’t give a better analysis of her hackery than Tane has.

  15. Draco TB 15
    19 August 2008 at 5:46 pm

    Jeez, these MSM bloggers… er, journalists, really are starting to get their knickers in a twist about the competition aren’t they? Perhaps they should do what’s necessary to survive in the free-market – get better and actually start reporting the news. If they have a resource shortage to investigate the news, as she said they did, then perhaps they should speak to their owners about getting some more.

    As for the article – man, she comes across as an arrogant biatch. So far up herself she probably thinks the suns shines out her arse.

  16. Matthew Pilott 16
    19 August 2008 at 6:20 pm

    What a complete tool. So playing national Party MP comments verbatim is spin but waffling on like a hack or wannabe press sec isn’t?

    These MSM journos really are starting to look precious (fully agree with comment about Espiner – he’s happy to mix it up. And unlike Bernard Hackey he has intelligent responses, not “who are you and what do you do for a living?” diversionary tactics to hide the fact that he’s a complete idiot). Until recently there hasn’t been any way for large numbers of people to react to their reporting, short of not reading/watching it. Not really effective there, how would the editor of The Listener know you buy it but use Clifton’s piece for a snot rag or worse?

    Now, blogs allow people to go at them boots’n’all and say “Do your job properly”. I like.

  17. Quoth the Raven 17
    19 August 2008 at 7:43 pm

    Now, blogs allow people to go at them boots’n’all and say “Do your job properly’.

    That’s what Idiot/Savant said to Colin Espiner on Espiner’s blog. I think it’s really positive that we have a medium where journos have to actually argue their positions with their readers and not just make assertions. Maybe it will have an influence on their television/paper work and they’ll start doing their job properly.

  18. travellerev 18
    19 August 2008 at 7:52 pm

    Note to SP I am not Billy to your Robinsod

    HS I actually think you are. LOL

    Captcha: Russians there. Sorry, LOL again

  19. randal 19
    19 August 2008 at 7:56 pm

    why doesnt jane clifton review the fatuous bombastic right wing inane leighton smith and wipe the smile off his dial

  20. dad4justice 20
    19 August 2008 at 8:02 pm

    randal – why don’t you get clever Trevor M to punch her in the face?
    He is good at that, a real pro who can land one on the dial.

  21. higherstandard 21
    19 August 2008 at 8:39 pm

    Here you go Eve thought you might like a look at a site with a different view.

  23. Quoth the Raven 23
    19 August 2008 at 8:47 pm

    D4J – Why not Gerry Brownlee?

  24. dad4justice 24
    19 August 2008 at 8:51 pm

    I suggested Trevor for his formidable boxing skills that have frightened Owen Glenn away and don’t believe the listener lady needs a blue steamroller running her over.

  25. Dan 25
    19 August 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I have been reading the Listener for nearly 50 years, but I cancelled my subscription tonight. At one time it used to be a liberal conscience for New Zealand, with lots of in depth analysis. Tom Scott used to be compulsory reading. Russell Brown’s departure was the signal that it was time to go. There are still some columns I will miss, but the general drift of the editorials and columnists such as Clifton are very disappointing. The standard of journalism has dropped markedly.

    I laughed out loud at Clifton’s lead that “bloggers and activists make it hard to tell the accurate from the biased and the malicious”. The same comment could be applied to the Herald and the Listener
    It is the very lack of a strong Fourth estate in New Zealand that allows a political party to get very close to power with no policies of substance; whose main claim to lead is “It’s time for a change”; whose leader has unproven political skills; whose philosohy is based on focus groups, and whose past history has been conveniently ignored when in fact it provides a clear blueprint for what they intend to do.
    Where are the professional journalists with a sense of community or nation who are not cowtowing to the owners?

    Thank you Jane Clifton for the final motivation to set the Listener adrift. I will spend my Listener sub on a supply of Renaissance Stonecutter ale and turn to reading the biased and thoughtful and insightful and plain sickos on the Internet blog sites.

  26. Anita 26
    19 August 2008 at 9:40 pm

    Someone fixed the technical glitch 🙁

  27. Steve Pierson 27
    19 August 2008 at 10:07 pm

    I’ve replaced the link to the Clifton article (which they’e now changed to subscriber only) to google’s cached version of the complete article.. Jane’s still got a few more tricks to learn about this interweb thingy.

  28. burt 28
    19 August 2008 at 10:12 pm

    lprent

    [lprent: Very bad idea telling a person on their own blog that they’re lying – especially when you have no evidence.

    But Clinton did turn up at the anti EFB march and did spurt forth “Labour good – EFB good” party lines. Sure he said he hadn’t voted Labour but that was about as convincing as him saying the EFB was not an attack on free speech.

    [you don’t get to come on here and call me a liar without basis, especially when you’ve already been warned not to. take a week break. SP]

    [lprent: Damnit – you beat me to it.
    Besides I saw the video of that and if he didn’t say “Labour good”. He did say EA 1993 was broken and the EFB was better. That is pretty much what I think about the EFA despite all of the whinging. ]

  29. Anita 29
    19 August 2008 at 10:14 pm

    burt,

    I think that the EFA is better than the old electoral finance legislation. I don’t vote Labour.

    Are you unconvinced about me too?

  30. Robinsod 30
    19 August 2008 at 10:17 pm

    Anita – Burt seems to think that everybody that disagrees with him on the internet is Helen Clark.

    He is a very strange man.

  31. Tane 31
    19 August 2008 at 10:26 pm

    Having dealt with a fair few Labour Party people in my time, I think the Right’s mistake is to give them far too much credit.

  32. Quoth the Raven 32
    19 August 2008 at 10:43 pm

    D4J – I suggested Brownlee because of his formidable boxing skills the ones that landed him court paying out $8000 to a coaster.

  33. Tanya 33
    19 August 2008 at 10:57 pm

    Jane is wonderful, spot on every time, a real, real pro, like the illustrious Garth George. Fantastic.

  34. Razorlight 34
    19 August 2008 at 11:08 pm

    Isn’t whinging about the media a somewhat futile exercise.

    What someone on the left thinks is a hideously biased non balanced beat up of a story, someone on the right will think is accurate journalism, and vice versa.

    This week we have had bloggers from the right highlighting unbalanced journalism (DPF commenting on the SST campaign to re-elect the government)and here we have different Standard contributors making the same complaint about Clifton or the Herald.

    I just think it is pointing out the obvious. And I do not know why people expect the media not to have an opinion one way or the other. Why do they have to be these neutral balanced reporters.

  35. lprent 35
    19 August 2008 at 11:30 pm

    Razorlight: I think what has been more interesting is the MSM journo’s and commentators commenting about the bloggers. That is what this post is (mainly) about.

    It has become an interesting theme over the last month.

    Bill Ralston
    Vernon Small
    Trotter
    Jane Clifton

    are the ones I’ve noticed. They do tend to show their lack of understanding of the medium. For instance Bill Ralston’s article was incredibly shallow. From what I saw of it, it seemed to have swallowed Whale’s technical incompetence about this site hook line and sinker. Clifton’s one was classic – Clinton Brown?

    The blogs tend to be actively partisan to one degree or another, but usually quite clear in what ways. The blogs do take a great deal of delight in highlighting deficiencies in the MSM generally from all sides.

  36. Razorlight 36
    19 August 2008 at 11:42 pm

    I know what you are saying lprent and I did go off in a tangent.

    It just seems to be a reoccuring theme throughout the blogs and the msm. It is beginning to be a battle between the two with snide comments coming from both sides aimed at the other medium.

    I agreed with SP for the first time ever the other day when he simply said one should read across the spectrum and come to their own conclusions. If you subscibe to that it does not really matter how partisan a journalist is and should not be a reason to stop reading their opinions.

  37. r0b 37
    19 August 2008 at 11:42 pm

    I have been reading the Listener for nearly 50 years, but I cancelled my subscription tonight.

    Dan – I can’t claim 50 years, but I cancelled my long standing subscription about 2 months ago. You’re spot on with your comments on the columnists. Ralston was the straw that broke my back. What a wally.

  38. Razorlight 38
    19 August 2008 at 11:46 pm

    rOb…why?

    I am just curious as to why people refuse to read something because they disagree with it. Even if it completley partisan, why would you not want to know what the other sides perspective is on the issues?

  39. Steve Pierson 39
    19 August 2008 at 11:56 pm

    There’s also a quality issue, Razor. I read only one rightwing blog (and only a few left ones) because they’re not worth my time. You can be happy to read opposing views without having to read crap. Sadly Ralston is crap, along with too much of the rest

  40. r0b 40
    20 August 2008 at 12:37 am

    rOb why? I am just curious as to why people refuse to read something because they disagree with it.

    RL – so as to register my displeasure in the only way that a commercial entity understands or cares about – stop giving them money (and circulation figures for advertising).

    I’m happy to read things I disagree with, do it all the time on blogs, but I don’t see that I need to commercially endorse and encourage rubbish.

  41. r0b 41
    20 August 2008 at 12:38 am

    Since edit won’t let me – just to add – not all of The Listener is rubbish by any means, but enough of it is, it passed my tipping point.

  42. Dan 42
    20 August 2008 at 7:01 am

    Razorlight, its not that I don’t enjoy reading contrary points of view. In fact opposite is the truth in that it sharpens ones own view of the way of things. I enjoy a trawl through some of the right wing blogs once or twice a week.
    But after some reflection I find the overall Listener package no longer is worth the dollars.
    And Rob, you are right about Ralston. At times he used to be quite an engaging TV interviewer, but his foray into print journalism is a disaster.

  43. Janet 43
    20 August 2008 at 8:59 am

    My Listener sub goes back even more than 50 years. It is sentimentality that keeps me subscribing but almost every week I am tempted to cancel as it appears to me little more (as others have noted) than the house journal of the National Party, reflecting the hopes and fears of the educated, privileged, but largely uncompassionate right. Some of the the inaccuracies and spin it prints as informed commentary (eg think of any article on education in the last few years) verges on insulting to readers.

    What keeps me going is that I take a long term view and while it is at the extreme right wing swing of the pendulum at the moment, before long it will inevitably return to being a more mainstream liberal, thinking NZer’s must read weekly magazine.

    A few months ago long term Listener staffer Gordon Campbell wrote a considered piece about the right turn of the Listener on his scoop site and Russell Brown had some interesting reflections when he left on publicaddress (sorry don’t have links to these but they should be easy to locate).

    I currently prefer fresh and energetic blogs like this to the tired and conservative print media (one reason is that you can enlarge the print on screen!)

  44. Ben R 44
    20 August 2008 at 9:52 am

    “you are right about Ralston. At times he used to be quite an engaging TV interviewer, but his foray into print journalism is a disaster.”

    Not at all. I’ve found his commentary on the internal workings of TVNZ & the Tony Veitch business reasonably interesting. He also seems to have a refreshingly self depreciating sense of humour, witness his piece about going out in Ponsonby and overhearing people talking about ‘the old guy’.

  45. Draco TB 45
    20 August 2008 at 11:10 am

    The shape of things to come?

  46. Felix 46
    20 August 2008 at 11:23 am

    Ralston on Radio Live is particularly sad.

    Not sure if he’s dumbed down his style for the sake of inclusiveness or if he really is just losing his faculties – either way it’s an embarrassing display from someone who actually had a bit of cred once upon a time.

  47. Ben R 47
    20 August 2008 at 11:23 am

    The Daily Show is excellent, as is the Colbert Report. There’s a good clip on YouTube of Stewart being interviewed on CNN & giving a scathing critique of how they fail to properly inform voters.

  48. r0b 48
    20 August 2008 at 11:46 am

    Just a passing off topic Cheers to Ben and Janet. Great to some grown ups not only on the net, but right into the hurly burly of blogs. (Helps me feel not quite so ancient too!).

  49. leftrightout 49
    20 August 2008 at 2:23 pm

    Sounds like shes somewhat bitter, jealous even.

  50. bill brown 50
    20 August 2008 at 2:55 pm

    The same bunch of pros that got:

    “Clark a control freak”

    from

    “Clark is renowned for her managerial skills, the discipline she demands from those around her and her tight control of all things Labour undertakes under her leadership.”

    Good to see the comments giving them an overwhelming panning for it though.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T23:36:21+00:00