Left wing twitter is the worst *

Written By: - Date published: 7:42 am, September 1st, 2020 - 69 comments
Categories: facebook, internet, Judith Collins, Media, national, same old national, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, twitter - Tags:

I am surprised that National leader Judith Collins’ husband David Wong Tung has not had his social media thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned.  Because it looks like it could have used a good cleaning.

This appeared yesterday.

https://twitter.com/BobbyMiller202/status/1300231360926236677

And a dive into his social media, which was open to the world, showed some pretty unsavoury items.  Like one reposted item accusing Ardern of “making it easier for unemployed ferals to continue getting the benefit without any sanctions on those who don’t seek work” and describing Māori as “Natives”.

Judith’s response?  Boys will be boys.  From Thomas Coughlan at Stuff:

Collins said the posts were not something she would do herself.

“We have been together for 41 years; I have never been able to get him to do anything I tell him to do,” she said.

“It is not something I would do but he is an adult, he makes his own decisions; I think he gets sick of people having a go at him and me.”

Collins said she did not think the posts were sexist.

“He is one of the least sexist men I know, he is married to me, how could he be sexist?” Collins said.

“He is an adult, he will make his own decisions and let’s put it this way, I don’t have to answer for him because I have not been able to control him in 41 years.

“If you have got the secret to how you control a man who is 64 years old, used to play a lot of rugby and was a policeman, good luck and let me know,” she said.

As much as possible leaders’ spouses should be left out of the media gaze.  But regularly and publicly attacking the opponent with racist misogynist material makes them fair game.  And the response of their spouse will show how ready they are to be leader of the country.

69 comments on “Left wing twitter is the worst * ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Stuart Munro 1
    1 September 2020 at 7:51 am

    I have a feeling Judith is being disingenuous. She enjoyed a long and influential relationship with Slater, and it does not seem that her influence was employed in moderating his baser instincts.

    Disraeli once described the manner of Bishop Wilberforce as “unctuous, oleaginous, saponaceous.” And the good prelate was ever afterward known as Soapy Sam. For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin. His enemies have only to find it. Bierce The Devil's Dictionary

    David Wong Tung seems to be struggling to find that apt putdown.

  2. PsyclingLeft.Always 2
    1 September 2020 at 7:52 am

    Well what else could be expected of "Swamp Kauri" Wong-Tung ?

    ( I did link this from ODT elsewhere, but what a True Image…)

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/decision-2020/collins-husband-criticised-sharing-anti-ardern-memes

  3. Pierre 3
    1 September 2020 at 7:57 am

    not enough maoists on the timeline for left-wing twitter

  4. Ad 4
    1 September 2020 at 8:20 am

    C'mon team we're just lucky we've had the Partner media thing locked up for three years. Gayford had his own tv show ffs. Plus they are both pretty and have a young baby.

    Ardern has the most massive Facebook and Twitter advantage that this is joust not worrying about.

    Labour have media assets by the truckload.

    And Collin's team will get around him and train him up.

    This isnot a campaign area we need to worry about.

  5. tc 5
    1 September 2020 at 8:31 am

    All part of their strategy. Collins doesn't give a F and has the morals to accompany that approach.

    She'll fill the gap Cammy left no worries.

    • Gabby 5.1
      1 September 2020 at 11:06 am

      What kind of gap does a moral vacuum leave?

      • Wensleydale 5.1.1
        1 September 2020 at 1:31 pm

        She's the political equivalent of a quantum singularity — sucking in all light, truth and goodness, and leaving only frigid desolation in its wake. #StrongTeam

  6. Dennis Frank 6
    1 September 2020 at 8:34 am

    Mimetics in political theory & application is a topic worthy of theses. When universities catch on (next century) useful elucidation may ensue. Until then:

    Memes can’t be tamed.

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/24-08-2020/the-meme-election-a-qa-with-the-minds-behind-two-political-meme-groups/

    So rogue memes and wild memes are different beasts.

    at the end of the day, meme pages like BKM are just for some lols at New Zealand’s little political goings-on. While we aspire to have the cred of influential pages like Shit Towns of New Zealand or Vicdeals, we do not.

    At the start of the day at the end of the day seems rather tired and the contagion may be a spent force. Shit towns, on the other hand…

    Sometimes politics is hard to understand

    Only because it isn't taught in schools, eh? C'mon you kids, there's more to life than social media banality, nudge that penny & it may drop! Syllabus reform!! Get it??

    the meme scene in 2020 is a dog-eat-dog world

    Gah! Stuffed by traditionalism already when it's hardly even born!

    It’s hard to balance the reality that we just set up this stupid meme page for fun with the responsibility of preventing this kind of platform from being used for rumours or slander.

    Ah, moral responsibility, not part of the syllabus. Learn via social darwinism.

    The prime minister won’t change. Ever.

    Quite a negative view for Labour youngsters to have. Still, mindless recycling of conservatism is indeed how the establishment operates, so they've learnt something!

    Just in case it isn’t apparent to readers, the husband was reproducing the artistry of the young Nat meme support group. Spinoff interviewed them plus the Labour same…

  7. Patricia Bremner 7
    1 September 2020 at 8:38 am

    We need to know what role Judith Collins sees for her husband in the future.

    He would have to be the most obnoxious partner of any leader, with scant respect for many aspects of New Zealand life apparently. Intent on breaking trust in the covid fight. A very Trumpish attitude.

    I think that is a truly toxic group, David Wong Tung Judith Collins Gerry and Slater???!!!

    Not just National Policies are "Back to the Future" it is Dirty Politics all over again.

    Why am I not surprised??

    Someone said Jacinda Ardern is tough and will weather this, but this is personal and nasty, it is aimed at her not the Labour Party.

    I hope people pour scorn on Judith Collins' silly rejoinder.

  8. Anker 8
    1 September 2020 at 9:03 am
    • I think it will back fire on Collins.
    • Gabby 8.1
      1 September 2020 at 11:08 am

      Her farmer constituency will think he's a great bloke to have a beer with and then go bash some scarfies.

  9. Reality 9
    1 September 2020 at 9:42 am

    Surely there are decent, upright normal National supporters who cringe at Judith and her husband and their behaviour over a good many years. At 64 he should be mature enough not to engage in childish pathetic behaviour. He is not 16.

  10. AB 10
    1 September 2020 at 10:00 am

    If you regard the world and other people as a set of resources to be utilised to your advantage – all this ' kindness' stuff from the PM must drive you up the wall with rage and frustration. It might even lead you to do silly things – so silly that even if you are a supposedly uncontrollable 64-year old, rugby playing bloke, your powerful wife is going to give you a total bollocking.

    There is only one question worth asking of Collins before swiftly moving on – "are you and your husband ideological soul-mates?" However she answers it, the question itself does the damage.

  11. Anne 11
    1 September 2020 at 10:15 am

    Well, Barry Soper thinks its all Much Ado About Nothing.

    And anyway, says Barry, Labour do it too – referring to Clarke G once calling a journo a bottom feeder. How that is supposed to equate to the sexist and demeaning comments about the prime minister I don't know.

    We haven't got a sense of humour says dear Barry. We're supposed to laugh at the man’s wittery. (my word) 🙄

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12361092

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 11.1
      1 September 2020 at 10:18 am

      Barry and Heather are the print medias Hosking and Hawkseby…bluuurgh

    • Gabby 11.2
      1 September 2020 at 11:09 am

      Got to wonder what rumours Soapy Baz has been responsible for generating over the years.

    • woodart 11.3
      1 September 2020 at 12:53 pm

      so is soper giving us the greenlight to gaslight his partner?

    • Wensleydale 11.4
      1 September 2020 at 1:34 pm

      Clarke wasn't talking about Soper, was he? If so, I didn't know Barry was such a sensitive soul.

      • anker 11.4.1
        1 September 2020 at 5:13 pm

        Clarke was referring to a "Journo" whose name escapes me now who said Clarke's name with an E really bothered her. What an absolute irrelevance that article was. She later apologized. I am sorry I can't remember her name, well maybe I am not. Hopefully she has faded into the oblivion

    • georgecom 11.5
      1 September 2020 at 8:22 pm

      I will laugh Barry, if something is funny. The stuff Mr Collins shared was political in nature and political in timing (during an election campaign). It is not simply a joke or a bit of 'tomfoolery'.

      Question, are such cartoons/memes covered under electoral law and requiring some form of political authorisation or attribution toward someones electoral spending?

  12. Byd0nz 12
    1 September 2020 at 10:47 am

    The Nats are in a tragic state. They have never been above a low blow, but to show how desperate they are, they released the beast that is Judith Collins, for years and years they kept her well away from leader, but to their demise they let her off the chain and that must surely be the last straw for any decent support within or out of the National fold.

  13. Reality 13
    1 September 2020 at 10:48 am

    Barry Soper thinks we all need a sense of humour. Fair enough, but given the nasty attacks Jacinda has had over the years I wonder if thinks they were funny and we should all laugh. Can't recall him springing to her defence.

    I can vouch that he was in a state of extreme apoplexy when his 'entitled' presence in a particular spot was questioned by a junior security officer at parliament. No sense of humour to be seen.

  14. JohnSelway 14
    1 September 2020 at 10:49 am

    Wait – how is it racist and misogynistic?

    • JohnSelway 14.1
      1 September 2020 at 11:16 am

      Edit to the above^
      Wait – how are the three tweets racist or misogynistic?

      (I don't know what he may have tweeted in the past so only referring to 3 tweets here)

  15. Anne 15
    1 September 2020 at 10:56 am

    Collins in her stand-up just now referred to Taiwan's fantastic response to Covid 19 and how they did it without the help of the WHO.

    Seeding the meme that NZ's response has been very poor in comparison, and that the Ardern government was too incompetent (that word again) to handle the crisis without the WHO holding their hands?

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/424934/judith-collins-conducts-post-caucus-briefing

    (starts @ 7:28 mins – Covid response 14 mins)

    • Gabby 15.1
      1 September 2020 at 11:55 am

      Praising Taiwan? Codger's business associates will love that.

    • Sacha 15.2
      1 September 2020 at 1:19 pm

      without the WHO

      Really can't stop themselves borrowing lines from the Chump.

    • Leighton 15.3
      1 September 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Perhaps Taiwan's fantastic response was helped by the fact that they already had an specific public agency whose sole task was to address infection disease outbreaks and/or their health system hadn't spent the last 30 years being ground back to the bone by neoliberal ideology?

      • Anne 15.3.1
        1 September 2020 at 4:42 pm

        Excellent points.

        If I have it correct, Taiwan was seriously affected by the SARs virus and they learnt from the experience. Much of the rest of the world has a lot of catching up to do.

        And anyone not blinded by ideology knows now that neoliberalism and its attendant memes are cloud cuckoo land stuff.

  16. Red 16
    1 September 2020 at 10:57 am

    Agree, the I need to be offend on behalf of tribe need to get a grip, they are actually quite funny, cartoonist are taking the piss out of politicians every day, You live with it being a politician. I am sure the PM doesn’t give a monkeys The need to rabidly defend any attack on the PM only plays to what you are arguing against, ie poor Jacinda she can’t handle it like a normal politician, I suggest she can and does not need people to be offended on her part

    • JohnSelway 16.1
      1 September 2020 at 11:12 am

      The 3 tweets at the top of the page are incredibly tame. I'm not sure what the problem is…?

    • Patricia Bremner 16.2
      1 September 2020 at 4:06 pm

      Is that right!! David "Wrong Tongue" has been asked to stop using the covid response sign. I am sure he will find my name for him funny. Not!!

  17. Robert Guyton 17
    1 September 2020 at 11:09 am

    The un-holy trinity: Collins, Wong Tung and Slater.

  18. Bob – [a different Bob] 18
    1 September 2020 at 11:10 am

    Dirty politics is the default for the Nat Rats – evidenced again!

    [This user handle is already in use here. Could you please use a different one to help distinguishing between different commenters? This is the second time I’ve asked you this question – Incognito]

  19. satty 19
    1 September 2020 at 11:41 am

    Once into dirty politics… always into dirty politics.

    So predictable. She doesn’t have many “friends” anymore, so husband has to help with the dirty work nowadays.

  20. Muttonbird 20
    1 September 2020 at 11:49 am

    I think David Wong-Scum has been forced to take down the "Unite against CINDY-20" meme. Presumably for using Covid related material.

    See, he can be controlled.

  21. RRM 21
    1 September 2020 at 12:38 pm

    David Wong-[deleted]

    Nice! I can always count on The Standard to remind me that John Key and his Tory voters are the real awful people in NZ society.

    Just for the avoidance of doubt, how many of the following gems of left wing kindness do you think apply to the leader of the opposition's husband?

    [Deleted. You don’t need to repeat the vitriol from others; your own is good enough for us here – Incognito]

  22. woodart 22
    1 September 2020 at 12:49 pm

    collins wants to run-control the country, but cant run-control her household. cant tell her 64 yr old ex cop rugby player what to do, but expects all others to obey.

  23. EE 23
    1 September 2020 at 12:57 pm

    Collins: “If you have got the secret to how you control a man who is 64 years old, used to play a lot of rugby and was a policeman, good luck and let me know.”
    Translation: “He’s a chauvinistic a-hole.”

    • Shanreagh 23.1
      1 September 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Collins explanation is a glorious example of a non sequitur/logical fallacy 'a conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement'.

      So her husband puts up an offensive meme. How is this explained by

      his age – 64

      his former occupation – policeman

      the sport he played when younger – rugby

      If you answered 'it is not' to all three statements then you are correct. The fact of putting some thing offensive in the public sphere is neither explained, justified nor excused by his age, his former occupation or the sport he played when younger.

      He is just plain stupid, pig ignorant……..

      As to the ones saying we have no sense of humour, this phrase is well remembered by feminists in the 1970s/80 wave of feminism. It was a commonly used tactic then to justify the unjustifiable.

      • Shanreagh 23.1.1
        1 September 2020 at 2:21 pm

        Actually just been thinking and wondering why JC did not reference the gun lobby and then she will have encapsulated significant parts of the Nats audience: older, lauranorder, rugby lovers and gunowners. Perhaps 'hubby' is not a shooter?

        Also the word 'pig' should not have been included as pigs are sentient animals and Wong-Tung is just ignorant.

        But isn't it amazing how much of the Nats 'humour' is based on putting heads of Labour people on different notices (Wong-Tung), heads on different bodies (text allegedly sent from Andrew Falloon to a supporter), heads on toilet seats (Woodhouse prize). I can remember being convulsed with laughter doing cut-outs as an 8 year old when someone in the class put a pic of a ballerina on rugby players legs. It did not last much longer than that one time more than half a century ago.

        Are they stuck somewhere?

        Though I guess Nats won't have puerile humour to themselves and there may be some lefties indulging.

  24. karol121 24
    1 September 2020 at 1:04 pm

    Hey, you guys and gals. Why the gripes?

    He is entitled to publicly rant on social media platforms and to publish annoying or even sickening rant or commentary if he pleases, is he not?

    We do, and we consider it to be our privilege.

    Hey. I sure ain't any sort of Jacinda groupie, but politics is dog eat dog is it not?

    There was a time when most benefiting either directly or indirectly from (current or historical) taxpayer pool funding were often quite shy in relation to public rant and attacking the many who, through the taxation system contributed to their fine clobber, their feasts and their toys.

    Is a smartphone to twit with not so often considered to be just a toy? Many would suggest that it sure beats viewing pics on it and physically masturbating.

    These days, people can virtually masturbate through such activity without losing too much energy and without being accused of sexting type offences. They don't have to go anywhere near their midriffs.

    In the 21st century, brothers sand sisters of both objective and subjective rant (taxpayer funded or otherwise) holding public office or holding on to either political or contrived foreign trade apron strings are coming out of both the woodwork and closets, and doing it for themselves by ranting it how they feel.

    Take a look at "Mr Tongues" business history and associations and you will see a clearer picture in relation to how he and others have become very successful indeed off the backs of people like you and I. Even Johnkey figured it out and stated it in so many words that, "New Zealand is open for business". This includes both monkey business and dirty business, does it not?

    Wake up. This is healthy, New Zealand. Can you not take a joke in relation to your economy and your political system, more especially the old school "Goodfellow" Party of NZ? None of you on this kumara republic farm, in your urban prisons or on your one eighth of an acre maraes are starving, are you?

    Please DO NOT leave either of them alone. If anything, true to our Kiwi heritage we should be supporting their aggression.

    Neither David Wong Tong nor JC should ever walk alone in relation to the enjoyment and fulfillment associated with cuss, insult and even demeaning commentary spuriously presented as politicking.

    For sure, I do not intend missing such opportunities myself.

    After all, as JC herself has stated in so many words, he is a 64 year old who isn't controlled by her.

    Are we not being a little sanctimonious or far too sensitive here?

    Firstly, he is a described as being a former rugby player, and it is considered that Kiwis see "AO" (NZ) and Pacifica rugby players as heroes. Can you not treat him like a word rant hero as well?

    Remember that these are the men who risk life and limb on the rugby field in times of spectator sport war that we experience perpetually, so that our national pride can be defended and preserved?

    He's a former (Counties-Manukau was it?) cop, and New Zealanders are very much aligned to the concept of worshiping various Mr or Ms "Polici" types who present as authoritative and either culturally or politically dominant.

    Many New Zealanders loved JC herself as a crusher, a no holds barred mouth wrestler with a keen lust for boxing people out and and down or encouraging others to do so, and drawing blood also, I've no doubt.

    Biff, biff, smash, smash, punch and punch any opponent DOWN and OUT must surely be the Kiwi catchphrase for the current era.

    Come on Kiwi. Live the blood sport!

    • Sacha 24.1
      1 September 2020 at 1:21 pm

      guys and gals. Why the gripes?

      yo, daddyo!

      • karol121 24.1.1
        2 September 2020 at 4:38 pm

        Whew!

        When I get going, like Lurch from the Addams Family TV series, sometimes I just don't want to stop.

        Let's dance this political dance right around and sort the real wheat out from the chaff in relation to genuine, sincere, realistic political candidates with the general well-being of new Zealanders at heart, as opposed to free loading rants and their sidekicks making big, and laughing all the way to the bank or the resort for the mayhem they cause.

    • Enough is Enough 24.2
      1 September 2020 at 2:38 pm

      Because that what politics is. Being outraged and offended by the other side for something which doesn't really matter, is what twitter and blogging was invested for.

      Heaven forbid anyone ever debate what the fuck National's policy is for the next covid outbreak, or how they intend to reduce the deficit, without austerity.

      • karol121 24.2.1
        2 September 2020 at 4:31 pm

        Well put.

        So why simply gripe when you can be assertively reactive in relation to your anger and everybody else's?

        Respond to people like "tongue"wonton with the same b*llsh*t that they are trying to ram down our throats, and try not to be diplomatic about it, nor polite.

        My view. Neither he nor JC (who is quietly referred to as a bush pig) actually represent the Chinese nor any other superpower within the region. They are simply ingratiating bottom feeders, just as Simon Bridges is, and just as so many of the other cronies are.

        Twitter, sites such as this one, or wherever, it matters not. Just as long as the message gets through to them.

        That is BOTH politics and democracy.

        So, thank you for raising the point about politics, which for many candidates is simply money for jam in relation to spewing out idealist rant and convenient narrative rhetoric.

  25. Peter 25
    1 September 2020 at 1:45 pm

    The good thing about the debate is how it shows that it is a 'no holds barred' world.

    Many want nothing to do with standards, norms, tradition, propriety, manners, convention, civility. It is the 'do what you want' age.

    To be consistent of course all children being raised from the time they are born should be raised to reflect those attitudes and values.

    Come back in 60 years and see how that worked.

    Back to the beginning. When leaders have scummy ways of acting and encourage it we are well and truly stuffed. Wong Tung and his wife think it's funny and inconsequential.

    Their smart arse attitude is just about the worst thing. There are going to be morons, lowlife thickheads who are going to explode on social media with their shit. Leaders justifying their own shit behaviour and their followers excusing it on the grounds of what moronic, lowlife thickheads are doing, is the worst leadership.

    To use the old political slogan: "New Zealand the way you want it?"

    • Draco T Bastard 25.1
      1 September 2020 at 4:13 pm

      When leaders have scummy ways of acting and encourage it we are well and truly stuffed.

      QFT

      Nations tend to follow their leaders. Germany followed Hitler, the USSR followed Stalin.

      What will NZ look like if we followed the behaviour as set out by National?

  26. Tricledrown 26
    1 September 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Crushless Collins married to Trump doppleganger

    • Shanreagh 26.1
      1 September 2020 at 2:27 pm

      Actually I think it is Collins that is the Trump doppelganger. The phrasing of JC's justification is eerily like Hillary Clinton's 'He's a hard dog to keep on the porch' I felt sad for Hillary Clinton as she said it ruefully. JC said her 'justifications' in a smarmy self satisfied 'Aren't I a smarty?' way.

  27. Brigid 27
    1 September 2020 at 3:11 pm

    I do hope these two didn't breed.

    • Anne 27.1
      1 September 2020 at 4:49 pm

      They produced a son who is now grown up and has apparently sworn he will never have anything to do with politics.

      • Dennis Frank 27.1.1
        1 September 2020 at 5:31 pm

        Oh, you mean like Justin Trudeau did? 😊 I read it in his autobiography. To Justin's credit, he maintained that view for quite a few years. And when he eventually shifted, the time was right, it felt like the right thing to do. I was impressed by his lengthy account of the shift & the reasons in relation to the political context. Authenticity can't be faked, so I developed some respect for him…

    • Westykev 27.2
      1 September 2020 at 6:47 pm

      Children of politicians get a hard enough time as it is and don't need such f@#ked up comments by yourself adding to it.

  28. Psycho Milt 28
    1 September 2020 at 5:20 pm

    … he is married to me, how could he be sexist?” Collins said.

    Does anyone have any idea what Collins might have supposed that to mean? Or is it just random noise masquerading as a sentence?

    • Dennis Frank 28.1
      1 September 2020 at 5:26 pm

      The latter. But you can imagine how it gets the tiny wee brains of journos whirring. And in politics, that's all that really matters. Think of it as a corollary of the old rule `any publicity is good publicity' (regardless of the screw-up factor).

      • Shanreagh 28.1.1
        1 September 2020 at 6:22 pm

        Yes makes as much sense as the reasons why her 'hubby' cannot be reasoned with to act as an adult: age, being a policeman and playing rugby. I think the eyes glaze over as the journos are totally mesmerised by what she says – a sort of Emperor has no clothes effect.

        There are no 'But Mummy it doesn't mean anything' in that lot…….

        But
        ‘random noise masquerading as a sentence’ is a very good description.

  29. Austringer 29
    1 September 2020 at 6:25 pm

    Hey Jude, you and yer man jump on Donald!s team sounds like a good fit.

    • karol121 29.1
      3 September 2020 at 4:31 pm

      I believe that she thought she had joined him, or that she piggy backed her way to his door using somebody else's assets, but she's such an embarrassment, I doubt that even he would want her.

      I'm beginning to think that she and others have outstayed their welcome with most of anybody who is anybody among the political and business elite within the People's Republic of China also. This, despite various whispers and assertions that she and many of her cronies are "in" with them.

      She really needs to get on her bicycle quick smart, before she causes irreversible damage to New Zealand.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    19 hours ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 days ago

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

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-04T19:55:37+00:00