Lester Levy, $320,000 Part time Health NZ Commissioner: “It’s not for me to fix everything”
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2:12 pm, September 19th, 2024 - 16 comments
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This is an excerpt from the Mountain Tui substack post
In watching the Health Select Committee yesterday, it became clear to me why Margie Apa remains Health NZ CEO.
During Levy’s testimony, Apa sat like a rock next to her boss. She nodded supportively, scribbled notes to him, jumped in when he faltered, and helped him to answer questions.
When Labour’s Dr Verrall asked why Health NZ started implementing “a surge” of NDAs, Levy said he didn’t know anything about that.
Apa explained –
Apa:
“I did ask for NDAs for senior managers who were involved in budgets. And, that’s not unusual…”
Verrall:
“Well, I can advise members of the Health NZ delegation that this is a highly unusual practice in a public sector organisation.”
“And I put to you, Commissioner Levy, that you have the power to ask for these to be removed.”
“The Public Service Commissioner has asked that I [ask you] whether you think this is appropriate for a public service organisation.
I have seen some of these NDAs.
They ask officials not to discuss their ideas.
This is North Korean, get rid of it.”
Levy acknowledged that he had received a letter from the Public Service Commissioner.
And he said they would respond soon.
Verrall later expands:
“Every government department in New Zealand writes a budget and none of them have this level of non-disclosure agreements.”
[They are being used to] “hide the scale of the cuts they are planning”.
This is consistent because the NDAs appeared after the leak of one of Health NZ’s latest proposals – 4492 cut to meet Dr Levy’s budget request.
[470 doctors, 1491 nurses, 338 allied staff and more than 2000 managers and admin workers.]
Newsroom cited sources as saying the model was not a drill when the press caught wind of it. “At least one region” was already consulting on its rollout.
But they all knew it was “politically unpalatable”.
[Wait – what about the health and well-being impacts to Kiwis?]
Courtesy: RNZ
The issue with NDAs is this is a public sector organisation and transparency and accountability should be foremost.
But Apa received a public bollocking from Levy the last time a budget leaked. So I can perhaps understand why she conceived of the idea. Still it’s inappropriate – this is the public service, not her fiefdom.
At the time, Levy claimed he didn’t know anything about the budget proposal. He had just asked for his target numbers to be met. i.e. Luxon’s target numbers.
[What does he know? And what does he actually do? The 3 days a week actually makes sense.]
Apa also backs Levy up outside the Committee when the waiting media throng ask Levy how many hours he works for Health NZ. Why did he ask for $320,000 on a part time job? Was it justified for what amounts to one of two part time gigs?
Levy said he worked 10-12 hours a day, 7 days a week:
“Ask Margie.”
Margie affirms.
Later, Levy says –
“The job is never put as a full-time job,
but I would propose to you if you’re working 10 to 12 hours a day on a particular job, that’s quite a lot.”
[Wait, so 10-12 hours a day for Health NZ? Or 10-12 hours on whatever job you’re working at? And if you’re doing your full teaching schedule 2 days a week, how do you fit in 24 hours a day and still sleep and eat?]
The role of the Chair was always to work a 2.5 – 3 day job, Levy continues, even though he isn’t Chair anymore.
Luxon was on hand to defend Levy, saying it was “quite normal” for Kiwis to have more than one job and such people work “incredibly hard” i.e. more than 8 hours a week, he meant…. ah, 8 hours a day.
[Freudian slips can be hard to overcome. But also, is Luxon inferring it’s common for Kiwis to find $320,000 part time Czar gigs? If so, please re-direct Prime Minister. I work long hours for very little. So do the majority of Kiwis.]
And yes, Jan. It seems to be too important a role to have a part time IT Professor on it, Mr Luxon.
[Hipkins is also interviewed here and it strikes me at this point that Hipkin’s popularity is falling because he hardly gets any media time, unlike folks like Seymour and Luxon when in opposition. In fact, hardly any Opposition members get air time anymore]
What was clear to me in watching the Health Select Committee is Levy is similar to Luxon in at least three ways.
One, he likes to promote himself. He boasted about his time at Waitematā district health board. Except the results show he has a playbook that is inconsistent with genuine transformation – ultimately leaving health districts in worse shape after he leaves. Glory is easy to take, but doing the right thing is always going to be more important – but not for everyone.
Two, he favours corporate talk and saying the right thing. Levy has a lot of ideas about IT, investment, and productivity. He says all the right things – what someone like Luxon would want to hear. Levy’s real job is about wait times, because we all know that’s what Luxon’s KPIs say. It’s the “actual real mission here” Levy admits.
All while ignoring the elephant in the room – funding and budget needed to hire “resources”. [Not to mention patient care, doctors and nurses and their well-being/retention, cost of healthcare, access to healthcare, preventative healthcare etc]
Instead, Levy claims Health NZ has more than enough resources – they just haven’t squeezed enough out of them:
”We’ve got a lot of resource and we’re not actually getting the true value out of that resource and we need to do that and we’re working to do that.”
The saying “drawing blood from a stone” emerges in my head.
Three, he is hands off but puts people into positions so they can be blamed take accountability instead. For example, at one point during the media questions, he is asked if the understaffing issues at Dargaville hospital have been fixed yet. Dargaville has no doctors overnight and telehealth was used. The cardiac patient died.
Levy draws an obvious blank here before saying “it’s not for me to fix everything, so we now have regional Deputy Chief Executives.“
It’s a certain type of leadership style that enjoys accolades but consistently positions accountability elsewhere. Hence his common refrain “I don’t know about that”. Luxon uses it commonly too – “I haven’t heard about that.”
Back to Apa.
It’s good she survived.
It’s not easy to.
By all accounts, Levy has always left a wake of organisation and leadership destruction where he works.
But she has clearly shown her utility to him and been willing to bend to the new direction.
I once thought it odd that if the “unexpected” health deficit was as Reti claimed [fact checked here by the Post as a fail], why she would retain her job.
[The deficit was actually caused by successful nursing recruitment numbers etc. as reported by Marc Daalder.]
Well it turns out they found another scapegoat:
2023 CFO of the Year: Rosie Percival.
Health commentator Ian Powell:
“It forms a pattern of Lester Levy when he comes into a new organisation. First of all, he diagnoses a crisis of financial mismanagement. And secondly, people get scapegoated. And I think that Rosalie is a casualty of that.”
In conclusion, it turns out Health NZ is paying ~$1 million more in senior executive salaries after Dr Levy started. No money for Health, Luxon had said despite underfunding Health, but anything we need to imprison more Kiwis.
Some profit from such models.
Way to go, talkers.
EXTRA STUFF:
Talking about CEOs:
Other public sector leaders didn’t survive the change in government like Apa has.
For example, Kāinga Ora CEO Andrew McKenzie fell on his sword after the government ran an apparent pre-conceived “independent review” on Kāinga Ora.
And after McKenzie left, National appointed a much more business friendly individual: Matt Crockett – former Telecommunications and Fletcher Building executive.
16 comments on “Lester Levy, $320,000 Part time Health NZ Commissioner: “It’s not for me to fix everything” ”
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- Marsden Fund changes will undermine prosperity and social cohesion
The Government’s rewrite of the Marsden Fund’s investment plan and terms of reference demonstrates a complete lack of understanding and risks undermining the breadth of research that is essential for the wellbeing and prosperity of New Zealanders, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Acting President Rachel Mackintosh. “Humanities and social science ...1 week ago
- Thursday 5 December
The Government has announced further changes to the personal grievance regime that will make it even tougher for workers, and changes to the Marsden Fund investment plan to stop funding for humanities and social sciences research. Workers at Kinleith mill are worried that they will lose even more jobs. A ...1 week ago
- Can desalination quench agriculture’s thirst?
This article by Lela Nargi originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, a nonprofit publication dedicated to making scientific knowledge accessible to all. Sign up for Knowable Magazine’s newsletter. Ralph Loya was pretty sure he was going to lose the corn. His farm had been scorched by El Paso’s hottest-ever June and ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...6 hours ago - Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...6 hours ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...1 day ago - Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...1 day ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...1 day ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 days ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 days ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 days ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...3 days ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...3 days ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...4 days ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...4 days ago
- Fossil fuel lobbyist appointment to EECA board called out
The Green Party condemns the Government’s appointment of a fossil fuel lobbyist to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority Board. ...6 days ago
- Release: Boot camps must be shut down today
The Prime Minister has committed to shut down his government’s boot camps if there is evidence of harm to children – so he must do that today. ...6 days ago
- Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform
The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zealanders. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt breaks Auckland housing promise
Housing Minister Chris Bishop has confirmed National has broken yet another election promise. ...1 week ago
- Government smokescreen to downgrade climate ambition
Today the ACT-National Coalition Agreement pet project’s findings on “no additional warming” were released. ...1 week ago
- Release: Health NZ admits errors led to claimed deficit
Health New Zealand has exaggerated its deficit to justify job cuts. ...1 week ago
- Release: More cuts to research, science and innovation sector
The Government’s latest round of cuts to research and innovation targets the long-established and successful Marsden Fund. ...1 week ago
- Govt guts funding for social sciences and humanities
The Government’s decision to axe all Humanities and Social Science research funding through the Marsden Fund is a massive step backwards. ...1 week ago
- You can’t bank on pine trees in a climate crisis
Today’s Government announcement to limit farm forestry conversions tinkers around the edges, instead of focusing on the real problem and stopping pollution at the source. ...1 week ago
- Release: Nicola Willis being sneaky with new taxes
Nicola Willis is refusing to rule out putting sneaky new taxes on Kiwi households. ...1 week ago
- Release: Govt benefit target even further out of reach
Christopher Luxon has once again failed to read the room and claimed success while life gets harder for everyday Kiwis. ...1 week ago
- Govt continues to punch down
The Government’s new initiative to get people off the benefit won’t address the core drivers of poverty such as low incomes, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of employment opportunities. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour urges ACC to pull investments in Israel’s illegal settlements
Labour is urging ACC to divest from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in the building and maintenance of Israel’s illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. ...1 week ago
- Release: Further evidence to stop school lunch cuts
A new report provides further proof that David Seymour should not be messing with the free school lunch programme. ...1 week ago
- Jamie Arbuckle: Inquiry into Banking Competition
This week was the start of the bank inquiry hearings into banking competition. The inquiry was confirmed in the NZ First/National Coalition agreement. 140 submissions were received on the inquiry, and we will hear from over 60 submitters including all the major banks. ANZ, New Zealand's largest bank, was first ...1 week ago
- Casey Costello: What Once Was…
Entering politics is a privilege afforded to very few and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Being an MP is a call to service. Whatever your politics you have a duty to show up. Whatever your party's policy, you have made a promise to those who ...1 week ago
- Casey Costello: International Day of Older Persons
Throughout New Zealand it is difficult to think of a sports club, charity, church group, festival, foundation, or service organisation that does not owe its existence, effectiveness, or success to the contribution of older New Zealanders. October 1st is International Day of Older Persons so please take a moment to consider ...1 week ago
- NZ First Member’s Bill To Disestablish Auckland Transport
Today New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that will restore democratic control over transport management in Auckland City by disestablishing Auckland Transport (AT) and returning control to Auckland Council. The ‘Local Government (Auckland Council) (Disestablishment of Auckland Transport) Amendment Bill’ intends to restore democratic oversight, control, and accountability ...1 week ago
- Tanya Unkovich: It’s time to start the debate on palliative care as a ‘right’
There is one topic that is the great human leveller, and that is of death and dying. One day, we will all have to face it, and I am of the belief that being able to pass away with grace and dignity is a vital, basic, human right. How we ...1 week ago
- Mark Patterson: Farmers understand we have their backs
Spring is here which means the start of the A&P show season. Those treasured community days where town meets country. There's no rural-urban divide here, just a chance to meet up with family and old friends and celebrate all things that make rural New Zealand so special. I'm embarking on ...1 week ago
- Release: A Labour Government will not join AUKUS
New Zealand will not sign up to the nuclear-powered pillar one, or the pillar two of AUKUS under a Labour Government. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour will build Dunedin Hospital
Labour will build Dunedin Hospital as it was committed to prior to election 2023. ...2 weeks ago
- Chris Hipkins: Speech to Labour Party Conference 2024
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā iwi, e rau rangatira ma Tena koutou tēnā koutou tēnā koutou katoa ...2 weeks ago
- Luxon Folds on ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, is calling Luxon’s leadership a joke after it was revealed this morning on Q+A that ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill was not a bottom line. "New Zealand officially has a laughing-stock Prime Minister whose leadership folded as he trades away the rights of tangata whenua ...2 weeks ago
- Prime Minister shirks responsibility on global climate commitment
In an interview with Q&A this morning, the Prime Minister refused to say whether he would commit to meeting the Paris Agreement, the international climate agreement which commits all countries to act locally to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: All workers deserve fair treatment
The Government’s latest change to the Employment Relations Act has no justification apart from making it easier to sack employees without having to follow due process. ...2 weeks ago
- COURT OF APPEAL RULING: SFO METHODS “OVERREACH, UNLAWFUL, OPPRESSIVE”
Today the Court of Appeal has found the Serious Fraud Office has been acting indiscriminately and unlawfully throughout an eight year long investigation. The SFO has shown their incompetence and arrogance and shown to be abusing their authority to conduct its own overreaching and unlawful fishing expeditions. The Court of Appeal said the SFO has relied on its misuse of compulsory interview ...2 weeks ago
- Covid Inquiry report underlines need to invest in Health
The Green Party says the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid-19 Response underlines the need for proper investment in our health system so we are prepared for future pandemics. ...2 weeks ago
- Karen Walker and Keven Mealamu join CNZ Board
Fashion designer Karen Walker CNZM and former All Black Keven Mealamu MNZM have been appointed to the Creative New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “I am excited to have these two highly respected individuals join Creative New Zealand, who will undoubtedly add great experience and perspectives to New ...1 hour ago - Health targets encouraging – work continues
New data shows that the Government’s focus on health targets is putting the brakes on the steep decline in delivery seen over the past five years. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says while there is much more work to do, health target results in the three months to 30 September ...1 hour ago
- Independent review of ACC announced
ACC Minister Matt Doocey has today announced an independent review of ACC because of concerns about declining rehabilitation rates and increasing costs. “ACC provides critical support to New Zealanders in times of need, but I am concerned that ACC’s performance has been declining for a decade. Rehabilitation rates are down, ...3 hours ago
- New research to aid tourism and hospitality sector
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey today announced investment in a suite of new surveys and research which will help fill critical gaps in tourism and hospitality sector data. “Government investment totalling around $3 million will fund essential research including a domestic visitor survey, tourism sentiment survey, new research into ...4 hours ago
- Seafood sector a ‘Kiwi success story’
New Zealand’s seafood exports are set to hit a record $2.2 billion in the year to June 2025, and increase to $2.4b the following year, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “Our seafood sector is a Kiwi success story. The sector’s hard work, healthy demand, tight global supply and ...5 hours ago
- Food and Fibre sector set to break records
New Zealand’s food and fibre exports are forecast to hit $56.9 billion by 30 June 2025 and climb to a record $58.3 billion the following year, showcasing the strength and resilience of the sector, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today. “The hard work and innovation of our world ...8 hours ago
- Thai Foreign Minister to visit
Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa will visit New Zealand this week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. “Thailand is an important economic and security partner for New Zealand in Southeast Asia,” Mr Peters says. “The visit is another important step as our two countries work to lift our relationship to a ...22 hours ago
- New ferries will ensure safe, resilient connection
The Government is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries to ensure a safe, reliable and commercially viable ferry service, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “This decision will ensure New Zealand has a safe, reliable and resilient service to move people and freight between the North and South ...1 day ago
- Milestone for Iwi Māori Partnership Boards
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Iwi Māori Partnership Boards have taken a major step as part of the Government’s commitment to the health of Māori communities. Minister Reti has now received 15 IMPB community health plans, representing the vision and plans of the boards for health and wellbeing in ...1 day ago
- New seafood processing factory opens in Porirua
A new seafood processing factory in Porirua north of Wellington will bring export revenue, jobs and opportunities for the community, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The Wellington Kaimoana Hub, a joint venture between Māori owned seafood companies Moana New Zealand and Port Nicholson Fisheries, was formally opened by ...1 day ago
- Gisborne receives mental health beds boost
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today opened Gisborne Hospital’s new acute mental health unit, Te Whare Awhi Ora, and says the region will be better served by a bigger, more therapeutic acute mental health unit.“I have been clear that we need to build a strong mental health and addiction ...1 day ago
- Our journey towards net zero
The Government has unveiled its second Emissions Reduction Plan, outlining a path to keep New Zealand on track to meet its climate change targets while supporting the economy to thrive, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The plan sets the foundation to meet our net zero 2050 target as early ...1 day ago
- Repealing advertising restrictions for media
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has been introduced to Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Traditional media outlets are operating in an extremely difficult environment and as the Government we must ensure regulatory settings are enabling the best chance of ...2 days ago
- Government announces future of greyhound racing in New Zealand
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the Government’s plans to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs. “Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent ...2 days ago
- Government cuts red tape for food exporters
The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and increase the value of exports by making it easier for exporters to deliver safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Food exports are the bedrock of our economy, so when industry asked ...2 days ago
- Relationships & Sexuality Education refresh
The Government welcomes a new report which confirms the way Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) is taught in schools isn’t fit for purpose, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “In a world that’s rapidly changing, young people deserve every opportunity to be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to ...2 days ago
- Applications open for mental wellbeing campaigns
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced that applications will open today for the $5 million Mental Health Promotion Fund for organisations to run campaigns that promote mental wellbeing while at the Digital Mental Health Summit. “Strengthening the focus on prevention and early intervention is one of my key priorities. Our ...2 days ago
- Raising the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities
A first-of-its-kind report launched today lays the groundwork for growing the visibility of New Zealand’s ethnic communities through data, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “Too often and for too long, ethnic communities have largely been invisible in public sector data. As a result, their voices have not always been ...3 days ago
- Pay deductions for partial strikes to be reintroduced
Changes to collective bargaining will help rebalance the rights and consequences of industrial action, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says. A bill to allow for pay deductions in response to partial strikes will be introduced today. “Partial strikes are industrial actions that normally involve turning up to ...3 days ago
- Strategic leasing another tool in the infrastructure procurement belt
The Government is issuing strategic leasing guidance to agencies to ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars where the private sector is better placed to own and maintain infrastructure, Infrastructure Under-Secretary Simon Court says. “On a basic level, strategic leasing is like any other government leasing arrangement, where the government ...3 days ago
- Next steps for banking competition
The Government is pushing ahead with moves to increase banking competition by boosting Kiwibank and taking steps to ensure the Reserve Bank places greater importance on competition in the sector, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The change will enable the New Zealand-owned bank to more vigorously compete against the ...3 days ago
- New campaign promotes alcohol-free pregnancies
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has launched a new public health campaign to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by promoting alcohol-free pregnancies. FASD is the leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disorders in New Zealand, causing lifelong physical, behavioural, learning and mental health problems. “The impact of FASD in ...3 days ago
- New Climate Change Commission Chair appointed
Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy has been appointed as the new chair of the Climate Change Commission, the independent Crown entity that provides the Government advice, monitoring and reporting to support New Zealand’s transition to a climate-resilient, low emissions future, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “I’m pleased that Dame ...3 days ago
- Commonsense changes to insulation standards
The Government is proposing commonsense changes to reduce the upfront cost of building, while maintaining robust energy efficiency standards, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “We know from a social investment point of view that Kiwis do much better when they have access to affordable, insulated, secure housing. “However, ...3 days ago
- Racing Act changes to boost racing industry sustainability
Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced the introduction of legislation to amend the Racing Industry Act 2020 which will extend TAB NZ’s current land-based monopoly for sports and racing betting to online. The Racing Industry Act established TAB NZ for the purposes of funding the racing industry. It provides ...4 days ago
- New members appointed to EECA Board
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has today announced two new appointments to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) Board.John Carnegie and Vijay Goel have both been appointed as members for three-year terms which will begin on 6 January 2025 and end on 5 January 2028.“As Minister for Energy, my goal ...6 days ago
- JOINT STATEMENT ON AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FOREIGN AND DEFENCE MINISTERIAL CONSULTATIONS (ANZMIN) DECE...
1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP and Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP hosted Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong on 6 December in ...6 days ago
- Swift avian influenza response in Otago on track
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says good progress is being made in the response to the detection of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, but there is more work to do. “Rigorous testing and monitoring continue to show no confirmed signs of the disease in chicken farms outside of Mainland ...6 days ago
- Funding for Hawke’s Bay water security project
Up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been allocated for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke’s Bay, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to ...6 days ago
- Waimārama ban on taking pāua to continue
A two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings will support efforts by local iwi to rebuild pāua stocks, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The closure includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, two beaches popular with holidaymakers and recreational fishers. Ngāi Hapū o ...6 days ago
- Appointments to the New Zealand Post board
Four new appointments have been made to the New Zealand Post Ltd (NZ Post) board, Acting State-Owned Enterprises Minister Chris Bishop says. “NZ Post is one of New Zealand’s largest State-owned enterprises with revenue of around $1.2 billion and total assets of around $1.5 billion. It is the designated universal ...6 days ago
- Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land
Ministers responsible for Climate Change, Forestry, Conservation and Land Information today announced that Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says that nature-based solutions is a key part to ...7 days ago
- International data confirms maths transformation
New international data validates the Government’s plan to transform maths education in New Zealand, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is the longest-running, large-scale international assessment of mathematics and science and takes place every four years. While 2023 results show an improved ...7 days ago
- Government partners to boost rural productivity in Hawke’s Bay
The Government is partnering with Hawke’s Bay farmers and the Regional Council to improve farm productivity and build resilience against adverse weather events, Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay announced today at a ceremony in Hawke’s Bay. “The Government is co-investing $995,000 to grow the Land for Life (LFL) pilot programme ...7 days ago
- Peters visit to New Caledonia concludes
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed his visit to New Caledonia, New Zealand’s closest neighbour. “Over the last few days, we have listened to and learned from a wide range of people in New Caledonia - so that we can better understand the acute challenges it faces,” Mr Peters says. ...7 days ago
- More charter schools to open Term 1 2025 announced
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Christchurch North College, The BUSY School, Te Rito, Te Kura Taiao, Ecole Francaise Internationale Auckland and North West Creative Arts College will open in term one 2025 as charter schools. “This announcement is another significant step in the Government’s efforts to ...1 week ago
- New chair appointed to Heritage New Zealand
Dame Jo Brosnahan DNZM QSO has been appointed chair of the Heritage New Zealand Board, Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Dame Jo has extensive governance and business experience which has been recognised in various Honours, notably in 2023 when she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order ...1 week ago
- Survey results to drive change for tourism and hospitality workforce
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the data released today about the hospitality and tourism workforce. “Two of my key priorities include supporting the people who make up the tourism and hospitality workforce and growing the value of international tourism. In order to grow New Zealand’s international tourism ...1 week ago
- Upgrading substations to improve reliability for Wellington metro rail
Wellington commuters will benefit from a $137.2 million funding boost that will deliver long overdue upgrades to substations on the city’s metro rail network and improve the reliability of services, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Our Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that reduces congestion, boosts productivity to support economic growth, ...1 week ago
- Record $434 million in community grants from Lotto NZ
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says Lotto NZ has granted $434 million to the community in the past financial year, an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. “It’s fantastic to see an increase in funding going to important community projects, providing opportunities for New Zealanders to ...1 week ago
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Bethany Rolston looks back at the three years she wrote for the Te Awamutu Courier, one of the 14 NZME community newspapers set to close before Christmas. Looking back at the three years I was a journalist at the Te Awamutu Courier feels like a happy sort of fever ...20 minutes ago - Politics with Michelle Grattan: For Mark Dreyfus, antisemitism is very personal
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne and another car torching in Sydney have dramatically heightened political tensions over antisemitism. Amid criticism the government has been too slow to act in the ...34 minutes ago - Disaster happens when soldiers don’t act ethically. We can provide better training to support the...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Deane-Peter Baker, Associate Professor of Ethics, Director of UNSW Military Ethics Research Lab and Innovation Network (MERLIN), UNSW Sydney Recently, the government responded to the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide. It adopted most of the recommendations designed to better support defence personnel. ...34 minutes ago
- Fiji government accused over human rights violations, free speech curb
By Apenisa Waqairadovu in Suva Fiji’s coalition government has come under scrutiny over allegations of human rights violations. Speaking at the commemoration of International Human Rights Day in Suva on Tuesday, the chair of the Coalition of NGOs, Shamima Ali, claimed that — like the previous FijiFirst administration — the ...1 hour ago
- Winston Peters says rail-enabled ferries are ‘no-brainer’ for Interislander replacements
"The overall cost in my view will be much less if it's rail-enabled," new Minister for Rail says, as he confirms there's no getting out of a break-fee for the iRex project. ...1 hour ago - Iwi leader ‘cuts out middle man’ with open letter to King Charles III
He said Charles is a direct descendant of Queen Victoria - the reigning monarch at the time the treaty was signed - and had the mana to intervene. ...1 hour ago
- Watch live: Christopher Luxon faces questions after ferry announcement
The Prime Minister's comments come a day after the government announced its alternative ferry replacement project, which has been criticised for a lack of specific detail. ...2 hours ago
- Solicitor-General reissues prosecution guidelines after backlash
"I realised that I could have done better with the way that I had worded that particular part," Solicitor-General Una Jagose told politicians after backlash. ...2 hours ago
- Review into ACC announced, levies to increase
The ACC minister announced an independent review, while levies are to rise by 5 percent a year for three years. ...2 hours ago
- Deliberate disinformation campaigns are a public health risk – but NZ has no effective strategy to...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Petousis-Harris, Associate Professor in Vaccinology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Shutterstock/Melnikov Dmitriy The recently released Royal Commission of Inquiry report about New Zealand’s COVID response highlights the harmful impact of misinformation and disinformation on public health. While ...2 hours ago
- The Spinoff’s best NZ book covers of 2024
In which Claire Mabey judges this year’s New Zealand books by their covers. Among a sea of books some are more alluring than others, like tropical fishes glinting. The art of the book cover is a serious matter: the cover has to help the book stand out as well as ...2 hours ago
- Will Taxpayer Bailouts Of Failing Skifield Never End?
“It’s time for the abuse of taxpayer money to stop, and start investing in things that will actually benefit hardworking Kiwis.” ...2 hours ago - Hundreds more jobs set to go at Health New Zealand
Two more units are facing major cuts, RNZ understands. ...3 hours ago
- Modern Slavery Legislation Drafted To Drive Cross Party Political Support For NZ Law
A team of independent experts has drafted legislation ready for immediate introduction to Parliament in a bid to fast-track progress on modern slavery laws with cross-party backing. ...4 hours ago
- A brief history of celebrity cameos on Shortland Street
Ahead of Conan O’Brien’s Shortland Street cameo tonight, Alex Casey looks back at some of the more memorable cameos to grace Ferndale. Nothing signals the festive season better than a tall redhead American late show host visiting our favourite fictional hospital. Tonight, Conan O’Brien will don a pair of grape ...4 hours ago
- Bypass property negotiation sours over price dispute
Paul Hoglund says he's been offered less than his property is worth and he isn't going anywhere. "I've got nothing to lose". ...4 hours ago
- David Seymour wrong on cost of ferry replacement project, says Winston Peters
"He's wrong on the figures that he's used, he's wrong on the question of privatisation and he's wrong on the question of what it's going to cost," the new rail minister says. ...5 hours ago
- ‘A virtual seat at the family table’: why older people are among the biggest users of social med...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bernardo Figueiredo, Associate Professor of Marketing, RMIT University Andrii Iemelianenko/Shutterstock The Australian government’s recent decision to ban under 16s from social media has focused attention on the harms it can cause – especially for young people. But young people are ...5 hours ago
- These 3 simple actions can save you money and help make the most of your rooftop solar
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dani Alexander, CEO, UNSW Energy Institute, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock Four million Australian households and businesses have rooftop solar installed, making us the world leader in the technology. Much of the electricity generated is used to power our homes, and any ...5 hours ago
- Help Me Hera: How do I navigate Auckland traffic without going insane?
The selfishness of this city’s drivers never fails to ruin my day. How do I get from A to B without wishing punishment and retribution on my fellow commuters? Want Hera’s help? Email your problem to helpme@thespinoff.co.nz Help Me Hera! Why do I see Auckland driver behaviour (not letting people merge, tailgating, etc) ...5 hours ago
- Own goal? Govt sets new $4b goalpost for ferries
This new Number of the Day is based on 42 very, very costly words in an old Treasury report, and some ‘spotty’ costings out of China and Korea The post Own goal? Govt sets new $4b goalpost for ferries appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago - Family and sexual violence: Government’s action plan makes little progress
Nationwide efforts to combat family and sexual violence are not getting results, with government agencies blamed for poor access to services. ...5 hours ago
- Why Australian politicians are flocking to ‘Little Red Book’ to engage with Chinese voters
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney Runrun2/Shutterstock Wen Li, a graduate student living in Brisbane, ran for the seat of Mansfield as a Greens candidate in the recent Queensland election. Li promoted his policies on ...6 hours ago
- Many Australians are recording their visits to the doctor – some without permission
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Megan Prictor, Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock You’re at a doctor’s appointment where you are told you might have a serious illness. You will have to undergo several different tests to get a firm diagnosis. ...6 hours ago
- Don’t understand your child’s report? Ask their teacher these questions instead
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan Heard, Research Fellow, Educational Monitoring and Research Division, Australian Council for Educational Research Fizkes/ Shutterstock As school wraps up, families around Australia will be receiving their children’s school reports for the second half of 2024. This is the ...6 hours ago
- ‘Is this all there is?’ Retirement can be a painful transition if we don’t adjust our thinking
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Moore, Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology SeventyFour/Shutterstock This article is part of The Conversation’s Retirement series where experts examine issues including how much money we need to retire, retiring with debt, the psychological ...6 hours ago
- The sharp, smart humour of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – and Gene Wilder’s genius performan...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Thompson, Lecturer in Theatre, Australian Catholic University In the mid 1970s, Hoyts Cinema Centre in Bourke Street Melbourne (the first multi-screened cinema in Victoria) was my go-to place for new release movies. In addition to three different screens, there was ...6 hours ago
- Military personnel leave cancelled over Christmas to cover strikes
Defence Minister Judith Collins has invoked a rarely-used power to fill holes left by striking civilian staff. ...6 hours ago
- An ‘announcement of an announcement’ of two new boats
The wait for replacement Interislander ferries will drag on until 2029, as ministers reveal a plan to buy two smaller ships, reports Joel MacManus reports from parliament. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Crown company created to procure two new Interislander ferries by 2029 The long-awaited ...7 hours ago
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- Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 12 December
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Thursday 12 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
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The post Daily crossword, Thursday 12 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...9 hours ago
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Hard working part-timers – like the Green list MP, not a member of the Green Party caucus – whom does she serve in parliament?
Heh – herself
SPC She’s as good as gone, the only one she served was herself.
On the day Mickey talks about tax, your post Mountain Tui begs an even more dire question around tax.
Why are we even paying tax when this mob can't even get the basics of running a health system right.
Hi Mountain Tui, yep, re as you Post
CEO Margie Apa, whether due to a bollocking from Commissioner Levy, and/or looking to her personal future, she certainly does seem to have lost touch with the Big Picture.
Which is, the wellbeing crisis of Health New Zealand…and its consequential negative effect on our NZ Health and Wellbeing.
I do rate Dr Ayesha Verrall, she can sure ask the hard questions ! But getting them to answer…and getting more exposure/public to react ? Also hard…..
As seen previously, it seems not so much bread and circus' to mollify…merely : let them have their tea..and toast. Aaargh !
However, at the sharps end of this…Doctors/Specialists/Nurses are not easily silenced….so they will be an ever increasing difficulty, for Levy, Reti..and Margie Apa.
On that a small digression if I may…, I do recall a BBC programme i occasionally watched many years back : Hard Talk.
Tim Sebastian…don't know if you ever heard of? Certainly seemed to get stuck into the difficult questioning….
With all the talk of the lack of our NZ critical media (or critical thinking for that ) ..where is our PBS?
I realise the Media Dumbing Down started many years back (thanks sir John Key and friends) , but it seems some pretty lonely voices trying to raise the Public's attention !
Keep up the good work/exposure M.T. and the Standard.!
I do recall a BBC programme i occasionally watched many years back : Hard Talk.
Oh yes, indeed. It's still going too, with much the same approach (although Tim Sebastian left in 2006).
A certain Mr Key fronted up to it on one memorable occasion. He was never seen on it again ….
Oh thanks for reply. I didnt see the sir Key episode, but certainly have read about his denial….
PsyclingLeft.Always
I would love to have a great investigative channel in NZ. Or yes just interviewers who can really bring it home.
Unfortunately media is weak, but it doesn't always have to be this way.
I've been impressed with Dr Ayesha Verrall – she is clearly angry too at what is happening and her questions are intelligent and courteous but strong. Good for her, and thank goodness we are seeing some stronger opposition too.
I think the problems in Health NZ are complex but they have the wrong man in the job – a sycophant who says all the right things and can squeeze people around him to get the right "numbers" but that's not necessarily good for Kiwis at all.
One thing's for sure about this part-timer, I bet his holiday pay is up to scratch unlike the workforce, most of which are waiting for reimbursement for previous financial mismanagement.
Professional Bludgers IMHO ???
Lester …? Margie…? Someone …?
What would they know…..
A simple..question. Which Reti does not answer
As also here..
NACT1..a clear and present danger to NZ's Health and Wellbeing !
They all "Talk the Talk" but can they "Walk the Walk", a lot of big talking from NACTACTNZF, but can they produce the goods for the Average Joe New Zealander, only time will tell.
I think if you still need time you aren't paying attention, which imo lots of average Joe's gave up doing years ago and the politicians know this, therefore just do what they want, get through the slightly awkward press conference and then move on. Pick up a sir or dame in front of their name and have a nice life. Stink for the rest of us
Lester Levy "…pray for me…" ffs
"Levy claims Health NZ has more than enough resources – they just haven’t squeezed enough out of them"
When you can make comments like that unchallenged after stiffing primary healthcare, GP numbers etc. Great gig if you can get it, even better send in the minion to answer.
Walk into any ED facility since covid it's been an uphill battle and now with this mob going all in stacking the exec ranks it's already very ugly folks.
It shows what the NACTs value best in their officials.
Not ability, not humanity, not dedication to the job.
Just being able to spray and walk away.