Loans to feed kids are income and disqualify benefit, says MSD

Written By: - Date published: 7:30 am, October 26th, 2017 - 86 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, benefits, class war, welfare - Tags: , , ,

Cross-posted with permission, this post is by Barrister and journalist Catriona MacLennan.
_________________________________________________________________

Beneficiaries who borrow money to feed their children should have their benefits cut but those who borrow to buy shares should be entitled to benefit support, according to the Ministry of Social Development.

The Auckland High Court will hear the closing day of argument in a test case about benefit entitlement on 27 October.

MSD argues that loans taken out by beneficiaries to survive comprise “income,” and accordingly disqualify them from benefit support.

The hearing started in July but could not be completed then, so will wind up this Friday.

The case involves Ms X,* a woman with two children who was on a Domestic Purposes Benefit between 2005 and 2010 and at times received other support such as the Accommodation Supplement, Special Benefit, Temporary Additional Support and a Special Needs Grant.

In 2010, Ms X’s abusive former partner made a complaint to the Ministry of Social Development about her, alleging that she had received financial support from her mother and had bought and sold houses while on a benefit.

The Ministry began an investigation into Ms X’s circumstances and entitlement to the benefit.

Her former partner later admitted that his complaint had been malicious and unfounded, but that did not stop the Ministry’s action against Ms X.

The Ministry concluded that, as Ms X had borrowed money and spent it on basic necessities for herself and her children, she had not been entitled to a benefit and was accordingly required to repay $120,398.38.

This was despite the fact that Ms X was specifically told by her Work and Income case managers that she did not have to declare loans, irrespective of whether the loans were from banks, credit cards or family members.

As benefits in Aotearoa are deliberately set at levels which are too low to live on, Ms X borrowed from her bank, her mother and her credit card to stay afloat.

She lived outside Auckland at the time and owned a property, which she was trying to hang on to so that her children would have a home. She borrowed to buy paint for the property and to fix a leak to prevent sewage from running through the floor.

The benefit review form did not ask Ms X to list loans – in contrast to the United Kingdom form which has a question about this.

Ms X also provided detailed information to MSD showing that the loans had been repaid.

MSD’s argument is that the loans, even though they have been repaid, were “income” and accordingly disqualified her from benefit support.

The case has already been to the Benefits Review Committee and the Social Security Appeal Authority. Ms X has spent hundreds of hours providing details of her situation and explaining her finances – at the same time as caring for her children, studying for a degree and trying to start a business to support her family.

The amount she is alleged to owe has been adjusted several times, so that the figure has ranged between $109,852.91 and $127,275.05.

The Social Security Appeal Authority ruled that two bank loans should not have been treated as income, but held that other loans were income and that Ms X should be required to repay $109,852.91.

The Authority also said that the forms used by Work and Income were clearly inadequate to notify beneficiaries of the information MSD alleged they needed to provide.

The Ministry of Social Development appealed to the High Court against the Authority’s decision that bank loans were not to be treated as income. Ms X also appealed, arguing that money she borrowed from her mother and others was not income.

Section 3 of the Social Security Act 1964 defines “income.” The definition is more than one-and-a-half pages long. Section 3(b) states that income includes

“..whether capital or not and as calculated before the deduction (where applicable) of income tax, any periodical payments made, and the value of any credits or services provided periodically, from any source for income-related purposes and used by the person for income-related purposes;”

Section 3 defines “income-related purpose” as meaning the purpose of –

“(a) replacing lost or diminished income; or

(b) maintaining the person or a member of his or her family; or

(c) purchasing goods or services for the person or a member of his or her family, being goods or services of a kind that are commonly paid for from income; or

(d) enabling the person to make payments that he or she is liable to make and that are commonly made from income.”

When the case was in the High Court in July, the judge asked the Crown lawyer whether there was any loan that would not be counted as income and he replied that, if credit was used to buy shares, it might not be counted.

That response illustrates the level of unreality of MSD’s approach.

It is arguing that borrowing for the most basic necessities should disqualify people from benefits, but loans for the luxury of share-buying should not.

Does the Ministry seriously believe that beneficiaries are share buyers ?

The answer can be set alongside the response of a different Crown lawyer to a judge’s question in an earlier case I acted in.

MSD was trying to recover approximately $120,000 from a chronically-ill beneficiary in her 50s who will never be able to work again. The Ministry has pursued her for years and spent a large amount on the case, even though it is plain the woman has no money and her health will never allow her to work again.
The judge asked the Crown lawyer whether it was worth continuing to pursue the beneficiary.

The lawyer responded that it was, as the beneficiary might win Lotto and would then be able to repay the money.

Neither Crown lawyer’s reply relates in any way to the reality of the lives beneficiaries actually lead.

The absurdity of MSD’s argument in Ms X’s case can be clearly illustrated by applying it to someone in work.

If loans really are income, then employees with mortgages and other debt would be required to pay tax on their loans.

Or, is it one rule for beneficiaries, and another for the rest of Aotearoa ?

*Ms X has name suppression.

_________________________________________________________________

The story of the second beneficiary referred to in the post can be seen here (PDF).

86 comments on “Loans to feed kids are income and disqualify benefit, says MSD ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Dean Reynolods 1
    26 October 2017 at 8:21 am

    FFS, the sooner the new Government sorts out MSD, the better!

    • Catriona MacLennan 1.1
      26 October 2017 at 8:34 am

      Completely agree. Massive change urgently needed.

      • Jane England 1.1.1
        31 October 2017 at 10:45 am

        My heart breaks over this. The poor woman. All the hours of stress and anxiety while mothering. Bad enough having a vengeful abusive ex husband (I know that one) but trying to provide the basics on the benefit is impossible. We all know this. Do we prevent our kids from going on school trips? Do we fail to buy the school jersey? Do we forget about holidays? Do we fail to ever buy an ice-cream or block of chocolate. It is a nightmare. So many men owe tens of thousands in child support and just what is happening to them? Some, like my ex, have earned a huge income. I’m owed over $30,000 but cannot afford court costs or the risk that this man will be clever enough to bury more of his income and have his debts reduced. Time and again it is the mothers and grandmothers in court, the woman who are left to struggle to provide are punished over and again.

    • marty mars 1.2
      26 October 2017 at 8:46 am

      + 1 yes this utter madness must be stopped immediately. The new Government have to make helping the most vulnerable a priority and I believe they will. Thank the Gods the gnats are gone – they would have given the MSD and their lawyers a bonus imo.

  2. Kate 2
    26 October 2017 at 8:36 am

    This kind of “Alice Through the Looking Glass” thinking has cost beneficiaries their lives and sanity as well as costing MSD and the Crown a ridiculous amount of money that cannot be described as well-spent in pursuing these Catch-22 “breaches”. Is a food parcel income then, or a donation to the children from Kids Can? It seems it might be under the rules as interpreted by the Crown lawyers. Nice work if you can get it, and apparently many lawyers can.

    • Patricia Bremner 2.1
      26 October 2017 at 11:05 am

      If these “lawyers” are being paid by us at an hourly rate that would make any benefit income look minute, how does that improve the human condition?

      New Zealand is in grave danger of losing its way if such becomes case law.

      Monty Python stuff!! With no humour.

  3. Chris 3
    26 October 2017 at 9:10 am

    Unfortunately it’s one rule for beneficiaries and another for the rest of Aotearoa. Has been for a long time now.

    Anyway, I thought this issue had been sorted out when Work and Income tried to say the living component of the student loan was income.

    http://www.nzlii.org/nz/cases/NZHC/1997/18.pdf

  4. lprent 4
    26 October 2017 at 9:23 am

    FFS.

    This is completely and utterly ridiculous. Why don’t we just plan on sacking all of the MSD staff and start again – with a computer program.

    • Stunned Mullet 4.1
      26 October 2017 at 9:43 am

      Person progamming the computer will likely be a moron from the same group that manufactured this clusterwhatsit.

    • DoublePlusGood 4.3
      26 October 2017 at 10:17 am

      Well, certainly the upper three tiers of management in their entirety.

    • Takere 4.4
      31 October 2017 at 11:11 am

      Absolutely agree!
      7000 MSD/WINZ to reapply for their roles. Also, a ‘decent’ union active onsite & in the employment agreement.
      And also, get them off their arses and out into the communities they provide support too! Reduce the number of bullssit external service providers too. Thats just the start.

  5. vto 5
    26 October 2017 at 9:33 am

    If the loan counts as positive income on drawdown of the loan

    Then the loan counts as negative income on repayment of the loan

    Net income change is therefore nil and the benefit is unaffected.

    ffs

    • Chris 5.1
      26 October 2017 at 9:42 am

      That’s what the High Court said in 1997. The very nature of a loan means that it cannot be income. Work and Income appealed unsuccessfully to the High Court back then on the exact same issue. Now it’s having another crack.

      This sort of behaviour from Work and Income and Crown Law has been going on for decades. If Ardern et al are serious about fixing the social security system they could start by telling MSD as well as Crown Law to pull their heads in.

      • Stunned Mullet 5.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 9:46 am

        NZ bureaucracy has always had a good proportion of Sir Humphrey Applebys and non thinking drones regardless of the flavour of government, can’t see that that changing anytime soon.

      • Sabine 5.1.2
        26 October 2017 at 10:29 am

        The hall mark of the right – every time they will have a chance re-litigate the same issue until they have an outcome that favors them and their enterprise. I look at the US as the TRAP-laws in regards to Abortion rights. If you can’t outright ban a service they – Republicans – will try to restrict it as much as possible with the aim of rendering service providers as non compliant and thus shut the provider. Theoretical. you still have the right, you just have no where to claim it.
        So i am not surprised to see National again try this via the courts. After all the Tax payer pays the piper and the poor schmuck who will be saddled with tens of thousands of dollars matters not – collateral damage.
        Essentially if loans were to be counted as income – you could a. tax them and b. force anyone who needs temporary assistance to get a loan. Voila, then numbers of beneficiaries drop, and the ‘market provided’ and with the class of forever indebted created you have a steady stream of cheap labour. The end of the state providing cheap assistance to people in need – go git yer loan.

    • Richard Christie 5.2
      26 October 2017 at 9:48 am

      @vto
      exactly

    • Matthew Whitehead 5.3
      26 October 2017 at 1:24 pm

      Depends if there’s ever an intention to repay the loan, of course. Bank loans definitely shouldn’t count as income ever, but they’re arguing essentially that personal loans are income because they may never be repaid.

      It’s a little ridiculous when in reality the burden should be on MSD to prove it’s paying people enough to live.

      • weka 5.3.1
        26 October 2017 at 1:38 pm

        Do you mean loans from family? Had Ms X been properly advised by WINZ (aka WINZ doing their job) she should have been told under what conditions she had to declare loans, that if she wasn’t paying the loans back then the loan *might be counted as income, and that if she was paying the loan back and it was for essential things then she could include that loan repayment in her claim for Special Benefit or Temporary Additional Support as a cost (i.e. WINZ would help with the repayments. Probably not for living expenses, but for things like a new washing machine).

        The great thing about borrowing from family is that the interest is usually low or zero, certainly cheaper than borrowing from banks etc. WINZ should be encouraging people to borrow from family not penalising them for it, because once you start getting hardship assistance it’s a requirement to lessen any unnecessary financial burden i.e. WINZ are working against their own policy here. But seeing as how they’re working in their own interests (i.e. to pay out less entitlements to NZ citizens), there is a clear conflict that has been created by National between policy and direction. And beneficiaries are the ones paying for that.

        There are so many things wrong with this case it’s hard to know where to begin. Clusterfuck of epic proportions is where I’ve gotten to.

        *I say might, because I’m guessing that WINZ have discretion in this.

        • Matthew Whitehead 5.3.1.1
          26 October 2017 at 1:45 pm

          Yes, sorry, loans from family or friends that come with no interest and may realistically not have an expectation of repayment. I forgot for a moment that technically any loan you take for yourself is a “personal loan,” and was thinking in an entirely different context, lol.

          WINZ probably do not have discretion in what counts as income- that’s down to the law and legal precedent. What they do have discretion over is WINZ policy, and whether to continue legal action. The Minister can instruct them to drop the case if she so chooses, if she determines it is no longer within the interest of the NZ public to pursue it. In some ways, we’re lucky it’s been postponed long enough that there’s a very small window for Carmel Sepuloni to act.

          • weka 5.3.1.1.1
            26 October 2017 at 1:53 pm

            We probably don’t have enough information to go on, but I’m reasonably sure that WINZ historically hasn’t routinely counted loans as income. I’m not aware of an recent legislation that would force WINZ to do so, so it’s policy, which means its discretionary (there could also be a Ministerial Directive).

            So there will be many beneficiaries in NZ who have taken out loans, told WINZ, and it not been counted against their benefit. Possibly what’s at issue here is what she spent the money on (e.g. general living expenses).

            That the court is now differentiating between family loans and bank loans also suggests that up until now there has been discretion. I think MSD are using this to establish precedent but that that precedent doesn’t already exist.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 5.3.1.1.2
            26 October 2017 at 3:48 pm

            If the money will never be repaid, most families would consider it a gift.

            What’s the legal status of gifts in this context?

            Dropping the case will not stop the sadists having another go the moment the National Party manages to enable them again.

            The best way for the government to defend New Zealand citizens against them is to entrench the BoRA, and make breaches of human rights by public servants subject to the Crimes Act, whether or not they’re following National Party orders.

            • weka 5.3.1.1.2.1
              26 October 2017 at 4:18 pm

              Gifts are income, when WINZ want them to be.

              • One Anonymous Bloke …
                26 October 2017 at 4:51 pm

                Indeed. Looks like they need a therapeutic dose of “obeying the law or facing the consequences”, like the rest of us.

        • Chris 5.3.1.2
          26 October 2017 at 4:38 pm

          Whether something’s income or not comes down to the definition. There’s no discretion around what is income and what isn’t. The definition is wider than other definitions, for example under tax legislation, and it can in some instances capture capital payments, but it doesn’t go so far as capturing loans. The High Court made that clear in its 1997 decision about whether the living component of the student loan was income. Those payments on the face of it did meet the definition, but the High Court said that the very basis of a loan means that it cannot be income. Without knowing anything more than what’s been said in the post I’m going to boldly say that MSD’s attempt at the High Court tomorrow will fail abysmally for precisely this reason.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 5.3.1.2.1
            26 October 2017 at 4:58 pm

            Bloody well hope so. When do we get to sue the perpetrators for wasting the court’s time? Personal responsibility means not Paula Bennett, that’s f’sure.

            • Chris 5.3.1.2.1.1
              26 October 2017 at 7:34 pm

              One of the changes Labour introduced in the 2007 amendment Act was the ability to make regulations that could override the s 3 definition of income. Highly unconstitutional at best. Income is central to benefit entitlement. Giving the government the power to unilaterally override the principal Act regarding something so fundamental as that is quite despicable. I don’t think the power’s been used yet, but Labour wanted that power and now the government of the day has it. Pretty surprising the nats didn’t use it when it had the chance. Ironically, if the case tomorrow at the High Court ends up in favour of beneficiaries the government could overturn it by regulation. This government thankfully wouldn’t, you’d hope, but the power’s certainly there when it shouldn’t be. That was Clark’s Labour for you.

              • One Anonymous Bloke …
                26 October 2017 at 7:38 pm

                I’m guessing (wishful thinking?) that Lab5’s intention was to capture tax evasion, as opposed to enabling human rights violations.

                • weka …
                  26 October 2017 at 7:47 pm

                  It’s handy when you have a core value that being on a benefit is wrong. That way you don’t have to protect the rights of people on benefits quite as much as others.

                • Chris …
                  26 October 2017 at 7:52 pm

                  I can’t see how widening the definition of income under the SSA with the objective of curbing entitlement to social security benefits could be for the purpose of capturing tax evasion. Tax legislation remains unchanged. The 2007 amendment Act contained a raft of changes that were plainly attacks on the poor. The regulation making power was just one of those attacks. Against that, I suppose you could say that the regulation making power could potentially have been used to loosen the definition of income, but the overall context of those changes was pretty clearly aimed at doing the poor over. The real point, though, is that government shouldn’t have that power in the first place.

              • weka …
                26 October 2017 at 7:48 pm

                Is that amendment something that can be easily repealed? Or does it tie into other things?

                • Chris …
                  26 October 2017 at 8:06 pm

                  It’d just have to go through the usual legislative process – that and a whole bunch of other stuff previous Labour and National governments have introduced to screw the poor. Getting rid of sections 1A and 1B and reintroducing the long title to the 1938 Act that those sections in effect ousted would be a start, but realistically the whole Act needs an overhaul. Good to see the current government announce getting rid of sanctions, including the punitive attack on sole parents not naming the other parent. There’s a social security rewrite Bill currently before the House, but you can imagine what that does. The new mob needs to clear out all the officials who’ve invested themselves into that work and bring in groups like the Auckland Action Against Poverty to tell them about all the nasty things that need to be dealt to. There’s a whole stack of things that need fixing and current officials are the same ones who’ve been around for years and who’ve written that despicable rewrite Bill so talking to them would be a waste of time. The government needs to make sure it gets its advice from the right people. Current officials ain’t them.

  6. Richard Christie 6
    26 October 2017 at 9:43 am

    Loans are not permanent income. It’s f*ing ludicrous to consider them so. They’re temporary liabilities.

    Payments, when income, are the property of the recipient able to be disposed of as they seem fit or are obliged to by separate agreements (debts etc).

    Repaid loans are retired liabilities. It is insane to treat the beneficiary in a manner identical to that where they permanently pocket the loan.

  7. Sabine 7
    26 October 2017 at 10:17 am

    WINZ is creating an awful lot of people with debt instead of providing them with the social services and benefits needed to lift themselves up. Has WINZ become a Profit Center under the care of the National Party?

    • Chris 7.1
      26 October 2017 at 10:25 am

      Was the same between 1999 and 2008. In some respects worse.

      • Sabine 7.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 10:30 am

        care to elaborate?

        • Chris 7.1.1.1
          26 October 2017 at 10:53 am

          Abolished the special benefit in 2004, combined with this: http://www.cpag.org.nz/assets/Wgtn%20People%27s%20Centre.pdf followed by the devastation caused by the Social Security Amendment Act 2007. There’s more if you care to look into it. Few do.

          • weka 7.1.1.1.1
            26 October 2017 at 1:21 pm

            Would you be interested in writing a Guest Post on some of the history Chris?

            • Chris 7.1.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2017 at 4:22 pm

              Have thought about it at times, out of anger more than anything. Usually when something happens, like Labour voting with the nats for even more anti-beneficiary “reform”.

              • greywarshark …
                26 October 2017 at 8:16 pm

                Chris
                Having thought about it again, can you now write one while there is the 100 days to go through and so keep it in the minds of those in a position to make a positive difference? Even just getting started on one aspect with an anecdote then a second and third similar. There must be a lot to say about the shallow attitudes towards helping citizens to come to a reasonable sort of equality in this part of the 21st century.

          • beatie 7.1.1.1.2
            26 October 2017 at 6:59 pm

            Don’t forget that it was Labour (in 2007) who appointed the dreadful Dr David Bratt, a Wellington GP, as Chief Medical Adviser to Winz. Dr Bratt believes in work as the cure for illness (arbeit macht frei?) and coined the term ”worklessness”

            https://accforum.org/forums/index.php?/topic/12615-dr-david-bratt/

            https://nzsocialjusticeblog2013.wordpress.com/category/winz-designated-
            doctors/

            Winz were intent on introducing the British welfare model, the one so cruelly portrayed in ”I, Daniel Blake”.

            I don’t hold much hope for the proposed ”overhaul of welfare”

            Meanwhile the long-term sick and disabled are expected to survive, year in and year out on $230 per week.

  8. JustMe 8
    26 October 2017 at 10:19 am

    I used to work for WINZ and this matter in regards to Ms X is the most ridiculous thing I have ever read.
    Shame on you WINZ, MSD or whatever you want to call yourselves now.
    Surely WINZ should come across as more caring for NZers. Why should WINZ attack and witch-hunt a simple little NZer just because she is like so many others here in NZ i.e a beneficiary?
    When I was working for WINZ I came across a former Team Leader of WINZ who used multiple names to get more than $1million in benefits. He was repaying that debt by about $10.00 a week.
    The pathetic reasoning of the MSD lawyer shows him or her to be grossly out of touch with reality. The hypothetical ‘she may win lotto….’ shows to me this lawyer hasn’t yet evolved yet into an intelligent person. Perhaps he/she never will. The Gravy Boat of being paid per year by MSD on a probably much better wage/income than Ms X was expected to pay back to WINZ is too much of a draw-card for such a self-serving person as the MSD lawyer.
    Will he or she next crop up as a potential National Party MP in the next election? Lets hope not. Best thing for THAT one is to send them to North Korea.
    My brother has a saying that we have a better chance of getting a kiss from the Pope than us winning lotto.
    But then for an overpaid lawyer like the one working for MSD I guess every pay day is Lotto day for them.

  9. savenz 9
    26 October 2017 at 10:28 am

    The Natz are malicious, dishonest, sore losers who will spend any amount of money to harass someone, and they have moulded the public service in their image in the 9 years and enriched private legal practises with their obsessions. Funny enough, they can’t actually get it right legally themselves aka their copywriter fraud and damages to Eminin.

    A lot of work to be done in this area by the new government. Oh, and don’t expect any of the public complaints authority to be working either, crammed full of Natz crony troughers.

    BIG clear out, needed in public service.

  10. Sabine 10
    26 October 2017 at 10:31 am

    So if that person will be saddles with the debts can she declare bankruptcy?

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 10.1
      26 October 2017 at 10:48 am

      Not sure – but there are moves in the USA to make all sorts of debt (particularly the types that poor people accumulate, e.g. education debt) excluded from discharge on bankcruptcy. I expect the Natz would love to take us down that path.

      • James Thrace 10.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 2:24 pm

        Debts owed to government agencies are not discharged upon filing for bankruptcy. National changed this at the same time they imposed criminal sanctions on student loan defaulters.
        It was changed in response to evidence that there were student loan defaulters, living overseas, filing for bankruptcy in NZ to avoid student loan defaults.

        Filing for bankruptcy in NZ avoided any ramifications to those defaulters if they were living in say, the UK. If they were living in Australia, bankruptcy here has impacts there given the close relationship with dun and Bradstreet, baycorp etc, who have offices in both countries.

  11. Et Tu Brute 11
    26 October 2017 at 10:45 am

    Only makes sense if the repayment of the loan is taken off income.

    Also need to look at predatory lending and what terms money is lent to people in such a position.

    • greywarshark 11.1
      26 October 2017 at 8:35 pm

      I’m interested in how contra preferentem might have a place here. Poor people are unlikely to understand all the ins and outs of financial matters. Say you were told the interest was 1% a day for a temporary loan. It wouldn’t sound much and if you were stuck you would probably not think too much about the sums.

      There is a power and knowledge imbalance.

      The contra proferentem rule – the rule of interpretation that says the words of written documents are interpreted more forcibly against the party putting forward the document – is long-standing in contract law and insurance law.
      http://www.parkerandassociates.co.nz/blog/role-of-contra-proferentem-when-interpreting-contracts

  12. UncookedSelachimorpha 12
    26 October 2017 at 10:45 am

    I downloaded the full report at the pdf link at the bottom of the post – impressively thorough and insightful work by Catriona MacLennan, everyone should read it.

    It is also very uncomfortable and distressing reading – we can do much, much, much better than this in NZ.

  13. Et Tu Brute 13
    26 October 2017 at 11:01 am

    There is one red flag here: the loan was from the mother. And of course, in hindsight it is okay, because Ms X paid it back in full. That should have ended any investigation. One potential loophole with such loans is a person can declare nil income, gain a ‘benefit’ for themselves or their children (such as student allowance) and have money lent to them via family or trust with the unstated intention of not paying it back. After their kids finish university, or the need ends, the loan is either not repaid or is written off. MSD never gets to hear about it. Again, obviously this is not the case here, but any policy work around ‘loans as income’ probably was designed for this instance and then misused in this case. Such schemes have historically been used, as another example, to mask political donations.

  14. Ad 14
    26 October 2017 at 11:11 am

    Makes me sick reading it.

  15. Bill 15
    26 October 2017 at 11:32 am

    @ Catriona

    I’m assuming the supposed income (the sum total of the loans) has got no bearing at all on that repayment figure ranging between $109,852.91 and $127,275.05.

    That is, I’m assuming the figure is simply a case of WINZ calculating and recalculating the supposed sum total of benefit received during a period of supposedly “fraudulent” applications.

    Can you clarify or confirm that please? Cheers.

    • weka 15.1
      26 October 2017 at 12:24 pm

      yeah, I’m struggling to see what they’ve done too. Are you thinking they’re wanting her to pay back all the benefits not just the bits she was allegedly not entitled to?

      Base DPB is currently $376/wk. $120,000 divided by 5 years, then 52 weeks = $461.

      • James Thrace 15.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 2:26 pm

        Winz will seek repayment of the entire benefit amount provided. Not just the alleged overpayment. Extremely punitive and no doubt led to the suicide of Wendy Shoebridge.

        • Bill 15.1.1.1
          26 October 2017 at 4:01 pm

          Winz will seek repayment of the entire benefit amount provided. Not just the alleged overpayment.

          That’s what I’ve maintained before now on cases where alleged fraud stacks up to six figure sums. Some people have kind of refused to accept that’s the scenario and since Catriona seems to be familiar with this case, I thought she might see my comment and be able to put the question to bed.

          As it is, some people are going to assume the woman in question borrowed somewhere in the region of $109 000 – $127 000.

          • Patricia Bremner 15.1.1.1.1
            26 October 2017 at 6:20 pm

            I notice one of the agreements for the new government listed removing and/or altering punitive penalties for beneficiaries. (Greens Labour)

            I’m operating on extremely expensive broadband ’till next week. Perhaps some kind soul could look that up for us.

            This case could come under punitive penalties?

            Seems similar to when IRD were causing suicides at one time.

            Punitive tax came back with the Nats. Much higher penalties for getting it wrong.

            • weka 15.1.1.1.1.1
              26 October 2017 at 7:51 pm

              While the Greens have been given the go to make some changes at WINZ, I haven’t seen any detail yet about which things they will look at. I really hope the Greens start listening to beneficiaries directly on this. It’s almost like we need a truth and reconciliation process. I see some good things that the Greens can do, but I think we are going to be disappointed somewhat too (probably because of Labour and possibly NZF).

              If you look at Chris’ comments in this thread you will se example of what Labour govts have done. In essence Ardern’s Labour needs to break from Clark’s Labour on welfare, and I haven’t seen that happen yet, although there have been smaller shifts.

              • Patricia Bremner …
                27 October 2017 at 4:08 pm

                Jacinda’s statement as a government of “Empathy” Is a beginning.

                • weka …
                  27 October 2017 at 4:25 pm

                  Yes, and I definitely think there will be improvements. But because of their history, on welfare they have to earn the trust again.

        • weka 15.1.1.2
          26 October 2017 at 4:21 pm

          WINZ will sometimes seek repayment of the whole benefit. It’s unclear under what conditions eg those deemed fraud? It’s also unclear what authority they have to do that.

  16. Macro 16
    26 October 2017 at 11:58 am

    Unfortunately this is now a typical, and far from an unusual response, from a government bureaucracy with such a toxic culture. Regretfully this all stems from a New Zealand society that is now so engrossed in materialism and self that such uncaring and disregard for the more vulnerable in our communities is the main widespread attitude. I’m not saying this is applies to all, but when 44% of the voting public can vote for a party that fosters these attitudes one can see that the culture of self over society is common.
    On tuesday evening I had the opportunity to watch a very powerful film recently released by 8 amazing wahine directors. “Waru” is a film in 8 parts set around the tangi of a tamariki killed whilst in care.
    One of the short episodes covered the situation of a solo mum, Mihi, who struggles to cope with little food in the house, a young baby, no petrol in the car, unable to pay school fees or money for field trips, and no money. This is the case for 100’s of thousands of NZers, including 200,000+ children, living in poverty.
    If you have not seen this movie I strongly recommend it. Especially if you are of a right wing persuasion, because this film is real. Single shot. Immediate and direct.
    A pre release review of the film is here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwEIUk0vtTE

  17. silvertuatara 17
    26 October 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Well if National were collectively under paying persons on benefits by $200 Million annually http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/winz-creating-two-classes-of-kiwis-labour.html, they certainly have had the financial resource to be able to game the system to the detriment of persons trying to make ends meet.

    What a shadow the National government placed over social security support between 2008 and 2017. I am so glad that the new coalition is setting about addressing these issues positively, and hopefully for the betterment of all those whom find themselves in the position that they require assistance.

  18. Al 18
    26 October 2017 at 12:49 pm

    Some of the lawyers comments are beyond belief in their stupidity and ignorance of the people aspect of these cases … e.g. buying shares okay but not buying neccessities and the killer – but she might win lotta then could pay the loan back – WTF? All I can say is that MSD are damned lucky there are no laws that allow for sueing here.

    • weka 18.1
      26 October 2017 at 1:17 pm

      I’m still trying to figure out how the shares thing would work.

      Beneficiary borrows money to buy shares. Has to pay back the loan money plus interest, and they have to declare the shares to WINZ as both an asset and any income derived from the shares. If they borrow enough money and make enough money from the shares then their benefit will be abated like all other income. If the shares are high enough then once the loan is paid back the shares become an asset that means you can’t have many of the supplementary benefits. It’s a daft idea from people who have no idea how WINZ entitlements work.

      • James Thrace 18.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 2:27 pm

        Not to mention that borrowing money to purchase shares, as long as the shares produce some form of taxable income, means that the interest paid on money borrowed to buy shares is tax deductible from your PAYE at year’s end.

  19. Delia 19
    26 October 2017 at 1:02 pm

    Shares are different, rich people profit of them.

  20. Delia 20
    26 October 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I might add I hope her stupid ex partner is happy.

  21. Matthew Whitehead 21
    26 October 2017 at 1:30 pm

    I would like to note that Catriona, as well as Russel Brown, have both been pressuring the new Minister Carmel Sepuloni on social media to take action on this case, (check out @CatMacLennanNZ if you want to retweet her) and there is a chance for them to instruct their lawyers ahead of Friday to drop this action, if they act quickly, or even to instruct the Ministry to forgive the debt afterwards if they don’t.

    I don’t care what avenue she takes, but I really hope the new Minister does instruct her department to take mitigating action in this case either today or within the next few days, and to urgently review all future cases for consistency with forthcoming changes to benefit policies. It might not be the most important of her new duties in terms of scale of impact, but it is urgent, and it would be an important symbol of how the new government will change MSD’s culture.

    • weka 21.1
      26 October 2017 at 1:46 pm

      Yes on the symbology and urgency.

      I’m also worried about the implications for other beneficiaries if MSD win this. Does this then mean that no beneficiary can borrow money except through high interest paying businesses like banks? (or they can but can expect to be penalised for it).

      “or even to instruct the Ministry to forgive the debt afterwards if they don’t.”

      This is the thing that’s fucking me off. They don’t have to be doing what they are doing, which begs the question of why they are doing it. And that takes us to see fairly horrendous implications about just how bad MSD is now. I really hope that the new government takes this on board fully but I’m concerned because of Labour’s own history and there is still no clear indication from Labour that they will treat beneficiaries the same as other NZ citizens.

      Yes, the Greens will be allowed to sort out WINZ to an extent, but this goes much deeper than that and it’s going to need Labour to make a stand that I haven’t yet seen them make.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 21.1.1
        26 October 2017 at 3:52 pm

        it’s going to need Labour to make a stand that I haven’t yet seen them make.

        Yep. I hope the Greens use their leverage to fix this before our government ends up defending itself at the Hague. The National Party should already be there.

  22. weka 22
    26 October 2017 at 2:27 pm

    Here’s the relevant bit of the Act if anyone wants to look at it,

    http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1964/0136/332.0/DLM359124.html

  23. Richard Christie 23
    26 October 2017 at 7:57 pm

    What would they say if you sold one of your kidneys to pay an unexpected bill?

  24. Korero Pono 24
    27 October 2017 at 6:04 am

    Classing loans as income beggars belief. If MSD apply their own logic (or lack thereof) then every time they loan beneficiaries money to pay for unexpected costs, shouldn’t that also be treated as income? I wonder how often beneficiaries seeking help are still being told to ask their friends and family for help first – are they wanting to set beneficiaries up for a fall when they do that? The great tragedy in all this (besides the stress and hardship endured by any beneficiary affected by this farce), are the costs and lengths that MSD will go, to litigate and punish people. Their approach shows just how far removed they have become from human reality and the sooner MSD is overhauled and reined in the better. Culling staff from the top down to eradicate the mean spirited culture that has been allowed to develop over the years would be a good place to start. Maybe even psychological testing of staff, their advisers and legal team to weed out sociopaths and the like would also not go amiss. Perhaps they could also do with a community advisory board that is made up of beneficiary advocates and beneficiaries.

    • Richard Christie 24.1
      27 October 2017 at 12:05 pm

      It’s a fucking war alright. MSD really are out to exterminate their “clients”.

    • weka 24.2
      27 October 2017 at 4:29 pm

      “Classing loans as income beggars belief. If MSD apply their own logic (or lack thereof) then every time they loan beneficiaries money to pay for unexpected costs, shouldn’t that also be treated as income? I wonder how often beneficiaries seeking help are still being told to ask their friends and family for help first – are they wanting to set beneficiaries up for a fall when they do that?”

      I think this is why I found the post so hard to read. It’s the no way out potential of it that makes me think there is something truly wrong with some of the people running the MSD and WINZ. I’ve know good people working at WINZ too, so I’m still struggling to see how they can coexist.

      I’ve started thinking we need something like a truth and reconciliation process.

  25. Matthew 25
    27 October 2017 at 3:46 pm

    an income is something you don’t pay back. a loan is a loan of money you didn’t earn and have to repay. big diference. msd is cruel and pathetic. way to ruin your reputation. oh hang on. you only have one for causing harm. way to improve your rep

  26. Brian Tregaskin 26
    27 October 2017 at 9:01 pm

    A restructure of MSD is urgently needed.
    This is a govt dept with a toxic culture that needs to be restructured out from the top down.

  27. Thinkerr 27
    27 October 2017 at 10:16 pm

    Simple.

    Following from the last point, suggesting that if the MSD argument is true, then mortgages of employees should be taxed, why not:

    Request the mortgage and other loans details of the head of SSC and the senior management team of MSD and their families, and tell them how much they will need to be liable for in tax if they win their case and their argument.

    Ditto the lawyer for the prosecution.

    Then watch the problem go away in a hurry.

  28. JeffB 28
    28 October 2017 at 5:51 pm

    I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing when this story came out. Any loan is not income, they have to pay it back FFS! And to go after the most vulnerable in this way is disgusting.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
    Zoom is a video conferencing service that allows you to share your screen, webcam, and audio with other participants. In addition to sharing your own audio, you can also share the audio from your computer with other participants. This can be useful for playing music, sharing presentations with audio, or ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 hour ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
    Right-clicking is a common and essential computer operation that allows users to access additional options and settings. While most desktop computers have dedicated right-click buttons on their mice, laptops often do not have these buttons due to space limitations. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to right-click ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
    Dell laptops are renowned for their reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs a reliable computing device, a Dell laptop can meet your needs. However, if you’re new to Dell laptops, you may be wondering how to get started. In this comprehensive ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 hours ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 hours ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    4 hours ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 hours ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 hours ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 hours ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    10 hours ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    12 hours ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    18 hours ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    20 hours ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    21 hours ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    22 hours ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    2 days ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    2 days ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-20T04:50:00+00:00