Local Democracy

Written By: - Date published: 8:30 am, December 19th, 2015 - 35 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, democratic participation, local body elections, local government, Politics - Tags:

greenfield development

It’s beginning to get on my nerves, this slow shrinkage of the scope and use of democracy in New Zealand. I’m not talking about the direct anti-democratic attacks like Southern District Health Board, or Environment Canterbury. I’m thinking solely about local government as we come into the 2016 elections.

Local government election cycles come and go, but other than in the exception, Councils are not run by politicians. Councils used to be where sweaty men leaned on their shovels smoking, near piles of gravel, as you drove past. The public servants now inside them regulate the cities where 85% of New Zealanders live. These people don’t make profits, they don’t manufacture things, they can’t defend themselves, but they actively alter our capitalist world every day with far reaching effects.

Three quick examples:

1. Ruakura, Hamilton.

Together with iwi investors, Kiwirail, and NZTA, Hamiltion’s bureaucrats have generated a 20-year plan that will shift the entire commercial, logistics and transport structure of Waikato’s economy. The inland port is 78 hectares all up, with 138 hectares of residential fitting up to 1,800 mixed density homes. It will have a capacity of 1 million TEU, and it starts construction in late 2016. It’s massive.

2. South Dunedin

Together with signals from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dunedin City Council is in the process of rebuilding its entire District Plan. This means putting the entire future of South Dunedin at stake. Sea level rise forecast within our lifetimes threatens much of Dunedin’s reclaimed land. Bureaucrats are being tasked – just as they were in Christchurch – with rebuilding much of Dunedin in the face of such a threat.

3. City Rail Link, Auckland.

Starting major construction of early works today, this is turning into a largest social and economy catalyst for a more sustainable city than hitherto imagined. From 2016 to 2021, the centre of Auckland will undergo a transformation of public and private space that we won’t see again for a century. Public money, public plans, formed and pushed by public servants. Detailed commentary can be found on Transportblog.

4. Finally, on a far smaller scale, there’s Auckland’s Freyberg Place. Trannsport Blog’s covered it, but it’s a simple case of bureaucrats folding to less than five shopkeepers (of the high end variety), versus almost all fo the submissions.

Collectively, these are examples of intentional shifts of our long term society and economy that we have seen for the 85% of New Zealand’s people in cities. No other public or private entity can claim to be attempting that.Through their engagement with Christchurch, central government  bureaucrats are beginning to understand the role of cities in our society and in our economy. They are run by the people fixated on improving our world: Council bureaucrats. Not that I’ve got anything against them.

So if anyone reading this site actually gets elected next year, start exercising your political muscle. Because at the moment the bureaucrats by and large just don’t need you, in order to change huge chunks of our world.

35 comments on “Local Democracy ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. weka 1
    19 December 2015 at 9:33 am

    Ad, you haven’t really explained how that’s different than before, and how it’s a concern for democracy.

    Are you saying that the bureaucrats (I assume you mean upper management) are driving these projects from a perspective excludes the community?

    • Once was Tim 1.1
      19 December 2015 at 5:16 pm

      I suspect that IS what he means – people such as those that used to be called things like ‘Town Clerks’ and others.
      This is not peculiar to local government.
      The Administrative wing of government has taken over more and more – CEOs and Snr Managment running little (sometimes large) fiefdoms, with fuck all accountability (How often do you hear politicians say “I don’t interfere in operational matters”; etc.)
      Crony appointments are made, and it runs on from there. ( http://thestandard.org.nz/what-was-nationals-role-in-the-police-raid-on-nicky-hager/#comment-1110542 )
      This is the antithesis of what was promised during the 80s state sector reforms. We were promised greater ‘accounability’; that utter spin of ‘fishinsea and fektivnuss’; and DE-politicisation of the public service. EXACTLY the opposite has occured (as inevitably they were warned would happen).

      Similarly there is a trend to usurp more and more from the Judiciary through the use of ‘regulations’ and power vested in a Minister (e.g. decisions/appeals made on immigration matters, but also elsewhere).
      It is no wonder that a vast portion of the electorate has become cynical about politics and politicians. It IS NOT democracy in any form.

      • Ad 1.1.1
        20 December 2015 at 1:28 pm

        Indeed. Well said.

        My general point is that development is accelerating, democracy has less and less say in it, and any good 2016 elected member must be ready to work incredibly hard to make that democratic voice head and effective.

  2. Steve Withers 2
    19 December 2015 at 9:59 am

    As one who lives in Auckland, the projects there have been begging for public input for years. The response?

    “Go the All Blacks!” – or whatever the distraction du jour may be.

    The reality is that some one has to do thinking and planning for the future…. And what better people to do it than the people hired to do it?

    We few who pay attention have ample opportunity for input. That isn’t a veto. It’s a chance to offer constructive advice on things that will have to be done anyway, one way or another, if we refuse to limit or population growth.

    This is all very shocking and disturbing to the majority who don’t pay much attention and rarely turn their mind to it unless the NZ Herald is winding up in aid of its political agenda.

    “Bureaucrats” is usually only a sweater word to people who haven’t so to consider what it is these people do all day….. And why… And who asked them to do it.

    Generally… It is our elected representatives who ask or professional experts to digest a monumental amount of information and come up with recommendations.

    They do as asked. They usually do a good job of it.

    • weka 2.1
      19 December 2015 at 11:13 am

      It’s true that many people don’t even think about local body issues or politics until they have to. But I also think that councils use consultation processes that are exclusive and passive rather than making the effort to make sure they know what the people think.

      We should also be teaching civics in schools.

  3. Penny Bright 3
    19 December 2015 at 10:00 am

    In my considered opinion – what we have in NZ ‘local’ government, particularly in Auckland, is effectively a private sector corporate takeover.

    It is the multi-layered CONTRACTOCRACY – where private sector, ‘for profit’ consultants project manage ‘for profit’ ‘works contractors’, a number of whom then sub-contract to another layer of ‘for profit’ contractors – before you get down and dirty to the boots and overalls, who actually DO SOMETHING productive?

    What on earth was ‘broken’ with in-house Council ‘Works Departments’?

    Oh – that’s right.

    The private sector couldn’t make private profit out of Council ‘Works Departments’.

    Combined with the contracting out to the private sector of Council services services and regulatory functions, has been in influx (‘infestation’ ?) of private sector business people into what once was the public service ‘bureaucracy?

    How on earth do private sector business people ‘transmogrify’ into competent public servants, dedicated to serving the public and the public interest?

    In my view – they don’t.

    They bring their private sector, private profit seeking ways, and business culture with them.

    ‘Make money and look after your business mates’?

    In my view – the main ones who have benefited from Councils adopting the ‘business model’ – have been those businesses which have been awarded the contracts, and those business people who have been appointed to top jobs in the Council ‘bureaucracy’.

    • millsy 3.1
      19 December 2015 at 12:29 pm

      All is not lost Penny — a lot of councils still do have ‘Works Departments’.

      Wairoa, Rotorua, Nelson, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Waitaki, South Waikato, Waikato, Dunedin, Christchurch (though soon to be sold) still have their own works departments in some shape or form (usually as an independent CCO).

    • Reddelusion 3.2
      19 December 2015 at 6:02 pm

      Penny do you really think people are going vote for an ex wielding tutor who does not even pay her rates, there’s a condition for people who keep repeating the same crap and expect a different outcome For god sake do something productive

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.2.1
        19 December 2015 at 6:18 pm

        …there’s a condition for people who keep repeating the same crap and expect a different outcome…

        Like blaming poor people for poverty, for example. Sort out the deciduous forest in your own eye before whinging about the mote in Ms. Bright’s.

      • Penny Bright 3.2.2
        20 December 2015 at 10:26 am

        You aren’t – perchance – yourself a private consultant or contractor ‘Redelusion’?

        Just asking – nicely …

        Kind regards

        Penny Bright

        2016 Auckland Mayoral candidate.

        • Ad 3.2.2.1
          22 December 2015 at 6:54 am

          Not going for the
          home owners/
          consultants/
          contractors/
          developers/
          planners/
          investors
          vote then Penny?

    • Tautuhi 3.3
      20 December 2015 at 1:11 pm

      Penny it is the next stage of the neoliberal experiment “the Sale of Council Assets” to the merchant banking community, this is why these people have been placed in Auckland City Council management positions.

      Most of the National State Assets have now been sold, so Auckland City Council Assets are next easy target.

      It is easy money getting Council Contracts, it is basically like milking a cow.

      The problem I have is the ballooning wages and salaries in Auckland City Council, it is not rocket science running a Council, especially when you can keep cranking up the rates to ratepayers. I would be interested to know what these people on these high salaries at Auckland City Council actually do during the working day, many would be shuffling pieces of paper and having meetings achieving b****r all.

    • Ad 3.4
      20 December 2015 at 1:26 pm

      You are talking about a state prior to the 1989 reform to the Local Government Act.

      That would the substantial legislative change. No party is proposing to do that.

    • Blue Sky 3.5
      22 December 2015 at 6:26 am

      Well done. You’ve spotted economic growth promoted by government.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 3.5.1
        22 December 2015 at 7:19 am

        Well that depends doesn’t it – take the Sky City contract, for example – several companies wasted resources putting in bids for a contract the Prime Minister had already awarded.

        The ‘neoliberal’ model provides little oversight when conflicts of interest arise.

  4. DH 4
    19 December 2015 at 10:48 am

    What I find most irritating about local and central government is the way bureaucrats so massively overblow their own worth and their value to society. They’re mere cogs in a machine yet they act and pay themselves as if they are the machine.

    I do find it a bit ironic that in a so-called capitalist world civil servants are paid more than those who create all the wealth.

    • BM 4.1
      19 December 2015 at 12:05 pm

      Yeah, local councils are probably paying staff about 20-30% above market rates.

    • Tautuhi 4.2
      20 December 2015 at 1:18 pm

      Local Government, Central Government and the Police are state servants and are paid for by the taxpayer, the problem is some have an attitude problem and are actually operating on some sort of power gradient.

      In the real world a lot of these people would struggle to make a living in the private sector.

  5. Pasupial 5
    19 December 2015 at 10:48 am

    There are no links for point 2 about South Dunedin, here are some recent ODT pieces that may be of interest:

    In November, DCC staff tabled an extensive report on the performance of South Dunedin’s stormwater infrastructure during the June floods… the groundwater levels in South Dunedin were very high – in some cases virtually at the surface.

    That meant almost no rain could seep into the soil… we know that just a tiny rise in sea level will cause periodic ponding in parts of the city – whether it rains or not.

    So given the rate of sea-level rise we know is happening, we can expect surface flooding with increasing frequency… Parts of South Dunedin, in particular, will over time become unviable for habitation unless something major is done.

    That could include larger stormwater pipes and pumps, groundwater drainage by way of bores, canals and pumps, impermeable underground water barriers, raising ground levels, retreat and reversion to wetland in some areas

    http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/367049/tough-decisions-be-made

    The; “retreat and reversion to wetland”, option has been mentioned increasingly frequently (the above quote is from an opinion piece by the mayor). The other option of increasing pumping capacity will likely prove too expensive when costed out. Not that I disagree, but the accounting is unlikely to factor in the social harm of disrupting communities and turning the city’s impoverished lowland inhabitants into climate refugees. The suggestion of compensation in the affected areas won’t do much to help those crammed into cheap flats, but seems more targeted at preventing trouble from the slumlords living high on the hills.

    The idea of property purchases in South Dunedin has been floated as the Dunedin City Council signals a desire to help homeowners threatened by rising ground water… voted to investigate a work programme to tackle rising ground water in South Dunedin and other parts of the city.

    That would include possible responses to a range of sea-level and climate-change scenarios, and the budgetary implications of each… debate came days after a report by the Parliamentary Environment Commissioner showed 2683 of Dunedin’s homes were at risk from sea-level rise, mainly in South Dunedin.

    That followed a report from Beca, commissioned last year, which recommended a $75 million network of pumps and wells to draw groundwater away from South Dunedin over the coming decades.

    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/365322/council-buyout-property-possible

    That’s assuming the rather optimistic 1m of sea rise over a century. Which comes from extrapolating from current data without any great rate increase (say from West Antarctic glacial melting powered by Northern tundra methane release).

    Finally, I think this speaks to Ad’s main point of; the recent changes from local government civil service to a more toxic management culture:

    A former staff member, who opted to resign and cites a rising culture of ”blame and control” within the council, said the council used to welcome ”comfortable debate”. But the focus now seemed to be on a more ”hierarchical and autocratic” approach that sought to apportion blame.

    ”There’s been a lot of good, experienced people leave … and a big change in the executive leadership team’s attitude, I think, towards staff.”

    http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/365607/culture-fear-dcc

    • weka 5.1
      19 December 2015 at 12:48 pm

      Thanks Pasupial. Do you know if there is a breakdown of rentals vs owned for those 2683 homes?

    • Ad 5.2
      20 December 2015 at 1:17 pm

      Many thanks for thinks Parsupial.
      The recent staff reviews of both the Otago Regional Council and ongoing internal trauma at Dunedin Council are completely on point.

      Local government used to exist for democracy.

      Now, it’s neither a democratic engine, nor a company, nor a proper government department. It’s like they exist in a permanently negated state.

      The purpose of the post is simply to gird the loins of anyone standing for election next year: if they want to make a democratic impact on such huge spatial changes, they are going to have to be tough, cooperative, and principled.

  6. John Shears 6
    19 December 2015 at 10:58 am

    The Late Mayor Robbie would disagree with your statement

    “3. City Rail Link, Auckland.

    Starting major construction of early works today, this is turning into a largest social and economy catalyst for a more sustainable city than hitherto imagined.”

    Let us be quite clear that a comprehensive plan for an Auckland
    rail network was in place and the land corridors had been secured but Wellington put the axe through it just as they did with the original harbour bridge plan and reduced it to 4 lanes.

    Thank goodness Robbie managed to win the day and prevent the harbour being polluted with raw sewage in spite of extreme pressure to simply dump near Browns Island.

    IMO you have overlooked the disaster that is now called Auckland, foisted on Aucklanders and New Zealanders by the present government hiding behind Rodney Hide who came up with his master????? plan in 6 months after throwing the Commissioners plan in the dustbin after they had spent some 3 years of careful and detailed investigation and deliberation. Democracy ? what a joke.
    Now we are at the mercy of CCO’s and their grossly overpaid CEO’s
    and a bunch of appointed ‘Directors’. The CEO of Auckland City has just been given a 10% payrise. Go figure.

    • Ad 6.1
      20 December 2015 at 1:22 pm

      It wasn’t a post solely critiquing the 2009/2010 Auckland reforms.

      Sorry to call it, but Mayor Robbie didn’t actually achieve much for transport in Auckland at all.

      More good has occurred in this Council for transport than in all of Robbie’s terms.

      Not everything about the reforms have been bad. Much of it has been good.

      My question is simply: what is the real role for Councillors in this?

      • Tautuhi 6.1.1
        20 December 2015 at 2:32 pm

        From what I understand the right wing elements of Council knocked over the light rail proposal, however nobody has done alot of thinking about Auckland Transport since Robbie was in power.

        • Ad 6.1.1.1
          20 December 2015 at 4:25 pm

          – City Rail Link starts Monday.
          – Light Rail under strong discussion.
          – Electrified trains operating.
          – Public transport numbers and overall % skyrocketing.
          – Single ticket system across all modes.
          – Single fare system implemented July 2016.
          – Entirely new bus routes across all of Auckland well underway – and implemented in many areas already.
          – Entire motorway system completed first quarter 2017.
          – Dedicated busway coming to west Auckland by 2018.

          Robbie was a thinker, and it achieved nothing for Auckland’s transport.

          In the last 5 years, Auckland Transport hasn’t just thought.
          It’s delivered.

          • Brutus Iscariot 6.1.1.1.1
            24 December 2015 at 10:59 am

            Realy finally the realisation that transportation infrastructure choices aren’t fundamentally left or right wing. Just pragmatic and necessary.

          • Brutus Iscariot 6.1.1.1.2
            24 December 2015 at 11:00 am

            Really finally the realisation that transportation infrastructure choices aren’t fundamentally left or right wing. Just pragmatic and necessary.

    • Tautuhi 6.2
      20 December 2015 at 1:22 pm

      Neoliberal economics coming into play the merchant bankers are licking their chops waiting to get into the Auckland City Council Assets.

  7. maui 7
    20 December 2015 at 12:00 am

    The Council I know elects a panel of 3 councillors (each hand picked by the mayor) and this panel decides if major developments in the area go ahead or not. Hows that for dodgy? Of course they’re very likely to go ahead if it means the Council gets more rates from said development. Any urban sprawl gets signed off because it supports the industrialised economy (even if it’s only for a short while), any negative aspects are dismissed as minor issues. This is not democracy.

  8. Tautuhi 8
    20 December 2015 at 2:29 pm

    The “Neoliberal Experiment” is still on going, they are just putting the right people and the framework in place, it was very successful selling NZ’s National Assets now they are moving onto Regional Assets.

    It is part of the New World Order, Mont Perilin Society and the Bilderberg Group economic principles, unfortunately people are not aware of what is actually going on in society today, the chosen few will rule the masses.

    These people are devising schemes to create more revenue to pay higher salaries and consultancy fees rather than looking at costs and efficiences, similar to Fonterra, Auckland City has become bloated and inefficient. Also we are trying to make up ground for hopeless Councils over the past 30-40 years who have sat on their hands and done nothing with regards to future planning and development of the City.

    In recent years there has been a totally dysfunctional relationship between Auckland City and Central Government.

    • Ad 8.1
      20 December 2015 at 4:27 pm

      The Auckland-Wellington relationship is stabilized for now with the joint working group on transport priorities. This will report back in the middle of 2016.

      But overall you are right it has been fraught, and there’s no need for it to be.

      Central government has taken far too long to understand the long term policy implications for the rise of cities within central government.

  9. Peter Wilson 9
    21 December 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Here’s a parable. I know lots of local councillors, and I also know lots of planners, who work in local government. However, I know of no planners who become councillors, but plenty of councillors become planners. What does that tell you about where power lies?

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T06:09:38+00:00