Losing the class war

Written By: - Date published: 12:32 pm, October 7th, 2011 - 73 comments
Categories: capitalism, class war, cost of living, wages - Tags:

The median (‘typical’) Kiwi income has fallen 6% under National after inflation. It’s worse if you’re Maori – 16%. And if you’re PI? 21%. That’s more than a hundred dollars a week. It’s a disgrace. In fact, ordinary people’s incomes have shrunk faster than the economy under National. Their policies have driven more of what’s left to the rich.

New Zealand Income Survey measures incomes every June Quarter. Median in 2008 was $536. Add 9% inflation, that’s $586 in today’s dollars. 2011 median is $550. That’s $36 a week worse off in buying power terms.

Have you felt it? Know I have. I’m actually luckier than most. Had a 5% increase since 2008. But I’m feeling that 4% real loss, eh? Can’t afford another three years of this.

It’s the poorest who are really getting it though. PI median in 2008 was $455, or $496 after inflation. Now, it’s $390 (unless you believe Bill English, who cries the survey must be broken). A hundred bucks a week less! How the hell do you get by with one out of every five dollars in your wallet gone? No wonder Parliament’s cleaners want a rise.

But their bosses and their class are sitting pretty. See GDP per person ‘only’ shrank by 3.6% from June 2008 to June 2011. If the typical Kiwi got 6% worse off and poor communities like PI got 21% worse off, that means someone else got better off.

Well, what do you know? NBR Rich List 2011 – NZ’s wealthy doing just fine–  “After dipping slightly in 2010, the country’s wealthiest 151 individuals and families now have a combined wealth of a whopping $45.2 billion, up $7 billion on last year.”

You’re getting poorer not just because of this muddling government or peak oil. You’re getting poorer because, on top of those factors, you’re on the losing side in a class war. And the winning side’s party is the government, which is making sure to cut ever larger slices of the shrinking pie for their class. The only question is how long you will put up with it.

73 comments on “Losing the class war ”

  1. Draco T Bastard 1

    The economy is a zero sum game. Give some people more and others will have less.

    Throw in the fact that we treat the economy as if it’s infinite and are using up as much of the available resources as fast as possible due to the profit motive and things are about to get real bad for a lot of people now that we’ve hit Peak Resource.

    • Thomas 1.1

      In other words, you assert that GDP is constant.

      • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1

        Nope, I assert that the renewable resources we have is constant. But even that doesn’t change the simple fact that, in any given year, GDP is constant. Give some people more of that constant and others will have less.

    • Ari 1.2

      The economy is only a zero-sum game in a non-growth economy.

      We do not yet have a non-growth economy, and even if we assume constant resource use at the rate of renewal, there will sometimes be growth due to efficiency gains.

      • Colonial Viper 1.2.1

        You’re not looking at the right measures.

        You better look at economic growth per capita. And economic growth adjuted for real inflation.

        and even if we assume constant resource use at the rate of renewal, there will sometimes be growth due to efficiency gains.

        The elephant in the room you are ignoring you is energy. Energy costs are going to eat up more and more of the pie. Faster than any efficiency gains can compensate for, I wager.

      • Draco T Bastard 1.2.2

        The “growth economy” has led us to massive over population and a possible anthropogenic Extinction Level Event. The only sustainable economy is a non-growth economy unfortunately we didn’t pick up on that two centuries ago – oh wait, yes we did.

        …there will sometimes be growth due to efficiency gains.

        Up to a point. The problem being that we’ve already passed that point without oil.

  2. Rijab 2

    When will the majority of our population wake up from their debt fueled fantasy?

    Will it be when everything they take for granted collapses?

    What will the consequences be then?

    … I fear the consequences of our continued collective ignorance … more and more each day.

    • TightyRighty 2.1

      I only fear for your offspring if they get to inherit your stupidity. You bemoan the rules of the game because they don’t suit you but continue to play. Classic symptoms of an idiot

      • Blighty 2.1.1

        how do you ‘opt not to play?’

      • Jum 2.1.2

        tightyrighty said: ‘the rules of the game’

        You think that the policies this government, led by Key and Joyce, bully-boy’ed by Brownlee and Collins, have put in place that have led to such wretched hopelessness as the man trying to kill himself in front of Key and Bennett because of their treatment of him is a ‘game’.

        You poor excuse for a human being.

      • JT 2.1.3

        Is it just me or does The Standard deserve a higher level of troll? Gosh, the ones I’ve read can’t see the irony of their posts.

        The silliest thing about class is that if you remove any of the players the whole system falls apart, sometimes spectacularly violently. So to adjust one troll’s words today: “You rich people should be grateful us poor people let you grind us under your heel.”

        What are the Richees of NZ getting for “their” funding of welfare?

        Relatively civilised comfortable society. Low(er) crime rates. Reducing the cost of home security. Reduction in Life Insurance premiums. (It’s not South Africa yet is it? Stop your moaning!).
        You rich people aren’t paying the realistic cost of anything in NZ. Not by global standards, not by a long way.

        What else? Oh yeah you don’t have to pay for therapy for the advanced stages of psychosis – you can just project everything you are onto an easily labelled sub-section of society you’ll never meet. The richer you get, the less likely you are to have to face reality at all. You can go from birth to death without ever knowing anything about yourself or life. They say ignorance is bliss, but riches are a permanent wet-nurse who fills the bottle with opiates.

        Yes rich people, your “stress” is nothing. Your outrage is melodramatic. Your popping and wheezing about bludger this and bad choices that and higher education will sort it etc etc is just laughable.

        • Colonial Viper 2.1.3.1

          You’re spot on.

        • prism 2.1.3.2

          JT

          Is it just me or does The Standard deserve a higher level of troll? Gosh, the ones I’ve read can’t see the irony of their posts.

          Agree. But one way to disenfranchise them is not to reply to their provocative silly BS. They won’t go away but will end up huddling together in a RWNJ knife-sharpening group swopping their own gossip.

          • TightyRighty 2.1.3.2.1

            silly questions deserve silly answers. There is nothing of any intelligence on this site to deserve a better class of troll. I don’t even know why i demean myself coming here. I suppose it’s like jersey shore, i need to be reminded where the poor, dirty trashy idiots dwell on the internets

            • Jum 2.1.3.2.1.1

              tightyrighty,

              LOL, so piss off creeper.

            • Reality Bytes 2.1.3.2.1.2

              “…it’s like jersey shore, i need to be reminded where the poor, dirty trashy idiots dwell on the internets”

              That’s a strange way of looking at it. The Internet is a big place and there are bound to be several thousand lifetimes worth of browsing to be ‘reminded’ of all the places people dwell whom you consider inferior and unworthy.

              I’ve heard Jersey Shore is crap, and I have never bothered to ever watch it, the whole concept is stupid to me, as I feel most ‘reality shows’ generally are, so I would not invest one iota of time into such crap. I realize it has no value to offer me and my interests, and if it did, I could waste a significant portion of my life on that and similar junk.

              So what’s your objective here? To try and avoid mistyping a URL and landing in such a place as The Standard? Surely there are so many similar places to identify, that you wouldn’t have time to post here, let alone come back to provide a follow-up response.

              I think the truth of the matter is you actually love The Standard, as you have invested your time and energy into it. Maybe it’s because you enjoy confrontation or perhaps a bit of trolling, or perhaps you actually appreciate the views raised here, but don’t want to admit it or are in denial 🙂

            • Puddleglum 2.1.3.2.1.3

              There is nothing of any intelligence on this site

              TightyRighty, that hurt. I try really hard. Please don’t tell me that, after all my hard work, I’m still an ignoramus. 🙂

            • mik e 2.1.3.2.1.4

              your redneck unresearched economics pathetic tea party act poster crap is the worst. You end up losing every argument here any way because your following and wallowing in bean brained bean counting and I can’t believe you are studying economics read Rod Oram who has lived in for different economies and has a life time of experience and Knows his economics you are just following a paint by numbers Dogma.

            • mike 2.1.3.2.1.5

              “There is nothing of any intelligence on this site to deserve a better class of troll.”

              So… you accept then that you are a lower class of troll? A troll trolling himself. A masochistic troll.

              Dude that’s messed up.

          • Jum 2.1.3.2.2

            Prism,

            Better still, all their answers should be transferred to one thread and read through like that children’s game where you write something, fold over the page and pass it to the next person who writes something, folds it over, etc.

            Remembering that two negatives make a positive – they might even start making sense, but given the superiority of the theory of the speed of light is now under suspicion, who knows. They may just continue to be the rightwing neanderthals they always have been, but joined together like crazy paving.

            • prism 2.1.3.2.2.1

              Jum Yes good children’s roundrobin party plan. It is noticeable how the RWNJs often combine to pass the ball around to each other.

              It is strange to hear a recent talk about neutrinos and to know there is so much knowledge in the world yet we haven’t the vital education or skill on how to assess, analyse, and form decisions with feedback loops so we can be more effective in decision-making. I don’t like the idea of being ruled by referendum for this reason.

              • Colonial Viper

                It is strange to hear a recent talk about neutrinos and to know there is so much knowledge in the world yet we haven’t the vital education or skill on how to assess, analyse, and form decisions with feedback loops so we can be more effective in decision-making.

                http://www.titanic-lore.info/Capt-Arthur-Rostron.htm

                If I may gently disagree. The issue is that we don’t make them like we used to.

      • mik e 2.1.4

        tightarse almightyYour sort of misogynistic superiority complex is whats wrong with this country after ww2 every body in New Zealand worked together paid their fair share of taxes and were provided good housing good healthcare and free education including one shonkey,your anal retentive garbage is about to be disposed of like a 1930s meltdown

    • Misanthropic Curmudgeon 2.2

      Then you’ll not be vouting Labour, then. Labour want to borrow and spend even more than we do now!

      • mik e 2.2.1

        Labour wants to borrow to hold on to 4 of the most profitable companies in NEW thats NEW Zealand Bills English has said NEW Zealand s balance of payments is going to get worse because so many companies are overseas owned and we are not saving enough[National are selling everything they can dumb National have reduced saving schemes of Bills English and shonkey]Bills english is saying kiwis are saving more thats utter BS we are only paying 2% more on reducing debt .That because the banks are not lending as much so people have no choice but to pay debt the US by contrast has paid 25% of its debt down in the same time .Real savings have reduced because National have cut contributions

        • Colonial Viper 2.2.1.1

          These RWNJs seem to know fuck all on economics.

          • mik e 2.2.1.1.1

            CV Thats why we are in such a mess they sure know how to manipulate the media though

        • Misanthropic Curmudgeon 2.2.1.2

          To suggest that some SOEs are “4 of the most profitable companies in NEW thats NEW Zealand” companies is absurd, and shows that the proponent of such a claim has no idea about ‘return on investment’.

          The simple fact is that the taxpayer is a finite resource, and cant be plundered ad infinitum to pay for every basket weaving course and community building programme that comes to mind.

          It makes sound sense to allow NZers to own a peice of SOEs while keeping majority shareholding in government hands, and sue the freed-up capital to build schools, fund research and other infrastructure.

      • fmacskasy 2.2.2

        Funny how right wingers always justify their massive borrowings by saying “Labour will borrow even more”.

        Kinda like saying, it’s ok to drive at 120kph – the guy behind me will probably drive even faster!

        • Misanthropic Curmudgeon 2.2.2.1

          Its not a justification, ists and observation that the complainst from Labour about National’s borrowing are hypcritical, as labour want to borrow even more than National are borrowing.

          Personally, I reckon that the government ought to be borrowing less, taxing less, and spending far less, but its going to take time to wein people of the taxpayers teat, lest we have them emulatingthe Greeks response to the Germans not giving them even more.

  3. Rijab 3

    Exactly.

    Those with (significant) wealth often treat life as a game, cause shit, what else is there to do?

    The rest of humanity knows better, but they’re forced ‘to play by the rules’, becase you can’t have a game where everyone wins.

    A twisted insight into the psyche of a sociopath.

  4. Herodotus 4

    Z from my understanding the survey reports on Gross wages. So should there be a shift in tax rates up or down esulting in an increase/decrease of disposable incomes would not be reported in this survey?
    Have a look at household income table there is even greater concern there for families with 3 or more dependant children this sector hasd had medium incomes go from $1,343 in 07 ,$1470, $1407,$1401 and now @ $1,375 in 11. How can a family exist.
    http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Browse%20for%20stats/NZIncomeSurvey/HOTPJun11qtr/nzis-june2011qtr-supp-tables.xls

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1

      It’s not taxes that are the problem but the low wages.

      • Misanthropic Curmudgeon 4.1.1

        Wow. Lets just trip everyones wages/salary, then.

        Let’s quadruple the minimum wage and banish ‘poverty’ forever!

        • Blighty 4.1.1.1

          just getting back to what we were earning for doing the same work 3 years ago would be a nice start, MisC

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.1.2

          No you moronic psychopath, what we need to do is a proper distribution of the wealth that NZ has rather than giving it all to the few.

        • McFlock 4.1.1.3

          Just because you can reduce it to absurdity doesn’t mean that it needs to be applied that way in the real world. Idiot.

        • KJT 4.1.1.4

          Good idea. The economy grew by 83% and wages have gone up only 15% since 1978, so there is plenty of headroom.

          Just bring wages to the share of GDP they had back then.

          • Misanthropic Curmudgeon 4.1.1.4.1

            Since 1978, huh? Back when NZ was living on overseas borrowings, artifically increasing wages and salaries beyond any relationship with productivity?

            Yeah, lets go back to 1978, and bend over for the IMF in a few years time.

            • lprent 4.1.1.4.1.1

              You mean under a National government pushing us into excessive debt for no reason other than winning an election and hope that our terms of trade will magically change ….

              Ummm isn’t that what we have now? Again? Who were the short-term thinking morons seeking a taxcut paid for out of government debt who voted them in?

              • Misanthropic Curmudgeon

                The name of the government is not the issue: the statist, borrow-and-spend, controlling, intervening, permit-and-concession to do anything, nature of said government was.

                And its the same founding principles that the last Labour was trying, and many in Labour still want to do: It was not just for the nastiness that Clark was compared to Muldoon, but the same values that were held.

                Quite why ‘modern’ Labour wants to emulate Muldoonist policies is facinating. And bonkers.

            • fmacskasy 4.1.1.4.1.2

              You mean this $70+ billion debt?

              http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/5106876/Government-debt-rises-to-71-6-billion?

              And “breaking news” on the Stuff website: Govt accounts show record $18.4 billion deficit

              You were saying, MC?

              (Waiting for Default Cop-out #1 to be supplied.)

      • Herodotus 4.1.2

        That will never change. Even if NZ hit oil – it would be foreign owned with something like a 2% royality or such going to the govt, then we would have to clean up any residual mess. Like the RWC there would be no 1st Division lotto winner here.
        As stated previously a family of 3 dependants is living on $32 more (no inflation/CPI adjustments) as they were in 07.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1

          Yes, capitalism takes the communities wealth and puts it in the control of a few in such a way so that they benefit and everyone else suffers.

        • Colonial Viper 4.1.2.2

          That will never change. Even if NZ hit oil – it would be foreign owned with something like a 2% royality or such going to the govt

          Nationalised oil industry, thanks.

  5. Blighty 5

    on the median income, the tax cuts were a 3% increase in net income. So, not enough.

    And that one trick pony is dead.

    There’s no more tax cuts coming. In fact, even National would be raising taxes – to refill the EQC – even though they won’t admit it yet.

    • Jim Nald 5.1

      They keep playing that sweet refrain about aspiration
      while you keep playing the rules of the game and losing.

  6. Galeandra 6

    Now come on you lot, you know all about the politics of envy, don’t you? All you need now is for BB, QSF and a few others to join you at play. Probably they’ll stay home this time. I wonder why.

  7. randal 7

    Hey Jum. you know they getting worried when they resort to personal abuse. The word must have gone out from headquarters. Bye bye national.

  8. johnm 8

    We’re in the decline phase of Industrial Civilisation. As we progress we need a much more equitable society with minimum inequality so we may stay cohesive and together. One class grabbing an unfair slice of the now contracting pie is greedy and immoral.
    Heinberg’s message to the Wall Street protestors applies to us as well:

    “Memo To The #Occupied Movement (A Post-Growth Economy)

    By Richard Heinberg

    06 October, 2011
    Post Carbon Institute

    Here’s a fact that’s hard for most Americans to swallow: economic growth is over. Given the finite nature of our planet and its resources, the recent trend of global economic expansion was destined to end. No stimulus package or slashing of social programs is going to flip the economy back to an expansionary trajectory. We’ve hit the proverbial wall, and this will be the defining reality of our lives from now on.

    The growth-seeking political-economic system has failed us. Today that system is dominated by Wall Street. “Goldman Sachs rules the world,” trader Alessio Rastani told us in a now-viral BBC interview. I met people like Rastani in researching my book, The End of Growth.

    At one lavish conference, 800 global investors packed a hotel ballroom to consider climate change. There was no talk of how to avert or mitigate floods and droughts. Instead, the discussion focused on profiting from warming with — no joke — weather derivatives. These folks were just doing their job, despite any private feelings of concern, remorse, or dread. And each was getting paid enough to single-handedly fund a midsize school district.

    Both Wall Street and Washington are trying to do something impossible: grow human consumption forever in a world of limited energy, minerals, water, topsoil, and biodiversity, all while protecting and expanding the riches of the top one percent. If economic growth is over, that means we can no longer count on a rising tide to lift all boats. Under these conditions, extreme income inequality is not just unfair, it is socially unsustainable.

    It’s strategic to bring protest to Wall Street rather than Washington. We must go directly to the crime scene — not with a request for reforms, but with an arrest warrant from the people.

    You courageous people in the #occupy movement are absolutely right in saying the system is broken, greedy, and unfair. But when our discussion turns to replacing the current system, we’ve got to embrace a bigger view of reality than the one held by stock traders and politicians. It’s not just our wealth they want to control, it’s our vision for what is both possible and necessary. We need a post-growth economy that works both for people (all of them) and for the rest of nature: a localized economy based on renewable resources harvested at nature’s rates of replenishment, not a fossil-fueled global economy driven by the imperative of ever-higher returns on investment.

    There will be life after growth — and it can be a better life if our nation’s priority is the quality of life of our people and the integrity of the biosphere, rather than stock prices and corporate profits.”

    The Public need to wake up to the new reality as constantly mentioned by AFEWKNOWTHETRUTH on this blog.

  9. Dave 9

    It would be fairer to do the Rich List comparison in the same way, that is since 2008 allowing for 9% inflation. The 2008 Rich List total was $44.4 billion, which is $48.4 billion in 2011 dollars. The 2011 Rich List is worth $45.2 billion so in 2011 the Rich Listers are $3.2 billion worse off than they were in 2008. Their wealth has fallen more than the real median income in percentage terms.

  10. Bob Stanforth 10

    So, a question then, and its an honest question, looking for honest answers.

    Lets say that the stats quoted are true, that they are a given. That the mythical ‘median, typical’ kiwi is in fact worse off.

    Why then are National so popular?

    And dont bother with RWNJ, or MSM bias, or fickle voter bollocks. Tell me. Why? Because if those figures are true, people would be leaving their national support behind in stereotypical droves, and turning back to labour, but we do not see that.

    So, come on, why?

    • AndrewK 10.1

      “Why then are National so popular?”

      This has me utterly perplexed, after all National have demonstrably tended to the welfare of the wealthiest 1-5% to the detriment of practically everybody else.

      I expect some of the blame could be laid at the door of the perceived arrogance and right leaning tendencies of the Labour Party while they ruled the roost: The paramilitary style police assault on Tuhoe; the rounding up of activists under the most spurious of pretexts; participating in the onslaught against the people of Afghanistan; providing moral (and it turns out military) support for the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq.

      I think I could carry on for a while if I really put my mind to it. Not that any of the things in those items I listed feature high on the public consciousness, but, taken as a whole they would make a significant dent in Labour’s core support . Personally, I have not voted Labour since ’87 and their great leap to the right.

      “And dont bother with RWNJ, or MSM bias, or fickle voter bollocks.”

      The trouble here is the attempt to define the parameters in which the response can be framed, there is an obvious right-wing bias in the established media institutions as there is in the Labour party hierarchy. The people who inhabit the upper echelons of the mainstream media, the Labour Party, the public service, the National party and any private corporation operate under a system of beliefs which allows them the delusion that they know what’s best for the subordinate classes.

      What New Zealand, and the ‘West’ generally, suffers from is a disconnect between those who are responsible for public policy decisions and the ability of the public to have a meaningful impact on those decisions. Democracy needs to become a system that exists in all facets of society, rather than three seconds every three years in a polling booth.

      To participate in the economy in any meaningful way the general population needs to realise control of the capital infrastructure that underpins our modern society (which is why it has been so important for the neo-liberals in Labour and National to concentrate state owned assets in the hands of private concentrations of capital.)

      The best that can be said for Labour is that it is the lesser of two evils, but going into an election campaign with the slogan, “Vote for us, at least we’re not as evil as them.” doesn’t seem to be working so well.

      • Jum 10.1.1

        AndrewK, said ‘Democracy needs to become a system that exists in all facets of society, rather than three seconds every three years in a polling booth.’

        The closest I can get to democratic behaviour without the binding referendum, which given our current voting intelligence would deliver us into penury even faster, is the simple premise:

        – each policy asking for a mandate at election must be signed off by 75% of the voting population
        – be subject to the oversight of a Youth Upper House; (the future belongs to Youth)

        So, the mandate for Key to sell SOE assets which may get through now because voters are so hung up on his slimy charm, would only happen if people deliberately voted for that mandate on one individual policy. Then, 75% of New Zealanders would be held responsible for any future financial and sovereign damage to New Zealand.

        There must be a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority.

        • AndrewK 10.1.1.1

           “There must be a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority.” 

           There is, it is called totalitarianism and it can be found in fascist systems, in what the Chinese, Russian and North Korean  hierarchies euphemistically described as socialism and more subtly in contemporary western style ‘democracies’.

           The obvious rejoinder to the claim, “…the mandate for Key to sell SOE assets which may get through now because voters are so hung up on his slimy charm…” , is to point out that state owned asset sales happened with a mandate of less than 75% under the current system by both major political parties. The only time Labour stepped in to buy back any assets was when those assets had been either completely run into the ground as a consequence of ruthless foreign profiteering (New Zealand Rail) or bankrupted as a consequence of incompetent management, a la Air New Zealand.

           The point I was attempting to make about a more democratic society was that communities- ordinary people- need to participate in all forms of economic activity. To sell a major  component of the national infrastructure (like Telecom) into private ownership must surely be seen as an intensely undemocratic activity. Allowing private concentrations of capital control over such a strategic asset was to move in the direction of corporate totalitarianism. There are few forms of tyranny worse than the private tyranny exercised by the corporate elite on behalf of those who own a majority share in the corporate entities they manage.    
           
          And considering  the statement, “…– each policy asking for a mandate at election must be signed off by 75% of the voting population.”, suffers under the assumption that the general population is not capable of participating in formulating policy in the first place and needs to be maintained in some sort of passive role where they assent to or decline decisions developed within in a rigid framework, a framework designed to maintain a position of privilege and authority for a largely unelected coordinator class acting in the interests of a completely unelected ruling elite.

           Pretty much what we have now. No thanks Jum, there has to be a better way. 

          • Jum 10.1.1.1.1

            AndrewK,

            Safeguarding us from the tyranny of the majority is not totalitarianism; you’re leaping tall buildings to reach that conclusion. There are many forms of controlling runaway government like National and its legislating under urgency – Upper houses, etc. My idea, as I said was a simple one, perhaps even simplistic – I’m no expert, although I enjoy listening to everyone else’s ideas. The 75% was just a figure.

            As I have been fighting for a better public transport system for some time, I do know what the various political parties did and didn’t do about safeguarding New Zealanders’ interests. I also know that the public needs the right to instigate change, but often governments attempt to manipulate that public change e.g. Joyce trying to massage the figures of improving rail transport as opposed to roading.

            Perhaps even a system whereby a policy is proposed by CIR, the current government seeks a mandate for that one policy. Then they cannot pretend a vote for law and order is also a mandate to sell as this government is trying to do.

            We know various governments sold off assets; we are attempting to stop that happening so you would naturally vote for the party that says they would not, because that may be your priority.

            Or, each mp in parliament seeks a mandate from their electorate and the result becomes the law in that electorate. Or, or, or any number of ideas. To me the journey is far more interesting than the arrival which often disappoints!

            Civics in Schools and a Youth Upper House are another two suggestions. Until we have a clued up populace it is definitely not a good idea to bind government that in some cases has far more information at its fingertips for not legislating referenda e.g. where it may disadvantage other areas of the economy or other sections of the community that the binding referenda organisers have no information on or have a bias against or towards. The parliament would certainly have to, after a successful petition reaching the signature number before the certain date, then give full info to all New Zealanders to debate. Likewise any legislation NAct put through under urgency would be reversed or annulled and due process of seeking submissions would then continue.

            If Local Government areas took in taxes and made their own laws then we might end up with tinpot nazi sheriffs like John Banks and the smoking gun Brash.

            I will continue to think about it.

            Your second paragraph – I remember Labour having huge debts to pay down from National and helping the resulting unemployed. If anything that would take time before then paying out for assets they hadn’t sold off. It’s a wonderful lesson of course for New Zealanders to see what happens when you allow private enterprise to have control over public assets.

            I get the distinct impression you are trying to lead me towards binding referenda – no thanks, Andrew K, there has to be a better way. We’ll keep thinking, eh.

            • AndrewK 10.1.1.1.1.1

              Jum,

               Originally I was responding to Bob Stanforth’s query: “Why then are National so popular?” 

               The only reason I could come up with is the general population has become so alienated from the political system that participation in the decision making process appears little more than mindless cheering for participants in a personality contest. 

               Don’t get me wrong, I think John Key is a slippery little mercenary whose primary goal is to deliver the people of New Zealand into a form of debt peonage, prostrate before predominantly foreign corporate masters. The immediate problem being the electorally successful “…slimy charm…” being exuded by John Key and the inability of Phil Goff or Labour to counter Key’s media presence (there is the other problem of the probable tens of millions of dollars being spent on National’s re-election campaign over the last three years.)
               
               If Labour is really a party for the people it must start championing greater participation of those people in the decision making process. Although Labour set the ball in motion to change the electoral system to MMP, since its adoption both Labour and National have been pretty antagonistic towards the new system and the dissenting voices from minor parties which that system has allowed.

               A political party that genuinely sympathised with ‘the people’ would advocate greater representation, to accommodate a greater number of representatives that same party could advocate for their pay to be capped at the average wage. Representatives earning the average wage would be more likely to make decisions which reflect the reality of the average person. To help with your fight for better public transport the only form of transport for representatives the tax-payer should be coughing up for should be free access to public transport and no representative should be allowed to travel on any class other than economy on any airline.  ( I know some of this may seem a little ‘out there’, but we are quickly approaching a confluence of ominous environmental, economic and social conditions with which the current system will not cope. 

                   
              “I get the distinct impression you are trying to lead me towards binding referenda – no thanks, … ”

               Politically speaking, I tend to lean toward the Libertarian Socialist flavour of the political spectrum. As such I think anyone with anarchist inclinations would be wary of the rigid dogma that seems to be implied by a ‘…binding referenda…’. Although, returning to the concept of the ‘tyranny of the majority’, that majority should be allowed the opportunity to make policy mistakes and through those mistakes grow into a self sustaining, self governing entity.

               In spite of the inexplicable support for National exhibited by the general electorate, I don’t think the vast majority of New Zealanders are the reactionary self absorbed red-necks the mainstream media and sections of the elitist authoritarian left likes to pretend they are.

               I think, probably most importantly, the dissemination of information on which people are reliant to make decisions affecting the lives of them and their children must be kept out of the hands of private interests. Private control over information by media corporations is the greatest threat to the democratic process anywhere, democratising media institutions is probably as important as democratising the policy implementing process.

               I got carried away, sorry Jum- didn’t mean to prattle on so much. I understand a lot of where you are coming from and the limitations the current system imposes on policy objectives. I do, however, believe there is scope to continually expand the political mindset to accommodate and normalise more radical policies.          

              • KJT

                Anyone opposed to the “tyranny of the majority” is giving implicit support to a “tyranny of a minority”.

                What they are really saying is they are happy to have a tyranny of a minority, so long as it is their minority.

                It takes a particular arrogance to say, “I have a right to make a decision on behalf of a great many other people against their wishes”.

                So many people are uninterested in politics in NZ because their votes actually make no difference. No matter who you vote for, you get fuck us up quickly, or fuck us up a bit slower.

                In fact research shows that, on the whole, majority binding referendums tend to make for better decisions than a small number of “group thinkers” in Government.

                People become much more interested in learning about politics or the issues when they know they can actually make a difference.

                Politicians actually have to think about and justify their ideas when they know they may be overturned by referenda.

                Switzerland is about the only example in the world at the moment. A stable successful democracy for much longer than any of the Anglo Saxon countries.

                And at the end of the day, even if we get it wrong, if it is about our lives, it should be our discussion to make.

                • Jum

                  KJT said:
                  ‘Anyone opposed to the “tyranny of the majority” is giving implicit support to a “tyranny of a minority”.’

                  Is the same as George Bush saying ‘if you’re not for us, you’re agin us’.

                  There are many levels of agreement or disagreement with both those extremes and it is insulting to me for you to suggest I only care about my own needs. You obviously do not know me at all well, KJT.

                  I can tell you are angry about government behaviour, huge ‘urgency’ railroading through of policy without any recourse to public submissions.

                  You will still not get my agreement to majority binding referenda within this current society of greed and selfishness and in many cases misogynistic thinking.

                  I quite like what AndrewK said in his final sentence at 2.31:
                  ‘I do, however, believe there is scope to continually expand the political mindset to accommodate and normalise more radical policies. ‘

                  I certainly remember the democracy march of Colin Craig, pretending to be about democracy but actually about trying to reverse the S59 and negate the added safety for children, and also about his candidature first as Mayor of Auckland, then as a conservative for Rodney in this election under a very conservative banner which will mean even less democracy for New Zealanders, especially for women and children.

                  It is not yet safe in New Zealand to have majority binding referenda until many safeguards are in place e.g. the minorities have double the vote and be the only ones able to make the decisions which only affect them as two possible suggestions to consider. Otherwise we just move from one extreme to the other; neither will be successful.

                  Trotting out the examples of far more historically advanced countries than New Zealand to give a view on binding referenda won’t wash either. Oh dear that sounds arrogant but wasn’t meant to be. I was thinking of our drinking culture in New Zealand when I typed that comment.

                  The worst thing we can do is try to cut and paste from other countries before analysing our own issues; we’re still in denial.

                • Misanthropic Curmudgeon

                  Saying “Anyone opposed to the “tyranny of the majority” is giving implicit support to a “tyranny of a minority”.” is false.

                  You could just leave others alone and stope people from imposing their will on others.

                  Freedom as a default situation. What is so horrible about that?

    • Colonial Viper 10.2

      Why then are National so popular?

      People are drinking the Kool-Aid.

      And they are waiting for Labour to come forwards with real gutsy, gut wrenching alternatives, not just new flavours of the same old same old.

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    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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