web analytics

Meridian on the block

Written By: - Date published: 7:24 am, September 30th, 2013 - 40 comments
Categories: Privatisation - Tags:

If you weren’t paying attention you could easily miss the fact that Meridian shares are opening today. that’s because there’s been a lot less mainstream hoopla about it than there was with the sale of MRP. Despite the face there’s been a whole host of taxpayer funded sweetners attached to the deal.

According to TVNZ half of the shares in Meridian have already been subscribed to by “retail investors” after brokers were invited to registers for clients.

Unlike the MRP sale which was touted as getting new investors into the market, this sale seems to be focused on transferring taxpayer wealth to the usual suspects as quickly and quietly as possible. I imagine this free-money float will also further harm the value of the MRP shares a few “mum and dad investors” did actually purchase.

My guess is we’ll see a further accelerated asset sales programme, along with rapid implementation of other unpopular National party policy as the government’s backers start to realise that a third term is increasingly unlikely and the push comes on to get as much through as they can. The referendum will be adding to the heat.

National’s problem is they’ll be relying on Peter Dunne to do it, but he’ll be looking to distance himself from them as he senses the mood changing and looks for a space in the next government (as he has already shown with his RMA push-back).

40 comments on “Meridian on the block ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. amirite 1
    30 September 2013 at 7:33 am

    So English and a guy from Goldman Sachs say there has been strong early demand for Meridian shares but some brokers and financial advisers say that interest is lower than for Mighty Power shares. And of course, the Herald is quick to lay blame onto the Labour/Green power policy proposal as well as the eventual Tiwai smelter closure.
    Of course, the spin we’ll be hearing from this Government in the next few weeks will be how the fire sale was an unprecedented success.

  2. wyndham 2
    30 September 2013 at 8:02 am

    “National’s problem is they’ll be relying on Peter Dunne to do it, but he’ll be looking to distance himself from them as he senses the mood changing and looks for a space in the next government (as he has already shown with his RMA push-back).”

    Absolutely right, Eddie. In order to save what’s left of our ownership of this country, more and more pressure needs to be kept on Dunne, the great chameleon of NZ politics.

  3. vto 3
    30 September 2013 at 8:09 am

    I still don’t understand…

    Key and English say they want as many kiwis as possible to own Meridian, yet it is already owned by 100% of kiwis and this process will only bring that percentage down, there is no other possibility.

    Why do Key and English say that when it is clearly an impossibility?

  4. srylands 4
    30 September 2013 at 8:44 am

    “Why do Key and English say that when it is clearly an impossibility?”

    Easy. Because it is owned by the Crown. When did you last get invited to a shareholders meeting?

    This hysteria about the partial sell down of a couple of power cos is mad. The privatisation programmes in Australia over the last 25 years have been a great success. Which OECD countries in the last decade have championed a model of state ownership? France. Which is now a socialist paradise (sic) with a stagnant economy and enormous youth unemployment.

    The only mistake the Government is making is not selling 100% of the companies. That will need to await the next National Government in 2017.

    The “sweetners” are just part of doing business.

    • vto 4.1
      30 September 2013 at 8:57 am

      “Because it is owned by the Crown”.

      But Key and English count ownership by Kiwisaver as ownership by kiwis, which owns such on behalf. As does the crown. Inconsistent horse shit and pinhead dancing there srylands. Fail.

      As for “hysteria”, it is interesting that the rich like to own assets like this yet Key and English say it is better not to own these assets. How does that work? Sounds like yet more horse shit.

      But srylands, your base understanding of society and how its resulting economy should work is nuts, as has been continually pointed out to you. You think people are tradeable commodities and you think people should not be allowed to have children unless they earn a certain amount of money….
      …. off the planet nutty

      Until you get to first base you are a waste of time

    • Draco T Bastard 4.2
      30 September 2013 at 9:54 am

      This hysteria about the partial sell down of a couple of power cos is mad.

      No, selling them is mad. Completely fucken insane in fact which is why the majority of Kiwis don’t want to sell them.

      The privatisation programmes in Australia over the last 25 years have been a great success.

      Only for the people who got to buy the once state assets as they become owners of the general populace.

      Which OECD countries in the last decade have championed a model of state ownership? France. Which is now a socialist paradise (sic) with a stagnant economy and enormous youth unemployment.

      Your question, answer and statement have no relevance to each other or even to privatisation. Europe itself is collapsing.

      The only mistake the Government is making is not selling 100% of the companies.

      Only authoritarian dictators would be saying that.

      The “sweetners” are just part of doing business.

      Business that the majority of Kiwis didn’t want doing at all.

    • Colonial Viper 4.3
      30 September 2013 at 10:09 am

      Ahhhh shitlands, the paid mouthpiece for the top 1%. Of course they would think that it is great, they are the ones receiving the transfer of low risk wealth from the state.

      The “sweetners” are just part of doing business.

      It seems that you are a proponent of socialism (for the wealthy) after all?

    • framu 4.4
      30 September 2013 at 10:22 am

      yes yes shitlands – but your the kind of functional moron who thinks making all roads private is a sensible idea

      As youve been told before – you and your society trashing ilk are in the minority on this one

      yes – france – whoopdee friggin doo – because comparing how two countries are doing by looking at one single policy is a completely valid and honest way of evaluating things

      also – im still keen to hear how under a fully privatised road ownership scheme your going to get you car to work in… kapiti? or was it some where in australia? if you dont like the roading supplier who owns the road outside your house

      but still – you can always ignore reality when you champion anti democratic corporate welfare like your doing

      morally bankrupt waste of space

    • Murray Olsen 4.5
      30 September 2013 at 1:29 pm

      Yes SSlands, the privatisation of road tunnels in Australia has been a huge success. First the state government pays some private business to build them, then they go broke, so the government bails them out, then sells them off cheap to their rich mates, then buys them back at a high price with public money. Your definition of a great success makes as much sense as your slavish support of the boss who pays you minimum wage.

  5. Bill 5
    30 September 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Not too sure about your take on Dunne. The so-called politics of compromise or whatever can only work in an environment dominated by a managerial mind set where there is scant difference between the two main managerial blocs.

    That environment (I believe) is gone now and with it (I’d argue) the possibility for fence sitters to jump down, first this side then that, whoring themselves for baubles.

    Dunne is done now, no matter what. He has 400 days to whore for what he can get and to set up what he can for his post parliamentary life.

  6. Rosie 6
    30 September 2013 at 1:15 pm

    “National’s problem is they’ll be relying on Peter Dunne to do it, but he’ll be looking to distance himself from them as he senses the mood changing and looks for a space in the next government (as he has already shown with his RMA push-back)”.

    Re Peter Dunne: I’ve heard it suggested that Dunne potentially got his 1000 odd members to bring back UF from the grave, from the outdoors and conservation lobby. Maybe they are so concerned about our environment and the further threat to it under proposed RMA changes (with good and valid reason) that they will pay up a membership fee to the one who claims to champion their cause? If this theory is true then it is another case if “Willing Buyer, Willing Seller”.

    I’m sorry I don’t have a link for the next bit, an article that I read a few weeks ago in the local paper. The Independent Herald which Dunne frequently appears in, said that Dunne hasn’t ruled out running for Ohariu next year, saying “National need me”. I don’t think he has any intention of back tracking on his commitment to asset sales. He recently refused to attend a public meeting on this matter in his own electorate.

    Dunne can’t be trusted to gauge the public mood, imo, and do the right thing. He will always put himself first. That he said “National need me” perhaps indicates that he has no feeling for a Labour Greens govt being elected in 2014. Maybe his tune will change as time goes on, and he needs to adjust to power shifts but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

    • Rosie 6.1
      30 September 2013 at 1:45 pm

      PS. At this point in time he is sticking with National and makes that clear in his recent post on the UF website, where he is dismissive of the new Labour leadership.

      “So, despite the hype, the reality remains the same. The left-wing axis is most unlikely to be able to form coherent, stable government. All of which shifts the onus back to John Key and the National party”

      http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/new-labour-leadership-same-old/

    • Draco T Bastard 6.2
      30 September 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Dunne is one of the people who, for ideological reasons, will never be in the same government as the Greens. As such, the only option he has of staying in government is to go with National.

      EDIT:
      PS, don’t suppose you remember which date?

      http://independentherald.co.nz/

      • Rosie 6.2.1
        30 September 2013 at 4:15 pm

        Hi DTB

        Found it! Crazy long link here to the article.Apologies, I don’t know how to over write the link as you have done above. If that doesn’t work, it’s page 4 of the 21st August edition with the title “Amazing win for Marae”.

        “National needs me”. A close enough approximation of what he actually said I reckon 🙂

        • Rosie 6.2.1.1
          30 September 2013 at 5:14 pm

          Incidentally, I have on loan issue 349, August 2013 of Forest & Bird. The mag is full of articles that express disappointment and distrust of this govt’s handling of environmental stewardship and conservation:

          p.8 “Undermining Northland” about a 2011 aerial mineral survey of almost the entire region of Northland that was done without the consent of landowners, and the subsequent granting of 5 new exploration permits.

          p.10 “Long wait for Maui’s dolphins” about slack arse inaction over the threat to the Maui’s dolphin.

          p.14 “RMA reform opponents rally”

          p.40 – 42 “Conflict of Values” about the granting of permits to Bathurst to mine the Denniston Plateau and the environment court case. (A strongly and clearly worded article)

          p.43 “Forest & Bird acting to save the RMA”

          p.48 “Environment rights and wrongs” Considers the need to recognise a healthy environment as an essential human right and for it to protected under the Bill of Rights Act, similar to what other countries are doing. (e.g, The French Environment Charter).

          p.54 “Scary statistics” Climate change campaigner Bill McKibben criticises plans to mine Denniston Plateau.

          Ok. So there would be a number of Forest & Bird members who are Green voters I’m assuming, they’re not Nat voters, however, these members are maybe running short of funds to fight the govt in the environment court. So if they have an MP they can turn to, already within govt who has a lot of influence, ie, one vote that can an drastically alter the outcome then maybe it pays to get him onside with membership to his dying party and he can then be their saviour. It The willing buyer willing seller routine again. Bring along outdoor recreation groups such as fish and game whose members would be affected by the erosion of the RMA, and you add to the group who NEED you. Just a theory, but if it were true it would prove again that Dunne’s motivation isn’t the will of the people, it’s the drive of his own self preservation.

          I don’t think he’s looking for a space in the next govt. He’s looking to see how he can survive in the short term, and the RMA stance is just part of that plan.

  7. Chooky 7
    30 September 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Electricity pricing is a National and Act Party disgrace!

    ….ever since I was a child I can remember New Zealanders paying for hydro power generation on the promise that there would be low electricity pricing and plenty for all….it never seemed to eventuate and now National is privatising and selling off the power generation assets(built on generations of NZ tax payers money) to those with the surplus dollars (Trust Accounts) for investment ,who are least dependent on affordable power.

    It is a betrayal , especially as most New Zealanders don’t want asset sales!

    … Beneficiaries, the low salary earners and Grey Power are extremely angry….If nothing else this will be a huge Election issue !!!!….

    The Greens are right on the button with this …imo Gareth Hughes , despite his youth , is very able and should get a cabinet position in the new Labour/Green coalition 2014 government.

    • Puckish Rogue 7.1
      30 September 2013 at 4:15 pm

      I would party vote Labour if it meant keeping the Greens out of power

    • srylands 7.2
      30 September 2013 at 4:43 pm

      “….ever since I was a child I can remember New Zealanders paying for hydro power generation on the promise that there would be low electricity pricing and plenty for all…”

      Well sorry. The economy grew, the gas ran out, it became unfashionable to build dams, and someone forgot to invest in the transmission network for 20 years. OOps. It has nothing to do with who owns the bloody companies. Oh and the massive cross subsidy (scam) to retail consumers was ended.

      You could have mentiioned those things.

      There is NO way the Greens are going to deliver cheap power without direct subsidies, or ratioing or blackouts. They are advocating MUCH more stringent pricing of carbon. That will rise power prices because gas generated power determines the marginal cost.

      • framu 7.2.1
        30 September 2013 at 5:02 pm

        ” it became unfashionable to build dams” – on the remaining un dammed rivers

        and other renewable energy sources became more cost effective

        “and someone forgot to invest in the transmission network for 20 years”

        yes – a govt captured by the very ideology you subscribe too – your super smart

        but hey, dont let reality get in you way or anything

        You could have mentiioned those things.

      • Chooky 7.2.2
        30 September 2013 at 6:14 pm

        @srylands…..actually I think the cheap power ( from dams built with tax payers money) was given to Comalco….while old age pensioners, the unemployed and those on low incomes scrimped and scraped to pay for their meager power ……..and went cold…and for them power prices keep going up!

        Shame on you!…and your impoverished soul

        This is going to be a BIG BIG Election issue !

    • srylands 7.3
      30 September 2013 at 4:47 pm

      “imo Gareth Hughes , despite his youth , is very able and should get a cabinet position in the new Labour/Green coalition 2014 government.”

      imo he is frightening, ill informed, and would do immense damage to New Zealand and its economy.

      Given that Labour and the Greens are likely to win in 2014, part of me would like to see Gareth in charge of the energy sector – in fact the Greens in charge of key economic portfolios. It is now clear that it will take the implementation of these policies to demonstrate to the voters what they will actually do. So lets bring them on in force. We can then limit them to a one term government, and it will be back to business as usual with National coming back in 2017 to clean up the mess.

      • Chooky 7.3.1
        30 September 2013 at 6:25 pm

        I am pleased Gareth and the Greens frighten you!….because nothing else seems to.

        …You should be grateful that they are proposing solutions for a way out of the nasty impasse you and your Nact friends seem to have gotten many low income New Zealanders into.

  8. Puckish Rogue 8
    30 September 2013 at 4:10 pm

    When I get home I’ll be signing up for some more shares with the balance to pay in 18 months…its all good 🙂

    • vto 8.1
      30 September 2013 at 4:20 pm

      i’m sure it is all good for you that is most of the problem

    • srylands 8.2
      30 September 2013 at 4:37 pm

      Me too. Plus my partner and my mum. I’d sign my cat up given the nice free loan on offer 🙂

      For those who are opposed to the partial floats, how are you going to deal with your Kiwisaver fund buying shares? Are you going to switch to a fund that is restricted to fixed interest securities? Or do you just wear it?

      • Paul 8.2.1
        30 September 2013 at 5:17 pm

        You own these assets already.
        Now you’re prepared to steal them from people who haven’t got the same amount of money as you.

        • chris73 8.2.1.1
          30 September 2013 at 5:41 pm

          No you don’t, just another lie fed to you by the left.

          • Paul 8.2.1.1.1
            30 September 2013 at 5:44 pm

            Like the lies your mate Hooton identified?

            • chris73 8.2.1.1.1.1
              30 September 2013 at 5:56 pm

              Just because your taxes helped pay for the upkeep doesn’t mean you own them, however if you can provide a link that states we own them then I’ll admit I’m wrong…

              • framu …
                1 October 2013 at 7:58 am

                just because you dont have a share certificate doesnt mean you dont own something

                theres more forms of ownership than a bit of paper

                just because you cant conceive of these other forms of ownership doesnt mean they dont exist. In fact theyve existed for centuries before share certificates and other “single person” legal documents

                really chris73 – weve all been through this before – why do we have to keep going back?

                The wider NZ populace owns these things via the state – we are the shareholders of all state owned assets, they are managed by a board – parliament, we get to influence the board, we get dividends via services provided from the state

                what proves this ownership? citizenship! Thats all you need to prove ownership of a state owned asset

                Are you really going to sit here and say you dont get that?

      • Chooky 8.2.2
        30 September 2013 at 7:30 pm

        @ srysland …it may come as a surprise to you ….but for many New Zealanders , Kiwisaver is something they cant afford…and their share portfolios are non existent…so they wont know what the Dickens you are talking about…..

        By the way….I bet your pussy cat is really a bulldog

      • Pasupial 8.2.3
        30 September 2013 at 11:13 pm

        Srylands

        That’s three more international investors who’ll get burned out when our assets are re-claimed under the next government then.

    • Chooky 8.3
      30 September 2013 at 7:27 pm

      Pukish Rogue…you little cutey…many played that game in 1987 and got burnt…..your shares may go through the floor once we all get little windmills on our roofs and solar panels….then your asset /shares may be undesirably priced out of everyone’s reach…and we may not want your power no more..no more…HIT the Road Jack

      Unless of course the Greens get in and fix the pricing….but that still wont be good for your shares…

      • Puckish Rogue 8.3.1
        1 October 2013 at 9:11 am

        your shares may go through the floor once we all get little windmills on our roofs and solar panels

        – it may but not likely as the costs to set it up for people would be prohibitive also theres nothing to stop me investing in solar energy companies 🙂

  9. Chooky 9
    1 October 2013 at 12:22 pm

    @Puckish Rogue ….well there is always the Greens ….and they are doing pretty well in the polls

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ginny Andersen appointed as Minister of Police
    Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today appointed Ginny Andersen as Minister of Police. “Ginny Andersen has a strong and relevant background in this important portfolio,” Chris Hipkins said. “Ginny Andersen worked for the Police as a non-sworn staff member for around 10 years and has more recently been chair of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government confirms vital roading reconnections
    Six further bailey bridge sites confirmed Four additional bridge sites under consideration 91 per cent of damaged state highways reopened Recovery Dashboards for impacted regions released The Government has responded quickly to restore lifeline routes after Cyclone Gabrielle and can today confirm that an additional six bailey bridges will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Foreign Minister Mahuta to meet with China’s new Foreign Minister
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow, where she will meet with her counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in Beijing. This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Minister to China since 2019, and follows the easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions between New Zealand and China. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education Ministers from across the Pacific gather in Aotearoa
    Education Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Tāmaki Makaurau this week to share their collective knowledge and strategic vision, for the benefit of ākonga across the region. New Zealand Education Minister Jan Tinetti will host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) for three days from today, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • State Highway 5 reopens between Napier and Taupō following Cyclone Gabrielle
    A vital transport link for communities and local businesses has been restored following Cyclone Gabrielle with the reopening of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Napier and Taupō, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan says. SH5 reopened to all traffic between 7am and 7pm from today, with closure points at SH2 (Kaimata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Special Lotto draw raises $11.7 million for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery
    Internal Affairs Minister Barbara Edmonds has thanked generous New Zealanders who took part in the special Lotto draw for communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Held on Saturday night, the draw raised $11.7 million with half of all ticket sales going towards recovery efforts. “In a time of need, New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government delivers a $3 million funding boost for Building Financial Capability services
    The Government has announced funding of $3 million for providers to help people, and whānau access community-based Building Financial Capability services. “Demand for Financial Capability Services is growing as people face cost of living pressures. Those pressures are increasing further in areas affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao – new Chair and member
    Minister of Education, Hon Jan Tinetti, has announced appointments to the Board of Education New Zealand | Manapou ki te Ao. Tracey Bridges is joining the Board as the new Chair and Dr Therese Arseneau will be a new member. Current members Dr Linda Sissons CNZM and Daniel Wilson have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Scholarships honouring Ngarimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion announced
    Fifteen ākonga Māori from across Aotearoa have been awarded the prestigious Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships and Awards for 2023, Associate Education Minister and Ngarimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today.  The recipients include doctoral, masters’ and undergraduate students. Three vocational training students and five wharekura students, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Appointment of Judge of the Court of Appeal and Judge of the High Court
    High Court Judge Jillian Maree Mallon has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, and District Court Judge Andrew John Becroft QSO has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today. Justice Mallon graduated from Otago University in 1988 with an LLB (Hons), and with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ still well placed to meet global challenges
    The economy has continued to show its resilience despite today’s GDP figures showing a modest decline in the December quarter, leaving the Government well positioned to help New Zealanders face cost of living pressures in a challenging global environment. “The economy had grown strongly in the two quarters before this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Western Ring Route Complete
    Aucklanders now have more ways to get around as Transport Minister Michael Wood opened the direct State Highway 1 (SH1) to State Highway 18 (SH18) underpass today, marking the completion of the 48-kilometre Western Ring Route (WRR). “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Briefings to Incoming Ministers
    This section contains briefings received by incoming ministers following changes to Cabinet in January. Some information may have been withheld in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982. Where information has been withheld that is indicated within the document. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Teaming up for a stronger, more resilient Fiji
    Aotearoa New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta reaffirmed her commitment to working together with the new Government of Fiji on issues of shared importance, including on the prioritisation of climate change and sustainability, at a meeting today, in Nadi. Fiji and Aotearoa New Zealand’s close relationship is underpinned by the Duavata ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Investment in blue highway a lifeline for regional economies and cyclone recovery
    The Government is delivering a coastal shipping lifeline for businesses, residents and the primary sector in the cyclone-stricken regions of Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan announced today. The Rangitata vessel has been chartered for an emergency coastal shipping route between Gisborne and Napier, with potential for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Next steps developing clean energy for NZ
    The Government will progress to the next stage of the NZ Battery Project, looking at the viability of pumped hydro as well as an alternative, multi-technology approach as part of the Government’s long term-plan to build a resilient, affordable, secure and decarbonised energy system in New Zealand, Energy and Resources ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Statement from the Prime Minister on Stuart Nash
    This morning I was made aware of a media interview in which Minister Stuart Nash criticised a decision of the Court and said he had contacted the Police Commissioner to suggest the Police appeal the decision. The phone call took place in 2021 when he was not the Police Minister. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • CPTPP Trade Ministers coming to Auckland
    The Government’s sharp focus on trade continues with Aotearoa New Zealand set to host Trade Ministers and delegations from 10 Asia Pacific economies at a meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission members in July, Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor announced today. “New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt approves $25 million extension for cyclone-affected businesses
    $25 million boost to support more businesses with clean-up in cyclone affected regions, taking total business support to more than $50 million Demand for grants has been strong, with estimates showing applications will exceed the initial $25 million business support package Grants of up to a maximum of $40,000 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • More than 160,000 new Kiwis to call NZ home
    80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visas applications have been processed – three months ahead of schedule Residence granted to 160,000 people 84,000 of 85,000 applications have been approved Over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents now that 80 per cent of 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) applications have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Scholarships propel Kiwi students to NASA
    The Government continues to invest in New Zealand’s burgeoning space industry, today announcing five scholarships for Kiwi Students to undertake internships at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California. Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash congratulated Michaela Dobson (University of Auckland), Leah Albrow (University of Canterbury) and Jack Naish, Celine Jane ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand to attend regional security meeting in Australia
    The Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques travels to Melbourne, Australia today to represent New Zealand at the fourth Sub-Regional Meeting on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Security. “The Government is committed to reducing the threat of terrorism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Health and safety action plan for ports
    The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be improved as part of a new industry-wide action plan, Workplace Relations and Safety, and Transport Minister Michael Wood has announced. “Following the tragic death of two port workers in Auckland and Lyttelton last year, I asked the Port Health ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Bikes and scooters to be exempt from FBT
    Bikes, electric bikes and scooters will be added to the types of transport exempted from fringe benefit tax under changes proposed today. Revenue Minister David Parker said the change would allow bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, electric scooters, and micro-mobility share services to be exempt from fringe benefit tax where they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Foreign Affairs Minister to reaffirm our close relationship with Fiji
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta will hold bilateral meetings with Fiji this week. The visit will be her first to the country since the election of the new coalition Government led by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sitiveni Rabuka. The visit will be an opportunity to meet kanohi ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-22T23:37:04+00:00