web analytics

Mr Brash goes to Waitangi

Written By: - Date published: 7:45 am, February 5th, 2019 - 32 comments
Categories: don brash, jacinda ardern, Maori Issues, Politics, racism, racism - Tags:

How Waitangi day is changing.  It used to be a place where right wing politicians feared to go.  Back in 2004 then opposition leader Don Brash followed up his infamous Orewa speech, where he talked about racial separation and the treaty grievance industry with a visit to Waitangi on Waitangi day.  Locals responded in a way which was illegal but not unexpected.

Of course he is not the only politician to have been humiliated at Waitangi.

I suspect that back then Brash was quietly pleased at the response that he received.

Fast forward to 2019 and Brash is heading back to Waitangi, this time by invitation. And apparently this time he is going to listen.  Radio New Zealand has the background:

Former National Party leader Don Brash says he’s delighted to speak at Waitangi for the first time since mud was slung in his face 15 years ago, and will speak about the economy “and I’m going to listen”.

Dr Brash fronts the group Hobson’s Pledge which opposes what it terms Māori favouritism. He said he was surprised when Ngāpuhi asked him to give a speech at the lower marae Tuesday.

His last Waitangi speech in 2004 ended with a protester hurling mud at him.

Don Brash told Morning Report he was delighted to be invited back.

He was contacted by a local, Reuben Taipari, who invited him up for a korero. He was asked to speak about economics. Unfortunately it seems that he will take far too narrow a view of what the purpose of the treaty settlements is.

“One of the points I’m going to make is Māori prosperity will not be guaranteed by Treaty settlements.

“It’s a point which I actually owe to Rob McLeod, who is a Ngāti Porou leader, that even if we take all the investments and Treaty settlements over the last 20 something years and invest that at a 5 percent, it makes minimal difference to the annual incomes of ordinary Māori.”

While he said he had never opposed Treaty settlements, they “aren’t the recipe to make ordinary Māori prosperous”.

“Too many ordinary Māori assume that once they get a Treaty settlement, everything will be rosy.”

Of all the stupid takes Brash has ever said this is one of the most stupid.  The treaty settlements are not about increasing Māori wealth, they are about addressing terrible treaty breaches and providing very modest  compensation and providing closure.

It is interesting that the feeling is now such that Brash would be invited and that he would accept the invitation.

Maybe as a nation we are moving on from the heat and intensity of previous Waitangi days. Perhaps the Waitangi Tribunal’s sterling work is having an effect. Maybe the renaissance of Māori culture and the fact it is being embraced by pakeha means that everyone is that much more chilled.

Of course political leadership is all important. One of the country’s best political leaders once did this.

Another did this.

It will be interesting to see how Don Brash is treated. I think it will be in a much more chilled way than last time.

32 comments on “Mr Brash goes to Waitangi ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Chris T 1
    5 February 2019 at 8:38 am

    “It used to be a place where right wing politicians feared to go.”

    It is like some people have conveniently wiped Clark balling her eyes out and never going back from their memories.

    Edit: And last time I checked. The Queen who had a wet t-shirt thrown at her, isn’t right wing

    • mickysavage 1.1
      5 February 2019 at 8:55 am

      OK so Helen did not want to go either. My point still stands.

      • Enough is Enough 1.1.1
        5 February 2019 at 10:16 am

        I think Chris Findlayson and Doug Graham are a couple of right wingers who would be happy to attend and would be welcomed at Waitangi

    • Adrian Thornton 1.2
      5 February 2019 at 9:10 am

      “The Queen who had a wet t-shirt thrown at her, isn’t right wing”

      The Queen is the figurehead of one of the most undemocratic of any institutions imaginable…yuk.

      • DJ Ward 1.2.1
        5 February 2019 at 10:34 am

        In some ways the position was created from a progression of mini democracies. The village leader is supported by the villagers. The village leader supported a person to be the regional leader, and the regional leaders supported a person to be King. Often involving lots of bloodshed.

        Now we have this constitutional monarchy. As you pointed out without any democracy for the position. Interesting that they also have virtually no power. The upside is the position is not poisoned by politics, or cult of personality, or have the power of dictators.

        The interests of the Monarch trend towards stability which is good for normal citizens. Chaos, and revolution is bad for the monarch as they are replaced by the power hungry.

        The British model of monarchy has proven to be a not to bad version of government and unelected Kings, and Queens are a necessary evil as part of that.

        For the Treaty, if we were to abandon a signatory, what happens.
        For the Prime Minister, if we abandon the Governor General, who has the option to say no.
        If a corrupt majority passes a corrupt law, who has the power to say no.
        Who seperate from government do you petition for justice.

        Who would you give that position to. Someone that’s your puppet?

        While I agree it’s all a bit silly having a Queen she has proven to be better than the alternatives.

    • TootingPopularFront 1.3
      5 February 2019 at 12:13 pm

      “…The Queen isn’t right wing” hahahahahahahahahaha I don’t quite know what else to say…

  2. Adrian Thornton 2
    5 February 2019 at 9:00 am

    I hardly think Arden has earned her place alongside Nash at this point (not to mention his 50+ years service to Labour) …so just lets keep it real and see what she actually achieves.

    As far as the eccentric nutter Brash goes…I just hope the dildo finds it’s mark.

  3. Psycho Milt 3
    5 February 2019 at 10:29 am

    Of all the stupid takes Brash has ever said this is one of the most stupid.

    It’s not so much “the most stupid” as “the most illustrative of how he and his former constituency regard Treaty settlements.”

    To Brash (and former constituency), Treaty settlements are about “us” (Whitey) “giving” “our” (taxpayers’) money to Māori in the naive hope that it will stop them being fuck-ups dependent on Whitey’s largesse, so the settlements are therefore an outrageous waste of money. If Brash et al were to accept the actual purpose of Treaty settlements, it would be an existential threat to their identities.

    • Wayne 3.1
      5 February 2019 at 11:56 am

      Don is not inaccurate.
      Many Maori do believe the settlements will make them better off. They do, but in a more indirect sense. Scholarships, Marae improvements, etc.
      Don also bases his acceptance of settlements on breach of property rights, not shared governance of the nation.
      He is not ignorant of the issues, but he doesn’t view them in the way many do.

      • solkta 3.1.1
        5 February 2019 at 12:51 pm

        He is not ignorant of the issues

        Of course he is, he is willfully ignorant.

        Just saying “Hobson said we are now one people so we are” is not an argument. When confronted with what actually happened, treaty in Maori and all that, he just won’t confront it.

        • Wayne 3.1.1.1
          5 February 2019 at 2:26 pm

          Solkta
          Just because you don’t agree with Don does not mean he is ignorant. I know for a fact that he is very widely read on these issues.
          I happen not to agree with him on his interpretation of the Treaty, but I wouldn’t therefore say he is ignorant.

          • Poission 3.1.1.1.1
            5 February 2019 at 2:35 pm

            Of course he is ignorant,his interpretation of the law requires an understanding in both english and maori,

            There are substantive cases in canada where the arguments need to be coherent in both english and french.

          • marty mars 3.1.1.1.2
            5 February 2019 at 2:39 pm

            Widely read to confirm his bias. That is obvious by his conclusions. More regurgitation of ‘hate’ views, to smooth the pillow, from yesteryear and today. Heard it all before – same old shit.

          • solkta 3.1.1.1.3
            5 February 2019 at 2:41 pm

            He won’t even look at the Maori version. That is the one that was signed.

            “No,no, the English version, Hodson said you know”

  4. Siobhan 4
    5 February 2019 at 10:32 am

    So we’re all becoming one massive pragmatic centrists herd, the broad church where even Right wing racists nutters and Economic Overlords are welcome to share their ‘profound’ insights with only the most polite pushback.

    Could NZ politics become any more moribund.

    • tc 4.1
      5 February 2019 at 8:32 pm

      Wait and see I’m sure we can do moribund soooo much better then currently.

      With a centrist ‘don’t scare them’ govt and the haters and wreckers asset strippers warming up their DP machine with a few practice laps before the next GE and deciding which puppets to drop into epsom.

  5. patricia bremner 5
    5 February 2019 at 11:01 am

    I think that the organisers for the Lower Marae have invited speakers they think will raise points of controversy.

    They invited Brash and “Bishop” Tamaki, as click bait for the press? or if we are being kind, to see what “expertise” they can bring.

    Brash has accepted. Tamaki declined but decided he would have a gathering in opposition to the Anglican Bishop’s sermon on the Upper Marae close by? (Hinted)
    He posted a statement suggesting he would “take over”. Plus he is bringing gang members with his party. (Motorbikes? For impact?) 2000 faithful.

    Some rancor is evident about tendering for funds from the Government for work inside prisons, which has gone else where.
    Kelvin Davis points out, Corrections needs help supporting the 30 000 people trying to settle back into the community, and that would be a good mission.

    Huge sums go through Destiny Church and Bishop Tamaki. He has changed some lives, though he is in many respects a fudamentalist who is extremely conservative, except when buying his own vehicles and property. IMO this is a protest.

    Yesterday there was an investiture and a lovely moment where Sir Hec Busby Jacinda Ardern and Titiwhai Harawera were seated together holding hands.

    • tc 5.1
      5 February 2019 at 8:41 pm

      Tamaki is supreme unchallengeable leader, power/money hungry and refuses to respond to such allegations……that’s not a religion it’s a cult IMO complete with the subtle and not so subtle threats.

  6. Stuart Munro 6
    5 February 2019 at 12:47 pm

    Not too sure we should be celebrating Brash – a tired old fool whose economic knowledge has proven not to amount to a hill of beans. Better he find some other hobby – he’s not much better than Perigo. We should be looking for wiser voices that tend to go unheard, not the usual empty vessels.

  7. Observer Tokoroa 7
    5 February 2019 at 2:02 pm

    Maintenance of the Treaty

    The British people Raided, Stole, Enslaved, Slaughtered numerous peoples under Queen Elizabeth 1, 1553 – 1603.

    The British raided 90 different Nations. If you look at the school map of “British Empire” you will see the extent of its Rape.

    When it Raided and Stole New Zealand, it took Maori Children, Women and Men to War. By Gun. That was in 1840. It handed the the reluctant Maori people a defective Treaty.

    The Bastard Thieving Brits have never apologised. They never do.

    Supporting the Maori is expensive. The Bill is largely paid by the low wage workers Pakeha and Maori.

    To ease the situation for Maori and the low paid workers (pakeha and Maori) I believe that a levy should be paid by the excessively wealthy New Zealanders and their Share Holders. Their Tax Rorts included.

    The burden thrown on NZ by the British Crown needs attention. It needs it now.

    Lets do it.

  8. Alan 8
    5 February 2019 at 2:27 pm

    the bill is not paid largely by low paid workers, the majority of low paid workers are tax neutral or thereabouts.

  9. Enough is Enough 9
    5 February 2019 at 4:13 pm

    In 2005 New Zealand First introduced the “Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Deletion Bill” in which all references to the treaty would be removed from New Zealand legislation.

    Winston Peters, the current Deputy Prime Minister supported the bill, which was designed to remove vague references to the Treaty from New Zealand law.

    Does Winston still hold such anti Treaty views.

  10. Anne 10
    5 February 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Oh look, Don Brash is making his speech.

    From the photo it looks like he’s preaching to the converted. Not a maori in sight as far as I can tell. Well, maybe one in the front row. Why am I not surprised:

    https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/381801/brash-continues-speech-at-waitangi-after-protestors-calmed

  11. millsy 11
    5 February 2019 at 7:02 pm

    Don Brash is right. Treaty Settlements do not bring Maori prosperity. All they have done concentrated wealth into the hands of tribal elites.

    Socialists should oppose the treaty settlement system.

    • D'Esterre 11.1
      6 February 2019 at 11:04 pm

      Millsy: “Treaty Settlements do not bring Maori prosperity. All they have done concentrated wealth into the hands of tribal elites.”

      That certainly seems to be what’s happened.

      From the beginning, I viewed the Treaty settlement process as being a matter of justice, for all that the amount paid over was a fraction only of what had been lost by Maori. I still do. And at the time, I recall hearing prominent Maori defend the settlements as having to do with justice.

      However. In common with everyone who saw Treaty settlements the same way, I expected that Maori people in general would derive substantive benefits: housing, education, income support (including startup loans for businesses), healthcare and so on. Especially housing and income support. No doubt some of this has happened in some areas, but reportage on the economic situation of working class Maori today suggests that, all these years later, things are worse for the majority.

      I also accept that the Treaty settlements provide closure (as mentioned somewhere); fair enough. But in this instance, justice is a cold-eyed mistress if it doesn’t bring material benefits for the descendants of those who were wronged. The same can be said of the idea of closure.

      It may be time to rethink the concept.

      I’d add that nobody alive today was in any way responsible for the systematic Treaty breaches and large scale land confiscation and alienation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Nor was anybody alive today involved in the NZ wars. In fact probably the majority of us aren’t even descendants of those early colonists and colonial politicians, or of the troops who fought in the wars. Nevertheless, some people – possibly many – are of the view that the Treaty settlement process holds contemporary non-Maori responsible for the sins of previous generations. Certainly, the fact that it’s taxpayer money being applied to settlements, tends to support that view. That’s the perceived effect of Treaty settlements, even if it wasn’t the original intention.

  12. Rae 12
    6 February 2019 at 8:01 am

    Brash is a silly old fart who seems to be unable to expand his thinking beyond anything that is spelled starting with a $.
    “We are all one people”, = “we are all like me”, the expectation from him (whether he even realises it or not) is that everyone will behave in the same way, they all come out of the womb with a default capitalist setting. Democracy is great, really, but it does have a negative effect for minorities, thus we need and will need forever, specific protection for Maori, but it is more tikanga Maori than actual, individual Maori people, that is the first thing he fails to recognise. We seem to want to fall all over ourselves celebrating Chinese New Year, Diwali etc but dig our toes in when it comes to anything Maori. NZ is the only home of Maori culture, we need to make sure it is not just a secondary afterthought among us. We actually all need to embrace it.
    Maori not getting wealthy off settlements. You know what, Don, NUNYA. None of your damned business. It is owed, it should be sorted, end of story.
    Te Reo, all I can say there is – Don, if ever your mission should be accomplished here in NZ, you should maybe nip off to Norway and convince them their language should not be compulsorily taught, it too is irrelevant in the wider world.

    • D'Esterre 12.1
      7 February 2019 at 12:14 am

      Rae: “We are all one people”, = “we are all like me”, the expectation from him (whether he even realises it or not) is that everyone will behave in the same way…”

      I think that you may be putting words (so to speak) into Brash’s mouth. That isn’t the take home message I’ve got from listening to him and reading his articles. Although every civilised society which operates under the rule of law expects a certain minimum standard of behaviour from its citizens.

      “We seem to want to fall all over ourselves celebrating Chinese New Year, Diwali etc but dig our toes in when it comes to anything Maori.”

      Speak for yourself. That certainly doesn’t apply to all of us. In my case, when it comes to the festivals and the like of other cultures, I’m an equal opportunities curmudgeon. I’ve lived long enough to feel that I’ve seen and heard it all before. Nowadays, I prefer to stick to my own culture: perfectly permissible in a democracy such as this.

      “Maori not getting wealthy off settlements. You know what, Don, NUNYA. None of your damned business. It is owed, it should be sorted, end of story.”

      This doesn’t stand up as an argument against Brash’s view. He’s right, and it is indeed our business. All of our business; it’s taxpayer money being used for settlements, after all. Redress is owed, right enough, but we should all be concerned if the benefits aren’t percolating down to ordinary Maori. It was never intended – at least by governments – that only the elites would get fat on settlements.

      “Te Reo, all I can say there is – Don, if ever your mission should be accomplished here in NZ, you should maybe nip off to Norway and convince them their language should not be compulsorily taught, it too is irrelevant in the wider world.”

      This isn’t a commensurate example. In Norway, it would be Sami. Although, as it happens, there is still a population of native speakers there, at least of some Sami languages.

      The problem NZ faces with te reo is that there are apparently almost no native speakers left, except possibly for some older people. To be sure, there are some young people who are bilingual (as in my extended family), but that isn’t the same as being a native speaker. If any language is to survive, it needs native speakers.

      In general, I agree with Brash , though not for the same reasons: even if we as a nation had the resources to do it (and we don’t), obliging schools to teach te reo won’t save the language. Ireland has already tried to preserve Irish by this means; it has failed there, too. Irish as a native language is in decline; it’s becoming the second language of urban liberals.

      If Maori wish to revive te reo, it’s up to them to do it. It’s their language and heritage, after all. And the only way to do it is to use the language exclusively in the home. Parents need to bring their children up in an exclusively te reo-speaking environment until they are about ready for school. Such children, who hear only te reo in their environment and learn to speak it as their first language, will be native speakers. And they are the ones who will save the language.

  13. Dennis Frank 13
    6 February 2019 at 8:43 am

    People who don’t understand racism are having a polluting effect on our culture. For example: https://unidirectory.auckland.ac.nz/profile/s-may

    “The university’s alumni magazine, Ingenio, printed an opinion piece written by Professor Stephen May about the benefits of bi-and-multi-lingualism. The article contained a sentence which described the objections by some, including Hobson’s Pledge members: “The tirade was led by Don Brash, in his role as spokesperson for Hobson’s Pledge, a racist and militantly anti-Māori lobby group.””

    “In its latest issue, Ingenio printed a retraction stating the sentence in its August issue “was incorrect and should not have appeared in the article”. Dr Brash said he was satisfied with the university’s apology. He said the Hobson’s Pledge group lobbies for the same political rights for everybody.” https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/369368/hobson-s-pledge-receives-apology-we-are-not-racist-and-we-are-not-anti-maori

    A university professor who has not only failed to learn the dictionary meaning of racism before mouthing off, but also seems unable to grasp the meaning of militant, is a joke. Brash has not hired military employees for his lobby group, nor have they formed a private militia.

    “Hobson greeted each Chief who came forward to sign the treaty with the following pledge : “he iwi tahi tatou” – “we are now one people”. Hobson’s pledge to the chiefs laid the foundation of New Zealand’s democracy: One citizen: one vote, regardless of race, colour, religion or gender.” https://www.hobsonspledge.nz/hobson_s_pledge

    Hobson seems to have intended his pledge to operate as a psychological frame, to induce a sense of oneness. Such holism may seem ephemeral, but it did serve to counter the prevailing impression of two races in one country. Allowing the latter framing to dictate the outcome would have given dualism primacy over holism.

    Since sovereignty and the law are holistic, and since they created the state as monolith, Hobson’s pledge was sensible. However it cannot be denied that the principle of tribal sovereignty was included in the version Maori chiefs signed. You can identify it in the second article of Te Tiriti: https://teara.govt.nz/en/document/4216/the-three-articles-of-the-treaty-of-waitangi

    Reading below, you can also see that the principle is not identifiable as such in the English version. The second article there refers only to possession. It fails to specify rulership. Consequently the partnership it purports to create is more illusory than real. The folks in the lobby group seem not to comprehend this!

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    13 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    16 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    23 hours 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
    2 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days ago

  • New legislation to streamline Cyclone recovery
    The Government is introducing the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to ensure the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle is streamlined and efficient with unnecessary red tape removed. The legislation is similar to legislation passed following the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes that modifies existing legislation in order to remove constraints ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Cost of living package: More bread and butter support for Kiwi families
    Approximately 1.4 million people will benefit from increases to rates and thresholds for social assistance to help with the cost of living Superannuation to increase by over $100 a pay for a couple Main benefits to increase by the rate of inflation, meaning a family on a benefit with children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freeing up more government bandwidth and money to focus on the cost of living
    $1 billion in savings which will be reallocated to support New Zealanders with the cost of living A range of transport programmes deferred so Waka Kotahi can focus on post Cyclone road recovery Speed limit reduction programme significantly narrowed to focus on the most dangerous one per cent of state ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • State of National Emergency to end for Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay
    The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Minister McAnulty gave notice of a national transition period over these regions, which will come into effect immediately following the end of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government delivers on Dawn Raids commitment
    The Government is today delivering on one of its commitments as part of the New Zealand Government’s Dawn Raids apology, welcoming a cohort of emerging Pacific leaders to Aotearoa New Zealand participating in the He Manawa Tītī Scholarship Programme. This cohort will participate in a bespoke leadership training programme that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New plan to increase productivity and high wage jobs across advanced manufacturing sector
    Industry Transformation Plan to transform advanced manufacturing through increased productivity and higher-skilled, higher-wage jobs into a globally-competitive low-emissions sector. Co-created and co-owned by business, unions and workers, government, Māori, Pacific peoples and wider stakeholders. A plan to accelerate the growth and transformation of New Zealand’s advanced manufacturing sector was launched ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Aotearoa New Zealand supports Pacific countries to combat animal disease 
    New Zealand will provide support for Pacific countries to prevent the spread of harmful animal diseases, Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri said. The Associate Minister is attending a meeting of Pacific Ministers during the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry in Nadi, Fiji. “Highly contagious diseases such as African ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government delivers better public transport for Christchurch
    The Public Transport Futures project will deliver approximately: 100 more buses providing a greater number of seats to a greater number of locations at a higher frequency Over 470 more bus shelters to support a more enjoyable travel experience Almost 200 real time display units providing accurate information on bus ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Minister praises education heroes in cyclone damaged regions
    All but six schools and kura have reopened for onsite learning All students in the six closed schools or kura are being educated in other schools, online, or in alternative locations Over 4,300 education hardpacks distributed to support students Almost 38,000 community meals provided by suppliers of the Ka Ora ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government investments drive health and business outcomes in the Bay of Plenty
    A new health centre has opened with financial support from the Government and further investment has been committed to projects that will accelerate Māori economic opportunities, Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan says. Community health provider QE Health will continue its long history in Rotorua with the official opening of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • UK NZ Working Holiday Scheme upgraded
    The new three year NZ UK Working Holiday Visas (WHV) will now be delivered earlier than expected, coming into force by July this year in time to support businesses through the global labour shortages Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says. The improved WHV, successfully negotiated alongside the NZ UK Free trade ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • 2023 Offshore Renewable Energy Forum, New Plymouth
    It seems like only yesterday that we launched the discussion document Enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy, which is the key theme for this Forum. Everyone in this room understands the enormous potential of offshore wind in Aotearoa New Zealand – and particularly this region.  Establishing a regime to pave ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Milestone reached in crack down on gangs
    Police has reached a major milestone filing over 28,000 charges related to Operation Cobalt. “I’m extremely proud of the fantastic work that our Police has been doing to crack down on gangs, and keep our communities safe. The numbers speak for themselves – with over 28,000 charges, Police are getting ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • New funding for Cyclone waste removal
    The Government will provide $15 million in the short term to local councils to remove rubbish, as a longer-term approach is developed, the Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. “Several regions are facing significant costs associated with residential waste removal, which has the potential to become a public ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government working faster and smarter to support response and recovery
    $15 million of immediate reimbursement for marae, iwi, recognised rural and community groups $2 million for community food providers $0.5 million for additional translation services Increasing the caps of the Community and Provider funds The Government has announced $17.5 million to further support communities and community providers impacted by Cyclone ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • More Māori getting access to mental health and addiction services
    The Government’s approach of using frontline service providers to address inequities for Māori with mental health and addiction needs is making good progress in many communities, a new report says. An independent evaluation into the Māori Access and Choice programme, commissioned by Te Whatu Ora has highlighted the programme’s success ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-20T18:02:12+00:00