National cuts safety nets

Written By: - Date published: 6:24 am, April 29th, 2011 - 34 comments
Categories: national, Social issues - Tags: , , ,

National continue to target the vulnerable with their cuts.  Their latest moves in cutting the budgets of Womens’ Refuges and a national Self-Defence course for girls are merely the latest example.

Womens’ Refuges face a nearly $700,000 cut in their budgets, which will severely affect their ability to provide a safe haven for women and children at the end of some shocking family violence.  Whilst Paula Bennett talks about getting a white paper to discuss how to protect our children from abuse, she is hollowing out the services that will provide that protection.

From the Herald:

The 45 refuges have lost $382,200 from their national contract and just over $300,000 in contracts held by some refuges for family violence co-ordinator and child advocate jobs, which have been scrapped.

They don’t fit new ‘family-centred’ funding criteria, so Refuge chief executive Heather Henare says:

“We currently get paid $520 per client for just over 3000 [short-stay] clients, spread amongst the 45 refuges. Take $382,200 out and that reduces to $251,” she said.

“We have to make a decision as to whether we can actually provide that service any more.”

It makes a mockery of National’s supposed focus on frontline services – what could be more frontline than protecting families from abusive partners?

Of course cutting backroom services makes no more sense.  If we want to prevent violence we need the likes of Amokura, a $1 million-a-year family violence education initiative run by seven Northland iwi, which will close on June 30 because it does not provide “frontline” services.  Prevention better than cure?  Not for the short-termist ambulance-at-the-bottom-of-the-cliff National party.  Better to pay for the jails and hospital bills as they’re “frontline”.

Similarly with the cuts to the Girls’ Self Defence Project – their entire $377,000 budget has been cut, and their project will no longer exist.  Over the past 15 years the project has taught self-defence to 77,000 vulnerable girls and increased the rate of sexual abuse disclosure – but that’s apparently a “nice to have”.

So: less than $700,000 to save the Womens’ Refuges or the more than $600,000 on tax cuts on government MPs’ parliamentary salaries – I know which one I think is the “nice to have”.

34 comments on “National cuts safety nets ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. M 1
    29 April 2011 at 7:34 am

    No surprises there – ‘naice’, smart girls don’t get themselves into situations like that do they?

    The policy to fund front line staff rather than those who do the hard yards out the back mirrors NACT’s whole philosophy – they’re ALL FRONT AND NO SUBSTANCE.

    This is just another example of the right’s hatred towards women.

    Bennett’s White Paper? That would have to be a blank sheet, just like her.

  2. tsmithfield 2
    29 April 2011 at 9:07 am

    I heard Danny Watson, who has a background in teaching martial arts, talking to another martial arts trainer about this self-defence course (and other similar type ones). They both agreed that these types of courses teach just enough to get people into trouble. That is, they may end up with a false sense of confidence about their ability to deal with threats of violence.

    Just because a self-defense course is put on doesn’t mean it is any good, or will actually help in real-life situations. If this is the case with this course, why should taxpayers be funding it?

    • handle 2.1
      29 April 2011 at 9:27 am

      Is there any evidence the course has been judged ineffective or that the decision to stop its funding is based on such an assessment? Or is this just the usual attempt at distraction from the immoral nastiness of your chums in power?

    • Andy-Roo 2.2
      29 April 2011 at 12:50 pm

      I was a martial arts instructor for more than 10 years, and I have been actively involved in womens self defence training in the past.

      You are talking out your arse.

      If you bothered to inform yourself on this subject you would rapidly find out that women who fight back when attacked (however effectively or ineffectively) are better off than women who don’t.

      It is that simple.

      Self defense courses work because they encourage women to fight back, not because they impart a high level of martial skill to women.

      I could say more, but frankly your ignorant comments on this subject just make me angry.

      • Blondie 2.2.1
        29 April 2011 at 1:18 pm

        Andy Roo, I have been the victim of a violent attack a couple of times.

        The first time was when I got raped as a teenager. It was horrible but you know, I survived. I’m not going to go into that too much.

        The second time was an ex-boyfriend who beat me up when I found out he was cheating and told him it was over. I fought back. It was a waste of time; when I fought back he progressed from slapping and pushing and shoving me around; to headbutting me, pinning me down and repeatedly punching me in tthe face. I thought he was going to kill me.

        I know now, if I’m ever threatened again, I won’t fight back. I will run as fast as I can instead. If I can’t run, I will drop to my knees and beg for mercy and tell them I’m sorry for whatever they think I’ve done; that I “love” them and worship them etc etc etc – because you know what, that’s what they WANT to hear, and that won’t provoke them to escalate their violence further. Then once they’ve calmed down, I can make my escape.

        Let’s face it, no matter what we might like to think, a woman is unable to defend herself physically against a man who’s 20-30 kg heavier than her (especially when we consider that a man’s bodyweight generally has a higher proportion of muscle compared to a woman’s).

        The best way to keep safe is to avoid the situation altogether. To flee it, even. Which is where the likes of Women’s Refuge are so valuable – because they give vulnerable women somewhere to flee to.

        I guess this just goes to show how misogynist our current government is.

        • Andy-Roo 2.2.1.1
          29 April 2011 at 2:04 pm

          Hi Blondie,

          So sorry to hear about what was done to you.

          As a man, I feel shamed, every time I hear a woman relate a story like that.

          And no way am I going to argue with you or say that you are wrong to feel the way that you feel.

          But I will say that many years ago now, my partner was attacked. Who knows how serious it would have got. But she did fight back, and the pathetic bastard that attacked her backed off before any serious physical harm was done.

          I also know that if we look at this as a numbers game, then the numbers say that fighting back is better (on average) than not fighting back.

          But in terms of your personal experience I know that this does not mean much.

          Kia Kaha, Blondie

      • Deadly_NZ 2.2.2
        1 May 2011 at 10:46 am

        And with more and more savage cuts by this government, A government that does not care about us, we are just there to be slaves, they don’t care about our mental health. They don’t care about our physical health. Now when the family unit breaks down, violence begins, and the government has just slashed the safety net for thousands of women. So Paula Bennet what are you going to do, say, or try to spin your way out of, when something like this happens in NZ? Warning it’s a gruesome story.

        http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3555726/A-mother-will-never-see-her-kids-again-after-being-blinded-in-a-horrifying-attack-at-her-home.html.

        This is in England where they have also slashed services and safety nets and this is becoming all too common over there, Is this what we have to look forward to?

        I sincerely hope not

  3. Monty 3
    29 April 2011 at 9:09 am

    The country has been living beyond its means for decades. Thanks for Labour’s legacy, the GFC, and a couple of major earthquakes, we are running a deficit of $15b per annum that you fail to ever mention (except to Blame National when it is clearly the legacy of Cullen). So drastic cuts need to be made. A shame National did not have the balls to raise the retirement age to 67 over say 8 years, and cut the pension for multi-millionaires such as Jim Anderton.

    Some of these moves would be politically untenable (and that is why Brash will be great for NZ), so cuts need to be made. They cuts need to be made and I regret that the Nats dont seem to have the balls to do what needs to be done. Act will have the spine.

    The starting point is the need to get the deficits under control – therefore cuts are needed right across the board.

    • Colonial Viper 3.1
      29 April 2011 at 9:13 am

      This country has not been living beyond its means, the wealthy corporations and shareholders have been taking its means.

      Drastic moves do need to be made.

      Like reintroducing the top tax at 39%. And removing the tax breaks off property speculation.

      The starting point is the need to get the deficits under control – therefore cuts are needed right across the board.

      Yeah, across the board you say? Where are the changes hammering the private schools and capital gains?

      Oh, when you say “across the board” you mean hitting only poor people?

      Got ya.

      • felix 3.1.1
        29 April 2011 at 10:31 am

        When he says “across the board” he means it in the sense of “on the other side of the board”.

        • Vinsin 3.1.1.1
          29 April 2011 at 10:35 am

          Chopping board?

          • logie97 3.1.1.1.1
            29 April 2011 at 2:11 pm

            Heard Kerr speaking with the sound of glee in his voice. The chance of major government peel back appeals so much to him.

            Maybe the moment industry pays their complete share to the Treasury, we might then begin to rationalise the organisation of government expenditure.

            A fair day’s income for a fair day’s work could become the mantra.
            Looking after sleeping shareholders income could go way down the list of priorities.

            Legislate against all the ruses to avoid paying of tax.
            The complete nonsense of being able to claim all the daily expenses against the company and Family entertainment-days-out “on the company”.

            And while they’re in the process of assessing Tertiary study perhaps they might consider removing MBA’s and Accountancy degree courses and any other qualifications that encourage the avoidance of rendering unto Caesar that which…

      • johnm 3.1.2
        29 April 2011 at 2:58 pm

        Well said CV!

    • millsy 3.2
      29 April 2011 at 9:18 am

      I hope you will thank the battered women for their selfless sacrifice, in giving up the one safe place they can go so escape to violent rages of their husbands for this country’s deficit.

      Also I hope you thank the many people who will give up their home, cars, and living standards and plunge themselves into hardship, those who will give up our affordable health care system, and the children who will give up their schooling.

    • handle 3.3
      29 April 2011 at 9:30 am

      Though Labour surely wasted opportunities to avoid another real estate frenzy that sent this country’s private debt skyrocketing, they did leave the government’s books balanced. Sorry if that is inconvenient for your argument, Monty.

    • Lanthanide 3.4
      29 April 2011 at 9:39 am

      “Thanks for Labour’s legacy”

      Yes, thanks to Labour’s legacy, a 0 net-debt position going into the financial crisis, this country has (so far) avoided the fate of most other western countries.

      “and cut the pension for multi-millionaires such as Jim Anderton. ”

      Hey, I can play this game too! Which right-wing party is now poised to elect a pensioner as their leader?

      • Herodotus 3.4.1
        29 April 2011 at 4:35 pm

        NZ 1st !!!!
        La please with the nil net debt have a look at the res bank forecasts at the time of the last election, No matter who won we were entering a period of massive govt debt. we already have huge national debt to start with. A hint La if you want real improvement don’t become a cheerleader- examine more than the 6:00 news headlines then the more that ask real propbing questions and demand answers then progress can commence Have a happy day 😉 my precious metals !!
        Labs legacy growth built of immigration (contributed approx 1/2 of our GDP growth over their years in power)and fueling a property buble (also allowing houses that were unfit to live in, remember Leaky homes that Helen Clark commented on a beatup by the NZ Herald). What legacy of continual growth ?/ Oh yes petrol chemical exporting and mining DOC land and that windfall we are to experience RWC

  4. Blue 4
    29 April 2011 at 9:12 am

    This is truly the most appalling and disgusting thing this Government has done. The Right aren’t famed for their compassion, but this is a low blow even for them.

    I can’t even fathom how a Government could make a decision like this. If you were governing in the best interest of your citizens it’s something you wouldn’t do unless you were in a Greece-style situation and there was absolutely no alternative. Even then it’s still appalling.

    The fact that National would do this without our country being on the verge of bankruptcy, in an election year, and after wasting millions on SCF – they really don’t give a damn. And they must think voters won’t give a damn either.

    What a sorry little country we are.

    • handle 4.1
      29 April 2011 at 9:34 am

      A government is free to act like this when it faces a piss-weak opposition. And voters who ignore shitty behaviour from supposed leaders when they wouldn’t tolerate it from anyone they know.

      • Vinsin 4.1.1
        29 April 2011 at 10:31 am

        Agreed. They do realize we have a world cup coming up don’t they? I would’ve thought now would be the time to increase spending in this area – oh that’s right we don’t have the money, we gave it all to ten people.

    • todd 4.2
      29 April 2011 at 10:09 am

      I have to agree with you there Blue.

      Not only is this a seriously stupid cut to make, we still have the right-wing shouting the catch phrase “We borrow $300 Million each week” while berrying their snouts even further into the trough. The hypocrisy shown by the National Government in making cuts to services that are seriously required while they prop up private businesses and sports events that are not required is disgusting!

      While we’re preached at about fiscal responsibility to justify the unjustifiable, the fat deluded politicians try to hood wink the public with propaganda and outright lies. While our cost of living has gone up and up, National try to make us believe price increases are good for all New Zealanders.

      With dubious investments and conflicts of interest, millionaire politicians borrow $300 million a week to pay for tax cuts for their rich mates. The poor cannot afford to pay for it and the cost will be felt in misery and a lower standard of society.

      While battered woman have nowhere to go to escape abuse, the contemptuous politicians build more jails and prop up failed financial companies with billions of dollars, all the while trashing our environment in favour of unsustainable practices.

      I really do hope that the complacent public is going to realise a fascist assault on our liberties is underway before it is too late.

  5. Draco T Bastard 5
    29 April 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Prevention better than cure? Not for the short-termist ambulance-at-the-bottom-of-the-cliff National party.

    Sounds like they’re removing the ambulance at the bottom as well.

    Better to pay for the jails and hospital bills as they’re “frontline”.

    Ian Wishart thinks our prison population isn’t high enough.

  6. Puddleglum 6
    29 April 2011 at 3:49 pm

    Women’s Refuges – ‘nice to haves’.

  8. Tombstone 8
    29 April 2011 at 6:38 pm

    What the hell is Labour doing? Where the hell is Goff? He should be tearing DonKey and this bastard govt a new arsehole. Christ, if I was in his position right now I would be ripping into National like a rabid dog because they’re doing nothing for this country apart from keeping their rich mates propped up at the expense of thousands of ordinary Kiwis still waiting for John Key’s so-called better NZ. Better NZ my arse!

    • fatty 8.1
      29 April 2011 at 7:17 pm

      Too right tombstone….Goff should be shouting from the rooftops about this.

      Goff needs to pick his fights wisely and speak out at the right time, this is a no brainer

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  • Your invite to Webworm Chat (a bit like Reddit)

    Hi,One of the things I love the most about Webworm is, well, you. The community that’s gathered around this lil’ newsletter isn’t something I ever expected when I started writing it four years ago — now the comments section is one of my favourite places on the internet. The comments ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Seymour’s Treaty bill making Nats nervous

    A delay in reappointing a top civil servant may indicate a growing nervousness within the National Party about the potential consequences of David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill. Dave Samuels is waiting for reappointment as the Chief Executive of Te Puni Kokiri, but POLITIK understands that what should have been a ...
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    4 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #36

    A listing of 34 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, September 1, 2024 thru Sat, September 7, 2024. Story of the week Our Story of the Week is about how peopele are not born stupid but can be fooled ...
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    5 days ago
  • Time for a Change

    You act as thoughYou are a blind manWho's crying, crying 'boutAll the virgins that are dyingIn your habitual dreams, you knowSeems you need more sleepBut like a parrot in a flaming treeI know it's pretty hard to seeI'm beginning to wonderIf it's time for a changeSong: Phil JuddThe next line ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Six.

    The “double shocks” in post Cold War international affairs. The end of the Cold War fundamentally altered the global geostrategic context. In particular, the end of the nuclear “balance of terror” between the USA and USSR, coupled with the relaxation … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago
  • Buried deep

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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies, Excerpt Five.

    Military politics as a distinct “partial regime.” Notwithstanding their peripheral status, national defense offers the raison d’être of the combat function, which their relative vulnerability makes apparent, so military forces in small peripheral democracies must be very conscious of events … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • Leadership for Dummies

    If you’re going somewhere, do you maybe take a bit of an interest in the place? Read up a bit on the history, current events, places to see - that sort of thing? Presumably, if you’re taking a trip somewhere, it’s for a reason. But what if you’re going somewhere ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Home again

    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on anything you may have missed. Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Dead even tie for hottest August ever

    Long stories short, here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:The month of August was 1.49˚C warmer than pre-industrial levels, tying with 2023 for the warmest August ever, according ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to Sept 7

    The podcast above of the weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers on Thursday night features co-hosts and talking about the week’s news with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on the latest climate science on rising temperatures and the debate about how to responde to climate disinformation; and special guest ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Have We an Infrastructure Deficit?

    An Infrastructure New Zealand report says we are keeping up with infrastructure better than we might have thought from the grumbling. But the challenge of providing for the future remains.I was astonished to learn that the quantity of our infrastructure has been keeping up with economic growth. Your paper almost ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    7 days ago
  • Councils reject racism

    Last month, National passed a racist law requiring local councils to remove their Māori wards, or hold a referendum on them at the 2025 local body election. The final councils voted today, and the verdict is in: an overwhelming rejection. Only two councils out of 45 supported National's racist agenda ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • Homage to Simeon Brown

    Open to all - happy weekend ahead, friends.Today I just want to be petty. It’s the way I imagine this chap is -Not only as a political persona. But his real-deal inner personality, in all its glory - appears to be pure pettiness & populist driven.Sometimes I wonder if Simeon ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    7 days ago
  • Government of deceit

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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • The professionals actually think and act like our Government has no fiscal crisis at all

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 6-September-2024

    Welcome to another Friday and another roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. As always, this and every post is brought to you by the Greater Auckland crew. If you like our work and you’d like to see more of it, we invite you to join our regular ...
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    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies; Excerpt Four.

    Internal versus external security. Regardless of who rules, large countries can afford to separate external and internal security functions (even if internal control functions predominate under authoritarian regimes). In fact, given the logic of power concentration and institutional centralization of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • A Hole In The River

    There's a hole in the river where her memory liesFrom the land of the living to the air and skyShe was coming to see him, but something changed her mindDrove her down to the riverThere is no returnSongwriters: Neil Finn/Eddie RaynerThe king is dead; long live the queen!Yesterday was a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bright Blue His Jacket Ain’t But I Love This Fellow: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power E...

    My conclusion last week was that The Rings of Power season two represented a major improvement in the series. The writing’s just so much better, and honestly, its major problems are less the result of the current episodes and more creatures arising from season one plot-holes. I found episode three ...
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    1 week ago
  • Who should we thank for the defeat of the Nazis

    As a child in the 1950s, I thought the British had won the Second World War because that’s what all our comics said. Later on, the films and comics told me that the Americans won the war. In my late teens, I found out that the Soviet Union ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
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  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #36 2024

    Open access notables Diurnal Temperature Range Trends Differ Below and Above the Melting Point, Pithan & Schatt, Geophysical Research Letters: The globally averaged diurnal temperature range (DTR) has shrunk since the mid-20th century, and climate models project further shrinking. Observations indicate a slowdown or reversal of this trend in recent decades. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live at 5pm

    Photo by Jenny Bess on UnsplashCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with special guests:5.00 pm - 5.10 pm - Bernard and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Media Link: Discussing the NZSIS Security Threat Report.

    I was interviewed by Mike Hosking at NewstalkZB and a few other media outlets about the NZSIS Security Threat Report released recently. I have long advocated for more transparency, accountability and oversight of the NZ Intelligence Community, and although the … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • How do I make this better for people who drive Ford Rangers?

    Home, home again to a long warm embrace. Plenty of reasons to be glad to be back.But also, reasons for dejection.You, yes you, Simeon Brown, you odious little oik, you bible thumping petrol-pandering ratfucker weasel. You would be Reason Number One. Well, maybe first among equals with Seymour and Of-Seymour ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago
  • A missed opportunity

    The government introduced a pretty big piece of constitutional legislation today: the Parliament Bill. But rather than the contentious constitutional change (four year terms) pushed by Labour, this merely consolidates the existing legislation covering Parliament - currently scattered across four different Acts - into one piece of legislation. While I ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • Nicola Willis Seeks New Sidekick To Help Fix NZ’s Economy

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  • Inflation alive and kicking in our land of the long white monopolies

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The thermodynamics of electric vs. internal combustion cars

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    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Three.

    The notion of geopolitical  “periphery.” The concept of periphery used here refers strictly to what can be called the geopolitical periphery. Being on the geopolitical periphery is an analytic virtue because it makes for more visible policy reform in response … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • Venus Hum

    Fill me up with soundThe world sings with me a million smiles an hourI can see me dancing on my radioI can hear you singing in the blades of grassYellow dandelions on my way to schoolBig Beautiful Sky!Song: Venus Hum.Good morning, all you lovely people, and welcome to the 700th ...
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  • I Went to a Creed Concert

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    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago
  • Government migration policy backfires; thousands of unemployed nurses

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    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • A Time For Unity.

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  • Climate Change: Failed again

    National's tax cut policies relied on stealing revenue from the ETS (previously used to fund emissions reduction) to fund tax cuts to landlords. So how's that going? Badly. Today's auction failed again, with zero units (of a possible 7.6 million) sold. Which means they have a $456 million hole in ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Two.

    A question of size. Small size generally means large vulnerability. The perception of threat is broader and often more immediate for small countries. The feeling of comparative weakness, of exposure to risk, and of potential intimidation by larger powers often … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago

  • New Bill to crack down on youth vaping

    The coalition Government has introduced legislation to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is aimed at preventing youth vaping.  “While vaping has contributed to a significant fall in our smoking rates, the rise in youth vaping ...
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    18 hours ago
  • Interest in agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review welcomed

    Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have welcomed interest in the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review. The review by the Ministry for Regulation is looking at how to speed up the process to get farmers and growers access to the safe, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Bill to allow online charity lotteries passes first reading

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government is moving at pace to ensure lotteries for charitable purposes are allowed to operate online permanently. Charities fundraising online, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and local hospices will continue to do ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups

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    19 hours ago
  • Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Targeted supports to accelerate reading

    The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final

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    1 day ago
  • Driving structured literacy in schools

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Labour’s misleading information is disappointing

    Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.   “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill

    Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Promoting faster payment times for government

    The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test

    More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction

    Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Māori Education Advisory Group established

    The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

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    3 days ago
  • First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight

    Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...
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    3 days ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

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    3 days ago
  • Action to grow the rural health workforce

    Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...
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    4 days ago
  • Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris.  “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...
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  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
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    7 days ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
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    7 days ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

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    7 days ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
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  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
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    1 week ago
  • New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

    New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...
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  • Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...
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  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

    5 September 2024  The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...
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  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

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  • Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

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  • More choice and competition in building products

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  • Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul

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  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea

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    1 week ago
  • International tourism continuing to bounce back

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