National does a big sook

Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, September 5th, 2023 - 51 comments
Categories: chris bishop, chris hipkins, Christopher Luxon, Dirty Politics, national, same old national, spin, taxpayers union, Unions, workers' rights - Tags:

Recently National, which perfected the art of dirty politics, which has spent the past couple of years being relentlessly negative and which has had its sock puppets attack individual Labour MPs mercilessly is deeply, deeply, deeply upset that the fire has been returned recently.

Yesterday the CTU released a full blitz attack on Christopher Luxon.

One may ask why are they so upset about the prospect of a National Government.  How about these reasons?  From the CTU website:

  • Fair Pay Agreements would be abolished – these provide minimum protections for workers and prevent the race to the bottom, by cutting the wages of the most vulnerable workers.
  • 90-day trials for workers would be reinstated – there is no evidence these help businesses hire workers. In fact, it is the opposite, it will be easier to lay off workers for no reason.
  • Minimum wage rises would be restrained – National promises to raise the minimum wage every year, but we know National’s track record is poor. Under the current government minimum wages rises have increased the fortnightly income of those workers by $556 since 2017.
  • Tax breaks for landlords and speculators would make a comeback – these fuel the property market and simply enrich property investors, making it harder to buy a first home and pushing up rents.
  • Public transport costs for many low-paid workers would rise, along with prescription charges.
  • Welfare payments would be pegged to CPI inflation, meaning that many of the lowest-income New Zealanders will fall further behind.
  • The public service would be gutted – National would cut $8.5 billion of spending and savage frontline services up and down the country. Services working people depend on, and jobs that employ union members.
  • Climate Emergency Response Fund would be axed – $2.4 billion dollars committed to reducing our climate emissions to fund National’s landlord tax breaks. This will undermine New Zealand’s ability to tackle our climate crisis.

I guess it is a bit unfair quoting Luxon himself about what he thinks about poor people.  Saying that he is focussed on helping the wealthy, which he is, that he wants to scrap fair pay agreements and free prescriptions, which he does, and giving billions in tax cuts to landlords, a policy he is campaigning on, may be considered to be unfair if you think that you have a god given right to lead and want to win without people realising how unfair your policies actually are, but in a healthy democracy pointing these things out is considered to be standard campaigning.

The response by National is as heightened a display of pearl clutching as you can imagine.

Especially this from Chris Bishop.

And the Taxpayers Union, yes the Taxpayers Union chose to complain about the advertisements AND seek donations at the same time.

Chris Hipkins had a perfectly weighted response.

It is really rich for National to complain about negative campaigning and for Bishop to suggest that this could the most negative campaign ever.  Over the years National has made an art of negative campaigning.

Like in 1975.

And in 2005.

And in 2014 when dirty politics was weaponised and run out of John Key’s office.

This level of hysteria is an attempt to divert from the CTU’s message which is perfectly appropriate to raise in an election campaign.  Luxon would be a disaster, workers wages and conditions would be severely undermined, and the wealthy would benefit to the expense of the rest of us.

Well done CTU.  Good to see you representing the interests of your members.

51 comments on “National does a big sook ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Reality 1
    5 September 2023 at 9:21 am

    Good on the PM for cleverly highlighting all the nasty rubbish put out by the opposition and their hangers-on, which they have been doing for years. I thought he handled it excellently.

    For Chris Bishop to think it acceptable for them to attack and not expect a reaction shows that "born to rule" mentality is alive and thriving.

  2. Johnr 2
    5 September 2023 at 9:26 am

    I would donate serious money to the CTU to contribute to a similar ad portraying Seymour.

    A further concern is, what assests are they going to package up for sale. Kiwibank is ripe for the picking, as is Pharmac and the medical system in general.

    The brown skidmark in auck is leading the way, hocking off money earning assests.

    • Mike the Lefty 2.1
      5 September 2023 at 9:54 am

      ANZ will already be planning the closure of the few remaining Kiwibank branches because that's who will be buying it. Seymour has probably got a contract ready now just waiting for the day after the election to sign it.

      • Johnr 2.1.1
        5 September 2023 at 11:36 am

        Yes M the L,

        it's a pity that the commerce commissions incompetence borders on corruption.

        • Barfly 2.1.1.1
          5 September 2023 at 2:13 pm

          Under resourcing makes it more likely that the CC won't get the urge to investigate anything too large or controversial without instruction.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 2.2
      5 September 2023 at 10:10 am

      yes Imho NAct MPs and supporters are in thrall to Mammon. A NAct govt means more privatisation, more tax breaks for the wealthy, more user pays and more inequality.
      I'll be casting my party vote for the Greens.

      NZCTU launches election campaign: Christopher Luxon is out of touch, there is too much risk with National [edited for brevity]

      • Fair Pay Agreements would be abolished.
      • 90-day trials for workers would be reinstated.
      • Minimum wage rises would be restrained.
      • Tax breaks for landlords and speculators would make a comeback.
      • Public transport costs for many low-paid workers would rise, along with prescription charges.
      • Welfare payments would be pegged to CPI inflation, meaning that many of the lowest-income New Zealanders will fall further behind.
      • The public service would be gutted.
      • Climate Emergency Response Fund would be axed.

      “October’s election is the most significant election for working people in a generation. It’s essential that going into this election, people understand what is at risk for not just working people, but all New Zealanders.”

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 2.3
      5 September 2023 at 3:35 pm

      A further concern is, what assests are they going to package up for sale. Kiwibank is ripe for the picking, as is Pharmac and the medical system in general.

      My fear…is those ACT slime getting control..and doing all of that…and more !

  3. Mike the Lefty 3
    5 September 2023 at 9:29 am

    Absolutely!

    The party that invented dirty politics in New Zealand now whimpering when someone else does the same back to them, and actually it doesn't even come close to some of the outright libel and racial provocation that have been standard in previous National Party ads and billboards.

    The ad itself was calculated, using a photo of Luxon that didn't exactly portray his most photogenic qualities, but that is no different from some of the National ads of previous elections portraying Helen Clark, and Jacinda Adern, in particular.

    Already the accusations of the CTU being a front for Labour are circulating around the right-wing blogs. Is the CTU a front for Labour? There is a historical connection between unions and Labour but the CTU have not hesitated to criticize Labour when they feel it is justified and your can read a lot of that on Martyn Bradbury's The Daily Blog.

    If you think the CTU is a front for Labour, then you could equally accuse the following organisations of being fronts for National: Groundswell, NZ Initiative (formerly Business Roundtable), NZ Taxpayer's Union, Hobson's Pledge, The Wellesley Club, Property Council of NZ, Federated Farmers and of course good old ZB Newstalk. There are a few others like Save our Shops to whom I will give the benefit of the doubt.

    We will very likely see ads that are much filthier than the CTU ad from these organisations. Right wingers have the tendency to demand the truth from their opponents whilst slinging their own lies and deceit.

    And my last point: billboard vandalism. The political right always start huffing and puffing about Labour vandals as soon as their own billboards get vandalised. In fact it is happening to billboards of every party. In my driving job I go to many different areas of the North Island and I have seen vandalised billboards everywhere belonging to all parties. I suspect much of it is the work of conspiracy theorists and people who thought the parliamentary riots of 2022 were a heap of fun. No party (apart from Democracy NZ perhaps) condones their supporters vandalising opposing parties' billboards.

    If people think the election is off to a dirty start, they ain't seen nothing yet.

    • Craig H 3.1
      5 September 2023 at 11:21 am

      There are CTU-affiliated unions which are also affiliated to Labour e.g. E Tu, but CTU itself is not affiliated to any political party and its constitution does not permit it to be affiliated to a political party (https://union.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/NZCTU-Constitution-2021-final.pdf – rule 2.3.1). To quote:

      2.3. Political Affiliations

      2.3.1. The question of affiliation to political parties is a matter for individual unions themselves to determine. The NZCTU shall not affiliate to or make financial contributions to any political party.

  4. ianmac 4
    5 September 2023 at 9:46 am

    Chris Bishop looks frazzled. Is he aware that all is not done and dusted for National? To be testy now with weeks to go the whole campaign rests on his shoulders and he may be mis-stepping.

    Poor old Chrissy. Don't you feel sorry for poor old chap? He has to defend their tax fraud. Snap. Snap.

  5. mikesh 5
    5 September 2023 at 9:52 am

    I think National are being a little precious in complaining about this advertisement. The rhetoric of calling a party leader "out of touch" and "too much of a risk" doesn't seem to me to be in any way unusual in an election campaign, and the comment about "bottom feeders" is probably true.

    • SPC 5.1
      5 September 2023 at 3:20 pm

      The first was based on a poll result, sample of public opinion (and given he pays neither rent nor mortgage is one reason why).

      The second was based on his low polling as preferred PM

  6. Anne 6
    5 September 2023 at 10:03 am

    Why do New Zealand people think Jacinda Ardern is beautiful? - Quora

    Don't know who produced this but caption reads "Why do people think Jacinda is beautiful". Now that is what I call personal and nasty.

    And remember this:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/489393/auckland-rotary-club-apologises-over-images-of-former-pm-jacinda-ardern-s-face-on-toilet-seat

    Yes. an Auckland Rotary Club- bastion of NAct members and supporters.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 6.1
      5 September 2023 at 2:02 pm

      Yea there was, and still is, plenty of hate-on for Jacinda and Labour.

      You prob remember those Tremain "funny" cartoons of Jacinda and Nanaia Mahuta…being run by groundswill and the "taxpayers union".

      And…as a Worker and Left, I support Labour and the CTU. Not just for myself..but for all of us at the other end of the table.

  7. Blazer 7
    5 September 2023 at 10:04 am

    The Natz need to be hit hard on their plans for our country.

    Their policies are embarrassing.

    Nicola Willis has a great, gaping hole……. her fantastic projections for their new taxes are ludicrous and have been panned by respected economists.

    Keys former 'girl Friday' wants to be the next finance minister,but is clearly …out of her…depth.

    • Tricledrown 7.1
      5 September 2023 at 2:55 pm

      She is suffering imposter syndrome. Not able to add up basic numbers ,caught out by her own lack of research on her own Policy unbelievable! The gun lobby won't like it either shooting herself in the foot.to $100s of millions out on a new tax policy several $billion out on roading cost's .Then the lack of Charisma from the 2 stuffed dummies they have the body language of a couple of escaped prisoner's.

    • Clive Macann 7.2
      9 September 2023 at 12:50 pm

      John Key has trashed her Tax plan.

  8. SPC 8
    5 September 2023 at 3:17 pm

    One can observe already the narrative being spoon fed to media.

    One journalist

    Day one

    Election 2023: National has Labour in a corner, but Hipkins has nothing to lose

    https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/politics/350066461/election-2023-national-has-labour-corner-hipkins-has-nothing-lose?utm_source=stuff_website&utm_medium=stuff_referral&utm_campaign=stuff_skybox&utm_id=stuff_skybox

    Day two

    Election 2023: One day in and the campaign has already turned negative and the politics of kindness is gone

    https://www.thepost.co.nz/a/politics/350067023/election-2023-forget-jacinda-one-day-politics-kindness-are-gone.

  9. tsmithfield 9
    5 September 2023 at 3:41 pm

    Actually, I think the ad is hilarious, and likely to backfire.

    The reason is due to a cognitive bias known as the contrast effect.

    This effect explains why a person may appear more or less attractive depending on a comparator individual. For instance, an average candidate for a job may be perceived as better if preceded by a poor candidate, or worse it than if preceded by a stronger candidate than if they had been assessed without any preceding candidate.

    Applying the logic to this ad, if Luxon presents as better than the image being portrayed in the ad, the public may perceive him more positively than if the ad hadn't been run at all.

    So, the effect of the ad may end up being the opposite to what it intended to achieve.

    • gsays 9.1
      5 September 2023 at 4:15 pm

      All that, and; Instead of Hipkins firing off soundbites about Free Public Transport under threat, Fair Pay Agreements gone, tax breaks for landlords… we've got him shuffling through his homework showing where 'they were mean to us'.

      More mis-steps than me dancing.

      • Jack 9.1.1
        5 September 2023 at 4:41 pm

        Yep, also cut short any critique of Nationals tax policy, adds to the narrative of a negative campaign from the left etc. All in all something of an own goal.

    • Blazer 9.2
      5 September 2023 at 7:23 pm

      Tell Bishop that.laugh

    • Christopher 9.3
      6 September 2023 at 2:01 pm

      According to the linked Wikipedia page the contrast effect applied to people occurs when one person is immediately appraised following another who was worse or better appraised.

      It doesn't say it applies to a person acting one way and then the same individual acting a different way. Such a person could well appear two faced and hypocritical.

  10. Patricia Bremner 10
    5 September 2023 at 7:05 pm

    If they don't fight back against the nasty names and memes running for ever, Labour will be thought weak.

    Show what is at risk. Ask "Will this affect you?"

    An untried Politician wanting to remove worker protections, sell off houses be PM, and his mate in Act wanting to sell down our assets.

    This is a class war, and we need to come out with definite bottom lines.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 10.1
      5 September 2023 at 7:22 pm

      Aye Patricia. Some Fight was needed. And.. I reckon the battle is on.

      Some few on here been, IMO white flag flying…

      One, Ol' Mickey Boyle flew his final one..altho I reckon it was always more….Nat blue.

      Anyway…Walk Tall, P B.

  11. Kat 11
    5 September 2023 at 9:02 pm

    Ha!….Luxon Inc will hate this ditty….

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWBSmfZTi4s&t=173s

  12. adam 12
    5 September 2023 at 10:34 pm

    Tory default = snowflake.

  13. newsense 13
    6 September 2023 at 1:01 am

    Imagine the outcry if the former number 3 on the Labour list had received a million dollars for something as ethereal as brand focusing, and then the public CEO ( which is obviously how we sees himself) was exchanging chummy partisan emails while helping them develop policy.

    There’s a word beginning with c…

    And there’s political access and closeness and there’s cash- incidentally coming out of a University budget at a time when a lot of staff have been let go and there have been tertiary cut backs across the country.

    Still I’m sure classes on rorting the state will soon be available and will be measured in how they’ve increased productivity…

  14. tsmithfield 14
    6 September 2023 at 5:05 am

    I would have thought that the lesson would have already been learned when a similar strategy was used against Key a few elections ago. I remember that ad with that woman saying in a grim voice "we don't trust you mister Key". That style of campaigning didn't work then, and I doubt it will work now.

    If National is engaging in similar tactics, I would advise them to stop. Because, I just don't think it works for a number of reasons including the reason I mentioned above. But, also, I think kiwis don't like that style of marketing. And, I think it just detracts from messaging that might encourage someone to vote for a particular party.

    I think the unions would have been much better to devote a full page ad promoting free dental visits or something similar.

  15. Darien Fenton 15
    6 September 2023 at 9:18 am

    The role of unions is to point out the dangers of a change of government. There IS much at risk and in case people forget, I put together this nonexhaustive list of what Labour has changed for the better for working people. Almost of these were opposed by National and Business in the kind of "It's going to ruin us" hysteria.

    Did you know that these things came from a Labour-led government?

    4 weeks annual leave

    Time and a half and a day in lieu for working public holidays

    Ten days statutory sick leave

    Matariki Public Holiday

    Mondayisation of Anzac and Waitangi Day

    Family violence leave (Greens)

    Meals and rest breaks

    26 weeks paid parental leave

    Fair Pay Agreements

    Right for screen workers to bargain collectively, even as contractors

    Protection for vulnerable contract workers when employer changes hands

    Labour hire workers can take pg against both primary and secondary employer

    Abolishing youth rates for over 16 – 18yos minimum wage (Greens)

    Pay Equity legislation opening up process to all workers.

    Birth injuries covered by ACC

    Access rights for union organisers to visit workers and recruit

    Recognition of unions and ILO conventions around right to organise and bargain collectively.

    There is so much more.

    <

    p style=”text-align:start”>

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 15.1
      6 September 2023 at 9:31 am

      Thankyou Darien. There seem some who in their dislike (hate?) of Labour, are only too willing to blow all that off.

      I certainly appreciate what has been done. And what we would lose if NAct get their claws in.

      Keep up the Fight !

  16. newsense 16
    6 September 2023 at 9:57 am

    Day 3 of waiting:

    for journalists to put the points of the CTU’s protest to the Nats to answer which part is nasty.

  17. tsmithfield 17
    6 September 2023 at 11:23 am

    I don't see the ad as nasty. But it certainly is negative, hyperbolic, and does nothing to promote left-leaning policy.

    I think a more effective way of doing it would be to promote the different worker-positive things that Labour has implimented, with an encouragement to vote Labour to ensure those things are retained.

    Another issue with a scare campaign against National is that, even if it works, it doesn't mean voters will vote Labour or Greens as a result. They could vote for NZ First for instance.

  18. Reality 18
    6 September 2023 at 11:39 am

    So many of those improvements for workers have faded into the background now. A list of them should be somehow publicised as a reminder.

    Poor wee Chris Bishop is still upset and having a cry at the CTU, even though he was reminded about his negative Facebook stuff. Of course that's ok in his world. Likes to dish it out but has a cry when the boot is on the other foot.

    • tsmithfield 18.1
      6 September 2023 at 11:50 am

      I don't think whining about it is the way to go. So I would agree with you there.

      I quite liked what Chippie did the other day about the ad he was in where he was portrayed as a Cossack on a horse or whatever it was. He poked fun at it. I think that is the right way to go. Laugh and the ad and ridicule it. But don't whine about it.

      • AB 18.1.1
        6 September 2023 at 12:15 pm

        If we gloss everything over with humour, it gets easy to overlook the underlying dynamics of how society actually functions and how various interests are in fundamental conflict and how evil exists. Politics gets to seem like a bit of a laugh, a sideshow to important stuff like the rugby, because (nudge, nudge) the politics is really settled and the way things are now is how it has to be forever.

  19. Heather 19
    7 September 2023 at 7:48 am

    Thing that is scary for us , the most, is the number of people who we meet who are saying 'I am not going to bother voting.'

    This is the worst possible outcome, will ensure Nat/Act/NZ First are returned.

    The left will only win if everyone who has benefited from this government teachers, nurses , workers, apprentices, students , Seniors, police , people in new homes, businesses who were helped during covid. The list goes on and on.

    Apathy will be what returns a National/Act government.

  20. Thinker 20
    7 September 2023 at 9:15 am

    Nevertheless, there is a lesson for Labour here.

    This response is what Labour should have been doing to tell the nation about Nationals dirty tactics.

    Instead, it said nothing and let them do their worst, like innocent school kids taking the blame on behalf of the school bully.

    There's still time, Labour. Start taking the fight back to National.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-27T14:14:09+00:00