National’s back of the envelope $715 million tax calculation

Written By: - Date published: 8:58 am, September 25th, 2023 - 39 comments
Categories: grant robertson, national, nicola willis, same old national, tax - Tags:

New Zealand politics has been waiting with baited breath for National to release its methodology about how its tax on foreign purchasers (excluding Australians and Singaporeans and possibly Chinese) of luxury homes homes worth more than $2 million could earn $715 million in the first year.

There has been a certain level of incredulity about the figures, incredulity that I have shared in.

And the incredulity extended to a former Treasury Official whose previous job was to analyse these sorts of proposals.

The estimate by Michael Reddell was that the tax would raise $210 million in the first year, not the $715 million promised.

Reddell noted that National had not released its modelling.  Since then there has been a sustained chorus from the media asking for the calculations so that they can see if the policy actually has legs.

As I said 11 days ago if National’s calculations are robust then National should release them.  Otherwise it can expect this issue to dog it for the rest of the campaign.

Even occasional Standard commenter Matthew Hooton thought that the policy was bollocks:

“National’s tax policy was much worse than expected. It reveals a party undeserving of being taken seriously.”

Yesterday on Q&A Nicola Willis had the chance to give the media sufficient detail so that the viability of the policy could be properly investigated.  But this happened:

The look on Jack Tame’s face matched the look of every person who watched the show.

A $715 million in the first year policy being described in a couple of sentences and a basic maths calculation.  This really feels like back of the envelope policy.

National is treating us all like idiots with this policy.  Its refusal to release its workings and analysis about how the policy would work shows a level of contempt I am not sure I have witnessed before.

The scary thing is that if National is elected it will make the changes.  If it actually works house prices and inflation will go up.  If it does not work then National will cut and slash through every budget it can get away with.  We should all be very, very afraid.

39 comments on “National’s back of the envelope $715 million tax calculation ”

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  1. Mike the Lefty 1
    25 September 2023 at 9:13 am

    It all reminds me of the time in the 1970s when Rob Muldoon built a cult around himself as the economic wizard, partly because he had been an accountant and thus he saw himself as being superior to trendy lefty teachers (Rowling).

    It all came down with a crash following the failure of some of his Think Big projects. A couple of them were actually very progressive – particularly electrifying the railway main trunk line (the best thing National has ever done but I wish they had finished the job).

    We need less wizardry and more practical application, but National’s promises of pots of gold at the end of rainbows shows which way they are going.

  2. Ffloyd 2
    25 September 2023 at 9:21 am

    Why would we not trust a political party who is …ahem…’good with numbers and serious people’ …..Good with numbers! Little Johnny down the road is ‘good with numbers , and he is only 6 yr old. (Mythical) For crying out loud. Surely their financial geniuses should be a whole lot better than ‘good with numbers’ GGMS.

  3. dv 3
    25 September 2023 at 9:36 am

    From the stuff comentary on Aussie vs Wales rugby

    Some names have been changed

    Luxon (Kerevi ) is out of sorts. He finds the ball in his hands and doesn't know whether to throw a wide pass and charge into a carry. He does neither. He drops the ball without a Welsh hand laid on him.

  4. AB 4
    25 September 2023 at 9:51 am

    National are such great managers of an abstraction called "the economy" that they can easily do it on the back of the envelop – they are even allowed to do it without any envelope at all. Everyone knows this.

    What lies behind this is a myth that "the economy" is like a sort of machine. It has a single prescribed and correct way of operating. If you don't replace the oil and water or pay an attentive ear to any funny noises, it might cack out on you. National are seen as being like great mechanics, they'll keep it running properly on the smell of an oily rag and the blood of a strangled renter. It's a convenient myth because it removes the economy from any social context or purpose, i.e. it could be that most of us really need a different machine, or not a machine, but a tree.

  5. Ffloyd 5
    25 September 2023 at 9:53 am

    It’s a pity we couldn’t read Willis’s reckonings on that piece of A4 paper so she could prove that she is ‘good with numbers’.

  6. Barfly 6
    25 September 2023 at 12:11 pm

    All IMO –

    National is lying (not mistaken) – they know they are lying – they are perfectly happy to lie – National has a long history of lying and as long as it is profitable they will continue to lie.

    The National and Act Parties are the 'Ferengi' of New Zealand

  7. tc 7
    25 September 2023 at 12:22 pm

    Harsh Mickey, as a former Fonterra senior figure that's probably what passes there as robust analysis.

    Maybe she needs a milk carton to explain better.

  8. Roy Cartland 8
    25 September 2023 at 1:33 pm

    Here's a question. Is there a level of arm-twisting by powerful foreign states?

    Anecdotal, but a friend in the 80s was at a LP do and got a moment with Lange. He said that Lange told him that a US envoy of some kind had told him that there was a limit to what they'd tolerate. Nuclear Free sure, for now; but any kind of socialist moves and they'd tank the economy overnight, withdraw support and protection, basically destroy us. (Bit harsh, but the US does have form.) And that must happen all the time, if at all.

    What do you insiders know about any of this?

  9. tsmithfield 9
    25 September 2023 at 3:49 pm

    I think Labour's clamour over a supposed gap in National's tax plan being done as a major distraction so the media doesn't ask them how they will pay for all the promises they have been trollying out.

    • SPC 9.1
      25 September 2023 at 4:21 pm

      Supposed gap …. .

      Anyone not a complete moron knows that National will meet its budget gap via adopting ACT policies – and in the mean time, denies it has any intent to adopt those policies.

      Thus if the public is capable of remembering any of this deception, the chance of Luxon having a higher popularity rating 3 years from now are zero point one. And Willis won't last 3 years as a Minister of Finance.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 9.2
      25 September 2023 at 4:21 pm

      Is it only "clamour" though, if the Nats want to be in govt and can't show the working behind their flagship tax policy? If Willis isn't up to it (can't face the "technical numbers"), then how about that chap who used to run a govt-owned airline – he can count to 7.

      Tbh, it’s disappointing Willis can't show her working – it was a common enough instruction in my high school exams. I remember teachers saying that you could get some marks [votes] for showing your working, even if your answer was up the boohai.

      Could be that 'Willis working' wasn't a vote-winner in focus groups – for an impartial assessment, why not ask the ACT spokesperson for Education, Chris Baillie.

      Future Act MP held ‘climate hysteria skeptics’ meetings at high school
      [13 October 2020]
      David Seymour is quoted as saying Baillie would bring common sense to parliament.

    • Roy Cartland 9.3
      25 September 2023 at 4:23 pm

      That would be true if it were just Labour doing the clamouring. But it isn't is it.

  10. SPC 10
    25 September 2023 at 4:37 pm

    Meanwhile in publiclandia a lot of tenants are wondering how to afford the rent increases of the next three years without much prospect of wage increases (no NACT plan to increase MW much, if at all and the removal of the FPA industry awards).

    Some ideas, cater to couch surfing, share facilities with those parking a caravan or van in the street front, let someone sleep in a stretcher by the car in the garage, another in the car, backyard mountain tent (all of the above to stay a step ahead of the landlord).

    But ultimately the consequence of NACT's policies will be that the market will absorb the migrant workers because after resorting to these tactics for a few years, generation rent will give up and go to Oz.

    NACT’s policies do not add up for them because they were not designed to.

    • Belladonna 10.1
      25 September 2023 at 4:57 pm

      Some ideas, cater to couch surfing, share facilities with those parking a caravan or van in the street front, let someone sleep in a stretcher by the car in the garage, another in the car, backyard mountain tent (all of the above to stay a step ahead of the landlord).

      All the things they've been doing over the last 3 years, when Labour presided over the highest rent increases ever.

      https://figure.nz/chart/azFwYTVvUcrcxT3m-Cn6TyuSQBZ8Kacee

      • Roy Cartland 10.1.1
        25 September 2023 at 5:22 pm

        So you’ll be voting further left than TLP? Great, same. TPM and GP are good options.

      • SPC 10.1.2
        25 September 2023 at 5:48 pm

        when Labour presided over the highest rent increases ever.

        FACT CHECK

        Rents under National went from $300 to $410. Showing they moved fastest in the last term – 2014 to 2017 $350 to $410.

        https://www.opespartners.co.nz/property-management/historical-rent-increases

        In Labour's first term about the same ($70 to $480, $10 more more over 3 years one month off a higher base is not really an increase.

        Sure its been at a higher rate this past term. $95 to $585.

        I'll bet a chocolate fish now the rent increase under National will be higher 2023-2026, while wage increase in that period will be lower than under Labour (2020-2023).

        So rents will reach there most unaffordable level in our history in the next term.And it will be because National will not stop the rent increases but will slow wage increases.

        The Greens proposed a rent freeze to manage the cost of living spiral (no support from NACT or Labour) and have now moved or their current policy of a 3% increase pa cap.

        • Belladonna 10.1.2.1
          25 September 2023 at 7:40 pm

          Anyone renting is going to look at the increase from 2020 – when Labour had an unprecedented single party majority – and therefore total freedom to implement policies to control or limit rent rises.

          If they failed to do so in the last 3 years – why should we believe that they will do so now?

          As you, yourself, point out (reluctantly) in your FACT CHECK – this last term has been the highest rate (something you've carefully chosen your graph to not display).

          • SPC 10.1.2.1.1
            25 September 2023 at 8:11 pm

            As you, yourself, point out (reluctantly) in your FACT CHECK – this last term has been the highest rate

            Reluctantly, you insinuate – I noted

            Sure its been at a higher rate this past term. $95 to $585.

            And bet a chocolate fish it will be higher in the next term under National (and under Labour unless they adopt Green policy I'll add now). Reluctant, you're the one not disputing my assessment.

            something you've carefully chosen your graph to not display

            Are you serious? It was in the graph you supplied and I mentioned what it showed.

            The graph simply showed a wider trend 1994 to July 2021. And that was that two things influenced rent levels, incomes and house prices (influenced by demand and supply).

            If the rents rise because of market imbalance – and incomes are constrained then rent unaffordability will go higher than now.

            • Belladonna 10.1.2.1.1.1
              25 September 2023 at 8:26 pm

              So, if Labour were unable to fix rent-inflation between 2020-2023 (and indeed the rate increased), then why should anyone believe that they will do so between 2023-2026?

              • SPC …
                25 September 2023 at 9:25 pm

                They won't and neither will they under National, but under one incomes go up more and under they go up less. So under National unaffordability will be worse.

                However if Labour required Greens and TPM as coalition partners, there might be some policy to cap rent increases.

  11. Vaughn 11
    25 September 2023 at 6:32 pm

    Has anyone read or heard anything articulating National’s plans for the c. $2 billion annual contribution to the so-called Cullen fund? As we all remember, they stripped that fund of billions in contributions when last in government. My fear is this could again be used to prop up their tax plans to mask any deficiencies. If it hasn’t already been done, they need their feet held to fire in a public forum to explain their intention’s clearly.

    • SPC 11.1
      25 September 2023 at 7:06 pm

      National has intentions, ACT have policies.

      ACT would stop the payments into the Cullen Fund.

      Reprise.

      https://thebfd.co.nz/2023/09/18/the-cullen-fund-is-doing-well/

      • Vaughn 11.1.1
        25 September 2023 at 7:29 pm

        Thanks, SPC. I did see that article, but it doesn’t help allay my concern about whether National intend to repeat history. I’m of the view they need to be held to account about an aspect of the country’s future that is important.

      • Belladonna 11.1.2
        25 September 2023 at 7:47 pm

        Do you have any evidence for this claim?

        While both National and ACT have proposals to gradually raise the age of entitlement to 67 – I've not seen any policy from either to suspend payments to the NZ Super Fund.

        Nicola Willis made a commitment to continue payments – in April this year. I wouldn’t regard it as a guarantee – but a strong indicator of where their thinking is right now.

        https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/national-rules-out-stopping-super-fund-contributions/WMY36YJHKNEIPG26M7KSR4G6KY/

        • SPC 11.1.2.1
          25 September 2023 at 7:53 pm

          Act wants to cut back on the winter energy payment (end the payment) KiwiSaver (end $500 tax credits for those paying in) and the NZ Super Fund (end contributions into it) as part of its alternative budget.

          Also end best start payments and first year free fees

          https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/actnz/pages/2652/attachments/original/1620723316/15813_A_Budget_for_Middle_NZ_Document_%282%29.pdf?1620723316

          and also

          Pause minimum wage increases for three years

          (this would be around $40 a week less in the first year and $120 week less by the end of 3 years).

          • Belladonna 11.1.2.1.1
            25 September 2023 at 8:33 pm

            Thanks for the link.

            However, the rest of your posts this evening make it clear that you think this is immaterial – Winston Peters will ride in on his white charger, saving the country from the horrors of an ACT/National coalition.

            • SPC 11.1.2.1.1.1
              25 September 2023 at 9:44 pm

              I'd frame that otherwise.

              1. David Seymour has saved us from a National 35% ACT 15% coalition where he got to offer confidence and withhold supply unless he got ACT policy – when in a moment of hubris and over-confidence he declared his intentions.

              2. This took National to 40% and ACT to 10% and still falling.

              3. And scared some centrists from National to NZF raising them from 4 to 5%.

              4. Now Luxon can use Peters against Seymour, like Putin uses FSB supplied tea bags by window seats on planes.

              5. It's Luxon using Peters as his white charger, while pretending to want a NACT coalition.

              6. Even Key says it's not the game he played, but the game is constantly evolving and has to be played differently.

              7. NACT would be like the 1990-1993 government under MMP – one term.

              8. Key plays the long game – boil the frog. Seymour is an impatient opportunist grifter to be managed.

              9. National wants to play off ACT and NZF, so it can govern for the 10%. ACT and NZF illiberalism does not prepare us for the post boomer event 2040.

              10 That coalition does not deal with the issues before us – that Labour Greens and TPM are facing up to.

              The coalition of chaos

              ACT have never been in a coalition government.

              NZF have never lasted three years in a partnership with National.

              National's only past coalition government, one with NZF failed.

              National government 2008-2017 ruled as a minority government with support agreements with United, ACT and MP – it played them off against each other to have the major say.

              This ACT party has talked about denying supply if it does not get what it wants and NZF has prided itself on keeping parties on the right ACT, or left Green, out of government.

  12. Patricia Bremner 12
    26 September 2023 at 1:46 am

    Sadly I do think what you say is accurate SPC.

    What worries me is the hardship coming for those hit by this "Money is key" attitude of these jockeying fools full of hubris.

    Their distain for "the backroom boffinsangry", their strip mining- sell the silver mentality will beggar any resilience.

    When they hit the first calamity, the cupboard will be bare, as they will have rewarded the billionaires club, and devil take the hindmost… and bottom feeders.

    It will be a tragic farce, and there will be sorrow and regret. imo.

  13. jpwood 13
    26 September 2023 at 7:01 am

    Could we consider the fundamental lack of vision. We have an economy that over concentrates on selling houses to each other. That is failing as a viable means of generating wealth, so the solution is to sell houses to other people?

  14. Christopher Randal 14
    26 September 2023 at 3:35 pm

    The Herald has published another "what if we have a huge earthquake" piece today.

    I have no doubt that if one happens and causes 10s of millions in damage and severing communication and travel thoughout the motu National/ACT will not be able to cope.

  15. Clive Macann 15
    27 September 2023 at 2:36 pm

    Winston will put the kybosh on any of that policy.
    It goes against his grain in a big way.

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    3 days ago
  • Treaty Bill “a political stunt”

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon appears to have given ACT Leader David Seymour more than he has been admitting in the proposals to go forward with a Treaty Principles Bill.All along, Luxon has maintained that the Government is proceeding with the Bill to honour the coalition agreement.But that is quite specific.It ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • An average 219 NZers migrated each day in July

    Kia ora. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Wednesday, September 11:Annual migration of New Zealanders rose to a record-high 80,963 in the year to the end of July, which is more than double its pre-Covid levels.Two ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • What you’re wanting to win more than anything is The Narrative

    Hubris is sitting down on election day 2016 to watch that pig Trump get his ass handed to him, and watching the New York Times needle hover for a while over Hillary and then move across to Trump where it remains all night to your gathering horror and dismay. You're ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • National’s automated lie machine

    The government has a problem: lots of people want information from it all the time. Information about benefits, about superannuation, ACC coverage and healthcare, taxes, jury service, immigration - and that's just the routine stuff. Responding to all of those queries takes a lot of time and costs a lot ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Christopher Luxon: A Man of “Faith” and “Compassion” Speaks on the Treaty Pr...

    Synopsis: Today - we explore two different realities. One where National lost. And another - which is the one we are living with here. Note: the footnote on increased fees/taxes may be of interest to some readers.Article open.Subscribe nowIt’s an alternate timeline.Yesterday as news broke that the central North Island ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Member’s Day

    Today is a Member's Day. First up is the third reading of Dan Bidois' Fair Trading (Gift Card Expiry) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the committee stage of Deborah Russell's Family Proceedings (Dissolution for Family Violence) Amendment Bill. This will be followed by the second readings of Katie ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Northern Expressway Boondoggle

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has been soaring high with his hubris of getting on and building motorways but some uncomfortable realities are starting to creep in. Back in July he announced that the government was pushing on with a Northland Expressway using an “accelerated delivery strategy” The Coalition Government is ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago
  • Never Enough

    However much I'm falling downNever enoughHowever much I'm falling outNever, never enough!Whatever smile I smile the mostNever enoughHowever I smile I smile the mostSongwriters: Robert James Smith / Simon Gallup / Boris Williams / Porl ThompsonToday in Nick’s Kōrero:A death in the Emergency Department at Rotorua Hospital.A sad homecoming and ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Question Two of The Kākā Project of 2026 for 2050 (TKP 26/50)

    Kia ora.Last month I proposed restarting The Kākā Project work done before the 2023 election as The Kākā Project of 2026 for 2050 (TKP 26/50), aiming to be up and running before the 2025 Local Government elections, and then in a finalised form by the 2026 General Elections.A couple of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Why is God Obsessed with Spanking?

    Hi,If you’ve read Webworm for a while, you’ll be aware that I’ve spent a lot of time writing about horrific, corrupt megachurches and the shitty men who lead them.And in all of this writing, I think some people have this idea that I hate Christians or Christianity. As I explain ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago
  • Inside the public service

    In 2023, there were 63,117 full-time public servants earning, on average, $97,200 a year each. All up, that is a cost to the Government of $6.1 billion a year. It’s little wonder, then, that the public service has become a political whipping boy castigated by the Prime Minister and members ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • New Models Show Stronger Atlantic Hurricanes, and More of Them

    This is a re-post from This is Not Cool Here’s an example of some of the best kind of climate reporting, especially in that it relates to impacts that will directly affect the audience. WFLA in Tampa conducted a study in collaboration with the Department of Energy, analyzing trends in ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago
  • Where ever do they find these people?

    A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, is how Winston Churchill described the Soviet Union in 1939.  How might the great man have described the 2024 government of New Zealand, do we think? I can't imagine he would have thought them all that mysterious or enigmatic. I think ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago
  • Motorway madness

    How mad is National's obsession with roads? One of their pet projects - a truck highway to Whangārei - is going to eat 10% of our total infrastructure budget for the next 25 years: Official advice from the Infrastructure Commission shows the government could be set to spend 10 ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Our transport planning system is fundamentally broken

    Ever since Wayne Brown became mayor (nearly two years ago now) he’s been wanting to progress an “integrated transport plan” with the government – which sounded a lot like the previous Auckland Transport Alignment Project (ATAP) with just a different name. It seems like a fair bit of work progressed ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    5 days ago
  • Thou Shalt Not Steal

    And they taught usWhoa-oh, black woman, thou shalt not stealI said, hey, yeah, black man, thou shalt not stealWe're gonna civilise your black barbaric livesAnd we teach you how to kneelBut your history couldn't hide the genocideThe hypocrisy to us was realFor your Jesus said you're supposed to giveThe oppressed ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • How mismanagement, not wind and solar energy, causes blackouts

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections In February 2021, several severe storms swept across the United States, culminating with one that the Weather Channel unofficially named Winter Storm Uri. In Texas, Uri knocked out power to over 4.5 million homes and 10 million people. Hundreds of Texans died as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago
  • The ‘Infra Boys’ Highway to Budget Hell

    Chris Bishop has enthusiastically dubbed himself and Simeon Brown “the Infra Boys”, but they need to take note of the sums around their roading dreams. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short, here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Tuesday, September ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Media Link: “AVFA” on the politics of desperation.

    In this podcast Selwyn Manning and I talk about what appears to be a particular type of end-game in the long transition to systemic realignment in international affairs, in which the move to a new multipolar order with different characteristics … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • The cost of flying blind

    Just over two years ago, when worries about immediate mass-death from covid had waned, and people started to talk about covid becoming "endemic", I asked various government agencies what work they'd done on the costs of that - and particularly, on the cost of Long Covid. The answer was that ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Seymour vs The Clergy

    For paid subscribers“Aotearoa is not as malleable as they think,” Lynette wrote last week on Homage to Simeon Brown:In my heart/mind, that phrase ricocheted over the next days, translating out to “We are not so malleable.”It gave me comfort. I always felt that we were given an advantage in New ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • Unstoppable Minister McKee

    All smiles, I know what it takes to fool this townI'll do it 'til the sun goes downAnd all through the nighttimeOh, yeahOh, yeah, I'll tell you what you wanna hearLeave my sunglasses on while I shed a tearIt's never the right timeYeah, yeahSong by SiaLast night there was a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Could outdoor dining revitalise Queen Street?

    This is a guest post by Ben van Bruggen of The Urban Room,.An earlier version of this post appeared on LinkedIn. All images are by Ben. Have you noticed that there’s almost nowhere on Queen Street that invites you to stop, sit outside and enjoy a coffee, let alone ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    6 days ago
  • Hipkins challenges long-held Labour view Government must stay below 30% of GDP

    Hipkins says when considering tax settings and the size of government, the big question mark is over what happens with the balance between the size of the working-age population and the growing number of Kiwis over the age of 65. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • 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
    6 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 ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 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 ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago
  • Buried deep

    Here's a bike on Manchester St, Feilding. I took this photo on Friday night after a very nice dinner at the very nice Vietnamese restaurant, Saigon, on Manchester Street.I thought to myself, Manchester Street? Bicycle? This could be the very spot.To recap from an earlier edition: on a February night ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago
  • Government of deceit

    When National cut health spending and imposed a commissioner on Te Whatu Ora, they claimed that it was necessary because the organisation was bloated and inefficient, with "14 layers of management between the CEO and the patient". But it turns out they were simply lying: Health Minister Shane Reti’s ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • The professionals actually think and act like our Government has no fiscal crisis at all

    Treasury staff at work: The demand for a new 12-year Government bond was so strong, Treasury decided to double the amount of bonds it sold. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago

  • Draft critical minerals list released for consultation

    A draft list of minerals deemed essential to New Zealand’s economy and strengthening its mineral resilience has been released for consultation, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The draft Critical Minerals List identifies 35 minerals essential to economic functions, are in demand internationally, and face high risk of supply disruption domestically ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    31 mins ago
  • Government eliminates $190 million in trade barriers to boost the economy

    The Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced.  “In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Reo Māori the ‘beating heart’ of Aotearoa New Zealand

    From private business to the Paris Olympics, reo Māori is growing with the success of New Zealanders, says Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka. “I’m joining New Zealanders across the country in celebrating this year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Māori Language Week, which has a big range ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Need and value at forefront of public service delivery

    New Cabinet policy directives will ensure public agencies prioritise public services on the basis of need and award Government contracts on the basis of public value, Minister for the Public Service Nicola Willis says. “Cabinet Office has today issued a circular to central government organisations setting out the Government’s expectations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Minister to attend Police Ministers Council Meeting

    Police Minister Mark Mitchell will join with Australian Police Ministers and Commissioners at the Police Ministers Council meeting (PMC) today in Melbourne. “The council is an opportunity to come together to discuss a range of issues, gain valuable insights on areas of common interest, and different approaches towards law enforcement ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago
  • Tax exempt threshold changes to benefit startups

    Technology companies are among the startups which will benefit from increases to current thresholds of exempt employee share schemes, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Revenue Minister Simon Watts say. Tax exempt thresholds for the schemes are increasing as part of the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2024-25, Emergency ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it

    The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days 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
    3 days ago
  • Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology

    With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final

    Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Driving structured literacy in schools

    The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    4 days ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

    The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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
    4 days ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

    The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

    E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward.  Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

    Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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
    5 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, ...
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    5 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 ...
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    5 days ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

    The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...
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    5 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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    5 days ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

    Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...
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    5 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
    6 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 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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    6 days ago
  • 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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    1 week 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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    1 week ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
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    1 week 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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    1 week ago
  • 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

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  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

    As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...
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