National’s civil war reerrupts

Written By: - Date published: 7:35 am, November 25th, 2021 - 131 comments
Categories: Judith Collins, national, same old national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

All eyes today will be on the National caucus meeting to occur at 9 am this morning.

Details are still vague but it seems  that Simon Bridges was organising for a leadership spill.

Last night at 9 PM Collins demoted him after learning of a complaint that Jaqui Dean made against him five years about comments that he made to her.  The complaint had previously been dealt with by then leader Bill English.

Bridges has this morning said that Collins’ actions were truly desperate stuff.

Simon O’Connor has just accused Judith Collins of engaging in Dirty Politics and said he will also surrender all his portfolios.

Get your popcorn ready.  Today is going to be an interesting day as National eviscerates itself in front of the public during a pandemic that requires everyone’s attention as two egos fight over their personal ambition.

131 comments on “National’s civil war reerrupts ”

  1. observer 1

    Quite apart from all the ethical/political issues … National MPs are idiots.

    O'Connor is handing in his portfolios? 6 or even 3 months ago that could have been depicted as a principled resignation, but now it's meaningless.

    They are unhappy because Judith is being Judith. Did they not know Judith was Judith when they picked Judith? Did they think if they just waited long enough then Judith wouldn't be Judith any more?

    Nicky Hager explained it all to them, in great detail, years ago. They said it was "a work of fiction". They owe him an apology, and thanks. Neither will happen, obviously.

  2. Red Blooded One 2

    I guess the biggest winner out of all this will be David Seymour and ACT, potentially the next Main Opposition Party.

    • Us on the left need to be a bit cautious about the possible demise of the Natz and the rise of Act. This list of Act policies comes from Martyn Bradbury (I haven't the stomach to go to the Act web site to check their veracity) – is this what we really want to replace the Natz?

      • Cut and freeze the Minimum wage
      • Interest back on all student loans
      • No Kiwsaver subsidy
      • Cancel winter energy payment
      • Dump all climate crisis legislation
      • no more best start payments for families with new borns
      • cut welfare payments
      • no tax credits for research and development
      • cuts to working for families
      • $7b a year cut in public services
      • Abolish Maori seats
      • Abolish Human Rights Commission

      God help this country if Act ever become a viable opposition!

      • Ad 2.1.1

        You don't need to worry about policies until the election in 2024.

        National is in deeper trouble than Labour around the rise of the Alliance back in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

        National are the established, well-funded contenders who have ruled for much longer than Labour. They, not Act, have strong MSM commentator supporters. It is also they that have exceptional networks and finders inside the banking and real estate and high-wealth families of New Zealand. They are the shining face of capital.

        Act are a rag-tag battlefleet with zero institutional heft or loyalty, based around the rise of one fairly mediocre leader.

        Polls schmolls, National need to be destroyed with more urgency than we need worry about the rise of Act.

        • I hope you're right!

          But when the Natz implode, where does the unthinking right-winger go to cast a vote?

        • cathy-o 2.1.1.2

          "National are the established, well-funded contenders who have ruled for much longer than Labour."

          indeed they are and have.

          the fact remains that all the legislation and policies kiwis are proud of have been introduced by Labour

        • AB 2.1.1.3

          National need to be destroyed with more urgency than we need worry about the rise of Act

          Yes – that seems right. But the rise of ACT is putting fringe libertarian ideas into the political mainstream. And historical precedent shows that if there is no other choice, the "strong MSM commentator supporters … exceptional networks and funders inside the banking, real estate and high-wealth families" hold their noses, ignore the vulgarity and brutality of far-right activists, and support them.

          • Ad 2.1.1.3.1

            To get anywhere near the kind of political threat that the Alliance was, Act would need to start picking up seats in next year's local body elections.

            They would need some high profile celebrities to back them and no other.

            And they could do with some defections from National, at least one with a safe electoral seat.

            Act have about 5% inflated support on COVID+farmer 'resistance'.

            By April next year we are in full traffic light, full international travel again, full local travel, reconnected with family and eaten too much, and the COVID-resistor vote for ACT is down to insignificance.

            Unless National continues to destabilise, Act are back to 11% by April 2022.

        • Bearded Git 2.1.1.4

          "You don't need to worry about policies until the election in 2024."

          You mean 2023 is a foregone conclusion and we don't need to worry until 2026 Ad?

        • Patricia Bremner 2.1.1.5

          Agree with all of this. smiley Well put Ad, they have tentacles and many hands on levers of power still, and Judith Collins was a "bit player" used while they awaited another acceptable face for capital. They use personal agendas to move the game pieces forward. Luxton is still considering his future apparently.

      • Red Blooded One 2.1.2

        Agreed Tony… , I certainly don't celebrate the rise of ACT, but National seems determined to make it an easy ride for Seymour.

      • Gosman 2.1.3

        Most of that is not their current policy.

    • cathy-o 2.2

      Seymour? heaven forbid !!

  3. Sanctuary 3

    My God it is gruesome and public. Simon O'Conner just threw it in and accused Collins of ongoing "dirty politics." You know I think we might see a temporary alliance to just get rid of Collins, so a placeholder leader like Reti or Stanford?

    This scrap is extraordinary – nothing like since the Moyle affair. If Collins survives, expect National to go low 20s and be passed by ACT – in fact, schism is not out of the question.

    • observer 3.1

      Collins is gone by lunchtime, quite literally – today. Guaranteed.

      • Ad 3.1.1

        The minor genius of forcing Nick Smith out is that she probably still does have the numbers.

        Come back Paula Bennett, all is forgiven.

        Hopefully Act gets the shove to 20% it needs and we get a proper political Undead.

        • Chris 3.1.1.1

          I thought the way Collins made the psychopathic decision to oust Smith, and then for the purpose of bringing her mate into Parliament, would've been enough to have her removed. Last night's decision came from the same place.

          • Ad 3.1.1.1.1

            I am honestly surprised at how badly Collins has miscalculated.

            Having her action approved by the National Party Board last night had zero sway in the National caucus. Pretty telling rift there.

            There is indeed some deep incohate rage in Collins to have hit out and then gone from leader to destroyed her own political career in the space of under 24 hours.

      • Weasel 3.1.2

        Surely the Left should throw its support behind Crusher – she is the gift that keeps on giving to Labour. Does the Nat's ad campaign a few elections back of a smooth rowing eight up against a Labour boat with rowers paddling in different directions ring any bells?

        • Anne 3.1.2.1

          The left stays out of it and thanks its lucky stars that the Speaker's valid criticism over the urgency taken re- Covid mandates etc. has been assigned to the back seat.

          Now that was a fair dinkum lucky break.

          • Enough is Enough 3.1.2.1.1

            I agree. This was the week that National could have really given the government a kicking. Every neutral commentator has slammed the government's use of urgency and poor law making over the past 24 hours. If Trevor Mallard is citicising his own team, you know its pretty bad.

            But National are so incompetent and useless they have given the government a free pass and made the news solely about themselves and how shit they are.

          • Patricia Bremner 3.1.2.1.2

            devilOpportunity missed. Timing!!!

          • gsays 3.1.2.1.3

            Taking off the red cap with a big L on it for a mo, why is it good we have widely criticised legislation passed under urgency?

            It isn't just Mallard, the Chief Human Rights Commissioner Paul Hunt and Vic Uni Prof Dean Knight had relevant, important observations to make.

            We all, were rightly critical, of Key's regime using urgency often and that wasn't anywhere near as impactful as this legislation.

  4. Ad 4

    National may as well just admit that they work for Ardern.

    The only time in a term that National has had Labour in any Parliamentary trouble was yesterday when the Speaker started warning Ardern for the urgency bill on mandates.

    Played well in the public it could have become another Auckland cycleway moment.

    Collins has cleared the media week for Ardern to do absolutely anything she wants. Way to pull out the 5-year-old hit file Judith.

    Collins just gave Ardern her Christmas gift early.

    • higherstandard 4.1

      More utterly hopeless behaviour from the National party.

      (Insert deity) help our country!!!

      National = dumbest political party in history.

      Labour = the most stunningly incompetent.

      NZ hasn't been in greater need of strong opposition since Muldoon was in power and we have this shit show of an opposition … what a sad joke.

      • Ad 4.1.1

        Used wisely Bridges could have sustained challenges about public unease concerning the employment mandates.

        And of course Bridges made reasonable running least year with the rise of gangs.

        When she sees off the challenge today, Collins will of course need to put out a new Shadow cabinet. Some pretty low stocks there.

        All those weak-ass performing Labour Cabinet ministers underneath Hipkins' level get let off for Christmas until March as well.

    • Chris 4.2

      People will be affected by the urgent Covid legislation for far longer than this latest Collins fiasco will stay in the news. Ardern's mis-step might be her foreshore and seabed moment.

  5. Sanctuary 5

    I have but one question for National.

    WHO WILL VOLUNTEER FOR TRIBUTE?

  6. Where's Puckish when we need his insightful and wise comments on the Collins leadership?

    Come on down, PR!

    • Tiger Mountain 6.1

      perhaps the Nat’s master strategist “Merv from Manurewa” can explain what is happening…

    • Puckish Rogue 6.2

      All part of St Judes cunning, 4d plan to rid National of the infidels and non-believers before the election campaign begins

      angel

      • roblogic 6.2.1

        Infidels? SiBri is an old school Anglican (although insufficiently devoted to St. Judith)

      • Tricledrown 6.2.2

        PR Last time it was 5d the fifth dimension no bell to answer or save the country.

        One dimension Collins is a goner like ole gonner.

        With ACT nipping at there heals National self sabotage continues .National need a leader who can heal the wounds Dr Reti is a much better communicator stays calm under pressure doesn't have the baggage. He may need to surgically remove the festering sores to allow National to recover.

        • Puckish Rogue 6.2.2.1

          This is all merely part of her planning

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQk_832EAx4

          • Tricledrown 6.2.2.1.1

            That worked out well I was hoping Shane Reti got the job he is not a nasty person.

            He could hog the limelight by going round the country promoting vaccinations and actually doing them in places where there is low uptake like amongst Maori stealing Labour's traditional supporters.

            Proactive instead of whinging leading by example.

            Ardern and the greens now have a real job on their hands.

            • Puckish Rogue 6.2.2.1.1.1

              I would like to see more proactiveness and positivity, I'd also like to see more hair on my head

              Pretty sure I know which is more likely to happen

            • Patricia Bremner 6.2.2.1.1.2

              Well if he Dr. Reti, does that will be the best thing National has done for 30 years apart from the cable.

  7. Cricklewood 7

    Collins is gone. Thats for the best, hopefully the Nats can get their shit together NZ really needs a competent opposition.

    • observer 7.1

      Only problem is those same Nats made her leader and then asked the country to make her Prime Minister.

      They should thank the voters for ignoring them. And apologise. Otherwise it's same sh*t, different face.

    • woodart 7.2

      "nz really needs a competent opposition" could probably cobble something together from herald experts(?) and some dorkradio reckons.

  8. Robert Guyton 8

    "Reerupts" is a brilliant word and so apt!

    Shades of "rears-up" like a cornered beast might do, or Someone Very Righteous getting onto their hind-legs.

    Then there's "ruptures", reerupts' close-cousin and nothing needs to be said about that.

    Rapture, perhaps, as in "The Rapture" – this is all getting very biblical, with Judith playing the role of that rough beast, slouching toward…Oblivion.

    Reerupts also sounds like someone belching – fetid air most likely, into the face of Simon the Innocent.

    There are plenty of other interpretations, I'm sure, of reerupts, but I'm stopping before it gets silly 🙂

  9. pat 9

    Her time is up so she's decided to cause as much damage as possible on the way out.

    • RedLogix 9.1

      Yes.

      And if she goes, as it looks likely, NZ will have dodged a real bullet.

      Democracy does not guarantee that we will never make mistakes, but it does offer the hope that we might correct them.

  10. Tiger Mountain 10

    The NZ National Death Star is on twin turbo’ed anti matter reactor melt down. Mixed metaphors aside, Judith Collins has seemingly moved revenge attacks up a notch and is now “paying it back triple” possibly using Mr Slater-Oil’s vault of dirty secrets.

    • Ad 10.1

      Collins may be fissile but National's funders and mainstream media supporters give it sustained energy like a molten salt reactor.

      • RedLogix 10.1.1

        Technically I think she's better described as 'transuranic' – the result of fissile atoms that absorb a neutron, but instead of splitting promptly to release useful energy – store it up to become a heavier atom like plutonium.

        In a standard solid fuel reactor these atoms accumulate, slowly poison the core, and are the most troublesome part of the waste stream to manage. (A molten salt machine can either separate the transuranics out from the fuel, or use them as fuel in a fast spectrum machine and so have much less of a problem with them.)

        I just thought you might appreciate the niceties of this. devil

        • Tiger Mountain 10.1.1.1

          Ad might, I was just being dramatic! “Troublesome” sounds like JC.

          I follow particle physics etc. on a populist–“Scientific American”–level. Have a mate though who is the genuine article, taught in Brazilian and Australian institutions.

        • Ad 10.1.1.2

          Collins is certainly circling Uranus.

    • Tricledrown 10.2

      Chucky meets the Exorcist Dr Who takes the leadership. Back to the future.

  11. Byd0nz 11

    Seems to me that Collins will be handsomly rewarded for falling on her sword and spilling the guts of a rotten political party, thus setting it up for a total 'Key' rebuild by gambling on a Luxon tilt.

  12. Enough is Enough 12

    Bridges had the numbers to roll Collins. Collins took out a pre-emptive strike using a crude comment that Bridges made 5 years ago about going in shallow, to essentially sack him.

    How Collins ever thought that was a winning strategy is anyone's guess?

    She will be gone as leader very shortly, and New Zealand is a better place for that.

    • dv 12.1

      We can thank our lucky stars that the Natz don't have any complex thinking/decisions to make like response to a pandemic!!!

  13. observer 13

    It's not just about removing Collins. Those who stand alongside are serious collateral damage, such as Reti and Dean.

    If anyone thinks it can't get worse for National, imagine the headlines when they quit, or are dumped. Reti, the voice of reason, gone as deputy? Optics terrible.

    • Patricia Bremner 13.1

      He Reti is an excellent Deputy, and could be selected for that role again. Hipango and Dean may be sidelined.

  14. Anker 14
    • All very interesting to contemplate.
    • I could think of one scenario where sacking Bridges after five years was the right course of action, but when I found out he wasn’t leader at the time and the crude comments were said in front of others, it ruled my hypothetical scenario out.

    this has obviously got nothing to do with Bridges comments 5 years ago, but it amounts to evidence that Simon was going to make a run at leadership.

    perhaps Judith is hoping to capture the woke vote with this move of cancelling someone

    for something said years ago.

  15. Adrian 15

    I’ve wondered why Bishop and co have been so keen on “ Shambles,it’s a shambles “ , they were just test running it.

  16. Adrian 16

    On a more serious note, the Groundswell disruption has more to do with their bitter disappointment with their champions National, than Ardern and Labour, it must be galling to have tied your flag to such a mess and yet on the other side you are looking at a competent and compelling leader and management of crisis’s that should only happen every 100 years but we’ve had 3 of them in 4. So let’s show a little sympathy, yeah, right.
    And the new Nat leader, they should try Stuart Smith, disclaimer: I’m a friend, he’s a thoroughly nice person but for his sake I hope it doesn’t happen as he would be eaten alive. Besides, if they have a vote, 33 people are all going to get only one vote anyway, try sorting that out.

  17. Tricledrown 17

    Looks like Collins is taking out Bridges her main threat.leaving the way open for the Bishop to slide past all the other pawns.

  18. Ad 18

    Bet she plays the protector-of-women routine.

  19. Tricledrown 19

    Looks like the end of the National Party ACT will benefit from this latest disaster. Farmers and business people have had an absolute guts full of Collins leadership and Nationals lack of unity.

  20. observer 20

    10 am press conference coming up, TV3 will cover it live, and usual online sources.

  21. Anker 21
    • If Bridges gets back in watch the poll numbers increase for National

    why did the Nat board agree to bridges sacking? Judith must have something to threaten them with

  22. Hurry up Gnats. I am getting v. bored listening to Adrian Orr droning on about interest rates while waiting for the bloodletting ritual press conference

    • roblogic 22.1

      What an anti-climax. Reti was grey and conservative. I want an opposition leader who runs around in gumboots, crushes cars, or has a breakdown on live TV. Sigh.

  23. observer 23

    Apparently Todd Muller has turned up at caucus.

    Does he vote for the leader who kicked him out, or the leader he rolled?

    "strong united team"

    • gsays 23.1

      "strong united team"

      On that note, I heard Farrar blah blahing on RNZ at lunch time. He refered to his info coming from 'other news outfits, various sources and leaks from caucus'.

      Same ole, same ole.

  24. observer 24

    When PM and DG arrive 5 mins late for a press conference about a deadly pandemic and a hundred details … moaners get out their stopwatches, and Barry Soper rants about deadlines.

    National Party press conference now 1 hour late.

  25. mickysavage 25

    Collins is toast. Her plan was quick meeting then eviscerate Bridges with a press conference where Jacqui Dean outlines what happened. I don't think it is going to happen that way.

  26. Gezza 26

    Collins has finally completely lost the plot – if she ever actually knew what the plot was.

    Demoting Bridges for an inappropriate remark made years ago & dealt with at the time is an excuse soooo lame it needs a mobility scooter.

    National's disarray has increased under Collins, not decreased. They need to get rid of her. Completely, asap, to have any chance of even a halfway decent run at the Treasury Benches next election.

  27. woodart 27

    whatever happens today, I beleive we will hear the same old lines, united party, holding the government to account, shambles, moving on, etc,etc. luxon will be trawling through his backstory, looking for skeletons.

  28. Stephen D 28

    If you want a omnishambles done right, do it yourself.
    Judith is making pre Jacinda Labour look positively organised.

  29. bwaghorn 29

    Any chance at all that simple simon actually does the right thing and gets rid of collins, BUT let's someone with a cleanish sheet go to the top. ??

  30. Tricledrown 30

    Collins gone

  31. observer 32

    Simultaneously, TV1 said "Reti" and TV3 said "Luxon". Very funny.

    Obviously the caucus can't agree, so they've deferred until next week. (The same caucus that demands the gov't sort out everything and now … whereas they have only one job, and it's in the too hard basket).

  32. Reality 33

    Just how is Barry Soper coping after waiting since 10am for the press conference to start? Three hours late! And he loses the plot if he is held up a few minutes at the PM's press conference.

  33. observer 34

    Poor Shane Reti. Put in front of the media to clean up his colleagues' mess.

    (and for the record, he took questions for about 5 mins, on National's biggest news day, as opposed to the PM's regular 30-40 mins).

    • Tricledrown 34.1

      Reti is cool calm and collected if he carries on with a straight bat not getting bogged down by dirty politics and continually nagging he will rise in the polls.

      He did a good job as deputy and getting out into the electorates promoting and doing vaccinations if he can keep his hand in the down to earth leadership the media will follow him everywhere, he can hog the lime light .proactive instead of bickering and nagging.

    • Red Blooded One 34.2

      and even within that little Press-ette we got a couple of "we'll lift our eyes towards the sky" and "I'm Shepherding …" Playing to Luxons evangelicals maybe? or a Mormons fallback verses in moments of stress.

    • Patricia Bremner 34.3

      What pleases me, is Slater has hopefully lost his conduit.devil

  34. I suspect the real blood-letting has yet to occur – caucus meeting on Tuesday next week.

    The liberal wing? The rural rump? The evangelicals? The opportunists? The mercenary?

    Fascinating stuff.

    • Patricia Bremner 35.1

      Please, not the mercenary. Wasn't he on Crusher and Slater's "Suitable" List?

      I see Luxon has chosen Nicola Willis as his proposed Deputy. She is educated and very close to Bill English and John Key. Is this the religious group against the gun lobby group with Mitchell and Bishop? Wow what a choice!!

  35. Ad 36

    This is the most complete own goal I've seen in New Zealand politics.

    • RedLogix 36.1

      In the short-term yes – but chaotic events like this have a way of having unexpected consequences.

  36. Stephen D 37

    Best option.

    Leave Shane in place until the next election. With a steady if uncharismatic hand they would probably rise to low 30s. Saves a few jobs. Then he can gracefully step down, and Luxon takes over to guide then to the promised land in 2026.

    Most likely.

    Blood spilt on the caucus floor, Mitchell takes the leadership. They stay mired in the mid/high 20s. Leadership changes again early 2023. They get high 20s again. And history repeats itself for another 6 years.

    Or something else??

    • woodart 37.1

      the best option(for who?) is for the nats to go modern , joining the greens and maori party and have a male/ female leadership team, and continuing on with that theme, a nth/sth , maori /pakeha, competent/incompetent team. dr shane and maureen pugh, taking week about to be the leaders of the natural party of government.(excuse me while I get my tongue out of my cheek)

    • JanM 37.2

      I agree that if they had the sense they were born with they would leave Shane Reti in for another year at least while things calm down with Nicola Willis as his 2ic. (Btw I am not a National voter nor ever likely to be)

      • lprent 37.2.1

        It often works for conservative parties. Look at Scottie from Marketing in Australia.

        • Patricia Bremner 37.2.1.1

          Yep and like Scottie from marketting, Willis on the sideline would depose Reti to take over the Leadership come the election.

  37. gsays 38

    Can't help but think Jacqui 'quid each way' Dean must have a diploma in weasel words.

    “but subsequently it has continued to play on my mind and with the recent reviews that have occurred in Parliament the feelings have been brought back up”

    followed by;

    “What matters to me is that all of us have a clear understanding of what behaviour we should expect in a modern workplace environment. Simon and I have spoken a number of times over the past few hours and he has reiterated his apology.”

    It seems yesterday Collins had a cunning plan, with help from Dean. It didn't play out as Collins wanted, now Deans has to swim from the listing Judetanic to jump aboard six months in a leaky boat, and whomever is at the helm.

  38. pat 39

    Its broadly hinted at but no one dares say his name….and he needs to go.

  39. Macro 40

    Poor JC – she is crushed! And after acting in such a self centred way to protect her own self interest – a quality so much sort after by all National MPs and voters. The heart bleeds.

    • McFlock 40.1

      I recall watching the original English "House of Cards", where Ian Richardson played Francis Urquhart.

      Collins struck me as trying to be the real life version, but without the scripted ability or plot armour. That thing about "not knowing how serious" the offence was until now smacks of FU's holding onto a minister's resignation letter (for disgraceful conduct of some sort) until he'd burned that bridge and the minister tried to resign on a matter of principle. So FU simply "accepted" the first resignation letter instead.

      Even if she wasn't trying to be a long-term macchiavelli, it stank of opportunism.

      • Macro 40.1.1

        Yes. You might well say that there is a strong comparison of this whole thing to the "house of cards" and FU. But I couldn't possibly comment.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T07:20:07+00:00