National’s infrastructure bank

Written By: - Date published: 7:24 am, September 11th, 2020 - 21 comments
Categories: assets, Deep stuff, Economy, national, privatisation, Public Private Partnerships, transport, uncategorized - Tags:

National’s infrastructure bank proposal bugs me.

It’s yet another entity out of the hands of politicians – and that brings with it a high risk of trouble.

LIGHT RAIL

The first comparison I’m making is to NZ Superannuation. They are the people that brought in the Canadians to form NZ Infra to propose an entirely different light rail proposal for Auckland.

NZ Superannuation actively undermined NZTA’s light rail proposal for over a year. They will claim that they have the mandate to do it as they are statutorily directed to pursue local investments in local assets for the benefit of New Zealanders. But they damaged the reputation of the government and in particular that of the Minister of Transport. They also pushed around MoT and Treasury and kept going right over their heads and lobbied Ministers directly. Instead of issuing an apology to the Minister for the damage, they are going for the costs of the proposal from MoT and NZTA.

TRANSMISSION GULLY

OK there are multiple faults coming out of the woodwork on this job, and plenty of cause and effect on both sides of the public and private sector ledger. ACC has been an important investor in Transmission Gully, together with Infrared Capital Partnership, and Pacific Partnerships PTY, as part of the Wellington Gateway Partnership.

But the government review coming out of the mess in Transmission Gully will raise both operational and governance questions, guaranteed. The further out each level of commercial structure takes you from actual Ministerial political control, the faster and bigger it can get out of control.

And I’m not knocking NZ Super: I’m issuing a stern warning to future governments about setting up massive entities with control over large policy goals and who contain vast amounts of public money.

OTHER EXAMPLES

There have been a number of partnerships between the public and private sectors to finance delivery of infrastructure projects, including:

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge, completed in 1959 financed privately by user tolls
  • Lyttleton Tunnel completed in 1964, financed privately by user tolls
  • Tauranga Harbour Bridge completed in 1988 financed privately by user tolls
  • Route K Expressway in Tauranga completed in 2003 funded by Tauranga District Council as a toll road
  • A few of our jails have been Build, Operate, Transfer models

Not all Public Private Partnerships turn out badly, such as the Ara Tuhono expressway which includes in its PPP ACC, HRL Morrison (one of the Infratil family), Acciona Concesiones, Fletcher Building, and Higgins. It won’t meet its completion date, but then again honestly very few large projects do.

But sometimes similar arrangements go really, really bad. In December 2007 Kaipara District Council awarded a $53 million Design Build Finance Operate contract for delivery of wastewater services in Mangawhai. That went wrong in about every way you could think.

Distance from democratically elected accountability is a massive risk factor when it comes to keeping a big project under control. Alliancing is popular and the moment – but it doesn’t usually involve the constructor having an equity stake in the outcome, so the degree of control is still pretty high.

INFRASTRUCTURE BANK

So the first problem is National’s proposal yesterday for an infrastructure bank will have the effect of cheating the Government’s accounting system to make it look like it is reducing debt. Other entities do that already.

But the second problem is the degree of political autonomy of the bank to write deals for projects will get it right out of political accountability. Being able to scorch a Minister for poor project performance is what Ministers, not bank executives, are paid for. Ministers, not bank executives, must react to the public, form reviews, carry them out, improve, respond to actual citizens.

Whereas we have seen multiple times over the last decade, entities that have near full independence from political oversight can turn into steaming dumpster fires with very bad smells coming out of them, and they are very hard to put out precisely because of that independence. And yet the public pressure will continue to fire on the relevant Minister, and can only put out the fire with their cash – and lots of it.

SUMMARY

I’m not knocking the principle of multiple investors for large infrastructure jobs per se. The necessary interventions are getting bigger and bigger, and the money available to NZTA will continue to be constrained. Pressures from urban growth, societal needs, electricity and transport network age, climate change, and local government incapacity, are already getting well beyond the scope of our little central government to cope with.

But the more you separate public money and public policy outcomes from direct public accountability through a democratically elected Minister, the higher the risk this will blow up like a bomb in a fish factory, and the rest turns into frenzied seagulls eating the remains up. The proposed Infrastructure Bank is an accounting trick, with very high risks that the entire power of our political order for anyone affected by these monster projects will weaken citizens’ rights.

21 comments on “National’s infrastructure bank ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. RosieLee 1
    11 September 2020 at 8:18 am

    Another cog in the Bankster wheel.

  2. tc 2
    11 September 2020 at 9:19 am

    Another bank….seriously ? Zero imagination and an admission that they don't want to work with what's there and will setup another trough for their mates.

    Kiwis recall what gez and the wrecking crew did to Chch, opportunity knocks again national styles.

  3. Patricia Bremner 3
    11 September 2020 at 9:20 am

    Personally I thought "This smells like a certain past PM's handiwork".. with all the ticket clipping that could go on and jobs for the boys.

    The National Party need to list who they thought could run it.

    Would it have overseas trusts?…similar to an earlier investment model? Just asking??

  4. greywarshark 4
    11 September 2020 at 9:25 am

    Doing what the government would be doing if it hadn't had its limbs amputated by a tricky Treasury and financial finaglers cohort? As many say let's have a Ministry of Works run by people who know about 'works' rather than the theory of how to run things to an arbitrary budget – which if it relates to work done by private firms, has flexible levels.

    • Ed1 4.1
      13 September 2020 at 11:56 am

      At its heart the MoW was a major civil engineering consultancy, who usually replied on private companies for a lot of the work, but were able to expand for major projects – the "Works" towns recognised that local firms could not cover the manpower requirements, or in some cases the specialised jobs. They looked long term, and built to minimise cost over the lifetime of the structure, whether that be a building or road or dam. They encouraged local businesses to be involved, so we had firms available to undertake road works were it was likely that repairs would be necessary (West coast of both Islands comes to mind), and they delivered value for money. The Kapiti Expressway was contracted to built by a consortium that was put together for the project; they had little of their own money at risk; remedial work was needed even during the term of the Key Government that commissioned the work. The state sector now has little expertise to assess tenders, negotiate engineering or technical contracts, or oversee progress and quality.

      The new Department need not be called the MoW, but one is needed. We may laugh about Brownlee being the second disaster to hit Christchurch, but we should not be relying on our politicians to have technical expertise in the first place, whether that is general insurance principles or engineering.

  5. tc 5
    11 September 2020 at 10:01 am

    greywarshark nails it, a MOW is required again. Engineering solutions taken with a long term view and not fiscally driven compromises.

    Shit happens in major civil works, govt can carry that risk with minimal fuss whereas private want's to carry nothing. If it does carry risk it'll cost more.

    Rail over roads while we still can to move us and our goods about etc. The Key regimes intransigence to road over rail mandates urgent action now in a post-covid world.

  6. Tricledrown 6
    11 September 2020 at 11:37 am

    Paying 8% for money when the govt can print bonds at 0.25% interest shows the National party wants to load NZ up with expensive debt.

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1
      11 September 2020 at 2:38 pm

      The govt can create money at 0%. Why they insist that they need to charge themselves and us interest for creating our money is a major problem.

  7. Phil 7
    11 September 2020 at 12:56 pm

    Does the Green Party platform still include a 'green bank'?

  8. Draco T Bastard 8
    11 September 2020 at 2:32 pm

    I’m not knocking the principle of multiple investors for large infrastructure jobs per se.

    I am as its a stupid idea for infrastructure provided by government as all it dies is allow rich people to bludge off of the rest of us for no practical benefit.

    The necessary interventions are getting bigger and bigger, and the money available to NZTA will continue to be constrained.

    The money available to the government isn't. We really have to get over the idea that the government is constrained by money.

    Pressures from urban growth, societal needs, electricity and transport network age, climate change, and local government incapacity, are already getting well beyond the scope of our little central government to cope with.

    No its not. Even with private investment all these issues will still be rectified by NZers working in NZ. The government has enough wherewithal to even bring in people from offshore to help out if necessary who would be directly employed by the government.

    The proposed Infrastructure Bank is an accounting trick, with very high risks that the entire power of our political order for anyone affected by these monster projects will weaken citizens’ rights.

    And don't forget the massive profit for the private investors that it will guarantee.

  9. Peter 9
    11 September 2020 at 2:37 pm

    "And I’m not knocking NZ Super: I’m issuing a stern warning to future governments about setting up massive entities with control over large policy goals and who contain vast amounts of public money."

    Wasn't this the Dancing Cossacks theme tune, the Reds under the beds? A massive superannuation fund controlling everything?

    • Ad 9.1
      11 September 2020 at 3:44 pm

      Aye true but ACC's been around for a while, and both NZSuperfund and Crown Infrastructure Holdings are agreed across Parliament.

      • Peter 9.1.1
        13 September 2020 at 10:38 am

        And we take it as implicit though that Muldoon killing of the super scheme put us in a never-to-catch up 40 years behind the eighth ball position? And that National Party genius is still National Party genius and National Party not resorting to fear tactics is the same?

  10. Phil 10
    11 September 2020 at 3:06 pm

    the first problem is National’s proposal yesterday for an infrastructure bank will have the effect of cheating the Government’s accounting system to make it look like it is reducing debt. Other entities do that already.

    This is false, or at least very misleading.

    When the government accounts are reported, they are consolidated to include all SOE's and mixed-ownership companies.

    The direct analogue to the infrastructure bank is Kiwibank (i.e Kiwi Group Holdings). Its loans/assets and customer deposit liabilities are both reported as part of the consolidated government accounts. An infrastructure bank would be consolidated exactly the same way and would not give an opportunity to make it look like government debt is reducing.

    • Ed1 10.1
      13 September 2020 at 12:01 pm

      PPPs have been successfully used for many years around the world now. For a government to provision for the risk of default by such a partnership would of course only make a collapse more likely, but fortunately nobody has ever identified such a risk – unless it suddenly does happen . . .

  11. Stuart Munro 11
    11 September 2020 at 4:03 pm

    On current performance any funds put into a National run 'infrastructure bank' would disappear down the rabbithole to China along with the money Shipley & Yan lost Mainzeal.

    • Gabby 11.1
      11 September 2020 at 5:36 pm

      I kind of assumed it was another move by Codger to suck in some Chinese money and sneak a few more assets into Chinese ownership.

      • Stuart Munro 11.1.1
        11 September 2020 at 6:26 pm

        I do kind of wonder why they need a new one – didn't Key & English already make a new one and leave in the sticky fingers of ため Shipley?

  12. Dean Reynolds 12
    11 September 2020 at 4:17 pm

    I'm with Draco – we re-establish the Ministry of Works for all major infrastructure development & advance them finance from the Reserve bank at 0% interest. We don't involve ACC, foreign pension funds, etc- look at the balls ups of Auckland's light rail & Transmission Gully.

    If ACC is at a loose end & wants to usefully use its reserves, then it can implement Justice Woodhouse's original vision of providing universal sickness as well as accident cover. While it's about it, it can introduce universal dental cover as well.

    Those of us on the left of the political spectrum, who still have a Social Democratic vision, need to start pushing strongly for meaningful, comprehensive reform of our whole economic/social structure.

  13. Ed1 13
    11 September 2020 at 6:27 pm

    National have consistently fought against Kiwibank – they knew they would lose votes if they had sold it, so they just stopped letting it have enough capital to make a real difference. Have they explained why the existing trading and merchant banks need to have a government owned competititor?

  14. Patricia Bremner 14
    13 September 2020 at 10:15 am

    I have discussed this proposal with family with National Party affiliations. Their response…"Oh it will probably be big enough to get around laws and the conservation idiots"

    After further discussion, it turns out there is a mantra to get rid of "Red Tape", emphasis on the Red, which is perceived as "holding up progress"

    The conversation turned to real estate, and how investors are hamstrung now by endless regulations. They think farming is going the same way. " Labour loves bureaucracy".

    I pointed out it was only affecting bad Landlords and Farmers who did not do repairs and maintenance, look after the land water or animals. Landlords who made endless unjustified rental demands and threw people out of their home on a whim. The rejoinder gave me pause, "Home? It isn't their home, it is their rental. We own it."

    A real disconnect there, they are generally good landlords, but that made me realise they don't see the home aspect of renting, so I think the new laws are needed.

    Further they feel the new rules are made to penalise the few. "A sledge hammer to crack a nut", yet they had to go and put proper insulation in two of their properties.

    My query as to who would run this investment bank, they said Parliament would have to approve the appointments. I then asked what they saw as the role of the Treasurer.

    The reponse was "he (lol) would set the direction, the Infastructure Investments Bank would be under the control of their Board. " (So I guess they would pick and choose who did the work. )

    So as far as I can tell, this idea is to circumvent rules, gain control of investments in infrastructure, and distance that from the rule makers. Wow and Wow!!

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    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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