National’s policies don’t add up

Written By: - Date published: 9:21 am, May 31st, 2022 - 48 comments
Categories: benefits, Christopher Luxon, Economy, education, health, national, nicola willis, same old national, tax, welfare - Tags:

This post is plagiarized unashamedly from a series of tweets by Clint Smith.

In very limited space he set out why National’s tax cut policies are absurd and how the media is doing us a disservice by not asking the hard questions like what will be cut and how the promised tax cuts will be paid for.  Following is an abridged and slightly tweaked version of Clint’s tweets.

Journos are getting fed up with National’s refusal to say what they would cut to both fund their tax package & suck demand out of the economy to dampen inflation.

Either National doesn’t know (a major credibility issue) or they’re refusing to say. Maybe we can answer for them.

I hope he is right about the media.  I have seen some evidence of this but I am surprised there has not been more push back by them.

When we did this in Labour in Opposition, we kept track of our spending and tax cut promises against the money available to spend in future Budgets.

Anything in excess of that available money would need more debt or more tax to balance the sums.

(and, yes, our promises were costed – the media would have eaten us alive if they weren’t – and that made us more disciplined because we couldn’t just promise all things to all people like we see National doing)

This is utter rational.  Labour’s policies have always been subject to the most intense scrutiny.  Believe me.  The example from 2014 of Labour’s Best Start policy still rankles.

The Media should be asking National how it is going to afford the cuts.

So – how much would National have to play with if it came to office in 2023? Budgets 2024 and onwards have $3b each of ‘new operating allowance’ (money in the Budget but not allocated to anything – the famous $6b in Budget 2022) that’s cumulative, so $12b in 27/28 year

That’s heaps, right? Well, not so fast. The first thing that needs to come out of that pool of money is funding increases to keep up with population, demographic & inflation cost pressures on health & education. Just to maintain service levels – they need $3b yr, cumulative.

The gradual run down of Health by National during Key’s reign is a classic example, as inflation and an increasing and ageing population increased demand that was not met.  By the end of its reign the signs of how badly the system was run down were evident.

In other words, National cannot fund any of its policies out of the new operating allowance, Health & education need it all. Unless they’re going to cut health and education services, they [will] have to cut things to balance the books against their tax cuts and spending promises.

How much would they need to cut? Incredibly, National hasn’t costed their tax package, haven’t said how much spending needs to come down on top of that, or specified their promised increases to defence & Pharmac funding … but we can estimate all that.

I guess recent events involving Steven Joyce’s and Paul Goldsmith’s inability to use a spreadsheet have rocked National’s desire to delve into the details.  But if ever there was a policy to cost it would be a tax cut.

National says indexation would cost $1.7b/yr. That increases with wages. By Budget 2024, the cost would be $2.2b & grow at 10% a year thereafter. Removing the top tax rate would cost $0.8b also rising at 10% a year. Restoring landlord tax cuts would cost $.85b a year

So, National’s tax package would start at $3.7b a year in their first year, 2024/25, rising to $5b/yr in 27/28

National has also said they want to gradually increase defence spending from its current 0.7% of GDP to 2% & boost Pharmac. That’s $1.7b in 24/25, $7.8b in 27/28

And they have dug themselves into a hole with their Government spending rhetoric.

… National says spending is too high & causing inflation. So, they need cuts over and above those needed to offset tax cuts and additional spending to suck demand out of the economy. How much do they need to cut to make a difference to inflation? There isn’t an answer.

The US Federal Reserve looked at the impact of govt spending on inflation & found “almost no effect of government spending on inflation”. Even rightwing darling Milton Friedman said there is no evidence. National would have to do some cuts though – let’s call it $1b cumulative.

All up, National’s commitments start at $10b yr in 2024/25 & rise to $28b in 2027/28 but new operating allowances are only $3byr in 2024/25, accumulating to $12b in 2027/28.

National’s fiscal hole is $7.5b in its 1st yr, rising to $16.6b after 4 yrs. Hmm. What could they cut?

The spending National has complained about gets us nowhere near. RNZ-TVNZ merger is a one-off that will already be spent. Same with the Te Huia capex. Fishing boat cameras are $15m a year.

The govt will spend $134b in 24/25. Off the bat – $100b is super, benefits, WFF, heath & education. Interest is $4.9b. Presumably, they wouldn’t cut the $5.9b for law & order, $1b for primary industry $4.2b for transport & or $3b for defence. That’s $119b already.

Housing is $2.6b. $1.5b is free ETS allocations. $1.1b is KiwiSaver, $1.9b Cullen Fund, $1b foreign aid, $1.3b sports, arts, culture; DoC etc $1.4b, $2b is support for businesses. Cut the bureaucrats? *already falling* post COVID & will be down 10% to $2.4b in 24/25

So. Luxon wants to cut decarbonization subsidies for families & businesses: $0.5b per yr. Cutting the Cullen Fund: $1.9b that first year, but only $1.5b in 27/28. Cancel fees free: $0.5b per yr

Drastic moves & Luxon still has a $4.5b hole in 24/25, ballooning to $14.1b in 27/28

Luxon’s not going to get those sums by cutting public service jobs – cutting public service by 20% gets only $500m. Cut Kiwisaver? $1.1b.

Still $3b to find just in the first Budget. You’re not going to get there nipping and tucking other small programmes.

Cutting climate policies, the Cullen Fund, KiwiSaver, Fees Free & 10K public servants isn’t enough. National would have to look to the big bucks – super, welfare, health & education.

What would it be? Means testing super? Benefit cuts? Health & education funding freeze?

A Budget is incredibly complex but the maths is simple – if National wants billions of tax cuts, billions on defence & billions less demand in the economy it needs to find billions in cuts to pay for all those things.

If National is serious about the policies they have outlined so far – and we should believe them when they say they want to cut spending – then those cuts are going to have to come from super, welfare, WFF, health & education.

No wonder they don’t want to talk about it.

Clint Smith has laid out how unrealistic National’s rhetoric is.  We cannot have a tax cut and maintain current service levels.

It is not surprising that National did not release an alternative budget, unlike their feeder party which laid out for all to see the carnage the right may cause if it is given the treasury benches.  But you get the feeling that they have pushed the rhetoric without having any idea of how to actually achieve what they are promising.

Hopefully the media will start asking Luxon and Willis the real questions.  What is National going to cut to deliver its right wing nirvana of tax cuts and smaller Government?

48 comments on “National’s policies don’t add up ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Ad 1
    31 May 2022 at 10:03 am

    Great post.

  2. Ad 2
    31 May 2022 at 10:14 am

    Just in Infrastrucure we have a $220b deficit and need to spend $31b per year to catch up.

    That's from the Infrastrucure Commission report.

    We are in massive built need deficit. We must cut nothing.

    Only under Labour are we even starting to address this seriously.

    • mike 2.1
      8 June 2022 at 6:21 pm

      alas they will do what the key government did head in the sand and ignore every problem

  3. Sacha 3
    31 May 2022 at 10:18 am

    you get the feeling that they have pushed the rhetoric without having any idea of how to actually achieve what they are promising

    They know exactly what they are planning, and staying quiet is a big part of getting it.

    • roblogic 3.1
      31 May 2022 at 10:33 am

      The quiet parts are probably

      • increase GST
      • sell assets
      • cut benefits
      • cut Kiwisaver
      • sell state houses
      • increase petrol taxes

      They will do stuff that hurts the working class and empowers greater corporate theft of the commons

      • Pataua4life 3.1.1
        31 May 2022 at 10:36 am

        Got another cut to add to your list.

        • Cut funding to Nanaia Mahuta family
        • Ad 3.1.1.1
          31 May 2022 at 10:41 am

          Conflicts register shows nothing inappropriate.

          Top work for a lazy slur though.

          • Pataua4life 3.1.1.1.1
            31 May 2022 at 10:57 am

            If it looks like a duck walks like a duck and quacks like a duck chances are it looks like corruption.

            • SPC 3.1.1.1.1.1
              31 May 2022 at 1:27 pm

              “Fact free social media narrative – fast food mind feed”

              Q 4 8 16 32 64 infinite chin dribble b******* Rabbit.

            • Incognito 3.1.1.1.1.2
              31 May 2022 at 1:44 pm

              Bold accusations require bold evidence, so put up or shut up.

              And FFS, use the correct term or the TS grammar police will put you on the naughty step.

            • gypsy 3.1.1.1.1.3
              31 May 2022 at 3:59 pm

              if you're referring to the 'all in the family' material, I think the word you're looking for is nepotism (the practice among those with power or influence of favouring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs), not corruption (dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery).

              Mind you, Mahuta has other problems, including "volleys of criticism from New Zealand’s former foreign ministers and diplomats over her perceived inaction" in the Pacific.

              The PM has a problem with Mahuta. It will be interesting to see how she resolves it.

              • Ross …
                31 May 2022 at 5:08 pm

                We define corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.

                Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.
                [and includes]
                politicians misusing public money or granting public jobs or contracts to their sponsors, friends and families,

                Corruption may be criminal but it doesn’t have to be.

                https://www.transparency.org/en/what-is-corruption

            • Peter 3.1.1.1.1.4
              2 June 2022 at 8:01 am

              If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck? Of course it could be a sign a trip to SpecSavers and some place to get a recalibraintion is called for.

      • AB 3.1.2
        31 May 2022 at 1:40 pm

        Some of those certainly. The mistake is in thinking it is meant to add up. It's not. If it blows out the deficit, that's great, you can then point at the deficit in alarm and say "this can't go on, we'll have to sell assets etc." That's the standard right wing playbook, complain about deficits when in opposition, then in government increase them via tax cuts to the rich – and so justify asset sales and austerity for the lower orders.

      • Mike the Lefty 3.1.3
        31 May 2022 at 4:03 pm

        Plus scrapping public transport subsidies, scrapping Auckland light rail and selling off KiwiRail (again).

  4. Bearded Git 4
    31 May 2022 at 10:46 am

    The Nats will sell off state houses while claiming to be building more-that is what Bill English did. They will also stop Labours plans to build more where that is possible.

    That will be a regressive couple of billion a year.

  5. Incognito 5
    31 May 2022 at 12:02 pm

    Micky, I think Clint and you’re being a tad unfair to National. They’ve already signalled they would set up the Razor Squad headed by Bill English and Nicola Willis (in that order) and take Death's Scythe to spending in all government departments and throw all regulations on a huge bonfire – away with the red tape, viva the bluetag! What’s left over will be amalgamated in one giant Super-Ministry called Steve’s Spreadsheet, or SS for short, headed by The Hologram from Epsom.

    BTW, it is Luxon, not Luxton 😊

    • lprent 5.1
      31 May 2022 at 12:34 pm

      🙂 corrected it for him.

    • SPC 5.2
      31 May 2022 at 1:22 pm

      John has raptured, Christopher is Upper Room.

    • Craig H 5.3
      31 May 2022 at 1:35 pm

      Nothing like a good razor gang to gut a department…

    • Chris 5.4
      1 June 2022 at 11:47 am

      luxton, keys and hoskings…none of them deserve to have their names spelled correctly.

      • Incognito 5.4.1
        1 June 2022 at 12:03 pm

        It’s not a matter of deserving (and respect, I guess), it’s to avoid confusion with others with highly similar names and it’s an exercise in constructing rational arguments instead of relying on sneering nicknames by way of marginalising insults – this is DP stuff. I personally find it extremely tempting to go for the lowbrow language in my comments, especially after a few drinks, which is why I never drink & comment (let alone moderate) online – don’t use e-mail either.

    • SPC 6.1
      31 May 2022 at 1:38 pm

      Former National leader Sir John Key told AM the attack ads show the Government is worried.

      "Chris is really right – the cost of living is the biggest issue that Kiwis face and the Government has completely failed on that front," he said.

      Both the current sound-bite, and the former leader John we should chaperone China into a partnership role in the Pacific Key, seem to have a fundamental misunderstanding of the global economic situation (and in Key's case the geo-political one as well) – the UN and World Bank have issued warnings.

      This is just lazy from both of them – presuming the average New Zealander is ignorant of the global inflation issue. It presumably is a manifestation of their obvious contempt for local media, or their trust in hit and run diversion units Herald/ Taxpayer Union/The Platform etc.

      • gypsy 6.1.1
        31 May 2022 at 2:15 pm

        They aren't ignorant or lazy. They are politicians. My cynicism runs deep with them all.

  7. MickeyBoyle 7
    31 May 2022 at 2:18 pm

    Read the replies to Clints tweets. Many prove Clints figures wrong and show that projects like canning Lightrail gives National more than enough cash to pay for their current promises.

    If you want to win next year's election, don't be listening to Clint Smith. The guy is extremely toxic online and will be turning away many potential voters.

    • Incognito 7.1
      31 May 2022 at 2:28 pm

      You’ve missed the point made by Clint and Micky by lightyears (a measure of distance, not of time).

      Let’s see if you can work it out by yourself without help of a teacher.

      • MickeyBoyle 7.1.1
        31 May 2022 at 3:07 pm

        I haven't missed any point. I gave my views on why I don't believe Clint Smith should be listened to and noted that many of his assertions around Nationals figures are frankly bullshit when scrutinized.

        But in any case, I couldn't care less what a moronic twat like you thinks.

        So do one.

        • Incognito 7.1.1.1
          31 May 2022 at 9:50 pm

          What I think of the price of fish is irrelevant.

          What you think is irrelevant – the premise is demonstrably weak, anyway.

          What you argue here matters, however.

          It is not Clint’s job to provide an alternative Budget that has been carefully costed & checked, preferably by an independent trustworthy third-party, so that it can be scrutinised by the public (voters), the media, and experts.

          Clint’s figures were guesstimates or hypotheticals to show the huge information vacuum created by National and National abstaining from its duty as major opposition party, which is just shambolic.

          National has form in showing enormous flaws in its budgets and financial calculations done in simple spreadsheets (or on napkins?). So, we all have a right to see the numbers before they put it to us in a vote in the General Election, not just vague promises and empty slogans.

          That was the point, which you kept missing and missing, over and over again.

          Feel free to link to National’s alternative Budget. I bet you cannot do so and that was the whole point cheeky

          • Ross 7.1.1.1.1
            31 May 2022 at 10:20 pm

            There is fiscal headroom over the term of the coming Parliament, meaning that if elected, the National Party could accommodate additional spending of up to $10.189 billion over the five years to 2024/25 and still be within its overall spending envelope.

            What idiot said that? Judith Collins, perhaps? Maybe Simon Bridges? It must've been that economic clown, Paul Goldsmith? Blow me down with a feather but it was none other than the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (prior to the 2020 General Election). I imagine the NZIER will be undertaking a similar assessment of National's fiscal policies next year. I’m predicting fully costed tax cuts. 🙂

            https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/2009/National_Party_Policy_Costings.pdf

            • Incognito 7.1.1.1.1.1
              1 June 2022 at 8:50 am

              Your trust in National and its buddies at NZIER is endearing.

              In other words, you have nothing either other than a dated and obsolete report from 18 September 2020 based on even older and more outdated data. It may have passed you but things have happened in the world since then.

              … overall spending envelope.

              laugh That’s so funny!

              BTW, I’m not interested at all in National’s “fiscal policies”, which just goes to show that you have no idea what you’re talking about.

              Please stop insulting our intelligence with your unhelpful comments. The Opposition is supposed to offer an alternative, act like a Government-in-waiting. As it stands, they’re a bunch of hopeless hapless amateurs that cannot even cobble together a spreadsheet-based calculation that could even remotely pass as a ‘budget’ for the nation because they have no policy platform yet, i.e. they are trying to build the plane whilst trying to fly it and want you and us to buy it – a lead balloon stays in the air for longer. Even Clint on Twitter did a better job than those wannabee managers of the economy who have not one economically astute MP among them, least of all their figurehead who’s got his head still in the clouds and thinks he’s walking on air.

        • Kiwijoker 7.1.1.2
          1 June 2022 at 7:00 pm

          Spoken like a true decaying boomer Mickey B.

  8. Chris 8
    31 May 2022 at 2:45 pm

    "Hopefully the media will start asking Luxon and Willis the real questions. What is National going to cut to deliver its right wing nirvana of tax cuts and smaller Government?"

    Even if the media did start asking those questions the voting public will still put luxon and national in. All most people see these days is a female prime minister who saw us through Covid, but now we're back on track so it's time to get the real leaders onboard again who can sort the economy out and deal with the many "crises" we seem to be faced with right now. It doesn't matter how much shit comes out of luxon's mouth – people are too stupid to see what's really going on.

    It's a difficult situation to respond to, but what makes things really, really bad is that Labour and the current government have absolutely no clue at all what to do to stop it.

    • MickeyBoyle 8.1
      31 May 2022 at 3:29 pm

      You are right, kiwis believe National are the party of economic management, no matter what history has shown.

      We shouldn't be relying on National to slip up or our "fair and impartial" media to scrutinize them in the hope of showing some flaws in their promises.

      We should be using the majority we have to implement truly transformative policies that benefit kiwis.

      Stop relying on catching National out or hoping for them to implode and start delivering for kiwis so that the only sensible choice they have when standing in that ballot box next year, is a choice of Labour or Greens.

      • Chris 8.1.1
        31 May 2022 at 4:29 pm

        It doesn't help that national's MO is lie, lie, lie and hope some of it will stick. The problem the government has is that a lot of it sticks.

        Again, dealing with this is difficult, but Labour and the government can't be satisfied with its usual mild reply of "no, that's not right because…"

        The response luxon's empty lying rants demand is one that focuses on and exposes the deliberate tactic of not telling the truth. It's the "not telling the truth" that needs to be exposed, and then the truth.

  9. barry 9
    31 May 2022 at 4:21 pm

    So why a series of tweets? Why not a press release saying "Robertson pokes holes in National’s finance policies"? Even the Herald might print it.

    Part of the reason why National is getting so much air time is because they issue about 6 million press releases a week. The media are super lazy and the press releases fill up the paper, and the headlines encourage clicks.

    I know National have time because they have nothing else to do, but it does stick. The content is almost irrelevant. Labour should make time.

  10. James Simpson 10
    31 May 2022 at 4:50 pm

    Agreed 100% ,but I don't think National will be spooking the horses with details of their alternative budget this far out from the election. They will be trying to firm up some of that support.

    I think a lot of this will turn on where we are sitting in 12 months time. If inflation is still in the 5 -10% range their will be a narrative growing around having to all collectively go through some financial pain to get inflation under control. That pain will mean restraining and cutting both government and private expenditure. If National can present that as the only way to deal with inflation then they could present that alternative budget with massive cuts to welfare in particular.

    That type of cut is actually supported by your average Tory.

  11. Binders full of women 11
    31 May 2022 at 6:33 pm

    I'd cut 300mil from Waka transit comms waffle around road to 0, infantile TV ads (as bad as 3 waters). I'd cut the 2bil 3 waters lolly-bribe. I wouldn't cut health.

  12. Patricia Bremner 12
    31 May 2022 at 9:38 pm

    No Binders full of women, you "wouldn't cut health!!!"

    because those cuts would mean more would die and be injured on the roads. The actual "Road Toll"

    more will get ill or die from contaminated water,

    more will die of heart or stroke from worry about huge rate rises, and welfare cuts.

    Luxon has to explain Cause (Action) and Effect (Outcomes) and most of all Reasons

    This Government has based its Budgets on Wellness.

    What and who will gain from Nationals Budget.???? That is the question that is being avoided.

    So what have we got?

    A chorus of "Crime" and "I am scared" from Paula of Meth fame.

    Tax cuts ..again

    We will cut the spending and throw out all their legislation.

    That is not a plan.

  13. georgecom 13
    31 May 2022 at 10:14 pm

    Maybe Luxon might want to get Goldsmith to have a look over the books, his fiscal hole was only $4 billion.

    You might expect National to look at raising GST.

    A sensible way for them to fill their fiscal hole will be a capital gains tax. Like that NZ Rocketeer bloke says, plug the 'rascist' policies which privileges some holders of capital assets and untaxed capital gain.

  14. Mat Simpson 14
    31 May 2022 at 10:57 pm

    " I hope he is right about the media. I have seen some evidence of this but I am surprised there has not been more push back by them. "

    " Hopefully the media will start asking Luxon and Willis the real questions "

    What planet are you on !

    The media is RIGHT WING in case you hadn't noticed and has no intention of asking the hard questions or anything else that might embarrass or put the National leadership under pressure or scrutinise the draconian alternative of Seymour's budget.

    That has been the narrative since Brash's leadership in 2003-05 then the shysters after that for nine years.

    Nothing has changed since their last time in office and their influence and favours in the corporate media remain unchallenged.

    The corporate media will wait patiently for LINO's demise while continuing to push negative headlines like water dripping on a stone.

    Of course National's policies don't add up they don't have to because they know they will never be scrutinised in the MSM.

    • tc 14.1
      1 June 2022 at 8:56 am

      +100 that's not changing so the likes of Davis, Mallard etc need to roll the sleeves up and counter the lies.

      Leaving the BS unchallenged till next year's a mistake IMO

  15. Chris T 15
    1 June 2022 at 1:10 pm

    Have no idea who this Clint Smith dude is, but at some stage after 5 years in power Labour are going to need to realise you can't keep blaming the last lot, when they have had so long to fix their accusations.

    "The last govt did this" after 5 years is getting a bit tedious and looking like whataboutism and frankly just making excuses for a lack of just sorting it out.

    • Incognito 15.1
      1 June 2022 at 6:59 pm

      I have no idea what Post you did read thus your comment here is unhinged and misplaced.

      BTW, has it already been 5 years? Crikey, I may have slept through the alarm …

  16. Peter 16
    2 June 2022 at 8:16 am

    I agree they should move off blaming the other lot and move to a different channel.

    Maybe they'll do that when the other lot and their brain dead supporters STFU about a housing crisis starting out of nowhere in October 2017 and in every utterence acting as that were the case.

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    Auckland Transport have started rolling out new HOP card readers around the network and over the next three months, all of them on buses, at train stations and ferry wharves will be replaced. The change itself is not that remarkable, with the new readers looking similar to what is already ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 day ago

  • 2024 Reading Summary: April (+ Writing Update)
    Completed reads for April: The Difference Engine, by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling Carnival of Saints, by George Herman The Snow Spider, by Jenny Nimmo Emlyn’s Moon, by Jenny Nimmo The Chestnut Soldier, by Jenny Nimmo Death Comes As the End, by Agatha Christie Lord of the Flies, by ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    2 days ago

  • At a glance – Clearing up misconceptions regarding 'hide the decline'
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Road photos
    Have a story to share about St Paul’s, but today just picturesPopular novels written at this desk by a young man who managed to bootstrap himself out of father’s imprisonment and his own young life in a workhouse Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Paula Bennett’s political appointment will challenge public confidence
    The list of former National Party Ministers being given plum and important roles got longer this week with the appointment of former Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett as the chair of Pharmac. The Christopher Luxon-led Government has now made key appointments to Bill English, Simon Bridges, Steven Joyce, Roger Sowry, ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • NZDF is still hostile to oversight
    Newsroom has a story today about National's (fortunately failed) effort to disestablish the newly-created Inspector-General of Defence. The creation of this agency was the key recommendation of the Inquiry into Operation Burnham, and a vital means of restoring credibility and social licence to an agency which had been caught lying ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Winding Back The Hands Of History’s Clock.
    Holding On To The Present: The moment a political movement arises that attacks the whole idea of social progress, and announces its intention to wind back the hands of History’s clock, then democracy, along with its unwritten rules, is in mortal danger.IT’S A COMMONPLACE of political speeches, especially those delivered in ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Sweet Moderation? What Christopher Luxon Could Learn From The Germans.
    Stuck In The Middle With You: As Christopher Luxon feels the hot breath of Act’s and NZ First’s extremists on the back of his neck and, as he reckons with the damage their policies are already inflicting upon a country he’s described as “fragile”, is there not some merit in reaching out ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • A clear warning
    The unpopular coalition government is currently rushing to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. The clause is Oranga Tamariki's Treaty clause, and was inserted after its systematic stealing of Māori children became a public scandal and resulted in physical resistance to further abductions. The clause created clear obligations ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • Poll results and Waitangi Tribunal report go unmentioned on the Beehive website – where racing tru...
    Buzz  from the Beehive The government’s official website – which Point of Order monitors daily – not for the first time has nothing much to say today about political happenings that are grabbing media headlines. It makes no mention of the latest 1News-Verian poll, for example.  This shows National down ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Listening To The Traffic.
    It Takes A Train To Cry: Surely, there is nothing lonelier in all this world than the long wail of a distant steam locomotive on a cold Winter’s night.AS A CHILD, I would lie awake in my grandfather’s house and listen to the traffic. The big wooden house was only a ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Comity Be Damned! The State’s Legislative Arm Is Flexing Its Constitutional Muscles.
    Packing A Punch: The election of the present government, including in its ranks politicians dedicated to reasserting the rights of the legislature in shaping and determining the future of Māori and Pakeha in New Zealand, should have alerted the judiciary – including its anomalous appendage, the Waitangi Tribunal – that its ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Ending The Quest.
    Dead Woman Walking: New Zealand’s media industry had been moving steadily towards disaster for all the years Melissa Lee had been National’s media and communications policy spokesperson, and yet, when the crisis finally broke, on her watch, she had nothing intelligent to offer. Christopher Luxon is a patient man - but he’s not ...
    Bowalley Road
    2 days ago

  • Will political polarisation intensify to the point where ‘normal’ government becomes impossible,...
    Chris Trotter writes –  New Zealand politics is remarkably easy-going: dangerously so, one might even say. With the notable exception of John Key’s flat ruling-out of the NZ First Party in 2008, all parties capable of clearing MMP’s five-percent threshold, or winning one or more electorate seats, tend ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, April 30
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:30am on Tuesday, May 30:Scoop: NZ 'close to the tipping point' of measles epidemic, health experts warn NZ Herald Benjamin PlummerHealth: 'Absurd and totally unacceptable': Man has to wait a year for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Bryce Edwards writes – Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Worst poll result for a new Government in MMP history
    Luxon will no doubt put a brave face on it, but there is no escaping the pressure this latest poll will put on him and the government. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • Pinning down climate change's role in extreme weather
    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler In the wake of any unusual weather event, someone inevitably asks, “Did climate change cause this?” In the most literal sense, that answer is almost always no. Climate change is never the sole cause of hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, or ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Serving at Seymour's pleasure.
    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – 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 ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    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
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