National’s PR support springs into action

Written By: - Date published: 8:19 am, September 2nd, 2022 - 52 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, grant robertson, Hannah Tamaki, national, nicola willis, same old national - Tags:

Nine days ago Christopher Luxon refused to rule out going into coalition with Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church after the next election.

This should have been a really simple response for a politician to make.  Like do you approve the mass murder of kittens or the clubbing to death of baby seals?  It should have been a simple no.  But somehow Christopher Luxon failed to say this.

The calculations that must have gone on in his head would have been along the line of National needs every single vote it can get even from people who have been deluded by the Tamakis and you never know, they may sneak an MP or two.  So let’s not rule anything out and hope to at least get their party votes.

Nine days ago instead of saying no way no how he said that it was too early to tell.  If somehow “Bishop” Tamaki gets enough support Luxon would be willing to sell his soul to the Bishop for power.

On Wednesday Grant Robertson let National have both barrels in Parliament.

His concluding remarks must have really hit a nerve.  From Hansard:

Now, everybody in the House knows that I enjoy taking the mickey out of a National Party leader that makes a colossal cock-up like this, who shows their inexperience. But I actually want to say something serious to Mr Luxon: doing what he has done gives legitimacy to the most extreme views in our community. Doing what Mr Luxon has done gives confidence to those who have threatened and harassed our health care workers, our journalists, many politicians in this House, and citizens around New Zealand. What Mr Luxon has done, by failing to rule out Brian Tamaki, undermines the inclusive and accepting society that I would have hoped he would have been part of.

Now, it’s probably in the Labour Party’s interest for Christopher Luxon to go on deciding that he does not want to rule out Brian Tamaki. I am pleading with Mr Luxon to do the right thing. Do not say to young, gay New Zealanders that they don’t matter. Do not say to the women of New Zealand that they don’t have a place in leadership. Because, Mr Luxon, you will be judged by the company you keep. You have a chance and you have an opportunity to stand up for New Zealanders’ values. Do the right thing, Mr Luxon, rule out working with Brian Tamaki, or else New Zealanders will continue to believe you stand for extremism, you stand for bigotry. Rule out Brian Tamaki.

National’s leader in waiting Nicola Willis showed what she thought by talking about “the rantings of a crazy pastor who no one wants to engage with”.

This must have gone down really badly in focus group land, which has a turn around of no less than seven days because yesterday National’s head of media relations, also known as Mike Hosking, delivered up as gentle and as scripted a response as you can imagine.

From Newstalk ZB:

National will not be going into coalition with Brian Tamaki’s new umbrella party should it need a majority to rule in next year’s general election.

Christopher Luxon this morning unequivocally ruled out engaging with the fledgling Freedoms NZ coalition party that was announced in a mass demonstration on Parliament grounds last week.

He told Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking that as a new leader in a beltway game of ruling parties in and out he was not going to be presumptuous and talk about coalition arrangements when there was still a lot of work to do in the National Party.

But to rule out any speculation that National would be interested in speaking with the anti-Government faction he ruled a line in the sand.

“What I’ve tried to say consistently is that I’ve got nothing in common with Tamaki. I think they’re crazy, I don’t think they’re serious, I don’t think they’re going to make it and you saw that coalition fall apart if you read between the lines.

“If it helps Mike, I’m very happy to give you a Mike Hosking exclusive that I’ll certainly rule out Tamaki and never work with him.”

It makes you wonder why Luxon had to go away for eight days before stating what should have been obvious.  And his acknowledgment that he had tried to say consistently that he has nothing in common with Tamaki but had actually failed to say that he had nothing in common with Tamaki for over a week is really, really weird.  I mean it is not hard.  Prospective Prime Ministers should be able to communicate clearly.

Nine days ago Luxon said that it was “way too early to talk about [going into coalition with Tamaki’s grouping] or speculate about it”.  Now he is saying that he has nothing in common with Tamaki and thinks that Tamaki is crazy and will rule out working with him.

There is wriggle room.  What if this grand coalition of weird views gets enough votes to get into Parliament and then as a negotiation point disregard Tamaki as leader and go with Sue Gray instead?  Will Luxon negotiate with her?

And Tamaki has announced that he is not going to stand for Parliament.  Will National rule out working with the Voices for Freedom/Destiny Church coalition in whatever form it takes?  Stand by for the next seven days as further focus groups results are collated.

52 comments on “National’s PR support springs into action ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. PsyclingLeft.Always 1
    2 September 2022 at 8:55 am

    Like do you approve the mass murder of kittens or the clubbing to death of baby seals?

    Well…to anyone decent with a moral compass. Pretty much precludes the dirty politics set ….and NACT. Their (maybe?) conflicted minds….

    cute kittens..baby seals…..hmmm ah how many votes…for murder/clubbing ? As against ?

  2. James Simpson 2
    2 September 2022 at 9:19 am

    I don't see much difference with this and neither National nor Labor ever ruling out going into coalition with the most bigoted and racist party in New Zealand – NZ First.

    • alwyn 2.1
      2 September 2022 at 11:51 am

      I asked Grant Robertson, who happens to be the MP in the electorate where I live, before the 2020 election whether Labour would go into a coalition with Vision New Zealand if they were required in order to get a majority.

      He told me that he refused to answer such hypothetical questions. I wasn't actually sure if he knew who Vision New Zealand were.

      • Incognito 2.1.1
        2 September 2022 at 12:19 pm

        You made that up, didn’t you? When did you ask, do you have witnesses, links, proof?

        • Nic the NZer 2.1.1.1
          2 September 2022 at 12:37 pm

          Even in alwyns imagination Grant has way more natural political nouse for avoiding scandal than Chris.

        • alwyn 2.1.1.2
          2 September 2022 at 12:41 pm

          No. It was simply at a social event long before the campaign had actually started. It was probably in mid-July 2020. He may have forgotten who they were and that they had been rejected much earlier by National and Labour so that he just tossed out a standard dismissive response but he did say it. Alternatively he might just have been getting nervous about how the election might go.

          And no, I don't have any proof, or witnesses. Do you have witnesses for everything anybody might have said to you?

          I understand that people like the US President never talk to anyone outside their immediate staff without having witnesses to the conversation but I don't really have to be that cautious, or paranoid, do I?

          • Incognito 2.1.1.2.1
            2 September 2022 at 12:56 pm

            In that case, both of you were very poorly informed because Jacinda Arden had ruled out working with the Vision New Zealand Party in Dec 2019.

            https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/12/jacinda-ardern-simon-bridges-rule-out-working-with-hannah-tamaki-s-vision-nz.html

            If it did really happen, and not just in your imagination, I’d like to think that Robertson was being polite to you and didn’t real hear or understand your silly question. I assume it was a very busy social event.

            • Nic the NZer 2.1.1.2.1.1
              2 September 2022 at 1:09 pm

              The conscious mind later will fill in the details to generate a coherent narrative of the dream. If Grant had answered in the affirmative Alwyn was ready to rip off his shirt, showing his Vision NZ t-shirt, and publicise the newly formed political alliance.

              Fortunately Grant guessed he was being hallucinated in the immagination of a Vision NZ supporter and skirted the issue.

            • alwyn 2.1.1.2.1.2
              2 September 2022 at 2:52 pm

              " Jacinda Arden had ruled out working with the Vision New Zealand Party in Dec 2019."

              Well yes, I know that that had happened although I don't remember who it was that said that. Didn't you read what I said? I stated that "He may have forgotten who they were and that they had been rejected much earlier by National and Labour". I don't see how you can turn that into saying that I was poorly informed and I only offered it as a possibility for Grant? If I could mention it here then clearly I know it had been dismissed by the Labour Party.

              Perhaps you should read what I say a little more carefully in future before you proceed to traduce me.

              And yes it did happen. Making quotes up was (is?) a standard habit of Labour MPs but I don't indulge. Do you not remember the phantom quote from Phil Goff about a supposed statement by Don Brash that the ban on nuclear ships would be removed? That was something that both Don Brash, and two US Senators present, denied that it had ever been said? Or Trevor Mallard proposing that he had heard a remark, with his deaf ear, that would have been mildly insulting about the PM? No one else ever heard it and I understand that there was nothing like it on the tapes recording the proceedings in the House.

              But that was MPs playing their peculiar political games. I am not one and I don't play at their games.

              • Incognito …
                2 September 2022 at 3:31 pm

                If you knew the answer at the time then why did you even ask the question to Robertson? Sounds like wasting time and squandering a good opportunity, which is a bit like what you do here on this forum.

                Whatever you say is mostly innuendo, smear, and imagination, but very light on facts & links.

                For those reasons I cannot take your word for it and anything you say unless you can back it up. I think you like to play games here but few like to play with you.

                Not sure what you were going on about with Brash and US Senators and all that but I’m sure it made sense to you when you wrote it.

                You sound like the perfect candidate for one of National’s Focus Groups: one foot in a rabbit hole and the other dipping a toe in reality.

      • Jack 2.1.2
        2 September 2022 at 12:37 pm

        As far as I’m aware Robbo hasn’t categorically ruled out that Labour would consider going in to coalition with the Monster Raving Loony party if need to form the next Government. Unless of course anyone can refute that premise based on any links, proof, press or eye witness statements.

    • higherstandard 2.2
      2 September 2022 at 12:14 pm

      How is NZ first bigoted and racist ?

      While I know this will go down like a cup of cold sick…. why would you not apply the same lens to Te Pāti Māori ?

  3. Incognito 3
    2 September 2022 at 9:19 am

    The Focus Group results hadn’t filtered down to Nicola Willis (or Mike Hosking) yet on Tuesday because she was as reluctant and evasive as Luxon not to rule out working with Brian Tamaki: https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-30-08-2022/#comment-1908156 (about 7:50 min into the interview). National needs better Focus Groups!

    • Peter Kelly 3.1
      2 September 2022 at 9:25 am

      Or maybe National need a moral compass that registers more than just the pursuit of power.

      • Incognito 3.1.1
        2 September 2022 at 9:36 am

        Nah, it’s [in] their DNA.

      • newsense 3.1.2
        2 September 2022 at 5:52 pm

        It’s a lack of political instinct, while in trainer wheels. Possibly will never be there as strongly as someone who meets a lot of constituents, does donkey work for conference etc etc.

        Possibly it’s the North American faith based politics and a slight variance of opinion to them.l.

        It’s important to remember that Luxon did do some politicisation of the protest, for which even the Herald ticked him off.

        Again the right in the US is so batshit crazy and the internet is so open that it’s hard to know what effect that might have, but any confident political tea reader wouldn’t have had to wait.

        A politician who rules out parties appears strong, a major determiner in how we view political competence. So imo ruling out Tamaki immediately would have shown the greater desire for power.
        Edit: sorry mods looks like I’ve messed up my email or something there

        [fixed e-mail address]

  4. KJT 4
    2 September 2022 at 9:40 am

    "Nothing in common with Tamaki"?

    It is funny how religious fruitcakes, like these fellow “prosperity Gospel” evangelists, deny being the same as the other religious fruitcake.

  5. Ad 5
    2 September 2022 at 9:53 am

    Any time Ardern wants to sully her fingers and join in on The Standard or indeed The DailyBlog I'm sure she'd be welcome.

    She won't win without bringing her base.

    Or she could just leave ZB to itself.

    • Anne 5.1
      2 September 2022 at 10:16 am

      I left my message for Jacinda Ardern and co. on yestereday's TS to the effect:.

      drop the pc language and start calling a spade a spade. When the NActs and their media poodles play foul (as they did over the so-called tax debacle) stand up and call them out on it – no holds barred. And do it up-front outside of the debating chamber.

      That's the only language many NZers understand which is something the Nats recognised long ago, while Labour still skirt around the nitty gritty by adopting corporate speak. It doesn't work any more Labour.

    • Patricia Bremner 5.2
      2 September 2022 at 11:06 am

      Sully her fingers.

      Get down dirty like the National Party?

      Stop being dignified?

      Stop applying the rules?

      Oh, be like them?

      Your comment implies the PM is "playing at being a lady" Ad.

      She can't change into a bigoted man to soothe your anxiety.

      Let us all recognise “Dirty Politics” and as Robertson did, call out actions and their hidden message.

      Our PM is consistent. One wee job given to Parker and he badly muffed it as he lives in his head, and does not have cut through.

      The pebbles cause ripples, so we must aim more carefully than Parker did.

      • Ad 5.2.1
        2 September 2022 at 11:27 am

        Ardern is a set-piece wonder.

        If you think she's winning, just relax and do nothing.

        • Patricia Bremner 5.2.1.1
          2 September 2022 at 3:53 pm

          Feck off!! I donate, support, and promote. You pull people down!!

          You behave like a half cup full of misery.

        • Anne 5.2.1.2
          2 September 2022 at 7:14 pm

          Plenty of us front up and criticise Labour if we think it is warranted but we do so in the hope of a positive outcome. But with you Ad it is always negative, presumptuous and often prompted by plain nastiness.

          • Patricia Bremner 5.2.1.2.1
            2 September 2022 at 10:03 pm

            I agree Anne. I admit I lost it!! If he made one positive suggestion….

            Jacinda Ardern "A set piece" Wow what that reveals about him.

            We do have a fight on our hands this time, but many remember Key and the empty businesses, jobless people wearing backpacks as they walked to Polytechs to learn to write CVs.

            The cruel repetitive interviews, the shrinking of all benefits to the "jobseeker".. dying or not.

            The endless lies and the so called Rock star economy, where the rich set up shonky trusts to dodge taxes, joined in the Fire Sales of Public Property and the poor got 50c an hour increase once a year, if you were not in the 8% unemployed.

            A place where stats were massaged and politicians had side hustles, and the PM could fondle a young girl's hair with impunity.

            It was great for the wealthy, and they want that back.

            The rest of us are bottom feeders.

            We do not need a poor copy of Key.

          • PsyclingLeft.Always 5.2.1.2.2
            3 September 2022 at 8:39 am

            With you, Anne and PB.

  6. AB 6
    2 September 2022 at 1:15 pm

    Has Tamaki also ruled out Luxon? Or do extreme right wing Christian fundamentalists all regard each other as devil's spawn heretics?

  7. Peter 7
    2 September 2022 at 4:34 pm

    You know how this would have been spun if some boots were on some other feet.

    Tamaki and his motley mob are all for 'freedoms and rights' and 'freedom and choice.' It's like those words and notions have been tithed to them.

    Imagine Labour coming out as National have done this week about Tamaki and there was nothing else on the attack agenda for the week. What would we have? You know it, in the headlines "Labour against freedoms and rights!" and "Labour wants nothing of freedom and choice."

    • Mike the Lefty 7.1
      2 September 2022 at 5:41 pm

      Tamaki and his mob don't know what freedom and rights really mean.

      They fail to grasp the fact that with freedom and rights comes responsibilities.

      Somehow that bit always seems to elude them.

      If you think you deserve freedom and rights you have to show that you can use them wisely.

      Tamaki and his mob haven't done that, and to date their behaviour suggests that they never will.
      As for Hosking – he is just an egotistic tosser.

  8. Shanreagh 8
    3 September 2022 at 4:21 pm

    I feel as much as the focus groups there will have been a consultation with the pastor of Luxon's higher power/room at the top/table at the top (whatever it is called) church. I have a feeling that a party espousing any sort of biblical view would not be put aside or turned away lightly.

    Powerful & statesman-like words from Grant Robertson.

  9. Mat Simpson 9
    3 September 2022 at 7:35 pm

    " This should have been a really simple response for a politician to make. Like do you approve the mass murder of kittens or the clubbing to death of baby seals?

    We all know you get so carried away with these posts but do you have to lower yourself to make these kinds of statements to try and maker your point which without that reference we already got.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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 week 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 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T21:05:13+00:00