Nats’ policy top 10, what’s missing?
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8:50 am, August 6th, 2008 - 24 comments
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Here’s the top 10 policy priorities that John Key bullet-pointed at the conference on Sunday. See if you can spot what’s missing:
1. Tax cuts. (for the rich)
2. Disciplined Government spending. (while borrowing huge amounts for unspecified government spending)
3. Stop growth of public service. (except Nats’ promises already require about 1000 more public servants)
4. Attack on criminal gangs and “P”. (but no extra money for Police, hmm, magic?)
5. Reform the Resource Management Act. (degrade a piece of legislation world renowned for its focus on sustainability and community input)
6. Greater use of of private sector. (taxpayers paying private sector profits)
7. Raise standards in education. (well, create National standards, increasing bureaucracy but no extra funding for actual teaching)
8. Retain super entitlements and adjustments. (note, super payments at 66% of the average income are actually currently above the legislated entitlement of 65%, will National drop back to 65%)
9. Reform Electoral Finance Act. (allow secret trusts and anonymous donations again)
10. Binding referendum on MMP. (attempt to return to a less proportional system)
That’s right, there’s nothing on raising wages, nothing on closing the wage gap with Australia, nothing on health, nothing on climate change.
Two issues matter every day to Kiwis: earning enough to maintain a decent standard of living and the health of their families. All they get from National is a shrug of the shoulders. As a society, we face no greater threat than climate change (and its twin, peak oil). Again, National has nothing.
It seems all National does have are secret plans to privatise assets and cut back on public services.
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Yesterday the Government passed cruel legislation through first reading to establish a new beneficiary sanction regime that will ultimately mean more households cannot afford the basic essentials. ...1 week ago
- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
Today, the Green Party of Aotearoa proudly unveils its new Emissions Reduction Plan–He Ara Anamata–a blueprint reimagining our collective future. ...2 weeks ago
- Be wise around water this summer
Kiwis planning a swim or heading out on a boat this summer should remember to stop and think about water safety, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop and ACC and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “New Zealand’s beaches, lakes and rivers are some of the most beautiful in the ...9 hours ago - Drive safely this summer
The Government is urging Kiwis to drive safely this summer and reminding motorists that Police will be out in force to enforce the road rules, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“This time of year can be stressful and result in poor decision-making on our roads. Whether you are travelling to see ...9 hours ago
- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...1 day ago
- PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...3 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...3 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...3 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...3 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...3 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...4 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...4 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...4 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...4 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...4 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
Police Minister, Mark Mitchell, and Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, today launched a further Public Safety Network cellular service that alongside last year’s Cellular Roaming roll-out, puts globally-leading cellular communications capability into the hands of our emergency responders. The Public Safety Network’s new Cellular Priority service means Police, Wellington ...4 days ago
- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
Legislation that will repeal all advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays has passed through first reading in Parliament today, Media Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “As a growing share of audiences get their news and entertainment from streaming services, these restrictions have become increasingly redundant. New Zealand on ...5 days ago
- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...5 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...5 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...5 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...5 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...5 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...5 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...5 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...5 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is proud to announce the first three recipients of the Government’s $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund which will enable more Kiwis faster access to mental health and addiction support. “This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in ...5 days ago
- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...6 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
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- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...6 days ago
- Church Bioethics Agencies Express Dismay at the Rushed Consultation Period for Submissions on the Ge...
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The agreement seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. ...4 hours ago
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Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Monday 23 December appeared first on Newsroom. ...15 hours ago
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You mean, SP’s top 10 list.
Policy is still to come.
“Reform the Resource Management Act. (degrade a piece of legislation world renowned for its focus on sustainability and community input)”
This just makes you look stupid.
Captcha: resumed pie mmmmmmm pie
no, top 10 list from National conference, printed in the hearld.
RMA is a piece of legislation world renowned for its focus on sustainability and community input.. foreign policymakers come to learn about it.
10. Binding referendum on MMP.
Because as Lockwood says: “under MMP it’s very hard to win.” Shouldn’t that be – “under MMP it’s very hard for National to win”?
“9. Reform Electoral Finance Act. (allow secret trusts and anonymous donations again)”
This is what your own goons still allow you egg..
Tax cuts for the rich? It might be helpful if you define ‘rich’, because there are a lot of middle class people who are aching for a tax cut and probably don’t consider themselves rich. So what are we talking here as regards rich – combined household income of 100k plus or what?
I think its obvious to all voters now, that National indeed has a secret agenda to be unveiled on attaining government only, the only question really is, “what will be on the agenda?”
10 Likely “post-election” Policies.
#1. Absolute capping of health and education funding.
#2. Scrapping the modern aprenticeship scheme
#3. Hiking student fees to cover the “interest free” aspect.
#4. Re-introduction of Bulk Funding into the education system.
#5. Reducing the ability of communities to oppose development that goes against their interests.
#6. No increases in the minimum wage whilst in office.
#7. Continuing with WFF – but capping funding at current levels, removing the legal requirement that it be topped up every year.
#8. Force-down wages in attempt to attract foreign investment, presenting New Zealand as “the Profitable Partner”.
#9. Removing government owned enterprises from the eye of public scrutiny by partially selling off, as part of a PPP arrangement, and then citing commercial confindentiality as a clause to withhold information it currently demands that Labour unduely restricts.
#10. Selling Kiwibank, New Zealand Post, and Meridian Energy in a second term.
“allow secret trusts and anonymous donations again” – the only party with really secret trusts (secret from their own members) and undisclosed donations are currently in government and voted for the EFA.
“I did not have financial relations with that man”
“I did not have financial relations with that man’
Gold.
“1. Tax cuts. (for the rich)”
Who else is going to get them? The poor? How can those who don’t even pay tax get a tax cut?
And we are all aware where the “rich” point is for the rich-prick haters. $60,000 per annum – the level that the 39% envy tax was nailed back at day dot.
Absolutely pathetic.
Yeah, what happened to helping out with this underclass, fixing it so we never have another power crisis, stopping tagging and all that?
Makes you think that they were just saying those things for effect or something…
I like the idea of allowing ‘special projects’ in the RMA – why not create an instrument that’s as vulnerable to corruption as possible, allowing some minister’s mates to get their project through without the pesky ‘punters’ having their say…
Jeez vto, you’re looking a bit angry there. You came here to try and test your ideas, and maybe learn a bit. Seems you’re just becoming bitter and cynical. Maybe take a few weeks oiff or you’ll be unbearable closer to the election.
I’m not sure who al theez Rich-Prik Hayterz r but 60-k getz a gud deal wif Labrz tax kutz. Al luv theyr, vee-to, peece
The RMA needs work. As does the Local Government Act. Try building a house on a piece of land that you own, in which everything complies with height ot boundary and site coverage etc, and yet the conent process takes 8 months without justification (noting that they advertise 20 working days). But don’t worry, after these tremendous holdimng costs, you must pay a development Levy! Bastards.
Remember Labours definition of a rich person is someone who earns a mere 60K!. But with no income splitting, that can be a households income – rich prick!.
Raise standards in education – maybe introduce standards, because they dont seem to currently exist.
MMP referendum – a welcome departure from the Labour mantra of not caring what the public think. God forbid we actually have a say! God forbid Helen not be the decision maker for us all!
Putting aside my cynicism and snide remarks, I have to agree with MP re the potential for serious problems with proposed chages to the RMA. This is one area where I will be seriously interested in the detail. What ‘special projects’ are etc … hmmm
Lynn: not sure if anyone else is getting this but the comment editing function seems to have gone, or is very erratic (usually fails to load comment, or if so, fails to save it).
Noted Mr Pilott. My points have tended that way recently. Partly due to the ridiculous partisan nature of blog posts, partly due to other factors. Sometimes the partisanship is so heavy that to me it appears that nothing more than a snide angry dig is deserved. Will try to keep me brain cogs turning smoothly..
vto. secret trusts are banned under the EFA as are large anonymous donations. Key said he thinks restoring them would be ok.
vto. secret trusts are banned under the EFA as are large anonymous donations. Key said he thinks restoring them would be ok.
have you got a source on that steve? maybe he just thinks that doing what you (apparently) did on sunday was ok
not sure if anyone else is getting this
ditto (last night).
I do think the EFA isn’t perfect and does need some work, but I really like the intentions of it and it will become much better once people involved in politics actually start understanding it (I’ve spoken to both National and Labour supporters in the last week or so who have both had a flimsy grasp on the detail of it).
So how does Mr Keys’ Top 10 help the “underclass”?
Or should we just ask Bill, he seems to be running the show anyway…
djp: the Electoral Commission’s summary is pretty good:
http://www.elections.org.nz/rules/ec-media-electfinbill-191107.html
SP – on the EFA read the speech properly. Key says that he will retain current measures around transparency for donors. See
“Let me also say, National will retain the measures in the current Act which provide greater transparency in political donations.”
http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=28318
Will you be editing your post and comments to reflect this? I somewhat doubt it because of the ‘hit and run’ tactics you guys normally apply
read his speech. On mornng report a few weeks ago (I wrote a piece on it, can’t find it just now), Key said they would reform the EFA and said he didn’t think anonymous donations and secret trusts are an issue. In fact, repeatedly asked about them he refused to say he would keep the current restrictions in place.
So, we’ve got two contradictory statements from Key within a couple of weeks. Which should I take as authoritive? Moreover, why should I have to choose, since when was it too much to ask for some basic consistency?
djp. It was on Morning Report July 23rd but is no longer online… I referenced it in this http://www.thestandard.org.nz/?p=2567 piece but when I wrote that piece it wasn’t online yet and they only keep things online for 7 days.
I don’t remember an envy tax, think it was more a ‘we need more money to pay for the damage National did to the ‘X’ system, and increase numbers of teachers/doctors/nurses’ etc..
Anyhoo ‘rich’ is 80,000 as of October…