Open mike 05/07/2015

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 5th, 2015 - 49 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose. The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

49 comments on “Open mike 05/07/2015 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Paul 1
    5 July 2015 at 7:29 am

    Just another piece of evidence to show how bad the supermarket duopoly is.
    We are being literally and metaphorically being milked.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11475457

  2. les 2
    5 July 2015 at 8:36 am

    would blame Fonterra for this.International mkt price down,rinse old faithful domestic consumer.p.s and lay off a few hundred workers…whats the big cheese salary band again?

  3. Morrissey 3
    5 July 2015 at 8:56 am

    “Well look this is a tinder-dry area and extraordinarily, errr, ancestral in nature.”
    Winston Peters’ fatuous comments about Gaza
    Native Affairs, Māori Television, Monday 29 June 2015

    Last Monday night, Māori Television’s normally excellent Native Affairs programme did what the other channels here have lacked the courage and the conscience to do: it invited people on to talk about the latest incident of Israeli piracy in international waters.

    It was a promising idea—the programme was, after all, fronted by the excellent Mihingarangi Forbes. Unfortunately, however, after a brief introductory discussion with Kia Ora Gaza’s Roger Fowler, it was all down-hill. The other guests were all politicians, most of whom did not seem more than vaguely familiar with the situation in Gaza. Even the best of the four on offer, Greens co-leader Metiria Turei, resolutely steered away from mentioning that the blockade was illegal.

    Māori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell and Labour’s Nanaia Mahuta made some comments supportive of the peace protestors, but neither of them seemed to have much knowledge of the situation.

    At the 6:38 mark, it was the turn of the New Zealand First leader to demonstrate the depth and seriousness of his research into the matter at hand. Unfortunately, he doesn’t seem to have read anything, let alone given it more than a passing thought….

    MIHINGARANGI FORBES: Winston, should New Zealand recognize Palestine as an independent state? Currently around a hundred and thirty-five U.N. countries do; we don’t.

    WINSTON PETERS: Well look this is a tinder-dry area and it’s extraordinarily, errr, ancestral in nature. Uh, there ARE people working on a long-term solution, errr, that wi- would be acceptable to both sides, but in the middle of it has come this event, for which none of us is seriously briefed, and, ahh, I’m not going to jump into an argument without knowing the details on both sides, but this will not be, would not resolve THIS matter. Ahh, there ARE people trying to get past the present impasse that’s gone on now for decades, and trying to bring it to a resolution, and that’s what we in New Zealand First and I believe, indeed, the Government supports.

    After that grim exercise in saying nothing, it was turn of the Labour Party representative. She was almost as mealy-mouthed and vague as Peters….

    NANAIA MAHUTA: Well New Zealand’s long played a role in international peace-keeping and also, ah, supporting humanitarian aid, ah so that’s an important role that we have to continue on the Security Council. On the particular, though, it’s the — the first priority though must go to those who have been detained, and in particular, those New Zealanders who are over there. Ah, and I’m sure that the Government will have eyes on this particular situation. It IS a tinderbox, so we’re going into a live area. It is a sensitive situation, it will require negotiation. But we cannot get away from the fact that an independent Palestinian state, which Labour HAS supported, I think we first voiced it in 2005, is a matter of negotiation, and it will require, uh, an ongoing effort to look for a solution there in Gaza. …..

    http://www.maoritelevision.com/news/national/native-affairs-political-panel-pt1-gaza?utm_source=brightcove&utm_medium=button&utm_campaign=share%20this%20video

  4. Morrissey 4
    5 July 2015 at 9:24 am

    Holocaust survivors condemn Israel for Gaza massacre, call for boycott

    In response to Elie Wiesel’s bizarre advertisement comparing Hamas to Nazis, 327 Jewish Holocaust survivors and descendants published a New York Times ad accusing Israel of ‘ongoing massacre of the Palestinian people.’

    http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.612072

    When Elie Wiesel spoke at Saint Louis University on December 1, 2009, three women challenged him to break his silence about Gaza and to travel with them on the Gaza Freedom March to see for himself the devastation caused by Israel’s Operation Cast Lead in December 2008 and the ongoing siege.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4wkR1IUUE8

    Five years later, and the old hypocrite has still not gone to Gaza.

  5. AmaKiwi 5
    5 July 2015 at 9:48 am

    It’s time to put some cold, hard cash under the mattress.

    In the 2008-09 financial meltdown there was a deadly serious danger NZ banks would freeze up. We borrow heavily. Two-thirds of the money we borrow comes from outside the country. If NZ banks can’t borrow, they can’t pay us. Funds frozen!

    Let’s assume last week’s 30% crash in Chinese shares and/or the Greek Euro crisis equals a 5% probability international finance markets will seize up, blocking your unfettered access to your bank accounts.

    If the risk is 5%, NZ banks should be paying you at least 7% or 8% interest to risk leaving your money with them. They don’t.

    It’s called risk/reward ratio. Today your risk is hugely greater than the possible reward.

    The logical thing is to withdraw your money as cash . . . . NOW.

    • Lanthanide 5.1
      5 July 2015 at 12:13 pm

      So on the basis of a 5% number you just made up, we should take our money out of the banks?

      What if the chances of this happening is now 0.1%, and previously was 0.01%.

      Then the 3-4% interest the banks are paying is still reasonable reward for the risk, correct?

    • Draco T Bastard 5.2
      5 July 2015 at 3:11 pm

      NZ banks can always borrow from the RBNZ as the Lender of Last Resort. The problem Greece has is that the ECB is no longer loaning to Greek banks so as to punish the Greeks for what the private banks in Germany and elsewhere did.

      • mikesh 5.2.1
        5 July 2015 at 4:01 pm

        “the ECB is no longer loaning to Greek banks so as to punish the Greeks for what the private banks in Germany and elsewhere did.”

        And also for having the temerity to elect a left wing government.

  6. FAB Mouse 6
    5 July 2015 at 10:43 am

    Joyce on “The Nation” said something like “Dairy is not that big, its 5% … Kiwifruit is 2%”. Paddy tried to say its 20% but Joyce stuck to his 5%. Should Paddy have clarified what it was a percentage of?
    Joyce doesn’t appear to be comparing apples with apples as Dairy is approx $11 billion and Kiwifruit about $1 billion (from a very quick google search). Has Kiwifruit increased recently to $4 billion? Why didn’t Joyce just say Kiwifruit is 30% of GDP (and leave out that that figure is for the Bay of Plenty)? Who would challenge him?

    • AmaKiwi 6.1
      5 July 2015 at 11:37 am

      “Who would challenge him?”

      Not the MSM. Spineless, useless, entertainment for profit.

      The entire Washington Press Corps knew Ronald Regan did not have a functioning brain. Questions for his “press conferences” were submitted 24 hours in advance. They were numbered and the “lucky” reporters whose questions had been chosen for an answer were told which number their question would be and told it must be asked precisely as it was submitted. There were never follow-up questions. Then Regan read the answers from a teleprompter.

      20 years later we were told Ronnie is dead. Died of Alzheimers.

      He had Alzheimers when he was POTUS and NO ONE said a word. They didn’t want to be tossed out of Washington for telling the truth that everyone in Washington already knew!

      The so-called “most powerful man in the world” was brain dead!

      John Campbell was lethal because he asked the questions by showing examples, not by confronting ministers head-on.

      • greywarshark 6.1.1
        5 July 2015 at 1:54 pm

        Amakiwi
        Have you a link to that piece on Ronald Reagan’s head. It always seemed to be that he was a good one liner, or joker, and indeed there is a recurring photo with him and a lot of suits falling about in high glee, or for a photo shoot! That seemed to be his main pulling power.

        • AmaKiwi 6.1.1.1
          5 July 2015 at 10:23 pm

          “In August 1994, at the age of 83, Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,[289] an incurable neurological disorder which destroys brain cells and ultimately causes death.[289][290] In November, he informed the nation through a handwritten letter.”

          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan#Alzheimer.27s_disease

          Any critical biography of Reagen will cite numerous examples of his diminished mental capacity which became obvious during his second term.

    • b waghorn 6.2
      5 July 2015 at 12:15 pm

      Dairy is 20% of exports and 5% of GDP is how I understood it.
      The interesting thing I noted is the “don’t talk it down” meme ,Paul Henry was chucking that line about last week , he obviously had been handed his instructions on what to say. just in case we needed more proof of his being a PR man for national.

  7. greywarshark 7
    5 July 2015 at 12:48 pm

    User-pays for burial costs in Auckland must go up to match the contractors costs. Some well spoken woman explains this in a TINA tone. This should be a service that is subsidised if necessary. When you view it objectively, user cannot pay, and if the family and connections have little money how are they to manage? Cold hearted, money-mad Auckland council. The pits of NZ.

    2009 costs went up.
    (Note the unsuitable council department making cemetery policy!)
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/central-leader/2333960/Burial-costs-going-up
    The Auckland City Council’s arts, culture and recreation committee voted last Wednesday to raise the charges over the 2009/2010financial year.
    The three council cemeteries are Hillsborough, Waikaraka and Otahuhu.
    An adult plot now costs $1027, with another $507 in digging fees.
    With the increase, the total cost will go up to $1917.
    There are also other costs to take into account when burying loved ones.
    Being buried on a Saturday can already add $195 to $377, a public holiday burial currently costs an extra $377 and reopening an occupied plot costs an extra $130.
    Those fees will all go up….
    Councillor Cathy Casey told the meeting she was concerned the increase is to be applied to all the cemeteries, when some were “five star” and some were “one star”.
    She moved an amendment for a 2.6 percent price increase instead. A 25 percent increase in the first year is outrageous in the current climate. When someone dies it’s a huge expense,” she said.

    2015 costs go up.
    Fees for burial plots across the Auckland region increased by an average 22 per cent, fees for ash plots by 14 per cent, and internment fees by 132 per cent…
    An example of the impact of the fees rise was at Manukau Memorial Gardens, where a burial plot cost had gone up 15 per cent from $3464 to $4000, plus interment fee of $1072.
    A Papakura burial plot went up 19 per cent from $1678 to $2000 and interment went up by $857 to $1400 or a 158 per cent rise.
    At Waikumete, a fee for the ash plot garden rose 48 per cent from $1708 to $2533 plus interment of $300.
    Funeral Directors Association CE Mrs Shanks said that Work and Income provides funeral grants of up to $2008 to cover burial, plot and cremation charges but this would not cover costs, she said.

    Where is the empathy for poor people in grief from family deaths? Perhaps there needs to be a paupers area as in the past when we actually acknowledged that poverty existed.
    And the recession impacting as much now as then, or worse, while costs continue to rise in excess of income.
    Interesting how culture is against cremation.
    The council has earmarked $46.5 million to expand cemetery areas in the next 10 years in view of more than 70 per cent of people favouring burial over cremation.

  8. Philip Ferguson 8
    5 July 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Many people are aware of the 1951 waterfront lockout, when the National Party government of Sid Holland brought in draconian legislation and imposed six months of strong-arm state tactics to defeat the wharfies and their allies who comprised the vanguard of the organised labour movement and wider woring class. Much less well-known, however – even though it was very much one of the precursors of 1951 – is the 1949 Auckland carpenters’ dispute in which the union was deregistered by the first Labour government as part of its sustained assault on the most progressive sections of the union movement. . .

    full at: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/1949-auckland-carpenters-dispute-labour-bosses-versus-the-workers/

  9. Philip Ferguson 9
    5 July 2015 at 1:32 pm

    As is usual with lay-offs here, the Fonterra ones seem to be meeting with no opposition. Below are a small collection of articles about when workers actually fight, most particularly a series of workplace occupations. Among the pieces are an interview I did with a spokesperson for the Vio.me factory occupation in Thessaloniki in Greece:
    https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/02/06/when-workers-occupy/

  10. Philip Ferguson 10
    5 July 2015 at 1:41 pm

    Today, Greek voters take part in a referendum on whether to accept or reject the austerity measures the troika (IMF, European Central Bank, and EU Commission) wish to impose on them.

    Below is a summary from information we received from a prominent source within Syriza about where things stand: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/eyewitness-in-greece-we-need-a-no-vote/

    And here’s an article by a central committee member on the way forward in Greece: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/03/11/the-road-forward-for-syriza-a-view-from-a-central-committee-member/

    Phil

  11. Draco T Bastard 11
    5 July 2015 at 2:11 pm

    OXI – An Act of Resistance

    The film is a direct response to the current crisis, being imposed on European countries under the name ‘AUSTERITY’. It also addresses many of the misperceptions of Greek culture and history that are promoted as part of a program of destructive propaganda against the country and its people.

    Some people may find it interesting.

  12. Molly 12
    5 July 2015 at 3:25 pm

    Apologies if I’ve missed any previous comments on this article, but just got back from coffee with a friend who pointed it out from yesterday’s Herald:

    Violence charges against police officer withdrawn

    From reading through it seems that the violence was considerable and on-going for several years. The police officer was one of four family members, and had charges laid separately from the other three defendants.

    The Crown applied to have the officer stand trial with the other three but in February Judge Anna Johns ruled there would have to be two trials because the allegations against the policeman were separate from the others.

    The judge said there was no suggestion anyone else was present during his reported attacks, which the victim said happenned up to twice a week.

    “To have the defendant’s matters heard with the others would unduly prejudice his trial, especially as allegations of prolonged family abuse would lead to feelings of disgust with members of the jury,” his lawyer James Maddox said.

    Judge Johns agreed.

    The trial for the three other accused – on 18 charges between them – will start in November and the Crown eventually decided in May that “public interest points away from proceeding against [the police officer].

    Four charges of assault with a weapon and one of assaulting a child were withdrawn.”

    I’ve ended up posting most of the article, but the reason given by the Crown Prosecutor seem fairly weak, and what has been reported seem extreme to dismiss so cavalierly.

    “”The Crown is of the view the child’s wellbeing may be jeopardised by a second set of proceedings. That is a risk the Crown is not willing to take,” prosecutor Eliza Walker said.

    But both defence counsel and the judge said there was no evidence of any great emotional toll on the young girl.

    “I see keeping [him] separate as not ultimately putting any additional stress on the complainant,” Judge Johns said.

    Court documents alleged that between 2012 and 2014 the cop also used his police belt as a weapon against the girl.

    The complainant told interviewers that in one instance he “whacked” her five times and punched her as she lay on the ground, before dragging her along the floor by her legging and striking her again with the belt.

    But the court recognised the allegations against the other three defendants as being more serious.

    The Crown outlined the most serious incident, which allegedly began with the girl being punched, hit with a stick and sat on.

    The police summary said she was held down while someone grabbed an electric bread knife from the kitchen in a bid to cut off her nipple.

    “Fortunately, the knife did not work.”

    Further incidents allegedly saw the young relative dragged around the house by her hair, with such force clumps were pulled out.

    And she also reported times when she was punched and had her head smashed into a brick wall outside the church they all attended.”

    • Charles 12.1
      5 July 2015 at 6:19 pm

      Difficult to untangle what legal jugglings went on in that one. The cop had some charges withdrawn, then the story quickly goes into description of someone else’s offences, then jumps back to him. It finishes up by saying although the Crown withdrew charges, the court may re-lay them. My understanding of “In the public interest” is to avoid unsettling the population, e.g. We can’t have cops being seen to be the bad guys, or, to avoid exposing personal details (personal privacy issues) the public don’t need to know. Which is contradicted by the final sentence which says charges may be re-laid. I don’t know how they go about their decisions. From here, the cop doesn’t sound like the kind of guy you want wandering around freely or in the Police, and the court saying “She doesn’t appear to under extra stress…” just sounds ignorant/absurd. Big bad World out there.

  13. Draco T Bastard 13
    5 July 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Tax: The Facts

    The problem is the sophisticated lobby of the wealthy. American elections are now multi million dollar affairs. Aspiring politicians try to outdo each other in the size of their campaign war chests. Politicians of all shades become beholden to the wealthy who can liberally fund election campaigns. And the lobbying continues right up to the next election.

    Oligarchs keep their riches out of state coffers through what Winters calls the ‘Wealth Defense Industry.’ This is the cadre of professionals hired to lobby government and advise ways of hiding wealth, often through keeping it in tax havens. The Wealth Defence Industry represents an army of lawyers, accounting firms, and high paid lobbyists.

    The same can, no doubt, be said of NZ politics.

  14. Chooky 14
    5 July 2015 at 4:56 pm

    Some are calling for a new Left Party …as Labour seems to be failing and is not making any headway going it alone… (see ‘Guest Post – What is Little’s vision for New Zealand?’)

    However rather than start a yet another new left party …better and more practical to use the existing ‘left’ opposition parties with their structures and existing politicians but have an overall ‘Left Umbrella Coalition’:

    1.)…so that co-operation is the order of the day and NOT knee-capping

    2.)…the objective being to get rid of this present government …this should over-ride all other objectives!

    ….with Metiria Turei at the helm of this coalition:

    1.)…. Metiria Turei is an experienced Left and environmental politician with an impeccable record.

    2.)…..she has already shown she can work with Mana/Int and Labour and NZF….

    3.)…she is attractive to the 50% women vote and the Maori vote, as well as the Left vote

    4.)… she is fair and balanced and has mana

    • Grant 14.1
      5 July 2015 at 4:59 pm

      We could call it the Alliance. Oh, hang on…

      • Chooky 14.1.1
        5 July 2015 at 5:11 pm

        @ Grant…excuse me that is NOT what I meant!

        The Alliance was a new left startup party in opposition to neolib Labour and neolib National

        …I thought i made it quite clear that a ‘Left Umbrella Coalition’ would NOT REPLACE existing parties…rather co-ordinate so they can work co-operatively

        …ie there would be representatives from each of the existing parties who would be part of this organisation…which would work with the objective of collectively ousting this present government…not in competition to knee-cap each other…hence killing the opposition and letting jonkey nactional in

        • Draco T Bastard 14.1.1.1
          5 July 2015 at 6:24 pm

          The Alliance was a new left startup party in opposition to neolib Labour and neolib National

          No it wasn’t. It was an alliance of left parties including the Greens, New Labour and a few others.

          • Chooky 14.1.1.1.1
            5 July 2015 at 8:04 pm

            yes but they were all newbies…and the Alliance did not cooperate with Labour and Helen Clark to win an election…letting National win…so NOT what I meant

            … i suggest a model more like the FOL ie a loose knit group of unions

    • Charles 14.2
      5 July 2015 at 5:56 pm

      Sounds like a good idea – present the coalition to the public before the election. Fair, open, no hidden uncertainties. Terribly unorthodox. That’d put the wind up them.

    • b waghorn 14.3
      5 July 2015 at 6:17 pm

      If you saw Ron marks on the nation I think its clear that the nats are nzfs natural home.

      • Chooky 14.3.1
        5 July 2015 at 10:47 pm

        @ b waghorn re – NZF’s “natural home” is with National

        1) Ron Marks does not run NZF….Winston does ( NZF on sale of State Assets?…more aligned with Labour and the Greens…as with many other issues eg overseas ownership of NZ land and housing)

        2 ) Ron Marks wants NZ troops withdrawn from Iraq….so questionable “nats are NZF’s natural home”

        3.) NZF has spent more time in successful coalition with Helen Clark’s Labour Party Government than with National …which NZF pulled the plug on and forced out of office after a very short time and on the continued sale of State Assets

        http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/68856819/call-to-withdraw-new-zealand-troops-from-iraq

  15. Philip Ferguson 15
    5 July 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Just like in New Zealand –

    “Each year, when the Pride march in London comes around, the claims that it has become commercialised and separated from its roots get stronger. This year was no different, with the movement becoming more splintered than ever – the divisions are clearer between its traditional left support and the newer, corporate-sponsored wing. . . ”

    full at: https://rdln.wordpress.com/2015/07/04/pride-in-london-lgbt-incorporation-and-commercialisation/

  16. Jenny Kirk 16
    5 July 2015 at 6:21 pm

    I can’t get over just how trivial both the Saturday Herald and Sunday Star-Times have become. We bought one of each this weekend for the first time in a very long while (we needed them to help light the fire!) and the only decent things I found to read were Rod Oram’s column in SST and John Armstrong in the Herald. The rest was light and fluffy – for a wet weekend, not much reading in ’em at all ! !

    • BM 16.1
      5 July 2015 at 6:27 pm

      I find paper useless for lighting the fire these days.

      The water proof inks they use now has made the paper pretty much fire proof.

      Best bet is to go get some of those budget fire lighters, so much more effective.

  17. Jenny Kirk 17
    5 July 2015 at 8:02 pm

    It sounds like you’re saying, BM, that the Herald and SST are of no use whatsoever ? Not even for lighting fires.

  18. Penny Bright 18
    5 July 2015 at 9:31 pm

    FYI – former Labour Party President Mike Williams view – supporting the Hawkes Bay amalgamation.

    Interesting that Labour MP Stuart Nash is strongly and actively opposing the Hawkes Bay amalgamation.

    Where’s the ‘cost-benefit’ analysis of the disastrous forced Auckland ‘Supercity for the 1%’ amalgamation?

    “What couldn’t be predicted was the release of the final report of the Local Government Commission on the proposed amalgamation of the five councils that make up Hawke’s Bay. You’d have to be living under a large boulder if you don’t know what that was, and what happens next.

    Although amalgamation plans for Northland and the Wellington region were dropped, the Local Government Commission found sufficient local support in Hawke’s Bay to confirm their (slightly) revised proposal.

    From an outsider who grew up in Hawke’s Bay, loves the place and visits often, this seems a very heartening next step and I hope that local people who will make the final decision in a referendum grab the opportunity for unity. …”

    What is needed, in my view, is the proper implementation of the Public Records Act 2005, and the completion of ‘transparency templates’ – which establish ‘costs datums’ available for public scrutiny, so the public can see where exactly public rates monies are being spent on Council services and regulatory functions.

    It’s time to OPEN THE BOOKS so that citizens and ratepayers can ‘follow the dollar’ …..

    Penny Bright

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    1 hour 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
    3 hours 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
    5 hours 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
    10 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
    21 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
    22 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
    24 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
    1 day ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-02T03:15:38+00:00