Open mike 07/09/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, September 7th, 2019 - 68 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open 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 …

68 comments on “Open mike 07/09/2019 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Robert Guyton 1
    7 September 2019 at 7:13 am

    Action plan could be water under the bridge if left to regional councils

    “Because few people seem to know, or possibly even care, what a regional council does, farmers are often voted into leadership roles, especially in regions with a strong agricultural focus.

    That has further undermined the councils' environmental credentials, and potentially places the fox in charge of the henhouse.”

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/115603361/action-plan-could-be-water-under-the-bridge-if-left-to-regional-councils

    • Graeme 1.2
      7 September 2019 at 9:30 am

      Well in Otago's case the fox is causing considerable mayhem in the hen house and there's not many eggs coming through. And that's under current / past regulatory environment. Granted they had the worst case situation with deemed permits, but the first up, best dressed approach was a tad hopeful, but the sort of decision making you get from a council with strong and diametrically opposing views in it's elected members.

      Agree with the editorial that something has to change, but unsure of which way it should go. National Policy Statements may be the go, but can be subject to change by government of day. A crown entity managing water would have the same problem.

      Since you are very much in the thick of it, I'd be interested in your views Robert.

    • Dukeofurl 1.3
      7 September 2019 at 10:47 am

      The Regional Councils havent even done the basic Freshwater plans as mandated by the National Government back in 2014.

      The Farmers are stonewalling any plan and change what so ever that holds them to account.

  3. Ad 3
    7 September 2019 at 9:55 am

    Curious that Air New Zealand is choosing 2019 to propose commercialising Whenuapai Airbase for domestic and international flights.

    It would have been a lot easier if they had come out in support before the whole of Hobsonville was built into housing and the Albany area has densified.

    Way back in 2006-7 the North Shore Council, Rodney Council and Waitakere Council all proposed it together with Infratil, but with no support from AirNZ particularly. This in turn was in response to the NZDF packing up and leaving the area, other than in the poorly-used and run-down Whenuapai base.

    Methinks the AirNZ enthusiasm has more to do with leverage against Auckland International Airport's landing charge increases, since they never beat them when taking cases with the Commerce Commission as a price-regulated port.

    • Dukeofurl 3.1
      7 September 2019 at 10:52 am

      Yes. I bet Air NZ wants the 'Council/Government' to spend the thick end of $100 mill to provide basic commercial facilities so Air NZ can spite Auckland Airport ( who actually are robbers).

      The alignment of the runway at Whenuapai doesnt affect the housing at Hobsonville , its more likely the new housing the other side at Whenuapai village itself.
      It will create a storm at Greenhithe across the harbour as they would under the flight path

      • Ad 3.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 11:10 am

        Greenhithe residents were the key opponents last time. The Whenuapai flight path and noise envelope goes over them. But the more neighbourhood density you have, the harder it's going to get.

        John Key was as local MP at the time also completely opposed.

    • millsy 3.2
      7 September 2019 at 10:54 am

      You probably know more than I, but upgrading Ardmore sounds like a better idea?

      • Ad 3.2.1
        7 September 2019 at 11:13 am

        Whenuapai already has international flights – it appears easier to expand because of the breadth of existing rights.

        Who knows maybe the Minister of Defence will look at the idea more favorably once his full review of Defence properties comes back.

        The argument to upgrade Wanaka airport to jet flights is just starting, even with a generous existing set of District Plan conditions.

        • Graeme 3.2.1.1
          7 September 2019 at 12:25 pm

          With Wanaka a very large proportion of Queenstown Airport's customers come from Wanaka and Central. Keel mentioned 40% at a meeting but can't find anything to back that up. There's also significant patronage out of Southland. With that the preferred location of our airport starts getting a bit fluid.

          A story doing the rounds is that the true prize isn't the current Wanaka airport, but a parcel of land across the river to north. It's one title and large enough to get a wide body capable runway putting the primary departure up the Hawea valley. The block is now not returning any property information results in QLDC's GIS site http://maps.qldc.govt.nz/qldcviewer/

          An airport like this would be transformational for Central Otago. The current regional airport at ZQN is beyond capacity, both of airspace and local's patience, and it's only a matter of time before something really scary at best, or tragic, happens.

          • Ad 3.2.1.1.1
            7 September 2019 at 12:31 pm

            Any source for the story in any local publication?

            What is the location of the block you are speaking of – do you have some roads for a proximity?

            The only thing harder than trying to get regular jet flights to Wanaka airport would be to try and consent a fresh airport from scratch.

            I'm sure the Dippies' bulldozers will be raring to go.

            • Graeme 3.2.1.1.1.1
              7 September 2019 at 11:25 pm

              It's the Wanaka / Hawea Downs proposal in QAC's 30 year Masterplan, see page 37 https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/assets/masterplan/Queenstown-Airport-Master-Plan-Options.pdf Location is between Kane Road and Watkins or Newcastle Roads, so SW of Hawea Flat.

              This option has a much lower noise footprint than the existing airport because departures don't go over Wanaka. So relocating the existing airport wouldn't be that difficult as effects would be much less.

              When 737 200s came to Queenstown in early 90's it was by Order in Council the night before an Environment Court hearing which would have had a good show of stopping them had it been able to proceed. My understanding of the order was that it effectively took existing airports out of the RMA in respect to expansion and aircraft type. Sam Neil's proceedings were all over in a couple of minutes. I was in court as party to an unrelated matter and it was an interesting spectacle. I presume the same will apply to Wanaka expansion.

              There's a lot on Upper Clutha who welcome an expanded airport too. https://crux.org.nz/community/wanakas-ed-taylor-argues-for-airport-expansion/

              Going to be an interesting debate to watch from over the hill, but don't think they've got much show of stopping it, especially in a very strong National patch, and if /when they get back in power.

        • millsy 3.2.1.2
          7 September 2019 at 9:51 pm

          Whenuapai has the problem of being used by the air force, Same with Ohakea, which is/was being sized up for use as a civilian aiport (also has the advantage being being in the provinces).

          Unless the agenda is to have the NZDF flog off the bases and rent space at privately owned airports (which is what Treasury had probably suggested).

      • Sacha 3.2.2
        7 September 2019 at 5:41 pm

        Ardmore is even further from the North Shoreites. https://goo.gl/maps/thcoLiZyR28QZKVr8

    • Graeme 3.3
      7 September 2019 at 12:04 pm

      My take is that Air New Zealand has had enough of their future being dictated by a publicly traded monopoly, who's only metric is bums on seats and the clip of the ticket they get from each.

      This is a problem for the tourism industry (and really the whole country that has to bear the consequences) as it entrenches the volume model. No way the shareholders of AIA will wear a reduction in numbers and dividend. AIA wants as much traffic as it can get, at the expense of all other airports in the country, with minimum expenditure. How long has the second runway and new terminals been proposed? https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/115585876/air-nzs-surprise-ambush-on-auckland-airport-and-why-travellers-could-win

      There's probably a very strong case for regulating them into submission, or government quietly buying a controlling stake. The thing should never have been privatised.

    • bwaghorn 3.4
      7 September 2019 at 2:08 pm

      One take on it was that luxon is just trying to jaw Auckland airport into lower fees and get him self some airtime in the lead up to his jumping into the national party

    • aom 3.5
      7 September 2019 at 2:49 pm

      Ad – your 2006 – line-up perhaps gives the answer as to why Air NZ was not supportive. They had Infratil's performance in three overseas airports (Lubeck, Manston, and Prestwick) along with the two-third share in Wellington to evaluate the likely outcome if the infrastructure pirates got their hands on Whenuapai.

      • Ad 3.5.1
        7 September 2019 at 3:49 pm

        In 2008-9 all of Infratil's little regional airports pretty much died due to the GFC impact.

        If Whenuapai had commercialized in 2007-8 it would have folded as well, and been a ginourmous embarrassment to the Helen Clark government and a total vindication for the rising local MP John Key.

        A bit of luck in the loss there.

  4. xanthe 4
    7 September 2019 at 10:33 am

    here is some more grist for the conspiracy mills.

    featuring our own local hero Peter Thiel.

    also some relevance to the Huawai discussion

    and the discussion of NRA

    https://www.mintpressnews.com/cia-israel-mossad-jeffrey-epstein-orwellian-nightmare/261692/

    If 1/4 of it is real then fairly terrifying

  5. The Chairman 5
    7 September 2019 at 10:43 am

    Up coming recommended viewing

    https://youtu.be/YSSmitzvmUU

  6. UncookedSelachimorpha 6
    7 September 2019 at 12:07 pm

    A sad but fair discussion of the coalition government's failure to take anything like sufficient steps to markedly reduce poverty. Hard to do when you are locked in a neoliberal world view I suppose.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/insight/audio/2018711947/solo-mums-on-benefits-having-to-decide-between-food-and-fuel

    • The Chairman 6.1
      7 September 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Indeed, UncookedSelachimorpha

      The following below is from your link.

      St John says the government's other changes don't go far enough – and they'll have little impact on how much money beneficiaries have in their pocket. "Benefits needed to be raised substantially before indexation. Indexation will only give a few dollars extra a week and not until next year," she says. And she says the amount beneficiaries can earn before they're subject to deductions will only increase by $25 by 2023. "This isn't enough to compensate just for normal increases that would have been expected over that time.

      "Those two changes are simply completely insufficient as a response."

      Here (link below) is another good related piece printed of late.

      https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2019/09/why-hungry-kids-make-for-hungry-parents.html

      And here (below) is a snippet from that link.

      Over time, constantly being unable to afford food increases social marginalisation, leads to a sense of alienation, and disrupts a sense of belonging.

      Parents report feeling a sense of stigma and shame at not being able to source enough healthy, nutritious food for their family. On top of this, the chronic stress and worry associated with food insecurity makes providing food for the family a difficult and distressing daily occurrence.

      Compounding their misery is the reality that accessing government-funded welfare support through Work and Income can be a distressing and humiliating experience. Subsequently, despite the existence of real need, people go without much-needed food supplies in order to safeguard their psychological well-being and sense of self from further harm.

      Food insecurity has long-term implications for the wider physical health and mental well-being of children and adults alike.

  7. joe90 7
    7 September 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Interesting piece from The Times on Johnson's machinations.

    (screenshot)

    The country is being played on a grand scale by the men in Downing Street. Nothing is as it seems. Boris Johnson wanted and intended to lose his historic vote. The headlines declaring he has lost control are only half right.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDtJ848XYAENhr2?format=jpg&name=4096×4096

  8. Fireblade 8
    7 September 2019 at 1:36 pm

    Simon Bridges is still on holiday in China.

    Simon says "in Beijing to meet with Guo Shengkun to discuss the many areas our countries have in common and how we can strengthen ties".

    Guo Shengkun currently serves as a Politburo member, a Central Secretariat secretary, and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (Wikipedia).

    Wonderful, have fun Simon.

    https://www.twitter.com/simonjbridges/status/1169903122031865856

    • bwaghorn 8.1
      7 September 2019 at 2:11 pm

      How many spots on the list do you think hes sold on this trip?

      • Fireblade 8.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 3:01 pm

        Comrade Bridges will come back with wads of cash and policy ideas for the Communist division of the NZ National Party.

        List seats will require additional private "negotiations".

    • Stuart Munro. 8.2
      7 September 2019 at 4:02 pm

      Xi was too busy to meet him? Rofl.

    • Chris T 8.3
      7 September 2019 at 6:55 pm

      Could be worse.

      He could have ordered the navy to take him to an exotic island to spend a week with his dad for his birthday.

      • joe90 8.3.1
        7 September 2019 at 7:17 pm

        Or worse still.

        He could have ditched a commemorative service for two soldiers killed in Afghanistan and buggered off to the US to watch his shoat play a fucking game.

        • Chris T 8.3.1.1
          7 September 2019 at 8:17 pm

          Or gone AWOL on the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings.

          Interesting point you make though

          Supporting your kid for a few days over your job if you are a bloke – Bad

          Supporting your kid for a weeks over your job on maternity leave if you are a woman – Awesome

          Misandry, toxic feminity blah blah blah (joke)

    • Naki man 9.1
      7 September 2019 at 6:14 pm

      There are a few issues with these vehicles, like how to recycle the 500kg batteries and all the mining required to make them. There is a disturbing article here for those who can get past the paywall.

      https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=12263165

      • dv 9.1.1
        7 September 2019 at 7:19 pm

        Written by by a Hydrogen fuel pusher.

      • millsy 9.1.2
        7 September 2019 at 9:38 pm

        Electric cars have their uses in a few niche areas, but that is it. To expect them to replace petrol vehicles on a 1:1 basis is futile.

        The less fossil fuel trucks and cars, the better, but, we are still going to need the black stuff. Nessesary evil as far as I am concerned.

        My father (who has been a car dealer for the past 50 years), thought about buying a Nissan Leaf, but balked when he realised the damn thing wouldnt get from NP to Te Kuiti before going flat. Plus fast charging apparently shortens battery life.

        • Naki man 9.1.2.1
          7 September 2019 at 10:04 pm

          Why is the government trying to stop drilling if we still need the "black stuff"?

          • aom 9.1.2.1.1
            7 September 2019 at 11:13 pm

            So we have some when the rest of the world runs dry because Venezuela and Iran demand a high bounty?

          • millsy 9.1.2.1.2
            8 September 2019 at 10:57 pm

            The Americans, Canadians and Australians are sucking it all up, and keeping the profits for themselves. Hopefully when we start opening up drilling again, there will be a new set up which will spread the proceeds more fairly. Like they do in Turkmenistan.

        • dv 9.1.2.2
          8 September 2019 at 8:47 am

          Re trip NP to Te Kuiti – there are chargers at Mokau, 80k up the road. So he could do the trip with out going flat. The hills could be an issue, but regeneration gets much of the energy back used going up when going down. Battery life is at least 15 years.

          There is a different mindset to going electric, and bit of planning and getting used to. But 3 cents fish a Km is a nice incentive.

          • Naki man 9.1.2.2.1
            8 September 2019 at 11:11 am

            Do you have a link for 15 year battery life?

            • Andre 9.1.2.2.1.1
              8 September 2019 at 11:23 am

              Here's a piece looking at Tesla battery life.

              https://www.thestreet.com/technology/tesla-battery-degradation-14575199

              As I understand it, Nissan has a problem with battery degradation because they went cheap and didn't include any thermal management in the battery pack, and allow the battery to charge and discharge closer to the theoretical limits of the battery. The temperature, charging, and discharge extremes all stress the battery and contribute to faster degradation.

              As far as I know, all the other current big manufacturers include thermal management in their battery packs and are more conservative in their charge/discharge limits, and thereby get much better battery longevity.

    • mauī 9.2
      7 September 2019 at 6:15 pm

      Oh and I suppose we can replace all our bitumen roads with electricity too!

      Not to mention that without the use of diesel freight trucks our current economic system would cease to exist.

      Renewable energy sources and electric vehicle cost is reliant on the price of fossil fuels too.

      • Molly 9.2.1
        9 September 2019 at 7:40 am

        Europe is already trialling electric truck and traler units ib the road. Mercedes and Renault are two that IIam aware of

        https://www.electrive.com/2018/06/27/renault-presents-complete-electric-truck-range/

        https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/vehicles/trucks/eactros-heavy-duty-electric-truck/

        • mauī 9.2.1.1
          9 September 2019 at 9:23 am

          I've looked up the Mercedes eActros and it can carry a weight of 12 tonnes and has a range of 200km, so it could get from Wellington to Palmy before it would need a full re-charge and a rather long nap.

          I don't know that much about trucking… but I think a heavy diesel truck and trailer unit (that are critical in getting goods around the country) can carry lets say 30 tonnes, 2.5 times as much as the eActros and doesn't have an issue with range.

          • Molly 9.2.1.1.1
            9 September 2019 at 12:25 pm

            My partner works in a transport company. They are currently awaiting their first hybrid trucks, and hope to be looking at 30 tonne trucks with 200-300k range, when they are commercially available. I'll have to check with him to see who they are in communication with, if it is not a big secret.

            They do coordinate with rail as much as possible though, and try to work with clients to ensure backloads to reduce both fossil fuel costs and costs to customers.

            My partner has also been driving an electric vehicle for the last three years, and has recently been upgraded to a 40kW model, which reduces the range anxiety. But TBH, he managed the shorter range with a different style of driving and awareness. It all depends on how important you think the reliance on fossil fuels is, and I guess the importance of what is being transported, for the development of these vehicles to become commercially viable.

            In terms of air quality though, the reduction of emissions in urban areas by the use of the current generation of trucks would be an added benefit.

            (Posted the original comment from an unfamiliar phone, and just took the first two Google responses for a couple of firms I could remember. I’m not sure who is leading the way in this regard.)

            • Molly 9.2.1.1.1.1
              9 September 2019 at 12:40 pm

              On a better device (for me…) now.

              Daimler is trialling a 80,000 lb (36 ton) truck with a loaded range of 250 miles
              (400 km).

              Actually, there is quite a bit of news that has come out in the last couple of months if you don't restrict yourself to my initial limited links.

            • Andre 9.2.1.1.1.2
              9 September 2019 at 12:53 pm

              A piece on the Tesla semi you may be interested in …

              https://cleantechnica.com/2019/09/01/how-much-does-the-tesla-semi-weigh/

              Apparently Tesla have been using their prototypes to haul battery packs from their Reno, Nevada battery factory up over the hill and down the other side to their car-building factory near San Francisco. They’d give them quite a workout potentially starting in temps above 40C, climbing the hill up into snow …

  10. Ad 10
    7 September 2019 at 4:28 pm

    92-7 against Tonga is no good for the growth of the game of Rugby worldwide, particularly not two weeks' out from the World Cup.

  12. adam 12
    7 September 2019 at 4:53 pm

    If you have an hour, this worth a listern – I know it's a video – but really it's podcast.( I was washing the dishes listerning) Katie Halper and Matt Taibi work really well together.

    The interview kicks in at the 34 minute mark, if your interested in Jimmy Dore. Really good interview.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU-238gJq-o&ab_channel=RollingStone

  13. joe90 13
    7 September 2019 at 8:14 pm

    Rock and Roll will live forever…but hoo boy…lottsa sad ahead…

    Behold the killing fields that lie before us: Bob Dylan (78 years old); Paul McCartney (77); Paul Simon (77) and Art Garfunkel (77); Carole King (77); Brian Wilson (77); Mick Jagger (76) and Keith Richards (75); Joni Mitchell (75); Jimmy Page (75) and Robert Plant (71); Ray Davies (75); Roger Daltrey (75) and Pete Townshend (74); Roger Waters (75) and David Gilmour (73); Rod Stewart (74); Eric Clapton (74); Debbie Harry (74); Neil Young (73); Van Morrison (73); Bryan Ferry (73); Elton John (72); Don Henley (72); James Taylor (71); Jackson Browne (70); Billy Joel (70); and Bruce Springsteen (69, but turning 70 next month).

    https://theweek.com/articles/861750/coming-death-just-about-every-rock-legend

  15. sumsuch 15
    8 September 2019 at 12:55 am

    I have complaints about all 3 Left blogs I comment on, expect that's called human, them and me. We have a soft spot for right-knowing leaders. But less so than the Right? Adulthood is really recommended to us under our covenant. Maybe that's why I don't like it. But all the fucken foolish arrogant fools who forwarded demo-cracy. Who would willingly, without that nature, go into the politics soup.

  16. Eco maori 16
    9 September 2019 at 8:39 am

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    Te Reo week Ka pai its great to see Tangata Whenua O Aotearoa Culture and Te Reo reflect on positively.

    I remember the days of past taking a bank book to school banking @50 a week maybe we should bring it back.

    It baffles me why one of the most or thee most important phenomenon in Tangata lives is NOT Taught in schools Money and Taxes budgeting compound interest. I say that the money men have had to much influence on policy that is the main reason why budgeting skills are not taught in Primary schools.

    I think the Aims Games should be fine in the Tauranga region as its quite a wealth region I have driven all over Tauranga I have not seen to much poverty there.

    I agree Amanda don't give racist people the air time it will empower them.

    That's is awesome Auckland Grammars 2 years of compulsory Te Wiki O Te Reo Maori Ka pai Yes our Maori Culture is receiving a lot of interest of late.

    I agree its best to let people know that they are pronounceing a name /word wrong than crittersize them behind their backs most don't know they are pronounceing it wrong.

    I got vaxcernated at school bring it back school immunisation.

    Ka kite Ano

    • Eco maori 16.1
      9 September 2019 at 6:50 pm

      Kia Ora Te Ao Maori News.

      Condolences to Te Poroa Melcom whanau.

      Ka pai to all the Tangata Whenua who were celebrating Te reo o wiki. With Te reo week starting today. Yes it is a beautiful language.

      There you go Jacinda tau toko Te reo Maori Language.

      Great to see all the tamariki tau toko there language kia ora

      Taika Jojo rabbits will have all the tamariki getting a sore face

      Rachel I seen your m8 Debra on a show about a merturnity hospital it was humerus . Ka kite Ano

  17. Eco maori 17
    9 September 2019 at 2:45 pm

    Some Eco Maori Music For The Minute

    https://youtu.be/aqCSNH5gxKY

  18. Eco maori 18
    9 September 2019 at 6:26 pm

    Kia Ora Newshub.

    That's is cool that Jack meet with Jacinda to discuss ways to stop haters using that platform to get support from others muppets.

    Te reo Maori needs to be taught to Maori tamariki and Our factual history needs to be taught to all tamariki.

    That' would be nice.

    The big company's just stuff the subbies up when they go broke withoout paying them. They probably have money hidden in a tax havens. That is why they love sub contractors they can hire and fire at will and limit their liability on the contract.

    Dorain is causing chaos in Canada now I haven't seen such a power Tawhirimate.

    Skyway is a big con play on people' in needs emotional wants of wealth if you fall for this con with all the bad publicity Skyway is getting than your a fool.

    Ka kite Ano

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    9 hours 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
    1 day 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 day 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

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

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

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

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Opinion: It’s time for an arts and creative sector strategy
    I was initially resistant to the idea often suggested to me that the Government should deliver an arts strategy. The whole point of the arts and creativity is that people should do whatever the hell they want, unbound by the dictates of politicians in Wellington. Peter Jackson, Kiri Te Kanawa, Eleanor ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-26T11:33:21+00:00