Open mike 07/12/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 7th, 2023 - 59 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 …

59 comments on “Open mike 07/12/2023 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. bwaghorn 1
    7 December 2023 at 6:13 am

    https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/12/06/te-reo-maori-bonuses-acceptable-for-relevant-roles-willis/

    Willis quietly backs away, after first feeding raw Maori meat to the baying pack.

    • Tiger Mountain 1.1
      7 December 2023 at 7:16 am

      Nicorette’s first lesson perhaps.

      What is not often considered is that with the dominant language being English, Māori reo speakers are compelled to be bilingual to get by in society.

      There is no such pressure on pākehā. Other tauiwi of which there are scores of nationalities, and those with English as a second language might feel similarly pressured.

      A friend worked in Europe for years, based in Geneva and by the end of his long tour could converse in 4-5 languages proficiently.

      The fuss over Māori culture seems part of post colonial fallout, from descendants of those that benefited from land grabs and attempted cultural assimilation/destruction.
      There will be some 21st century culture war element too I guess for some.

      • Stephen D 1.1.1
        7 December 2023 at 7:58 am

        That's my general feeling about this Nact1 government and their supporters.

        We won the wars in the 1860s. so suck it up.

      • Bill Drees 1.1.2
        7 December 2023 at 10:41 am

        Yes, it is an anglo-saxon push back. It is straight forward white supremacy.

        If we view Luxon as a Christian Nationalist then we should not be surprised.

        • adam 1.1.2.1
          7 December 2023 at 1:41 pm

          If we view Luxon as a Christian Nationalist then we should not be surprised.

          Funny how the media have no spine to ask the questions to confirm if he is or not.

    • AB 1.2
      7 December 2023 at 9:06 am

      Mostly a smokescreen – it displaces the argument from something front-page worthy into a series of invisible background niggles about 'relevance' which the media will largely ignore. As others have pointed out, it's a shift from the vulgar boofheadery of Luxon in campaign mode to Key's quiet evisceration of the possibility of civilised communities.

  2. Peter 2
    7 December 2023 at 8:49 am

    Herald headline: 'Mark Mitchell explains why he released letter to Coster." Then,

    "Police Minister Mark Mitchell has explained to Newstalk ZB’s Mike Hosking why he took the unusual step of releasing a letter of expectations for Police Commissioner Andrew Coster."

    Simple, it's because he's a grandstanding dick and he knows his boofhead supporters will like it, and get all excited about it. Not doubt he has list of strategic announcements to be made to keep them, and him, all orgasmic over the next months. All the tra las around gangs will be the next big one.

    He'll be crapping himself that that there might be a ram raid. No doubt he's had a tête-à-tête with Sunny Kaushal of the Dairy and Business Owners Group suggesting a leaf has been turned, being positive will help keeping the 'bad news' off the front page will be of use. Who knows while he's there maybe they could talk about the importance of peddling tobacco and vapes since it seems they're on the same page with those.

    • Tiger Mountain 2.1
      7 December 2023 at 9:10 am

      Don’t mention the ram raids…I zee nothink…

    • weka 2.2
      7 December 2023 at 9:22 am

      Please supply a link every time you quote, including now.

    • Sandra Le Cron 2.3
      7 December 2023 at 9:44 am

      Kia Ora. It is certainly about time we had some common sense applied to policing and crime.Far too many dangerous buggers in the community wearing bracelets for a start.and,whilst liberated, they are comitting some very serious crimes.And, we surely need some recovery from a bit of financial mischiefness that Grant Robertson bluffed us with.

      Ma te wa.

      • Louis 2.3.1
        7 December 2023 at 11:26 am

        "financial mischiefness" “bluffed us with” describes Nicola Willis.

      • Peter 2.3.2
        7 December 2023 at 12:54 pm

        It's always time to have some common sense applied to policing and crime. And to justice.

        There's a massive chasm in thinking of how crime and justice issues should be handled.

        In one hand there are those who believe in principles of restorative justice, both victims and offenders involved in finding ways to hold the offender accountable for their offending and, as far as possible, repair the harm caused to the victim and community. Moving forward constructively in a way which edifies all and improves society in then long term.

        On the other hand, pun intended, there are those who have the sort of attitude that a 15 year old shoplifting a loaf of bread because he's hungry should have his hand chopped off. 14 year old car stealing a car? Her parents should have any benefits cut, the thief off to boot-camp for whatever period. An 18 year old Hutt Valley youth who gets pissed and does something dumb and the only thing he's got going or him is his sport? Ban him from playing it forever.

        I see a lot of the noise from the 'off with his head' lot as lashing out as an acknowledgement and admission from them that they have helped construct, actively or incidentally, a society with a lot or undesirable facets.

        At the moment the 'lock 'em up forever' redneck Mark Mitchell, David Seymour and zb loonies types are in charge.

      • Bearded Git 2.3.3
        7 December 2023 at 1:52 pm

        If you are going to say things like that Sandra you need to back it up with a link to stats.

        You are also implying the previous government wasn't applying common sense. I disagree. Labours humane policy of releasing non-dangerous prisoners from prison (often ankle tagged as you say)significantly reduced the number of people held in jail. This helped both the person released normalise their life and reduced the cost to the taxpayer .

    • Ad 2.4
      7 December 2023 at 9:51 am

      Commissioner Coster needs the scrutiny.

      The massive growth in gang violence in the regions and gun violence and homicide in Auckland needs permanent NZPolice accountability.

      Letters of Expectation should be made public as a matter of course.

      • UncookedSelachimorpha 2.4.1
        7 December 2023 at 12:12 pm

        If NAct actually gave a damn about gang crime etc, they would have written letters to Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Social Development, Inland Revenue Department, Treasury, Ministry of Education etc etc, DEMANDING urgent action be taken to address poverty, disadvantage and inequality – which are powerful drivers of rising crime.

        The police are the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff – and 'tough on crime' policies are not that effective.

        • CharlieB 2.4.1.1
          7 December 2023 at 12:29 pm

          Thanks UncookedSelachimorpha..

          You wrote the post I came here to write..

          This obsession with the police is dangerous because it's only a very short step away from arming them full time, and then militarising them in the long term.

          The issue isn't not enough people being arrested..

          The issues are the things driving crime and the Police, Corrections or Justice as a whole have very influence over those things.

        • Ad 2.4.1.2
          7 December 2023 at 2:20 pm

          They likely will.

          More public service accountability not less is what is needed.

          But only NZPolice can enforce against crime.

      • Peter 2.4.2
        7 December 2023 at 2:46 pm

        Police police the results of social policy. The ambulances and staff at the bottom of the cliffs aren't doing what we want and expect them to do?

        And the best thing is to give them 'Letters of Expectation?'

    • Jester 2.5
      7 December 2023 at 6:00 pm

      There already was another ram raid just the other day at Pakuranga.

  3. Adrian 3
    7 December 2023 at 9:02 am

    A small mention a few days ago in Stuff or Granny stated that ram raids were still going on, one in fact for a 7k damage bill garnered a 1 dollar chocolate bar.

    • weka 3.1
      7 December 2023 at 9:23 am

      it would be cheaper to the country to 1) pay everyone a living wage (including those without jobs) and 2) fix the housing crisis.

      • Chess Player 3.1.1
        7 December 2023 at 8:45 pm

        Interested in how you see this working please.

        1. If people get a living wage for not working, why would they go to work?

        2. What ‘fix’ exactly, to the housing crisis, would you apply? And who would do the work involved?

        thanks

        • weka 3.1.1.1
          7 December 2023 at 9:52 pm

          not everyone can or should work 40 hours a week. eg disabled people and women with young children. Why should they not have enough to live on?

          • Chess Player 3.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2023 at 5:22 pm

            Of course some can’t work 40 hrs a week.

            The minority though, and by some measure.

            How do you see this working though if a kid leaves school then goes onto the living wage, but never actually works?

            Or maybe you mean people who have proven disabilities or issues determining that they can’t work, should have their benefits set at the nominal living wage.

            I agree with that, but I’m not sure it’s what you mean.

            • weka 3.1.1.1.1.1
              9 December 2023 at 10:46 am

              there are over 100,000 NZ citizens who are on a benefit because of long term disability and sufficient disability to prevent them from working, and who are forced by circumstance, government policy and societal attitudes/values to live in poverty.

              I'm glad we are in agreement that they should be getting the living wage.

              In addition to them, there are:

              • single parents with young children, including women who have recently given birth and/or are breastfeeding. Most of those are women, who are already financially disadvantaged by society and government policy.
              • people aged 65 or older
              • people who can't find enough work to live on
              • people who can't easily hold down enough work to keep themselves out of poverty, for whatever reason including mental health issues and who are excluded from accessing SLP.
              • people who have been working low wage jobs (someone has to do them) and who have lost their job and have no savings. Some of those people will end up on stand downs for the dole.
              • and so on
              • weka …
                9 December 2023 at 10:53 am

                Here are the benefit stats for June 2023. Note that SLP is 100,878 and JobSeeker is 173,130, but that there are many people on JS who are unable to work due to disability, they're just not allowed on SLP.

                This is how the previous Nact government cooked the books and punished disabled beneficiaries at the same time.

                I don't know if MSD doesn't have the figures of JS with medical exemption or if they jsut choose not to publish them.

                You can look at the other charts to see how much emergency money WINZ has to pay out because the benefit rates are set so low and because the government thinks it's appropriate to punish people who don't have work.

            • weka 3.1.1.1.1.2
              9 December 2023 at 10:58 am

              How do you see this working though if a kid leaves school then goes onto the living wage, but never actually works?

              When I left school in 1984, I went on the dole. The dole was the same as the minimum wage. Unemployment was low, so it didn't matter. And most people wanted to work because it brought other benefits in addition to the minimim wage eg career, increasing income, skills training, social contact and so on.

              Neoliberalism broke all that. It massively increased the unemployment rate, it intentionally started to treat unemployed people like shit, it undercut things like apprenticeships, learning on the job, working one's way up through an organisation, workplace culture. It treated people like stock units.

              That was Labour. National in the 90s doubled down and created a long term, intergenerational underclass. Which is why we have so many people living in poverty now. It's not people people are lazy or bludgers, it's because when you treat people like shit and you stop them from having meaningful adult lives, society breaks down.

              Fucked if I know why people on the dole shouldn't get living wage though. They have needs just like everyone else and the economy is run with a set amount of unemployed people so why not just be real about that?

        • weka 3.1.1.2
          7 December 2023 at 9:55 pm

          housing crisis needs a whole systems approach that includes things like targeted rent caps, mass building of housing that stays permanently out of the property market (central and local government, iwi, NGOs, land trusts), rent to own schemes, government, councils, iwi building low cost homes for first home buyers (actual low cost), regulate the building industry including supply chains.

          • Chess Player 3.1.1.2.1
            8 December 2023 at 5:29 pm

            Ok, so a total reinvention of the system.

            That’s only ever been achieved with a revolution, and few of those have worked out well.

            If Labour people couldn’t find the backbone to enact some of those reforms when they had the first majority since MMP came in, and if the Greens refuse to collaborate with anyone other than Labour, I struggle to see how this can ever happen.

            Sad, but true.

            • weka 3.1.1.2.1.1
              9 December 2023 at 11:01 am

              TINA is a poor excuse. The things I suggested don't require the downfall of capitalism, they could probably even be done under a more socialist democractic version of neoliberalism. For a while at least (climate will bring it all down, probably within our livetimes).

              We might get lucky and Labour go away and sort their shit out.

        • KJT 3.1.1.3
          7 December 2023 at 9:58 pm

          Universal income study finds money for nothing won't make us work less | New Scientist

          A foreign concept to right wingers. Working for anything other than personal reward. And the corollary, something beyond their comprehension, working despite being paid regardless. That people work for other reasons than immediate personal gain, is beyond their comprehension,

          “The criticism levelled at basic income that it would disincentivise work is not supported by [the Finnish] data,” says Painter.

          • Chess Player 3.1.1.3.1
            8 December 2023 at 5:47 pm

            Yes I read that a while back when it came out, before Covid, from memory.

            Key quote for me was

            “What we have been able to find out so far is not the whole truth,” said Olli Kangas at the University of Turku, who led the Finnish study in partnership with Kela. “That is much more sophisticated.”

            It’s an interesting idea I keep my eye on, but while humans can have amazing powers of collaboration, and possibly that is something that differentiates us from the rest of the animals (part of the time anyway), I still find most patterns of human behaviour illustrate primal selfishness.

      • Rolling-on-Gravel 3.1.2
        8 December 2023 at 5:55 pm

        Thank you for at least including those who cannot work, Weka. 🙂

    • Chess Player 3.2
      7 December 2023 at 8:00 pm

      Link please, or it doesn’t count

  4. Matiri 4
    7 December 2023 at 9:13 am

    Will Koru Club be renamed? Toby Manhire suggests Fern Frond Spiral Club.

    https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/06-12-2023/what-is-nzta-a-users-guide-to-the-new-english-names

  6. observer 6
    7 December 2023 at 11:29 am

    New government Minister is "incorrect and misleading". This headline is available for daily copy and paste.

    ACT MP Brooke van Velden wrongly quotes Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment | RNZ News

    It's that recurring problem … in opposition you can say any old nonsense, but in government there are these pesky fact-checkers holding you to account.

    Perhaps they'll be abolished. (I wish I was joking).

    • Chris 6.1
      7 December 2023 at 12:27 pm

      On the bright side, it is kind of handy having incompetent people in government. It's not surprising, and quite telling, that van Velden went from loyal Green supporter to rabid right-winger because she wouldn't have had a look in if she'd tried to enter politics via the Greens. You just need to look at the many many instances when Green MPs like Julie Anne Genter or Chloe Swarbrick have absolutely annihilated the likes of Gerry Brownlee, David Seymour and others. van Velden herself's been owned by Chloe Swarbrick more than once. Like so many on her team, she's a complete and permanent lightweight, so while things are bad, at least the calibre of these clowns will make things a little easier to counter, or at least can be factored in when deciding strategy.

    • bwaghorn 7.1
      7 December 2023 at 11:56 am

      He didn't finish his speech , it should have said , labour doesn't own Maori and the poor because they are the property of national and its funders , to work into the dirt for minimal income ,use as a target for the angry, collect smoking taxs off.

    • CharlieB 7.2
      7 December 2023 at 12:33 pm

      It's more of the aspirational politics bullshit that keeps right inline with Key/Bennett's state home/single parent background and Luxon't "first in my family to go to university" crap.. all it supports the illusion that "If I can do it, any one can do it".. Sometimes that's true.. but most often it isn't.

      • Sanctuary 7.2.1
        7 December 2023 at 3:16 pm

        I was interested with the fawning media reaction to James Meager's maiden speech. He has been declared that most precious of things to the middle class – an "authentic" working class joe whose moral suasion appeals to their class values. Of course, the press gallery wouldn't know an authentic working class joe if they fell over one. It's enough though for them to imagine Meager as a sort of woke kryptonite, a guy that woke lefties don’t really have any power because he is "authentic." Meager is fawned over because he is a reassuring confirmation of their conservative identity politics, he reassures them that outside the tinsel circus of the parliamentary Truman show meritocracy is alive and well and ever open to the upwardly mobile with the properly conservative values of true working folk.

        Here at last the gallery has gushed (perhaps literally given the barely repressed sexual frission he seems to have induced in some of the gallery members) is the real "authentic" voice of the politics they approve – a romantic tale as old as the world itself, an antidote to the post-truth, post-modernist discontentment of the weary, savvy alienation of their hipster cynicism.

        Meager is just the next Paula Bennett – she capered about in her leopard prints and gauche put on fake Westie pastiche all the better to make right wingers feel better about her shitting all over beneficiaries, before she dropped the act and stopped pretending. Meager will make pious pronouncements and tell us all the people who work on the coal face of poverty know nothing because he is more "authentic" all the while voting for legislation that fucks over the least advantaged amongst us. He can take his right wing identity politics, his appeal to conservative ideals of "authenticity" and shove it up his backside because to me, he is just another fucking Tory to be defeated.

        • Anne 7.2.1.1
          7 December 2023 at 8:28 pm

          "Meager is just the next Paula Bennett -"

          Imo, you are on the button Sanctuary.

          Young. Handsome. Has a pretty white wife? Couple of cute children? Looking for an easy ride up the greasy ladder of success?

          There is no way he could be there to improve the lives of the poor or the disadvantaged from whence he came. NAct's policies are testament to that. It also sounds like he rejected his family background some time ago. Possibly because he perceived them to be an impediment to his success?

          We all know people who fit the description. Full of sanctimonious and pious ideals but in reality don't give a s**t about anyone but themselves. Some of us even have (or had in my case) a family member who fitted the bill.

          Somewhere down the line he will do or say something that will expose him – just like it did with Paula Bennett.

  8. Ad 8
    7 December 2023 at 11:56 am

    Less than a month ago Fonterra were pledging to reduce its greenhouse gases by 30% in just 7 years.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/133258547/fonterra-pledges-to-make-milk-production-30-greener-by-2030#:~:text=Fonterra%20says%20its%20milk%20will,take%20steps%20to%20reduce%20emissions.

    But just 4 weeks later, when it comes to making that same promise with its competitors in full view of COP28 participants, nah:

    https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/dairy/fonterra-refuses-join-global-dairy-companies-methane-pledge

    Thanks to Fonterra we remain the high-volume low-value kings of the dairy world.

  9. Ad 9
    7 December 2023 at 12:32 pm

    Someone work out for me the moral complexities of Brian Tamaki holding a pro-Israel demonstration in Wellington.

    • Sanctuary 9.1
      7 December 2023 at 3:26 pm

      The guy got less votes than I did when I ran to be president of the local pigeon fanciers society, and I lost to Derek, the night janitor of a local sewage plant and a pigeon fancier of long note.

      Not sure, then, if the self-style bishop is worthy of our great minds….

      • Robert Guyton 9.1.1
        7 December 2023 at 6:55 pm

        If Brian had stood against you, my fine feathered friend, you might be just a little less cocky – coz, Power of the Lord!

    • Visubversa 9.2
      7 December 2023 at 5:19 pm

      None at all. Christian Zionists believe that Jesus won't come back until various things have happened. One of them is the establishment of Zionist Israel. The Jews will all then convert to Christianity.

  10. AB 10
    7 December 2023 at 12:47 pm

    Shane Reti has a dream. A dream of solving Maori health inequities through devolved funding, i.e. iwi ambulances at the bottoms of cliffs, not the significant downward redistribution of wealth and power that might actually work.

    • adam 10.1
      7 December 2023 at 1:48 pm

      Cigireti – if you can't have an original thought, reach back to the 80's to pull some failed bullshit out of your ass.

      Call it a shiny new solution.

      This lot are making the marxist-leninists look less ideological pure.

  11. Dennis Frank 11
    7 December 2023 at 12:48 pm

    An Aotearoan foreign policy initiative looms:

    Parliament's agenda for this afternoon states that Peters will ask Parliament to express grave concern at the ongoing violence in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. He will also "unequivocally condemn" the Hamas terror attacks of 7 October and call for the release of all hostages.

    Peters will also move that Parliament recognises Israel's right to defend itself acting in accordance with international law and that all civilians be protected from armed conflict.

    He had released a statement last Friday saying New Zealand was calling for all countries with influence in the region to work urgently towards a long-term ceasefire, but today's move will set that down on the Parliamentary record and allow the political parties to debate it.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504102/foreign-minister-winston-peters-to-urge-parliament-to-call-for-steps-towards-ceasefire-in-gaza

    If the govt incorporates feedback from the debate, our consequent policy stance has the potential to be on the basis of cross-party consensus – which would give it way more moral authority. That's the way to go.

    • SPC 11.1
      7 December 2023 at 3:30 pm

      Peters approved the positions of Starmer (a sustainable cease-fire includes ending Hamas capacity to attack Israel again) and Twyford, but dissed that of Maori MP's (of 3 different parties) by referring to the fate of pacifist Chatham Islanders.

      Hipkins asked Luxon to distinguish between an immediate cease-fire (which Labour supports) and National's position – support for a sustainable cease-fire (which includes support for that advocated by the UNSG).

  12. observer 12
    7 December 2023 at 4:06 pm

    Good to see the Herald reporters were paying attention at Question Time today. I watched the Luxon/Hipkins exchange live and heard exactly what they did, with its clear implications:

    "Christopher Luxon has said his new Government has not committed to a referendum on the Treaty principles bill.

    Asked about the Treaty principles legislation, Luxon appeared to suggest National would not allow the Act’s Treaty Principles legislation to proceed beyond select committee.

    He said a bill would be supported to select committee, as said in the coalition agreement, but “that’s as far as it will go”.

    Christopher Luxon’s first Question Time to feature debate about Government’s approach – NZ Herald

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-09T07:28:21+00:00