Open mike 07/12/2010

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 7th, 2010 - 71 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

It’s open for discussing topics of interest, making announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

Comment on whatever takes your fancy.

The usual good behaviour rules apply (see the link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

71 comments on “Open mike 07/12/2010 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Muzza 1
    7 December 2010 at 7:31 am

    Yesterday Kingi Tuheitia removed the chairwoman of the Tainui Tribal Parliament. This is following the release of a report she authored that was critical of the corporate and executive arm of the tribe (Tuku Morgan personally copped some criticism as well).

    My initial feeling is Tuku Morgan pressured the King to do so because his mana was compromised in a big way. This certainly seems to be the way Tuku likes to deal with things he does not like – get the King to sack the person.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10692594

    • pollywog 1.1
      7 December 2010 at 8:04 am

      yup…following on from this a couple of weeks ago

      Tainui’s executive is being challenged by the tribal parliament’s new chairwoman over a substantial increase in spending by board members.

      A blow-out in governance costs has prompted the new chairwoman of the Tainui’s tribal parliament to call for a review of the executive board’s spending.

      http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/4396742/Tainui-costs-phenomenal

      well, that’s one way to deal with a challenge.

      I wonder how this is going to pan out, what with Ms Martin being an elected representative and all ?

      or if unfair dismiassal claims can be made against ‘the supreme power’ if it can be proven the figures have been blown out ?

      maybe a bit of hush money could be in order ?

      • Muzza 1.1.1
        7 December 2010 at 9:14 am

        I think she will go without fuss on her part. I do not think she has the nerve to challenge the tribes Ariki (Kingi Tuheitia). Even if she did any challenge to the mana of the King would be a direct challenge to the mana of the tribe and the tribe would not appreciate the eruption of infighting.

        But certainly if her figures and claims are correct Tuku may want to slip a substantial amount of money her way. In the interests of resolution.

        • pollywog 1.1.1.1
          7 December 2010 at 9:29 am

          Makes a total mockery of electoral process if the marae rep gets voted in, does her job, then when the powers that be don’t like her findings, just sack her.

          The removal is a further sign the king is becoming more active in tribal politics.

          Previously, the tribe has said he should stay above day-to-day matters.

          Te Arataura chairman Tuku Morgan said the king had to intervene.

          Why bother having a token parliament if as Tuku says…

          There’s only one boss in Waikato-Tainui

          …just disband parliament and rule by royal decree with Tuku playing the role of evil grand vizier

          • prism 1.1.1.1.1
            7 December 2010 at 9:50 am

            The sort of behaviour in Tainui when scrutiny and self-regulation is required but has been rejected is likely to be repeated in Whanau Ora spending. Whanau Ora has good ideals and goals but way back in Greek legend they understood about this saying “There’s many a slip ‘twixt cup and lip”. When there are not focussed goals, tight controls of money and someone in charge with determination to ‘run a tight ship’ then people in the organisation can develop expensive habits of spending without the expected outcomes resulting.

          • marty mars 1.1.1.1.2
            7 December 2010 at 12:32 pm

            takes brave people to dis someone without having the full story – but i spose it’s just old expensive-undies-tuku so who cares

            “King Tuheitia said Ms Martin’s report was based on inaccurate figures and she had issued it without giving board members a chance to respond.

            “She is well aware of the damaging errors in her report,” he said.

            “She has been taken through them several times. She has told my [representative] that she has made a major mistake.”

            “She has agreed several times to issue an apology to members of Te Arataura, but has not delivered on those agreements.

            “She has committed to meet with Te Arataura and accept offers of mediation of her dispute, and has repeatedly failed to meet those commitments.”

            In her report, Ms Martin put the board’s costs at $1,703,000. The king says the true figure is $656,000.

            King Tuheitia said Ms Martin was supposed to meet him last Thursday, but she postponed the meeting as she was receiving medical treatment.

            He found out she was being interviewed by a current affairs show.”

            http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=10692594

            maybe a bit more to it than meets the eye.

            Be good to let them sort it out in house IMO

            • Muzza 1.1.1.1.2.1
              7 December 2010 at 1:57 pm

              Someone is not been honest here. Last night on Native Affairs Tania Martin stood by her claims as accurate and an expression of her honest opinion. Tuku Morgan then appeared and stood by his conflicting claims as accurate. Tuku then proceeded to undermine Tania Martin’s credibility and counter some of here claims. For example Tania Martin claimed her report was endorsed by Te Kauhanganui (the tribal Parliament) by way of majority vote whilst Tuku’s rebuttal was not endorsed, however Tuku claimed her report was merely received by the Parliament and so was his. Neither were endorsed he said.

              Does someone have an agenda here or is it just a case of miscommunication and mistakes on behalf of both parties? Its seems utterly bizarre that Tania Martin would fabricate her figures and criticise Te Arataura without justification – it is then even more bizarre that Kingi Tuheitia makes a public spectacle of the issue by sacking her based on his mana alone. Perhaps Tania has just got it painfully wrong or maybe Te Arataura has something to hide?

              (RNZ is reporting Tania Martin has the support of Angela Greensill – a respected member of Tainui)

  2. Pascal's bookie 2
    7 December 2010 at 7:51 am

    This is an article with a lot of win.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/06/us/06ark.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=noah's%20ark&st=cse

    This venture promises to be much more lulzworthy than the nearby creationist museum, which only has yabba-dabba-doo statues, and it should be quite fruitful in granting relief to the faithful in that they might more easily fit through the eye of a needle.

    The US constitution might prove cumbersome however.

    I could be convinced that NZ might develop similar rube farming type related activities, going forward, and our constitutional arrangements may provide competitive advantage!

    “We think that God would probably have sent healthy juvenile-sized animals that weren’t fully grown yet, so there would be plenty of room,” said Mr. Zovath, a retired Army lieutenant colonel heading the ark project. “We want to show how Noah would have taken care of them, taken care of waste management, taken care of water needs and food needs.”

    • Tigger 2.1
      7 December 2010 at 8:54 am

      Utter win! But not sure about keeping animals in ‘pens’ for long periods…

      Sounds like they’re doing a better job of tackling unemployment than our rulers though.

    • ianmac 2.2
      7 December 2010 at 9:26 am

      I suspect that locking up a large number of pairs of animals in a wooden building might be a huge logistical nightmare. Imagine even only 40 pairs of diverse creatures in a confined space! Especially as they would include various dinosaurs since they lived at the same time. Hope they don’t use tractors to move the food around. Faith V Science. (48% of people in the USA believe in the devil but none have heard of Winston.)

    • Lanthanide 2.3
      7 December 2010 at 9:47 am

      I really don’t understand these people that try and come up with realistic/scientific explanations for the ark. Either it’s 100% faith and miracles, or it clearly didn’t happen. Trying to broach the two just makes them look like desperate, delusional idiots.

      One story I picked up from snopes, I believe, is that the bible says the 40 days and nights of rain were the first time it had rained on Earth. When put to a door-to-door evangelist to explain how the ecosystem worked before that, they came up with the answer of “heavy dews” that provided all the moisture for plants to grow etc.

      • ianmac 2.3.1
        7 December 2010 at 10:23 am

        The moment that a person says I have faith that the words in the Bible are true it is really the end of the discussion.
        There is a large brown teapot orbiting Venus. Believe it because it is true, and you can’t prove that it is not. Have faith.

        • KJT 2.3.1.1
          7 December 2010 at 10:38 am

          No. Its a coffee maker!

        • Colonial Viper 2.3.1.2
          7 December 2010 at 11:11 am

          Repeating “I once heard the Pope say that the Catholic Church is the only true Christian church, what do you think of that?”

          That pretty much kills the conversation.

          • ianmac 2.3.1.2.1
            7 December 2010 at 11:24 am

            A guide in a Moslem church I recently visited in Abu Dhabi was very sincere and enthusiastic about her faith. And that was great. But after a while I realised that it reflected Old Testament values and beliefs and must be very similar to many Christian beliefs such as the Catholic Church. The mosques that I visited were refreshing after being in churches and temples of other religions which tended to be cluttered with figures and images and tributes to dead people. (Gave me the willies!) As for Westminster Abbey!

          • KJT 2.3.1.2.2
            7 December 2010 at 11:47 am

            They all think that their God/Gods are the only ones and all others are superstition.
            Fine so long as it motivates people to do some good for others.

      • Chris 2.3.2
        7 December 2010 at 9:24 pm

        Was that “heavy dews” or “heavy jews”

  3. The Voice of Reason 3
    7 December 2010 at 8:13 am

    94% of Aussies get who’s responsible for climate change, nearly half are happy to pay more to help solve the problem:

    http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/australians-neatly-divided-on-carbon-newspoll/story-fn59niix-1225966679472

    • Lanthanide 3.1
      7 December 2010 at 9:48 am

      It’s easy to say that sort of thing, until reality hits of what it actually means to pay more. Talk is cheap.

  4. marty mars 4
    7 December 2010 at 8:40 am

    I agree with Te Wharepora Hou statements in opposition to TPPA

    “Similar free trade agreements have had a devastating impact on the rights & lives of Indigenous peoples around the world. Indigenous peoples have been criminalised and rights to their lands and resource have been ignored.

    The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is colonisation by corporation. Maori and Pacific Island communities have already borne the brunt of neo-liberal economic restructuring in the 80’s and 1990’s.”

    http://uriohau.blogspot.com/2010/12/press-release-te-wharepora-hou-tpp-no.html

  5. joe90 5
    7 December 2010 at 8:45 am

    Rhys Jones, our new defence chief plays with toy soldiers.

    • Bored 5.1
      7 December 2010 at 8:53 am

      The killer part is The review identified the need for up to $400 million in annual savings, which may include up to 1400 military jobs being converted to civilian roles and greater participation by the private sector in infrastructure development, facilities maintenance and provision of support services.

      Nowhere in the entire range of history I have read does the private sector make for a good military (unless you call mercenaries “private sector”)…looks like the neo libs want to gut our already fekked over forces at the very moment they will be needed. The world is not exactly a model of security and stability as resources run out.

      • mcflock 5.1.1
        7 December 2010 at 12:06 pm

        historically, mercanaries tend to renegotiate contracts at the most inconvenient moments…

        • Bored 5.1.1.1
          7 December 2010 at 2:06 pm

          ….John Hawkewood , Sforza, Visconti, Montefeltro….experts at being bought by the highest bidder.

          • prism 5.1.1.1.1
            7 December 2010 at 10:28 pm

            Bored – They sound like pretty snazzy car makers – shoot down the autobahn in my Montelfeltro! I imagine they would put a ‘tiger in your tank’ or whatever their paid for.

  6. Colonial Viper 6
    7 December 2010 at 9:03 am

    I just posted this on RA

    http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232/?video=1680661813&play=1

    A fascinating discussion on what the US needs to do to make its way forward economically.

  7. prism 7
    7 December 2010 at 9:11 am

    I record my condolences for the adult and juvenile seals clubbed to death near Kaikoura, also for the young ones left who will now die without recourse to their mother’s milk. We remain connected to our origins as humans tens of thousands years ago and our present cleverness in society does not prevent those primitive drives emerging so we have to keep alert and socialise all our children against this tendency and check it in ourselves.

    • Bored 7.1
      7 December 2010 at 9:22 am

      I have always insisted with my now grown brood that to kill comes with a single responsibility: you have to eat it.

      • prism 7.1.1
        7 December 2010 at 9:35 am

        Seems a practical philosophy Bored, for meat eaters like myself. Also killing as carefully and painlessly as possible I guess.

        • jcuknz 7.1.1.1
          7 December 2010 at 10:36 am

          And only what you need … 26 would be well over the top unless you had a large deep freeze.
          The trouble with the current situation and similar is that the perpetrators will be reveling in the publicity … unless it was fishermen worried about declining fish catches.

        • Bored 7.1.1.2
          7 December 2010 at 2:08 pm

          Theres no joy in killing, its a quick thank you and a well respected meal.

      • KJT 7.1.2
        7 December 2010 at 10:39 am

        Hope none of them join the army. 🙂

        • Colonial Viper 7.1.2.1
          7 December 2010 at 11:12 am

          There is always the police. Or failing that, they might be quite suitable for the UK police.

  8. prism 8
    7 December 2010 at 9:31 am

    Emotional abuse is four times as prevalent in families than violence! Someone experienced is being interviewed on NinetoNoon and has just made that statement. They are discussing a report on neglect of children he has just published (John Angus Childrens Commissioner). I was concerned about the narrow concern about physical violence that underpinned the highly emotional anti-smacking bill and felt that the no-violence brigade were missing the point, although they gained a high moral buzz from winning their case.

    For families where there is chronic neglect, compulsory attendance at parenting classes, life and personal planning, parents thinking and setting a vision for a positive and happy future, would lead to fruitful outcomes and happy children with stable, friendly homes. If parents can’t love their children they can at least carry out their duties with kindness, affection, encouragement, with regularity and reliably.

    • ianmac 8.1
      7 December 2010 at 10:35 am

      In Germany a bill was passed about 3 years ago saying hitting kids was unlawful. It passed without a murmur. So hit your kids in Germany and look out!
      It should have been like this in NZ. All the things Prism, that you quote from John Angus, should have been part of the discussion. Why wasn’t it? The hysterical opposition from a small faction supported by a hungry MSM turned it into a shambles. And it wasn’t even a total ban on hitting kids! As you say the big issue is the denial of basic rights to kids. (Mind you some kids are handicapped by an over-supply of parental “support and supervision!)

      • Colonial Viper 8.1.1
        7 December 2010 at 11:14 am

        Parts of the NZ psyche has a nasty vindictive, punitive streak to it.

        • prism 8.1.1.1
          7 December 2010 at 1:57 pm

          Yes CV – committed to rules and punishment rather than getting a workable system with helps and aids to achieve good results.

          ianmac – I wonder what Germany did about emotional abuse? Sexual abuse seems quite strong in that part of the world too, involving children. Laws sound good. But they don’t get brought in if there isn’t wrongdoing that they are supposed to prevent. So how to prevent that occurring? Hitler and his bunch had high ideals about certain things. I think he came from a time when child rearing involved lots of thrashings and punishment. The temptation to revert to that approach carries on in families through the generations.

          • ianmac 8.1.1.1.1
            7 December 2010 at 3:02 pm

            Maybe there is still emotional harm in Germany but greater awareness of the rights of children through anti hitting laws will surely move us/them along the continuum. Are you saying that Germany was wrong to pass such a law? I was using their change as an example of how their law and those of more that 30 other countries passed without the weird hoo ha that happened here.

            • prism 8.1.1.1.1.1
              7 December 2010 at 10:49 pm

              ianmac What I was saying that we and other countries happily pass laws and consider that is the end of the matter. Regulation, monitoring, education, are what an intelligent government committed to achieving good outcomes would do.

              Unhappily in NZ frequently a law is passed then the energy goes into punishing the law breakers. Then we have reports dwelling on the growing numbers flouting this law which gives a grand feeling of schadenfreude plus irritation that people just can’t seem to conform to the new law.

              • Colonial Viper …
                7 December 2010 at 11:42 pm

                Plus the fact that laws approach the lowest common denominator when it comes to maintaining a civil society.

                Good manners, self respect, trust and consideration for others are far more powerful.

  9. millsy 9
    7 December 2010 at 9:52 am

    Two interesting things on the horizon.

    1) David Caygill’s ACC ‘stocktake’ gets released – more cuts.
    2) Early next year the government decides whether to increase the minium wage. Expect huge pressure for a freeze or cut by the retail and hospitality barons because of the World Cup.

  11. Simon 11
    7 December 2010 at 9:58 am

    Was just reading about the Wellingtonian who was killed by American fire in Afghanistan… then found this article from the Capital Times last year – http://www.capitaltimes.co.nz/article/2519/WipeouttheTaliban.html

    It’s pretty much an interview with him… including a number of quotes which confirms why I hate this, and all, wars:
    “To find out we’ve killed Taliban is an awesome feeling”
    “A major part of Howard’s training was aggression”
    “We never got into contact with the enemy at all, until one day in a new place we made contact – it was exciting”
    “We got a report there was going to be a suicide bomber in a white Toyota pick-up. Sure enough we saw the car speeding towards us, so we shot it up. It turns out they were just some kids high on heroin.”
    “we were told if you see suspicious children, shoot them on sight”

    and most depressingly – He doesn’t see the army as a career choice

    RIP Jack, and all those that die from state sanctioned violence on all sides

    • Vicky32 11.1
      7 December 2010 at 4:12 pm

      I heard about him on the radio, which implied there’s some doubt that it was a blue on blue! Yet I have no doubt whatsoever..
      Deb

  12. prism 12
    7 December 2010 at 10:01 am

    I see Jonkey knows better than Treasury about the likely percentage growth for the country next year. He has heard, seen, somewhere, from someone, that it will be as high as 3.2% or similar. Sounds like a good figure, not so high that it is risible, not so low that he’s talking down the economy. Well we’ll see. We wish.

    Meantime government negotiators have secret talks about TPP looking to see where they can gain 50c while they lose $1 and decrease our standard of living with low wages, higher charges and costs and increased biosecurity hazards from increased unnecessary imports.

    • Colonial Viper 12.1
      7 December 2010 at 11:17 am

      Bill and John think we will strongly emerge from recession and have >3% growth while the US and Europe sinks further into morass? Good luck with that.

  13. tc 13
    7 December 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Notice the colourful half page ad in granny from Pansy’s backers.

  14. Draco T Bastard 14
    7 December 2010 at 4:02 pm

    So, remember all the supposed “pork” in funding that NACT was complaining about when in opposition?

    Really, it’s time to get rid of electorates and go full proportional representation.

    • gingercrush 14.1
      7 December 2010 at 4:43 pm

      That post of NRT is frankly stupid. Labour holds no provincial electorates except for Palmerston North and two Maori electorates. So if doing anything in provincial New Zealand is somehow barrel politics that’s just pathetic.

      And besides the Labour held electorate of Tainui is covered by it.

  15. Draco T Bastard 15
    7 December 2010 at 6:35 pm

    An example of an economy doing everything right. Import what you need until you develop you own production, export it and maintain research and development. It’s what every country should be doing.

    • Colonial Viper 15.1
      8 December 2010 at 12:00 am

      Yeah.

      And apart from the mil stuff the Chinese have been smart enough to convince everyone from Apple to Panasonic to GM to assemble their products there, to use local suppliers to make many individual components, to assemble test and ship final products.

  16. Draco T Bastard 16
    7 December 2010 at 9:17 pm

    <a href="http://blog.labour.org.nz/index.php/2010/12/07/its-the-little-things-that-count/&quot;?It's the little things that count

    Parliament is sitting in the press-Xmas period under the shadow of urgency to pass a rush of “priority legislation”.

    Guess what one of the top priorities is? Abolishing gift duty.

    More gifting to the rich so that they can rort the tax system even more.

  17. Colonial Viper 17
    8 December 2010 at 1:46 am

    Assange Hands Himself to Authorities

    http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/world/europe/08assange.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

    LONDON — Police in Britain arrested Julian Assange on Tuesday on a warrant issued in Sweden in connection with alleged sex offenses, British police officials said, the latest twist in the drama swirling around the anti-secrecy group and its beleaguered founder.

    Mr. Assange, a 39-year-old Australian, was arrested by officers from Scotland Yard’s extradition unit when he went to a central London police station by prior agreement with the authorities, the police said. A court hearing was expected later in the day.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    6 hours 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
    10 hours 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 day 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 day 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 day 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 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-24T06:56:07+00:00