Open mike 08/05/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, May 8th, 2024 - 113 comments
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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 …

113 comments on “Open mike 08/05/2024 ”

  1. ianmac 1

    So that is where the Reading "Reform" came from!

    The Government’s education policy reform has striking parallels to those put forward by researcher Michael Johnston and right-wing think tank the New Zealand Initiative.

    A single mandated "Reform" is not a good plan for teaching kids to read. The full article is not available yet from Newsroom but is usually opened up in a day or so.

    https://newsroom.co.nz/2024/05/08/meet-the-man-behind-the-governments-education-policy/?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=b160c99eea-Daily_Briefing+08.05.2024&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-b160c99eea-95522477&mc_cid=b160c99eea&mc_eid=88a3081e75

    • SPC 1.1

      Emeritus Professor James Chapman,

      https://www.liftingliteracyaotearoa.org.nz/blog/abandon-our-literacy-myth

      The Ministerial Advisory Group, led by Dr Johnston, will review the curricula and teaching methods to provide teachers with the clarity and tools needed to teach these core subjects effectively. Dr Johnston will lead a world-class team, including literacy expert Emeritus Professor James Chapman, mathematician Distinguished Professor Gaven Martin and curriculum design expert Professor Elizabeth Rata. Work will be done in the first half of 2024, ready for implementation in 2025.

      https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO2312/S00172/new-zealand-initiative-celebrates-senior-fellow-michael-johnstons-appointment-as-chair-of-ministerial-advisory-group.htm

      • ianmac 1.1.1

        James Chapman has been labouring on about phonics for close on 40 years inspite of evidence against full on phonics

        • Belladonna 1.1.1.1

          Can you cite any evidence against 'full on phonics'

          Because there is 40 years of credible research showing that the 'balanced literacy' approach, beloved on the MoE, delivers significantly worse outcomes for kids struggling to read.

          This is a new article – but provides links to scientific research,which you could follow through, if you want to educate yourself.

          https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/122697726/advisor-under-fire-as-literacy-group-says-reading-programme-failing-children

          Yes some kids learn to read using balanced literacy – these are the kids who will learn to read under just about any circumstance – and often are self-starters who learn without any formal teaching. They will also learn to read using phonics-based instruction.

    • Traveller 1.2

      " Structured literacy isn’t just a passing trend; it’s firmly grounded in research and evidence-based practices. Studies conducted in recent years have highlighted its effectiveness in teaching reading, particularly to individuals with dyslexia and other learning challenges (Shaywitz, 2018). This evidence-backed approach has caught the attention of educators and stakeholders who are searching for proven methods to enhance literacy outcomes. "

      "Across the globe, concerns are mounting over literacy levels among both children and adults. Structured literacy emerges as a promising solution to this literacy crisis. Recent research has highlighted its effectiveness in addressing the diverse needs of learners, fostering a culture of literacy excellence in schools and beyond (Kilpatrick, 2019). "

      Unlocking Literacy: The Rise of Structured Literacy in Education – Cognition Education

      • Stephen D 1.2.1

        Structured literacy emerges as a promising solution to this literacy crisis

        So not actually proven, then.

        From my limited (20years+) teaching experience, one size does NOT fit all.

        • SPC 1.2.1.1

          Is it not the most inclusive approach (albeit including more of the complexity of language)?

          So long as the remedial backup can cover those who find this all too much …

          • Stephen D 1.2.1.1.1

            What remedial backup? The govt is cutting funding for things like support staff.

            • SPC 1.2.1.1.1.1

              Reading recovery is done by teachers.

            • SPC 1.2.1.1.1.2

              And not only cutting support staff it is "actually" also ending the reading recovery programme – betting the house on the change working without any back up.

              I missed this

              https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2024/05/stanford-confirms-end-of-reading-recovery-programme-in-schools-doesn-t-rule-out-job-losses.html

              • Belladonna

                Reading Recovery is throwing the same teaching model (which has already demonstratedly not worked) to the student – just in a one-on-one environment.

                Actually changing the teaching model is a much better solution (and allocation of resources).

                • SPC

                  I'll pick that there will be a reading recovery programme of some sort for those not keeping up with the class …

                  Some will then say, we should have had it from the get go.

                  • Belladonna

                    If it's a phonics based reading recovery – you might have an argument. But the current one achieves very little at considerable cost.

                    Actually better to invest the money in teaching properly from the beginning.

                    • SPC

                      There will always be those who need help catching up.

                      Not providing for that is part of the arrogance of system change.

                      And the one on one teaching should be premised on the way the individual can best learn/be taught to understand.

        • Traveller 1.2.1.2

          Did you not read the first quote?

          " Structured literacy isn’t just a passing trend; it’s firmly grounded in research and evidence-based practices. Studies conducted in recent years have highlighted its effectiveness in teaching reading, particularly to individuals with dyslexia and other learning challenges (Shaywitz, 2018). This evidence-backed approach has caught the attention of educators and stakeholders who are searching for proven methods to enhance literacy outcomes. "

          Unlocking Literacy: The Rise of Structured Literacy in Education – Cognition Education

          And then there's this:

          Structured literacy provides solid foundations – Education Gazette

          One size may not fit all, but what we have been doing has failing, and structured literacy is an evidence based, proven solution.

          • Ed1 1.2.1.2.1

            There have been arguments about different approaches to "teaching reading" since the 1970's. A specialist reading teacher told me that either of the two main methods worked well, but neither would cover all children, and sometimes one would be better at different ages / maturity. From memory (and I hope someone corrects this if it is wrong), one method concentrates on whole words, another on the sound of individual letters or letter groups. Regardless of teaching method, children benefit from being read stories by their parents – by seeing reading as enjoyable, and by being able to look at the book while being read to and relate to pictures and in due course written words. We have much better understanding of learning difficulties which individual children have; and they arise from a range of reasons, including different ways in which their brains develop and understanding at different ages, as well as exposure to reading in the home. Poverty can affect school success, and there is no doubt that we are more divided economically than we were pre-Muldoon. Ideally teachers should be aware of mental developments that link to certain stages of reading / understanding, and are able to give at least a small amount of individual time to each child to assess how they are learning as well as measuring progress. Simple measurements without appropriate analysis can lead to wrong conclusions.

            • Traveller 1.2.1.2.1.1

              The standard of literacy in NZ has deteriorated significantly over recent decades, and we have to act to address that decline. During the formative years of my children's education, literacy teaching generally followed a whole language approach ((PDF) Incorporating phonics within a New Zealand whole language programme (researchgate.net)), about which James Chapman, Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology at Massey University wrote:

              "The whole language approach has been discredited by scientific studies of literacy for nearly four decades. Extensive research shows that achievement in reading depends on two processes: the ability to recognise the words in text accurately and quickly, and the use of language skills such as vocabulary and syntax. (see, Tunmer & Hoover: https://doi.org/10.1080/19404158.2019.1614081). Progress in learning to read words requires the ability to translate letters and letter patterns into phonological forms (i.e., letter-sound relationships). This enables beginning readers to develop sight word knowledge, which in turn frees up cognitive resources to focus on sentence meaning." Abandon our Literacy Myth — Lifting Literacy Aotearoa

              It seems clear a return to structured literacy is long overdue.

    • Dolomedes III 1.3

      "The Government’s education policy reform has striking parallels to those put forward by researcher Michael Johnston and right-wing think tank the New Zealand Initiative."

      So what does that prove? Is the NZ Institute necessarily wrong about everything because it's "right-wing"?

      What is your substantive objection to structured literacy? What is the evidence against it?

  2. Anne 2

    What is this country coming to:

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/516147/watch-elderly-woman-knocked-to-the-ground-in-unprovoked-attack

    Some entitled bastard in a bad mood so he picks on an 88yr old who is a bit unsteady on her feet. Appalling.

  3. Ad 3

    A reasonable commentary on the consistent scandals befalling the Green Party over the last 6 months.

    https://pointofordernz.wordpress.com/2024/05/08/green-party-grapples-with-persistent-scandals/

    It's a mighty big rebuild they have to do.

    • Stephen D 3.1

      Let's hope they do a better rebuild than the Nats. Their current gene pool is so shallow it's scary.

    • Bearded Git 3.2

      Don't believe everything you read. Van der Kaay writes for the so-called "Democracy Project" run by Bryce Edwards.

      Edwards has for many years consistently criticized parties from the Left while acting as an apologist for the Right.

      The Greens have had 3 unfortunate events.

      1. Shoplifting by a sick and clinically depressed member. She has been sent packing-dealt with.
      2. The as yet unproven migrant exploitation accusation. Under investigation so perhaps best to hold fire on this, but if found true is a bad look and she too will be sent packing.
      3. JAG's crossing the floor and shouting at Doocey (after the lies he yelled provoked her) which is under investigation, and the accusation that she yelled at an anti-cycleway zealot who it turns out, according to posts on TS, is a bit nasty. JAG has an excellent (and to my knowledge unblemished) record for the Greens over many years, both inside and outside parliament.

      Kaay’s article is not worth a hill of beans.

      • gsays 3.2.1

        The greens are my former favorite party.

        The behaviour of MPs is worrying. If you extend your timeline a little further back it would include Elizabeth Kerekere and her bullying that forced her to resign.

        Here is an article that says it better than me.

        For me it is less about the individuals, more the attitude that underpins their actions. A sense of entitlement that is concerning.

        Yes, there are two sides to every story. I can't help but feel Tana will end up resigning.

        Genters righteous anger with Doocey is particularly hypocritical. Our first Mental Health minister who has been brave and open about his struggles.

        Frankly the recent commentary here on TS, excusing Genter's behaviour with Dooey, Cranfield and Newcomb in that she was provoked, reeks of the Jake Heke defence "Look what you made me do."

        https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/03-05-2024/can-the-green-partys-holy-mission-survive-its-fallible-disciples

        • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1

          Come off it gsays. Genter has been in parliament 13 years behaving, to my knowledge, impeccably.

          Then she gets het up because Doocey yells lies at her (completely ignoring the real spending facts on roading) so she crosses the aisle to show him the actual numbers in the report.

          In an obvious, coordinated and probably made-up hit National drags up a witness to another episode where a passionate JAG meets an anti-cycleway (code for National/ACT voter) person who claims (unproven, no witnesses) she too was yelled at by JAG. Note: Nobody would offer to video a meeting where they were yelling at a constituent.

          It was a very dumb thing to do to cross the aisle and JAG should get a sanction from the privileges committee for this-presumably they will take into account the previous 13 years of not doing this. Note: apparently crossing the aisle is not against the rules.

          I don't see the relevance of Doocey's mental history (you are clutching at straws here). If you are fit to be in parliament you are fit to be part of the rough and tumble. In this case he bears some of the blame by yelling obvious lies in the first place. Maybe this will teach him to stick to yelling the truth.

          • Shanreagh 3.2.1.1.1

            In an obvious, coordinated and probably made-up hit National drags up a witness to another episode where a passionate JAG meets an anti-cycleway (code for National/ACT voter) person who claims (unproven, no witnesses) she too was yelled at by JAG. Note: Nobody would offer to video a meeting where they were yelling at a constituent.

            (code for National/ACT voter) This is where outsiders away from Wellington are coming a cropper.

            The lack of consultation by WCC and concerns about it seems to be apolitical. It is not a left/right issue. To me it is a clash between one eyed and multi eyed.

            So those that can see that if we make it difficult for residents to survive then Wgtn becomes less desirable to live. Our suburbs should not be built just to cater for one demographic. It shocked me when talking to people that many of them are ignorant about:

            • the best way of life is for the elderly to remain in their own homes instead of warehousing them in retirement homes/villages Our suburbs will have more and more people over 50-60 years as the years go on.
            • to do this services come to the elderly
            • that while they are at work the suburbs are alive with people such as meals on wheels, elder care people, district nurses, delivery of groceries, meat/vegetable etc. Some of these services are provided by people under time pressure and need to be able to park close to their clients.
            • our homes will continue to be wanted for renovation and that means tradies and bins/ deliveries to DIYers.

            PS An electorate MP represents all the people in the electorate not just the ones who may have voted for her or who she or we perceive might have voted for her.

          • Mike the Lefty 3.2.1.1.2

            I have just become aware that the "incident" with the florist actually happened about 18 MONTHS AGO.

            The news reports about it were very obviously slanted to make people believe that it happened shortly before the parliamentary incident.

            So how the f… does this have relevance to the parliamentary incident?

            It isn't like she used a wooden bed leg to bash someone as a certain National MP who is currently in parliament.

            She had an argument with someone, one and a half years ago.

            One and a half years ago!

            And that was buried in the bottom of the article.

            Big f…n deal!

            The right are out to get her, they will stop at nothing!

            http://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350270955/julie-anne-genter-was-buying-flowers-dying-friend-amid-florist-confrontation

            • Shanreagh 3.2.1.1.2.1

              If The Greens have only just become aware of this then they need to act on it now. It doesn't matter really when the issues happened. It is not as if the incidents are being ignored by the Greens. They do seem to fit a pattern with the Cranfields person as well.

              Hopefully JAG will have the parlt stuff dealt with by the Privileges cttee and the comms issues dealt with by The Greens and she will keep on being the no1 transport knowledgeable person in the house.

              Of course the more we ourselves blow the issue up the less attention is paid to the Peters/Carr possible defamation stuff.

            • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1.2.2

              Hadn't realised that it was 18 months ago Mike…really is a scam/beat up…terrible reporting of the facts by MSM (which is actually their job).

              • Mike the Lefty

                I bet a lot of people didn't realise that.

                And Stuff think they can save the 6 o'clock news?

                Based on this useless example of their journalism, it is already dead.

                • gsays

                  That's the irony for me.

                  Two from my stable of hobby horses, the road users influence in parliament and MSM. I should have my Pom Poms out.

                  Instead, it's head in my hands bemoaning another 'knock-on'.

            • alwyn 3.2.1.1.2.3

              I suggest that you read that article again. You clearly didn't read it very cardfully the first time.

              There were two people who are mentioned in the article. The first was the florist. That happened recently. She is Laura Newcombe.

              The second was about another person, Nicola Cranfield, at another shop, Cranfields, in another part of town. That is the one that Genter claims happened about eighteen months ago.

              When you have read the story a bit more carefully you will see that they are different people, at different times, but with the same rabid dog attitude by JAG.

              There is an even earlier one about her involving a then WCC Councillor Simon Woolf when she also lit into him in a rather deranged manner. Some people, like Genter, simply never learn do they?

          • gsays 3.2.1.1.3

            "In this case he bears some of the blame by yelling obvious lies in the first place. Maybe this will teach him to stick to yelling the truth."

            A less kind person would mention victim blaming, I will leave it at the Heke defence.

            "In an obvious, coordinated and probably made-up hit National drags up a witness to another episode where a passionate JAG meets an anti-cycleway (code for National/ACT voter) person who claims (unproven, no witnesses) she too was yelled at by JAG. Note: Nobody would offer to video a meeting where they were yelling at a constituent."

            Maybe, maybe not. Yr conspiracies don't matter.

            Genter did make a boo-boo in the house and these NAct voters and in Genter's own words show she has form for this behaviour. "I accept that sometimes when dealing with people who are very upset, I haven't been able to stay calm and I need to know when to walk away."

            https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/05/07/julie-anne-genter-breaks-silence-and-offers-three-more-apologies/

            Anyhoo, my response to you was more about the glossing over of quite a few (let's be kind) mis-steps from senior Green MPs and what they have in common .

            I am a big fan of Genter too, and rather than take the Officer Barbrady approach – "Nothing to see here folks" I want our comrades in The Greens to get their shit together.

            • Bearded Git 3.2.1.1.3.1

              gsays-I didn't gloss over anything. The Kerekere bullying happened well over a year ago which is not anywhere close to the period I am commenting on above in relation to Kaay's biased article.

              I commented on the three relatively current events that the MSM media seems to be trying to portray as a pattern, where nothing could be further from the truth.

              If we are to start going back a couple of years there are National MP misdemeanors as long as my arm.

              • gsays

                I couldn't care less for yr whataboutism regards Nat MPs. They ain't my team.

                Clearly there is a worrying aspect to these misdemeanours. Tana, from what little we know appears to be the worst of the lot.

                We all hop up and down and question the Nats and their selection process in regards Uffendell but it would appear you would have us believe the Greens have nothing to worry about, it's all a MSM/NActs conspiracy!

    • Phillip ure 3.3

      'a reasonable commentary'..really..?

      I thought it was a simplistic rehashing of the wholesale pearl clutching we have seen around this..

      Devoid of any insights…

      Genter spat the dummy at the facile droolings of doocey..on an issue she is both knowledgeable and passionate about ..

      .and she broke parliamentary protocol..by crossing the floor to remonstrate with him..to wave her arms at him ..wave a raft of papers at him .

      That's it .!…

      Yes.. it's a breach of parliamentary protocol ..so the privileges committee will decide her censure…

      That's it..!

      ..and as for the flower lady interaction…the brief interview genter gave the always/easily excited maiki Sherman revealed that she first went in there to buy flowers for a sick friend…

      Not to confront the flower lady..

      This is all looking like a beat up..

      And to use this minor brouhaha to claim the greens are in some kind of crisis and need to 'rebuild'..is frankly farcical.

      The florist obviously challenged her on the cycle-lanes…and genter engaged..and it could be said over-reacted by pulling her phone out..

      That's it..!

      Everyone really needs to get a bit of a grip…

      ..and to breathe through their noses..

      This is all heading for a mountain -out-of-a-molehill-award..

      • Obtrectator 3.3.1

        That's it indeed. Basically some inappropriate behaviour, but no suggestion whatever of actual moral turpitude. A token penalty and a warning should cover it, to my mind.

        I checked out Nick's Korero last night. https://nickrockel.substack.com/p/i-could-be-a-florist?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2

        That florist does seem to have some "form" all right. What I take from it is that she's relied in her business mostly on one-time off-the-shelf purchases by the semi-captive market offered by hospital visitors. Dealing with large or special orders don't seem to be her forte. And now that bike lanes have had the effect of reducing that casual trade, she's begun to feel the pinch.

        • Shanreagh 3.3.1.1

          You'd be so wrong if you think that this is the type of florist that has the tied up bouquets that you get from the supermarkets.

          This florist is more the old time/type one where they might do flowers for weddings, graduations, whole venues. They are an Interflora florist catering for birthdays all around the south area. Interflora have the deliveries by van or sometimes cycle courier. Mostly van as the flowers need to be kept in tip top condition. I think I'd be right in saying that they would be the only one in Newtown, Berhampore, Island bay. I think there is one in Kilbirnie.

          That part of the shopping centre has been poorly treated over the years. Now the area is a rat run, any shops are suffering. Agencies such as the Cancer Society, closer to the hospital that used to have easy access to a parking area are hemmed in by narrow-ish entrances over a bus lane. If you misjudge your turn and turn too early and have to go along the bus lanes a little way then a camera will ensure you get a ticket for $150.00.

          Further down in Adelaide road at least two businesses I know of have up sticks and are moving because even though WCC say that they have mainaitned entrances for businesses these in practice are difficult to use being across a bus lane and a cycle lane with myriads of green paint, unforgiving kerbing and OTT flag things.

          One of our fellow posters has indicated that people in the area are aware of how these people have been treated and much of the sympathy is going the way of the shopkeepers and not JAG.

      • Patricia Bremner 3.3.2

        surprise Perhaps it is creating a smoke screen for the DP who said too much regarding Carr?

      • ianmac 3.3.3

        Be great if JAG filmed it all?

      • Mike the Lefty 3.3.4

        Not to mention that this second incident actually happened about 18 months ago but the florist conveniently forgot to tell us that.
        This is so obviously a National smear job.

  4. Phillip ure 4

    I heard an interview with Shane Jones on morning report/rnz ..

    And I was struck by the thought that he is like a noisy barbarian at the gate…

    You don't want to let him in…

    And you just want him to go away…

    • bwaghorn 4.1

      He's gone from amusing bombastic fool, to corrupt dangerous mf. Small men and a little power is always bad

      • Rodel 4.1.1

        Watched this on TV news. Appalling. and makes me think of 'One strike and your'e out.'

        • Rodel 4.1.1.1

          '.you're out'…but good to hear.the a'hole was arrested 40 minutes later.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 4.2

      Yep, he's never won an electorate seat. Not sure he ever could.

  5. Chris 5

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350268124/live-te-pati-maori-mp-stands-exterminate-maori-comments

    Good on Mairiameno Kapa-Kingi for standing up to the tone-deaf apologists whose comments do nothing but enable the insidiousness of what this government's trying to do to its Treaty partner to continue.

    • Traveller 5.1

      Exterminate: to kill all the animals or people in a particular place or of a particular type.

      EXTERMINATE | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary

      We've almost become immune to hyperbole, but this one takes the cake.

        • Traveller 5.1.1.1

          What is your point? That two wrongs make a right?

        • James Simpson 5.1.1.2

          Are you saying that Seymour was right to use that language?

          If so, then you're a disgrace.

          • SPC 5.1.1.2.1

            I thought he was saying that Seymour had taken the cake and already eaten it.

      • weka 5.1.2

        did you listen to her speech? I watched the short version in Chris' link. You may not agree with her perspective, but the word exterminate used in context was coherent and understandable. She is saying that government policy will remove Māori ability to remain Māori. She's not saying the government will genocide Māori people, she is saying that without their culture they will become white and thus cease to exist.

        Which many people, myself included, agree is true. As far as I can tell, ACT are intent on removing cultural protection, NZF will play the populist, anti-tikanga card, and National will slow things down a bit but will nevertheless attempt to remove Māori power and self-determination.

        • Shanreagh 5.1.2.1

          Agree with this summation Weka, I also listend and she was careful but doesn't stop the 'shock, horror' people exclaiming. Also agree with the summary of what ACT etc are up to.

        • Traveller 5.1.2.2

          Yes I did listen to her speech. Not only is the use of the word unwise, it is entirely untrue both literally and in context.

          There is no attempt to "remove ability to remain Māori" (your words I know), nor is there any attempt to remove Māori culture. If there was, I and many others would be joining her in the fight.

          • weka 5.1.2.2.1

            obviously TPM and Kapa-Kingi disagree with you. She explained it well enough.

            • Traveller 5.1.2.2.1.1

              TPM are playing to an audience, Weka. Nothing more, nothing less.

              • weka

                they're a political party

                But really all you've done here is say you don't like what she said

                🤷‍♀️

        • Dolomedes III 5.1.2.3

          How exactly will government policy "remove Māori ability to remain Māori."? I don't understand this claim.

          • gsays 5.1.2.3.1

            A starting point is trying to erase or eliminate the langauge from the Public Service.

            Last time I looked Maori were part of the Public.

          • weka 5.1.2.3.2

            What don't you understand? The government wants to remove the Māori specific aspects of child welfare.

            Here's the Hansard record,

            https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/HansS_20240501_051540000/kapa-kingi-mariameno

            The theory of the Minister is that Oranga Tamariki's governing principles should be colour-blind, which is just another word for white supremacy, because to say we are all one people is really to say we should all be white people, erasing the very hue of our identity and culture that makes us whole as tangata Māori, tamariki Māori, mokopuna Māori.

            The government intends to remove section 7AA from the Oranga Tamariki Act. That's the section that seeks to change outcomes for Māori kids in Māori terms.

            https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/about-us/performance-and-monitoring/section-7aa/what-we-do-section-7aa/

            • Dolomedes III 5.1.2.3.2.1

              I'm not sure what you think you're proving by quoting an activist like Kapa-Kingi? Do you actually believe the CRT line that colour-blindness is a "just another word for white supremacy"?

              And what makes you think section 7AA is some kind of magic formula for Maaori advancement? Was it not section 7AA that saw Maaori kids reverse uplifted from white couples who apparently provided a stable, loving family environment? What do you mean by "in Maaori terms"? I would have thought that a stable, loving family environment was up near the top of any child's "cultural needs".

              All I can say in defence of your claim that "government policy will remove Māori ability to remain Māori" is that it isn't quite as hyperbolic as Kapa-Kingi's claim.

    • I Feel Love 5.2

      +1 Chris.

    • bwaghorn 5.3

      Ridiculous grandstanding wedge driving shit from tpm!

      • Res Publica 5.3.1

        You mean ridiculous, performative outrage from NACT?

        Who on one hand like to shit all over the left for the perceived ills of cancel culture and "wokeness", and on the other start clutching at their pearls whenever they are criticised or get called out for being wankers.

        Who's the snowflake now, David et al?

        [lprent: I’ll let this through despite the handle change. But decide which one you want to use going forward. ]

    • AB 5.4

      What I took from her interview on RNZ this morning was that the word "exterminate" was used deliberately to provoke a response, because words like "deculturation" go over peoples’ heads. The APA's definition of deculturation says:

      the processes, intentional or unintentional, by which traditional cultural beliefs or practices are suppressed or otherwise eliminated as a result of contact with a different, dominant culture.

      I took this as her actual point – the elimination of the Maori worldview as an influential or important force in modern contemporary social, political or economic life.

      I'd agree that the Coalition is attempting to do that – particularly ACT. But actually using the word "exterminate" while knowing that 99% of people would assume it to mean physical extermination/genocide, is tactically stupid. Too much of this sort of thing will mean that parties of the liberal centre-left/right (i.e. Labour) may be backed into a corner where they have no option but to rule out TPM as a partner.

      • Belladonna 5.4.1

        Unfortunately the response that she's achieved (except from the already convinced) is that she is in questionable contact with reality. (Extermination is a fair description of what is going on in Gaza, not that what is happening to Maori in NZ).

        Her message (whatever it was) has been lost in the language she chose to use.

        Unless her sole desire was to get her name in the headlines – this has been a communications fail.

        However, TPM have recent history of doing exactly this. Which makes me think that this is all about playing to their party base, and that they have zero interest in ever being part of a government – and a permanent desire to be on the cross-benches, criticizing everyone.

        • weka 5.4.1.1

          Growing the party's vote and sitting on teh cross benches free to criticises government policy whoever is in government is not necessarily a bad thing, and might be preferable to being in a centre left Hipkins led government.

          Assuming Labour doesn't need them to govern 😈

          • Belladonna 5.4.1.1.1

            Perhaps it's my belief structure getting in the way, but it has always seemed rather pointless to go into Parliament without the desire to actually make changes. And you have to be in government to make changes.

            • weka 5.4.1.1.1.1

              I think it's that last sentence that's at issue. The Greens have long demonstrated how change can be achieved without being in government. If TPM spend the next 6 years establishing their policies in the public eye as well as growing their vote, that makes sense to me. The long haul.

              And Labour may still need them.

            • bwaghorn 5.4.1.1.1.2

              I recall the great Pita Sharples saying it's better to be in the tent than out, didn't go so well for tpm when he chose the national tent

        • Dolomedes III 5.4.1.2

          "she is in questionable contact with reality"

          So deftly put.

      • Obtrectator 5.4.2

        Maybe she should have used a vivid everyday phrase, such as "consigning Maori culture to the rubbish bin", or something equally vigorous which however stops short of implying actual physical destruction of her people. "Deculturation" (I didn't even know that was a word) wouldn't have done – too unfamiliar and open to misinterpretation.

  6. Shanreagh 6

    Are there any moderators 'on duty' at TS today? Asking for a friend wink

    • weka 6.1

      yes. Why?

      • Shanreagh 6.1.1

        I sent some messages to the contact addresses.

        • weka 6.1.1.1

          that goes to Lprent. Is it urgent? I can email him and ask him to check them.

          • weka 6.1.1.1.1

            he should see his personal one fairly quickly.

          • Shanreagh 6.1.1.1.2

            Yes

            • weka 6.1.1.1.2.1

              I see Lynn has moderated, sorry that took so long.

              For future reference, the quickest way to get moderator attention is to reply to one of the mods anywhere on site. We check the Replies tab and see who is talking to us. If you don't get a response, do it again.

              In this case you could reply to me (or any mod who is active on the site on the day) and put a link to the comments/thread where the issues are. You don't have to go into details, just link and say there is a serious problem and ask for a mod to take a look.

              • Shanreagh

                Thank you Weka. I will do. I just did not want to inspire yet another go at me.

                • weka

                  totally understand. Even just replying to an older commenter of mine and asking me to take a look would work (no link needed, I just need to know there is something important to look at).

  7. Ffloyd 7

    Absolutely agree with Bearded Git. Doocey should be sanctioned for knowingly lying(imo). They do this to try to create a response such as he got from JAG. Precisely what an Iq and Eq challenged person resorts to when they can’t actually debate like an educated and intelligent opponent. As we have seen recently from the garbled car crash that was MMitchell. By the look on Simone’s face this is a tactical method that is going to be ongoing. Just for Simone’s amusement. They are not in Government for the right reasons. Dormant Doocey is just there as a yes vote to everything COC ups want to repeal or pass into legislation. The Right Honourable he IS NOT.

    • Mike the Lefty 7.1

      Green baiting, especially the Wellington MPs, is National's goal. In their minds they are getting payback for the Greens kicking National's butt (as well as Labour's) in Wellington at the last election

      All these "incidents" are not co-incidental, they are a deliberate plan by National to disgrace the Greens. Expect more "incidents" to come to light as their plan develops.

  8. joe90 8

    The man is a fuckwit.

    .

    That programme will be bulk purchased by the government and delivered to schools, which Seymour said would "significantly reduce the cost of the programme".

    "Students will receive nutritious food that they want to eat. It will be made up of the sorts of food items thousands of mums and dads put into lunch boxes every day for their kids – forget quinoa, couscous, and hummus, it will be more like sandwiches and fruit," Seymour said.

    When asked about food items like sushi for lunches, he said, "If you don't get that sushi's woke, then I don't know how to wake you up, but the key message here is that we are introducing the kinds of foods that are put in the lunchboxes of children, the other 75 percent of kids, who rely on their parents to send their lunch".

    https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/sushis-woke-seymour-cuts-107m-school-lunches

    The Government has sunk to a new low with today’s announcement that they will replace high quality nutritious lunches with largely processed snack foods for Intermediate and High School students, as families continue to struggle with food insecurity.

    “This announcement is a devastating lost opportunity to promote healthy eating habits that protect against chronic diseases that result in major health system costs,” Health Coaltiion Aotearoa (HCA) co-chair Professor Lisat Te Morenga said.

    https://www.healthcoalition.org.nz/lunches-downgrade-robs-children-of-nutrition-well-being-immunity-and-fuel-to-learn/

    • Drowsy M. Kram 8.1

      A definitive list of woke and non-woke foods [8 May 2024]
      In announcing changes to the school lunches programme, David Seymour said kids would no longer be served ‘woke’ foods.

      sad I'd liken Seymour to a worm, except worms are useful. Does he fear 'woke' food will turn kids (future voters) 'woke'? What a turd – nope, also more useful than Seymour.

      Woke up Kiwis – they're here!

      They're here already! You're next! You're next, You're next…!

      https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049366/characters/nm0002994#quotes

      • Dolomedes III 8.1.1

        I imagine Seymour's problem is with the price of middle-class foods like hummus and quinoa.

        • Grant 8.1.1.1

          Hummus is a staple food made from cheap as chips chick peas. My wife who’s been teaching in a wide decile range of primary schools for over forty years says she’s seen plenty of hummus in school lunches but has never seen quinoa or couscous. Are you sure you and your dorky mate mate have your facts right?

          • weka 8.1.1.1.1

            I'm guessing quinoa features in some of the meals for kids with food allergies eg those that need gluten-free.

            Or Seymour is making shit up. The whole things has the same vibe as Penny Simmonds going on about disabled carers getting massages. Afaik she never produced any evidence of this nor meaningful explanation. It was superficial bullshit designed to make it harder to get at the truth of what they were doing.

  9. Subliminal 9

    Well, here we are with a major movement developing in the student aged population in the US (and increasingly the world) against the slaughter in Gaza.

    The Biden admin thought that a few swift kicks at the encampments by riot police or rabid supporters of Israel would cause them to hastily pack up camp and go home to Mummy and Daddy.

    Instead we are looking at the development of a movement that may equal that of the Vietnam protests. Gazans are already making signs thanking the students of the world for their compassion and humanity.

    And just to give everyone the morale boost they needed, along comes Macklemore with a smart and defiant mainstream rap that really says what youth says best to authority with all proceeds going to UNRWA

    There arent a lot of bright spots for Gaza now with the Rafah invasion seemingly in motion but this is definitely one.

    Edit: I thought the embed code was enough to get the song onto the page but apparently not so you’ll need to click through.

    https://twitter.com/macklemore/status/1787616471738368099

  10. roblogic 10

    The BHN episode linked here adds important context to some of the comments on Māori politics today. The status quo of New Zealand is still detrimental to Tangata Whenua.

    We have made some good progress in the last few years, supporting Māori culture and Te Reo and wellbeing. But to deny that the current government is trying to erase all those gains is simple ignorance.

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  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

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    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

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  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
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    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

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    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
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    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

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    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
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    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
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    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
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    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
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    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
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    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
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    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
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    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
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    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
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    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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