Open mike 08/08/2024

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, August 8th, 2024 - 53 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:


Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

53 comments on “Open mike 08/08/2024 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. gsays 1
    8 August 2024 at 7:31 am

    File under 'Duh… That's obvious.'

    For all the ranting against neo liberalism, wanting Labour to turn away from the dreadful ideological mindset, there is a deeper rot to counter.

    In the ferry saga, Willis cites "officials". When Woods put the nail in the coffin of Marsden Point, "advisors" informed her decision.

    Now Minister Jones is seeking advice from our free-market public service to address power pricing spikes. I can't see much changing.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    8 August 2024 at 8:13 am

    Expect mysterious acts of arson against civic infrastructure in Kaipara in 3, 2, 1….

    And of course, Northland has already discovered what a wrench and angle grinder can do in 20 minutes to a power pylon.

    I am not sure if the Pakeha settler class quite grasps how many marginalised Maori are not as hung up as they are on law and order and following the "rules", especially the order bit.

    • Cricklewood 2.1
      8 August 2024 at 9:21 am

      Going down that path tends to hurt the people you want to help the most.

    • David 2.2
      8 August 2024 at 9:57 am

      Why would we “Expect mysterious acts of arson against civic infrastructure…”

      Also what is the “Pakeha settler class”, are they a class of undesirables in our society?

      • AB 2.2.1
        8 August 2024 at 12:27 pm

        A class is any set of people with a common set of interests. Marxists go down some rabbit holes differentiating a class that inherently has shared interests from one that has inherently shared interests but is also aware that it does, and makes common cause among its members – but I'm ignoring that bit.

        A Pakeha settler class would therefore be non-Maori that have benefited economically from and since the colonisation of NZ, does not want the indigeneity of Maori to have any legal or economic consequence but merely a cultural/ceremonial one, has an a-historic (non-historic?) view of the current distribution of wealth/power as natural and eternal, does not like the emergence of the Treaty since the 1980s from its long period of being regarded as a legal nullity, and strongly opposes the notion of indigenous rights in natural resources because they are a potential impediment to the ownership, extraction and ultimately exhaustion of those resources by the owners of capital.

        So it's pretty clear what is is – and obviously if the cap fits, you can decline to wear it, but other people will notice. You'll also see that this definition makes it clear that not all Pakeha belong to this class. I therefore don't think there's anything particularly controversial about what Sanctuary says.

        However, I don't think it's a useful categorisation politically in terms of persuading people to change their minds.

        • David 2.2.1.1
          8 August 2024 at 1:28 pm

          Okay, so it sounds like something a nice middle class white person would say in a disapproving manner, about another group of white people. To demonstrate how morally superior they are. Got it. I stay away from that sort of person.

          • AB 2.2.1.1.1
            8 August 2024 at 5:20 pm

            My attempted description of the 'class' Sanctuary named was purely descriptive and contained no moral judgment at all. I also have friends/acquaintances who definitely fall into that class, and I would definitely not disapprove of them in any social interaction, but might agreeably disagree if the subject came up. Political analysis (however amateurish in my case) and social relations are different things.

    • higherstandard 2.3
      8 August 2024 at 10:15 am

      That's silly stuff sanctuary.

      The next elections are in 2025 I believe, the turnout in Kaipara last time around would've been as poor as most of the rest of NZ I suspect at less than 50%, if there is a large enough group who want the Maori ward then get active it shouldn't be too hard to vote in sympathetic councillors and get the decision overturned.

      What will ensure that Maori wards in Kaipara wouldn't return is the kind of behaviour which you have suggested.

      • tWig 2.3.1
        8 August 2024 at 10:41 am

        The Kaipara mayor very much epitomises a 'Pakeha settler class' mentality. Before the change in government he had real issues with Maori language and karakia in council meetings. Actually, he was quite rude, interrupting speakers to tell them to stop. Maori make up 25% of locals in the council area.

          • tWig 2.3.1.1.1
            8 August 2024 at 10:49 am

            While allowing Batchelor to address the Council when he approached him.

            " Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson says he did not mislead his council when controversial figure Julian Batchelor, leader of the Stop Co-Governance movement, spoke at a meeting last month.

            Northern Advocate 22 Aug 2023

            Free speech for me, but not for thee.

          • Barfly 2.3.1.1.2
            8 August 2024 at 11:38 am

            'Pakeha settler class' ffs on my mothers side arrived 1870 on fathers side 1906

            thats 154 years and 118 years ago I was born in Tauranga 65 years ago but to you am I 'Pakeha settler class'?

            Way to get people's backs up pal . I suggest you call them what they are – bigoted racists! Leave the racial epithets out of it – you will get more support, unless of course you actually just want to promote more conflict…..

            • Visubversa 2.3.1.1.2.1
              8 August 2024 at 11:49 am

              Yep – a lot of us come from solid working class backgrounds. My father's ancestors were displaced Scottish crofters who came here in 1848 with the Free Church migrants to Dunedin. One was a cabinet maker and his wife took in washing and made hats. They were regarded as the 'deserving poor" – suitable to work in the new settlement.

              My mother's people on one side came from Ireland to Blackball to work in the mines, and my maternal grandmother came from Australia as a child with a friend of her mother's who was coming to the Waikato to be a "ladies' companion" to the wife of a wealthy farmer. My parents were the both the first in their families to get a tertiary education.

            • roblogic 2.3.1.1.2.2
              8 August 2024 at 6:30 pm

              I see no insult in the phrase – it is purely descriptive. I have a similar background and my family undoubtedly benefited from the Waikato War. My grandfather made big bucks from dairy farming in Te Awamutu. The complicating factor is that he and his 4 brothers married local Mãori women!

              And before that, *his* grandfather was one of the first settlers to Puhoi that relied on Māori kindness for their survival. Without the local chief bringing food up the Puhoi river every few days they would have starved on their allotment of dense native bush.

              He waka eke noa.

              • Barfly …
                8 August 2024 at 10:36 pm

                I see no insult in the phrase – it is purely descriptive

                Yet no one speaks of

                Maori settler class or

                Pacifica settler class or

                Asian settler class……

                I perceive 'Pakeha settler class' as an insult

                • roblogic …
                  8 August 2024 at 10:59 pm

                  Nonsense. We are "Tangata Tiriti" and as long as Te Tiriti is honoured we all have a place in Aotearoa.

                  The “settler class” probably refers to the troglodytes of the Right who still suffer a colonial mindset.

                  Anyway, a few words are nothing compared to having 95% of your country stolen from you.

        • Perplu 2.3.1.2
          8 August 2024 at 11:21 am

          The irony is that before Kaipara established a Maori ward, 2 of their 9 councillors were Maori. After the Maori ward was established they had only 1 Maori councillor.

    • Jimmy 2.4
      8 August 2024 at 12:05 pm

      Perhaps these clowns will strike again. Or they may still be getting over their burns.

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350369824/video-shows-alleged-arsonists-fire-after-auckland-barbershop-break

      • tWig 2.4.1
        8 August 2024 at 12:28 pm

        This is the sort of damage targetted at businesses you see when criminal organisations move into protectionist rackets.

        Or sometimes, it’s a spate of insurance frauds. I seem to remember Greek-owned restaurants burned down with suspicious frequency in Wellington in the 70’s. We didn’t have the criminal infrastructure then for strong-arming businesses for ‘protecting’ them from fire, though.

        • Cricklewood 2.4.1.1
          8 August 2024 at 2:02 pm

          In Auckland plenty of Barbershops are a front to launder meth money. I'll bet it's got something to do with a debt real or perceived along the line that or simple rivalry.

          • bwaghorn 2.4.1.1.1
            8 August 2024 at 5:47 pm

            Yip had my hair cut in whanganui awhile back by some likely looking boys , another good reason to do away with cash.

          • joe90 2.4.1.1.2
            8 August 2024 at 6:08 pm

            In Auckland plenty of Barbershops are a front to launder meth money.

            Really? Do tell….

            • Cricklewood 2.4.1.1.2.1
              8 August 2024 at 9:08 pm

              Well if you were to look at appointment books they're doing a helluva lot of $50 fades.

              Prices are always neat round numbers multiples of $20 and $50… they're a pretty good cash business.

              • Hunter Thompson II …
                9 August 2024 at 10:09 am

                IRD has very powerful computer systems for income analysis. It will have them on their radar.

                The taxman can also exchange information with Customs, NZ Police etc.

                • Cricklewood …
                  9 August 2024 at 10:23 am

                  Perhaps, but there is nowhere near the capacity to actually do much about it as they are small scale so very low down the pecking order.

                  The volumes of meth and now cocaine that are coming in are staggering, Tauranga port is so bad customs are setting up a dedicated team more or less onsite to try and make a dent in it.

              • joe90 …
                11 August 2024 at 6:58 pm

                they're a pretty good cash business.

                And I suppose they're staffed by bros with neck tattoos, too..

                /

  3. Bearded Git 3
    8 August 2024 at 10:04 am

    Not a mention from Minister Jones about subsidising solar power and grid battery storage in his rant on RadioNZ's Morning Report today.

    Meanwhile California, Texas and Australia (30% of houses with solar; NZ 2% with solar) are investing massively in this obvious solution to low lake levels in NZ.

    https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/04/25/california-achieves-major-clean-energy-victory-10000-megawatts-of-battery-storage/

    https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/energy-storage/how-texas-became-the-hottest-battery-market-in-the-country-energy-storage

    https://www.energy-storage.news/australia-installed-2-5gwh-of-battery-storage-in-record-breaking-year-of-the-big-battery/

    • higherstandard 3.1
      8 August 2024 at 10:18 am

      I find it astonishing that there hasn't been a regulated requirement/incentives for all new builds (and existing social housing) for passive heating and/or solar panels.

      • Bearded Git 3.1.1
        8 August 2024 at 10:32 am

        +100 higher….Labour, the Greens and TPM need to talk to each other about this

        • Barfly 3.1.1.1
          8 August 2024 at 11:41 am

          yes Yes and it has to be Labour, the Greens and TPM because the RW won't touch anything that will benefit the general population.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 3.2
      8 August 2024 at 10:27 am

      Did you expect any ? Reality is the Jones blowhard dislikes anything Green …Sustainable.

      The RNZ headline looked slightly promising…but I should have known better..

      Shane Jones accuses big power companies of profiteering

      And there it was…

      A senior government minister says the government is exploring the option of intervening into the electricity market to force major energy generators to cut prices to major users.

      Major users. Like rio tinto?

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524482/shane-jones-accuses-big-power-companies-of-profiteering

      Jones and his NACT1 cronies are only interested in fast tracking profits..and profitable (for them) future connections.

    • Karolyn_IS 3.3
      8 August 2024 at 10:58 am

      I'm for using renewable energy – wind etc. But, do California, Texas and Aussie have more sunshine than NZ? Is that a factor?

      • weka 3.3.1
        8 August 2024 at 11:08 am

        Many places in NZ are ideal for solar (passive, active, hot water). It's not an issue of sunshine hours. Jones is a product of the industrial 20th century and can't see the sun apparently.

        • Karolyn_IS 3.3.1.1
          8 August 2024 at 11:12 am

          Thanks. Good to know that NZ can benefit from more use of solar panels. I'm no fan of Jones.

          • weka 3.3.1.1.1
            8 August 2024 at 11:18 am

            from a deep green perspective, it's still problematic, because active solar (panels, batteries, transmission etc) takes a lot of non-renewable resources.

            Passive solar is designing houses (or retrofitting them) so that they don't need so much power in the first place. Smaller houses, better aspect to the sun over the seasons, much better insulation, curtains and pelmets, that kind of stuff. There's some well developed tech that hasn't really gotten into the mainstream yet.

            All of that can then be backed up by renewable generation (local and/or centralised).

      • mpledger 3.3.2
        9 August 2024 at 9:22 am

        I would say they have more even sun hours year-round and more even use of electricity year-round from being closer to the equator i.e. more daylight hours in winter and the need for air conditioning in summer. NZ has fewer day light hours in winter when we need electricity for heating and excess solar production in summer because we don't have (or really need) air conditioning in homes.

  4. Adrian 4
    8 August 2024 at 10:49 am

    Rio Tinto is on a fixed price multi year deal I dont think it has to dip into the spot market.

    The timber processing companies crying into their sawdust need their arses kicked, it is a simple, albeit probably not cheap in the short run, process to produce electricity from wood waste. Just bad management and shortermism profit grabbing them on the same arse that needs kicking.

    • PsyclingLeft.Always 4.1
      8 August 2024 at 11:03 am

      Rio Tinto is on a fixed price multi year deal I dont think it has to dip into the spot market.

      You say that like you dont know their previous standover tactics history ?

      Either way they should pay the true cost of their power

      Greenpeace Aotearoa director Russel Norman said the plant owner, Rio Tinto, received a "sweetheart deal" for the smelter, which uses about 13 percent of the country's electricity.

      "The electricity companies love having Rio Tinto on the grid because it increases demand, and that means we have to fire up the coal units and that means every generator in the country gets paid a much higher rate by having Rio Tinto in the demand."

      He said modelling revealed the closure of the Tīwai Point smelter could have led to lower electricity prices and a greater use of renewable energy.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/518418/new-tiwai-point-deal-could-reinforce-coal-use-for-electricity-greenpeace

    • Bearded Git 4.2
      8 August 2024 at 3:30 pm

      Lisa Owen interviewed the chair of Open Country Dairy, Laurie Margrain on Checkpoint last night. He started with a long whinge about power prices. Owen then asked him an excellent question (paraphrasing): "what proportion of your costs are electricity" to which he answered something like "I don't have those numbers". In fact he had no idea. (Owen should then have said "you are blaming power prices but you have no idea what they are" but in her usual style she moved on)

      Power costs as a percentage of all costs are not likely to be huge (perhaps 10%) after materials, staff costs, machinery, buildings, repairs and maintenance, payroll and accounting, insurance, vehicles etc etc.

      Speculation here: If power prices have gone up ON AVERAGE 30% this year that adds just 3% to production costs. If your business can't handle that, and there is usually the option to put up prices to cover cost rises, then you don't have a viable business.

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018950177/nz-s-unreliable-energy-market-putting-investors-off

      • Cricklewood 4.2.1
        8 August 2024 at 9:13 pm

        Yep, but a lot of those businesses are like the timber mills, competing against heavily subsidized overseas based interests so survival is a fine line. If the owners give up and they close the factories down what happens to the workers and the small towns that rely on them?

        • Bearded Git 4.2.1.1
          9 August 2024 at 4:18 pm

          If a 3% increase in costs and there is no ability to put up prices a few per cent you haven't got a viable business in the first place. They are making excuses.

  6. weka 6
    8 August 2024 at 12:06 pm

    My mother's people likewise came from Scotland, 1860s, owed their passage on arrival. Got land easily from the displacement of Māori, and within a generation had gone from farmhands to immigrants to land owning farmers. The boys did better financially than the girls down the line of course.

    I was raised middle class, but when I talked with my mother about it, she found it weird because her parents considered themselves working class despite being landowning farmers (my Dad's family were definitely upper middle class though).

  7. SPC 7
    8 August 2024 at 12:18 pm

    After crying the Maori wolf is coming for our water (and Foreshore and Seabed)(and indigenous peoplke co-governance)(and Treaty partnership)(and Waitangi Tribunal activism in protection of Article 2 TOW promises), National has identified what its water plan is.

    Brown had committed to a new reform package, called “Local Water Done Well”, which asked councils to amalgamate water services with their neighbours to create cost efficiencies for ratepayers, while also creating water providers with the scale to fix ageing and unsafe drinking, waste and stormwater systems to new standards.

    It is enabling both more debt for council owned water service and lower water standards. This can allow deferring the up front cost to council of water infrastructure investment. Also a two tier water quality system based on local affordability (political expediency as to the scale of risk involved)

    Debt financing for these water providers would be provided by the Local Government Funding Agency, allowing for a greater debt-to-revenue ratio, at 500%, for the water providers, compared to the more limited debt allowed under current council-controlled organisations.

    Water standards will also adjusted to be “proportionate” to the scale and risk posed, in a bid to ease the cost to improving water services and infrastructure.

    This is all separate to the Auckland model special case.

    Auckland was deemed a special case, considering its size. The Government agreed with Auckland Council in May to financially separate council-controlled Watercare from the council, in order to allow it to raise further debt without weighing down the council’s credit rating and increase its borrowing costs.

    More debt still requires the ratepayer base to pay the debt back (higher rates) or a higher water charge (easier to on-sell to a water corporate).

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/350371284/what-will-replace-three-waters-government-unveils-new-water-plan

  8. tWig 8
    8 August 2024 at 12:24 pm

    Heartening to see the massive support by British people turning out to protect asylum centres and other targets identified by anti-migrant rioters.

    • I Feel Love 8.1
      8 August 2024 at 4:09 pm

      Last night my GF (half English) was so upset about the riots & racism & it was so nice to wake up to this news & show her the absolute MASSIVE anti fascist marches.

      & above regarding the Pakeha Settler class, "meh" to being called the term, I always feel those terms, if you think you aren't part of the Pakeha Settler class then don't be offended, it only offends if it means anything, "if the hat fits" so to speak. My ancestors were Irish Fencibles (given stolen land for fighting Maori) & also Croatian gum diggers (inter marrying with northern Maori). This country is complicated, but surely we can accept the privilege of being Pakeha in NZ/Aotearoa.

  10. SPC 10
    8 August 2024 at 12:40 pm

    Whom does the government serve? Whose pain is their pain?

    A senior Government minister says the Government is exploring the option of intervening into the electricity market to force major energy generators to cut prices to major users.

    Wholesale power prices have doubled in the past three weeks, in part because of the country’s hydro lakes storage which is about 57% of what it would normally be at this time of year.

    How does the market ration a scarce resource? By either price or privilege.

    If business get all the power they want, then this means power supply cuts to households.

    This government told us the Onslow dam to deal with dry years was not required as they had other options. What plans to get there and how long away is this?

    How much power is the smelter taking atm …

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/shane-jones-accuses-big-power-companies-of-profiteering/FCADAGO2QBCYBGKOMH2T4WY26Y/

  11. Mike the Lefty 11
    8 August 2024 at 1:22 pm

    Great display of acting this morning on Morning Report by Shane Jones, the Regional development minister.

    The media acted as his cheerleaders when he did a well rehearsed rant on the generator/retailers of power.

    What puzzled me was his numerous references to employees in Raetahi

    Then it came to me, he has money involved in a business in Raetahi, one of his regional development schemes, no doubt.

    So folks, Shane Jones doesn't give a continental that your power prices are too high, he is worried that he won't get a return on his investment.

    That is it!

    He is not known as the Minister for Pork Barrels for nothing.

    Plus he didn't mention anything about how Rio Tinto use something like 25% of the country's electricity and pay very low rates for it.

    Plus he didn't mention how his government cancelled a hydro electric storage battery project at Lake Onslow that would have mitigated future seasonal power shortages.

    Filling potholes in the roads is obviously more important than making sure the country has enough electrical power.

CommentsOpinions

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

FeedsPartyGovtMedia

  • Driving structured literacy in schools

    The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    33 mins ago
  • Labour’s misleading information is disappointing

    Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.   “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

    The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill

    Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

    The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Promoting faster payment times for government

    The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

    E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward.  Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

    Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test

    More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction

    Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Māori Education Advisory Group established

    The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

    The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight

    Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

    Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Action to grow the rural health workforce

    Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris.  “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

    New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

    5 September 2024  The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

    As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.   “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • More choice and competition in building products

    A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul

    On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • International tourism continuing to bounce back

    Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency

    The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.  “That is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape

    The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government backs women in horticulture

    “The Government is empowering women in the horticulture industry by funding an initiative that will support networking and career progression,” Associate Minister of Agriculture, Nicola Grigg says.  “Women currently make up around half of the horticulture workforce, but only 20 per cent of leadership roles which is why initiatives like this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government to pause freshwater farm plan rollout

    The Government will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard announced today. “Improving the freshwater farm plan system to make it more cost-effective and practical for farmers is a priority for this ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Milestone reached for fixing the Holidays Act 2003

    Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says yesterday Cabinet reached another milestone on fixing the Holidays Act with approval of the consultation exposure draft of the Bill ready for release next week to participants.  “This Government will improve the Holidays Act with the help of businesses, workers, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New priorities to protect future of conservation

    Toitū te marae a Tāne Mahuta me Hineahuone, toitū te marae a Tangaroa me Hinemoana, toitū te taiao, toitū te tangata. The Government has introduced clear priorities to modernise Te Papa Atawhai - The Department of Conservation’s protection of our natural taonga. “Te Papa Atawhai manages nearly a third of our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-09-11T07:05:47+00:00