Open mike 12/11/2011

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 12th, 2011 - 70 comments
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Open mike is your post. For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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Step right up to the mike…

70 comments on “Open mike 12/11/2011 ”

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  1. Pete George 1
    12 November 2011 at 7:13 am

    Andrew Geddis suggests the NZ Bill of Rights overrides city bylaws and therefore Occupy Dunedin has the rightn to keep camping and protesting in ther Octagon.

    People are asking if this means anyone can camp anywhere as long as they protest. Right to protest a right to camp?

      • Colonial Viper 1.1.1
        12 November 2011 at 7:43 am

        And only Occupy has done it on this scale in every major NZ city for many a year, if ever.

      • KJT 1.1.2
        12 November 2011 at 10:31 am

        Yes. And we should have a right to camp on roadsides etc anyway.

        Typical Kiwi way. A few people abuse a right. Instead of dealing with the guilty, lawmakers remove the right for everyone.
        With a bit of an extra push, as usual, from those who will make more money out of removing that right.

        Motor camp owners in this case.

        Financial scheme touts for superannuation.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 1.2
      12 November 2011 at 7:49 am

      Good question. I’m camping here because I’m protesting climate change, so I’ve set up a stall to sell badges and T shirts to raise people’s consciousness. All proceeds donated to protesters.

    • just saying 1.3
      12 November 2011 at 7:58 am

      Brilliant Pete.

      And you can beat the stampede of all those people who have been gagging to camp there. I expect you to get your tent and grab your iphone, and get camping. You can protest the protest! You’ve obviously got the hide of a rhino, so a bit of ‘roughing it’ on the hard ground shouldn’t be a problem.

      Think of the publicity man! The TV will come and visit you in your (non-virtual) campaign headquarters, as you campaign hard-out in the blogosphere. And what a photo op.

      Just keep your mind on the money. How much does a backbencher get? Nice little supplement to your benefit. And the glory. The power, and the perks, and the glory…

  2. Jenny 2
    12 November 2011 at 7:49 am

    Rocky and Minto win their case.

    Hooray for democracy!

    “Decision a victory for democracy” stuff.co.nz

    The courts have backed up the democratic right to protest even if it creates annoyance for those who might not agree with the protesters stand point or even their right to make it.

    (Take note Dunedin City Councillors)

    In the absence of, as in the US, a constitution which protects the right to peaceful assembly, this ruling has direct relevance to the OWS movement here in Aotearoa.

    Quite rightly the NZ police force have decided not to act on the DCC’s directive to close down the occupation. The Police’s legal advice is probably of the view, that such actions would involve the police in ultimately fruitless time wasting and expensive litigation and even the possibility of damages.

  3. Pete George 3
    12 November 2011 at 7:53 am

    A different campaign approach in Anne Tolley territory – speed dating in Gisborne.

  4. Tiger Mountain 4
    12 November 2011 at 8:13 am

    No wonder Paula Benefit has been looking rougher than usual lately, TV3 last night turned up the progress on the Fuller privacy case mediation that had been stalled for about a year. It seems a case against the Minister by the Human Rights Tribunal may proceed. Mr Hesketh from the tribunal did not want the matter reported apparently and Bennett is whinging about the matter being made public trying to portray it as electioneering.

    Hmmm. Not fun is it being outed in public guilty, or innocent. (A repost, Herald doesn’t seem to have covered this yet).

    • JAS 4.1
      12 November 2011 at 5:11 pm

      It seems our govt think they can do what they like and say what they like, but they also seem to think they can shut down other peoples right to speak.

      The Antipodean Mariner has been shutdown, and I am trying to find anything that shows this post relates to

  5. LynW 5
    12 November 2011 at 8:35 am

    Good Morning

    Brian Gaynor’s column today outlines the rorting practised by the wealthy.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10765409

    Also Fran O’Sullivan exposing the lack of political integrity…but what’s new!

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10765423

  6. just saying 6
    12 November 2011 at 8:41 am

    I’ve (kind of) resigned myself to another three years of National. In the long term it might be best that people are reminded that the dog-eat-dog path leads to the worst of all possible worlds, as the depression becomes more apparent.

    But what I just can’t stomach is the thought of a triumphant Key on election night.

    This is the song going round in my head:
    What’s the time Mr wolf?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spf1bvMQAsU

    Infectious Pacific reggae. Enjoy.

    • ianmac 6.1
      12 November 2011 at 10:44 am

      Yes JS. The sight of that little man hugging himself, flanked by a team of heavies to protect Key from rampant National supporters, giggling hysterically onstage on Election night is sickening. No dignity there. “I cheated all these mugs and I won. I won!”
      Put that against the Banks-Key suck-up and I feel ill.
      So let’s be positive. Still time!

  7. chris73 7
    12 November 2011 at 8:56 am

    A couple of changes to MMP I’d like to see:

    You’re either an electorate or list, not both
    Threshold dropped to 4%
    Even if you win an electorate seat you still have to gain 4%
    No leaders allowance for single MP parties

    • Sookie 7.1
      12 November 2011 at 9:25 am

      Never thought I’d say it ever, but I agree with you 100%. I think those are reasonable reforms. MMP is great, but it does have a few annoying flaws.

      • chris73 7.1.1
        12 November 2011 at 10:02 am

        I just hate seeing MPs (on both sides) get the flick and then slide back in on the list

        the people spoke and removed the MP but the party ignores the will of the people…

        • The Voice of Reason 7.1.1.1
          12 November 2011 at 10:11 am

          Nah, that’s rubbish, Chris. I can think of a few seats where parties have excellent candidates who aren’t going to win the seat, but still deserve to be in Parliament. Every Green candidate, for example. Do you think we should be deprived of Nikki Kaye if she loses Ak Central by a couple of votes? Or Jacinda Adern if its the other way round? Andrew Little or David Young? Stuart Nash? Paula Bennett? David Parker?

          You’ve simply bought into a failed meme. While a few plonkers have made it via the list, to say that a local preference should overule a potentially positive national contribution makes no sense.

          • chris73 7.1.1.1.1
            12 November 2011 at 10:24 am

            If they’re considered able then they can get a high placing on the list

            As an example the polls arn’t looking good for Gosgrove so he might lose because the voters prefer wilkinson BUT hes high enough on the list to get in anyway so really hes got two chances of getting in while someone equally (or even more) able might be further down the list and not even contesting a seat

            and if Kaye loses well too bad its what the people in the electorate want

            • rosy 7.1.1.1.1.1
              12 November 2011 at 10:45 am

              So you’re saying that able politicians shouldn’t stand in safe opposition seats if they are on the list?

              Really good politicians should stand in opposition safe seats IMO to make the challenge more robust. Then when they inevitably lose they have had the experience of interacting with an electorate, which can only make them more able politicians. As a bonus they’ve made the incumbent work a little harder for those electorate ticks that they’re ensured of getting, even if they’ve done a lousy job as an MP in the previous 3 years.

              • chris73 …
                12 November 2011 at 11:00 am

                I disagree, either stand on the list or take your chances winning a seat. A seat is only safe because of the work of the electorate MP. I think an MP would probably work harder if they only had one chance of getting in.

                A guaranteed list placing makes some (many?) MPs a little…complacent, in my (always) humble opinion

                • rosy …
                  12 November 2011 at 11:12 am

                  “A seat is only safe because of the work of the electorate MP”
                  Maybe in your electorate. I don’t think that is true of Tamaki, Ohariu*, Ilam, most of the Dunedin seats, and most of the rural seats… just for starters.

                  Edit: That’s not a comment on how hard they work, or not – it’s because the party that holds them can take them pretty much for granted.
                  * changing this election, with any luck.

          • KJT 7.1.1.1.2
            12 November 2011 at 10:46 am

            Wouldn’t like to lose a couple of the younger MP’s on that list, but it would be cheaper, long term, and better for all of us to pay incompetents, like Bennett, to stay home and do nothing.

            Under FPP we had a whole train of incompetents in safe party seats, as a reward for party donations or sycophancy. Don’t see how we can avoid that in a representative system.

            I will vote for MMP as the best of a bad bunch. Don’t see why we need a threshold though. If 1% are stupid enough to vote for Brash/ Banks then they should be represented. 100 MP’s with seats allocated per percentage.

            What we should be able to vote for is Democracy. But that will only happen over politicians bodies.

        • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1.2
          12 November 2011 at 11:00 am

          the people spoke and removed the MP but the party ignores the will of the people…

          But, the people spoke through their party vote to elect them back in.

          • chris73 7.1.1.2.1
            12 November 2011 at 1:58 pm

            No I don’t believe that the people gave their votes to the party to specifically get the people dumped from the electorates back in.

            The people don’t have much of a say over party lists so as an example if I want to give my party vote to National but don’t like the list placements theres not much I can do about it

            I’m also sure that there are some people out there that want to give their party vote to labour but are perplexed about the listings

            • Draco T Bastard 7.1.1.2.1.1
              12 November 2011 at 2:12 pm

              No I don’t believe that the people gave their votes to the party to specifically get the people dumped from the electorates back in.

              But you don’t actually know do you? And the lists were made public before the election. The only possible interpretation that can be assumed is that the people who voted for that party did, as a matter of fact, vote for that person.

              • chris73 …
                12 November 2011 at 5:11 pm

                The interpretation is that they vote for the party first and the individuals second (of which they have no choice)

                • felix …
                  12 November 2011 at 10:33 pm

                  So you think people vote for a party but not for the party list, chris?

                  How does that work? What do you think they’re actually voting for when they tick the box if not the people on the list of that party?

            • mikesh 7.1.1.2.1.2
              12 November 2011 at 3:23 pm

              One could institute a rule that list allocations be in accordance with the support that each unsuccessful candidate receives in his/her individual electorate.

    • Dv 7.2
      12 November 2011 at 9:59 am

      Not convinced about either list ot electorate, but the other three are excellent.

      • chris73 7.2.1
        12 November 2011 at 10:05 am

        To me its like two bites of the cherry, voted out of your seat but can still get back in (if you kiss enough arse i guess)

    • Lanthanide 7.3
      12 November 2011 at 11:14 am

      “Even if you win an electorate seat you still have to gain 4%”

      Does that mean you have to gain 4% to get into parliament, or 4% to bring in others on your coat-tails?

      The first is nonsensical.

      As to the second, I agree this needs to change but I’m in favour of a more moderate change: you get your electorates and up to 1 additional MP. So if you win 0.6% of party vote + 1 electorate, you get 1 electorate, if you win 3.9% of the party vote + 1 electorate, you get 1 electorate + 1 list, and if you get 4% then you get your electorate + appropriate list top-ups (4-5 MPs I guess).

      This would allow smaller parties who can win an electorate but not be largely represented Nationally to still get a toe-hold in parliament.

      • Draco T Bastard 7.3.1
        12 November 2011 at 11:44 am

        This would allow smaller parties who can win an electorate but not be largely represented Nationally to still get a toe-hold in parliament.

        No it doesn’t, it prevents those smaller parties from having the representation that their votes say that they should have. The only fair option is to drop the threshold 0.8%. If a party gets enough votes to get one seat then they should be represented in parliament.

        As for the argument we’ll end up with too many small parties…, well, that’s just a load of bollocks. The number of parties in parliament just make the initial negotiations to form government a little more complex but does nothing detrimental to the actual running of the country. Also, we seem to be getting a few one person parties anyway and we could always end up with independents in electorate seats (which actually require less of the vote under current electoral law and yet have the same say). If the people vote for them then they should be in parliamnet.

        • Lanthanide 7.3.1.1
          12 November 2011 at 1:07 pm

          Here’s what Wikipedia says about Israel’s 2% threshold:

          “Knesset seats are allocated among the various parties using the D’Hondt method of party list proportional representation. Israel requires a party to meet an election threshold of 2% of the overall vote to be allocated a Knesset seat. Parties select their candidates using a closed list. Thus, voters select the party of their choice, not any specific candidate. Elections are conducted by secret ballot.

          In practice, the Knesset’s ability to legislate has often been limited due to the consequences of Israel’s low 2% threshold of eligibility for a party to obtain a seat (one of the world’s lowest; though it was previously at 1%, then 1.5%). As a result, no party has ever gained a majority on its own (the most being 56 seats), and thus the government is formed on the basis of a coalition. The inherent instability of the coalitions (the average life span of an Israeli government is 25 months) results in numerous successful no-confidence motions, which automatically dissolve the Knesset and necessitates an early election call.”

          • Draco T Bastard 7.3.1.1.1
            12 November 2011 at 2:20 pm

            There are other solutions such as confidence and supply agreements, having the smaller party as part of government or, my favourite, have the policies voted on by the populace and then the MPs overseeing the implementation of those policies (parliament as administration rather than government).

            Just because the Israelis don’t know WTF they’re doing doesn’t mean we have to have the same problems.

      • chris73 7.3.2
        12 November 2011 at 12:26 pm

        I typed that while dealing with an attention-seeking puppy so i didn’t get it all down

        I meant that even if you win an electorate seat you still have to reach 4%

        • Lanthanide 7.3.2.1
          12 November 2011 at 1:04 pm

          Right, so if Jim Anderton wins Wigram, because his party didn’t get 4%, Jim Anderton doesn’t go into parliament, we end up with 119 MPs and the people of Wigram don’t get an electorate representative?

          That doesn’t make any sense.

          • chris73 7.3.2.1.1
            12 November 2011 at 1:53 pm

            The person who wins the electorate seat goes in and if they want to bring anyone else in their party still has to make the 4% threshold

            • Lanthanide 7.3.2.1.1.1
              12 November 2011 at 3:15 pm

              Right, that was my interpretation number 2. Your post at 7.3.2 indicates you meant interpretation number 1.

              • chris73 …
                12 November 2011 at 5:08 pm

                I assumed (my fault there) that everyone on here knew what I meant when I mentioned electorate seats and getting to 4%

    • mikesh 7.4
      12 November 2011 at 3:15 pm

      I think I would simply get rid of the threshold.

  8. KJT 8
    12 November 2011 at 10:26 am

    The meme. We cannot afford, super, benefits is continually repeated until even people who should know better repeat it.

    Notice that it is fund managers and other representatives of the financial sector. Those who get big commissions from private sector savings, including Kiwi saver, who continually repeat this as if it is true.

    They just want to repeat the killing of the taxpayer subsidised work schemes of the 70’s and 80’s where they took out more in fees, than most schemes earned. Looks like they succeeded. 42% in fees from Kiwi saver.

    The simple fact is, unless we invest in a sustainable future for New Zealand, (not in the financial sectors ponzi schemes), and in our youth, any super scheme savings will be inflated away with too much boomer savings chasing too little productivity.

    The obvious solution is to make those who have taken the most from our society, especially the over compensated financial sector, pay their fair share in tax to invest in the future of New Zealand. Not dodgy US derivatives,.

    • Draco T Bastard 8.1
      12 November 2011 at 11:11 am

      +1

      We have enough resources in NZ to ensure everybody a good living standard. The only reason why this doesn’t happen though is because of a few greedy bastards and a delusional financial system that rewards people for being psychopathic.

  9. aerobubble 9
    12 November 2011 at 10:28 am

    I like MMP and will be voting to keep it.

    I recommend voting for first past the post as the alternative, as
    it has already been proven firstly to work, second to have been
    overruled by the people, and thirdly isn’t one of the rigged
    proportional systems that will favor national and the two
    large parties (voter cards).

    why take the risk of change when you can pick a system
    first past the post that has proven to be challengable.

    • Janice 9.1
      12 November 2011 at 10:59 am

      Why vote for any alternative when you have ticked MMP? It will just give them something to hang their gerrymandering hat on.

      • Lanthanide 9.1.1
        12 November 2011 at 11:16 am

        If we choose not to answer the second question, is our answer to the first question still accepted as valid?

        Even then, it’s still better to vote in the 2nd one: if you vote in the first but not the second, then you’re shrinking the total pool of votes and allowing other people to choose for you.

        • ianmac 9.1.1.1
          12 November 2011 at 11:42 am

          Graeme Edgler says your vote is valid if you just vote for Keep MMP. You don’t have to vote for an alternative. In fact it would seem a bit silly to Vote for Keep, then vote for Alternative. Unless they just tally in % rather than total votes cast. Mmm

          • Tiger Mountain 9.1.1.1.1
            12 November 2011 at 12:10 pm

            This is an important point actually ianmac, I’ll just be ticking retain MMP. The link has a sample of the actual voting paper. There is part A and part B and Elections NZ clearly state that you can tick an option in both A and B OR just one of A and B. The more people that just tick retain MMP will reduce credibility for STV etc.
            http://www.elections.org.nz/elections/2011-referendum-on-the-voting-system.html

            • Vicky32 9.1.1.1.1.1
              13 November 2011 at 8:03 pm

              There is part A and part B and Elections NZ clearly state that you can tick an option in both A and B OR just one of A and B

              That is quite a relief! I don’t like any of the alternatives..

    • Kty 9.2
      12 November 2011 at 10:59 am

      If things dont change they remain the same.

  10. ianmac 10
    12 November 2011 at 11:53 am

    A fascinating talk with Kim Hill this morning with Raf Manji: money and the economy.
    He is a former London investment banker, like John Key, who moved to Christchurch and founded the independent policy development space, The Sustento Institute. (30′27″)
    I am a bit nervous about trying and sum up his ideas but he thinks that the European problems are going to grow and that we need a serious alternative to Monetary Policy. Capitalism is in trouble if not dead and NZ will not be exempt, though our Government debt is relatvely low (thanks to Michael Cullen). Create money $5billion for direct application for the Christchurch rebuild but not given to the Banks who make their profit from dealing with the interest.
    Hope some open-minded people with an economics understanding would comment.
    http://podcast.radionz.co.nz/sat/sat-20111112-0810-raf_manji_money_and_the_economy-048.mp3

    • Treetop 10.1
      12 November 2011 at 6:27 pm

      Yes this interview was as good as last weeks one with Ravi Batra.

      What Raf Manji had to say about technology causing unemployment and needing to be realistic about high unemployment was sensible.

  12. thejackal 12
    12 November 2011 at 12:49 pm

    National’s Election Hoarding’s 12

    On the 4th of October, John Key said in Parliament:

    “[Standard and Poor’s] did go on to say, though, that if there was a change of Government, that downgrade would be much more likely.”

    However Standard and Poor’s sovereign rating analyst Kyran Curry, who attended the meeting in Auckland, said that did not happen:

    “In Auckland last month, I might have talked about the importance of the Government maintaining a strong fiscal position in the medium term but I would never have touched on individual parties.

    “It is something we just don’t do,” Mr Curry said. “We don’t rate political parties. We rate Governments.”

  13. Francisco Hernandez 13
    12 November 2011 at 1:11 pm

    I don’t like the new format of the Standard 🙁

    Please change it back.

    [lprent: What new format? This has been the same since the March 2010. If you’re seeing a bug, then it’d pay to say what the problem is. ]

    • BillBrowne 13.1
      12 November 2011 at 3:14 pm

      Started to ramdomly flick to mobile mode on pc

    • Draco T Bastard 13.2
      12 November 2011 at 3:51 pm

      I’ve had the Comments/Opinions/Online section disappear randomly on me for the last couple of days. Since you mentioned turning off the cache in fact.

      And the edit function goes to its own page rather than being a pop-up. As this was what you said you were going to be looking I’d just assumed you were working on it and that the other was a side effect.

      Can’t say I’ve seen any other changes.

    • Carol 13.3
      12 November 2011 at 5:54 pm

      I had some Standard posts & their comments come up in an unusual (for me) form (mobile form?) at work today when accessing the site on IE. Doesn’t happen with firefox at home.

  15. Carol 15
    12 November 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Good on Goff for pointing out the Epsom “rort”

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5955798/Goff-looking-to-stop-MP-smuggling

    Labour leader Phil Goff is calling for a law change to stop minor parties “smuggling” in MPs when they’re “not entitled”.

    After campaigning in the Otara market this morning, Goff responded to questions from the media about the “cup of tea” meeting between National leader John Key and Act’s Epsom candidate John Banks.
    […]
    Goff today said that was “a rort”.

    “This is a way to get a party back in to Parliament that New Zealanders don’t want there and John Key’s allowing that – in fact, he’s not just allowing it, he’s making it happen,” Goff said.

    “Frankly, I think the law needs to be changed to stop this kind of gerrymander. You either get in because you’ve got an electorate seat or you get in with list MPs if you get over five per cent.

    “But this idea that one party like National can gift you a seat so you can smuggle three or four members of parliament in when you’re not entitled to, that’s wrong. They know it and New Zealanders know it.”

    John Key made a “not me” kind of slippery response to the smuggling accusation, and blamed MMP for it being possible:

    After yesterday’s meeting at Newmarket’s Urban cafe, Key defended the tactic, insisting he was not telling anyone how to vote. However, he would “not be at all unhappy” if National supporters voted strategically and split their vote.

    “We’re saying this is MMP and in MMP, you want to work with a variety of parties,” he said.

    “Many people” in Epsom would still give both of their votes to National, but others too would vote strategically.

    “What I’d like to see is a National Government with partners in Government post November 26.”

    Key dismissed Goff’s call for a law changes, saying: “I don’t take a lot of what he says seriously.”

    “That would be a scrapping of MMP,” he said, while campaigning in Palmerston North today. “If he’s proposing to get rid of MMP, he’s welcome to vote it out in the referendum.

    He’s using Goff’s call for a law change as a way to suggest people vote out MMP if they don’t like what’s happening in Epsom. But Goff had said that the required law change didn’t mean scrapping MMP:

    If a majority support keeping the system, there will be a review.

    Goff said he would be voting to keep MMP but wanted changes as a result of the review.

    The changes should cut out the “rort” being attempted by Key and Banks, he said.

  16. randal 16
    12 November 2011 at 7:54 pm

    kweewee has got a very poormouth lately.
    anythin he doesn’t like gets the out of the side of the gob treatment.
    I guess its just him revealing his true self.
    nasty brutish and short. (apologies to thomas hobbes)

  17. Jackal 17
    12 November 2011 at 8:52 pm

    Key barks up wrong tree

    The problem for Key is that 3 News didn’t obtained the document from the Human Rights Commission… showing that he’s barking up the wrong tree.

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    2 days ago

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

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
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    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
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    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
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    3 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
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    3 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
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    3 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
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    5 days ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
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    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
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    6 days ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
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    1 week ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
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    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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