Open mike 16/07/2021

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 16th, 2021 - 92 comments
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92 comments on “Open mike 16/07/2021 ”

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  1. Stephen D 1
    16 July 2021 at 6:53 am

    Kieran McAnulty making the case for agriculture reform.

    Sorry about the cut and paste, couldn’t figure out how to link to Facebook.

    ”Anyone who knows me well knows that I am passionate about the Primary Sector. They know both sides of my family have farmed for generations, and that both my parents continue to work in the sector. They also know that I entered politics in part to work towards sustainable rural communities.

    I won’t be joining tomorrow’s protests. The sentiment behind them does not represent the whole sector and undermines the hard work of so many farmers who are keen to get ahead of the curve.

    Now is not the time to tread water. Maintaining the status quo or, God forbid, going backwards will not deliver for rural communities.

    We are a trading nation. Our prosperity depends on consumers choosing to buy our products. We have leveraged the 100% pure, clean and green image that we have cultivated over decades in order to extract the best price possible for our products.

    But we mustn’t assume that demand will continue as is. We have never targeted the cheapest markets – we have always sold to the most discerning customers in the world. They want quality, so they choose our products.

    However, markets change. And so too does consumer demand. The markets we are targeting want to know that if they are buying products from the bottom of the globe they can do so with a clear conscience. Consumers want to know their purchases are environmentally sustainable, that they are climate friendly, with high animal welfare standards and that the workers in the industry get a good wage with good conditions.

    We have led the world in this. Our farmers are the most efficient producers in the world. But, we aren’t as ahead of the pack as we used to be.

    We know there is a lot of change coming. And we know it is tough. We know there is concern about the pace of change. The Government hears that and has shown a willingness to amend things in order to make it work. We will continue to do so.

    We don’t agree with those who say it isn’t the Government’s job to lead on this.

    If we stop moving forward to address the impacts of climate change, allow further degradation of our fresh water and don’t do more to address animal welfare standards, there is no way we will meet this Government’s goal of working with the sector to achieve a $40b increase in export value.

    Because that’s what is at stake. We either get ahead of the curve and reap the benefits, or we slowly fall behind.

    We used to debate the ‘why’ – in 2003 the Government proposed a levy to invest in research on reducing methane emissions. That was protested and was scrapped. Now many – including those protesting tomorrow – are calling for such a fund.

    The ETS was introduced as a compromise following protests against a carbon tax. Now many are saying the ETS is flawed and a carbon tax would be better.

    I’m proud that as a country we have moved on from that. We no longer debate the ‘why’ and have moved on to discussing the ‘how’.

    I acknowledge the constructive work of industry bodies like Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb, and the efforts made by companies like Fonterra. They understand what needs to be done. Yet the group behind tomorrow’s protests have criticised them for it. So many of the farmers I engage with every week are on board with what needs to be done and are getting on with it. My bet is many of them will be disappointed by tomorrow’s protests.

    I am disappointed too. Not necessarily because of the issues they are protesting – I discuss those with people every day. I am disappointed because of what I fear it will do. There is truth to the concept of an urban- rural divide. Some in urban areas don’t give enough credence to those farmers that have been doing their bit over many years. And farmers resent them for it. This is not where we need to be as a nation.

    So much work goes into trying to bring often urban-based environmental groups and farmers together, encouraging them to learn about each other’s perspectives. It is in meeting and learning where we develop respect for those we don’t really know. And we were making progress.

    It is my fear that tomorrow’s protests will undo this good work. It’ll make farmers look stubborn and resistant to change, which on the whole they are not. It’ll make them look like climate change deniers, which most of them aren’t. There will no doubt be someone that does or says something that will hurt the image of the farmers I know, and potentially, it’ll hurt how those overseas view us.

    The markets we are trying to enter have much stricter environmental and climate standards than us. They will look at our protests and wonder why we are opposing proposals that aren’t as harsh as those they have in their own countries. These are the very same people in the very same markets we want to sell more of our products to.

    So I won’t be joining the protests tomorrow, but I will continue to back the majority of farmers who want the best price for their products, the best for the environment and the best for our country.”

    • Ad 1.1
      16 July 2021 at 7:05 am

      So do you have an actual opinion, or are you just good for a rip and dump?

      • Stephen D 1.1.1
        16 July 2021 at 8:17 am

        Thanks for the affirmation.

        In total agreement with Kieran McAnulty. Especially when he makes the point how our markets are getting more picky about from whom they buy. As an agricultural trading nation, farmers should be wanting to give markets offshore reasons to buy from us, not reasons not to.

        On a personal level, I used to be able to catch trout in the Ruamahanga River. Probably not so much now.

    • Graeme 1.2
      16 July 2021 at 8:29 am

      Yeah, saw that on fb last night, good forward thinking leadership that’s shared by a lot of farmers

      But the pull of the rugby club locker room ‘wadrrrya’ is still strong.

      Their slogan

      No farmers

      No growers

      No food

      should really be

      No change

      No markets

      No farmers

      Which is what McAnulty is saying simplified to a slogan

      • bwaghorn 1.2.1
        16 July 2021 at 10:45 am

        Yip bunch grizzling wind bags, that can't handle change, imho

        Apart from the ute tax ,I still think for a public good tax to be fair it has to be avoidable, and the ute tax is not for farmers.

        • Graeme 1.2.1.1
          16 July 2021 at 12:50 pm

          The ute tax is avoidable now, you just don’t buy a new ute for a couple of years when there will be alternatives, unfortunately they probably won’t be Toyota.
          Think it’ll be a very different picture in a couple of years

      • I Feel Love 1.2.2
        16 July 2021 at 11:56 am

        A placard on a bridge down here says "I live in New Zealand not Aotearoa, stop ramming Māori (sic) down our throats" & an anti communism one.

    • pat 1.3
      16 July 2021 at 9:07 am

      Good to see some sense being spoken….thanks for posting McAnulty's piece.

  2. Sanctuary 2
    16 July 2021 at 7:04 am

    Given at least one of the organisers of today's protests was a candidate for the crank Advance NZ party I look forward to seeing Judith being filmed on her tractor with someone waving an anti-vax banner behind her.

    • Forget now 2.1
      16 July 2021 at 7:59 am

      With the Groundswell ad inviting; "Bring your tractor, ute, and the dogs", the hopes of the Dunedin supporters for a calm event may be in vain:

      {Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie said} "If somebody is angry about what’s happening and they’re thinking about coming on a tractor, we’d ask them not to do that…

      Federated Farmers national president Andrew Hoggard said there was a real risk of the agricultural sector being made out to look like "a bunch of fringe nutters".

      A big concern was offensive signage being brought to the protests, which would do more harm than good.

      https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/hopes-howl-protest-will-strike-right-note

      https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/farming/125759839/what-are-aotearoas-farmers-actually-protesting-about-this-friday

      Though with the weather today, no one is going to be looking at the signs much except as improvised umbrellas. If you howl in a gale, does it make a sound?

      • woodart 2.1.1
        16 July 2021 at 9:47 am

        . If you howl in a gale, does it make a sound? great question.

        • bwaghorn 2.1.1.1
          16 July 2021 at 10:47 am

          It does but like pissing in the wind it's not fun and might back fire.

          • Forget now 2.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2021 at 1:31 pm

            The weather in Dunedin has cleared up a lot since dawn, so the rain is probably most of the way to Chch (& west coast!) by now. At least it's not another cabin feverish school holiday.

            Links from mobile not working today, so I will probably ease off commenting until I am back at my laptop. ODT had coverage of event- featuring a one month ultimatum for the government to knuckle under (no specific consequences threatened for not doing so though). Also some minor assault of a counterprotester – but the Octagon has HD cameras everywhere, so it will be interesting to see how that pans out.

            • McFlock 2.1.1.1.1.1
              16 July 2021 at 1:54 pm

              dickhead did it in front of an odt camera. Snuck up from a blind spot and snatched it. And another brave man held a profarming sign in front of her face when she was talking to the camera. Looked pleased with himself for being so innovative, too.

              She was having none of it. Good for her.

              • Gabby …
                16 July 2021 at 5:34 pm

                Naturally the police were out in force taking pics and ticketing tractors without warrants for road travel.

                • McFlock …
                  16 July 2021 at 5:50 pm

                  I was thinking about that.

                  Don't forget checking that all the cockies had their odometers on, tracking their fuel use for RUC. lol as if.

            • The Al1en 2.1.1.1.1.2
              16 July 2021 at 2:12 pm

              The deluge currently hitting the West coast is coming in from the north, and has been since yesterday.

              Unless my geographic and meteorology knowledge has taken a hit, I doubt any weather you had in Dunedin this morning has headed up our way.

    • Fireblade 2.2
      16 July 2021 at 8:12 am

      Stay safe on the roads today everyone and keep away from those wild-eyed farmers hooning in their Utes. devil

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgIxlxiqvdM

    • Matiri 2.3
      16 July 2021 at 4:48 pm

      Re one of the organisers being a candidate – Advance NZ is deregistering as a political party as of today. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/07/jami-lee-ross-political-party-advance-new-zealand-deregistering.html

  3. Jenny how to get there 3
    16 July 2021 at 8:23 am

    It is not often I have been in the majority

    Small majority believe there is still time to avert climate disaster – survey

    https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/05/small-majority-believe-there-is-still-time-to-avert-climate-disaster-survey?

  4. Dennis Frank 4
    16 July 2021 at 8:42 am

    "Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will chair the "informal leaders' retreat" over video-conference late Friday night – the first time the Asia Pacific bloc has held such talks ahead of its regular November event. United States President Joe Biden, China President Xi Jinping, and Russia President Vladimir Putin have all confirmed their participation."

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/447012/hopes-something-significant-will-come-from-apec-meeting-chaired-by-ardern

    Xi & Putin must have gleaned some basis of common interest in the preliminary plan of the teleconference agenda. I applaud the PM's initiative and hope her scheme includes a proactive design – the pandemic thus far seems to have induced mostly reactive responses by nations.

    "In a statement issued on Monday, Ardern said she would invite the leaders to discuss "immediate measures to achieve more coordinated regional action to assist recovery". She later told reporters not to expect any significant breakthroughs or announcements out of the discussion."

    Yeah, best to minimise expectations. I presume her officials have proposed possible regional co-ordinations and perhaps advance negotiation has prompted similar suggestions from other administrations. Seems history will be made tonight if sufficient common ground is established.

    "Otago University professor of international relations Robert Patman said it was a "bold initiative" for New Zealand to convene such a meeting and spoke to Ardern's clout on the world stage."

    Any player is only as good as their latest performance – in the minds of the audience & other players – so hers tonight will depend on the quality of the thinking and planning involved. Good to see her advancing Aotearoa's leadership capacity anyway.

    ""She's in quite a strong position to point out to great powers like China and the United States… they need to co-operate more, because the alternative model of rivalry and name-calling has not worked." Patman said he expected Ardern would urge the economies to take a collaborative approach in the face of the global pandemic, in particular regarding vaccines."

    He's right to remind us that collaborative endeavour ought to accompany competition between nations. Those in younger generations with a global outlook will be encouraged by a renewal of the balance between the two.

  5. millsy 5
    16 July 2021 at 8:44 am

    Imagine marching in aspiration for New Zealand to become like Somalia or India.

    • mickysavage 6.1
      16 July 2021 at 8:57 am

      I might do a post on the weekend about this. There are two jaw dropping passages in the article:

      “There is a brief psychological assessment of Trump, who is described as an “impulsive, mentally unstable and unbalanced individual who suffers from an inferiority complex”.

      There is also apparent confirmation that the Kremlin possesses kompromat, or potentially compromising material, on the future president, collected – the document says – from Trump’s earlier “non-official visits to Russian Federation territory”.

      The paper refers to “certain events” that happened during Trump’s trips to Moscow. Security council members are invited to find details in appendix five, at paragraph five, the document states. It is unclear what the appendix contains.

      “It is acutely necessary to use all possible force to facilitate his [Trump’s] election to the post of US president,” the paper says.”

      And Trump’s response:

      “This is disgusting. It’s fake news, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA was fake news. It’s just the Radical Left crazies doing whatever they can to demean everybody on the right.

      “It’s fiction, and nobody was tougher on Russia than me, including on the pipeline, and sanctions. At the same time we got along with Russia. Russia respected us, China respected us, Iran respected us, North Korea respected us.

      “And the world was a much safer place than it is now with mentally unstable leadership.”

    • Brigid 6.2
      16 July 2021 at 11:12 am

      You missed the '/sarc' attribute

      Since Luke Harding's hilarious fiction featuring Manafort and his visit to Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian embassy there's not much reason to believe anything Harding writes is not incredible.

      FYI

      https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2018/12/06/assa-d06.html

  7. Jenny how to get there 7
    16 July 2021 at 8:55 am

    We've all heard about casual racism

    How about casual fascism?

    In the US the far right have linked their cause, to the cause of the oil companies, with the belief, (encouraged by big oil), that climate change is a conspiracy spread by Leftists to destroy the American way of life.

    Just like the unprovoked attacks on blacks and Asians by white supremacists. There have been many documented unprovoked attacks on Americans who choose to drive electric cars.

    Apart from many acts of vandalism of parked electric cars, and screamed abuse and obscene gestures, one way Right Wing conspiracy theorists have attacked electric car owners is the practice known as ICEing. ie organised blocking of electric charging stations by large SUVs and other Internal Combustion, ICE vehicles preventing electric car owners recharging their batteries.

    Anti-Tesla pickup truck drivers take over a Supercharger station again

    https://electrek.co/2019/01/01/tesla-pickup-truck-drivers-supercharger-protest/?

    Apart from low level intimidation like ICEing there have been numerous unprovoked shooting attacks on electric cars.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aDStiF8WEg

    • Jenny how to get there 7.1
      16 July 2021 at 9:12 am

      Another tactic used by these extremists, is altering your exhaust to pour smoke to blind electric car drivers or anyone else they take offence at. Like 'ICEing' this practice is also common enough to have a name, and is known as 'Rolling Coal'.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8FZjvYFJcE

      • mac1 7.1.1
        16 July 2021 at 9:38 am

        If this wasn't a serious manifestation of a malfunctioning society and mind-set, I'd suggest that EV owners placate the attention-drawing neediness of such ICE owners by installing speakers under their vehicles rear where exhaust pipes would otherwise be, and play the vibrant sounds of Harleys at full-throated acceleration, the song of a 12 cylinder straight pipe racing boat engine or a tourist space rocket at take-off. That should convince these ICErs that EV owners are real men.

        • woodart 7.1.1.1
          16 July 2021 at 9:51 am

          fun fact. the current ford mustang I.C.E. is so quiet that it has a noise generator to give it the V8 rumble.

          • mac1 7.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2021 at 12:10 pm

            My Leaf is known to my friends as the Black Ninja. It too has a noise generator; at low speeds only, for pedestrian safety. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_warning_sounds

            • McFlock 7.1.1.1.1.1
              16 July 2021 at 2:01 pm

              I'm waiting for an affordable electric motor scooter 50cc-equivalent to come out, $2-3k mark.

              Silent but deadly 😉

            • I Feel Love 7.1.1.1.1.2
              16 July 2021 at 3:28 pm

              As a cyclist the quiet cars are terrifying, seemingly come out of nowhere. Maybe, they too, need a little bell to ring?

              • mac1 …
                16 July 2021 at 4:32 pm

                The cyclists on our walkways are enjoined to let the pedestrians know they are coming up behind, certainly. I guess a cyclist on a road trusts all cars to give it sufficient berth when passing and likewise the driver trusts the cyclist will check behind when moving its line across the road width. I've never yet heard a cycle bell as a walker though- shouted warnings, yes, but not a bell.
                How many cyclists have a bell and rear vision mirrors nowadays?

  8. Chris 8
    16 July 2021 at 9:09 am

    I hope the tenant appeals this decision. $700 for this level of harassment from a landlord is less than what’s awarded when the bond’s not lodged with Tenancy Services. Ridiculous.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/homed/renting/125751215/auckland-landlord-harassed-tenant-to-the-point-he-needed-antianxiety-medication

  9. Robert Guyton 9
    16 July 2021 at 9:11 am

    Some are wondering if the farmers’ “howl” will harm their image:

    The poster boy on the right is named, Robbie "Gooserooter" Shefford, according to his Facebook page.

    https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-business/howl-protest-thousands-farmers-prepare-march-through-47-towns-and-cities.

  11. pat 11
    16 July 2021 at 9:24 am

    "A 1972 MIT study predicted that rapid economic growth would lead to societal collapse in the mid 21st century. A new paper shows we’re unfortunately right on schedule."

    https://www.vice.com/en/article/z3xw3x/new-research-vindicates-1972-mit-prediction-that-society-will-collapse-soon

    “BAU2 and CT scenarios show a halt in growth within a decade or so from now,” the study concludes. “Both scenarios thus indicate that continuing business as usual, that is, pursuing continuous growth, is not possible. Even when paired with unprecedented technological development and adoption, business as usual as modelled by LtG would inevitably lead to declines in industrial capital, agricultural output, and welfare levels within this century.”

    Study author Gaya Herrington told Motherboard that in the MIT World3 models, collapse “does not mean that humanity will cease to exist,” but rather that “economic and industrial growth will stop, and then decline, which will hurt food production and standards of living… In terms of timing, the BAU2 scenario shows a steep decline to set in around 2040.”

    “The necessary changes will not be easy and pose transition challenges but a sustainable and inclusive future is still possible,” said Herrington.

    The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization."

  12. Adrian 12
    16 July 2021 at 10:50 am

    We in the south are in for a seriously damaging rain event. Let’s run a book on how many hours on from the protest it will take for the first “ agriculture spokesman “ to go on tv and demand more money from the government for reinstatement.

    My pick is in the single figures, about 6. Hypocrits Without Shame.

    Disclosure, I’m a farmer.

  13. Sanctuary 13
    16 July 2021 at 10:58 am

    The seven demands of the farmers protest is an exceptionalist wonder –

    https://groundswellnz.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GROUNDSWELL-position-statement.pdf

    It amounts to a polluters charter to do as they please to our waterways and head in the sand climate change denialism.

    This inchoate protest in the face of overwhelming public rejection of their demands has to be seen in the context of the collapse of the National party as a viable political opposition. These people clearly feel they no longer have a mechanism to hijack public policy in their favour.

    • weka 13.1
      16 July 2021 at 11:16 am

      good point about the collapse of National.

      The list is incredibly self-serving. It also looks like 'trust us, because we're very important'. Hubris.

      • Graeme 13.1.1
        16 July 2021 at 1:09 pm

        Damien O’Connor’s warning about not being too cocky like tourism had beed was very apt

        Tourism’s cockiness destroyed any social license or goodwill the industry had with the New Zealand public. Being on the receiving end of the public’s wrath in our gallery over the last year hasn’t been pleasant.

        Farmers risk a similar loss of social license that’s probably only going to polarise the situation even more

        • weka 13.1.1.1
          16 July 2021 at 1:58 pm

          what have the public been saying to you at the gallery?

          Yeah, I suspect the farmers are misjudging the public mood here. Might be messaging Labour more?

  14. Adrian 14
    16 July 2021 at 12:49 pm

    A point missed by most is that farm utes etc are tax depreciated by 20% per annum, therefore after 5 years owners have not paid any tax on earnings equal to the cost of the vehicle. This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle including most of the people who work for them.

    Every one of the utes in that protest is running on subsidised fuel to the tune of whatever tax rate the owner is on, which for most is fuck all because of all the accumulated depreciation on every bit of gear they own.

    They are hypocrites because they amount to the most wealthy group of state beneficaries in the country.

    • pat 14.1
      16 July 2021 at 12:57 pm

      Exactly…the tax is a complete red herring

      • aom 14.1.1
        16 July 2021 at 1:18 pm

        Not up on this stuff, but isn't the tax going to hit the pseudo tradesmen who have the bright shiny double-cabs for mum to drop them and the kids off at work and school then claim rebates?

        • pat 14.1.1.1
          16 July 2021 at 1:20 pm

          Only in initial outlay….it will all be written off (depreciated) against income, not to mention the GST rebate

          • Herodotus 14.1.1.1.1
            16 July 2021 at 3:23 pm

            The farm like any other business that is registered for gst is only collecting this tax for the govt and the pays out to them. The end unregistered (you and me) pay the gst to the ird. and gst costs or charges are not the companies, and there are mechanisms within the tax system to account for private benefits gst portion, so the gst rebate has no benefit to the farm.
            And for those comments below an example of where there is personal use, if the Ute is used to transport the family to and return the airport for a holiday, or the Ute is used to tow the boat to the crib for a holiday.😉

            • pat 14.1.1.1.1.1
              16 July 2021 at 3:28 pm

              but if as you have stated only that portion of income generating activity is applied to the asset then the same applies to the end user argument with regard to the GST applied to said asset….which as I noted upthread is all moot because both the income generating activity v private benefit and subsequent tax implications are widely ignored.

    • Herodotus 14.2
      16 July 2021 at 1:42 pm

      "This is not available to anybody else owning a vehicle" – you are wrong same as not taking into account personal use , but don't let that get in the way for your argument, hate to read an argument based on straw !!!!

      What do you think happens to those vehicles used for any business . e.g trucks, buses, tractors etc

      Do you also not understand about costs incurred to earn a profit being deducted, and when the vehicle is sold then any depreciation recovered is taxed.

      Also the personal use is not deductible "Examples include gasoline, oil, fuel, water, rent, electricity, telephone, automobile upkeep, repairs, insurance, interest and taxes. Farmers must allocate these expenses between their business and personal parts. Generally, the personal part of these expenses is not deductible"
      ps you claim to be a farmer I am reminded of William Joyce when I read that

      • pat 14.2.1
        16 July 2021 at 1:56 pm

        and then theres the real world….where personal use is seldom separated out, or it is 'legitimised' and the fact that the enforcement is seldom applied.

      • Keith Christie 14.2.2
        16 July 2021 at 1:59 pm

        Get real a farmer with a utility/truck can have 100% deductibility and so too a tradie with his or her sign written on it.

      • Incognito 14.2.3
        16 July 2021 at 2:07 pm

        FYI, Adrian has been commenting here for 9 years AFAIK and is on record as being a farmer. You were saying?

        • Incognito 14.2.3.1
          16 July 2021 at 2:20 pm

          You queried his “claim” and you still doubt him, it seems; I confirmed that AFAIK the “claim” was kosher, Herodotus. Don’t have a go at the messenger.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 14.2.4
        16 July 2021 at 2:10 pm

        Not a real farmer eh?

        Will these things really matter 30 years from now? [thanks to pat for that link]
        Hold on to hope, best of luck, and don't take your eye off the ball wink

        The best available data suggests that what we decide over the next 10 years will determine the long-term fate of human civilization. Although the odds are on a knife-edge, Herrington pointed to a “rapid rise” in environmental, social and good governance priorities as a basis for optimism, signalling the change in thinking taking place in both governments and businesses. She told me that perhaps the most important implication of her research is that it’s not too late to create a truly sustainable civilization that works for all.

      • Adrian 14.2.5
        16 July 2021 at 4:00 pm

        One vehicle and associated running costs is fully deductible, any further vehicle that is used at anytime for farm or job related tasks is deductible on a percentage basis.

        Farm workers driving to work don’t get any deductibles, it can be 50kms here and back for some so I pay extra to cover fuel costs for those who work for us.

        If you don’t think the deductibility regime isn’t rorted Herod you are dreaming and talking out your arse.

        • Adrian 14.2.5.1
          16 July 2021 at 4:15 pm

          Just had a look at the photos from the protests and I’m pretty sure most of those tractors are brand new and have come straight off a dealers yard, the giveaway is the wheels, it doesn’t take many hours on a farm until they look secondhand.

          Yes, I’m inside looking at an iPad, but after 8 hours in the pissing rain I’m at least allowed a cup of tea, tax deductible of course!

        • Herodotus 14.2.5.2
          16 July 2021 at 4:22 pm

          The government/ird have viewed commuting to and from work as private travel – as it occurs outside work hours. And the same applies to all workers not just those working on farms. And in the city the further out you live the cheaper property is but the more expensive it is to travel in terms on time and running costs, and ask our great leaders why public transport priorities are for the inner sections of the city and on the margins PT is marginal to non-existent at best.

          And I am not that naive to believe that this is being rorted.

      • mac1 14.2.6
        16 July 2021 at 4:54 pm

        Adrian is a farmer. I've been on his property. I've known the man for over twenty years- an independent, forceful thinker and a bloody hard worker. His very decent rosé is far less red than his politics.

  16. Nic181 16
    16 July 2021 at 4:29 pm

    Is it just me or can anyone else see the irony of this. On the day farmers have a Howly bag protest over water and climate change issues, climate change delivers yet another red warning event on the West Coast. This within weeks of a similar event in South Canterbury. Both are prominent dairy farming areas. Farmers are evacuating ahead of flooding and I expect they will hold their hand out for government assistance, just like the last lot. Howl of protest accompanied by howling rain. It’s almost justice!

  17. Herodotus 17
    16 July 2021 at 5:39 pm

    I thought there was no more money available (same was said by the government regarding the teachers) until there was more, $408m more. Glad to see the government starting to listen and show some appreciation towards this well deserving sector. Pity we had to go thru this process with the government staring down the nurses. These nurses deserve everything they get and IMO still more is required.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/nurses-lift-strike-notices-after-revised-pay-contract-offer-now-for-members-to-decide/ZYAUGWC23N56ZQUQFPYUTQF7D4/

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    22 hours ago

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

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

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

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    2 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    2 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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    2 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    2 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
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    2 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
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    2 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
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    2 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
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    5 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
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    5 days ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
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    5 days ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
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    5 days ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
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    5 days ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
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    5 days ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
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    5 days ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
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    5 days ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
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    6 days ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
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    6 days ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
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    6 days ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
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    6 days ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
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    6 days ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
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    1 week ago

  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
    The Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...
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    1 week ago

  • Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
    The Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti Expressway
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...
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    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announced
    Two New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...
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    1 week ago

  • Attendance action plan to lift student attendance rates
    The Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today.   New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – Peters
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.    “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th session
    Mr President,   The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe.   New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately.   At the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government woolshed roadshow kicks off
    Today the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister launches Government Targets
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglement
    Natural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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