Open mike 16/12/2023

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, December 16th, 2023 - 47 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 …

47 comments on “Open mike 16/12/2023 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Ad 1
    16 December 2023 at 7:39 am

    Judicial appointments are recommended to the GG by the Attorney General Judith Collins.

    Who recommended Judith Collins to be KC? Herself, recommending her own application?

    Does anyone remember during the campaign Nat columnists critiquing NZ as a left-leaning bench?

    Looks like preparation for National tilting judges rightwards by appointments.

    No proof yet but must mean stronger scrutiny of new judicial appointments under Judith.

    • CharlieB 1.1
      16 December 2023 at 7:46 am

      I believe Luxon recommended her and the GG appointed her..

      • Anne 1.1.1
        16 December 2023 at 11:58 am

        I believe Collins asked Luxon to recommend her because even though she is Attorney General she can hardly recommend herself. Not a good look.

        As far as the GG is concerned she is duty bound to appoint whomsoever the PM wishes her to appoint.

    • Peter 1.2
      16 December 2023 at 8:49 am

      Will there be a formal investiture or somesuch? Hopefully when Judith heads out to it she goes in the right direction and doesn't incidentally stop off for a quick, casual cup of tea on the way.

      I'd hate for her to end up in the totally opposite direction, it actually be a formal dinner, had been planned some time before and was really a meeting with Chinese business people.

  2. Bearded Git 2
    16 December 2023 at 9:59 am

    Willis’s “Ferrari” categorisation of the new ferries was silly like many things she does/says.

    Much more apt would have been to describe them as the “Volvo” option (Solid safe reliable long lasting low depreciation) which is what NZ needs.

    Though the best bet, from all the discussions I have heard, would have been three rail capable smaller “Volvo” ferries that would fit into the existing docking facilities instead of the two larger ferries ordered.

    [I replaced this with your second version of this comment, which was almost identical, and deleted that one to avoid confusion and two threads developing – Incognito]

    • Johnr 2.1
      16 December 2023 at 10:11 am

      It is my understanding that the existing terminals are unable to handle the freight growth, as well as reaching their use by date.

      Like the Coromandel road it's another demonstration of ignorance from this govt.

      There is a truism in project management. That old triangle of Cost, Time, Quality. You can only have two, you can't have; low cost, quick time and high quality. Two is the best you can hope/work towards.

    • Grey Area 2.2
      16 December 2023 at 11:26 am

      Likewise, I had a gut feeling that three ferries somewhere in size between the current ones and the now-defunct mega-ferries would have been the way to go. The Hyundai ferries just seemed to create significant issues in addition to their obvious benefits – terminal size, wash in the Sounds, no rescue tugs big enough etc.

      • Belladonna 2.2.1
        16 December 2023 at 5:31 pm

        Just the reduction to two ferries increases the risk of point-source failure. If something happens to one of them (and the possibilities are legion) – then your lift capacity is reduced by 50%. With 3 ferries – the risk is reduced to 33%.

      • Cricklewood 2.2.2
        16 December 2023 at 9:12 pm

        We dont have a big enough rescue tug for the current ferries.

  3. Visubversa 3
    16 December 2023 at 10:27 am

    Great explanation of a current phenomenon.

    "There was something about this exchange that got right to the heart of the recurring pattern of the trans debate, which so often goes something like this:

    • Person raises difficult questions or concerns
    • That person is swiftly accused of hate and bigotry
    • The evidence used to prove this bigotry is false or dependent on words being redefined.
    • All of the focus then goes on proving the bigotry, often by arguing the redefined words, rather than the person’s original concern.

    (Side note: this is exactly how the charity Birthrights were able to claim that by saying ‘obstetric violence is violence against women’, I was ‘disputing that obstetric violence could happen to trans or non binary people’. Same pattern.)"

    https://millihill.substack.com/p/the-word-is-woman-17

    • Barfly 3.1
      16 December 2023 at 11:40 am

      I normally try to keep well away from the whole trans huha but just to be pedantic obstetric violence could occur to trans men and the non binary so I guess I'm agreeing with you there. Generally i tend to agree with most of the TERF positions regarding trans women. Apologies for the sloppy phrasing and formatting I haven't shaken off last nights painkillers yet.

      • Visubversa 3.1.1
        16 December 2023 at 5:21 pm

        There are only one sort of person to whom obstetric violence could be administered. Those are female people, women, and sometimes girls. There is not a single person on this earth who has been born from anything other than a female body. You can call yourself anything you like, but every drop of your blood tells the truth about your sex.
        And “TERF” is a slur, usually accompanied by threats of violence.

  4. Barfly 4
    16 December 2023 at 11:29 am

    Well turned 65 today – yay I have aged out of the coming RW attack on supported living one annoyance though is that I remember back in the 2000's the accomodation supplement for superannuats only counted superannuation as 50 cents in the dollar for the purpose of calculating the accomodation supplement – I guess that went the way of the Dodo during one of the many changes they had in the 2000's frown bah humbug.

  5. Matiri 5
    16 December 2023 at 12:42 pm

    Cost doubles to $500 million within months for the Hope bypass, just south of Richmond. It's maybe 4 km. But that's OK we’re still committed, it's a key project says Simeon Brown.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/133432387/hope-bypass-projected-cost-doubles-to-nearly-500m

    • Ad 5.1
      16 December 2023 at 1:18 pm

      Ain't no doubt Mayor Nick Smith knows how to work it.

      That Ruby Bay bypass is civil engineering art.

      • Incognito 5.1.1
        16 December 2023 at 1:38 pm

        A ‘Bentley’ bypass when a ‘Toyota Corolla’ option could suffice? What’s $500 million among friends, anyways?

        • Bearded Git 5.1.1.1
          16 December 2023 at 7:40 pm

          My thoughts exactly….surely with this kind of blow out funding should be withdrawn immediately?

    • SPC 5.2
      16 December 2023 at 1:56 pm

      Specific project costs were yet to be developed, but the project could have an investment range of between $400m and $700m, he said.

    • UncookedSelachimorpha 5.3
      16 December 2023 at 5:20 pm

      ..meanwhile, initiatives to encourage walking and cycling are halted.

      Minister pulls brakes on cycling and walking initatives

      In a letter to local authorities Simeon Brown said he told the New Zealand Transport Authority (Waka Kotahi) to halt work on cycling and walking initiatives.

      • mikesh 5.3.1
        16 December 2023 at 5:33 pm

        Cyclists, as taxpayers, have a right to use the roads; and, therefor, they have a right to use the roads in safety. I'm not sure that motorists have a right to park their cars at the kerb, and this seems more likely to obstruct traffic than cycle lanes.

      • Grey Area 5.3.2
        16 December 2023 at 7:40 pm

        Simeon Brown is a malignant little twerp. To see someone like him a Minister with important portfolios is just galling.

        He said "cycling and walking initiatives were a waste of time and money". Let's just do more of the same that's failed us for decades shall we? More roads says National, not real change to improve our communities and environment .

        I'm still struggling looking out for ideas about how we limit the damage these retrogressive, vengeful clowns are already doing. They are more than vindictive and incompetent, I'm wondering if it's not over the top to call them evil.

      • Mike the Lefty 5.3.3
        16 December 2023 at 7:43 pm

        The Minister for Ford Rangers is obviously enjoying being King of the Roads.

  6. Pat 6
    16 December 2023 at 1:54 pm

    A thought experiment that may address (some of) the concerns expressed here (and in other places)

    Maori are disproportionately represented in most negative economic/health and social indicators. The causes are usually founded in the reduced economic circumstance, something attempted to be redressed by all manner of initiatives including the Treaty settlement process.

    Maori as a group have the potential to remedy this if we examine the origin of economic prosperity.

    Financial investment …or banking.

    One of the reasons given for a lack of development of Maori assets is the inability to leverage those assets in the mainstream banking system for the benefit of the various Iwi groups.

    The Maori population is approximately 900,000 (in NZ) with a median age some 12 years younger than the general population (25/27 years Maori, 37/39 General)….that is a significant customer base (and workforce asset) to a profitable banking and investment organisation.

    I note that the CoOperative Bank in NZ started as union credit union and is now a fully fledgd bank (with all that enables) with a current membership of around 100,000.

    The key to Maori success is in their hands if they wish to seize it….and they can develop how and when they so desire.

    Curiously this would also place them in the position of (potentially) being a creditor to the State.

  7. SPC 7
    16 December 2023 at 2:39 pm

    Culture moves on, Gen Z makes way for Generation A, bottom feeders vs the surveillance state. This is deeply Freudian – sleep awake up living by the apple phone I pad device (with camera).

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/301026090/how-a-toiletthemed-youtube-series-became-the-biggest-thing-online

  8. Ad 8
    16 December 2023 at 3:48 pm

    Good to see that sack of shit Rudi Guiliani go down for US$140m for defaming 2 electoral officials.

  9. Ffloyd 9
    16 December 2023 at 3:48 pm

    I’ve been wondering as to how Nicola Willis is qualified to be running our country’s finances?

    • Robin The Goodfellow 9.1
      16 December 2023 at 4:23 pm

      Seems to be as well qualified as Grant Robertson was though I do note that Roger Douglas, as an accountant, was probably more qualified than either of them and see how well that worked out for NZ

      • Stephen D 9.1.1
        16 December 2023 at 4:35 pm

        Michael Cullen was an historian. He didn’t do too bad a job.

      • SPC 9.1.2
        16 December 2023 at 4:52 pm

        Both Muldoon and Douglas were accountants. Richardson a lawyer who adopted an economic ideology. Like English a literature degree (but working at Treasury English would have absorbed an understanding of public sector accounting and government economic statistics) and he hired Willis as an intern (pre government 2008) and then she worked for Key 2008-2012. Then came the Fonterra job and back to politics via year at NZ Initiative.

        Generally history, economic and political history in particular, gives important perspective.

        The accountant with a basic competence for government would understand the concept of provision for a future cost (including maintenance of existing infrastructure – including public housing and also an aging population) and also the notion of an across time budget balance (an understanding of the economic cycle).

        But that is not enough. A wise accountant would seek to retain assets that rise in value across time, for they keep future borrowing costs down – which provides on-going capacity to make investments.

        There is the modernisation of an economy – new infrastructure (say broadband), R and D base for industry sector competiveness, worker training etc. That means a strategy for lower business borrowing costs and incentivising venture capital formulation and investment in (sustainable) economic growth. The key term driving productivity gains.

        That means a tax system that discourages speculation on ownership of existing assets with borrowed money.

        Basically there is little indication Willis has any idea.

        • bwaghorn 9.1.2.1
          16 December 2023 at 5:39 pm

          Then came the Fonterra job and back to politics via year at NZ Initiative.

          Gee if I was cynical I'd suggest the fonterra job was a hand picked gig to give a purpose built tool for the right "real world " business credit on the cv, otherwise she might get called a career politician!!

      • Belladonna 9.1.3
        16 December 2023 at 9:44 pm

        Muldoon was also an accountant….

    • Anne 9.2
      16 December 2023 at 8:11 pm

      She's a brash loudmouth with a spiteful streak. End of story.

      • Grey Area 9.2.1
        16 December 2023 at 8:58 pm

        I agree about the spiteful streak, Anne.

        The nastiness just oozes out. She can't help herself.

    • Belladonna 9.3
      16 December 2023 at 9:43 pm

      Bluntly, the same way that every other Finance Minister has been qualified – by being a member of the largest party in the government, and having the finance portfolio within that party.

      There are no formal qualifications required for the job. I think that only the Attorney General has a requirement for a related qualification (being a lawyer) – and that may be convention, rather than a legal requirement.

  10. Drowsy M. Kram 10
    16 December 2023 at 5:00 pm

    A week is a long time in politics – our coalition govt exemplifies short term ‘planning’.
    Imho, Aotearoa NZ will fast become even more of a playground for speculators.

    Ditching the ‘Ferrari’ ferries [16 Dec 2023]
    In other words, it was a choice that will enable the Government still to deliver tax cuts.

    But it leaves us with a crucial question. Should we be a country that builds resilient infrastructure for the long term or one that focuses on short-term patch-ups when necessary?

    The policy bonfire of environment protection: 10 examples that threaten public health [15 Dec 2023]
    With health and well-being already seriously impacted by environmental degradation, the new Government must be asked why it would undo existing environmental protections, and what consequences this would have for our communities.

    Anne Salmond on the Treaty debate: Māori and Pākehā think differently
    [15 Dec 2023]
    New Prime Minister Christopher Luxon needs to step in, stop the minor parties’ anti-democratic posturing and weave the people back together, writes Dame Anne Salmond

  11. Adrian 11
    16 December 2023 at 6:07 pm

    Today my wife and I went to the 2nd Toitu te Tiriti March in Blenheim , twice as big as last weeks one all instigated by local rangatahi and led impressively by Honey Marzola Wairepo. She is only 18 and did it because “Blenheim is a little shy “ so she and friends organised one, It is a big ask to front a protest of any type but she carries it off with style and mana. I congratulated her afterwards for her leadership and asked if she wished to be in politics, the answer of course was a resounding yes. She’s on her way, she’s the real thing, look out for her. The future is in good hands if Honey is an example of her generation.

    • Patricia Bremner 11.1
      16 December 2023 at 7:58 pm

      Thanks for that Adrian. yes

    • Ad 11.2
      16 December 2023 at 8:00 pm

      +100 time to march and speak up again

      • Obtrectator 11.2.1
        16 December 2023 at 11:57 pm

        Just be sure to do it while you can, in case this lot decide to take a leaf out of the UK's book regarding "inconvenient" protests ….

        • Ad 11.2.1.1
          17 December 2023 at 8:11 am

          In September 2019 about 170,000 New Zealanders – led by students – marched for more climate change urgency.

          Thousands more turned out in March this year. Far, far more than anything that turned out against vaccinations.

          It can be done and the latent demand is strong.

  12. Hunter Thompson II 12
    17 December 2023 at 10:46 am

    Christmas wishes to all TS contributors. The world and its inhabitants are facing huge problems, but as individuals we can all do something.

    How about:

    1. Plant a native tree

    2. Help a friend or neighbour in some way

    3. Donate what you can reasonably afford to a charity.

    Sure, those things won't end the conflict in Gaza or Ukraine, but at least they're a start.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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 hours 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, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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
    1 day 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 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
    3 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

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

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

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-28T02:46:25+00:00