web analytics

Open mike 18/09/2011

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 18th, 2011 - 50 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 link to Policy in the banner).

Step right up to the mike…

50 comments on “Open mike 18/09/2011 ”

  1. uke 1

    Interesting story on Stuff about conflicts of interest between the president of the National Party and the fishing industry. Looks like Peter Goodfellow is personally profiting from the slave fishing-boat system:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/5643203/National-Party-president-in-fishing-row

    • Draco T Bastard 1.1

      Looks like typical National Party corruption to me. He’s investigating wrong doing by the fishing industry while holding shares and being a director of one of the companies being investigated.

  2. tc 2

    Can anyone enlighten me on a comment someone made regarding the govts ability to enter your property and dictate how and or what you grow on your own property in terms of food.

    Discussion was around heirlooms and your own seed stock and the assertion was in the US in some states they can enter your property and destroy a crop from non approved seed, genetic stock and that we were adopting the same soon.

    Seemed very Orwellian but after seeing Food Inc I wouldn’t pit it past the powers that be.

    • joe90 2.1

      This?

      Closed-Source Crops

      The four big corporations are Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, and Bayer. Together, they represent that truly rare thing, a visible corner being turned in human history: the rise of the first global, seed-based food oligopoly since the dawn of agriculture.<

      • freedom 2.1.1

        It the USA it is known as the Monsanto Bill because they wrote it ! It bans food production basically, unless you use their seed stock. The NZ version goes further with not so subtle attempts to ban the sharing of grown foods, such as veges and even the sharing of privately sourced water. If you would like to know more talk to Kate Wilkinson because she has made a series of statments about the growing and sharing of food pertaining to this bill they hope to pass before October..

        You can read about it here on a recent FB posting from a concerned party.
        http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.238122229573532&type=1
        You will not be reading about this in the Daily Newspapers for obvious reasons.

        The language used , including the claims that these powers will not be employed against vege growers, market gardeners and the like, is identical to claims made regarding the Monsanto Bill in the USA. These claims seem to contradict the actions of heavily armed federal agents who recently ‘raided’ Organic Food Warehouses which have been in operation for decades.

        For some true life reflection on the immediate affects of these steps against community food productin I recommend you watch David vs Monsanto
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLzELDt3d2I

        • Vicky32 2.1.1.1

          My giddy aunt! How is that even possible?

          • Armchair Critic 2.1.1.1.1

            I’m stunned too. It’s difficult to believe that we could be sufficiently stupid to consider something like this.

          • Draco T Bastard 2.1.1.1.2

            The capitalists want control of everything and they already own the politicians.

            • freedom 2.1.1.1.2.1

              I have been told they are trying to get it voted on before the House rises in October and it is likely to be done under urgency. I have been told by a friendly voice in the parliamentary wilderness that they want to use CERRA to push it through so they do not have to actually declare what the final contents of the bill will be.
              ==================================================
              ALSO pay attention to the by-law recently passed in AK that is prohibiting the public distribution of political or special interest material. THIS LAW EXISTS NOW!!!!!!
              There is a lot of evil crap being thrown at us this year but banning the sharing of information in a peaceful and well practised format, such as handing out printed flyers? That is a level of control that must not be tolerated.
              ==================================================
              THIS IS HAPPENING PEOPLE. THIS IS REALITY .
              LOOK INTO IT IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE ME.
              If they have done it in Auckland, when is it the turn of your town?

              THEY DO NOT WANT PEOPLE SHARING INFORMATION BEFORE THE ELECTION

              THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS BY-LAW

              THESE ARE NOT THE ACTIONS OF A FREE DEMOCRACY

              • Bill

                So distribute a-political literature, ie not connected to any parliamentary political party.

                • freedom

                  Bill, that is the exact type of literature that has been banned. They have effectively banned the handing out of any ‘unauthorised’ items. They are banning free speech in a public space. What about that do you not understand. As Vinny Eastwood recently showed during a street action in AK, you are still allowed to talk to people, and of course that is without the use of a megaphone and most agree that is understandable.

                  The printed word has always been the most powerful megaphone we had at our disposal. It is now banned.

                  • Bill

                    Do you have a link to, or can you be bothered to reproduce the actual wording of the by law Freedom?

                    I’d be very interested to read it.

                    • freedom

                      Excuse the tardy reply, been a bit busy

                      http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/bylaw/part20.
                      Section 20.3.1 it states:

                      Except with the permission of an authorised officer, or a licence from council, a person shall not, in, on, or over any public place: …

                      q. place or use loud speakers or other devices amplifying and emitting sound, including for advertising any trade, business, entertainment or any other purpose; …

                      x. distribute or sell or offer for donation any document, product, material or service.

                      The inclusion of ‘q’ prevents noise pollution and is a reasonable practicality as long as the current legal and publicly warranted activities of any community are not adversely affected

                      However, the inclusion of ‘x’ is nothing less than a pyre built of your rights

            • aerobubble 2.1.1.1.2.2

              Ths is why education should be free, the moment students get a loan they
              loose their discretion, they need money, and it plays directly into the
              hands of the greedy. As we can see, people leave these shores to
              get enough money, or they choose lower paid jobs here. I think
              Labour should write off any student loan after ten years, but then of
              course the wealthy would hide their income for the decade…
              Do away with student Loans.

        • rosy 2.1.1.2

          “You can read about it here on a recent FB posting from a concerned party.”
          The letter to Kate Wilkinson was very good work.

        • Deadly_NZ 2.1.1.3

          Any chance you can get the stuff on Farcebook and put somewhere readable like google docs PLease. It wants you to log in, and as I refuse to use the bug ridden POS, I don’t have user details

    • Bill 2.2

      It’s only if it is a seed they have altered…or that they reckon is one of ‘theirs’.

      • freedom 2.2.1

        believe whatever helps you sleep at night Bill

        but if you seriously believe that is as far as this law will go then i won’t be the one to tell you the bad news about Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

        • Bill 2.2.1.1

          freedom, this has been as issue for some years now. Monsanto seek to bust people they claim are using their seed for free…even if the seeds have dispersed naturally.

          Look up the shit has been happening in India with the company. (Far worse) Small farmers get hooked in on promises of larger yields, borrow money to buy the seeds and then can’t afford the chemicals needed to go with the seeds….or the next seasons seeds or whatever. They wind up bankrupt and in some cases (large numbers) kill themselves because of debt burdens and the fact they are about to have their land ‘re-possessed’.

          Meanwhile. Can you even buy genetically engineered seeds in NZ? No. (But that would change with a FTA with the US…which is a bloody good reason to oppose it imo)

          And presently I’m not allowed to pick fruit from bushes in my garden, make them into jam (or such like) and sell them. I think that’s crap, but that’s the way it is. (Food/hygene laws unintentionally ring fences food production for big manufacturers when it was meant to safeguard us from their lax practices)

          edit I could see the new bill granting increased powers that will be used to target dak or even poppies. But not your potatoes.

          • freedom 2.2.1.1.1

            Yes Bill thanks, i am well aware that parts of India has gone from over 5,000 varieties of rice to a little under 500 in the last twenty years due to the introduction of artificially altered seeds.
            Are you aware that the introduction of foreign and manipulated genes into the foodchain has permanently altered the biodiversity of the planet.

            As for your defense that the inclusion of the offending articles into the bill were a mistake in its compostion, pull the other one it plays jingle bells, oh that’s right you still believe in Santa Claus. . You can beleive the fairy tale or defend yourself with common sense,

            the choice as it is in every election, is yours.

            sweet dreams

            • Bill 2.2.1.1.1.1

              Yes Freedom, I’m aware that seed diversity has been narrowing for many years. That’s been due (in large part) to industrial agriculture and the main seed suppliers…and predates GE. Wasn’t that why ‘heirloom’ seed banks were set up in the first place?

              And, yes, Im aware that cross fertilization from GE crops is knackering the natural varieties of some plant species.

              As for the ‘offending articles’. Care to point them out…any that aren’t being addressed and altered?

              The legislation is like any attempt to intoduce bureaucratic control measures; clumsy. Like I said in relation to food legislation as it is at present ( and nothing will change on this front), the ability of peoople to produce and sell any prepared produce was caught in the bureaucratic net that attempted to regulate lax standards within industry. So if your hom kitchen doesn’t satisfy hygene regs and you don’t have a certificate (all costing big $), then you can’t sell or barter jam or whatever.

              Tell you what. If your fears are founded, then you can report me and they can come clean out my ‘unauthorised’ oxalis; hunt down my ‘unauthorised’ thistles [both edible] and if I find it edible in any way, deal to the rampant melambecia (sp?)

        • Bill 2.2.1.2

          Since you are so het up over this Bored, maybe this will be of interest to you. (Cut and Pasted from a post by Sue Kedgley)

          After taking some time to examine the issues, the Minister has confirmed that it was never the intention of the bill to cover seed saving, the barter or selling of food seeds or seedlings, or the provision of food and accommodation in exchange for labour.

          She has confirmed that she will be amending the bill to make it explicit that it wont include seed or food exchanges, or related issues.

          Here is the letter that Kate Wilkinson sent to me [PDF].

          http://blog.greens.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Correspondence-Sue-Kedgley.pdf

          So, some poor drafting that would have unintented consequences that is being tidied up.

  3. ropata 3

    Great morning so far. Coffee in bed, birds jumping about on the roof above, and reading a story to my 3 year old niece.
    Just heard about Aussie vs Ireland result too..

  4. More stupidity from the Herald today.

    They run a story about a poll about whether or not the election or the RWC is more important and are relieved that the election is rated more important, just.  For me I am embarrassed that so many should think that a corporate takeover of one of our most precious of cultural institutions (rugby) is more important than our democracy and our country’s future.

    And they then run a story about “Labour wife” Julie Fairley who predicts Labour losses in key marginals.  Anyone who knows Julie will realise what an insult to her it is to describe her this way.  She is left, as far as I know not a member of the party, and will speak her mind on issues without fear as she should.

    Her blog post indicated that on current polling Labour would not win Auckland Central or Maungakiekie.  Her assessment was fair.  Unless Labour picks up the polling significantly this will most probably be the result.  Her analysis was done to predict the likely number of women in Labour’s caucus after the election.

    But the story by the Herald is absolutely awful.  Julie did not predict that Labour would lose any marginals, only that Labour would only gain a few marginals back from National.

    And surprisingly there is no mention of Waitakere which Julie did say was too close to call.

    Perhaps Julie should have been restlessly upbeat like a certain PM instead of doing a proper analysis which was conducted to assess likely gender representation.  Why a discussion like this is framed as an admission of failure is beyond me. 

    • tc 4.1

      MS What do you expect from a paper that gives Holmes and Farrer a national soapbox to put forward their masters views, Holmes has been particularly ‘grumpy old failed nat candidate’ of late climbing on board the spin wagon over the RWC opening night debacle being Browns fault.

      McCarten aside aren’t all their ‘opinionaters’ from the right ?

    • Draco T Bastard 4.2

      Why a discussion like this is framed as an admission of failure is beyond me.

      Because the MSM will do everything they can to portray Labour in a negative light. It’s part and parcel of the Capitalists desire to prevent everyone else having a say in society.

    • Thanks mickey, I’ve posted a response here: http://thehandmirror.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-lose-your-own-political-identity.html

      I can confirm I am not, and have never been, a member of the Labour party. I imagine I will join one day.

      Analysing the marginals was only needed to work out the projected future caucuses of Labour and National. Labour’s list and electorate selections have shown a clear effort to increase women’s representation in their caucus. National’s list and electorate selections show they don’t much care, and indeed women’s representation in National’s caucus is likely to decrease by the end of the year.

      • r0b 4.3.1

        Yeah Julie, that Herald piece had “stitch up” written all over it.  “Labour wife” FFS!  Garbage reporting.

        You still have a log in here – feel free to repost your reply on The Standard. 

      • lprent 4.3.2

        Saw that, but I haven’t had a moment to castigate the idiot reporter..

    • In Vino Veritas 4.4

      “For me I am embarrassed that so many should think that a corporate takeover of one of our most precious of cultural institutions (rugby) is more important than our democracy and our country’s future.”

      mickey, the many think its more important because they believe the country’s future is in good hands. Sorry, that must have escaped you.

  5. joe90 5

    Andrew Breitbart fantasizes about armed conflict: Bring it on

    He goes on about how he imagines the military is going to rise up and start killing union members and reiterates that he’s talking about actual armed conflict and not elections. The numbers are in our favour

    • Vicky32 5.1

      Sorry, I can’t view videos, could you give a precis? 🙂

      • felix 5.1.1

        He says the left can only beat them in a rhetorical and propaganda war, but that they (tea party) have the numbers and the guns and he wishes his enemies would “fire the fist shot”.

        He reckons he’s got mates high up in the military who’ve told him they’ve got his back if the shit goes down (touches nose, covers mouth).

        An audience member questions whether they really have the numbers to win an election and Breitbart clarifies that he’s talking about civil war, not electoral battles.

        • Vicky32 5.1.1.1

          Thanks, Joe90. Whatever posessed him to say such a thing? (Although the audience seems quite enthused from what you’ve said.)

          • uke 5.1.1.1.1

            “Whatever posessed him to say such a thing?”

            It’s interesting, Mao Tse Tung said something rather similar about power comes out of the barrel of a gun.

            • In Vino Veritas 5.1.1.1.1.1

              Yup, and in the name of the left, Mao killed between 43 and 78 million. Not bad when you add Uncle Joe Stalin at 23 million, the left’s total comes to a lazy 66 to 101 million. I’d imagine the Tea Party’d have to be pretty heavy handed to catch up that lot.

              • HC

                In Vino Veritas: There are not many true leftists that would consider Stalin as having been a true socialist or communist! He seized on a movement to follow his own personal goals. So he was not much different to Hitler.

                Re Mao Dse Dong there has always been debate about how many deaths could have been attributed directly to some of his failed policies and persecution during the Cultural Revolution.

                Why do you not look at more recent history and remind us of the hundreds of thousands killed in Afghanistan, the million plus killed in Iraq, which was a result of escalating war, unrest, breakdown and increased terror activities as a RESULT of the intervention by certain “alliances” led by the dominant USA?

                This happened under George W. Bush, who wanted to “finish” the business his father had started in 1991. But that is where your blinkers hide the truth, aye?!

  6. ETS Fail

    We all know there’s a pressing need to curb pollution. It’s a no brainer really, not only because of climate change but because we want New Zealand to truly become 100% pure clean and green. It’s unfortunate then that National has decided to further undermine the Emission Trading Scheme, in an incomprehensibly stupid move…

    • The best way to encourage businesses to pollute less is through consumer action. You have to get enough people to care about it though.

      • Armchair Critic 7.1.1

        No, it’s not.
        Polluters, rather than consumers, are in the best position to know that they are polluting, and how they are doing it. As such they are primarily responsible, and should be the first to take action.

      • Draco T Bastard 7.1.2

        PG, all you’re doing is buying into the delusional free-market BS. As I’ve said before, for that to work everyone needs to be omniscient so that they know what’s good for them and if businesses are operating ethically or not.

      • Lanthanide 7.1.3

        “The best way to encourage businesses to pollute less is through consumer action.”

        By imposing an ETS, the companies that pollute the most will have the most expensive products. This will encourage that business to pollute less through consumer action – they won’t have any sales.

  7. randal 8

    draco you are on to it. the tories believe that they know everything and what they dont know is not worth knowing. they are like children who dont care who has to clean up the mess they leave behind them wherever they go.

  8. ianmac 9

    A quiet little piece by Anthony Hubbard in the Dom. Phil down on the farm. “In the Hands of Fate.”
    Good bloke Phil Goff. Somehow more authentic than some others?
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/5644526/In-the-hands-of-fate

  9. HC 11

    Since we have the option to vote pro or against partial asset sales on 26 Nov. 2011, I think it is worthwhile to have a look at what was said in Parliament during the 2nd reading of the China NZ FTA in 2008:

    http://202.68.89.83/en-NZ/PB/Debates/Debates/3/8/f/48HansD_20080722_00000915-New-Zealand-China-Free-Trade-Agreement-Bill.htm

    Having read about the finalised, agreed and signed text on the following website…

    http://www.chinafta.govt.nz/1-The-agreement/2-Text-of-the-agreement/12-Chapt-11-Investment/index.php

    I have come to the conclusion that we are being seriously misled by the National Party, when John Key (hollow man Nr 1) they say that they will only sell up to 49 per cent of shares in 4 SOEs in the energy sector, which will be topped at 10 per cent per share holder and sold to “mum and dad investors”, who are going to be “first in the queue”.

    The FTA clearly states in chapter 11 (Investment) that Chinese investors cannot be disadvantaged against NZ investors – when investing in NZ, same as NZ investors should not be disadvantaged against Chinese investors when investing in Mainland China.

    So that means the claim, that NZ investors would be “first in the queue” is completely worthless, legally not enforceable and thus misleading.

    I feel that before we may decide who to vote for, we should perhaps reflect and consider, which parties or members may actually show some integrity and honesty in such very important matters!

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • New laws will crack down on gang profits and criminal assets
    New legislation passed by the Government today will make it harder for gangs and their leaders to benefit financially from crime that causes considerable harm in our communities, Minister of Justice Kiri Allan says. Since the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 came into effect police have been highly successful in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Stuart Nash dismissed from Cabinet
    This evening I have advised the Governor-General to dismiss Stuart Nash from all his ministerial portfolios. Late this afternoon I was made aware by a news outlet of an email Stuart Nash sent in March 2020 to two contacts regarding a commercial rent relief package that Cabinet had considered. In ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Tax incentive to boost housing passes third reading
    Legislation to enable more build-to-rent developments has passed its third reading in Parliament, so this type of rental will be able to claim interest deductibility in perpetuity where it meets the requirements. Housing Minister Dr Megan Woods, says the changes will help unlock the potential of the build-to-rent sector and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Law levels playing field for low-emissions commuting
    A law passed by Parliament today exempts employers from paying fringe benefit tax on certain low emission commuting options they provide or subsidise for their staff.  “Many employers already subsidise the commuting costs of their staff, for instance by providing car parks,” Environment Minister David Parker said.  “This move supports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • 40 years of Closer Economic Relations with Australia
    Today marks the 40th anniversary of Closer Economic Relations (CER), our gold standard free trade agreement between New Zealand and Australia. “CER was a world-leading agreement in 1983, is still world-renowned today and is emblematic of both our countries’ commitment to free trade. The WTO has called it the world’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Amendments to mass arrivals legislation
    The Government is making procedural changes to the Immigration Act to ensure that 2013 amendments operate as Parliament intended.   The Government is also introducing a new community management approach for asylum seekers. “While it’s unlikely we’ll experience a mass arrival due to our remote positioning, there is no doubt New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Progress on public service pay adjustment
    The Government welcomes progress on public sector pay adjustment (PSPA) agreements, and the release of the updated public service pay guidance by the Public Service Commission today, Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little says. “More than a dozen collective agreements are now settled in the public service, Crown Agents, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Further legislation introduced to support cyclone recovery
    The Government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Legislation Bill to further support the recovery and rebuild from the recent severe weather events in the North Island. “We know from our experiences following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes that it will take some time before we completely understand the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Duty relief for cyclone-affected businesses
    Further assistance is now available to businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and to remit late-payments, Customs Minister Meka Whaitiri has announced. “This is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to assist economic recovery in the regions,” Meka Whaitiri said. “Cabinet has approved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Thousands of sole parents to be better off after child support changes
    More than 41,000 sole parent families will be better off with a median gain of $20 a week Law change estimated to help lift up to 14,000 children out of poverty Child support payments will be passed on directly to people receiving a sole parent rate of main benefit, making ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Green investment fund delivers on climate action
    A major investment by Government-owned New Zealand Green Investment Finance towards electrifying the public bus fleet is being welcomed by Climate Change Minister James Shaw. “Today’s announcement that NZGIF has signed a $50 million financing deal with Kinetic, the biggest bus operator in Australasia, to further decarbonise public transport is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Tax credit boosts cash flow for Kiwi innovators
    A world-leading payments system is expected to provide a significant cash flow boost for Kiwi innovators, Minister of Research, Science, and Innovation Ayesha Verrall says. Announcing that applications for ‘in-year’ payments of the Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) were open, Ayesha Verrall said it represented a win for businesses ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Te Awa shared path completed
    Minister of Transport Michael Wood joined crowds of keen cyclists and walkers this morning to celebrate the completion of the Te Awa shared path in Hamilton. “The Government is upgrading New Zealand’s transport system to make it safer, greener, and more efficient for now and future generations to come,” Michael ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua
    Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little has delivered the Crown apology to Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua for its historic breaches of Te Tiriti of Waitangi today. The ceremony was held at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, hosted by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua, with several hundred ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister of Foreign Affairs meets with Chinese counterpart
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta has concluded her visit to China, the first by a New Zealand Foreign Minister since 2018. The Minister met her counterpart, newly appointed State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang, who also hosted a working dinner. This was the first engagement between the two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government delivering world-class satellite positioning services
    World-class satellite positioning services that will support much safer search and rescue, boost precision farming, and help safety on construction sites through greater accuracy are a significant step closer today, says Land Information Minister Damien O’Connor. Damien O’Connor marked the start of construction on New Zealand’s first uplink centre for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • District Court Judges appointed
    Attorney-General David Parker has announced the appointment of Christopher John Dellabarca of Wellington, Dr Katie Jane Elkin of Wellington, Caroline Mary Hickman of Napier, Ngaroma Tahana of Rotorua, Tania Rose Williams Blyth of Hamilton and Nicola Jan Wills of Wellington as District Court Judges.  Chris Dellabarca Mr Dellabarca commenced his ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Notes of an address to the Environmental Defence Society Conference, Auckland
    Tēnā koutou katoa. Can I begin by thanking Gary Taylor, Raewyn Peart and others in the EDS team for their herculean work in support of the environment. I’d also like to acknowledge Hon Simon Upton, Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, my parliamentary colleagues, and the many activists here who strive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New project set to supercharge ocean economy in Nelson Tasman
    A new Government-backed project will help ocean-related businesses in the Nelson Tasman region to accelerate their growth and boost jobs. “The Nelson Tasman region is home to more than 400 blue economy businesses, accounting for more than 30 percent of New Zealand’s economic activity in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • National’s education policy: where’s the funding?
    After three years of COVID-19 disruptions schools are finally settling down and National want to throw that all in the air with major disruption to learning and underinvestment.  “National’s education policy lacks the very thing teachers, parents and students need after a tough couple of years, certainty and stability,” Education ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Free programme to help older entrepreneurs and inventors
    People aged over 50 with innovative business ideas will now be able to receive support to advance their ideas to the next stage of development, Minister for Seniors Ginny Andersen said today. “Seniors have some great entrepreneurial ideas, and this programme will give them the support to take that next ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government target increased to keep powering up the Māori economy
    A cross government target for relevant government procurement contracts for goods and services to be awarded to Māori businesses annually will increase to 8%, after the initial 5% target was exceeded. The progressive procurement policy was introduced in 2020 to increase supplier diversity, starting with Māori businesses, for the estimated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Continued progress on reducing poverty in challenging times
    77,000 fewer children living in low income households on the after-housing-costs primary measure since Labour took office Eight of the nine child poverty measures have seen a statistically significant reduction since 2018. All nine have reduced 28,700 fewer children experiencing material hardship since 2018 Measures taken by the Government during ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech at Fiji Investment and Trade Business Forum
    Deputy Prime Minister Kamikamica; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Tēnā koutou katoa, ni sa bula vinaka saka, namaste. Deputy Prime Minister, a very warm welcome to Aotearoa. I trust you have been enjoying your time here and thank you for joining us here today. To all delegates who have travelled to be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government investments boost and diversify local economies in lower South Island
    $2.9 million convertible loan for Scapegrace Distillery to meet growing national and international demand $4.5m underwrite to support Silverlight Studios’ project to establish a film studio in Wanaka Gore’s James Cumming Community Centre and Library to be official opened tomorrow with support of $3m from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pasifka Futures Whānau Ora Conference
    [CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY]  E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā tangata katoa, o moana-nui-a-kiwa, E ngā mate, haere, haere, haere atū ra, manuia lau Malaga. Thank you for the kind introduction and opportunity to join you this morning. It is always good to be here in Aukilani, where I ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Alzheimers New Zealand conference – Opening Address
    E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga iwi, tēnā koutou katoa. Talofa lava and thank you Catherine, for the warm welcome. I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person today but it’s great for the opportunity to contribute virtually.  I’d like to start by acknowledging: Alzheimers New Zealand, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government future-proofs EV charging
    Transport Minister Michael Wood has today launched the first national EV (electric vehicle) charging strategy, Charging Our Future, which includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand. “Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • World-leading family harm prevention campaign supports young NZers
    Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan has today launched the Love Better campaign in a world-leading approach to family harm prevention. Love Better will initially support young people through their experience of break-ups, developing positive and life-long attitudes to dealing with hurt. “Over 1,200 young kiwis told ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • First Chief Clinical Advisor welcomed into Coroners Court
    Hon Rino Tirikatene, Minister for Courts, welcomes the Ministry of Justice’s appointment of Dr Garry Clearwater as New Zealand’s first Chief Clinical Advisor working with the Coroners Court. “This appointment is significant for the Coroners Court and New Zealand’s wider coronial system.” Minister Tirikatene said. Through Budget 2022, the Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Next steps for affected properties post Cyclone and floods
    The Government via the Cyclone Taskforce is working with local government and insurance companies to build a picture of high-risk areas following Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods. “The Taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, has been working with insurance companies to undertake an assessment of high-risk areas so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • New appointment to Māori Land Court bench
    E te huia kaimanawa, ko Ngāpuhi e whakahari ana i tau aupikinga ki te tihi o te maunga. Ko te Ao Māori hoki e whakanui ana i a koe te whakaihu waka o te reo Māori i roto i te Ao Ture. (To the prized treasure, it is Ngāpuhi who ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government focus on jobs sees record number of New Zealanders move from Benefits into work
    113,400 exits into work in the year to June 2022 Young people are moving off Benefit faster than after the Global Financial Crisis Two reports released today by the Ministry of Social Development show the Government’s investment in the COVID-19 response helped drive record numbers of people off Benefits and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Vertical farming partnership has upward momentum
    The Government’s priority to keep New Zealand at the cutting edge of food production and lift our sustainability credentials continues by backing the next steps of a hi-tech vertical farming venture that uses up to 95 per cent less water, is climate resilient, and pesticide-free. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Conference of Pacific Education Ministers – Keynote Address
    E nga mana, e nga iwi, e nga reo, e nga hau e wha, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou kātoa. Warm Pacific greetings to all. It is an honour to host the inaugural Conference of Pacific Education Ministers here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Aotearoa is delighted to be hosting you ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New $13m renal unit supports Taranaki patients
    The new renal unit at Taranaki Base Hospital has been officially opened by the Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall this afternoon. Te Huhi Raupō received around $13 million in government funding as part of Project Maunga Stage 2, the redevelopment of the Taranaki Base Hospital campus. “It’s an honour ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Second Poseidon aircraft on home soil
    Defence Minister Andrew Little has marked the arrival of the country’s second P-8A Poseidon aircraft alongside personnel at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base at Ohakea today. “With two of the four P-8A Poseidons now on home soil this marks another significant milestone in the Government’s historic investment in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Further humanitarian aid for Türkiye and Syria
    Aotearoa New Zealand will provide further humanitarian support to those seriously affected by last month’s deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, says Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta. “The 6 February earthquakes have had devastating consequences, with almost 18 million people affected. More than 53,000 people have died and tens of thousands more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Community voice to help shape immigration policy
    Migrant communities across New Zealand are represented in the new Migrant Community Reference Group that will help shape immigration policy going forward, Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced today.  “Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • State Highway 3 project to deliver safer journeys, better travel connections for Taranaki
    Construction has begun on major works that will deliver significant safety improvements on State Highway 3 from Waitara to Bell Block, Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan announced today. “This is an important route for communities, freight and visitors to Taranaki but too many people have lost their lives or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2023-03-28T19:16:12+00:00