Open Mike 20/09/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, September 20th, 2017 - 171 comments
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171 comments on “Open Mike 20/09/2017 ”

  1. Tony Veitch (not etc) 1

    When Caribbean islands which normally might experience a category 5 hurricane once every five or ten years, get 2 category 5s in less than a month, we’ve moved beyond Climate Change.

    It’s time we started using George Monibot’s term: CLIMATE BREAKDOWN!

    http://www.monbiot.com/2013/10/04/climate-breakdown/

  2. Carolyn_nth 2

    So Nat’s infrastructure plan had roads and stadiums being more important than oil pipeline from north to Auckland.

    Key failure.

    And another Key failure: benefit sanctions.

    Newshub’s Lisa Owen reports, what we already knew, but now there’s hard evidence:

    Newshub can reveal the Government has no evidence to suggest that benefit sanctions on solo parents do anything to encourage wayward fathers to pay their share of child support.

    In fact, it means the families are at higher risk of hardship and long term welfare dependency.

    Currently people on a solo parent benefit can have their payment docked if they don’t name the other parent of their child. In 98 percent of cases that’s the father.

    The so-called section 70a sanction is aimed at getting child support payments from the absent parent.

    More than three months ago Newshub asked the Ministry of Social Development to release, under the Official Information Act, any evidence that the sanctions worked.

    MSD refused the request.

    But it was forced to turn over more than 100 pages of material before the election, after the Ombudsman intervened.

    The reports addressed to Social Development Minister Anne Tolley say, “We do not have sufficient evidence to confirm if the benefit reduction is achieving the policy’s intent.”

    • AsleepWhileWalking 2.1

      Yeah this section if the Act penalises people who take on responsibility where nobody else will.

      The penalty only exists when a child is kept by one parent (and of course that child will suffer by extension…as if all the statstics on single parent families and the disadvantage to the child weren’t enough if a handicap the government decides to fuck these kids over even more). It doesn’t apply if the child goes elsewhere like a foster home or extended family.

      If you agree that the best place for children is with their own parent, then it is totally inappropriate to penalise sole families in this way.

      • AsleepWhileWalking 2.1.1

        The penalty can be lifted by swearing an affidavit stating your child was a result of rape/incest.

        Why would anyone think this is acceptable to force a parent to make such a choice? What if the child had political ambitions or became famous?

      • James 2.1.2

        And why (in general – there will always be exceptions) should the father not be named so he can be held to account to make payments for the child?

        • crashcart 2.1.2.1

          Why bother naming the father when there is no evidence that it improves payment rates. You are essentially punishing both the parent and the child for no reason.

          • James 2.1.2.1.1

            I asked why not first ……

            • Crashcart 2.1.2.1.1.1

              Why might people not want to name fathers? They may know that the father is in no position to make payments and not want to put them in the line of fire for MSD. The father may have questionable citizenship. There are plenty of reasons why a mother may not want to name a father.

              Can you give one valid reason for why they should have too? There is no evidence that it improves payment rates. If you want to punish people you have to have a valid goal. This policy does not appear to have one.

            • McFlock 2.1.2.1.1.2

              because there’s no point to it because there’s no evidence it improves payment rates.

            • Tracey 2.1.2.1.1.3

              But fathers not paying when named came before this section so, you first. Why don’t we recover from fathers very well James?

        • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.2.2

          Because demanding a name abuses your victim’s human rights. Personally I think you should be held accountable for that.

          • James 2.1.2.2.1

            How is father a victim?

            • Cinny 2.1.2.2.1.1

              Morning James, from a womans point of view……

              Imagine pregnancy via a stranger raping you, and you decide to keep the child, how on earth are you going to name a stranger. And would you really want your child knowing what they were the result of OR knowing their father (even if you knew his name), if the father did such an act.

              Another scenario… pregnant via a one night stand. See guys have no problem with one night stands, possibly because they can’t get pregnant, a one night stand where you only remember their first name, and the guy might not even remember you cause you were both drunk.

              Need any more examples? It’s not as cut and dry as some may think.

              And who suffers the most, the child and the mother who knows she doesn’t know the name of the father and as if it’s not hard enough being a solo mum, they have even less money to feed their child.

              • james

                I did say “in general” as there are always exceptions.

                As for rape – of course this should never be named – as is already allowed for.

                As for one night stands – you miss the point that the woman seems to have no issue with it as well – its not just the guys

                But what about people who have kids with people they know and NOT as a result of abuse etc? Why should they NOT be named?

                • miravox

                  In general?

                  How about not naming the father is because you’ve been threatened with having the living daylights beaten out of you (given NZs domestic violence rates that’s not an unlikely scenario), or the threat of a custody dispute with any history you’ve ever had being publicised or lied about. Or the father simply denying it was him and putting forward several other names to shame the mother as well as avoid responsibility.

                  • james

                    How about you answer my easy question first ?

                    But what about people who have kids with people they know and NOT as a result of abuse etc? Why should they NOT be named?

                    • One Anonymous Bloke

                      Already answered. It’s called “freedom of expression”.

                    • Molly

                      “How about you answer my easy question first ?”

                      How about answering these easy questions?
                      How does any child cost $20/wk less to take care of? (putting aside the chronic underfunding for the moment)
                      How do letters on a form in the father’s name make a practical difference?
                      How do you justify this requirement when evidence provided by MSD shows there is no benefit to this request?

                      Why do you think you need to know, apart from your need to know?

                    • joe90

                      But what about people who have kids with people they know and NOT as a result of abuse etc?

                      From what I’ve seen James, fear. Foregoing a portion of a benefit is infinitely preferable to living in fear of a violent man who resents being on the hook for a fifth or more of his after tax income.

                    • miravox

                      But what about people who have kids with people they know and NOT as a result of abuse etc?

                      I just did. These things can (and do) happen when a relationship breaks up.

                    • Brigid

                      You obviously know who these women are so answer this.
                      Who are the women who are in this situation? How many are there? What are their names?

                    • Tracey

                      Punishing children through this section hasn’t worked. What next James?

                • Cinny

                  Often drunk chicks give in to male pressure and just do it to get it over and done with, so they aren’t hassled and gropped any more. Which sucks, and is really really common.

                  Anyways… why should they not be named? Because the mother feels there would be no emotional benefit to the child from doing so, Miravox provides a fantastic example on that. Maybe later they might change their mind and name the father, and that’s ok.

                • Janice

                  James. have you ever had a one night stand, there may be a little James out there somewhere.

                  • reason

                    James has vouched for ‘public toilet sex ‘ in the past …..

                    So God knows who what and where he has stuck it in ……

                    He says “don’t knock it”

                    But to solo mums he’d like to sock it ……..

                  • Tracey

                    James would go to the authorities and demand to be on the birth certificate and then he would pay all the arrears. Right James?

                • tracey

                  Are you sure when they say they were raped they do not get questioned about why they didnt press charges.

                • Tracey

                  Why are men not naming themselves James?

            • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.2.2.1.2

              Do you really not understand that it’s the mother’s human rights you’re proposing (salivating, probably) to abuse?

            • Tracey 2.1.2.2.1.3

              I am sure most fathers know they have become fathers, wonder why they don’t come forward?

        • tracey 2.1.2.3

          If we are not holding to account so many men whose names we know, why add to the list?

        • Tracey 2.1.2.4

          We fail to hold to account those whose names we do know. Why is that James

    • Tracey 2.3

      Released before the election but we didn’t publish it or their blocking of it til after the election…

  3. eco Maori/kiwi 3

    Apologies to MSM I allready new that you would not be able to grasp my reality as you are human’s to.There are people out there that no what I have said to be fact. But the positives out come hopefully is that OUR youth will keep out of the shit .
    Now all of OUR export based organisations and people working for them If I was YOU
    I would get a subscription to pay and support Joseph Parker Campaign to Dominate the WORLD heavy weight boxing .
    AS THIS WILL BE THE CHEAPEST WAY TO ADVERTISE NEW ZEALAND AND YOUR EXPORT PRODUCTS TO THE WORLD I will get one because I Love OUR beautiful country

  4. James 4

    I think there are two polls out this evening. I predict they will close a bit from being so far spark over the last few weeks.

    But who knows – polling has been crazy.

    I predict:
    National up a little
    Labour down a little
    Greens down in the real danger zone of being wiped out (5-6%)
    NZ first a little higher than the greens but not by much.

    • Robert Guyton 4.1

      All Blacks 3, England, nil.

    • millsy 4.2

      Probably right. National will probably end up taking this out.

      Im hoping Im wrong, but I don’t want to be too dissapointed on election night.

      There will be some really hard questions about where to go from here after this.

    • Cinny 4.3

      I predict Greens up, labour up a little, nat’s down a little, not sure about the rest.

      What do you do on election night James?

      I remember my parents being invited to a ‘party’ on an election night, they didn’t know it was an election party for the local nat’s. They turned up, blue everything, mum and dad basked in the nat’s loss that night, needless to say, the party finished early, everyone (apart from my folks) was feeling a bit blue.

    • Glenn 4.4

      I predict:
      National steady.
      Labour up by 1%
      Greens up by 1%
      NZ first hammered down to 4.5%

      • Union city greens 4.4.1

        Labour and nats neck and neck.
        Greens up, Winston down.
        Labour and greens could form a government.

  5. Historian Pete 5

    Gareth Morgan:The Cat is out of the bag!! Gareth would like us to believe that his primary motivation in entering politics with the TOP Party is to create a more egalitarian and democratic N.Z. Nothing, in my opinion, could be further than the truth .His motivations are revealed by two of his policies.Namely , giving N.Z. a second house of parliament and introducing a constitution.If you look at countries with constitutions you see an ever widening gap between the super wealthy one percenters and the rest of the population. In the U.S. you will see that the constitution has impeded any efforts to bring about more equality. This is not surprising as this was the reason that the founding fathers introduced a constitution in the first place. They feared the power of the common people, and they cleverly introduced a hurdle that would stultify any efforts in that direction. The U.S. constitution has presided over the greatest inequality that exists in the developed world. And there is the two houses of parliament[Congress].They were also created to protect the wealth and position of landowners and to prevent democracy.
    The House of Lords, aptly named,in the U.K.is also just such an instrument to protect the rights and property of the wealthy, the aristocracy, and the Monarchy against the”Commons”.
    So, basically the Top policies mentioned are there to protect the wealth of the Oligarchs “in waiting”in N.Z. Lord Gareth is anticipating taking up his rightful position in N.Z., as we follow in the footsteps of the more progressive U.S. and U.K. And he will be supported by the ever growing numbers of the super rich and their sycophants , that are naturally increasing in N.Z. with the efforts of the National Party Government.N.Z. has become a bolthole for the oligarchs of the world, people like Peter Thiel,connected to the Five Eyes, and of course an adviser to U.S. president Trump. Thiel was given instant citizenship by another one of our home grown one percenter oligarchs in waiting Sir John Key.And Trademe founder Sam Morgan wrote a letter in support. Get the picture? Birds of a feather flock together.So, a N.Z.constitution and upper house is a plan so cunning that you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel! Do not be fooled by the insidious Top Party Trojan Horse!!

  6. after bill loses for the second time this weekend he might just reflect on the fact that now he doesn’t have to try and be a leader to cope with the tiny handed maniac.

    Donald Trump has made his strongest threat yet against North Korea, vowing to “totally destroy” the country if it attacks the US or its allies.

    In a wideranging speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York overnight, the US President repeated his mocking nickname for Kim Jong-un – “Rocket Man” – and slammed his leadership as a “depraved regime”.

    “The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” he said.

    “Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11924184

    Thank goodness wise heads and true leadership will be there with Jacinda and James.

  7. Dialey 7

    I’ve just heard from a friend who was a staunch John Key supporter, and therefore Nat voter, has voted Labour this time “because of Jacinda”. I hope that is a trend.

  8. Ad 8

    National proxies doing their job:

    “Farmers were encouraged by Fonterra subsidiary Farm Source Waikato to attend Monday’s march in Opposition leader Jacinda Ardern’s home town of Morrinsville, where many voiced their opposition to Labour’s plan to introduce a tax on water.

    In a group email obtained by the Herald, the head of Farm Source Waikato, Paul Grave, suggested farmers and their friends and neighbours attend the gathering.

    “As you may be aware, a group of Waikato farmers have organised a march in Morrinsville this Monday 18 September to highlight the environmental leadership shown by the dairy industry in our communities,” Grave said.

    “The march is a great opportunity for dairy farmers to show solidarity, engage with the Waikato community, and talk about the significant improvements that have been made on-farm in recent years, and plans for further work in the future,” he said.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11924010

    Should Labour get in power, they need to look beyond farmers, and head straight to the cause: Fonterra.

    • ianmac 8.1

      Vested interest for Fonterra? Anyway it was a pretty motley protest with many of those present just local Morrinsville folk there to watch the fun. Is that the best that they can do? Ha.

    • Labour changed the legislation so that Fonterra could come into existence. Maybe it’s time to change it back.

      • Ad 8.2.1

        Was the right thing to do at the time, but they have not lived up to their promise and I would sincerely want Fonterra to be reviewed. Haven’t seen it on the agenda so far.

  9. Ad 9

    Nice review of President Trump’s speech to the United Nations yesterday:

    https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/09/trump-united-nations-obama/540288/

  10. garibaldi 10

    Trump is no longer the Trump who ran for president. He is now just a mouthpiece for the American military machine, which is disastrous for the World. It means that the USA will set up an incident then blame the other side and go to war. This will happen anywhere they choose. They have done it countless times before. They just have to have war, war and war. Incidentally Hilary would have been no better.
    PS Let’s hope they can wait till after we vote National out!
    I’m off to work now. Someone else will have to tell James he is wrong!

  11. Ad 11

    Have any viewers under 30 on this site not voted yet?

    A few days ago there were 3,218,857 voters enrolled, which is 90% of those eligible.

    Nearly 20,000 fewer people under 30 were registered compared to 2014.

    http://www.elections.org.nz/research-statistics/enrolment-statistics-electorate

    In the last election, more than 200,000 eligible voters under 30 did not vote.

    The Labour support in the polls is strongest from young people.

    If there are young people who haven’t voted (or even enrolled ) yet, do so.

  12. greywarshark 12

    michael barnett of auckland chamber of commerce says that the airline fuel problem could have been alleviated if better infrastructure had been in place. Demand has gone up considerably yet the reserve held in Auckland have remained the same.

    Is this the same michael barnett who was one of the troika introducing the Treasury’s system of cutting government planning and regulating out and leaving it instead to business which, now who, know best how to run things efficiently?

    (I say who, because companies have in past decades been given the right of being treated as ‘persons’ in law. How a company with its larger strength and capital can be equal to a person can only equate in the brain of a money maker and his lawyer.)

    • tracey 12.1

      Is it true taxpayers are being asked to stump up for any back up plan for the pipeline? I only ask cos petrol companies do quite well financially dont they? Is AirNZ getting compensation and from whom?

      • greywarshark 12.1.1

        I don’t know and have been wondering myself. They are starting to talk about costs which must be huge. The petrol companies own the refinery I think and probably the holding tanks. The government every now and then like to take on the oil companies that have enough reserves to release a little bit and make the pollies seem effective. So Michael Barnett being one of those cunning rats that ended up in a good possie after doing the dirty on Labour voters, will probably be thinking up something that he can write a serious history essay about that has him in a starring role.

      • mary_a 12.1.2

        tracey @ (12.1) … I think whoever is responsible should be up for any costs relating to this incident. Such as the company concerned for poaching swamp kauri to send to its overseas business.

        No doubt Judith Collins will know what’s going on here, being Minister of energy as well as Minister for Oravida!

        • greywarshark 12.1.2.1

          I was just talking about this and someone pointed out that the pipeline is supposed to be 30 years old and due for replacement each 25 years. So that has to be taken into account. I’m a bit prejudiced about the swamp kauri digging which seemed to be a perfect vicious circle.

  13. Ad 13

    If an elected government failed in an advanced economy with a large agricultural base, would anyone notice? Not in the Netherlands:

    https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-19/dutch-doing-just-fine-without-government-on-decade-high-growth

    So just in case New Zealand gets an election with no clear result and doesn’t have a government for a few months or indeed quite a few, it’s not the end of the world.

    • tracey 13.1

      I recall when we didnt have one for about 9 weeks. Media gave us interesting news stories and joyrnalism.

      • Andrea 13.1.1

        Belgium managed for more than 540 days and failed to descend into anarchy. Perhaps we could repeat the experiment, go for longer, and take our place in the Guinness Book of Records. Think of the money we could save!

  14. Cinny 14

    English is being interviewed on RNZ at the moment if any are interested. Defensive as

    Youtube stream here….
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPRTdxsiFMw

    • Rosemary McDonald 14.1

      Listening peripherally I thought it was a Party Political Broadcast….Kathryn did try…but sadly Bill is unable to speak in other than slogans and soundbites.

      • Bearded Git 14.1.1

        She did challenge him on the “Social Investment” issue. Bill continuously parrots this as though it is a solve-all breakthrough but Ryan said it was not working.

        I wish she had simply asked “why are there so many people begging and sleeping on the streets of Auckland”.

        Very noticeable when I was up there a few weeks ago.

      • ianmac 14.1.2

        Exactly. He ploughs on regardless of the question. Like the Jehhovva Witness folk who respond with a spiel distantly related to the question.
        “Nice day today”
        “Yes that is so and in the Bible Jesus says trust in the …”

  15. David Mac 15

    I caught Dr Lance on AM this morning. I was surprised to hear him say he will be standing for the Maori Party in 2020. I think it’s an announcement that will assist their vote this election, that joker is a mana fest.

    I can see him having broad appeal. I think he said something with voter appeal right across the political spectrum. Garner implied that NZ Health needs more money, O’Sullivan disagreed. He feels we need to be using the current Health budget more efficiently. Wow! A politician that doesn’t think more money is the solution. He’s not standing until 2020 and I want to hear more of what he has to say now.

    I think the chap has the potential to be quite a force in NZ politics.

    • marty mars 15.1

      He seems very ambitious…

      • Rosemary McDonald 15.1.1

        He is ambitious…and, from my observations does not enjoy the following in the Far North that you would expect.

        There have been a couple of incidents where his ego/arrogance has really ripped some undies.

        It’ll be interesting to see how far he goes…

        • marty mars 15.1.1.1

          Yep I agree. Not convinced personally and we will see. So many Māori women and men doing so much good work – no need to focus on one individual AND it is also worth noting a persons contribution imo

        • greywarshark 15.1.1.2

          Rosemary
          About his outspokenness. I was up his way a year ago and stayed with some immigrants who were keen to get into some business and involved in the community. They seemed to feel that there was a torpor up there, a reluctance to change and acceptance of an unsatisfactory status quo.

          What Dr Lance O’Sullivan sees would set his teeth on edge, and no doubt feels more positive stuff needs to be done instead of him being the band aid to the unhealable wound.

          This was interesting and probably relates to the problems he sees and the current fuel problem up there.
          Digging for our roots?

          • Rosemary McDonald 15.1.1.2.1

            “They seemed to feel that there was a torpor up there, a reluctance to change and acceptance of an unsatisfactory status quo. ”

            In some small groups within some small communities maybe….but certainly not on a wider scale.

            We are frequent visitors to Kaitaia and points north, and keep returning because on the whole the area retains much of what was good about NZ in times past. There is a real sense of community (has to be because of isolation issues) and a growing group of locals who are asking serious questions regarding the impacts of increasing horticulture on the environment. There is a real engagement from parents trying to support more positive educational outcomes.

            There are various NGOs active in the area…trying to address some of the issues that claim the headlines…but it has frustrated me personally that Whanau Ora (as a one stop shop for assisting families with issues across multiple government departments) has been conspicuous by its absence. We have chatted with many people whose lives could have been transformed had WO been active.

            AND…the Far North has the very best recycling operation, bar none, in the country. Woe betide the person who tries to pop a juice bottle in with the milk bottles or an empty margarine container in with the janitorials. They have been super sorting for years!

            As for the swamp kauri thing….hmm…https://publicaddress.net/envirologue/swamp-monsters-the-looting-of-northlands/

            • greywarshark 15.1.1.2.1.1

              So why aren’t whanau ora there? What are the local Maori people doing and I think that they suffer most of the poverty there. The editor of the paper said he had things stolen from his house while he was inside. Then he saw one of the items being worn by somebody and got the police to deal with the up till then clueless case. There is activity going on but it is the wrong sort.

              There is get up and go there, but how much, and can’t they find a way of getting employment and training for the young ones. Perhaps it is a place for a charter school, away from the familiar places and faces over in Kaikohe or a certain distance away. Then they can make changes in their approaches, start learning, have ambitions, take control. There is a huge downward presssure from peer groups in some places. You do more than us, learn more, and what are you? You don’t fit in. That’s not our way.

              • Rosemary McDonald

                “So why aren’t whanau ora there?” Waipareira Trust were briefly in the area…they still might be but not prominently. Not on the ‘get stuck in and sort this whanau out before shit gets worse’ scale. Maybe they are being discrete.

                There is a charter school in Kaitaia…not sure of the success rate…I will inquire. 😉

                “There is a huge downward presssure from peer groups in some places. You do more than us, learn more, and what are you? You don’t fit in. That’s not our way.”

                This. This has literally reduced me to tears in relation to some of those families.

                BUT there are many families who have dug their toes in and risen up…we have met some because of the disability connection. Having a child with challenges can be a powerful motivator for many, especially mums.

  16. greywarshark 16

    I saw someone had printed a poster –
    THINK RATIONAL
    NOT NATIONAL
    VOTE LABOUR
    OR GREENS

    It would be a good idea if we all printed/wrote one out and left it somewhere noticeable.

    There’s another one apparently.

    Nats are Rats.
    They won’t go till the ship sinks.
    Make them go now!
    Vote Labour, Green, Maori Party, a people’s future.

    • Rosemary McDonald 16.1

      Doing my best Greywarshark, doing my best.

      Just got off the phone from a friend who was intending to vote National….largely because another friend had told her that “Labour would give all our money to the United Nations because of Helen Clarke”

      This lady is a lady so I didn’t let fly with the string of expletives such a statement deserves.

      I just talked about the various Party Policies on disability issues….

      • greywarshark 16.1.1

        Rosemary
        You’ve got the power! And just letting it out in little tiny bursts is so controlled and more effective. Doesn’t scare the horses! You are tops, and nothing to do with Gareth Morgan (though I don’t really dislike him. )

        • Rosemary McDonald 16.1.1.1

          “… to do with Gareth Morgan (though I don’t really dislike him. )”

          Hah! I threatened our very old cat with Uncle Gareth yesterday as he sunk his fangs into my arm as I tried to remove handicapping knots from his nether regions. Ingrate!

          Some individuals just don’t seem to understand that one may just have their best interests at heart.

          Or otherwise, have anything but their best interests at heart

      • bwaghorn 16.1.2

        it’s amazing how thick some people are , keeping in mind they all get to vote ,
        I overheard an old god botherer saying that the greens want to destroy the nz economy so they can help install a one world government.

        • DSpare 16.1.2.1

          Just because someone says something, doesn’t necessarily mean they believe it to be true, That god botherer may simply have been opposed to the GP’s ideas about abortion, and been saying whatever it was that they thought would most likely convince whoever they were talking to. Of course, sometimes the shape of a person’s lies reveal more about them than the truth would.

  17. Fireblade 17

    In the past I’ve voted for Act, NZ First or National.

    Our country has changed under the current National Government. I believe they’re corrupt, full of spin and self interest, focused on protecting big business at the expense of everyone else. John Key started this agenda and Bill English has followed in his footsteps.

    I’ve read read The Standard for the last few years and my eyes have been opened. National must not have a fourth term or NZ future will consist of people who are either obscenely wealthy or dirt poor. Middle NZ will not exist.

    Yesterday I voted two ticks for Labour.

  18. patricia bremner 18

    It shocked me that only Winston Peters formally offered condolences to Jacinda on the loss of her Grandmother.

    Leadership is cheap and nasty and seemingly mannerless these days.

    Good for you Winston. Old fashioned decency.

    Jacinda’s honesty and charm is a breath of fresh air, and she deserves better than this from the rest of the “leaders”

    • Red Blooded 18.1

      I’m sorry but I don’t believe that’s true. Jacinda herself told John Campbell that Bill English personally rang her to offer his condolences. There are so many faults with Bill and the Nats without throwing unwarranted shade at them.

      • greywarshark 18.1.1

        Anyone can make a mistake red blooded. It’s the type of mistake they make that is important. I don’t see this causes for a major dressing down.

        • Red Blooded 18.1.1.1

          It was meant as a statement and not an attempt to be a major dressing down. My apologies to patricia bremner if it was taken that way.

    • Frida 18.2

      I’m not normally one to defend Bill English, but Jacinda Adern said on Checkpoint last night that she had been contacted directly by him giving his condolences. Credit where credit is due.

      • lprent 18.2.1

        Saw a press release from Winston Peters with his condolences as well.

        Update: Oh I see Patricia wrote that already – was reading comment in reverse date/time order in the backend.

        • alwyn 18.2.1.1

          I really think I prefer someone who doesn’t feel the need to come out with a Press Release for something like that.

          • McFlock 18.2.1.1.1

            It’s old school professional courtesy. Like thank-you cards after a visit.

            • alwyn 18.2.1.1.1.1

              I heartily agree with the sentiment being expressed. Politics shouldn’t come into it at all.
              It was that, if I have read these comments correctly, Winston felt the need to issue a Press Release about it rather than just doing it privately as it appears English did.

              The only appalling taint on this sort of thing I can remember was Rob Muldoon to Norman Kirk when Kirk went into hospital for an operation just before his death. Muldoon supposedly sent him a message along the lines of “Get well soon Norm. A pensioner needs your bed”.
              A horrible man was Muldoon, so the story is probably true.
              It is about 2/3 of the way down this story.
              http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=141378

  19. Ffloyd 19

    Two ticks for Labour. MY husband as well. Labour with a landslide!

  20. ianmac 20

    Good news from a poll! Urban and Rural.

    “Findings from Water New Zealand’s survey, released at the industry group’s conference this morning, showed 77 per cent of the 4,500 people it polled online over a month this year agreed there should be a cost when taking water from the environment for agriculture and horticulture.

    Almost three in five people – 59 per cent – believed there should be a cost when taking water from the environment for all users.

    But agreement was much higher, at 89 per cent, when asked whether water bottling companies should be charged for taking water from the environment.”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11924261

  21. joe90 21

    So, Benny “If you take out Saddam, I guarantee you, it would have enormous, positive reverberations on the region” Netanyahu reckons threatening to totally destroy a nation of 26 million people is bold and courageous.

    In over 30 years in my experience with the UN, I never heard a bolder or more courageous speech.— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) September 19, 2017

    https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/america-first-read-trump-s-full-united-nations-speech-n802676

    • North 21.1

      Netanyahu is an apartheid loving fascist. No surprise that of all the western leaders Trump gets his vote.

  22. joe90 22

    Oh shit, this is bad.

    (earthquake and buildings, careful people)

    Devastating images from Mexico City. pic.twitter.com/RpF7sUq31s— Jorge Guajardo (@jorge_guajardo) September 19, 2017

    https://twitter.com/jorge_guajardo

  23. Adrian 23

    Getting them in singles, the old cricket analogy works.
    Congrats to all here who have convinced somebody to move over from the dark side.
    Had a couple of victories too, a 48 year old grape pruner who has never voted or registered did so as a ” favour ” to me , I think it was just to shut me up.
    And an old friend, owner of a few houses including a boarding house, which she does a very good ethical Job of but is daily fielding calls from social services at all hours to house people , said last year ” things have to change “. Switched from a lifetime of Nat voting to TOP, I didn’t disabuse her of the notion, if our side can’t have her vote it’s better that It goes in the bin.
    Fingers crossed, Lets Do This.

  24. Stuart Munro 24

    Are we being too nice to the Gnats?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTQlnmWCPgA
    I hope the incoming government rips the corrupt troughers out of every public office in the country.

  25. Penny Bright 25

    YAY! THE #TamakiSCAM STORY HAS (finally) MADE THE NEWS!

    20 September 2017

    LIFTOFF in today’s NZ Herald.

    ‪‪Will Tamaki Regeneration meet its target 7500 builds in 15 years?, via @nzherald http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11923958

  26. mary_a 26

    Seems most of us know Oravida is the company involved with poaching swamp kauri in Ruakaka. Hell, they even advertise the fact digitally … Kauri Ruakaka, formerly known as Kauri Oravida!

    So where is msm on this? Why isn’t media investigating the company, as possibly being responsible for the fuel crises disabling NZ at present!

    Come on msm, do your job. Work on behalf of the people, not the corrupt, despicable National government! We deserve some honest answers here!

  27. cleangreen 27

    I just heard on Radio NZ news at 1pm that some are questioning how come some staff at the polliing stations are alllowed to take the boxes of votes home with them at night?????

    Did anyone else hear this as it seems doggy to me althouugh some lawyer for the commission said “it is o/k as the bioxes have seals on them!! — reallly?

    Who can you believe in this corrupt little NZ’s grubby crime with a constantly lying PM?

    • alwyn 27.1

      What would you prefer they do?
      Seriously would you want them left for a couple of weeks in the local library or suchlike? Wouldn’t they be safer elsewhere, or do you not think any of the people involved in the election can be trusted?

      • tracey 27.1.1

        Locked up securely overnight? It is an election afterall. If this was happening in Nigeria you woukd scoff.

  28. Bearded Git 28

    674,000 have voted and counting….

    • McFlock 28.1

      I bloody went to vote at the university of otago booth today, but I didn’t have time – too many students queuing to vote!

      It seems that the best voting prediction possible is that the % at the start of the night’s coverage will barely change, if half the votes have been counted alread 🙂

      • alwyn 28.1.1

        According to a report on Radio New Zealand they can’t start counting the early votes until 9am on Saturday. The count of the early votes is only an indication of the final result on Election Day, not the final result however.
        I’ll bet they keep it very, very quiet until 7pm though.

        According to RNZ
        “Election officials can begin counting ‘early votes’ – the advance votes cast by voters on the printed electoral roll for the electorate they voted in – at 9 am on election day. Their count of these early votes then becomes publicly available very shortly after the polls close.
        If the Electoral Commission’s predictions are accurate, this means up to half of all votes may have been counted and made public at this point. And in the previous two elections, the preference distribution of these early votes quite closely matched the final election night result.”

        However they then have all the Special votes and the distribution of these doesn’t normally follow the standard votes. If, as seems possible, both The Green Party and New Zealand First are near the 5% number they will both be sweating until all the special, including the overseas, votes come in. If my memory is correct the Green Party tend to do better in the overseas votes than those in NZ. I don’t know about NZF

        • Muttonbird 28.1.1.1

          According to a report on Radio New Zealand they can’t start counting the early votes until 9am on Saturday.

          That’s a relief. With the integrity of the National Party more and more in question, who knows what they’d get up to if they had advanced warning of the count.

  29. ianmac 29

    Sharp earthquake in Marlborough 4 Minutes ago. About 4 second long.

    • mac1 29.1

      magnitude 5 east of Seddon.

      I chivvied the electrician who had just gone outside to please walk a little quieter, but he didn’t know why I was saying this. He did say that he missed a step as he walked down the stairs but hadn’t felt the shake.

  30. Once was Tim 30

    @Weka and @Tracey
    Have a listen to “The Panel” today after the 4.30 news (if you can stomach Mora and The Hairdo) – the item on the Public Service.
    Some points well made (by Tamihere in particular) – although there are plenty more.

    It is probably one of the biggest issues facing future governments (I think THE biggest) if we are to preserve any semblance of a functioning democracy in future.
    A shitload of departments are bad (MPI, MoBIE, MSD/WINZ, MPI, Education, Health …..)
    Two, for me are standouts (as in bad)

  31. James 31

    Gareth Morgan on people voting on the “Jacindamania”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11924483

    “Voters cannot be that think”.

    There are a lot of people thinking the same thing.

    • The decrypter 31.1

      You said it james, lots of voters I know are that THINK.

    • McFlock 31.2

      If he seriously thinks the post-Little change is just about a smiley face, he’s the thick one.

      I think it was largely about two things:

      an unexpectedly high energy level; and

      points of difference in the leadership that demonstrated Labour wasn’t just talking different to National, but that it is different to National. Competence rather than bullshit, generational difference, gender difference. Not a “cosmetic” change as such ( it wouldn’t work if she didn’t have the energy and assurance), but it shows the country something other than two rich middle aged white guys waffling on and pretending to score points off each other.

  32. eco Maori/kiwi 32

    Apologies To MSM I forget that those muppets have painted a shit view about me.

    • james 32.1

      The only ‘view’ people have about you eco Maori/kiwi is from the content of your post.

      You could be headlining the news this evening and we would be none the wiser.

  33. james 33

    And Winny says no a a water tax for farmers – excellent – even more reason for him to side with National over Labour.

    http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/election/2017/09/winston-peters-say-he-won-t-support-a-water-tax.html

  34. Muttonbird 34

    Industry leaders absolutely kicking the National Party’s light touch on crucial infrastructure.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/on-the-inside/339832/infrastructure-an-enormous-gap-in-governance-industry

  35. JC 35

    Not Xenophobic But this is Scary!

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2017/09/18/48616/expert-calls-for-inquiry-into-chinese-threat

    ” Dr Brady said that after watching China’s growing influence for several years, it was time for a special commission to investigate its impact on New Zealand’s democracy.

    … recent revelations that National Party MP Dr Jian Yang did not declare his background in military intelligence when applying for citizenship are extremely concerning.

    ” there was deep concern among her international colleagues at the conference that China is meddling in the affairs of their respective countries, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, EU states and Japan.

    China was using the same tactics in most of those countries, including New Zealand. They included:

    – Gaining influence over Chinese migrants living in other countries (10 million Chinese live outside China).

    – Taking over or integrating the local ethnic Chinese media with the Chinese media controlled by the Communist Party.

    – Encouraging local Chinese who are acceptable to the Chinese government to enter politics in their host countries and if elected getting them to promote China’s interests.

    – Appoint former local MPs with access to political power to high profile roles in Chinese companies or Chinese-funded entities in the host country.”

  36. mosa 36

    September 24th 2017 National the largest party backed by NZF and ACT and the Maoris.

    Jacinda will prevail in 2020 in the biggest landslide in recent history after serving her three year apprenticeship.

    That is my prediction and Winston’s last term.

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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Two bar blues
    The thing about life’s little victories is that they can be followed by a defeat.Reader Darryl told me on Monday night:Test again Dave. My “head cold” last week became COVID within 24 hours, and is still with me. I hear the new variants take a bit longer to show up ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 13
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Angus Deaton on rethinking his economics IMFLocal scoop: The people behind Tamarind, the firm that left a $500m cleanup bill for taxpayers at Taranaki’s Tui oil well, are back operating in Taranaki under a different company name. Jonathan ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity
    This year’s Pacific Language Weeks celebrate regional unity and the contribution of Pacific communities to New Zealand culture, says Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti.  Dr Reti announced dates for the 2024 Pacific Language Weeks during a visit to the Pasifika festival in Auckland today and says there’s so ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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