Open mike 22/11/2020

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, November 22nd, 2020 - 66 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

The usual rules of good behaviour apply (see the Policy).

Step up to the mike …

66 comments on “Open mike 22/11/2020 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Jester 1
    22 November 2020 at 9:22 am

    Shamubeel Eaqub wrote an article a few years ago saying it was better to rent in Auckland than buy. Considering he went out and bought about a year later, I wonder if he still stands by that advice?

    In ten years time with Aucklands population set to increase, the median house price will probably be getting close to $1.5m. IMO now is a good time to buy (assuming you can get a deposit which is the hard part as interest rates never lower). I do not see the supply of new housing being enough for the next few years.

    • dv 1.1
      22 November 2020 at 9:31 am

      UNTIL the interest rates drift up to 5%, 8%.

      • Chris T 1.1.1
        22 November 2020 at 9:46 am

        At which time we will see a lot of screwed young people and cheaper houses

        • KJT 1.1.1.1
          22 November 2020 at 9:59 am

          Then watch younger low income people, who have scraped up enough to buy, having to sell.

          • Chris T 1.1.1.1.1
            22 November 2020 at 10:13 am

            They won't have a choice tbh.

            And it won't even be their own fault.

            Let's say a couple put a 200k deposit on a 1,000,000 house.

            At the moment they are paying (If we go for a rough 3% interest)

            They have to pay $1,745 a fortnight

            When it it inevitably moves to 8 or 9%

            $3,089 a fortnight or $6,714 a month.

            Banks say sorry, but we are selling your house.

            • mac1 1.1.1.1.1.1
              22 November 2020 at 10:17 am

              Why do you say that interest rates will move to 8-9% and in what time frame? Why 'inevitably'? What's the cause of this inevitability in your opinion?

              • Chris T …
                22 November 2020 at 10:25 am

                Because they will. Depending on inflation etc. It is just a cycle.

                Weirdly and I am no mortgage advisor, so might be wrong, but no one seems openly to tell young people about risk.

                [Re-sized image to fit into window]

                • Pat …
                  22 November 2020 at 10:41 am

                  I think the young are told, but its one thing to be told and another to understand…and there is the factor of immediacy, the future will take care of itself (or optimism) and the (mistaken) belief that 'the gov' will always step in to assist.

                  And then there is the spruiking

                • Phillip ure …
                  22 November 2020 at 10:54 am

                  Could someone with more knowledge of this subject please explain why that precipitous drop in 2008-2010 happened..?…with the obvious follow-up questions of could it go up again as fast…?…and what would the circumstances be that would cause that to happen..?

                  • Pat …
                    22 November 2020 at 10:58 am

                    GFC… yes…inflation

                  • Chris T …
                    22 November 2020 at 11:06 am

                    It is a bit of an unknown tbh and not all in the NZ govts control.

                    Massive inflation can cause massive rises.

                    Something happens with global corporates and stocks, which is all an unknown.

                    It is one of those things you just have to watch and hope nothing ugly happens, you have no control over.

                    I remember when my solo mum was trying to pay for her house by herself and it was like 19-20% or some other stupid rate.

                  • Craig H …
                    22 November 2020 at 3:09 pm

                    GFC caused banks to tighten the screws on mortgage lending significantly at a time when finance companies and other non-bank mortgage lenders were going under, so a lot of forced sales when there weren't as many qualified buyers.

                • Ad …
                  22 November 2020 at 11:07 am

                  Who here thinks they have $60,000 a year income to retire on?

                • Herodotus …
                  22 November 2020 at 11:30 am

                  Should inflation mean that interest rates increase pay rates would follow to compensate. Though I must note pay rates follow inflation so the worker does lose out, those holding assets benefit AGAIN with assets appreciating faster than pay.

                  thenonly time I can recall this not happening was proceeding the GFC when mortgages were 10% and pay increases were marginal, but we had massive net migration into Auckland then

                  • Pat …
                    22 November 2020 at 11:34 am

                    who controls interest rates (in most circumstances)?….central banks

                  • Chris T …
                    22 November 2020 at 11:39 am

                    Which won't happen with the govt raising the minimum wage to 20 bucks, the sick pay thing and companies trying to deal with covid.

                    I think you can write off pay rises to your average worker for a lot of years

                    • Pat …
                      22 November 2020 at 12:18 pm

                      It depends …if the RBNZ can keep the ponzi scheme afloat long enough then there is a possibility the asset inflation will force wage/consumer inflation, but as you note there are counter forces…but if they are unable to maintain the asset prices (or offshore events) then we could expect deflation….and ultimately there will be deflation at some point as the debt is unsustainable but the question is can it be propped up one more time?….personally I think not for very much longer when you look at the amount of debt being added and interest rates at zero in much of the world.

                    • KJT …
                      22 November 2020 at 10:07 pm

                      Many workers locally already getting pay rises. As employers cannot use the standard response, of bleating for more cheap labour from overseas, at the present time.

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  22 November 2020 at 1:08 pm

                  Have mortgage rates in NZ ever been as low as they are now? Going by that nice graph (@10:25 am), not during the last 56 years.

                  Given the low (~1%) and very flat term-deposit interest rates that major banks in NZ are currently offering (basically no difference between 1-year and 5-year terms), maybe interest rates won’t rise anytime soon.

                  Heck, maybe the mortgage interest rate cycle is now longer than the 25 years it might take to pay off a mortgage. For example, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage average in the US has been falling since it last peaked (at ~18%) in the early 1980s (and falling from 7% over the last two decades), Japan's mortgage rates haven't been much above 4% since the mid-90s, and except for a short-lived spike in 2008, even Australia's mortgage rates have been below 7% for ~25 years.

                  It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.

              • aj …
                22 November 2020 at 3:38 pm

                A rise in interest rates can now only occur if there is massive wage inflation at the same time. It takes no brains to work out that any significant interest rate increases when the world is flooded to the top of the mast with debt, that increasing interest rates to even 5-6% would result is widespread debt default.

                Debt that cannot be paid, won't be paid.

                • Pat …
                  22 November 2020 at 3:50 pm

                  which may be defaulted without an increase in interest rates…its taking some pretty serious measures currently to avoid it…..and many of them have just expired or are destined to shortly.

            • WeTheBleeple 1.1.1.1.1.2
              22 November 2020 at 10:21 am

              Modern day land grab aka how to put poor people back in their place.

              I don't get how people can take large sums of low interest money without long term fixed rates, especially when prices are so exorbitant. A scenario exactly as you wrote is staring them in the face.

            • Drowsy M. Kram 1.1.1.1.1.3
              22 November 2020 at 10:30 am

              "200k deposit on a 1,000,000 house" = 800k mortgage.

              Serviced at 3% interest = 800k x 0.03 = $24k mortgage payments per year, or

              ~$923 per fortnight, not "$1,745 a fortnight"?

              • Chris T …
                22 November 2020 at 10:32 am

                I'd bother to point out the obvious, but feel you need to work it out yourself.

                https://www.westpac.co.nz/home-loans/calculators/mortgage-repayments/

                Hint.

                You actually have to pay it back.

              • alwyn …
                22 November 2020 at 10:39 am

                You are correct if you have an interest only mortgage which means you are never actually going to pay for the place and will never own it.

                Banks don't really like providing that sort of mortgage for people who claim to be buying a permanent home.

                The numbers given are correct for a 25 year mortgage at 3% and actually plan to buy the place.

                Edit. I see that Chris beat me to it.

              • Chris T …
                22 November 2020 at 10:48 am

                Sorry.

                Re-reading that post I probably came across as a bit blunt and a prick tbf.

                Basically by your calculations yes you are correct and are paying the interest.

                But you are not paying off the 800k the bank owns on your house.

                So the bank is basically the majority owner of your own house.

                So unless you are paying off the 800k you are kind of just paying rent to the bank to live there.

                And if interest rates suddenly rise, which is inevitable, going by historical trends, the bank still owns 800,000k of your house and if you cant afford the interest rises, they will say. "Tough luck mate. We still love you as a customer, but as we own 80% of your house we have decided to auction it. Please move out by next month"

                If it helps we can give you a credit card at 19% interest.

                • Phillip ure …
                  22 November 2020 at 11:07 am

                  Would this be an opportune moment to note/remind that the word mortgage comes from the french language..it's literal translation is 'death-grip'…

                  • Gyrogearloose …
                    22 November 2020 at 12:24 pm

                    Good laugh for the day !

                    Looked it up and got slightly different translation

                    "You’ve undoubtedly heard the word “mortgage” thrown around a million times. But you may not know that in the literal sense, it is defined as a “death pledge” in the French language.

                    Ironically, the French don’t actually use the word themselves (they use hypothèque, while Spanish speakers use the similar word hipoteca).

                    Broken down, the mort part (pronounced more) means death and the gage part (pronounced gahj) means pledge."

            • Incognito 1.1.1.1.1.4
              22 November 2020 at 12:02 pm

              House buyers and banks always bet on the House and the House usually ‘wins’.

              Let’s take your example and assume they fix for 3 years for a Loan Term of 25 years. After these 3 years, they can no longer service the mortgage for whatever reason and are forced to sell. Over that period, they’ll have paid $69,093 in Interest to the bank, which is their ‘loss’. They’ll also have paid $67,480 in Principal, which they’ll ‘get back’ upon sale. So, their house would need to have increased in value by $69,093 to ‘break even’, which is an annual increase (appreciation) of 2.25% over the 3 years. This does not take into account one-off costs incurred such as moving costs, real estate agent fees, lawyers, loan fees, etc. Also, in real dollar terms they’ll go backwards although inflation is quite low. If they sell the house for more than $1,069,093, they’ll come out in ‘positive territory’, more or less. Seems doable.

              During that time, they won’t have to pay rent, only insurance and general upkeep of the house, which they can call ‘theirs’ for the time their name is on the Title.

              The interest cost averaged over 3 years equates to $441 per week or $883 per fortnight (with some rounding).

              • Chris T …
                22 November 2020 at 12:11 pm

                And which means they will end up with luck, their 200,000k and by then not enough for current deposit for another house.

                • Incognito …
                  22 November 2020 at 12:26 pm

                  They’ll end up with $267,480 if they sell at what they paid for it. But that’s just from the sale, as I explained.

                  Over the year to October, the median Auckland house increased in value by $140,000. Awkward.

                  https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/123456016/ardern-should-cash-in-some-political-capital-to-intervene-in-housing-market

                  It seems my estimated increase in the value of their house at $69,093 over 3 years seems a tad on the ‘conservative’ side, shall we say 😉

                  • Chris T …
                    22 November 2020 at 12:32 pm

                    Which means they have to pay that much more if they want another one in deposit.

                  • Jester …
                    22 November 2020 at 4:55 pm

                    And I wonder how much rents would have increased over the years until they sell?

                    Still better to buy IMO.

                  • Jester …
                    22 November 2020 at 8:02 pm

                    "Why do you think it is better to buy than to rent?"

                    I've always thought it better to be paying towards eventually owning than paying rent and effectively paying some one else's mortgage. In example above: $1m house; Couple have $200k deposit and $800k mortgage. Should be able to get 2.65% with bank (or less at moment and rates likely to fall again next year as Reserve bank talking possible negative rates). Paying P'pal and interest weekly is approx $840 a week, whereas you could easily be paying $700 -$800 in rent per week. I would rather pay the bit extra and get on the ownership ladder (assuming couple can afford the higher mortgage v rent payments).

                    • Incognito …
                      22 November 2020 at 8:15 pm

                      Ta

                      Is “the ownership ladder” a euphemism for tax-free CG, by any chance?

                      I think many people would rather live in something they can call ‘their own’ even though the bank tends to co-own it. In Europe, tenancies can be very long-term and tenants treat ‘their’ rental as their own; very different attitudes over there compared to over here.

              • Chris T …
                22 November 2020 at 12:14 pm

                You also have to add-in the amount they still have to be paying in interest, they can't before the house is sold.

              • Gyrogearloose …
                22 November 2020 at 1:38 pm

                Unless you lumped rates under general upkeep there is thag vist too.

                I live in rural SI. No sewage or rubish collection. Rv $750k rates $3000

                What are rates for a $1m house in Auckland?

                • Andre …
                  22 November 2020 at 2:00 pm

                  Looking at the formulae on my rates bill, on a $1million house the annual rates would be around $2500. Of that, $141 pays for recycling and other general waste services.

                  Household rubbish is charged separately at $4something per 120litre wheelie bin. Water and wastewater are charged separately at $231/year for the connection plus $3.75 per cubic metre for the water (nominally it's $1.59/cubic metre for the water and $2.16 to take it away after it's been filled with piss and shit).

                • Drowsy M. Kram …
                  22 November 2020 at 2:15 pm

                  Don't know about Auckland, but in Palmerston North my annual rates bill (based on a Land Value of $355,000, and not including the $416.18 Regional Council annual rates bill) is $3,308.19. PNCC does take sewage and rubbish away though.

                • joe90 …
                  22 November 2020 at 2:18 pm

                  GV of $695k in a provincial NI city paying $4500 in reg/dist rates.

                  No water/sewage/footpaths and user pays rubbish collection.

                • Incognito …
                  22 November 2020 at 3:32 pm

                  Ah, yes, rates. How could I forget the rates, the final nail in the coffin of each existing and aspiring home owner?? What was I thinking?

      • Jester 1.1.2
        22 November 2020 at 4:42 pm

        Do you really believe the interest rates will get to 8% within the next 10 years?

  2. joe90 2
    22 November 2020 at 12:06 pm

    ACDC's never going to sound the same again.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CHteLWYBzrg/

  4. R.P Mcmurphy 4
    22 November 2020 at 1:59 pm

    I dont give a tinkers toss about cars, houses, accumulating consumer goods or fulfilling my destiny by going somewhere exotic and coming back. What I care about is the freedom to smoke a joint without the door being bashed in or the neighbours narking. I beseech everybody to use the break to write to their mp's and asking them to do something about the inequitable laws at presented enacted to criminalise and imprison otherwise innocent people. I know there are some sanctimonious, self righteous reactionary members of the NZLP caucus but they must be neutralised and not allowed to impose their views on the rest.

    • mac1 4.1
      22 November 2020 at 6:49 pm

      'allowed to impose their views on the rest."

      R.P. Mc, the majority spoke on the marijuana referendum. It voted against. BTW, I voted for it- the arguments persuaded me, though I am not a user.

      The majority imposed its view. That is what happens with referenda.

      Would it have been better tactically to have sought decriminalisation?

      Did all that supported legalisation and were entitled to vote in the referendum do so, especially amongst younger voters? There's a lesson in citizenship there.

      • KJT 4.1.1
        22 November 2020 at 10:14 pm

        referenda like this would work better if a range of options were presented and could be rated, like STV.

        I suspect many who voted against, were against total legalisation. Not necessarily decriminalisation of usage.

      • R.P Mcmurphy 4.1.2
        22 November 2020 at 10:50 pm

        1,000,000 people saying 1+1= 3 does not make it so. there should never have been a referendumb in the first place.

  5. Ad 5
    22 November 2020 at 7:07 pm

    Jane Barnes is a preschool teacher who was bullied out of her job.

    She had been a teacher for 23 years, until a new manager came along and basically ruined her life.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/123466658/victory-for-bullied-kindergarten-teacher-after-more-than-five-years

    She won $100,000 plus some costs. That's just for the entitled sick leave.

    There's no way it will rebuild her life as it ought to have been.

    The Canterbury Westland Kindergarten Kindergarten Association, the Manager who bullied her, and the HR Manager Karyn Willets (quoted in article) should simply be required to pick up rubbish for the rest of their professional lives.

  6. Pat 6
    22 November 2020 at 8:00 pm

    "Premier Gladys Berejiklian wants to use a third of the state's hotel quarantine slots to bring in international students and skilled migrants, starting in as soon as six weeks, in a move that would cut the number of overseas Australians able to come home through NSW."

    https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/berejiklian-and-morrison-split-over-return-of-international-students-skilled-migrants-20201120-p56gj2.html

    Pressure mounting

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 hour ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T01:28:31+00:00