Open mike 22/07/2016

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, July 22nd, 2016 - 86 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmikeOpen 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 …

86 comments on “Open mike 22/07/2016 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. miravox 1
    22 July 2016 at 6:43 am

    so, is Donald Trump’s Vice presidential choice, the Koch brother-funded, tea party stalwart and neo-lib devotee, Mike Pence, the Machiavelli to Trump as Cheney was to Bush Jr?

  2. Paul 2
    22 July 2016 at 7:24 am

    Bill English has no answers to the housing crisis.
    Listening to him being interviewed on Morning Report revealed a complete lack of ideas.
    How on earth is this guy credited with any competence at all?
    Utterly useless.

    • TC 2.1
      22 July 2016 at 10:13 am

      Hes credited by the msm copy/pasting national spin.

      National run a very effective intimidation regime which gags fact based analysis on their performance.

      English has presided over a systematic sale of kiwi assets, bailed out a finance company he and key were told not to have in the guarantee scheme, done nothing about broadening the tax base and generally been the arrogant front of the hollowing out of the nz economy.

  3. mauī 3
    22 July 2016 at 8:16 am

    Women armed with tennis balls terrorise Republican convention (5 min clip). The absurd:

    • ianmac 3.1
      22 July 2016 at 8:38 am

      I suppose the police just have to follow orders. But the publicity on the World stage underlines the absurdity. So the consolation for the police is that they are doing something to further cause of dis-arming.

    • save nz 3.2
      22 July 2016 at 9:45 am

      Apparently they are all allowed guns in the protest, but toys are banned. The police rushed over to pepper spray their tennis ball protest against guns. Only in America!

      • Bill 3.2.1
        22 July 2016 at 10:54 am

        Hmm. Wonder what happens if you’re carrying a toy gun? Or maybe one that shoots splurge like in that old Bugsy Malone film? What if it fires out tennis balls – maybe a bit painful – or ping pong balls?

        • adam 3.2.1.1
          22 July 2016 at 1:40 pm

          All criminal Bill.

          You will be arrested.

          • McFlock 3.2.1.1.1
            22 July 2016 at 1:54 pm

            actually, that could be challengable, as long as the device propels a projectile. It’s the right to bear arms. Nerf guns might be defensible.

            • adam 3.2.1.1.1.1
              22 July 2016 at 2:59 pm

              One simple sentence, with two different capitalisations and punctuation. Both recognised as part of the constitution. No wonder this is a headache.

              “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

              And the other

              “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

              Yeah I think it may be defensible, if you get to court. Before then, I was under the impression the police were running with everything is illegal, hence a crime, then they would arrest you.

  4. Paul 4
    22 July 2016 at 8:36 am

    Winston calls for English’s resignation.

    If you can’t provide adequate housing for yor citizens, you shouldn’t be in the business of government.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/309184/peters-calls-for-english-to-resign-over-housing-crisis

    • ianmac 4.1
      22 July 2016 at 8:43 am

      Winston can put across ideas so effectively. Who else can match him for colour. Key just mumbles and contradicts himself and dissembles.
      (And I don’t even vote for NZF,)

      • TC 4.1.1
        22 July 2016 at 10:25 am

        Simple, effective and delivered with a passion people can buy into.

        If only the rest of the opposition could do the same and stop lecturing voters to sleep. Twyford does good work but when the opportunity arises blows it with nerdy unecessary statements rather than short snappy soundbites.

        Learn from the master lab/greens ! Expose the sellouts for what they are.

  5. Ad 5
    22 July 2016 at 9:19 am

    I’ve wondered over the last 48 hours whether the uproar at the Republican Convention would more hurt or hinder their electoral chances overall. My view now is it’s been overwhelmingly positive.

    Trump and Cruz are speaking a very precise populist dialect, which has been honed by professional wrestling. It’s about the feuds; whether one wife has perkier tits than the other, their father a wastrel, one family’s makeup and wardrobe tattier than the other, one verbal beat-down more spectacular than the next. This stuff inspires legendary feuds and legendary followers.

    As a reality television star, Donald Trump is the Masked Undertaker taking down the era of austerity, surveillance, neoliberal nightmares, zero class mobility, broken Washington, global anxiety, all mixed with the race hotsauce of rage, guns, and protecting the Poh-lice.

    …. and gets to do it with one arm holding the hot girl, flying the best jets, quaffing the most expensive stuff, and the other hand grasping the pistol that will shoot down anyone stopping America being Great Again.

    Cruz gets all that, and is ready for 2020.

    No, I don’t think Trump’ll win. But it will be close. He’ll lose mostly on the ground-and-pound than on the standup ie he’s left it too late to get up his vote-gathering infrastructure. But he’s a big lesson for the left: forget the facts and become the fictional star we want you to be.

    Ah-Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh
    Ah-Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhh

    Ah-RRRRRRR!!!!

    • adam 5.1
      22 July 2016 at 1:48 pm

      Glad you noticed the nutter (drumpf) does not play the game like everyone else.

      He has the whole Republican machine to help him, with all those bodies on the ground Ad. Just to cause you nightmares – sorry dude.

      He has gone for the money with his V.P choice, and lets not even go to the place where by people on the right in the USA, hate Clinton.

      It’s theater, ratings, and a show. And it works best when it is all flash and no substance.

      So I’m sorry, I think the muppet will win.

      This is how empires fall – slowly, and with stupid out in front.

  6. Xanthe 6
    22 July 2016 at 9:23 am

    Anyone else feel the deep sense of unease about the police methods to “get their latest child killer”
    Deeply unethical,
    Unsafe conviction

    What does it say about our judiciary that they go along with this shit

    • Puckish Rogue 6.2
      22 July 2016 at 10:47 am

      They got the highest permission possible and no laws appear to have been broken so its all good, would you rather the child killer remain free?

      • joe90 6.2.1
        22 July 2016 at 10:54 am

        Apparently there’s no need to obtain a warrant so whose permission did they obtain?.

        • Puckish Rogue 6.2.1.1
          22 July 2016 at 11:42 am

          http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11678728

          • It must be authorised at the most senior levels within the police force and must only be used as “a last resort” when other investigative options have been exhausted.

          • joe90 6.2.1.1.1
            22 July 2016 at 12:10 pm

            • It must be authorised at the most senior levels within the police force and must only be used as “a last resort” when other investigative options have been exhausted.

            So, despite their inability to gather enough evidence to convict him you’re okay with police brass saying fuck it, this scrote is as guilty as sin so let’s bypass the judiciary, throw any ethics we have out the window and go get him?.

            • Puckish Rogue 6.2.1.1.1.1
              22 July 2016 at 12:25 pm

              There are times the police can only gather so much evidence and they need a confession, think the Kahui twins case, so they used methods that haven’t been found to be illegal, that have been scrutinized by legal experts and have found the person that killed the child

              So, in summary, yes

              • joe90 …
                22 July 2016 at 12:43 pm

                Legal experts ain’t the courts and a police force going about it’s business without judicial oversight is okay by you.

                What could possibly go wrong…
                /

                https://www.aidwyc.org/cases/historical/kyle-unger/

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  22 July 2016 at 1:12 pm

                  If the police are found to have broken any laws in this case then I’d expect them to be punished and because of the unusual circumstances in gaining the conviction I’m sure the case will be looked at

                  • joe90 …
                    22 July 2016 at 1:33 pm

                    If the police are found to have broken any laws in this case then I’d expect them to be punished

                    Detective Superintendent Rod Drew and Senior Sergeant Warren Olsson broke the law with impunity.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      22 July 2016 at 1:57 pm

                      So does that mean this case is unlawful?

                    • joe90 …
                      22 July 2016 at 2:17 pm

                      Precedent says unlawful or not, they’ll most likely be able to thumb their noses at the law.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      22 July 2016 at 2:57 pm

                      How about innocent until proven guilty or does that not apply to the police?

                    • joe90 …
                      22 July 2016 at 3:07 pm

                      Neither Drew nor Olsson were charged over the forging of a court officials signature so obviously some are above the law.

                  • Xanthe …
                    22 July 2016 at 3:52 pm

                    PR You seem to be saying that the police have no obligation to be ethical….. only lawful.. or do you conflate the two?
                    Do you think the process to gain the conviction we are discussing was ethical?
                    Do you perhaps think it was not ethical but somehow justified because a baby had died?

    • Muttonbird 6.3
      22 July 2016 at 11:22 am

      It’s weird they manufactured crime in order to get a confession. Seems a very elaborate and very expensive use of police time to me.

      • Puckish Rogue 6.3.1
        22 July 2016 at 11:45 am

        So you’d rather have a child murderer walking around free?

        • Muttonbird 6.3.1.1
          22 July 2016 at 11:51 am

          Of course not. This scheme seems overly elaborate and expensive and based upon an American crime show rather than sustainable policing methods. The conviction looks shaky too.

          No, I’d rather see the current government do something about the underlying causes of child abuse instead of paying lip-service to it. Under the current government New Zealand has climbed to the number one ranking for child abuse – not something to be proud of.

          This undercover operation is but an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.

          • Puckish Rogue 6.3.1.1.1
            22 July 2016 at 11:58 am

            No, I’d rather see the current government do something about the underlying causes of child abuse instead of paying lip-service to it. Under the current government New Zealand has climbed to the number one ranking for child abuse – not something to be proud of

            – that’s all very well and good but it probably wouldn’t have stopped this guy and it certainly wouldn’t have gained a conviction

          • McFlock 6.3.1.1.2
            22 July 2016 at 12:26 pm

            why is the conviction shaky? The supreme court said it was ok.

            I’m not entirely happy with using it to just get a confession, but another guy done for it actually led the undercover cops to the body, so in that one I was happier.

            But confessions when combined with high-resource operations give the cops an incentive, even an unconscious one, to justify the resources they allocated. Leading questions, salted information, that sort of thing.

            • Muttonbird 6.3.1.1.2.1
              22 July 2016 at 1:48 pm

              why is the conviction shaky? The supreme court said it was ok.

              Through the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court (the decision of which was split). Plenty of contention there.

              • McFlock …
                22 July 2016 at 4:05 pm

                still the final decision went to the prosecution in the SC.

                Sort of firms it up a bit.

    • Molly 6.4
      22 July 2016 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks for the heads up Xanthe.

      Yes, I do feel unease about the police methods as they have been reported in the article.

      (It is unlikely that the police will have a psychologist look into how much they need a confession as time goes by – given the energy and focus invested in obtaining one.)

      • Puckish Rogue 6.4.1
        22 July 2016 at 12:32 pm

        I’d feel more unease with the thought the murderer was walking around free

        • Muttonbird 6.4.1.1
          22 July 2016 at 12:39 pm

          He was convicted of manslaughter, btw.

          • Psycho Milt 6.4.1.1.1
            22 July 2016 at 12:59 pm

            The courts necessarily have a much higher threshold for what constitutes murder than personal opinion does. This guy’s a murderer no matter what he got convicted for.

            • marty mars 6.4.1.1.1.1
              22 July 2016 at 2:30 pm

              wtf – “This guy’s a murderer no matter what he got convicted for.” You are such a BADARSE – lol – what a noggin

              • Psycho Milt …
                22 July 2016 at 3:42 pm

                Why wtf? According to the courts, Peter Ellis is a child molester, but fucked if I’d ever call him one. Likewise, according to the courts this guy who shook a baby to death isn’t a murderer, but I’m happy to call him one.

          • Puckish Rogue 6.4.1.1.2
            22 July 2016 at 1:09 pm

            Oh well pardon me, I’m sure that’s a great comfort to the deceased or the deceased’s family

            • Muttonbird 6.4.1.1.2.1
              22 July 2016 at 1:15 pm

              *shrugs* Just pointing out the facts.

              On Psycho Milt’s position, John Banks is a crooked bastard no matter what he got convicted or not convicted for. Personal opinion, of course.

  7. save nz 7
    22 July 2016 at 9:43 am

    Is this true? Apparently at the same time as the US warship is here, we are having a weapons conference of 500 delegates at the Aotea Centre? Including Lockheed Martin, Serco etc…

    http://thedailyblog.co.nz/2016/07/22/america-sends-a-warship-while-trying-to-seize-our-economic-and-political-sovereignty/

  9. Morrissey 9
    22 July 2016 at 10:07 am

    Hapless Cleveland cops ordered to confiscate TENNIS BALLS and SLEEPING BAGS
    —but Trump’s violent, goonish supporters are allowed to openly carry assault rifles

    CLEVELAND—Welcome to Cleveland, where the Republican National Convention (RNC) is underway. The RNC is a highly scripted, elaborately staged and lavishly publicly funded private party. Here, credentialed Republican delegates, most of them party activists from around the country, circulate within a militarized perimeter of what authorities have designated a “national special security event.” As such, the U.S. Secret Service is handed complete control of an area, in this case downtown Cleveland. The area is ringed with a temporary but imposing black steel fence, patrolled by the full spectrum of law enforcement, from local police to federal SWAT teams. Yet because Ohio has extremely lenient gun laws, people can “open carry” here. And they do. Scores of Trump supporters have proudly shown up with their guns at their sides, including semi-automatic AR-15s, walking the downtown streets.

    It is not a total free-for-all, however. Many things are banned: tennis balls, sleeping bags, selfie sticks and canned goods. To highlight the absurdity of the situation, the women’s peace organization Code Pink staged a demonstration at the security checkpoint to enter the RNC. In their bags, the dozen or so pink-clad women carried 500 pink and green tennis balls with the phrase “Ban Guns, Not Balls” written on them. They began tossing them to each other.

    A line of Cleveland police officers quickly formed and tried to encircle the protest. They started to confiscate the tennis balls. There was confusion, as one officer asked a superior, “What do we do with the balls?” “Put them in your pocket,” came the exasperated reply. The police aggressively expanded their line, pushing observers, and us journalists, farther away. We managed to dodge them and got in close to ask Code Pink member Chelsea Byers what was going on: “We’re here saying that it’s ridiculous that the RNC has banned tennis balls, and yet they continue to let open carry happen in these streets. If they’re concerned about safety, they should be taking the guns off of these streets, not banning toys.” To reinforce the Cleveland police, a large contingent of Indiana State Police showed up, then riot police were deployed. Finally, a phalanx of police on horseback arrived. All this for about 15 women and one man from Code Pink and their 500 tennis balls.

    Read more…

    http://www.democracynow.org/2016/7/21/terror_tennis_balls_and_tamir_rice

  10. Draco T Bastard 10
    22 July 2016 at 10:10 am

    According to a just-released United Nations study, poorer workers and manual laborers are especially affected by heat stress. In developing countries, fewer working hours can translate into serious economic strain. In Southeast Asia, heat is already cutting work hours by 15 to 20 percent. By 2050, that number could be as high as 40 percent.

    “It’s a whole working month that would be lost because it’s so hot you can’t work,” the report’s coauthor Tord Kjellstrom told the Washington Post. If global warming continues at its current rate, extreme heat could cost global economies $2 trillion by 2030.

    Bold mine.

    So, not only do we have a huge cost incurred by climate change but we have to ask:
    How long before those in Southeast Asia decide to leave because the heat is, quite literally, killing them?
    When they leave, because they will, where are they going to go?

    • Rosie 10.1
      22 July 2016 at 12:17 pm

      I don’t know if they can leave. These manual outdoor workers live in appalling poverty. They could be left stuck, with no where to go.

      Meena Kandasamy’s book The Gypsy Goddess was about the Kilvenmani massacre in Tamil Nadu. It looked at the oppressive working conditions for rice field workers, the heat being part of it. The book covered a period ion the late 1960’s – India is only getting hotter. The fate of outdoor workers in hot and tropical climates now in into the future is surely dire.

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meena_Kandasamy

  11. te reo putake 11
    22 July 2016 at 10:32 am

    Where getting a lot of first time callers on the RM post (mostly gloating righties, of course). This means that a lot of comments have to be manually released from the mod queue. Apologies to those who don’t see their comment instantly appear, but they will turn up eventually. And, remember, our service is still way better than your average Telco or power company.

  12. AmaKiwi 12
    22 July 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Media predicting the theme of Trump’s grand speech on Thursday will be law and order.

    The odds are 999 to 1 he won’t call for prosecuting police who murder unarmed Black men.

    • joe90 12.1
      22 July 2016 at 1:50 pm

      No doubt about it – he’ll toss a little raw meat to his people.

      .

      The Illinois Republican Party on Wednesday revoked credentials from one of its delegates to the Republican National Convention who made racially charged comments online and used the social media handle “whitepride,” The Chicago Tribune reported.

      Lori Gayne, a Trump delegate, posted on a photo of police officers to her Facebook on the opening day of the RNC, according to the report.

      “Our brave snipers just waiting for some “N—- to try something. Love them,” the caption read, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

      http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/lori-gayne-removed-rnc-delegate-white-pride

  13. joe90 13
    22 July 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Gone.

    Roger Ailes has resigned from his role as Fox News chairman, effective immediately. https://t.co/bYxJ4VjP7J pic.twitter.com/Il6SenZrBA— ABC News (@ABC) July 21, 2016

    • Rodel 13.1
      22 July 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Joe90. That’s good news about Roger Ailes. I heard he got $50million severance pay.
      Makes me wonder about the rest of the leggy Fox presenters still there..and the private lives of the Hannitys, O’reillys, and the rest of the fair, balanced and unafraids.

      Watched O’reilly on you-tube having a tantrum some time ago exhibiting violent insanity. Unafraid? yes! but fair and balanced he was not. About as loony as Donald.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvEFeV92h6A
      God bless America.

      But don’t worry nice balanced Rupert Murdoch has taken over Fox…Younger women will be safe with him..

  14. Morrissey 14
    22 July 2016 at 1:58 pm

    “America’s Finest” strike again:
    This time they’ve bagged a therapist and an autistic man.

    http://www.vox.com/2016/7/21/12244938/north-miami-police-shooting-charles-kinsey-video

  15. Morrissey 15
    22 July 2016 at 2:06 pm

    FORGET TRUMP: PETER THIEL IS SO DANGEROUS
    AND FASCINATING YOU HAVE TO WATCH HIM TONIGHT
    by Sam Biddle, The Intercept, 22 July 2016

    TONIGHT, PETER THIEL, an openly gay immigrant hailing from San Francisco, will address the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. His speech will close out the coronation of Donald Trump as the nominee claof his party, which three days earlier finalized a platform affirming the definition of marriage as “between one man and one woman.”

    Thiel may seem an unlikely warm-up act for a raving nativist like Trump. But the pair are actually an impeccable ideological tag-team. In fact, Thiel outmatches Trump both in the preposterousness of his capitalistic ambition and in the sheer pathology of his political inconsistency.

    Like Trump’s, Thiel’s speech will be one of the few in Cleveland (or Philly, for that matter) worth viewing in full, if only because the libertarian billionaire is, even more so than the man he’s opening for, a bizarre and fascinating man—his support for Trump is just one more strange item on a long list. And, unlike those who have taken the stage before him, Thiel isn’t a retired general, washed-up actor, incendiary evangelical, or reality show star, but a complicated member of the Silicon Valley elite.

    Many Americans found Thiel the same way they found Donald Trump: on a screen, presented as something between caricature and real-world business figure. In The Social Network, Hollywood’s 2010 rendition of the Facebook creation myth, Thiel’s character appears briefly to write Mark Zuckerberg a $500,000 check and suggest that he utterly betray his best friend and co-founder, Eduardo Saverin — a fictionalized version of one of the greatest moments of treachery in modern business history. …

    Read more….
    https://theintercept.com/2016/07/21/forget-trump-peter-thiel-is-so-dangerous-and-fascinating-you-have-to-watch-him-tonight/

  16. Rosie 16
    22 July 2016 at 2:13 pm

    A witty and sharp poem. “The first time she saw a ciabatta”. A reflection on brexit from a Scottish perspective.

    http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2016/07/14/the-first-time-she-saw-a-ciabatta/

  17. Morrissey 17
    22 July 2016 at 4:55 pm

    Two days ago, Jim Mora compared plagiarist Melania Trump to Johnny Cash.
    Now look who he compared her race-baiting, hate-spewing husband to this afternoon.
    The Panel, RNZ National, Friday 22 July 2016
    Jim Mora, Golnaz Bassam Tabar, Duane Major, Zara Potts

    “All right, we heard about the 180,000 illegal immigrants, but he also seemed to recast himself as the candidate of compassion. He was almost Gandhi-like….”

    —-Jim Mora, affecting his most deadly “serious” voice, 4:25 p.m.

    Again I ask: why is this dope still stinking up our airwaves?

    http://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-20072016/#comment-1206328

    • Morrissey 17.1
      22 July 2016 at 5:08 pm

      There was worse to come: even more dismal than Mora’s vapidity was Golnaz Bassam Tabar’s wandery and ill-informed chat about ISIS, in which she compared the U.S.-U.K.-Turkish-supported terror group to Hamas and Hezbollah.

      There have been hundreds—make that thousands—of brain-dead NewstalkZB-calibre statements made on The Panel over the last eleven years, but Bassam Tabar’s foolish little fugue is right up, or down, there with the worst kind of ignorance spouted on this horrible show by the likes of Stephen Franks, Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, Barry Corbett or Michelle Boag.

  18. Kevin 18
    22 July 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Why Corbyn Terrifies the Guardian

    An interesting article that looks a little deeper than what the title says.

    http://www.jonathan-cook.net/blog/2016-07-22/why-corbyn-so-terrifies-the-guardian/

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    16 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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

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

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-03T16:39:08+00:00