Open mike 22/12/2013

Written By: - Date published: 6:53 am, December 22nd, 2013 - 53 comments
Categories: open mike - Tags:

openmike

Open mike is your post.

For announcements, general discussion, whatever you choose.

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

Step right up to the mike …

53 comments on “Open mike 22/12/2013 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Paul 1
    22 December 2013 at 7:27 am

    The Herald continues to show it is a forum for ignorance and flat earthers by giving Hide a soapbox on climate change. Depressing that it gives his weird noon-scientific views the same weight (or less) than actual scientific experts in the field.
    Koch Brothers and their friends pay well.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11176510

    • Satty 1.1
      22 December 2013 at 9:11 am

      In the meantime in the real world:

      “The combined average temperature over global land and ocean surfaces for November 2013 was record highest for the 134-year period of record, at 0.78°C (1.40°F) above the 20th century average of 12.9°C (55.2°F).”

      http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/

    • Grumpy 1.2
      22 December 2013 at 10:43 am

      Allowing Gore to spout bullshit is the problem. When his crap is exposed, it taints everybody and completely discredits the message he was trying to deliver – and rightly so.

      • Tat Loo (CV) 1.2.1
        22 December 2013 at 11:11 am

        Discredit the messenger if you want, Grumpy, but rapid global climate change is well in progress now. And the countries around the Arctic circle know it. Hence a rash of territorial, resource and new sea route claims are being pursued.

    • Tat Loo (CV) 1.3
      22 December 2013 at 11:07 am

      Hide’s an ex North Sea oil rig worker who is generally pretty sincere about his opinions. I’d doubt he was receiving or expecting anything for this.

    • Murray Olsen 1.4
      22 December 2013 at 7:44 pm

      I thought Orcs like Hide came from Middle Earth. The guy has nothing worthwhile to say on anything, and says it very loudly. On climate change, he and his ilk just repeat lies. On the economy, they do the same. Hmm, I think I’m detecting a pattern here.

  2. Paul 2
    22 December 2013 at 7:33 am

    A tale of 2 New Zealanders.
    30 years of neo-liberalism and the country is reduced to this.
    The revolting rich
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/motoring/news/article.cfm?c_id=9&objectid=11176532

    And the poor
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9544508/Santas-heart-breaking-Christmas-wishes
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11176410

    And people like grumpy etc say the country is better than the 70s.
    Well I guess it is for a privileged few.

    Shame on New Zealand for letting this happen.

    • karol 2.1
      22 December 2013 at 8:18 am

      Thanks, Paul.

    • Grumpy 2.2
      22 December 2013 at 10:07 am

      Really Paul??? Where did I say that? In the ’70s, I worked for NZ Railways and was a Union Branch secretary and an advocate before the NZ Railways Appeal Board. Don’t assume………..

    • Murray Olsen 2.3
      22 December 2013 at 7:58 pm

      We’re headed for the third world where, if you run someone over in a car worth more than a million dollars, you won’t even be charged. That asshole banker in Auckland in his Audi was just a few years early, a man ahead of his time.

  3. Paul 3
    22 December 2013 at 8:03 am

    And we’re grinches if we dare suggest there’s a problem with the present economic set up, says Maria Slade.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/9539858/Christmas-grinch-alive-and-well

    • Saarbo 3.1
      22 December 2013 at 8:18 am

      Yes, you can only conclude that Maria Slade from Unlimited Magazine is as revolting as all of the other RWNJ out there, how does a hopeless magazine like Unlimited survive anyway…real shit mag. This paragraph is interesting Paul

      “Like most developed nations we have a problem with a widening gap between rich and poor. But economic prosperity gives a government far more options, allowing it to invest in things like housing and education to create opportunities for those in the lower socio-economic stratas”

      OK then Maria, why the fuck don’t they do that investment then! That is utter bull shit. The other thing that Maria has forgotten to mention is that next years growth is on the back of 2 things that National had nothing to do with, the Chch Earthquake and NZ dairy faming.

      • Tigger 3.1.1
        22 December 2013 at 11:32 am

        That quote reeks of ‘let them eat cake’. How about creating some jobs or investing in healthy children?

      • Akldnut 3.1.2
        22 December 2013 at 12:26 pm

        …………………………..next years growth is on the back of 2 things that National had nothing to do with, the Chch Earthquake and NZ dairy faming.

        Well put! Why oh why can’t someone in the Labour Party get up and say that sentence over & over whenever English, Key and all those National spinners start bragging about it when the house is sitting.

        Say it loud and long enough, the msm will print it and people will start to believe.
        Thats all National does.

  4. Saarbo 4
    22 December 2013 at 8:09 am

    This article by Gordon Brown is scary but clearly articulates why we may be heading towards another crash…the last paragraph sums up nicely:

    “In short, precisely what world leaders sought to avoid — a global financial free-for-all, enabled by ad hoc, unilateral actions — is what has happened. Political expediency, a failure to think and act globally, and a lack of courage to take on vested interests are pushing us inexorably toward the next crash.”

    http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/12/19/opinion/gordon-brown-stumbling-toward-the-next-crash.html?_r=2

    and in New Zealand 2013/14 is becoming very similar to 2007/08 in terms of the way the banks are lending money to dairy farmers. Banks lending to farmers to purchase farms for up to $60 per kg ms plus.. The last I heard total NZ farming debt was $51 billion…it will be interesting to see what this figure is now. The banks have gone nuts again…will see some more Crafer deals when the dairy payout heads south.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1
      22 December 2013 at 12:49 pm

      He misses the most vital bit – that private banks need to be prevented from using the fractional reserve system. As long as the banks create money then the financial crises that we get will continue and they will get worse, poverty for the majority will increase while the top 1% will get richer.

      • Saarbo 4.1.1
        22 December 2013 at 2:57 pm

        True…his comments on the “shadow banking” growth is interesting, particularly in Asia. I get the impression that the next crash will include Asia/China…NZ wont be so lucky to miss the next crisis then.

        • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1
          22 December 2013 at 3:52 pm

          The “shadow banking system” is the massive system of quasibanking entities and transactions that the banks set u to evade regulation.

          By most estimates it is now at least as large and as leveraged as it was when it began to crash in 2007/2008. This time around however, the public purse has no more room left to contain the crash.

      • Colonial Viper 4.1.2
        22 December 2013 at 3:50 pm

        DTB. Western private banks do NOT use the fractional reserve banking system – they haven’t for the better part of a century.

        • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1
          22 December 2013 at 4:56 pm

          The concept of ratios still apply and it’s that that needs to be addressed.

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.2.1.1
            22 December 2013 at 6:03 pm

            The concept of loanable funds being constrained by reserves on hand is what I’m saying no longer applies.

            • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1.1.1
              22 December 2013 at 9:59 pm

              I agree bvut the ratios etc are still talked about in the Basel Accords and in legislation governing central banks this gives the impression that it still means something. When, as you say, it really doesn’t.

  5. phillip ure 5
    22 December 2013 at 8:14 am

    this is a public service announcement..

    http://boingboing.net/2013/12/20/howto-delete-your-smartphone.html

    “..If you have an Android or Ios smartphone –

    – it defaults to storing the history of all the places you go – at a very fine resolution –

    – for a very long time –

    – and mirrors that data on remote servers – from which it might be leaked or subpoenaed.

    Lifehacker has a great tutorial on deleting your Location History – and turning off future logging of your location.

    They cover both Ios and Android.

    I just did my devices – and it was very easy..”

    phillip ure..

  6. ianmac 6
    22 December 2013 at 8:31 am

    So there is nothing wrong with what Brewer failed to do and all of those who criticized him were very naughty people:
    Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11176523
    “Meanwhile, Brown critic councillor Cameron Brewer lamented a “ratepayer-funded smear campaign” after he was criticised for failing to make a formal declaration to the council over his MediaWorks junket to Queensland.

    “This is all entirely predictable when you have a mayor fighting for his political survival and spin doctors out there running a strategy of interference and diversion on his behalf.”

    Lambert dismissed the claim.”

    • bad12 6.1
      22 December 2013 at 8:53 am

      Yes Cameron Brewer playing the ‘victim’ takes the whole affair deeply into the realm of the farce, from word one of this whole sordid little tale the ‘right’ have simply painted themselves in glorious landscapes of hypocritical yellow as expose has surely as night followed day lead immediately to an expose of the same or worse from those so desperate to re-litigate the Mayoral election,

      If Brewer had an ounce of decency He would do as He has tried to force Brown into, resign and have His seat on the Auckland City Council voted upon again as it is obvious that Brewer’s voters put Him in that office without knowledge of His undeclared ‘freebies’,

      In the final analysis, the people of Auckland vote for these clowns in suits as their representatives and if shamed by their collective choices may well have to ‘think’ a little deeper next time they come to cast a vote…

    • RedBaronCV 6.2
      22 December 2013 at 10:37 am

      And what about EY’s role in this report. Unbiased, impartial? Maybe not. Firstly, They look like they are being grossly overpaid. The report less covers, disclaimers etc is only 14 pages long. That’s about $7000 per page. One feels their main concern is ensuring that nobody sues them and pandering to the purient. Parts are distinctly shoddy.

      They strayed outside the terms of reference in that they went looking for the security guard. Why? Unless the guard interupted one or other party with their hand in the office petty cash at the same time, then what he saw in terms of use of council resources had no more relevance than someone eating lunch in the office and should have been excluded.

      The hotel rooms – the report does not distingush between rooms paid for personally and those paid for by the council. Most of the upgrades appear to be at the hotel used personally. The upgrade policy of the Stamford (if it has one) has not been considered. Anyone spending 50 nights a year in a hotel has to be a valued customer (whether or not they are the mayor) and is likely to be treated accordingly. Attaching a $ figure to this reeks of bias.

      The other complimentary rooms and upgrades where not considered against the relevant hotel policies.Really shoddy NY.

      No evidence was produced that the Mayor actually knew of the complimentary rooms or upgrades.

      Stripping out all the commentary what are we left with:
      – mobile use – some reimbursement was made and an argument could be made for asking for another $200 so that percentage of private use was fully reimbursed despite this not actually being the policy.
      – ticket to NRL grand final (the ipad was actioned for charity)
      – one possible ride in a mayoral limo
      -a shoddy job over the hotels and no evidence that any money was involved.

      In terms of expense audits that is nothing, absolutely nothing . I doubt whether many audits would turn up so little and Len is to be congratulated on his corruption free holding of the office.
      So, now he can go for it and do his best for Auckland.
      Why the bias EY – what other council dealings do you have??

    • Draco T Bastard 6.3
      22 December 2013 at 4:53 pm

      In a surprise turn, Mr Thomas advised Mr Brewer in an email today that “You did however declare the Port Douglas trip and this was included in the gift register. A copy of the gift register was given to the Ernst Young Inquiry.”

      In an email to Mr Thomas from Mr Brewer on 8 September 2011, Mr Brewer wrote

      “Bruce, please declare… 1 trip to Port Douglas courtesy of Mediaworks, Four nights in august. Value approximately 2k. Secondly, my partner and I are in SkyCity box for opening night and game tomorrow. Cost unknown. Please let me know what further information you require. Thanks Cameron”

      Does an email actually count though? I’d expect the need for a signature.

  7. Belladonna 7
    22 December 2013 at 8:48 am

    David Cunliffe is on Radio Live with Wallace Chapman from 9am – 10am this morning.

  8. Rodel 8
    22 December 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Like to see an itemized breakdown of the $100,000 cost of the Ernst & Young report on Len Brown’s affair. Is there any way to find this?
    Seems a lot of money to me to make a few phone calls and check hotel bills.

    • Colonial Viper 8.1
      22 December 2013 at 7:16 pm

      It’s only 150 hours of chargeable time for say a firm partner, a senior manager, and a couple of analysts.

  9. rich the other 9
    22 December 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Green poison and labour stupidity,
    The Anglican church is in a turmoil over pokie money because they have been manipulated by these political party’s and are paying the price.
    No money for the church and that’s been approved by internal affairs.

    What’s remarkable is a green mp complained when funds were denied ,it seems the greens want it both ways, dreamers .

  10. swordfish 10
    22 December 2013 at 2:30 pm

    Employing the election seat calculator, I’ve just found a not implausible scenario whereby the Right win the Party-Vote by 2 points (say 48% to the Left’s 46%), but where the Left hold a majority of 2 seats in Parliament. Requires both the Cons and NZFirst to take 3-4% of vote but win no Electorate, therefore no representation. Not that it would be the ideal situation, you understand. Better to at least match the Right and concentrate on mobilising erstwhile Labour non-voters. But it’s fair to say that tactical voting for Winnie may well end up the wrong strategy next year (as Rob Salmond implies). Possibly focus instead on winning back the Labour-friendly end of the NZF support-base (perhaps 2% of all voters ?).

  11. chris73 11
    22 December 2013 at 5:01 pm

    http://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2013/12/brewers-trip-declared-smear-backfires-brown/

    I know you lot are shrinking violets and all get attack of the vapours when it comes to whaleoil so I’ll post the main point here”

    Auckland Council Electoral Officer and Public Information Officer Bruce Thomas has confirmed with Auckland Councillor Cameron Brewer today that while he did not file a full “Register of Members’ Interests” annual statement by 30 June 2012, Brewer’s much criticised four-day sponsored trip to Australia was in fact declared by the Councillor for Orakei at the time and was subsequently in the Council gift register all along.

    In a surprise turn, Mr Thomas advised Mr Brewer in an email today that “You did however declare the Port Douglas trip and this was included in the gift register. A copy of the gift register was given to the Ernst Young Inquiry.”

    I know you’ll all be pleased to know he did declare his trip unlike Len

    • tinfoilhat 11.1
      22 December 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Oh well fair do’s, guess he’s owed an apology.

      It’s all a bit of distraction anyway from the main culprit which is the current mayor.

      • dv 11.1.1
        22 December 2013 at 5:31 pm

        Two points
        He still didn’t file the register of members interest.
        AND
        He didn’t appear to know what he has filed.

    • Colonial Viper 11.2
      22 December 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Cameron Brewer’s the next Key style amnesiac.

      • gobsmacked 11.2.1
        22 December 2013 at 6:41 pm

        And for the umpteenth time I ask … is this really about corruption, or copulation?

        I say the former, but the Oil sniffers get far more excited about the latter.

        The issue should be the unhealthy relationship between Brown and Sky City. It is/was too close.

        Here’s the problem for the Righties (who take their lead from Slater, we all know they can’t think for themselves). The same in-the-pocket allegations apply to the likes of Cameron Brewer.

        Brewer was in the Sky City corporate box for the rugby (yes, so were Labour MPs and they were rightly condemned for that, on this very blog). Brewer got free tickets from Sky City AND voted for the Sky City deal. It comes out now – but why not before?

        And who will call him on it? The Herald?

    • Pascal's bookie 11.3
      22 December 2013 at 5:27 pm

      Fair enough. Did whale note that ‘explaining is losing’ though?

    • Anne 11.4
      22 December 2013 at 6:41 pm

      Who told Blubber boy? What’s this “Mr Thomas” doing sending emails on the Sunday before Xmas? Doesn’t have anything better to do but swop emails with Cameron Brewer? . Fishy to me. Is Mr Thomas a secret member of the National Party or something?

      The plot thickens. 🙂

      • Murray Olsen 11.4.1
        22 December 2013 at 8:17 pm

        My thoughts exactly, Anne. There is also the small detail that Brewer’s trip was mentioned as a “four day junket to the Gold Coast”. Port Douglas is at the opposite end of Queensland. Are they trying to be a bit clever?

  12. Colonial Viper 12
    22 December 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Welcome back to NZ, Helen Clark. Good to know you are back in the country. You have been missed.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    20 hours 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
    7 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
    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

  • 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

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-04T21:24:07+00:00