web analytics

Open mike 24/12/2019

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, December 24th, 2019 - 65 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 …

65 comments on “Open mike 24/12/2019 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Tony Veitch (not etc.) 1
    24 December 2019 at 7:57 am

    In a recent Guardian article, our prime minister answered a series of questions posed by readers.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/23/jacinda-ardern-on-culture-wars-her-plan-for-2020-and-how-to-cook-snapper

    More ominously, at the end of the article this cryptic note:

    “Simon Bridges, the leader of the opposition, was invited to answer readers’ questions but declined.”

    Now it’s not like Soimun to avoid publicity, so why didn’t he front?

    There could, of course, be a simple explanation: for instance, he may be on holiday in Hawaii with his family and couldn’t be bothered.

    A more likely explanation is that he was shown the questions beforehand and didn’t like them.

    While Jacinda is happy to answer questions (and no doubt be accused to seeking the limelight) the right will attempt to control the narrative.

    • Anne 1.1
      24 December 2019 at 9:20 am

      A more likely explanation is that he was shown the questions beforehand and didn’t like them.

      Possibly, but the most likely answer is because the right-wing pollies think The Guardian is a left-wing commie newspaper and must be avoided. I doubt Simon has ever read it.

    • Siobhan 1.2
      24 December 2019 at 12:43 pm

      The Guardian has, as far as I know, only ever done two stories on Bridges..

      "New Zealand opposition leader criticised for 'alarming' stance on China"

      "NZ opposition leader accused of concealing $100,000 political donation"

      both by Eleanor Ainge Roy

      I think not agreeing to answering questions from Guardian readers was one of the few..possibly only..smart thing Bridges has ever done.

  2. Ad 2
    24 December 2019 at 9:01 am

    And from the Guardian article today, Prime Minister Ardern's response to one question is a good insight into the priorities of this government:

    Q. What is one thing you want to accomplish in your second term if you get re-elected in 2020? Justin Lindsay

    A. We haven’t set our policy agenda for the next election yet but the plan is to continue to build on the work we have done in the first term to deliver a better New Zealand for more people.

    But as finance minister, Grant Robertson, said when releasing the budget policy statement foreshadowing the direction of travel for the government, we will continue our focus on tackling the long-term challenges facing New Zealand while also investing to future proof the economy.

    The Budget 2020 priorities – which would carry work over into the next term – are:

    • Just Transition: Supporting New Zealanders in the transition to a climate-resilient, sustainable, and low-emissions economy
    • Future of Work: Enabling all New Zealanders to benefit from new technologies and lift productivity through innovation
    • Māori and Pacific: Lifting Māori and Pacific incomes, skills, and opportunities
    • Child Wellbeing: Reducing child poverty and improving child wellbeing
    • Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Supporting improved health outcomes for all New Zealanders

    All power to you Prime Minister to achieve those goals.

    • Herodotus 2.1
      24 December 2019 at 10:45 am

      You mean continual labour’s over arching policy of Roger Douglas.

      After helping out distribute food packages at Christmas, it was for me so sad to see the same families struggle year after year return.

      In a country like ours there will always be families in need, just not the large numbers that we continually have.

      • Ad 2.1.1
        24 December 2019 at 10:53 am

        If you volunteered this Christmas you are a saint of the first order.

        The failure to raise benefits at least in step with minimum wage rises – or indeed at all – amount to a social crime by this government.

        • Herodotus 2.1.1.1
          24 December 2019 at 11:28 am

          Some benefits they (NZ1) have been able to increase by using a back door. The $50 energy payment to pensioners. If the pension was adequate then there was no need for this. If it wasn’t then increase it from 65% to 68% (my figures here maybe a little out)

          Don’t use housing allowance to increase landlord wealth, provide adequate state housing and so those in need are provided directly by the state.
          I hope/pray that those who I continually see each year are not there next year and this is due to their situation has improved, but with it being an election year promises will not solve what many face on a day to day basis.

        • millsy 2.1.1.2
          25 December 2019 at 10:23 pm

          Restoration of benefits to 1991 levels, adjusted for inflation, to take effect on July 1, 2021, would also motivate the poor to get out and vote Labour in 2020.

          The great unwashed of South Auckland saved Labour back in 2005. They need to be given a reason to save Labour next year.

  4. Sacha 4
    24 December 2019 at 9:53 am

    Wage thief penalised $680k by Employment Court claims different customs apply: https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/118400906/nightmare-holiday-park-owner-refuses-to-pay-back-full-bond-to-workers

    Guan said workers paying security for jobs was commonly practised by Chinese employers in New Zealand.

    She denied the $45,000 payment was a bond, claiming it was basic living costs, and "security" for taking on the risk of employing three Chinese citizens.

    "That amount was calculated to two years basic living costs. It's got nothing to do with the visa.

    "In China it's not a bond, it is just a payment in advance to secure they will pay me. The law is different in China. Everything they signed was in China, the money they paid was in China."

    Regulator says nope:

    Labour Inspectorate national manager Stu Lumsden said since January 2018 the department had taken enforcement action against nine businesses for employment breaches that involved premiums being charged.

    "The Wages Protection Act makes it illegal for employers to charge an employee a premium fee, or a bond for employment. This includes charging an employee money in exchange for giving them a job or keeping them in a job so they can work under a work visa," Lumsden said.

  5. bwaghorn 5
    24 December 2019 at 11:09 am

    https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/118432266/no-date-fixed-for-return-of-whaktane-fishing-charter-after-whakaari–white-island-eruption

    Surely two weeks is long enough to appease tangaroa and any other deities.

    Let the man go back to work

  6. A 6
    24 December 2019 at 11:23 am

    There appears to be a complete disconnect between the Australian govt and "Firies".

    "The fact that they haven't asked for federal support indicates that they believe they have the situation in hand," Holton said.

    "That is definitely not the case. The situation is quite the opposite. It is out of control."

  7. Fireblade 7
    24 December 2019 at 1:25 pm

    Happy holidays.

    Allāhu akbar. As-salāmu ʿalaykum.

  8. Puckish Rogue 8
    24 December 2019 at 2:33 pm

    So FPP and MMP both have issues in the way it deals with votes , would STV be a better option or is there an even better option?

    • Andre 8.1
      24 December 2019 at 3:31 pm

      What do you think the faults are with MMP?

      The only real problem I see with MMP as we have implemented it would be easily fixed by reducing the threshold to 0.83% (1/120 of the vote). Which would render that abominable coat-tailing provision moot.

      • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1
        24 December 2019 at 3:43 pm

        The main fault I see with MMP is that the party that wins the most votes doesn't always get into power which just seems to be…wrong

        Just seems that while FPP puts the most popular party in power it ignores everyones elses votes which isn't good, MMP is able to ignore the most popular party which isn't good so I'm wondering if theres a fairer way

        • Janice 8.1.1.1
          24 December 2019 at 3:47 pm

          If the most popular party doesn't get into power under MMP, then more people voted against it than for it.

          • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.1.1
            24 December 2019 at 4:21 pm

            Yet it was Winston on 7% that decided who runs the country, that doesn't seem right either

          • rod 8.1.1.1.2
            24 December 2019 at 4:37 pm

            Spot on Janice, People like Pucky just don't understand MMP. He is just a sore loser. Merry Christmas to you all.Yes that includes you Pucky.

            • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.1.2.1
              24 December 2019 at 4:43 pm

              I understand MMP well enough. I just don't think MMP is the be all and end all of voting options.

              Maybe an option would be for all parties to disclose who they would go into before the election.

              Winston had it both ways but how many of his voters wanted to go with Labour ie Keeping National honest and all that

              • McFlock …
                24 December 2019 at 5:04 pm

                But it's not like lining up before a battle (and more than one battle has had factions switch sides during the event).

                A party can't commit if it doesn't know how much policy it's likely to win in a coalition. And that changes according to the electoral ratios. And as you say NZ1 can go either way, depending on what deal it gets – how could it possibly commit to a deal before an election?

                • Puckish Rogue …
                  24 December 2019 at 5:40 pm

                  I just wonder if the people that developed MMP had in mind a party of 7% deciding which coalition gets to govern

                  • McFlock …
                    24 December 2019 at 5:59 pm

                    Yes they did. Coalitions have been well-known features of MMP for decades. Sometimes the largest party is just the biggest loser.

                    Frankly, I figured we'd be down to the largest parties only being 20-30% by now. I suspect the main reason we still have monolith parties is because the media insist on portraying it as a two-horse race rather than a team sport.

                    • Andre …
                      24 December 2019 at 6:06 pm

                      I reckon the way the split between electorate and list mps has gone to 71 – 49 has a bit to do with keeping just two parties so dominant.

                      As I understand it, it was kinda envisaged the split would stay a bit closer to equal numbers of electorate and list mps, but that ball kinda got dropped and we ended up with the weird provisions that have made the situation what it is now.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      24 December 2019 at 6:15 pm

                      I don't think Act and the Greens are helping this regard, in that its not likely Act will go with Labour and the Greens have ruled out National

                    • McFlock …
                      24 December 2019 at 6:47 pm

                      @Andre: yeah, capping the House membership but increasing the electorate numbers with population was a bit of a booboo I reckon

                      @PR:
                      Act aren't a party. They should have died out ten years ago or more, but nats gift them epsom because they'd rather have supplicants than partners.

                      The Māori Party could have gone both ways, technically, as did United. Top and KDC seemed issues based: agree with them on one or two policies andthey'd be ok with that. So the number of non-monolith centrist parties is probably similar to the wing parties ("fringe" would imply trace-element support). ACT, cons, Alliance, Greens, maybe one or two others.

                      ISTR the Green line is that they would go with any party that had decent environmental policy, but sadly that doesn't include the current nats.

                    • Graeme …
                      24 December 2019 at 6:50 pm

                      I reckon the way the split between electorate and list mps has gone to 71 – 49 has a bit to do with keeping just two parties so dominant

                      We're heading for a situation where a few high ranking list MPs miss out because too may plonker electorate MPs have been elected. At which point things will change.

                      With our population growth we should have 140 MPs anyway, or electorates go back to 60 and represent more people

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      24 December 2019 at 6:51 pm

                      I disagree, Act is a party and would,now, probably win Epsom in a proper election.

                      David Seymour has shown to be a capable MP (certainly more effective than most MPs) and I'm predicting a2, possibly 3 MPs for Act at the next election

                    • McFlock …
                      24 December 2019 at 7:05 pm

                      I disagree, Act is a party and would,now, probably win Epsom in a proper election.

                      But the nats haven't risked it in ages, have they.

                      And even if Seymour can win the electorate, that just makes Act like the last days of United: not a "party", an electorate mp pretending nationwide support.

                      If it weren't for National throwing the epsom campaign in the last few elections, Act would be history.

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      24 December 2019 at 7:25 pm

                      Well they don’t need to risk it so why bother but 25 years for a political party isn't bad going by a NZ political party and Seymours visibility is only going to rise next year

                    • McFlock …
                      24 December 2019 at 7:46 pm

                      If it was a real party, it wouldn't be a risk.

                      And nobody says "they were on life support for half their life, but they had a good innings".

                    • Puckish Rogue …
                      24 December 2019 at 7:53 pm

                      As you say media do like to keep NZ politics as a two horse FPP type system, maybe smaller parties have been hamstrung by that lack of media exposure and now with a new generation of voters coming through things will change

                    • Graeme …
                      24 December 2019 at 9:01 pm

                      Media present it as a binary (two horse race) because they need a winner and a looser to fulfil the sales / advertising model, ie sell the soap.

                    • Psycho Milt …
                      24 December 2019 at 9:10 pm

                      ISTR the Green line is that they would go with any party that had decent environmental policy, but sadly that doesn't include the current nats.

                      Your recollection is correct. The Green Party is willing to work with any parties if there are gains in it for the environment or the lumpenproletariat. It's that "if" statement that tends to rule out joining a National-led coalition, rather than any inherent refusal of the Green Party to work with National.

        • Andre 8.1.1.2
          24 December 2019 at 4:01 pm

          The problem I see with "the most popular party" thing is if you've got a big monolith that's put together as a grouping of barely-holding-together factions, how do you sort out where to put the effort and priorities?

          Take the current state of the National party. It looks like the religious nutter faction has the upper hand at the moment. But how many National voters really want a government headed up by religious nutters prioritising religious issues?

          Whereas a coalition of parties with overlapping priorities and values have an obvious indication of what their voters think should be prioritised. A hypothetical government with say 18 Green MPs and 6 New Socialist MPs and 40 Labour MPs is going to govern very differently to one made up of 8 Green MPs, 9 WinstonFirst MPs and 46 Labour MPs.

          • Puckish Rogue 8.1.1.2.1
            24 December 2019 at 4:23 pm

            Indeed so MMP beats FPP, does anything beat MMP?

            • McFlock 8.1.1.2.1.1
              24 December 2019 at 4:59 pm

              I've been pondering bicameral, where one house is purely proportional party representation and the other is local MPs (because regional concerns matter as much as Auckland concerns).

              Legislation goes through the, er, "party house", and gets ratified by the electorate house. If the electorate house rejects, kick it back to the party house and either majority larger than the total nay votes or a 2/3 majority (haven't decided which) overrules the veto and the legislation is passed.

              Both houses should be roughly equal in size, with electorates being 1:10,000-20,000 eligible voters. So yeah, a lot more MPs, but if we knock down their salaries a bit (like, a premium to ditch a profession for three years is fine, but $200k?) I think it would be better.

              • Puckish Rogue …
                24 December 2019 at 5:00 pm

                Knocking down MPs salaries sounds pretty good to me

              • Sacha …
                24 December 2019 at 7:46 pm

                Legislation goes through the, er, “party house”, and gets ratified by the electorate house.

                Why should geography get a veto over other dimensions of representation?

                • McFlock …
                  24 December 2019 at 8:02 pm

                  Because otherwise the government only serves the interests of the largest population concentrations.

                  And it's not a full veto – it's just a requirement that if the regions oppose it, the party house needs to look at it again.

                  • Sacha …
                    24 December 2019 at 8:32 pm

                    What is so important about 'the regions' as opposed to other groupings like 'young people' or low-paid workers?

  9. Exkiwiforces 9
    24 December 2019 at 4:59 pm

    Well the pressure is slowly mounting on ScoMo, especially after his run in with a little old lady manning the kitchen for the local firies yesterday and the various State Governments to give relief to us volunteers firies in particular to the poor buggers down, but is there is bugger all in it atm for those not the public service or us veterans who have to jump through the hoops IRT DVA. Anyway it’s a small step in the right direction.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-24/firefighters-public-service-leave/11825416

  10. Sabine 10
    24 December 2019 at 6:32 pm

    young girl today told me she and her mum went to NZ for a week of holiday to get out of Sidney.

    Had not seen a blue sky for weeks and had a really bad, very throaty cough. Girl : Everyone is coughing, the air is really bad, that is why we came here so we had some clean air to breathe.

    to those that believe we can adjust to this, no we can't.

    Merry Christmas. Travel safely so that the volunteer fire fighters don't have to scrape bodies of the road. Be careful with the bbq so that they don't have to try and save the house. Don't do stupid shit so that they don't have to look for a cut hand in the grass. (all these things happened today)

    Take your time, you will get there. Rejoice that you have shelter, food, blue skys and still some decent air to breathe. Eat, laugh be merry. Don't abuse the alcohol or drugs.

    Yeah, its been a day today.

    • Puckish Rogue 10.1
      24 December 2019 at 6:40 pm

      Sure has, mine started at 1400hrs and will finish at 0600hrs tomorrow and then I have to face a family breakfast followed by family lunch

      Red Bull for the win!

      • McFlock 10.1.1
        24 December 2019 at 6:54 pm

        It was always the 0700 sign-in that nuked me when I was on rotating rosters. Night shift I could handle easily. But 16hrs is hard no matter when it's done.

        • Puckish Rogue 10.1.1.1
          24 December 2019 at 6:57 pm

          Being completely honest its the overtime and the day in leiu I'm doing it for, not the sense of duty 🙂

  11. Puckish Rogue 11
    24 December 2019 at 6:48 pm

    So Christmas miracle time

    I switched over to 2degrees from Spark for my broadband because of extremely hideous service (wasn't like that when I was there!) and I didn't get the modem (because 15 bucks is 15 bucks) so the switch over happens yesterday and try as I might I can't get the damn information needed to get the modem working (excuse the technical jargon)

    I ring up the help desk and funnily enough still no joy (because I was using the modem Spark had provided) so I bite the bullet and order the modem and was told it would take up to 5 working days and given the time of the year I was resigned to getting the modem next Monday (a week without the internet!)

    When lo and behold this morning, yes this very morning, a courier dropped off the modem from 2degrees and Christmas, and the internet was saved…sure not a very Christmassy miracle but a miracle nevertheless

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDbyYGrswtg

  12. joe90 12
    24 December 2019 at 7:37 pm

    And there I was wondering where TF tRump got his windmills kill birds/destroy the environment claptrap.

    “Windmills, which are so widespread in many European countries seem to be an environmentally friendly kind (of energy), but in fact they kill birds,” Putin told a conference of his United Russia party in the Far East.

    “Vibration there is such that worms come out of the ground, not to mention moles. This is a real environmental problem,” he said, adding that solar energy was the only alternative source that was entirely harmless.

    https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-wind-idUSTRE6B52SV20101206

    • Dennis Frank 12.1
      24 December 2019 at 10:17 pm

      "You know we have a world, right?" Uh, yes, I had noticed that. Goddam staffers dropping acid into his cuppa tea again, eh?

      Putin the environmentalist. Will he allow an ngo to form, to speak on behalf of the homeless worms & moles? In little old Aotearoa, there's only homeless people to worry about (as yet). Homeless creatures may be the next big thing…

  13. joe90 13
    24 December 2019 at 8:15 pm

    Cannot be unseen.

  14. millsy 14
    25 December 2019 at 12:02 am

    Bad news: 2020 will be worse than 2019.

    Good news: 2020 will be better than 2021.

    Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all at The Standard, both posters and lurkers.

    Who thinks Ad needs his own blog?

  15. Nakiman 15
    25 December 2019 at 12:12 am

    "Who thinks Ad needs his own blog?"

    Ad is one of a few honest lefties on this blog

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

Older posts

  • Construction Skills Action Plan delivering early on targets
    The Construction Skills Action Plan has delivered early on its overall target of supporting an additional 4,000 people into construction-related education and employment, says Minister for Building and Construction Poto Williams. Since the Plan was launched in 2018, more than 9,300 people have taken up education or employment opportunities in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • Youth Justice residence offers new pathway
    An innovative new Youth Justice residence designed in partnership with Māori will provide prevention, healing, and rehabilitation services for both young people and their whānau, Children’s Minister Kelvin Davis announced today.  Whakatakapokai is located in South Auckland and will provide care and support for up to 15 rangatahi remanded or ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago

  • The Duke of Edinburgh
    Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today expressed New Zealand’s sorrow at the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. “Our thoughts are with Her Majesty The Queen at this profoundly sad time.  On behalf of the New Zealand people and the Government, I would like to express ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Five Country Ministerial Communiqué
    We, the Home Affairs, Interior, Security and Immigration Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America (the ‘Five Countries’) met via video conference on 7/8 April 2021, just over a year after the outbreak of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Guided by our shared ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Inspiring creativity through cultural installations and events
    Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Carmel Sepuloni has today announced the opening of the first round of Ngā Puninga Toi ā-Ahurea me ngā Kaupapa Cultural Installations and Events. “Creating jobs and helping the arts sector rebuild and recover continues to be a key part of the Government’s COVID-19 response,” Carmel ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Drug-testing law to be made permanent
    Interim legislation that is already proving to keep people safer from drugs will be made permanent, Health Minister Andrew Little says. Research by Victoria University, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, shows that the Government’s decision in December to make it legal for drug-checking services to operate at festivals ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Better rules proposed for freedom camping
    Public consultation launched on ways to improve behaviour and reduce damage Tighter rules proposed for either camping vehicles or camping locations Increased penalties proposed, such as $1,000 fines or vehicle confiscation Rental companies may be required to collect fines from campers who hire vehicles Public feedback is sought on proposals ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government backs Air New Zealand as Trans-Tasman bubble opens
    The Government is continuing to support Air New Zealand while aviation markets stabilise and the world moves towards more normal border operations. The Crown loan facility made available to Air New Zealand in March 2020 has been extended to a debt facility of up to $1.5 billion (an additional $600 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Building gifted for new community hub in Richmond red zone
    Christchurch’s Richmond suburb will soon have a new community hub, following the gifting of a red-zoned property by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) to the Richmond Community Gardens Trust. The Minister for Land Information, Damien O’Connor said that LINZ, on behalf of the Crown, will gift a Vogel Street house ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Pacific languages funding reopens
      Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio says the reopening of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ (MPP) Languages Funding in 2021 will make sure there is a future for Pacific languages. “Language is the key to the wellbeing for Pacific people. It affirms our identity as Pasifika and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • ERANZ speech April 2021
    It is a pleasure to be here tonight.  Thank you Cameron for the introduction and thank you for ERANZ for also hosting this event. Last week in fact, we had one of the largest gatherings in our sector, Downstream 2021. I have heard from my officials that the discussion on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Strengthening Māori knowledge in science and innovation
    Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has today announced the 16 projects that will together get $3.9 million through the 2021 round of Te Pūnaha Hihiko: Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund, further strengthening the Government’s commitment to Māori knowledge in science and innovation.  “We received 78 proposals - the highest ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government delivers next phase of climate action
    The Government is delivering on a key election commitment to tackle climate change, by banning new low and medium temperature coal-fired boilers and partnering with the private sector to help it transition away from fossil fuels. This is the first major announcement to follow the release of the Climate Commission’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Continued investment in Central Otago schools supports roll growth
    Six projects, collectively valued at over $70 million are delivering new schools, classrooms and refurbished buildings across Central Otago and are helping to ease the pressure of growing rolls in the area, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. The National Education Growth Plan is making sure that sufficient capacity in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Two more Christchurch schools complete
    Two more schools are now complete as part of the Christchurch Schools Rebuild Programme, with work about to get under way on another, says Education Minister Chris Hipkins. Te Ara Koropiko – West Spreydon School will welcome students to their new buildings for the start of Term 2. The newly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Independent experts to advise Government on post-vaccination future
    The Government is acting to ensure decisions on responding to the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic are informed by the best available scientific evidence and strategic public health advice. “New Zealand has worked towards an elimination strategy which has been successful in keeping our people safe and our economy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Supporting Māori success with Ngārimu Awards
    Six Māori scholars have been awarded Ngārimu VC and the 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial scholarships for 2021, Associate Education Minister and Ngārimu Board Chair, Kelvin Davis announced today. The prestigious Manakura Award was also presented for the first time since 2018. “These awards are a tribute to the heroes of the 28th ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Global partnerships propel space tech research
    New Zealand’s aerospace industry is getting a boost through the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), to grow the capability of the sector and potentially lead to joint space missions, Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has announced. 12 New Zealand organisations have been chosen to work with world-leading experts at ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backs more initiatives to boost food and fibre workforce
    The Government is backing more initiatives to boost New Zealand’s food and fibre sector workforce, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced today. “The Government and the food and fibres sector have been working hard to fill critical workforce needs.  We've committed to getting 10,000 more Kiwis into the sector over the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Minister welcomes Bill to remove Subsequent Child Policy
    Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni has welcomed the first reading of the Social Security (Subsequent Child Policy Removal) Amendment Bill in the House this evening. “Tonight’s first reading is another step on the way to removing excessive sanctions and obligations for people receiving a Main Benefit,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Mental Health Amendment Bill passes first reading
    The Government has taken a significant step towards delivering on its commitment to improve the legislation around mental health as recommended by He Ara Oranga – the report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, Health Minister Andrew Little says. The Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Whenua Māori Rating Amendment Bill passes third reading
    Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has welcomed the Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill passing its third reading today. “After nearly 100 years of a system that was not fit for Māori and did not reflect the partnership we have come to expect between Māori and the Crown, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Trans-Tasman bubble to start 19 April
    New Zealand’s successful management of COVID means quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and Australia will start on Monday 19 April, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the conditions for starting to open up quarantine free travel with Australia have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill passes Third Reading
    Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Andrew Little welcomed ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi to Parliament today to witness the third reading of their Treaty settlement legislation, the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Bill. “I want to acknowledge ngā uri o Ngāti Hinerangi and the Crown negotiations teams for working tirelessly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Independent group announced to advise on firearms matters
    Minister of Police Poto Williams has announced the members of the Ministers Arms Advisory Group, established to ensure balanced advice to Government on firearms that is independent of Police. “The Ministers Arms Advisory Group is an important part of delivering on the Government’s commitment to ensure we maintain the balance ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Kiri Allan to take leave of absence
    Kiri Allan, Minister of Conservation and Emergency Management will undertake a leave of absence while she undergoes medical treatment for cervical cancer, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today. “I consider Kiri not just a colleague, but a friend. This news has been devastating. But I also know that Kiri is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Excellent progress at new Waikeria prison build
    Excellent progress has been made at the new prison development at Waikeria, which will boost mental health services and improve rehabilitation opportunities for people in prison, Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says. Kelvin Davis was onsite at the new build to meet with staff and see the construction first-hand, following a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Expert panel proposes criminal limits for drug driving
    To reduce the trauma of road crashes caused by drug impaired drivers, an Independent Expert Panel on Drug Driving has proposed criminal limits and blood infringement thresholds for 25 impairing drugs, Minister of Police Poto Williams and Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today. The Land Transport (Drug Driving) Amendment Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Covid-19 imgration powers to be extended
    Temporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Covid-19 immigration powers to be extended
    Temporary COVID-19 immigration powers will be extended to May 2023, providing continued flexibility to support migrants, manage the border, and help industries facing labour shortages, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced today. “Over the past year, we have had to make rapid decisions to vary visa conditions, extend expiry dates, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • More support for mums and whānau struggling with alcohol and other drugs
    The Government is expanding its Pregnancy and Parenting Programme so more women and whānau can access specialist support to minimise harm from alcohol and other drugs, Health Minister Andrew Little says. “We know these supports help improve wellbeing and have helped to reduce addiction, reduced risk for children, and helped ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Ahuwhenua Trophy Competition Field Day – Tātaiwhetū Trust at Tauarau Marae, Rūātoki
    *** Please check against delivery *** It’s an honour to be here in Rūātoki today, a rohe with such a proud and dynamic history of resilience, excellence and mana. Tūhoe moumou kai, moumou taonga, moumou tangata ki te pō. The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is the legacy of a seed planted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Crown accounts again better than forecast
    The economic recovery from COVID-19 continues to be reflected in the Government’s books, which are again better than expected. The Crown accounts for the eight months to the end of February 2021 showed both OBEGAL and the operating balance remain better than forecast in the Half Year Economic and Fiscal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • FIFA Women’s World Cup to open in New Zealand
    Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash have welcomed confirmation New Zealand will host the opening ceremony and match, and one of the semi-finals, of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Grant Robertson says matches will be held in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Dunedin, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • 1 April changes raise incomes for 1.4 million New Zealanders
    Changes to the minimum wage, main benefit levels and superannuation rates that come into force today will raise the incomes for around 1.4 million New Zealanders. “This Government is committed to raising the incomes for all New Zealanders as part of laying the foundations for a better future,” Minister for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • New Dunedin Hospital – Whakatuputupu approved for fast track consenting process
    The New Dunedin Hospital – Whakatuputupu has been approved for consideration under the fast track consenting legislation.  The decision by Environment Minister David Parker signifies the importance of the project to the health of the people of Otago-Southland and to the economy of the region.  “This project ticks all the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Next steps for Auckland light rail
    Transport Minister Michael Wood is getting Auckland light rail back on track with the announcement of an establishment unit to progress this important city-shaping project and engage with Aucklanders. Michael Wood said the previous process didn’t involve Aucklanders enough.                       ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Tourism fund to prioritise hard-hit regions
    The Minister of Tourism is to re-open a government fund that supports councils to build infrastructure for visitors, with a specific focus on regions hardest hit by the loss of overseas tourists. “Round Five of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund will open for applications next month,” said Stuart Nash. It ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Governance Group to lead next phase of work on a potential new public media entity
    A Governance Group of eight experts has been appointed to lead the next phase of work on a potential new public media entity, Minister for Broadcasting and Media Kris Faafoi announced today.  “The Governance Group will oversee the development of a business case to consider the viability of a new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • New funding to keep tamariki and rangatahi Māori active
    Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson today helped launch a new fund to provide direct financial support for tamariki and rangatahi Māori throughout the South Island who is experiencing financial hardship and missing out on physical activity opportunities. “Through Te Kīwai Fund, we can offer more opportunities for Māori to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Older posts

Older posts