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

  • Foreign Minister to take part in ASEAN-related meetings
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will today begin a suite of meetings with her ASEAN and East Asia Summit counterparts, starting with the 11th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting tonight. That will be followed by the ASEAN-New Zealand Ministerial Meeting on Thursday 5 August and the 28th ASEAN Regional ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Arts and heritage venues get helping hand
    A new round of funding to support capital projects will help keep our arts and heritage sector alive and vibrant, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Kiri Allan announced today.  “Communities work hard to raise funds for arts, culture and heritage related capital projects as they add significant value ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • Foreign Ministers welcome opening of New Zealand High Commission in Colombo
    New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministers, Nanaia Mahuta and Dinesh Gunawardena, have welcomed the opening of the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo next week. The Foreign Ministers, who met virtually yesterday, spoke about the opening of the High Commission as a major milestone in the bilateral relationship. Both ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago

  • New Zealand to increase NZDF commitment to the United Nations Command, Republic of Korea
      The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) will deploy three additional personnel to the Republic of Korea, increasing the size of its contribution to the United Nations Command and its Military Armistice Commission from nine to 12 personnel. “Increasing the size of our deployment to the Republic of Korea ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Wages up, unemployment down
    The Government’s efforts to secure the recovery has seen more Kiwis in jobs and higher wages, with unemployment falling to pre-COVID levels and more people in work. Stats NZ figures show unemployment rate fell to 4 percent in the June quarter from 4.6 percent in the March quarter, the lowest ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago

  • Poroporoaki: Dr Kihi Ngatai OSM
    Mauao tiketike tūmokemoke mai ana ra koe, papakitia ana e ngā tai kawenga roimata o te motu. E Ngāti Ranginui, mo tō manuhuia kua tīkapea i te rangi. E Ngai Te Rangi, mo tō manutaki kua riro i te hau o Aitū kikini, E Ngāti Pukenga mo tō manutaiko, kua ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago

  • Government support screen industry with funding for sound stages in West Auckland
    Auckland Film Studios in West Auckland has received funding for a major expansion through the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group’s (IRG) COVID-19 Response Fund. The Government is investing $30 million of a total $35 million project to construct two 2,000sqm sound stages and development of further workshops and offices, to expand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Protecting unique land for generation next
    The Government is boosting legal protection for critically important natural habitats on private land, Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan says. “An $8 million investment over four years will see Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Ngā Kairauhī Papa (QEII) work with government agencies, councils and others to provide legal protection of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand’s support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response continues with vaccine delivery, operational ...
    Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced further support for Fiji, including funding support for nursing staff and 100,000 doses of vaccines due to arrive in country today. “Our thoughts remain with Fiji during this incredibly challenging period,” Nanaia Mahuta said. “New Zealand has funded 100,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Poroporoaki: Dr Hōhepa (Joe) Mason
    Ko koe tēnā e te hurumanu e Hōhepa, te tōwenetanga a te iti, te māpihi herenga mahara o te tini, ka tauawhi tonuhia koe e to iwi ki te uma pupuri ai. Me pēhea he kupu kia koutou kua puta i nga ākinga a nga tau kua hori, kua waia ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Finance Minister and RBNZ Governor agree to update MOU on macro-prudential policy
    Finance Minister Grant Robertson and Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr have updated the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on macro-prudential policy to further protect the financial system and support the Government’s housing objectives. “This change will ensure that the Reserve Bank has the flexibility to respond to emerging financial stability risks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government commits further assistance for drought and flood-affected rural communities
    Farmers and growers affected by this year’s drought or floods in Marlborough, Tasman, West Coat, Canterbury, Otago and the Chatham Islands will have access to Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) from today, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni has announced. “The Government is committed to easing the financial pressures on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Cook Islands youth lead Language Week
    The Cook Islands Language Week theme for 2021 highlights the vital role language plays in maintaining young people’s links to their Pacific home, said Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio.  “The Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani – Cook Islands Language Week – theme is ‘Ātuitui’ia au ki ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government offers formal apology for Dawn Raids
    A formal and unreserved apology for the Dawn Raids The Government will offer education scholarships as part of the apology Manaaki New Zealand Short Term Scholarship Training courses Support Pacific artists and historians to develop a comprehensive written and oral account of the Dawn Raids Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to Dawn Raids Apology
    Tēnā koutou katoa, Kia orana kotou katoatoa, Fakaalofa lahi atu ki mutolu oti, Tālofa nī, Mālō nī koutou, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Noa'ia 'e mauri, Kam na mauri, Malo e lelei, Sioto'ofa, Mālō lava le lagi e mamā ma le soifua maua, Oue tulou, tulou atu, tulouna lava ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Bridging the gap – last piece of Northcote Safe Cycle Route now complete
    The opening of two bridges over Auckland’s Northern Motorway is the last link of a cycling and walking route which provides a safe, active alternative for students and commuters, Transport Minister Michael Wood said today. Michael Wood cut the ribbon for the completion of the Northcote Safe Cycle Route, at ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Progress in establishment of Aged Care Commissioner
    Recruitment for an Aged Care Commissioner will start next month, to ensure greater oversight of New Zealand’s aged care sector. “This sector is responsible for supporting a large and often vulnerable population. While most people are able to access quality care, there have been cases where that care has fallen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • New record number of homes consented
    In the year ended June 2021, the actual number of new dwellings consented was 44,299, up 18 percent from the June 2020 year. In June 2021, the seasonally adjusted number of new dwellings consented rose 3.8 percent. In June 2021, 4,310 new dwellings were consented, an increase of 3.8 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Communities backed to tackle wilding pines
    Twelve community projects across New Zealand will receive a share of $2 million to carry out wilding pine control, Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor announced as part of Biosecurity Week. “Wilding pines are a serious problem that threaten many of the unique landscapes that New Zealanders value. Community groups and trusts ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Health Minister Andrew Little responding to the New Zealand Nurses Organisation's rejection of ...
    I was advised last night that the result of the ballot of Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation members have rejected the latest proposal to settle their collective agreement. Let me be clear: the proposal was one they put to the Government. The Nurses Organisation rejected their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation introduced to Parliament
    Legislation has been introduced to Parliament to protect against practices intended to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Introducing the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill, Minister of Justice, Kris Faafoi, said the measures proposed were aimed at ending conversion practices which don’t work, are widely ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New kaupapa Māori mental health and addiction services to support people in central North Island
    New mental health and addiction services rolling out across the central North Island will improve outcomes and equity for Māori, Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health) Peeni Henare says. Today the Minister met with providers of the new kaupapa Māori primary mental health and addiction service, Poutama Ora, which will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New school site for booming West Auckland
    The Government will build on a new school site in West Auckland to cope with rapid population growth in the area, Education Minister Chris Hipkins says. The Ministry is working with existing local schools to determine how the 1.5-hectare site at 279 Hobsonville Point Road will be used to support ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Trans-Tasman travel window to close at midnight tomorrow
    A further 500 MIQ rooms released for managed returnees from NSW Further Government actions announced today are balanced to provide more certainty for Kiwis wanting to return from Australia, while continuing to protect New Zealand from COVID-19, acting Minister for COVID-19 Response Ayesha Verrall says. The actions were foreshadowed last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Govt investing millions in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti schools
    Napier Boys’ and Girls’ High Schools are among those set to benefit from a $16.5 million investment in the Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti region, Economic and Regional Development Minister Stuart Nash announced today. The Government has set aside money in Budget 2021 to accelerate five projects in Napier, Hastings, Havelock North ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Game changing Jobs for Nature investment for Northland
    Conservation Minister Kiri Allan has announced Jobs for Nature funding for a portfolio of projects that will create ‘game changing’ gains for nature and communities across Northland/Te Tai Tokerau as part of the Government’s acceleration of the economic recovery from COVID. “This portfolio of 12 projects will see over $20 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Third COVID-19 vaccine receives provisional approval
    New Zealand’s regulatory authority Medsafe has granted provisional approval of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 18 years of age and older, Acting Minister for COVID-19 Response Dr Ayesha Verrall announced today. New Zealand secured 7.6 million doses (enough for 3.8 million people) of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Bowel-cancer screening programme is saving lives
    More than 1000 New Zealanders have had bowel cancer – New Zealand’s second-most-common cause of death from cancer - detected under the Government’s National Bowel Screening Programme, Health Minister Andrew Little said today. More than 1200 New Zealanders died from bowel cancer in 2017. The screening programme aims to save ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Govt welcomes draft report on the retail grocery sector
    The Commerce Commission’s draft report into the retail grocery sector is being welcomed by Government as a major milestone. “I asked the Commerce Commission to look at whether this sector is as competitive as it could be and today it has released its draft report for consultation,” Commerce and Consumer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Christchurch’s Youth Hub ‘set to go’ thanks to further Government funding
    Construction of New Zealand’s first, purpose-built centre for youth well-being is ready to get underway thanks to an extra $2.5 million of COVID-19 response funding, Housing Minister and Associate Minister of Finance, Megan Woods announced today.  “The Christchurch Youth Hub is about bringing together all the things young people need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Next step to protect Milford Sound Piopiotahi
    Expert group lays out plan to better protect iconic UNESCO World Heritage site Milford Sound Piopiotahi and its surrounds Funding confirmed for dedicated unit and Establishment Board to assess the recommendations and provide oversight of the process from here Milford Opportunities Project a test case for transformational change in tourism ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Funding for projects to reduce waste from construction and demolition
    The Government has announced funding for projects in Auckland and the lower North Island to help reduce construction and demolition waste. “Construction is the main source of waste sent to landfill, and much of this could be reduced, reused and recovered,” Environment Minister David Parker said. “The Government is funding ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech at the launch of the National Hepatitis C Action Plan
    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you Anglesea Pharmacy and Te Manawa Taki for hosting this event. As a doctor, I saw first hand the impact of hepatitis C. I met Moana in 2019; she came to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic at Wellington Hospital having tested positive for hepatitis C. Like ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Plan to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health threat by 2030
    A plan to eliminate hepatitis C in New Zealand, reducing liver cancer and the need for liver transplants, has been released today by Associate Minister of Health Dr Ayesha Verrall. “Around 45,000 New Zealanders have hepatitis C, but only around half know they have it,” said Ayesha Verrall. “Symptoms often ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School upgrades and new classrooms for West Coast, Tasman and Canterbury
    A funding injection from Budget 2021 to complete four shovel ready projects and new classrooms at six schools and kura will provide a real boost to local communities, Minister Dr Megan Woods announced today. “This Government has committed to providing quality fit for purpose learning environments and 100,000 new student ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Warmer Kiwi Homes smashes annual target
    The Government's highly successful insulation and heating programme, Warmer Kiwi Homes, is celebrating a key milestone with the completion of more than 38,000 insulation and efficient heater installs in the year to the end of June, smashing its target of 25,000 installs for the year. “The Warmer Kiwi Homes scheme ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Exemption granted for Wallabies to enter NZ
    Bledisloe Cup rugby will be played in New Zealand after the Australian rugby team received an economic exemption to enter New Zealand. Travel between Australia and New Zealand was suspended on Friday for at least eight weeks following the worsening of the COVID outbreak across the Tasman. New Zealanders have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister of Foreign Affairs makes three diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced three New Zealand Head of Mission appointments. They are: Mike Walsh as Ambassador to Iran Michael Upton as Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Kevin Burnett as Ambassador to Indonesia Iran “Aotearoa New Zealand has a long-standing and constructive relationship with Iran, despite a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Enhanced Task Force Green Approved for West Coast and Marlborough
    The Government has activated Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to the West Coast and Marlborough floods, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “To assist with the clean-up, up to $500,000 will be made available to support the recovery in Buller and Marlborough which has experienced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Govt support for upgrade of Eden Park players facilities
    Minister for Sport and Recreation Hon Grant Robertson has announced funding to upgrade the players facilities at Eden Park ahead of upcoming Women’s World Cup events. Eden Park is a confirmed venue for the Rugby World Cup 2021, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, and a proposed venue for matches of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Older posts

Older posts