Open Mike 28/04/2017

Written By: - Date published: 6:00 am, April 28th, 2017 - 48 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 …

48 comments on “Open Mike 28/04/2017 ”

  • Comments are now closed

  2. saveNZ 2
    28 April 2017 at 8:57 am

    Sounds like reasonable requests, unless there is to be a cover up…

    Pike River families reject Solid Energy plan for re-entering mine

    “We have been dictated to and our opinion doesn’t matter,” said Anna Osborne, who lost her husband Milton in the mine.

    She said their requests were reasonable. They wanted a deadline for the work to be undertaken, to have their own experts on site during any operations, and to get access to any footage of the mine held by Solid Energy or police.”

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11846385

  3. saveNZ 3
    28 April 2017 at 9:04 am

    Gosh! stop press, an article in Granny has signs of dissent on the government’s rhetoric. (Probably drove to work that day, and hearing Joyce’s chest beating on National’s incredible infrastructure, sent him over the edge).

    Barry Soper: Construction workforce not big enough

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11846471

  4. joe90 4
    28 April 2017 at 9:13 am

    So, the Macedonian parliament elected an Albanian as speaker.

    http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39738865

    Re #Macedonia. If bare chested hooligans are easier to spot among "the people" than women, it's a right wing coup not a revolution. pic.twitter.com/DCZ5NrnIfk— Jasmin Mujanović (@JasminMuj) April 27, 2017

    Former Amb. of #Macedonia to US and Netherlands fearful of a full on coup d'etat tonight. A catastrophic development for whole of #Balkans. https://t.co/17z1RIbuqX— Jasmin Mujanović (@JasminMuj) April 27, 2017

    .@BalkanInsight One of the guys who stormed #Macedonia's parliament today is wearing a HOS shirt; a Croatian far-right paramilitary. Extremist solidarity?! pic.twitter.com/BmyRfqp5dr— Jasmin Mujanović (@JasminMuj) April 27, 2017

    #Macedonia .

    • joe90 4.1
      28 April 2017 at 10:01 am

      Talking points are out.
      /

      Land-locked #Macedonia in peril; partially due to #Soros funding and fueling socialist … #Lockhimup.@realDonaldTrump https://t.co/vCqRC3V3jh— Ann Marie Whalen (@whalen_annmarie) April 27, 2017

      Russia accused Albania, NATO and the European Union on Thursday of trying to impose a pro-Albanian government on Macedonia, gripped by political crisis.

      A day earlier Macedonia’s President Gjorge Ivanov refused to allow a coalition of Social Democrats and parties representing the country’s big ethnic Albanian minority to form a government because of their pledge to allow wider official use of the Albanian language.

      Ivanov’s move, made during protests of Macedonians against the coalition in the capital Skopje and towns where ethnic Macedonians are a majority, was criticized by the European Union.

      “With active cooperation of the EU and NATO officials, an ‘Albanian platform’ created in Tirana, in the office of the (Albanian) prime minister, is being imposed on Macedonians,” a statement by the Russian foreign ministry said on Thursday.

      http://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-macedonia-idUSKBN169262

      • Bill 4.1.1
        28 April 2017 at 11:08 am

        That reuters piece is largely referring to wider and historical political positions and is from March the 3rd.

        So not about yesterday’s election or appointment of an Albanian speaker – or the reaction to it.

        • joe90 4.1.1.1
          28 April 2017 at 11:12 am

          Yes Bill, I know when it was reported.

          Did you miss the / below my talking points jibe?.

    • Bill 4.2
      28 April 2017 at 10:04 am

      A smallish group of violent and fairly clueless old farts and bigots who ‘lucked it’ and got into the parliament? Or something more serious?

      At the moment, in spite of all the arm waving coming from some quarters who’re going for “the sky’s falling in” scenario, I’m thinking the former.

  5. joe90 5
    28 April 2017 at 9:31 am

    Can a mod dig out my earlier post about the violent storming of the Macedonian parliament. The machine ate it.

    Utterly terrible scenes as a mob attacks Radmila Sekerinska of LSDM. Inside the Parliament. #Macedonia pic.twitter.com/AfiMMxefft— Xhemajl Rexha (@xhemajl_rexha) April 27, 2017

    #Macedonia

    [done]

  6. Morrissey 6
    28 April 2017 at 9:50 am

    Noam Chomsky: “The Republican Party is the
    most dangerous organization in human history”

    “Has there ever been an organisation in human history that is dedicated, with such commitment, to the destruction of organised human life on Earth?”

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/noam-chomsky-republican-party-most-dangerous-organisation-human-history-us-politics-mit-linguist-a7706026.html

  7. Halfcrown 7
    28 April 2017 at 10:24 am

    Another Tui advert by Joyce for this incompetent pack of shit of a government.

    “This Government is New Zealand’s infrastructure government,” Yeah Right.

    That’s why they removed the over road bridge on State Highway 4 on the Taumarunui to Stratford line for the trucking lobby, so bigger trucks can go down this road cutting off the rail to the centre of the King Country. A real bit of future proofing that eh. (My comment)

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/politics/news/article.cfm?c_id=280&objectid=11846472

    • mary_a 7.1
      28 April 2017 at 2:22 pm

      @ Halfcrown (7) … yes, I read that piece and for a moment there, I thought Steven Joyce had resorted to doing stand up comedy! Then I realised it’s election year and he’s spewing the usual misinformation (read fraudulent lies/bullshit)! Bet he’s got a sore gut, because that one would have taken some retching to throw up!

  8. adam 8
    28 April 2017 at 10:53 am

    Funny how the Panama Papers keep giving and giving. Anyone would think that we have this corrupt government hell bent on helping the insanely wealthy feed that particular insanity.

    http://i.stuff.co.nz/business/world/91999096/malta-scandal-exposes-new-zealand-trusts-again

    • John up North 8.1
      28 April 2017 at 2:19 pm

      Love how the caption under FJK’s pic implies he leapt into action to get to the bottom of any possible skulduggery by loosing the IRD dogs on the first whiff of any impropriety. We all know the truth of the fact, deny, deny, deny – deflect then when the rat was finally cornered, a toothless inquiry by a hand picked yes man and a long drawn out process to make cotton wool changes that as the news item implies….. do fuck all to stop these thieving bastards!

  9. joe90 9
    28 April 2017 at 10:59 am

    I guess the premium that the law placed on the vulnerability of children versus the “exceptional circumstances” applies to the right people like me.
    /

    His father eventually found him but failed to contact emergency services immediately.

    Justice Sally Fitzgerald entered manslaughter convictions and issued a first strike against the pair.

    Neil’s lawyer Roger Laybourn said his client had never tried to minimise his failings.

    “He knows it will haunt him for the rest of his life, he’s devastated,” Laybourn said.

    The pair were on bail and would reappear in the Rotorua High Court in May for sentencing.

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/91998393/parents-plead-guilty-to-manslaughter-after-son-dies-in-hot-car-in-rotorua

    • McFlock 9.1
      28 April 2017 at 11:26 am

      not sure I take that message from the article – they’ve yet to be sentenced.

      • joe90 9.1.1
        28 April 2017 at 11:36 am

        they’ve yet to be sentenced

        .

        The good ****** from Whanganui was discharged without conviction because exceptional circumstances.

        • McFlock 9.1.1.1
          28 April 2017 at 11:49 am

          oh, missed your first link. Fatigue was a contributing factor in the other one?

          Also, note two parents sharing charge of sprog at dwelling vs one parent forgetting to drop sprog at daycare.

          I mean, I’d be surprised if they got ten years apiece, but different circumstances get judged accordingly. Except by McCroskie, of course – but he’s a known jerk.

          • joe90 9.1.1.1.1
            28 April 2017 at 11:54 am

            Fatigue was a contributing factor in the other one?

            Power couple and as everyone knows, a power couple’s fatigue is exceptional fatigue.

            • McFlock 9.1.1.1.1.1
              28 April 2017 at 12:13 pm

              Yeah whatever dude.

              Exceptional or otherwise, fatigue wasn’t mentioned in the BoP incident. and there were two of them there at the time.

    • saveNZ 9.2
      28 April 2017 at 4:20 pm

      @Joe, Yep I wondered about if that was a ‘class’ decision. Other parents do not get a criminal conviction when this happens and there was the prosecution of the father with the quad bike who was also found not guilty.

      The parents pleaded guilty, so saved a trial and the father apparently did not even know the child was in the car. Yep they did not call 111 straight away probably because the child was already dead.

      Maybe because they were ‘young’, ‘maori’ and ‘poor’, the book is being thrown at them.

      Anyway I felt for them losing their child like that.

      You wonder what the point of jail time would be. They are no danger to the community. They have already had the worse thing happen.

  10. ianmac 10
    28 April 2017 at 11:00 am

    Bryan Gould gets stuck into the ignorance of Don Brash. How do Banks create money?
    His last line is a bit naughty:
    “That concern is surely heightened if a former Governor seems not to understand what is really happening.”
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=11845670

  11. gsays 11
    28 April 2017 at 11:40 am

    Quite revealing on rnz this am, release of a report into banking practices, hard selling ‘products’ to customers.
    The listener feedback damning.

    I wonder if any/many other ‘news’ outlets will place much emphasis on this story?

  12. Muttonbird 12
    28 April 2017 at 12:01 pm

    How indeed is rental housing not an election issue?

    http://thewireless.co.nz/articles/the-pencilsword-what-about-the-renters

    The Greens are the only ones serious about this.

  13. Molly 13
    28 April 2017 at 12:29 pm

    Bloody beer ads… I thought I was over them long ago.

    But this latest from Heineken is worth a watch.

    (Don’t know if it is staged – Heineken assures that it isn’t – but essentially this is an ad)

    • weka 13.1
      28 April 2017 at 12:49 pm

      They need to do a follow up ad 😉

      I can see them all having a beer, except the cc denier. How do you find common ground there?

      • Molly 13.1.1
        28 April 2017 at 1:34 pm

        I have an unlikely friend, ardent ACT supporter and strong Christian beliefs, whom I enjoy talking to because we do get to discuss our opposing viewpoints without falling into personal insults and open warfare…

        We don’t often get the chance to meet up, but she surprised me on her last visit with her dismay over Trumps election – and almost just as quickly reaffirmed our political disparity by referring to John Key’s great leadership.

        I don’t know what it is, but I sometimes have better conversations with her about politics than with others who are on my side of the political divide.

        (If I can bottle it, I’ll slap a Heineken sticker on it, and produce a follow up ad.)

        • weka 13.1.1.1
          28 April 2017 at 1:39 pm

          That makes sense. I’ve had some good conversations with people with very different politics too. I’m not sure what happens after that though. Are we really any closer to working together or making the world a better place?

          • Molly 13.1.1.1.1
            28 April 2017 at 3:56 pm

            Two other friends – ten years ago – were not interested in climate change. One is now a regular partner in marches and has submitted on select committee hearings for deep sea oil – the other – just busy getting on with her life.

            I don’t know if it makes much of a difference, being able to talk. Although, it helps if you have a mutual liking before you start, but I can recognise some changes even if they are small. Denying climate change costs you nothing, but accepting it – and the issues it carries with acceptance – requires a complete rethink of principles about self, community and successful living. It does not surprise me that many people avoid becoming aware. Is that not true of any truly progressive movement that requires a change to the status quo?

            My own interest in climate change came only after a random pickup of a book at the library – which resulted in a return and a devouring on all books to do with the subject – including the deniers as well as those wanting to inform.

            It seems that there is a noticeable difference in the number of people willing to talk about transition and climate change from ten years ago, and I hope this means that a momentum of knowledge and change is taking place.

            It doesn’t feel as if it is enough to me, but lasting change cannot be forced… and once it has gathered enough momentum – is hard to stop.

            • weka 13.1.1.1.1.1
              28 April 2017 at 6:46 pm

              I think the value in being able to talk is that we need at the very least not to enable the kind of polarising that is going on in some spheres. We need to retain our ability to be human with each other regardless the politics. But in terms of solving big picture problems I don’t know what is possible because I might be able to get on with someone who thinks differently but when we go to vote we are still reliant on a system that will allow the mob to decide.

              I took the guy in the vid to be a considered denier as in he’s thought it through and made a decision (I could be wrong). That being different from people who are unaware or shying away from the discomfit or challenge.

              “It seems that there is a noticeable difference in the number of people willing to talk about transition and climate change from ten years ago, and I hope this means that a momentum of knowledge and change is taking place.”

              I think so too, and that we need to focus on the people that want to change. The deniers are in the minority now and soon there will be significant social condemnation of that stance.

              “It doesn’t feel as if it is enough to me, but lasting change cannot be forced… and once it has gathered enough momentum – is hard to stop.”

              Ae, this is where my hope is. That we will reach a tipping point and then its game on with the small amount of time we have left.

        • Bill 13.1.1.2
          28 April 2017 at 6:25 pm

          I don’t know what it is, but I sometimes have better conversations with her about politics than with others who are on my side of the political divide.

          Genuine curiosity – how much of that do you reckon might be down to an authoritarian/non authoritarian divide as opposed to the right/left divide that we’re ‘supposed’ to tribally position ourselves around?

          • Molly 13.1.1.2.1
            29 April 2017 at 11:13 am

            TBH Bill I have a suspicion it is more to do with the fact that we are similar in social traits. I fall within the 1-2% of the population according to the Myers-Briggs personality types, and I think she is the same.

            We both take time to articulate our positions to each other, and listen in order to find some sort of common ground. Predisposed to find connection plays a big part. (Our sons are great friends, and we were involved in a couple of committees together over the years.)

            While she is heavily involved in church, her outlook on life is less authoritarian than would be expected. So, I don’t think it is an authoritarian outlook she has, I think it is more that there is a limit to the number of people that she can consciously care about, and make allowances for.

            (But that is only a casual supposition – like me – she is probably the usual mix of life experience, opinion and contradictions.)

  14. Bearded Git 14
    28 April 2017 at 12:45 pm

    My rolling average of the last 4 Roy Morgan’s:

    Lab/Gr 41.3
    Lab/Gr/NZF 50.0
    Nats 45.1
    Nats/ACT/MP 47.8
    Nats/ACT/MP/NZF 56.5

    It’s all down to Winnie.

    If he goes as part of the 4-headed monster it’s 56.5 versus 41.3

    If he goes with the Lab/Gr bloc it’s 50.0 versus 47.8

    Both would give safe majorities, especially as Hone will probably win TTT.

    What is clear is that the Nats are slowly moving down towards 40%…..the English honeymoon is now coming to an end which will exacerbate this.

    • Bearded Git 14.1
      28 April 2017 at 1:13 pm

      Spot the apostrophe error.

    • james 14.2
      28 April 2017 at 2:08 pm

      it could be the cleanest possible Nat / NZF at 53.8 vs the 3-headed monster at 50.

      And there is a big difference between going with a party on 45% than a party in the 20%’s

      • tuppence shrewsbury 14.2.1
        28 April 2017 at 2:26 pm

        No, no, no, no. you fool!

        The great sage WILD KATIPO has pointed out that “You show incredible gullibility in even thinking that Peters will hold ultimate power. Anyone with a modicum of intelligence would know that Peters would support and be part of a Labour led coalition.”

        So it’s impossible that National and NZ First would govern with almost 54% of the cast vote

      • Bearded Git 14.2.2
        28 April 2017 at 3:17 pm

        @James

        Your maths is a little awry…it would be 53.8 versus 44.0 but that would assume ACT went with the Lab/GR bloc so you are all at sea.

        Your point about 45 versus 20’s is also wrong. The Lab/Gr bloc is 41.3. The Nats are 45.1 and the gap is closing.

        Do pay attention.

        • Wayne 14.2.2.1
          28 April 2017 at 3:40 pm

          Bearded Git,

          The public don’t think of Lab/Gr as a single party. So while they may be natural partners, they are two separate parties and the public see them as such.

          Labour need to get into the mid 30’s to regain serious credibility as the lead party in govt. Being in the 20’s won’t cut it.

          Mind you if Labour is in the 20’s, it is then credible for Winston to demand of them that he should be PM, for at least half a term.

          • Bearded Git 14.2.2.1.1
            28 April 2017 at 4:08 pm

            @Wayne

            I agree that it would help the Labour/Green bloc if Labour was above 30%. From memory all of the recent polls have had Labour 29.5 and above and the public is just coming to terms with English as PM. The man who has written NZ’s youth off as drug-addled lazy sods; the guy that voted against gay marriage etc etc .

            In the scenario I paint above if Winston prefers to work with the policies put forward by the Lab/Gr bloc rather than those of Nat/ACT/MP then that would form a stable coalition.

            There is no reason at all to suppose that a party with 30% plus would offer Winston the post of PM. It’s not going to happen. You are just trolling here.

            • Ad 14.2.2.1.1.1
              28 April 2017 at 5:06 pm

              I think PM Winston would be awesome for a term.

              Ardern as Deputy.

              Beauty and the Beast musical.

            • RedBaronCV 14.2.2.1.1.2
              28 April 2017 at 8:02 pm

              It would help if the Greens got 30% too.
              Nor is it impossible for the Greens Plus Winnie to be 30% together – now that would be interesting.

  16. Carolyn_nth 16
    28 April 2017 at 6:09 pm

    Went to a Media Futures conference (Agenda 2020) yesterday and today at AUT.

    Report by Mackenzie Smith about yesterday.

    Today spokespeople from the 4 biggest parties were invited to attend and talk to the conference. Nats didn’t send anyone. Gareth Hughes said this was a pattern of the Nats – they just refuse to engage in such discussions/debates. See this tweet at the hashtag #Agenda2020

    The MPs, or at least Clare Curran, said petitions that get to parliament do get to be discussed in Parliament. She praised the Coalition for Better Broadcasting and Action Station for keeping the public service media issue on the agenda, giving it political coverage and attention.

    Basically they were saying, the parties need us all to keep putting essential issues up for political, and hopefully also media discussion – especially difficult to get such issues given much public discussion these days.

    Academics produced evidence at the conference about the big decline in coverage of political issues in the MSM over the last decade or so. Also evidence shows how NZ is behind other countries like Aussie, the UK and Canada in having real current affairs and political coverage on TV on weekdays, and on demand, on media websites, etc.

    • RedBaronCV 16.1
      28 April 2017 at 8:00 pm

      That would be right – remember election nights – we used to get a bunch of experts, academics, former party members from across the spectrum – a real mix of people and opinions. Now we get Mike Hosking or the off button.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    2 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    24 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-01T05:00:49+00:00