Polls and the search for meaning

Written By: - Date published: 12:08 pm, June 26th, 2013 - 80 comments
Categories: polls - Tags:

Imagine if, five times in 18 months, I stuck my head out the window on a random day, made a guess of the temperature that was 95% likely to be 3 degrees or less too high or too low and, then, extrapolated climate change data from my results. You would laugh at me: too much chance and margin of error, not enough data points. Still, that doesn’t stop the Herald.

And you can see why they’ve got to make a big deal of their polls: these things cost tens of thousands of dollars each. You’re talking months of a journalist’s salary for a single poll. So, no matter what it says, it’s going to be a bloody story – a series of stories if possible.

Here, for comparison, is the Roy Morgan results post-election beside the Herald’s (the big dots).

roy morgan polls plus herald

You can see two things – first, the Herald consistently puts National much higher than the Roy Morgan. Second, there just aren’t enough data points to hang a trend off for the Herald. If I put in the error bars as well, you would see that we can’t have a clue who is going up or down or staying still just relying on the Herald. The Roy Morgan, on the other hand, gives us 34 polls since the election and even that is only just enough to really tell us there’s a trend, not just statistical noise. (it’s tempting, almost instinctive, to say the Herald’s trend is divergent from the Roy Morgan trend but you have to pull yourself back and say ‘no, there can be no trend in the Herald’s numbers’)

The irony, of course, is that you see journalists poo-pooing the Roy Morgan for always ‘jumping around’. In fact, jumping around is what polls do – the same population with the same views could return polls taken at the same time with party results that are 4,5,6% different and it wouldn’t mean a thing – that’s just what happens when you ask 750 people a question and then try to extrapolate from that what over 2 million voters think. The irregular polls like the Herald jump around just as much as the Roy Morgan but, because you see them less often, you tend to put more meaning behind those movements.

80 comments on “Polls and the search for meaning ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Stan 1
    26 June 2013 at 12:21 pm

    You have put my mind at ease, thank you

  2. Rogue Trooper 2
    26 June 2013 at 12:37 pm

    Here is the relevant Herald article;
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893025
    -Labour “down” 5.5
    -Shearer “down” 6.1
    -31.8% support for CUNLIFFE as alternative Leader.
    -NZ1 rise benefitting from “older voters”; there is that conservative, older influence.

    Both Labour and National would be able to form a government.

    As an aside, I had the privilege of a 10 minute korero with Hone Harawira this morning; a cautious man (photo of the Rogue taken with him and whanau).He and Te Hamua have been on the ground (including in Maraenui) with sausage sizzles and “feeling out the electorate”.

    Word: from whanau at the Health Centre- “Mana cracking it in Gizzy and Wairoa, split between Labour and Mana in HB, Green candidiate making hay from Masterton south”.-Charmaine.

  3. Lanthanide 3
    26 June 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Roy Morgan doesn’t poll “preferred prime minister”, which is obviously a separate, and interesting, indicator compared to party vote.

    Shearer hasn’t done very well in PPM. That is worth talking about.

    • Rich 3.1
      26 June 2013 at 1:03 pm

      Why? We don’t elect a prime minister.

      (and if they ask preferred PM or any other questions before the “how would you vote”, that will distort the result).

      • Lanthanide 3.1.1
        26 June 2013 at 3:17 pm

        “Why? We don’t elect a prime minister.”

        And yet Key’s immense popularity is routinely cited, here and elsewhere, as being one of National’s best assets.

    • DS 3.2
      26 June 2013 at 2:05 pm

      Preferred PM always disproportionately favours the incumbent. Muldoon led Lange in 1984, and Shipley led Clark in 1999 on the Preferred PM stakes. Combine that with the fact that any Labour Government in 2014 will be heavily reliant on a solid Green vote (as opposed to a strong Labour vote), and it is hardly surprising that Shearer polls low in that poll.

  4. James 4
    26 June 2013 at 12:51 pm

    You are right. Nothing to worry about. Labour is heading in the right direction.

    • Jimmie 4.1
      26 June 2013 at 1:10 pm

      +1 and Shearer is doing an outstanding job as ‘leader’ long may he continue lol

      • AmaKiwi 4.1.1
        26 June 2013 at 1:50 pm

        @ James

        “Nothing to worry about. Labour is heading in the right direction.” I presume that’s a direct quote from John Key.

        Preferred PM: Key is preferred 5 to 1 over Shearer.

        If you have ever canvassed door-to-door, you know people vote personalities more than parties.

        The Shearer experiment has failed and with it the Left’s chances of winning the next election.

      • lurgee 4.1.2
        29 June 2013 at 11:55 am

        Typical straw man. it is a concern that Labour seem unable to break beyond the low 30s. But that isn’t really down to the leader. It’s reflective of a deeper ennui in the party, and the (rather unpleasant) fact that many New Zealanders actually like John Key and don’t mind his buddies in government. And a huge part of the problem is the refusal of the anti-Shearer faction to accept that he won under the rules that every one agreed too, and thier man didn’t.

        I’m going to go out on a limb and suggest constant schisming about leadership isn’t going to achieve much. I wanted Cunliffe to win, he didn’t, I’m living with it as disunity will only produce another National government. Move on.

        Look to Australia if you want a model – the Labor party there are now celebrating that they might only get a thorough thrashing in the election, instead of an absolute hiding. Wooo, and indeed, hooo.

        I don’t particularly want another three years of National. I think we’ll get that, however, unless we can move the ‘Labour leadership questions’ out of the headlines. It would be great if Shearer could do something positive to help with that; but others need to stop the Rudding from the sidelines, unless we want to be totally Gillarded.

        Incidentally, I don’t think lumping the Labour and Green vote together is particularly wise. I think the Greens would be very cautious about entering into a coalition with a Labour party that won less than 35% of the vote. It would be despised by the electorate and both would likely be punished at the next election. Not many minor coalition partners profit from being in government. The Greens have done very well by staying out and offering ‘constructive opposition’ when Labour were in power. Why would they chance that strategy for the baubles of office? Their 12% is NOT Labour’s to command.

  5. Santi 5
    26 June 2013 at 1:06 pm

    True: polls are meaningless. Shearer to stay as leader and win the election, yeah right.
    Bring back Cunliffe.

  6. Molly 6
    26 June 2013 at 1:10 pm

    I notice that whenever comments are warranted… NZ Herald fails to allocate the capacity to do so. Audrey Young columns are usually a case in point.

  7. Chrissy 7
    26 June 2013 at 1:16 pm

    I have noticed that since mr bojangles,our honourable song and dance man, has been getting a lot of positive press in the media and still increasing,while David Shearer is only interviewed when he is in a negative position that bojangles goes up in the polls.Not long a go when bo wasn’t getting a lot of air in the press the polls were creeping up in favour of the Opposition. It is said that perception is reality and this seems to be the case here as bojangles is re-establishing his man for (fools?) the people ably enabled by an indolent fawning media.Getting very tired of having to watch his daily missives to “the people of new zillund” which is mainly made up of the forcible ejection of the contents of a bulls stomach through it’s nether region.

    • TightyRighty 7.1
      26 June 2013 at 1:38 pm

      Chrissy, If david shearer and labour weren’t so incompetent, National wouldn’t look so awesome. It’s not the media, it’s not the public, it’s labour. So i hope you have a strong constitution.

    • lurgee 7.2
      29 June 2013 at 11:58 am

      ” (fools?) the people”

      Nice attitude there, Chrissy. With that sort of contemptuous mein, you can look forward to a long stint on the opposition benches.

      Has it not occurred to you that, perhaps, the electorate are not fools and are quite cannily rejected in disunited, tired labour party that consistently fails to renew, reinvent and reinvigorate itself?

  8. gobsmacked 8
    26 June 2013 at 1:31 pm

    David Shearer is only interviewed when he is in a negative position that bojangles goes up in the polls

    Rubbish. David Shearer is interviewed regularly on TV3 Firstline, TVNZ, Radio Live, Newstalk ZB, bFM, Hauraki, Rhema, every other radio station … plus stand-ups in Parliament, by-election, etc. Google and ye shall find.

    The content of the interviews is the problem. That’s why left-leaning blogs don’t link to them, but Labour’s opponents do, with glee.

  9. Peter 9
    26 June 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Anything to distract from the real issue – David Shearer’s performance?

    • Colonial Viper 9.1
      26 June 2013 at 2:03 pm

      Uh, guitar performance? BBQ performance? Reading performance?

      What Labour really need to do to win over middle NZ (thanks John Armstrong) is to bash some more beneficiaries and tell people that benefit cuts and the introduction of workfare are needed to provide the lazy people with incentives to work. (This seems to be the UK Labour approach).

  10. McFlock 10
    26 June 2013 at 1:38 pm

    I would have thought that after years of this, some folk would have figured out exactly what the “Banks/brown neck and neck” digipoll and the reid research polls are good for: conservative media commentators who want to plug the tory line.

    • AmaKiwi 10.1
      26 June 2013 at 1:56 pm

      @ McFlock

      I campaigned for my father when I was 12 years old and was stuffing letter boxes when I was 14. I have a lifetime of activism for left causes. I’ve heard, met, and followed Shearer for nearly 2 years. I would NEVER vote for him.

      Face reality. Shearer is NOT leadership material.

      • McFlock 10.1.1
        26 June 2013 at 2:28 pm

        That’s your opinion. I know labour members who differ.
        Somewhat irrelevant to the point about polls like reid research and digipoll, though.

      • Transient Viper 10.1.2
        26 June 2013 at 8:02 pm

        You’re just a NACT shill.

    • Colonial Viper 10.2
      26 June 2013 at 2:01 pm

      Underlying Labour support continues to sit around 32%. This poll merely reinforces that point.

      • Rhinocrates 10.2.1
        26 June 2013 at 2:22 pm

        If you turn the graphs upside down they look good. You know, maybe all the statisticians have them the wrong way up.

        Even if that’s the case, even the most delusional, surely, who talks about “just scraping over the finish line”, would realise that with a corrupt, cynical, bumbling, scandal-ridden government, there should be a clear trend showing disenchantment… but there isn’t, no matter what chemicals you ingest.

        Labour’s caucus – it’s front bench and Mumblefuck in particular – are simply not credible as an opposition or government in waiting.

        There is no guarantee that they will implement the policy hard-working party members (not “followers”) have sweated so much to create. At the last conference those members were bullied, the Sky City fiasco show the most shallow complacent, solipsistic appreciation of the real issues by the superannuated Rogernomes and their Mini-Mes (Hipkins and Ardern) that dominate the caucus and who’d rather have the best deck chairs at the bottom of the North Atlantic than sail into New York Second Class.

        However nice their policy is, however much I still admire Greater Labour, I have no confidence that the ABC Club will be willing or able to actually implement any of that policy.

        And don’t underestimate the wider public. Indeed, it’s quite insulting, and against core Labour principles, to see them as “sheeple”?, surely? Never think of the electorate as idiots. They can smell incompetence and insincerity a parsec away. Underestimating them cost 800 000 votes in 2011.

        They may not like NACT and their lapdog MP, but they don’t see a government in waiting, and even if we don’t elect the PM directly, campaigning styles are increasingly quasi-Presidential anyway, and omitting Goff from advertising was seen as a big mistake in 2011.

        So the Tory media are against us. Awwww, Diddums, mwah mwah, let Mummy kiss it better, don’t worry, it’s another day tomorrow and so on. If saying “the Tory media are against us” makes you feel better now, will it make you actually, really, materially better in 2015?

        Or do you expect things to be much, much better in say, yet another six months?

        I predict that in late 2014 there are going to be a lot of freshly-painted roofs.

        Eh, obviously that’s not aimed at you, CV.

        • Rogue Trooper 10.2.1.1
          26 June 2013 at 2:36 pm

          mmmm, delectable Rhinocrates.

          • Rhinocrates 10.2.1.1.1
            26 June 2013 at 4:26 pm

            I really, really wish that I was wrong. Hope that I am. Another three years of these alleged people in charge will be a disaster.

            That is why I am so… disparaging towards the ABC Club. Are they going to allow that to happen, will they blindly facilitate the same?

            Dear God, no. They’ve got to do better. No “scraping by”, no “wait another six months.”

            • Rogue Trooper 10.2.1.1.1.1
              26 June 2013 at 4:38 pm

              It is already a ‘disaster’; any fule know dat, time to up the DPS coverage; and yes John, given the chance, on the wrong day, in a heart-beat, without blinking, be doin’ us all a favour in the long run, ‘though many may not see it quite at the moment. 😎 , now, who was that man’s name we used to see graffited all over Wellington concrete for his attempt on the Wanganui computer…hmmm.(and yes, the Rogue will be in Wellington come spring-time.) 😉

      • McFlock 10.2.2
        26 June 2013 at 2:29 pm

        @ CV
        keep telling yourself that.

        • Colonial Viper 10.2.2.1
          26 June 2013 at 6:33 pm

          I see the true mean of Labour support as being around 32% currently.

          You might get a 30.5% poll result one time, you might get a 33.5% poll result another, but this just hovers around 32% or so, where the true mean sits.

          • McFlock 10.2.2.1.1
            26 June 2013 at 9:52 pm

            wishful thinking by the chicken littles.

            • Colonial Viper 10.2.2.1.1.1
              27 June 2013 at 3:12 am

              ?

              You’re the one with the clear case of wishful thinking. The poll data over the last year supports it. A true mean of circa 32% support for Labour. The election result next year should come in around that level (+/- 3% I’d say)

              • McFlock …
                27 June 2013 at 12:06 pm

                you’re predicting 29% is in the ballpark of the likely Labour vote in 2014?

                I’d put the lower bound at least five percent higher, with the greens at 14% or so.

                • Sir Cullen's Sidekick …
                  28 June 2013 at 4:02 pm

                  Agree McFlock. Labour will get around 34% on election night, Greens will be around 14% and NZ First will be 6%. So a Centre-left government will be in place. So no need to worry about all these rouge polls.

  11. jaymam 11
    26 June 2013 at 2:32 pm

    I suspect that polling done by phoning people up is getting less and less accurate. I used to work for a statistical research company, and one thing that used to be done was to ask a number of unrelated questions in order to determine whether a good balance of respondents were chosen. E.g. if they were all elderly males that watched Coronation Street, we would want to poll some more people.

    In order to phone random phone numbers, some companies probably still use a program that I personally gave them. It has a table for the ranges of all phone numbers in each exchange. I would not be surprised if the table has never been updated. In that case, the phone numbers on the outskirts of cities such as Auckland will never be rung. I’d say those people would mostly be left-wing supporters. In addition, many poorer people don\t have landlines any more, and have a cell phone for emergencies. Some companies claim to poll cellphones but I don’t believe them.

    I note with interest that one polling company is distancing themselves from the person that started that company, and that person is still polling (very badly) using a similar name.

    • Lanthanide 11.1
      26 June 2013 at 3:22 pm

      “and one thing that used to be done was to ask a number of unrelated questions in order to determine whether a good balance of respondents were chosen. E.g. if they were all elderly males that watched Coronation Street, we would want to poll some more people.”

      But what if, in reality, 80% of all elderly males do actually watch coronation street? If you go deliberately out of your way, and end up with a sample of elderly males, of whom only 30% watch coronation street, then you have in fact distorted your random sample, without being able to tell if you did or not.

    • Armchair Critic 11.2
      26 June 2013 at 8:02 pm

      Roy Morgan call cellphones. I know because they called me and asked me about my political preferences last week.

      • jaymam 11.2.1
        26 June 2013 at 9:39 pm

        How about the pollsters that always show National much higher than Roy Morgan? Do they call cellphones?

  12. Chooky 12
    26 June 2013 at 2:53 pm

    With David Cunliffe as leader of the Labour Party it could potentially get 50% of the vote…..this would leave the Greens as their major coalition support party and Wini and Mana as its side boat fellow travelling floatilla

    Just think what a fantastic NZ we could have then!

    Just think how many traditional Labour voters would return to Labour!

    • valid point 12.1
      26 June 2013 at 3:00 pm

      Country would be bankrupt in 18 months…

      • Colonial Viper 12.1.1
        26 June 2013 at 3:54 pm

        Well it’s morally bankrupt now, so what’s the difference?

      • One Anonymous Knucklehead 12.1.2
        26 June 2013 at 3:56 pm

        Yes, because Labour led governments always run up huge deficits, don’t they? And GDP always falls under Labour led governments. Doesn’t it?

        No, wait, maybe the problem is you’re talking drivel.

        • Akldnut 12.1.2.1
          26 June 2013 at 4:40 pm

          At the incredible deficit we run at we’re already only inches from bankruptcy VP you idiot

      • Rhinocrates 12.1.3
        26 June 2013 at 4:35 pm

        Um, the rule of the banksters and their ideology actually did ruin the world’s economy.

        Can you describe the stone you’ve been living under? Was it sedimentary, basalt or metamorphic rock veined with quartz?

    • Peter 12.2
      26 June 2013 at 3:00 pm

      That will be precisely why Grant Robertson and others don’t want Cunliffe in the leadership. Better to retain control of the losing side than lose control of the winning side.

      • Rhinocrates 12.2.1
        26 June 2013 at 4:40 pm

        Well, you know, there are lots of interesting fish and isopods down there on the seafloor. The bacteria that create “rusticles” are fascinating, and you’ll have celebrities like James Cameron visit you to make documentaries. Who’d remember the Titanic if it hadn’t sunk. Not that it ever will of course. It’s destined to sail into the harbour because “normal voting patterns will resume”, as Liane Dalziel put it.

        Oh God, I want to be wrong… but not only about the result, about the ability and method.

    • Winston Smith 12.3
      26 June 2013 at 3:39 pm

      Potentially 50%?!?!?! Uh huh

    • Treetop 12.4
      26 June 2013 at 4:18 pm

      What you say makes a lot of sense as one coalition partner would be ideal as it would give stability. The old saying “too many cooks spoil the broth” this saying can also be applied to the number of leaders in the Labour Party.

      Who is really the leader of the Labour Party?

  13. tsmithfield 13
    26 June 2013 at 3:11 pm

    The herald poll is obviously one that has been slipping under the radar so far as Nats4Shearer is concerned. We need to be targeting that poll as well to make sure that there is no risk of Shearer being removed as leader of the LP. 🙂

    • Winston Smith 13.1
      26 June 2013 at 3:41 pm

      shearer is the best and only option for Labour heading into the next election (and preferably the one after that)

  15. Rich the other 15
    26 June 2013 at 4:13 pm

    We all know the Nat’s will easily win the next election , the only question is , will they need a coalition partner ?.

    Probably not but if they do they have a new option , LABOUR.

    I’ve got to say , it just keeps getting better, enjoy.

    • Rogue Trooper 15.1
      26 June 2013 at 4:40 pm

      wotta load of rubbish, unless you’re a closet sub, which you appear to be Rich the other.

  16. Sir Cullen's Sidekick 16
    26 June 2013 at 4:33 pm

    The day you pull your head from your backside is the day you will realise there is a problem with Labour and take measures to address that. There is no point is showing funny graphs to hide the very fact that Shearer is not a popular leader and is doing more harm to the Labour brand than any of his predecessors.

    • gobsmacked 16.1
      26 June 2013 at 7:03 pm

      This will go over your head SCS, but … it is actually possible to be critical of Shearer AND critical of the reporting of polls.

      In 2011 all the polls were wrong AND Labour’s performance was poor. That’s why National are relying on Dunne (every 2011 poll said they wouldn’t need him) and why we’re pissed off with Labour’s failure to capitalise.

      I realize such nuances are beyond you (coz finking 2 fings at same time ooh brain hurts1!11!1) but there it is.

      • Transient Viper 16.1.1
        26 June 2013 at 8:07 pm

        If you’re not for Shearer, you’re not for Labour, and you’re not for the Left. Don’t try and spin it any other way.

        We need to show solidarity.

        • Sir Cullen's Sidekick 16.1.1.1
          28 June 2013 at 4:05 pm

          I have Labour’s best interests in mind. If a Labour resurgence can be caused by a cardboard cut out, I will vote for that cardboard cut out.

  17. Akldnut 17
    26 June 2013 at 4:47 pm

    WTH I’m sure the herald pollsters are walking down Queen St polling anyone in a suit, thats the only way they’d get a dodgy poll like this IMO.

    • Sir Cullen's Sidekick 17.1
      26 June 2013 at 8:00 pm

      Yes agreed. This poll is a dodgy one. Let us continue in the same way and sleep walk to victory in 2014.

    • Colonial Viper 17.2
      27 June 2013 at 1:31 am

      Or sitting in a Parnell cafe taking a “random sample” of nearby punters.

  18. infused 18
    26 June 2013 at 5:00 pm

    I think you need to take out a hit on Shearer…

    I kid… but you really need to get rid of him. I said right at the beginning he was the best thing for National. Right on that one.

    • Rogue Trooper 18.1
      26 June 2013 at 5:07 pm

      some truth in that, one has to conceed, although, he does has have his moments, Shearer is not the one in ‘The Mechanics’ sights! (let them choke on some pies and Penthouse over that exclaimation). You cannot arrest an idea.

    • Boadicea 18.2
      26 June 2013 at 10:40 pm

      No need to “take out a $&@’ , Infused 18
      Grand Roberstson has been putting bromide in Shearer’s tea for two years.

      • Colonial Viper 18.2.1
        27 June 2013 at 1:38 am

        Watch what goes into that tea water. Chlorine fine. Bromide fine. Fluoride no. 😈

  19. Just do it 19
    26 June 2013 at 7:36 pm

    This does not have to be hard.
    This poll is a concern and the flatness of the past polls is a concern. Between now and the spring the Caucus need to reform itself dramatically. It is possible.
    As Toby Manhire suggested in the Herald last week “..the promotion of an MP who had served his time would project strength, evidence of the leader’s vaunted experience in conciliation..”
    I’d add to that the early retirement of Goff, King and Mallard coupled with the appointment of new managers in Shearer’s office who are NOT selected by Grant Robertson. Shearer has to stop what he is currently doing. It is not working. He needs to create a new team.

    Cunliffe seems to be more focused than ever on his portfolio. He continues to show that he can engage with business people and issues as well as with the workers, consumers and the disenfranchised. His recent contributions to debates in Parliament show he is more centered than ever. Cunliffe looks like a guy who has learned from whatever was done to him last year. He has demonstrated that he can swallow a rat, and get on with folk in the beltway as well a burbs.
    Shearer has the choice: to continue as is or to make a change.
    Go on Shearer, make the necessary changes, now, refresh and position yourself to get our score out of the low 30s and into the 40s.
    Your last chance.

    • Anne 19.1
      26 June 2013 at 9:47 pm

      Well said Just do it, but I’m afraid recent history suggests your wise advice – and those of others here – will continue to be ignored.

  20. Tom 20
    26 June 2013 at 9:16 pm

    Hahahahahahahah absolutely incredible!

  21. Paul 21
    27 June 2013 at 5:55 am

    I think Labour should get rid of Shearer. However, I also think Labour should not be driven by polls.
    The right wing corporate media will only highlight polls when the Tories are doing well.
    This poll has gained far more publicity than many others. The corporate media uses polls to persuade citizens it’s not worth voting.
    It’s just one weapon in the armoury of the neo-liberal regime.

    • Brett Dale 21.1
      27 June 2013 at 10:30 pm

      Paul:

      Then how come, a couple of polls back, which should Labour going up and National going down, was the lead story on stuff and nzherald, and lead tvnz one news?

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-18T10:16:12+00:00