“Post-truth” politics (and false equivalences)

Written By: - Date published: 7:56 am, July 2nd, 2016 - 38 comments
Categories: accountability, john key, national - Tags: , , , , , , ,

John Key and the National government have always attacked facts, scientists, lawyers, journalists and other experts that they don’t like. Just ask Mike Joy, Bradley Ambrose, Jon Stephenson, Rodney Harrison QC and others.

But lately National’s denial of the facts has gone to a whole new level: Inequality not growing, Govt claims. Just as a reminder, the new Statistics NZ report shows that “Wealth distribution in New Zealand is at its most uneven in more than a decade. Statistics New Zealand shows the top 10 per cent of people have almost 60 per cent of wealth … Labour market and household statistics manager Diane Ramsay said it was the biggest divide between the rich and poor since 2003”.

What to make of a government that denies its own official statistics?

Perhaps questions such as this have been puzzling others recently too. Andrea Vance:

Opinion: A post-truth era in politics

We are living in a post-truth era… and it has infected New Zealand politics.

The campaigns of Donald Trump and the Brexiteers have been a triumph of emotional populism over cold, hard facts.

And our MPs are running around the Beehive with their pants on fire. Reporting on politics now feels like dispatches from an alternate universe.

In this distorted reality there are imaginary MSD squads flying in to help the homeless, and new emergency beds that already existed.

There is no evidence that inequality in New Zealand is rising, despite actual evidence on the widening wealth gap from Statistics New Zealand.

And in this brave new era, politicians prefer the anecdotal evidence of café owners over Treasury commissioned reports on the ineffectiveness of the 90-day trial.

The Government can disown previous statements (work trials were never about creating jobs, the foreign trust regime is “world class”, we’ll only be in Iraq for two years).

And serious flaws – such as the Ombudsman’s conclusion that the MFAT leaks inquiry “failed to have proper regard to relevant evidence in making its findings” – were merely “procedural issues” that journalists had “misinterpreted” anyway. …

Claire Trevett:

House antics rather like trial over Queen’s tarts

The release of tax consultant John Shewan’s report into foreign trusts sparked scenes in Parliament reminiscent of the trial to find out who stole the Queen of Heart’s tarts in Alice in Wonderland.
…
Key was the Mad Hatter, trying to insist he had not said things he had said – or at least he had not meant what he was said to have meant when he said them.

The report was effectively confirmation of much that Key had denied was wrong with the foreign trust regime. Shewan found that although New Zealand was not technically a tax haven, the disclosure regime was so weak there was a perception of New Zealand as “generally a soft touch”. He also said while there was no evidence illicit funds were being stashed away, it was reasonable to assume foreign trusts were indeed being used to hide funds or help tax evasion.

Key’s response was to agree to make the changes Shewan had recommended while arguing there was barely a hair-width’s difference between what the report said and what he had said.

Shewan described the disclosure rules as “inadequate” and “not fit for purpose in the context of preserving New Zealand’s reputation”. When Key was asked how this fitted in with his own description of those rules as “broad and deep”, the PM put on his tap shoes and danced up a storm on the head of a pin. …

Vernon Small:

Foreign trust review brings out the worst in our political leaders

… the Prime Minister was blatantly claiming black was lily-white with his continued insistence – against all the facts – that the current rules for foreign trusts is a “full disclosure” regime.
…
Key should acknowledge there is a world of difference between holding information, ready to disclose if asked, and actual disclosure; just as there is gulf between what we have in place for foreign trusts now and what Shewan says we need – which the Government has largely committed to putting in place.

If for no other reason, than that nobody likes being treated as stupid.

Well and good that journalists are starting to pull Key up on his blatant lies (sorry – “post-truth politics”). Would that they had started eight long years ago, when Key was spouting this sort of bullshit unchallenged:

I’ve had nine years of being told what lightbulb I can screw into the house, what shower I can take, what food I can eat, what things I can do, what thoughts I am allowed to have.

Vintage post-truth politics that! The seeds of dirty politics and the “brighter future” that we now inhabit.

But I digress.

The second theme of this post is false equivalence. Each of the three scribes quoted above also writes on Andrew Little’s supposed claim that John Shewan did not request an apology (Shewan had in fact made such a request). The implication in all cases is that Little was lying, and therefore just as bad, just as “post-truth” as Key and the National government. I don’t know what Little was asked, what he knew / remembered, or what he said, but I find it difficult to believe that he decided to simply lie about the matter.

If he did deliberately lie he was of course quite wrong to do so, and it would be a very worrying sign for his leadership. But it would still not be equivalent to, not even the faintest palest shade of equivalent to, the behaviour of this execrable government that lies and denies reflexively and at all levels, and has been doing so for eight long years. Pretending that it is equivalent does no favours to a country that desperately needs a change of government.

38 comments on ““Post-truth” politics (and false equivalences) ”

  • Comments are now closed

  2. Fustercluck 2
    2 July 2016 at 8:47 am

    False equivalence has becom the sin qua non of this and so many reactionary right wing governments. Thank all that is good that we live in a small enough nation that the electorate occasionally has the opportunity, and even more occasionally takes it, to turn the ship of state away from the brink of turning neoliberalism into neofascism. The USA and Eurooe may not be so fortunate.

  3. North 3
    2 July 2016 at 10:03 am

    Key’s “full disclosure” was a deliberate lie.

    Making out he said more or less what Shewan subsequently reported is a deliberate lie.

    Key is an astoundingly irresponsible and cowardly man. No one would recommend him to youngsters as a role model.

    For my part I’d love to accompany him to a few of the pubs I know where this wannabe ‘regular joker’, this wannabe ABs ‘brother’, could disport his “truth” about a range of things.

    He wouldn’t of course because he’s an irresponsible and cowardly man (vernacular – “chickenhawk”) whose first reflex is to hide in lies. In the face of patent realities. Goodness me……..Fran sees it.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11667232

    • RedLogix 3.1
      2 July 2016 at 11:12 am

      For my part I’d love to accompany him to a few of the pubs I know where this wannabe ‘regular joker’, this wannabe ABs ‘brother’, could disport his “truth” about a range of things.

      And therein lies one of the root causes of political collapse, the increasing isolation of the elites from the ordinary people. New Zealand used to be a small enough society that while the privileged and powerful might not be seen at your regular pub every Friday night … they were not entirely absent either.

      In a world absent focus groups, continuous polling, PR hacks and a media ensconced in it’s own thought bubble … in order to build any kind of political mandate all politicians had to mingle.

      My father worked for Muldoon’s accountancy company for a while, and I still recall a family holiday we spent at the famous fibrolite bach in Orewa. (Actually it was more accurately located at the next beach north Hatfields)) It was a very modest and humble affair, surrounded by similar places lived in by other middle-class kiwis. I’m not arguing this made Muldoon an everyman hero, but clearly his home life was something we’d all recognise. Much the same can be said for Muldoon’s working life prior to entering politics.

      Contrast this with Key, most of it spent in a long ascent of the greasy pole that is the arcane world of merchant banking, in places far away from New Zealand; as with his holidays. Ultimately Key’s legions of spin-doctors cannot save him from the fact that he is not one of us, he is not part of New Zealand. He is something foreign grafted onto us.

      • North 3.1.1
        2 July 2016 at 11:35 am

        The elites have had it so well because they all feed off one another. Disgracefully that includes the media elite. Who for their self-interest (and their moral and intellectual sluggishness) applaud whatever lies and questionable tactics the political elite, the executive, calls to its aid. John Key a good joker who cares about ordinary people. Ha !

        • KJT 3.1.1.1
          2 July 2016 at 12:38 pm

          The “Elites” is a contradiction in terms.

          Money launderers, lying politicians, double dippers, cheats, financial finaglers, speculators in ponzi schemes, entitled inheritors of unearned money, beneficiaries of Government corporate welfare schemes, overpaid TV shock jocks, and tax dodgers, are not “Elite”.

          SCUM, rising to the top, more like.

          • Macro 3.1.1.1.1
            2 July 2016 at 3:27 pm

            SCUM, rising to the top, more like.

            My thoughts entirely as well.

            • North 3.1.1.1.1.1
              2 July 2016 at 4:13 pm

              Thank you Macro and KJT……you have me identifying the guts of things. Scum !

          • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.1.2
            2 July 2016 at 4:49 pm

            +1

            Exactly.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1.1.1.3
            2 July 2016 at 4:53 pm

            What’s worse, these parasites actively undermine the genuinely elite – they cannot abide facts so our best minds are subject to ratfucking and vilification.

        • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1.2
          2 July 2016 at 4:50 pm

          The elites have had it so well because they all feed off one another.

          They don’t feed off of each other – they feed off of everyone else and help each other to do so. We saw that when Key/National helped his ex-lawyer/financial mates prevent the changing of the laws.

          The rich are the bludgers and we simply cannot afford them.

      • Incognito 3.1.2
        2 July 2016 at 8:48 pm

        Ultimately Key’s legions of spin-doctors cannot save him from the fact that he is not one of us, he is not part of New Zealand. He is something foreign grafted onto us.

        John Key is the Clark Kent of New Zealand politics.

  4. jcuknz 4
    2 July 2016 at 10:14 am

    Yesterday I got an email from Key listing seven ways that the government was helping hard pressed NZ families…..reading the list IMO only one even mildly approached real help.

  5. Jack Ramaka 5
    2 July 2016 at 11:00 am

    Key and National’s MO is very similar to the USA Clinton/Obama model whereby you have a compliant media and big business backing. Governments world wide have been taken over by the bankers and corporates, hence they have control of the media.

    Critical analysis and independent thinking has been thrown out the window, if you are critical or opinionated about Government these days you are seen as a radical and subversive and worthy of investigation by the State, ie Stasi/GCSB.

    We are being constantly brainwashed about how well this National Government is doing, however the information can not be independently assessed/audited and is being promoted by State run media aka Mike Hoskings?

  6. Mark Wilson 6
    2 July 2016 at 11:25 am

    Please not more “4 legs good, 2 legs bad” stuff – as in if the left lie as in Little saying Shewan did not ask for an apology then that is not lying but everything the right says is automatically a lie. My point is that after 9 years you would think the left would understand that that sort of all black / all white analysis has voters turned off.
    Welcome to another 3 years in the wilderness.

    • North 6.1
      2 July 2016 at 11:38 am

      Yeah well you’re not a dishonest concern troll at all are you Wilson ?

    • Stuart Munro 6.2
      2 July 2016 at 12:50 pm

      Ah yes – the Left should strive to change the government by not pointing out the $150 billion in debt, the million New Zealanders living in previously unimaginable poverty and the vicious and corrosive lies perpetrated by MSM to keep this disgusting failarchy in power – because it might hurt the liar in chief’s feelings.

      You must be an unusually stupid munter to be not only satisfied with this pathetic caricature of governance, but incapable of visualising anything better.

      • Wensleydale 6.2.1
        2 July 2016 at 3:47 pm

        “Disgusting Failarchy”

        That’s probably the most apt description of this wretched excuse for a government I’ve yet heard.

  7. save nz 7
    2 July 2016 at 11:28 am

    Great post.+1000

    Essentially a growing amount of politicians using this post truth method, ultimately they are damaging democracy and society. Because once citizens realise that the government are liars, and the MSM are smearing Labour and Andrew little as liars, Greens are loony and NZ First is racist. You then get citizens who make desperate decisions and stop believing anything and become more radical to get their position across. They stop believing Doctors, Scientists, (Politicians obviously) and so they make their own information and you can get radical changes that nobody was expecting. National under Key, is destroying our country in every aspect, economically, socially, democratically and environmentally.

    Brexit, Potentially Trump becoming president and so forth are examples of unexpected post truth politics outcomes that nobody saw coming.

  8. ianmac 8
    2 July 2016 at 11:35 am

    So true Save.”Because once citizens realise that the government are a liars, and the MSM are saying everyday that Labour and Andrew little are liars, Greens are loony and NZ First is racist.”
    Key’s ultimate line is “Labour does it too.” As with Dirty Politics in his world, if he can claim that someone else does it too, then somehow this is an excuse for him. Most kids try that line but are not excused. Key is excused up till now anyway.

    • North 8.1
      2 July 2016 at 7:33 pm

      Childish denials, lies ever figure in Key’s repertoire. Great to see him double down with that though. More and more people get to see it as contempt for the public. Then more and more people……..

  9. b waghorn 9
    2 July 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I’m sorry but but key bullshitting is not news, how we get kiwis to give a fuck about being lead buy a bullshitter is the ?.

    • KJT 9.1
      2 July 2016 at 12:47 pm

      It suits Key to continue the meme that Labour bullshits just as much.

      The public ends up believing all politicians are lairs.

      So we just get to choose between two lots of liars.

      Not much difference between choosing the bunch of Neo-Liberals that will do least harm, as at present.

  10. mosa 10
    2 July 2016 at 12:29 pm

    The first lie i heard him tell was that he had NOT met with the exsclusive Brethern in 2005 despite the fact he was filmed talking too them in his Helensville electorate office.
    He really should have been picked up on that big one when the media knew it was a quite big deception as it was a major scandal at the time.
    I believe its all he knows how too do is deceive people because too tell the truth would mean being honest about what he does that quite frankly would appall many New Zealanders and run contrary too the image he has been told too project at all costs to remain electable
    Too be caught out so many times and in parliament where he has misled the house many times and has not been held accountable for what is a serious offence and when it is shown he lied and it cant be disputed he rushes back into the house and “clarifies the deliberate deception.
    We used to rely on the media to expose this type of behaviour which in Keys case is totally blatant but with the sell out too corporate interests and a keep the status quo at all costs mentality has saved him when it would have bought down a Labour PM long before now and the harsh media campaign against David Cunliffe via the National party shows how far away responsible media in NZ has moved in the last 8 years.
    If you were Key of course you would lie when you can get away with it and he does every time he speaks !

    • weston 10.1
      2 July 2016 at 7:28 pm

      the most telling lie he has ever uttered i think was when he was asked where he stood on the springbok tour issue and he said he couldnt remember !!!
      the more vile liars and manipulators though i.m.o.and without which governments like ours would prob be toast are the creepy crawly cosby textor opperative types behind the scenes….the essential bacteria of governments like these …actively tutoring our politicians to lie cheat twist obfuscate who get paid huge money to get them elected and then are kept on the payroll to keep them elected. its a dirty business.

      • mosa 10.1.1
        2 July 2016 at 8:47 pm

        Weston that was in a leaders debate with Helen Clark in 2008 and his response to the question was he had no OPINION on the tour because he was too busy studying at varsity to decide where he stood one way or the other.
        Strange he had no opinion on a massive event that polarised the whole country and that a lot of protesters were uni students themselves.
        I remember thinking at the time as he became rattled at being pressed on the issue that he was clearly being evasive on and that all he had too do was make clear where he stood as Helen Clark had done but he couldnt bring himself to be honest after all he was campaigning to be Prime Minister.

      • Reddelusion 10.1.2
        2 July 2016 at 9:43 pm

        I can hear violins, herald ran a piece on most ridiculous excuses for loosing in sport, plenty of material here to run one for politics The reason labour or the left does not win elections is that they are bat shit useless in securing the confidence of kiwis,

  11. Draco T Bastard 11
    2 July 2016 at 12:45 pm

    …the behaviour of this execrable government that lies and denies reflexively and at all levels, and has been doing so for eight long years.

    I think you’ll find that National almost always lies. They have to as reality never matches their ideology.

  12. Jack Ramaka 12
    2 July 2016 at 1:09 pm

    The problem we have here in NZ is most people are politically disconnected and just go with the status quo.

  13. Whateva Next 13
    2 July 2016 at 4:46 pm

    except every time people (journo’s, opposition, political commentators the people etc) speak out, it feels like we are treated as a nagging wife to a husband who is spending all the money on booze and betting, whilst the wife struggles to make ends meet running the home.

  14. One Anonymous Bloke 14
    2 July 2016 at 4:49 pm

    Speaking of post-truth politics, here’s Tracey Watkins with some post-truth journalism.

    …the current debate over homelessness, the Auckland housing “problem”, which NZ First leader Winston Peters has milked as part of his wider anti immigration bandwagon, are all reminders that making stability and predictability as an election pitch can be a double edged sword.

    It can stand for certainty, security and a safe pair of hands – but it can also stand for more of the same.

    And as one insider noted wryly following Key’s speech, National’s shock Northland by-election loss was a stark reminder to the party faithful that it can’t be taken for granted the same forces propelling Britain’s Ukip, and America’s Donald Trump, aren’t bubbling beneath the surface here.

    Get that people – if you think the National Party is a homelessness factory you’re xenophobic.

  15. AlZ 15
    11 July 2016 at 10:48 am

    There a a few things driving the post truth era. Once upon a time enough people where genuinely god fearing and this “fear” compelled people to be honest and keep others honest ( accountable). With there being no “overseer” on that scale with those powers, that would hold everyone to account for every deed and un truth there has been a shift in morality generally. (NB i am atheist). The modern invented replacements for, something to “fear” that controls masses behavior, does not include morality, Aliens flying UFO’s with the power to vapourise the planet do not have, a life time of moral behavior as a criteria for ones immortality. Politicians are not directly accountable to those who elected them, it may take until the next election before the voters can do anything about a renagade MP or PM. There is no “performance review ” as there is in the private sector to justify their salaries, “client satisfaction” does not determine their still having a job after a lie is exposed. A large number of the wealthy habitually lie to maintain their lavish comfortable lives and thereby set completely the wrong standards for those who aspire to wealth and material acquisition. It has set up a “class” by any means ideal. The medias are pre occupied with their own existence and so have adopted Infotainment as their function rather than being the distributors of facts and information. The entertainment industry reveres the hero who can successfully deceive in the name of good. The anti hero robs banks of everyone’s money, and not in the Robin Hood tradition, now the booty is not shared out but kept by the individual who joins the pleasure class on a large yacht or island paradise. Any one not clear about the line between truth and false in these times is in peril.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
    New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-11T02:11:23+00:00