Ratana and The Treaty of Waitangi

Written By: - Date published: 5:25 pm, February 6th, 2024 - 10 comments
Categories: Culture wars, david seymour, history, labour, Maori Issues, Maori seats, Parliament - Tags:

“My understanding is a guy came out as a prophet of his own religious movement in the 1870s. And politicians feel a strange obligation to be there every year. I’ve never felt that.” David Seymour is shallow as a birdbath.

With the Bible in one hand and the Treaty in the other TW Ratana preached unity through the avoidance of tribal dispute, and aimed to advance the economic standing of Maori people as a whole. David Seymour doesn’t feel it, doesn’t get it, doesn’t understand a thing about it.

When I was Labour Party Secretary, I wrote a paper on the Ratana/Labour Alliance. Before distributing it in the Party, I took it to the Church Committee for their approval, and the then Secretary was kind enough to tell me that it taught them things that they didn’t know. Much of the following is taken from that paper.

Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana was born in 1873, but his vision that led to the formation of the Ratana Church happened in 1919. He originally gained fame among Maori as a prophet and healer, with his teaching based on the Bible. Ratana followers were known as morehu, the Hebrew name in the Book of Exodus for the wandering Israelites before entry to the promised land. The independent Ratana Church was formally recognised in 1925.

Besides the spiritual ministry through the Ratana Church, TW Ratana’s work as a healer always extended beyond the spiritual to a concern for the material needs of the Maori people.

The land wars in the 19th century and subsequent confiscations, and the influenza epidemic of 1918 had ravaged the Maori population. Maori were not treated as equal citizens with pakeha. After World War 1, Maori volunteers with the Pioneer battalion were not entitled to rehabilitation allowances on the same terms as Europeans. They did not have the same entitlement to unemployment benefits in the depression.

While there had been four seats reserved for Maori in Parliament since 1868, there was no Maori roll. Maori voted by turning up for a face-to-face meeting with the returning officer, declaring their name and tribal affiliation, and stating whom they wished to vote for.

Grievances regarding land purchase and confiscation, as well as the activities of the Maori Land court, were strongly felt and unaddressed.

Besides his spiritual mission, Te Ture Wairua, TW Ratana also sought improvement for Maori through law change, Te Ture Tangata. His approach to the latter was to seek recognition of Maori as equal to pakeha, and support for their advancement and self-development through recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi in law. The Bible provided the spiritual base, and legal recognition of the Treaty would gain redress for resources taken and respect for the status and culture of Maori.

The morehu were asked to sign a covenant with him, which pledge became the linchpin of the Ratana movement across tribal and regional boundaries.

At the celebration at the dedication of the church at Ratana in January 1928, TW Ratana announced his change from prophet to campaigner. From this time and in this role he was known as Piriwiritua. He asked the Morehu to select four candidates for the Maori seats for the 1928 elections, in order to win all the Maori seats and so unify Maori. The chosen candidates were Haami Tokouru Ratana, the prophet’s eldest son, for Western Maori; Pita Moko for Eastern; Paraire Paikea for Northern and Eruera Tirikatene for Southern Maori.

They were known as the “koata” or quarters, and “in a formal ceremony were asked to solemnise the decision to stand as the Mangai’s representatives by signing a kawenata or covenant (which) contained four pledges:

  1. That the 4 quarters would totally dedicate themselves to their mission to take their place in parliament
  2. That they would accept no bribes, or payment for their work, and that they would not be motivated by any thought of personal gain.
  3. That the wives would fully support the husbands in their mission, and that they would be as equally dedicated as their husbands
  4. 4. That they would work ‘mo te iwi maori’ for the whole of the Maori race without concern for tribe or other affiliations.”

Between 1928 and 1931 the Ratana candidates and the movement invited many other parties and politicians to Ratana pa for political discussions. The Ratana candidates were again unsuccessful in the 1931 election, but when the Southern Maori MP Tuiti Te Makitanara died in 1932 Tirikatene won the subsequent by-election. He was the first Ratana Independent MP. His maiden speech started by saying: ”My policy is to stand for the rights and privileges of the whole Maori race, as embodied in the Treaty of Waitangi. However I do not intend to elaborate on that at this time, but will do so in the fullness of time. There are certain other matters with which I want to deal.”1

He then went on to raise the fact that Maori were treated differently from pakeha in relation to unemployment benefits. He also attacked the reduction of pensions proposed by the Reform government, the lack of attention to petitions, the way in which Maori land was being alienated by the non-payment of rates, the separate treatment of Maori voters under the Electoral Act, and the removal of discrimination in Maori education.

He took a petition to Parliament in 1932 asking that “the Treaty of Waitangi be embodied in the Statue Book of the Dominion of New Zealand,…in order that all may know that the Treaty of Waitangi is operative, also to preserve the ties of brotherhood between Pakeha and Maori for all time.”

TW Ratana’s vision was the unity of all peoples in New Zealand to achieve greater benefit for all, and is reflected on the canoes on the Manuao building at Ratana paa, that include the Heemskerk and the Endeavour alongside Takitimu, Tokomaru, Tainui and the others of the great migration.

The intent of my paper was to provide information for twentieth-century Labour Party members on the richness of the links between Ratana and Labour, as well as the importance of the Treaty of Waitangi in that relationship. While it was unashamedly an apologia, it also noted Labour was slow to acknowledge the importance and the significance of the Treaty in its later relationship with Ratana, laid out in Sir Ngatata Love’s excellent PHD thesis and evidenced by the resignation of Matt Rata in 1979 to form the Mana Motuhake Party. Current Labour MP Adrian Rurawhe is a direct descendant of TW Ratana.

However it was good to hear Matua Shane Jones, whose entry into New Zealand politics was facilitated by the Labour Party, acknowledge the significance of Sir Geoffrey Palmer’s initiative in introducing the Treaty of Waitangi Amendment Act in 1985, which enabled Maori to seek redress for grievance back to 1840, and which unlocked the putea which enabled so much later Maori investment.

We have come a long way together towards real kotahitanga in Aotearoa/New Zealand in my lifetime, even if not without trial and error on the way. That is why it is so disappointing to see Seymour’s ignorance, as he tries to contribute to more tribulation.

10 comments on “Ratana and The Treaty of Waitangi ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. adam 1
    6 February 2024 at 6:15 pm

    Funny how Tory scum lies so easily in this country.

    Funny how Tory scum can't honour a contract.

    Funny how Tory scum, embody the absolute worse of our culture.

  2. weka 2
    6 February 2024 at 6:49 pm

    that was a great read, thanks Mike. So much history so many of us don't know.

  3. Binders full of women 3
    6 February 2024 at 8:08 pm

    Is that the same Ngatata Love who went to jail for 2.5 years?

    • adam 3.1
      7 February 2024 at 1:04 am

      Whale oil type shitfuckery,

      can you go any lower?

      Oh look attack the man for the actions later in life, to discredit and work done early in life.

      Ever heard of the concept of letting art stand?

      Snow flake tory scum, its the new play book.

    • Mike Smith 3.2
      7 February 2024 at 3:23 pm

      @ Binders
      It was a very good thesis. I would encourage you to read it. It is in the Victoria University Library.

  4. UncookedSelachimorpha 4
    7 February 2024 at 1:05 am

    Thanks Mike, very interesting read.

    Supporting Maori is a great way to encourage the country to be more concerned about people and community generally, instead of the current neoliberal idea about society.

  5. SPC 5
    7 February 2024 at 6:09 am

    However it was good to hear Matua Shane Jones, whose entry into New Zealand politics was facilitated by the Labour Party, acknowledge the significance of Sir Geoffrey Palmer’s initiative in introducing the Treaty of Waitangi Amendment Act in 1985, which enabled Maori to seek redress for grievance back to 1840, and which unlocked the putea which enabled so much later Maori investment.

    The NZF policy of a review of the Waitangi Tribunal and the Treaty in legislation is in the coalition agreement.

    Among the clauses in New Zealand First’s coalition agreement with National is a commitment to: “Amend the Waitangi Tribunal legislation to refocus the scope, purpose, and nature of its inquiries back to the original intent of that legislation”

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/waitangi-tribunal-review-changing-role-set-to-come-under-scrutiny-by-new-government/GJ3OXYYUOZGFLGXRBLQYFY4NUM/

  6. Mac 6
    7 February 2024 at 3:31 pm

    Ratana, like so many others, was well intentioned but misinformed regarding the status and intent of the treaty.

    The real status and intent is something we all as New Zealanders need to be better educated about.

    For perspective, the English parliament of the time was shocked to see King William the 4th recognise the 1835 NZ declaration of independence (He Wakaputanga) as this was giving away an entire nation they had hoped to colonise eventually. William was not popular with parliament having already in his short reign signed the abolition of slavery throughout the empire. This was costing many members of parliament vast amounts of money.

    Then suddenly William died . . .

    Seizing the opportunity parliament inserted a young German girl who had been only 5th in line for the throne. With Victoria in place parliament controlled the empire entirely.

    One of their first acts was to send Hobson out to NZ under the care and tutelage of my own great X3 grandfather. Together they were to wrest NZ back for England and oversee colonisation. Notably my great X3 grandfather was also on assignment from the royal Scottish rite of freemasonry. As a result of his work NZ has not had a governor, nor prime minister who was not a Grandmaster. Ardern was in the women's lodge and Luxon is in the men's. From that perspective grandad did a very fine job.

    However, he and Hobson failed in one major way.

    This is best summarised in the words of the then head of crown law and attorney general in 2014 who wrote:

    The treaty was a failed attempt to take sovereignty away from NZ and therefore the inescapable conclusion in law is that the legal document of precedence in NZ is he Wakaputanga, the 1835 declaration of independence, and nothing since then has changed anything about that.

    When the English parliament realised they had been outwitted they didn't even bother to ratify the treaty which means it is nothing at all.

    After regrouping the English parliament decided to carry out fraud against NZ and use propaganda and miseducation to trick the nation into believing that the treaty was legal, and only the English version at that. This was despite knowing that under international law local language takes precedence in treaty and contract, and that by inserting the line tino rangitiratanga, Henry Williams and the chiefs had retained the sovereignty declared in 1835.

    People like Ratana and many others who are quoted in relation to the treaty are victims of this miseducation.

    The good news however is that the declaration created a federation of and for all the people who settle in NZ and make it their home.

    It created the united states of NZ, but used the local language version of the word states, "tribes". It went on to describe those tribes as comprising all those who settle here. They recognised that NZ is a place of ongoing migration so they created a federation that welcomed settlers of good intent.

    This makes NZ truly unique. It also gives us the opportunity to truly be what our anthem declares – "Freedoms ramparts on the sea!"

    • SPC 6.1
      7 February 2024 at 3:51 pm

      For perspective, the English parliament of the time was shocked to see King William the 4th recognise the 1835 NZ declaration of independence (He Wakaputanga) as this was giving away an entire nation they had hoped to colonise eventually. William was not popular with parliament having already in his short reign signed the abolition of slavery throughout the empire. This was costing many members of parliament vast amounts of money.

      Then suddenly William died . . .

      Seizing the opportunity parliament inserted a young German girl who had been only 5th in line for the throne. With Victoria in place parliament controlled the empire entirely

      Sorry to bust that part of the conspiracy bubble but Victoria was, on the succession of William IV to the throne, the presumptive heir

      The Regency Act 1830 made special provision for Victoria's mother to act as regent in case William died while Victoria was still a minor. King William distrusted the Duchess's capacity to be regent, and in 1836 he declared in her presence that he wanted to live until Victoria's 18th birthday, so that a regency could be avoided

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria

    • SPC 6.2
      7 February 2024 at 4:06 pm

      One of their first acts was to send Hobson out to NZ under the care and tutelage of my own great X3 grandfather. Together they were to wrest NZ back for England and oversee colonisation. Notably my great X3 grandfather was also on assignment from the royal Scottish rite of freemasonry. As a result of his work NZ has not had a governor, nor prime minister who was not a Grandmaster. Ardern was in the women's lodge and Luxon is in the men's. From that perspective grandad did a very fine job.

      Conspiracy theory bubble burst number 2

      Once it was most GG's and some PM's, the former is at risk as time goes by.

      Ardern received a university scholarship from a Freemasonry charity and has awarded the same to others since – and that is about it.

      And someone put up Luxon The Freemason on TikTok.

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  • Climate Adam: How to visualise Climate Change (ft. Katharine Hayhoe)
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Adam Levy. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). Climate change is everywhere. And when something's everywhere it can feel like it's nowhere. So how do we get our heads ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago

  • The wrong direction
    Some good news on climate change today: the energy transition away from fossil fuels is picking up speed, and renewables now make up 30% of global electricity supply. Meanwhile, in Aotearoa, we're moving in the opposite direction, with Genesis Energy announcing that it will resume importing Indonesian coal. Their official ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • National hates democracy
    Its a law like gravity: whenever a right-wing government is elected, they start attacking democracy. And now, after talking to their Republican and Tory and Fidesz chums at the International Democracy Union forum in Wellington, National is doing it here, announcing plans to remove election-day enrolment. Or, to put it ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • No Tikanga Please, We're Lawyers.
    Yesterday Winston Peters focussed his attention on the important matter at hand. Tweeting. Like the former, and quite possibly next, orange POTUS, from whom he takes much of his political strategy, Winston is an avid X’er.His message didn’t resemble an historic address this time. In fact it was more reminiscent ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago

  • Member’s Day
    Today is a Member's Day, and it seems we've entered the slowdown as things emerge from select committee. First up is the committee stage of Greg O'Connor's Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) (Overseas Travel Reporting) Amendment Bill, which will be followed by the second readings of Stuart ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • Hurrah for coal – Shane Jones welcomes Genesis Energy’s import plans as natural gas production s...
    Buzz from the Beehive A significant decline in natural gas production has given Resources Minister Shane Jones an opportunity to reiterate his enthusiasm for the mining and burning of coal. For good measure, he has praised an announcement from Genesis Energy that it will resume importing coal. He and Energy ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Following the political money
    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The political parties are legally obliged to make ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • A Left-Right ranking of universities in NZ: a practical guide for students and parents
    Rob MacCullough writes – Here is my subjective ranking on a “most-left” to “most-right” scale of most of our major NZ Universities, with some anecdotal (and at times amusing) evidence to back up the claim. Extreme Left   Auckland University of Technology Evidence The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  •  Inflation and GST thresholds
    Eric Crampton writes –  I hadn’t thought about this one until a helpful email showed up in my inbox.It’s pretty obvious that income tax thresholds should automatically index with inflation – whether to anchor the thresholds in percentiles of the income distribution, or to anchor against a real ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Jacqui Van Der Kaay writes –  Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • A law school to be avoided – Auckland University of Technology
    Gary Judd writes – The Dean of the law school at the Auckland University of Technology is someone called Khylee Quince. I have been sent her social media posting in which she has, over the LawNews headline “Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Maori studies for ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 17 people in Malaita stand in way of China’s takeover of the Solomons
    Cleo Paskal writes – WASHINGTON, D.C.: ‘Many of us have received phone calls from [the opposing camp] telling them if they join the camp they will be given projects for their wards and $300,000 [around US$35,000] each’, says former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani. The elections in Solomon Islands aren’t ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the Hamas Ceasefire Offer, and Mark Mitchell’s Incompetence
    With hindsight, it was inevitable that (a) Hamas would agree to the ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar and that ( b) Israel would then immediately launch attacks on Rafah, regardless. We might have hoped the concessions made by Hamas would cause Israel to desist from slaughtering thousands more ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    6 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Wednesday May 8
    Placards and mourners outside the Kilbirnie Mosque following the Christchurch terror attack: MSD has terminated the Kaiwhakaoranga service, which has been used by 415 families since the attacks. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The Government’s pledge to only cut ‘back office’ staff rather than ‘frontline’ services is on increasingly shaky ground, with ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • A few PT announcements
    There’s been a few smaller public transport announcements over the last week or so that I thought I’d cover in a single post. Fareshare I’ve long called for Auckland Transport to offer a way to enable employer-subsidised public transport options. The need for this took on even more importance ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    6 days ago

  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Green Party grapples with persistent scandals
    Parliament’s speaker had no option but to refer Green MP Julie Anne Genter to the Privileges Committee for her behaviour in the House last Wednesday evening. The incident, in which she crossed the floor to wave a book and yell at National Minister Matt Doocey, reflects poorly on Genter and ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    6 days ago

  • At a glance – Tree ring proxies and the divergence problem
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Nothing to sneer at
    Who likes being sneered at? Nobody. Worse yet, when the sneerer has their facts all wrong, and might well be an idiot.The sneer in question is The adults are in charge now, and it is a sneer offered in retort to criticism of this new Government, no matter how well ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago

  • Still on their bullshit
    When in government, Labour pushed to extend the Parliamentary term to four years, to reduce accountability and our ability to vote out a bad government. And now, they're trying to do it through the member's ballot, with a Four-Year Parliamentary Term Legislation Bill. The bill at least requires a referendum ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • Drawn
    A ballot for a single Member's Bill was held today, and the following bill was drawn: Public Works (Prohibition of Compulsory Acquisition of Māori Land) Amendment Bill (Hūhana Lyndon) The bill would prevent the government from stealing Māori land in breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago

  • A nod and a wink that will unnecessarily cost Aucklanders tens of millions per year
    Simeon Brown, alongside Wayne Brown, is favouring a political figleaf now in exchange for loading up tens of millions in extra interest costs on Auckland ratepayers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s is pushing back hard at suggestions from Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Mayor Wayne Brown ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • Correcting the Corrections announcement – a fiscal farce that should bother the OECD
     Buzz from the Beehive One headline-grabber from the Beehive yesterday was the OECD’s advice that the government must bring the Budget deficit under control or face higher interest rates. Another was the announcement of a $1.9 billion “investment” in Corrections over the next four years. In the best interests of ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  •  Like it or not, the Kiwis are either going into ‘Pillar 2’ – or they are going to China
    Chris Trotter writes –  Had Zheng He’s fleet sailed east, not west, in the early Fifteenth Century, how different our world would be. There is little reason to suppose that the sea-going junks of the Ming Dynasty, among the largest and most sophisticated sailing vessels ever constructed, would have failed ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • A balanced and an unbalanced article
    David Farrar writes – Two articles give a useful contrast in balance. Both seek to be neutral explainer articles. This one in the Herald on Social Investment covers the pros and cons nicely. It links to critical pieces and talks about aspects that failed and aspects that are more ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Deeply unserious country
    Every bit of this seems insane. And people wonder why productivity is falling through the floor. Energy News reports that the Environment Court finally threw out Allan Crafar’s appeal against a solar farm. From the story: Consent was granted in 2022. Crafar appealed November 2022. On what grounds? That ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • Senior King’s Counsel files complaint about compulsory tikanga Māori studies for law students
    The tikanga regulations will compel law students to be taught that a system which does not conform with the rule of law is nevertheless law which should be observed and applied…  Gary Judd KC writes –  I have made a complaint to Parliament’s Regulation ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    7 days ago

  • https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/?p=77196
    The future of Te Huia, the train between Hamilton and Auckland, has been getting a lot of attention recently as current funding for it is only in place till the end of June. The government initially agreed to a five year trial, through to April 2026, but that was subject ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    1 week ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Tuesday, May 7
    TL;DR: Hamas has just agreed to Israel’s ceasefire plan. Nelson hospital’s rebuild has been cut back to save money. The OECD suggests New Zealand break up network monopolies, including in electricity. PM Christopher Luxon’s news conference on a prison expansion announcement last night was his messiest yet.Here’s my top six ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • HM Prison Aotearoa.
    A homicide in Ponsonby, a manhunt with a killer on the run. The nation’s leader stands before a press conference reassuring a frightened nation that he’ll sort it out, he’ll keep them safe, he’ll build some new prison spaces.Sorry what? There’s a scary dude on the run with a gun ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
    “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
    Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
    Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
    The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
    A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    6 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    7 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

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