Hide’s invitation to corrupt fundraiser

Written By: - Date published: 10:00 am, October 21st, 2009 - 74 comments
Categories: act, corruption - Tags:

Hide invite

Click here for a PDF of Local Government Minister Rodney Hide’s invitation to local government stakeholders to a breakfast speech titled “The Future of Local Government”.

This speech by the Minister to stakeholders is doubling as an ACT fundraiser. If you want to hear your Minister for Local Government speak, you will have to make a contribution to the ACT party.

Now, I can see Hide claiming he won’t be speaking as minister. Well, let’s take a look at this invite:

Hmm, “The Future of Local Government”. Sounds like a representative of the government, a minister, talking to me.

The body of the invite backs it up:

ACT Party Leader and Minister of Local Government; Hon Rodney Hide has a significant programme to enhance the operation of the Local Government sector. He would be delighted if you would join him for breakfast at the Heartland Cotswold Hotel on 4 November 2009.

At this breakfast, Rodney will present his views on ‘The Future of Local Government in New Zealand’.

Yup, no doubt he’s speaking as minister there. And they know they’re doing something dodgy because they avoid calling him minister on the front page but on the front page only, a sign of a guilty mind trying to cover up.

There’s no way out of this for Hide. He has been caught red-handed abusing his ministerial powers. He should resign before Key fires him.

74 comments on “Hide’s invitation to corrupt fundraiser ”

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  1. r0b 1
    21 October 2009 at 10:09 am

    According to the invitation: “The cost of the breakfast and presentation is $45 per person”.

    That’s pretty clear. You’re paying for the presentation. Paying to hear a Minister speak in his Ministerial capacity.

    The payment details are to an ACT account. If you were paying for breakfast you’d pay the restaurant, not ACT.

    It’s an ACT fundraiser. This stinks.

    • Tigger 1.1
      21 October 2009 at 10:19 am

      And in fact you’re being made to feel that if you don’t come you’re going to miss out an important opportunity to engage with the government: “The role
      you play has a significant effect on the prosperity of your communities, districts, towns and the Canterbury region as a whole. ACT Party Leader and Minister of Local Government; Hon Rodney Hide has a significant programme to enhance the operation of the Local Government sector.”

      It’s a fundraiser.

  2. Nick 2
    21 October 2009 at 10:15 am

    They’re using the wrong ACT logo.

    Scheisters!

  3. Nick 3
    21 October 2009 at 10:27 am

    I’m just looking for the Ministerial Services/NZ Government logo.

    Can anyone spot it?

    • snoozer 3.1
      21 October 2009 at 10:39 am

      Why is that relevant? All that would mean is the invite (and presumably the event) was paid for by Ministerial Services.

      In fact, its absence just confirms this is an ACT fundraiser.

  4. Armchair Critic 4
    21 October 2009 at 10:30 am

    Time for JK to break out another wet bus ticket

  5. toad 5
    21 October 2009 at 10:30 am

    Rodney’s excuse will be that someone in ACT made a mistake, and that he should not have been billed as speaking in his Ministerial capacity. So he’ll probably get away with it.

    But, as Double Dipton would say, it’s “not a good look”.

  6. snoozer 6
    21 October 2009 at 10:45 am

    It seems there are two lines the Right can take here:

    1) It’s not a fundraiser. Problem with that is it is being organised by ACT and the price is not insignificant. In fact, it’s only $5 less than the fundraising dinners held by Labour as part of Clark’s farewell.

    2) Hide’s not speaking as minister. Why, if that were the case, would stakeholders like local body councillors be invited to attend in their official capacity?

    It’s clear this is an unholy combination of a minsiterial speech and fundraiser where people who need to hear the minister’s plans for local government need to make a donation to his party.

    captcha – objecting. damn right I am.

    • Graeme Edgeler 6.1
      21 October 2009 at 10:56 am

      Why, if that were the case, would stakeholders like local body councillors be invited to attend in their official capacity?

      I don’t think the leaflet is as conclusive as people here seem to think … I note that the bit just under the photo, that’s not included on the post itself, states:

      an address by

      THE HON. RODNEY HIDE
      ACT Party Leader

      It also states:

      Rodney will present his views on “The Future of Local Government in New Zealand’.

      That is, Rodney’s views, not the Government’s views.

      That said, snoozer’s argument here is a very good one – you don’t target a party fund-raiser at ECan officials and councillors. r0b’s point is pretty good too – you’re paying for a presentation, not just breakfast.

      Toad’s point, however, is a little off – Rodney isn’t billed as speaking in his ministerial capacity, he’s billed as:

      “THE HON. RODNEY HIDE
      ACT Party Leader”.

      • Graeme Edgeler 6.1.1
        21 October 2009 at 10:59 am

        I’ll add that I think this address will be about ACT policy, not government policy. This will be about what Rodney wants to do, but hasn’t convinced the government to go along with.

        Not sure this helps the perception issue, but it’s something to bear in mind.

        • snoozer 6.1.1.1
          21 October 2009 at 11:17 am

          So Graeme’s taken the position that it is a fundraiser, not an official address by a minister.

          Tell me, Graeme, why is it that local government stakeholders that are being invited?

          Why are councillors from Ecan being invited in their official capacities to attend an ACT fundraiser?

          I know you’re supposed to be a smart guy and I know that you’re desperate to defend the Right, so I would have thoguht you could have done better.

          • Graeme Edgeler 6.1.1.1.1
            21 October 2009 at 12:50 pm

            snoozer – what part of:

            “snoozer’s argument here is a very good one you don’t target a party fund-raiser at ECan officials and councillors.”

            did you not understand?

            I accepted your argument. And yet you still want to argue with me. Why?

            • peteremcc 6.1.1.1.1.1
              21 October 2009 at 8:36 pm

              Graeme is right, of course it’s an ACT fundraiser.

              Has anyone in ACT denied this?

              Rodney is speaking in his role as ACT leader, at an ACT organised event.

              The only possible part of this that could be dodgy is inviting the region’s councilors.

              Of course, if you actually bother to listen to what Rodney has said in the media about this (and it seems no-one here has), he said that they were invited because they complained that they WEREN’T invited last time Rodney spoke at an ACT even in Christchurch.

              Clear yet?

      • Tigger 6.1.2
        21 October 2009 at 11:04 am

        The true devil here is not in the detail, but in the look. I would argue it is a fundraiser (he’s billed as a Minister inside so he can’t claim he’s there as ACT leader), but even if it is not, it looks looks like a fundraiser.

      • toad 6.1.3
        21 October 2009 at 11:08 am

        Um, Graeme:

        ACT Party Leader and Minister of Local Government; Hon Rodney Hide has a significant programme to enhance the operation of the Local Government sector.

        I take that to mean a programme as the Minister.

        • BLiP 6.1.3.1
          21 October 2009 at 11:25 am

          Could be done for false advertising too – there’s nothing ACT or Rodney has that could in any way “enhance” the operation of local government.

      • SMSD 6.1.4
        21 October 2009 at 11:43 am

        Hide is the Minister for Local Government. He is speaking on his views on Local Government. Inside the brochure he is described as the Minister for Local Government.

        It is absurd to suggest he is not speaking as the Minister.

        The simple fact is that the Minister for Local Government is giving a talk on his portfolio, and using that talk to fundraise for his party.

        • peteremcc 6.1.4.1
          21 October 2009 at 8:38 pm

          So, just to be clear, no Labour Minister has ever been described as a Minister in a program for a Labour Conference or meeting that they spoke at in the last 9 years right?

          You can mention that you’re the Minister for Local Government, without speaking as the Minister for Local Government. Just as I can comment on here as the Vice President for ACT on Campus, but be speaking for myself rather than ACT on Campus.

          • dave 6.1.4.1.1
            21 October 2009 at 9:53 pm

            The point isn’t whether Hide can speak as a minister or as a party leader at a party event, its that Hide purported to speak as party leader at a party function, but his party advertised his ministerial role and targeted people interested in his ministerial responsibilities and said they`d be charged if they turned up to listen at that event. Even Hide admitted that was inappropriate.

          • Pascal's bookie 6.1.4.1.2
            22 October 2009 at 7:33 am

            Peter, if you comment somewhere as the Vice President for ACT on Campus, then you are obviously speaking as the Vice President for ACT on Campus. That’s not a difficult one.

            This isn’t a party conference, it’s a fundraiser and ACT invited stakeholders from local government to attend to hear the Minister’s views on their sector. The (late) response from ACTies such as yourself and Clint aren’t doing much to protect ACT’s anti corruption brand.

            It would have been better to just admit the ‘mistake’ and let stakeholders attend for free. Blaming those stakeholders, denying it was a fundraiser, saying it is a fundraiser but everyone does it (with no examples), looks umm, bad.

  7. the sprout 7
    21 October 2009 at 10:53 am

    This is yet another screw up from the couldn’t organize a piss-up in a brewery party.

    Stand by for embarrassing back-down 😆

  8. BLiP 8
    21 October 2009 at 11:01 am

    What’s next – a $50 “filing fee” for submissions to select committees?

    • So Bored 8.1
      21 October 2009 at 11:09 am

      Its the ACT version of the law of supply and demand. We supply the money for ACT MPs to do parliamentary stuff, and they demand more……

    • the sprout 8.2
      21 October 2009 at 11:15 am

      No $50 just buys you the priviledge of rubbing oil on his feet.

      Select Committee submissions will cost much more than that, otherwise you run the risk of full democratic participation, including, like, poor people.

  9. tc 9
    21 October 2009 at 11:07 am

    If history is any guide, nothing will get done…..busy gov’t and all that.
    JK needs Wodney to take the wrap for supercity debacle as that’ll become obvious in 2010/11 that it’s a rushed through shambles so JK will keep ACT ‘in’ so it can shaft them and hopefully distance itself from the mess.
    Between ACT and Maori (the sell out parties), careful targetted campaiging from Labor/Greens should see them consigned to Political oblivion…..that’s the dream anyway.

  10. Nick 10
    21 October 2009 at 11:19 am

    Nothing will be done because nothing has happened despite the moaning and whinging from the likes of the people on this site.

    There must be a protest on the closure of moroccan food classes to go to that you’re missing while fornicating over this non issue.

    On the other hand, non issues and Labour go hand in hand. That’s why you’re losing 2-1 in the polls.

  11. snoozer 11
    21 October 2009 at 11:59 am

    Nick hearts corruption

  12. gitmo 12
    21 October 2009 at 12:01 pm

    I can’t see why people have a problem with this – it’s an ACT fundraiser so what ?

    Can’t MPs fund raise in this way, as long as it’s all out in the open and people know where the money is going I see it as a pretty positive way for political parties to raise funds…or am I missing something obvious ?

  13. randal 13
    21 October 2009 at 12:19 pm

    antispam: question
    so the question is is wodney hide just a greedy little moneygrabbing carpetbagging venal party hack after all?

  14. Daveski 14
    21 October 2009 at 1:02 pm

    A broader question is surely whether the general populace gives the proverbial. I’m not trying to defend Rodney. At the same time, I’m sure fund-rasising advertising Labour MPs and ministers have happened in the past and will continue to happen in the future, same as rorting of the trough is not something that is a National-only trait.

    It seems to be yet another example of the Left trying to pick up on an issue that has meaning to the partisan only while the great unwashed see them all as the same.

    National has been sloppy in govt and in many areas is still working out what it’s policies are yet it continues to ride a wave of popularity in the midst of the worst recession in 70 years.

    The focus on these issues I think partially explains it – preaching to the converted while failing to engage with the voters who deserted them in 2008 and still seem to find no reason to go back.

    • Pascal's bookie 14.1
      21 October 2009 at 1:20 pm

      “I’m not trying to defend Rodney”

      Then what is the point in saying all the rest of the stuff you are saying then?

      Honestly, who cares what you reckon punters might think. Who cares whether or not the Standard is effective at whatever you think its job should be?

      You’re a punter, I’m a punter. Let’s leave the shit at the door and talk.

      Do you think what Hide is doing is corrupt, or not?

      Should Key sack him, or not?

    • snoozer 14.2
      21 October 2009 at 1:29 pm

      you’re kind of saying that I shouldn’t care about something if you don’t think everyone else will care.

      thanks, but I’ll take my cues on what to care about from my views on what is right and what is wrong, not from imaginary polls of the population at large.

    • Roger 14.3
      21 October 2009 at 1:52 pm

      The broader question is actually whether the populace should give a proverbial?

      The answer is yes. How is it acceptable for a minister to collect a ministerial salary and operate in a democracy that ensures ministers are accountable to the public and parliament, then charge for access to their ministerial views on their own portfolios? This kind of rent seeking cannot occur unless the populace want to lose access and the right to access and the ability to hold ministers accountable. Labour wouldn’t have gotten away with this. This is an opportunity for the mainstream media to prove they are not partisan by punishing him for this outrage.

    • lprent 14.4
      21 October 2009 at 2:06 pm

      Daveski: I’ve seen a few elections, including a few changes of governments.

      The first year is always a nice one for the incoming government in opinion polls. Usually so is the second one.

      What you seem to be saying is that we on the left should give up just because this is the case. That degree of political stupidity is appalling….

      Like climate change, it isn’t a big event that does the changes (like a volcano spewing massive amounts). It is continuously filling the atmosphere with greenhouse gases every day. It is the cumulative effect that is important. Politically you start this as early as possible and sustain a continuous pressure. The earlier you start, the bigger the effect is.

      But a bright boy like you should know this…..

      • the sprout 14.4.1
        21 October 2009 at 2:35 pm

        well said

      • Daveski 14.4.2
        21 October 2009 at 2:36 pm

        What you seem to be saying is that we on the left should give up just because this is the case. That degree of political stupidity is appalling .

        Ah no. Far from that. What I am trying to say is that there seems to be an infatuation for the issues that appeal to the political trainspotters.

        Meanwhile, while these are failing to gain any traction, Key is networking with the unions.

        I’m saying there’s been a consistent overreaction to these type of things similar to what used to happen at KB without the septic stuff thrown in.

        Funnily enough, I’ve seen the same message I’ve tried to give but delivered from the left and received quite differently.

        Rodders is an idiot but it’s not corruption.

        • the sprout 14.4.2.1
          21 October 2009 at 2:38 pm

          true he is an idiot. i think it will be corrupt if the thing goes ahead with a charge now that the gross impropriety has been pointed out to those too thick to see it in the first place.

        • lprent 14.4.2.2
          21 October 2009 at 2:56 pm

          Yeah, but the question is what it smells like….

          After this gets repeated thousands of times, including at every public meeting from here on in, the smell will come in whenever ACT is mentioned.

          After all that is exactly what the dog whistling in the blogs managed to get on to the agenda when they were largely in opposition to Labour. I’m going to enjoy standing up in meetings in Epsom and asking what the cover charge is?

  15. 123 15
    21 October 2009 at 3:41 pm

    Umm, i’m pretty sure the Prime Minister holds party fundraising events, and is described in literature as being the Prime Minister.

    No difference.

    • gobsmacked 15.1
      21 October 2009 at 3:53 pm

      You don’t have a clue about the law, 123.

      The PM sees a problem here, even if you don’t.

      “If it’s a genuine part of explaining your portfolio and communicating with audiences well, obviously, ministers don’t charge for that.”

      (John Key, NZPA, today)

      • Tom 15.1.1
        21 October 2009 at 4:00 pm

        Key’s running from this one, alright. This could damage Hide permanently, which would suit Key. Wait for the official Prime Ministerial reprimand.

      • peteremcc 15.1.2
        21 October 2009 at 8:51 pm

        actually, Key seems to be explaining what would be a problem.

        and what would be a problem is what Hide isn’t doing.

        maybe you can paste the quote where Key says that what you have quoted is what Hide is doing?

        no?

  16. snoozer 16
    21 October 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Key: “If it’s a genuine part of explaining your portfolio and communicating with audiences well, obviously, ministers don’t charge for that.”

    Well, I don’t see how we can say Hide has met that standard, which is nothing special, just what’s in the cabinet manual

  17. peteremcc 17
    21 October 2009 at 8:53 pm

    Just did a quick google search and look what was the first result:

    http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0011/S00323.htm

    That would be a speech by the Prime Minister, to a Labour Party Conference, introduced as:

    Rt Hon Helen Clark
    Prime Minister

    KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO
    LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE

    Not even introduced as “Helen Clark, Labour Leader and Prime Minister”, as Rodney was mentioned in the pamphlet. No, just “Prime Minister”, her ministerial position.

    Now, we’re people charged to come to this conference at all?

    • George D 17.1
      21 October 2009 at 8:54 pm

      Were, not we are.

    • dave 17.2
      21 October 2009 at 9:55 pm

      The point isn’t whether Hide can speak as a minister or as a party leader at a party event, its that Hide purported to speak as party leader at a party function, but his party advertised his ministerial role and targeted people interested in his ministerial responsibilities and said they`d be charged if they turned up to listen at that event. Even Hide admitted that was inappropriate.

  18. Ianmac 18
    21 October 2009 at 10:50 pm

    TV1 reported Hide’s action but in such a way as to seem that it was not a real problem. Almost seemed to say that Mr Hide was a funny fellow. Fancy charging folk to come to his speech. Naughty boy.

  19. Clint Heine 19
    22 October 2009 at 2:38 am

    ACT people are all over this blog? Yeah right, even Red Alert has more street cred. This is my first visit in ages here – so of course you won’t see many people defending it from ACT. 🙂

    Obviously none of you have ever been to see your favourite Labour MP come to speak on his/her portfolio within a party meeting environment. Your bias against Rodney is the true tale here – anybody who knows him knows he spends a lot of time talking about his portfolio to any ACT branch who asks for his time. The last time he did it, the councillors got pissy because he didn’t invite them. This time he did and welcomed them into an ACT meeting. What gives?

    We are encouraged to invite family, friends whoever along to our meetings, drinks, dinners… as I know everybody else does, regardless of party allegiances. Would this fall into your rather loose interpretation of “corrupt fundraising”?

    • Pascal's bookie 19.1
      22 October 2009 at 7:40 am

      “It was ECANs fault”

      The solution to stakeholders complaining that the minister is not communicating with them, is to communicate with them. Demanding a donation to the ACT party first is not-very-good.

    • lprent 19.2
      22 October 2009 at 7:42 am

      Obviously none of you have ever been to see your favourite Labour MP come to speak on his/her portfolio within a party meeting environment.

      You PAY to have MP’s talk to you in Act? Well there is a party of suckers and leeches.

  20. Clint Heine 20
    22 October 2009 at 7:47 am

    Lprent…wow, you’re trying a little too hard to twist it, unless you have never ever in your life attended at Labour/Green conference/event in your life.

    I have attended regional conferences for a few parties. Given there is always a keynote speaker and food/drink put on I have paid for the priviledge. This is no difference 🙂

    • Pascal's bookie 20.1
      22 October 2009 at 8:01 am

      ACT invited Local body officials along to hear the local government minister speak about local govt issues. And they demanded a donation to the ACT party.

      Can you really not see the problem there?

      • felix 20.1.1
        22 October 2009 at 9:53 am

        He’s never been the sharpest knife in the drawer. It wouldn’t surprise me if he genuinely didn’t understand the inherent conflict.

    • lprent 20.2
      22 October 2009 at 12:18 pm

      Don’t be stupid. I’ve been going to labour stuff for 30 years.

      Labour regionals, conferences, and congresses all have two parts.

      One part is for people from the party, where we are charged and share the expenses sometimes.

      The other part is public, eg for Phil or Helens speeches, guest speakers, etc. If they are public then the public are never charged.

      Of course there are a lot of raffles etc – but those contributions are purely voluntary.

      So I’d have to say that you look like you have a VERY selective memory about Labour – if indeed you ever actually attended.

      From your lack of knowledge about things labour, I’d say that assertion is just another ACToid lie. Just like Rodney’s current squirmings…

  21. lukas 21
    22 October 2009 at 8:05 am

    sorry, missed the part where it said that this was the only time you could talk to the minister about this…. if you don’t want to pay, don’t go… simple. You can still e-mail the minster, write a letter to the minister, make a phone call to the ministers office hell you can probably even fax them still!

    Storm meet teacup.

  22. Pascal's bookie 22
    22 October 2009 at 8:08 am

    ACT looks like it’s sick of it’s anti corruption branding now that it’s in government.

    Colour me shocked.

  23. Clint Heine 23
    22 October 2009 at 11:27 am

    I think the point is that they wanted to go but weren’t invited, Rodney invited them along and so they were accordingly given the same rights as ACT members.

    Who forced them to pay? What would these councillors learn from hearing a standard address to members from Rodney? This is remarkably brilliant. I wonder if I should kick up a storm if I am charged for attending any functions where Andrew Little is addressing the EPMU/Labour Party. Why should I be charged to access the opposition?

  24. Brian 24
    22 October 2009 at 4:35 pm

    What a beat up this whole “issue” is.

    Christchurch breakfast was an ACT fundraiser pure and simple. Perhaps there was some ambiguity that has been seized upon by some to score points. But the invitation did NOT go out to the community in general, only ACT members,supporters and other interested parties. All were free to accept or decline the invitation, there was no forced donation to ACT.

    • Pascal's bookie 24.1
      22 October 2009 at 4:48 pm

      “only ACT members,supporters and other interested parties.”

      And ECAN people. Read the damn invite Brian:

      Local Government is key to keeping New Zealand going.

      Local Government is of critical importance to people’s lives and to the future of New Zealand. The role
      you play has a significant effect on the prosperity of your communities, districts, towns and the
      Canterbury region as a whole. ACT Party Leader and Minister of Local Government; Hon Rodney Hide has
      a significant programme to enhance the operation of the Local Government sector. He would be
      delighted if you would join him for breakfast at the Heartland Cotswold Hotel on 4 November 2009

      That’s clearly and unambiguously targeted at local body stakeholders.

      Local body people being invited to hear the minister speak about local government, fine. To do so they would have to donate to the ACT party, not fine.

      There would be no problem if local government stakeholders could hear what Rodney had to say for free, whilst ACTivists paid. But the point was to raise funds for ACT, so ACT decided to use the ministers portfolio as a fund raiser.

  25. Clint Heine 25
    23 October 2009 at 11:33 am

    PB – where were these advertisements/invites placed? As far as I know they were sent/emailed to ACT members in that region and other supporters nearby.

    It seems Rodney was roundly harrassed for not inviting them, and then given shit for inviting them. Gee. Tough audience!

  26. Pascal's bookie 26
    23 October 2009 at 11:57 am

    “where were these advertisements/invites placed”

    Who knows. The people at ECAN got them though we know that. Perhaps you could confirm whether they were sent to their offices or their private homes.

    The point though, is the text. It is clearly and unambiguously targeted at local body types:

    Local Government is of critical importance to people’s lives and to the future of New Zealand. The role
    you play     has a significant effect on the prosperity of your communities, districts, towns and the
    Canterbury region as a whole.

    “It seems Rodney was roundly harrassed for not inviting them, and then given shit for inviting them.”

    I’ve seen ACT claiming this a lot, but I’ve not seen any details. Got any? (And he’s being given shit for fundraising off them though, not the invitation. The invitation and the speech are what Ministers should do as a part of their job. It’s the tacky village fete part that’s shit.)

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    Trust in me in all you doHave the faith I have in youLove will see us through, if only you trust in meWhy don't you, you trust me?In a week that saw the release of the 3,000 page Abuse in Care report Christopher Luxon was being asked about Boot Camps. ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 26

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking about the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care report released this week, and with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent on a UN push to not recognise carbon offset markets and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 26

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 26, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Transport: Simeon Brown announced $802.9 million in funding for 18 new trains on the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines, which ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Radical law changes needed to build road

    The northern expressway extension from Warkworth to Whangarei is likely to require radical changes to legislation if it is going to be built within the foreseeable future. The Government’s powers to purchase land, the planning process and current restrictions on road tolling are all going to need to be changed ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #30 2024

    Open access notables Could an extremely cold central European winter such as 1963 happen again despite climate change?, Sippel et al., Weather and Climate Dynamics: Here, we first show based on multiple attribution methods that a winter of similar circulation conditions to 1963 would still lead to an extreme seasonal ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • First they came for the Māori

    Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedFirst they came for the doctors But I was confused by the numbers and costs So I didn't speak up Then they came for our police and nurses And I didn't think we could afford those costs anyway So I ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live

    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

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