Rodney Hide in control of Key Government policy

Written By: - Date published: 9:42 am, August 27th, 2010 - 62 comments
Categories: workers' rights - Tags: , ,

According to OIA papers released to the NZ Herald, Key’s plan to extend the 90 day “fire at will” law is an ACT party takeover of government policy.

Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson recommended against the plan. She was overruled by Cabinet in response to ACT threats.

But Cabinet papers – released to the Herald under the Official Information Act – show Ms Wilkinson wanted the trial to be extended only to companies with up to 50 workers.

She did not want larger businesses covered, as they had “robust systems to undertake good recruitment and employment practices”.

Act leader Rodney Hide said last night that extending the scheme to all businesses was his party’s idea.

“The National Party came to us for support and wanted to extend it to 50, and we said, ‘If it’s good for businesses with 50, it will be good for business with 51 and 101 and 1001.’

“We persuaded the National Party to go the whole nine yards. It wasn’t an arm-wrestle.”

ACT is far right party that gained a mere 3% of the vote. Yet they now appears to be in firm control of government policy.

Trevor Mallard is absolutely right when he said:

“What is becoming absolutely clear is that on certain issues, like this, [Prime Minister] John Key is being led by Rodney Hide and the Act Party.

“If Key had any balls he would have said, ‘It’s 50 or we don’t introduce the legislation’.”

Mr Mallard said it was unusual for the Cabinet to override a minister’s recommendation.

“What often happens, if a minister is unsure, is the minister will provide options and Cabinet will pick. But here no options were provided, so it sounds like an ideological decision.”

Why can Heather Roy stand up to Rodney Hide, but John Key can’t?

62 comments on “Rodney Hide in control of Key Government policy ”

  1. Bored 1

    Why can Heather Roy stand up to Rodney Hide, but John Key can’t?

    Because perhaps Key is actually in alignment with the paymasters of National and ACT, the denizens of “big” business in NZ and their overseas paymasters? i suspect that the agenda does not come from Wodders on Shonkey, they are just parrots.

    Heather and Wodga are another type of beast altogether, they are ideologues who will comply with the paymasters only as long as it fits their ideology, sort of like a political QANGO.

  2. It would be one thing if there was analysis and a couple of options put up including the one subsequently selected.

    But nothing of the sort happened here. It seems to be a faith based decision, the faith being that free market is good, trade unions are bad, and more and more power is best for the employer.

    It is a shame really. If they actually looked at what was happening in Australia and America they would realise that Trade Unions increase wages and that a pure market approach is a recipe for social dislocation, poverty and hardship.

    Kate WIlkinson has been well and truly neutered by this disclosure.

  3. Tigger 3

    Why would Nanny McKey stand up to Hide? Key, like Don Brash before him, is an ACT MP in National drag…

  4. Anne 4

    “Why would Nanny McKey stand up to Hide? Key, like Don Brash before him, is an ACT MP in National drag ”

    Add to that… Key is as beholden to the big business pay(read donation) masters as ACT. Perhaps even more so. In other words, if you don’t go along with our agenda then your treasure chest will dry up.

  5. BLiP 5

    This “release” of information smacks of an attempt to rally the ACT troops, to show that the party has had considerable clout and will continue to do so. Its damage control and takes some of the responsibility for the emotional rather than rational formulation of policy away from National Ltdâ„¢ who put it up and passed it. It reinforces Calamity Kate’s position as the “fall guy” for the inevitable pre-election Cabinet shuffle and keeps the King John The Clueless Of Charmalot brand intact.

    • Pascal's bookie 5.1

      nah BLip.

      The Herald OIA’d it, and it makes King John look like a tool. Which is not good for ACT in the scheme of things.

      Their partisans might get a warm tickly feeling about how their boy is the power behind the throne, but that’s only because they are idiots. ACT is the personal property of John Key’s National party. It’s their job to make him look centrist, not weak. If they fuck that up, he’ll get rid of them quicker than he found something else to do on Melissa Lee’s big day.

  6. Rosy 6

    Nact hasn’t changed then, ol’ rodders must be laughing at Key beng so ‘relaxed’.. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3032415/Key-doesn-t-do-anything-Rodney-Hide

    He told the table guests before his formal speech that a person could get a “s…load” done in government as long as “you set the agenda” and have a clear direction.

    He had been amazed at how much he was able to achieve in the Cabinet because “you turn up with your papers” and “they are too busy with their own stuff; they’re not bothered”.

  7. BLiP, The papers were released under an OIA request from the NZ Herald. I agree the timing is good for ACT but it is not of their making.

  8. kerry 8

    Well i suppose someone had to be in control….cause it certainly aint donkey….SMILE…WAVE….SMILE ….WAVE!

    Thats the tories all over again…all style and NO substance!

  9. Tammy Gordon 9

    I say ‘game on’ for the union movement. We already know that the sick note for one day’s absence is likely to be pulled back, now there’s another target in the 90 days fire at will. I’m not sure that National MPs will be too thrilled with the tail wagging the dog here. And it looks like the Herald has just declared open season on Rodney.

  10. David Lloyd 10

    Good grief you’ve just worked this out. Act have been steering the ship since National took office. DonKey is an Act supporter in a blue disguise as are many of his cabinet. And the good news is Act influence will increase… there’ll be plenty of Act inspired surprises during National’s second term. Mark my works, you read it here.

  11. Cnr Joe 11

    bit of a laff – NoRightTurn lasts all of six minutes between signing off for the weekend and posting.

    This is another outrageous TurnOfEvents – this reveal of ACTs supreme arrogance – ‘if it works for 50 it’ll work for 50 million….’, coupled with (pin-the-policy-on-the) Jonkeys bunch of ..of..what are these people? Ministers? Puppets? Crosby Textor-scripted, seat (of pants)filling, fire-at-will-from-the-hip, horrible, conservative right-wing-for-no-good-reason parliamentarians. Why do they do it?

    nice weather for ducks

    • Jim Nald 11.1

      I never thought much of Minister Kate Wilkinson and this is another piece confirming she is a puppet.
      Can someone remind me of her puppet role to Gerry Brownlee’s stupid mining ambitions?

  12. Fisiani 12

    Why should a voluntary great work choice option policy only be given to those who apply for work in a firm of less than 50 workers? That would not be fair on those work seekers knocking on the doors of big firms. Fairness in the workplace is the aim of the government. Very sensible to take a bold step than a merely a timid incremental one. There would no difference in the venomous mistruths and misplaced fears as expressed by the blinkered Left. The 90 day right to prove yourself is not compulsory for anyone. Employers can choose to take the potentially horrendously expensive current risk of not using it and employees can choose not to sign it same as they dont have to sign for any other contract clause. Great example of a collegial government in action to restore the damage of an economy run onto the rocks by a distracted crew with their eyes off the destination.

    • felix 12.1

      Catchup. In parliament yesterday Bennett showed that 90 day trials are effectively compulsory for people referred by work and income.

      You’re always a bit behind with your lines though Fizzy. Where are you getting them?

      • Fisiani 12.1.1

        90 day trials are not compulsory. No company has to include it as a condition of employment. It is however manifestly unreasonable for an unemployed person to refuse an otherwise acceptable job offer simply because the contract stipulates that their is a 90 day trial period. No one of course is physically compelled to take such a job but why should we have to fully support such a shirker or deluded tool of the extreme left.

        • Armchair Critic 12.1.1.1

          who are these shirkers, Fisiani? Are they the thousands of people that queued to apply for a few hundred jobs in Manukau, in January? Or the thousands of people that queued for a few hundred jobs in Auckland a month or so back? Most of the unemployed want to work. Labelling them shirkers is rubbish.
          What is the govenment doing to help create jobs for these people? Before you tell me that the 90-day amendment will create more jobs, show me a link to some reliable evidence.
          Hint – I predict you won’t, or can’t. This is because there is no evidence, and there is no evidence because the 90-day trial period does not create more jobs.

          • Fisiani 12.1.1.1.1

            I have never labelled the unemployed genuinely seeking work as shirkers. How ridiculous. Try reading. You did. You labelled these Kiwi battlers as shirkers. Shame on you. I bet not one of those people stridently demanded that there be no 90 day trial in their contract. There wasn’t one anyway as the firms involved employed more than 20 workers

            • Armchair Critic 12.1.1.1.1.1

              You labelled these Kiwi battlers as shirkers
              Bollocks, I did completely the opposite. You are wilfully and deliberately misinterpreting what I wrote in my comment above.
              I see you proved me right, because can’t provide any links to show the 90-day period created even one single job.

        • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1.2

          Yes, actually, they are “physically compelled to take such a job”. You even say so yourself.

          It is however manifestly unreasonable for an unemployed person to refuse an otherwise acceptable job offer simply because the contract stipulates that their is a 90 day trial period.

          The issue is if signing away your rights is an acceptable offer and, quite frankly, it isn’t. you, being the psychopath that you are, are quite happy for people to forcibly have their rights taken away from them.

      • Vicky32 12.1.2

        I suppose I am lucky that WINZ have been too incompetent and lazy to refer me anywhere as yet then?
        (I am looking for myself of course… and I can choose what I apply for – provided I don’t tell them my criteria, tee hee…)
        Deb

    • Lanthanide 12.2

      If you were in a position of needing a job, and you were aware of other applicants for a job you were applying for that had a 90 day clause, are you really going to say “take the clause out or I won’t sign”? They’ll just pass over you and choose someone else. This isn’t something like asking for more money, or extra leave entitlement, or changed working hours etc. Asking for the 90 day provision to be removed immediately makes the prospective employer think that you’re out to scam them or join their company just to stuff around for 6 months before they can get rid of you.

      So no, there is no real “choice” over whether you sign a contract including it or not.

      • Fisiani 12.2.1

        Sigh! You are correct. Not signing such a basic fair and reasonable contract does indeed mark you out as a unreasonable loser. Why would any employer with a brain choose that unrealistic person out of the others who are prepared to prove their worth. No compulsion because if you do CHOOSE not to sign then you can always apply somewhere else. 90 day trials are work opportunities. Stop standing in the way of workers rights to get a job.

        • mcflock 12.2.1.1

          since when is a license to unfairly dismiss someone without cause or warning and for whatever reason you choose (as long as you don’t mention the reason if it contravenes the Bill of Rights act) part of a “fair and reasonable” contract?

          • Fisiani 12.2.1.1.1

            Your assumption that an employer would dismiss a worker without good cause or reason is ludicrous insulting and without any proven grounds.

            • mcflock 12.2.1.1.1.1

              Your faith in the benevolence and competence of every single manager in New Zealand is quaintly naive and contrary to the experience of the Employment Court.

              • Lanthanide

                Yes, you really can’t argue here, Fisiani. If employers were all reasonable, as you like to propose, the employment court would not need to exist (and would not frequently find in favour of the employee). It does, therefore they aren’t.

            • Draco T Bastard 12.2.1.1.1.2

              Except that it’s being proven on a day to day basis.

            • Vicky32 12.2.1.1.1.3

              I take it you’re an employer Fisiani, or maybe a student? If you’d ever been employed, you’d know different…

              I’ve been ‘dismissed’ for all sorts of bizarre reasons over the last 30 years – including providing a job opening for the boss’s girlfriend! True.
              Deb

            • Mac1 12.2.1.1.1.4

              @ Fisiani 1.53 p.m.
              And that’s why the employer does not need to provide a reason? Why be ashamed to provide a reasonable cause for dismissal? There are reasonable causes for dismissal, and there are systems already in place for such dismissals.

              A person in a court must be confronted by their accuser. It’s natural justice. Similarly, a person being dismissed should be given reason for this dismissal. These are people being treated arbitrarily- people, people, people. Does a libertarian not understand that?

              It defies logic that an employer deciding to employ for reasons that are dictated by business needs, will not employ because of difficulties of dismissal and thereby deprive the business of needed workers.

              Anti-spam word “excluded”, as in this debate are often logic and humanity excluded.

        • Lanthanide 12.2.1.2

          Except if the exact same job had been offered prior to the 90 day bill, the 90 day clause would not have been in the contract. So what once was a solid job offer, is now in your own works, a “work opportunity”, not a job offer.

          If you were arguing “new jobs created by the 90 day bill can include the 90 day clause, and jobs that would have existed anyway regardless of the bill should not include the 90 day clause” I would agree with you. But that’s not what you’re saying.

  13. Draco T Bastard 13

    National is a far right party that only got voted in by painting themselves as a centre-right. Whatever made you think that the didn’t, in the majority, support this anyway?

    IMO, National are just pointing at Act to shift blame.

  14. The Voice of Reason 14

    National: lifting employment one sacking at a time.

    Fisiani: battling logic one braincell at a time.

    • Fisiani 14.1

      90 day right to prove yourself is already demonstrably lowering unemployment one hiring at a time. Lots of workers are eager for the extension of their job seeking rights to medium and large firms. Good times are a coming.

      QT 26/8/10
      Tim Macindoe: How many new vacancies were listed with Work and Income in July 2010, compared with July 2008?

      Hon PAULA BENNETT: In July 2008 there were just 2,496 new vacancies. In July 2009 that figure nearly doubled to 4,000, but in July 2010 a total of 5,116 new jobs came into Work and Income.

      Resorting to ad hominem. Priceless.

      • The Voice of Reason 14.1.1

        “90 day right to prove yourself is already demonstrably lowering unemployment one hiring at a time.”

        OK, demonstrate away. Show us the evidence, Fisiani.

        “Lots of workers are eager for the extension of their job seeking rights to medium and large firms.”

        Name them. Go on, prove you’re not just making shit up as usual.

        “Good times are a coming.”

        Next election, I’m picking.

  15. Jim Nald 15

    Donkey is playing the good Nat cop routine opposite Rortney’s ACT.
    They think you’re all mostly quite stupid.

  16. Disengaged 16

    Isn’t this just MMP in action? I don’t recall there being cries of “Dunne in control of Clark policy” when he got the Families Commission put in place, and nor were there cries of “Greens in charge of Labour” when the home insulation policy and even s59 review were adopted by Labour.

    • But they were good sensible policies backed by analysis and recommendations.

      These policies are entirely different. No analysis, no justification, and no benefit to anyone except the coldest hearted of employers.

      • Disengaged 16.1.1

        So if ACT had used the same tactics to promote a policy you agree with, then that would be fine because the end justifies the means? To me it seems that ACT is using its influence to push forward a policy that its supporters would agree with. No different to what other small parties have done in the past.

        • felix 16.1.1.1

          No, if you bothered to read Mickey’s comment at all you’d notice that the distinction he made wasn’t whether he agreed or not.

          Try again.

        • Puddleglum 16.1.1.2

          Disengaged, one of the main points of the post was that a National Minister’s recommendation was rolled after ‘negotiations’ with ACT. The Minister, apparently, did not provide, as one of her options, the extension of the 90 day fire at will provision to all employers.

          The Families Commission – I’m vague on this – either came as part of the UF-Labour support agreement and/or was brought to cabinet by Dunne (though possibly not the latter as he was only the Revenue Minister). It was NOT a case of a Labour Minister coming with a firm and singular recommendation and then having it overturned by Dunne (or by ‘negotiations’ with UF).

          That ACT can successfully over-ride a National Cabinet Minister is, at the very least, an interesting – even unique – situation.

    • prism 16.2

      The Families Commission and home insulation were additions to the services and benefits that were offered by the state. If ACT is bounding through a weak National defence that’s bad tactics in the government’s playing plan, as everything that ACT does diminishes the services that the state provides just as ACT wants to diminish its legitimacy. It’s interesting that there was so much hate for communism but when its mad mirror image shows up in the shape of ACT, well that’s quite acceptable.

      As for accepting ACT’s policy push being a result of MMP, IMO if only one electorate seat is won and the votes are less than 5 percent, it should carry only one list MP with it (to enable a more effective representation than a single independent member). But it should not automatically give the party a proportional piece of the pie. And that requires redrafting part of the MMP legislation but not revising the system.

      • Disengaged 16.2.1

        I would imagine that ACT supporters would see that the policy concessions that ACT is pushing for are adding benefits to society. Whether you or I agree with their policies is irrelevant in this regard as ACT is simply working within the MMP system as it stands at the moment.

        Could MMP be improved? Sure, but I certainly prefer it to FPP as it has given smaller parties like the Greens and the Maori Party more of a say in parliament. Unfortunately it also allows ego driven parties like United Future, Jim’s Progressives and NZ First to wield far more influence than they should really have IMO.

        • felix 16.2.1.1

          Na, it’s not that “the MMP system” allows it, it’s that National allow it.

          They can say “no” to ACT’s demands, can’t they?

          If not, why not?

          • Disengaged 16.2.1.1.1

            Of course National could say no. I’m not saying that they are being forced into making policy against their will because of MMP. It’s no secret that National is pro-business and so this policy would be unlikely to cause upset amongst their supporters. Therefore, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch for National to agree to ACTs proposal if it meant that it kept their coalition partner happy, in much the same way that the Greens managed to win policy concessions from an ideologically similar, but more centrist, Labour party.

            • Pascal's bookie 16.2.1.1.1.1

              When were the greens in coalition with Labour again?

              What is different about this case is that it’s neither a part of the coalition deal, nor a private members bill. There is nothing wrong with it, and no one is saying there is, But it is what it is. National overruling the Minister of Labour, a Nat, in favour of an unworked up idea from ACT who are outside cabinet. They then claim the policy as their own. It’s pretty much ACT swinging the govt, and again there is nothing wrong with that, but it is what it is, and it’s good that it gets publicity.

              Afterall, there are plenty of National voters that think ACT are a bunch of lunatics.

              • Disengaged

                Don’t be obtuse. I didn’t say that the Greens were in coalition with Labour, I was saying that they won concessions from an ideologically sympathetic Labour. Arguably the Greens’ successes are a more extreme example because they weren’t a coalition partner.

                It’s also a bit unfair to dismiss it as ACT pushing “an unworked up idea” as it is an extension of National’s policy which was already in place (and was part of National’s election campaign) and hadn’t caused the world to explode.

                I just don’t get why this small parties wagging the dog (to murder a metaphor) is so shocking. It’s an example of MMP enabling a more diverse range of views to be pushed, which has been happening since day one.

                As to your final point, I imagine that there are plenty of Labour voters who aren’t so fond of the Greens (head down to the West Coast of the South Island and you’ll meet a few). That didn’t stop Labour from building a constructive relationship with them.

                • felix

                  “It’s also a bit unfair to dismiss it as ACT pushing “an unworked up idea’ as it is an extension of National’s policy which was already in place and hadn’t caused the world to explode.”

                  Apparently you missed the point of the post then. The Nats say they didn’t want to extend this beyond businesses with 50 or less workers.

                  You said they had to, ‘cos of MMP and that.

                  I say you and the Nats are full o’ shit. If they didn’t want to do it they could have said no, and what would ACT have done about it exactly?

                  I call bullshit.

                  • Disengaged

                    You really are an angry angry man aren’t you?

                    Where did I say that “they had to ‘cos of MMP and that”? What I’m saying is that ACT used their influence to get National to implement a policy (well really, go further than they would have initially gone) that they wouldn’t have. Which is part of the MMP process.

                    As the original posts says:

                    “The National Party came to us for support and wanted to extend it to 50, and we said, ‘If it’s good for businesses with 50, it will be good for business with 51 and 101 and 1001.’

                    “We persuaded the National Party to go the whole nine yards. It wasn’t an arm-wrestle.’

                    So ACT persuaded National to further than they initially would have.

                    The same as the Greens persuaded Labour (and ultimately National) to go further than they would have with s59.

                    Small parties have been throwing their weight around since the start of MMP.

                    • felix

                      There you go again, blaming MMP for National’s decision.

                      National says that they didn’t want this to happen.

                      So either you believe:

                      a) ACT made them do it, or

                      b) National really wanted this all along.

                      This wasn’t part of their coalitin agreement with ACT. This isn’t something they have to do to ensure ACT’s support.

                      Either they wanted the law or they didn’t. Looks like they did.

                      And na I’m not angry, I just don’t suffer fools or those pretending to be fools very well.

                • Pascal's bookie

                  You didn’t say the Greens were in a coalition with labour, but you are saying that this is no different. ‘cept it is different.

                  The point is; The whole point that is: Is that this is ACT policy that goes against what the National Minister was recommending, and against what National were saying before the election but was introduced as National party policy.
                  The are hiding the fact that this was an ACT deal. This is news.

                  With the green/labour party policies, voters knew where the policies were from. They knew how much influence the Greens were having.

                  And it’s not just the 90 days stuff. There is the union access stuff that employers didn’t ask for and the ministry said there was no case for. That’s why I’m calling the ideas unworked up. They are ideology based, pure and simple. Look at how the rationale changed for the ninety days. Initially it was about the HR resources of small firms. That was the policy they were elected on. They also promised pre election that union access rules would not be changed. But ACT changed their mind on that. Perfectly legitimate, but not very centrist.

                  Which is, again, all fine and legitimate, but voters have a right to know where it’s coming from. If voters wanted an ACT led government they would have voted for one.

                  For the government to slowly adopt ACT policy, all the while pretending that they are not and selling themselves as simple pragmatic centrists who think ACT are far too extreme, is a tactic. I’m not saying they shouldn’t be allowed, or anything like that. I’m saying they are being dishonest and that it’s perfectly legitimate to point out what is happening.

        • Draco T Bastard 16.2.1.2

          I would imagine that ACT supporters would see that the policy concessions that ACT is pushing for are adding benefits to society.

          I’m sure they do even though all the evidence is against them.

  17. Disengaged 17

    Felix, I believe that ACT persuaded the National Party to do it.

    It seems pretty clear that National wanted to expand the programme and went to ACT for their support, in turn ACT used their influence to persuade National to expand it further than what was initially proposed. Hardly scandalous.

    National had already campaigned on, and implemented the 90 day policy. Expanding it beyond firms with 20 or fewer employees seemed a likely outcome. So agreeing to ACT’s request/pressure/demand to increase it further wouldn’t have been a painful decision for National as it was directionally correct with their originally intention, even if it meant going further or faster than they initially intended..

    So I guess I’m saying that I believe it to be a bit from option ‘A’ and little from option ‘B’.

    • felix 17.1

      Bullshit. You’re trying to confuse the “less than 20” National campaigned on with the “less than 50” which was as far as Kate says National wanted to go.

      ACT have to vote for what National put up or vote against it. And if National put up “less than 50” ACT ain’t gonna vote against it. If that was as far as they wanted to go, that would’ve been it.

      National (and you) said they didn’t want to go this far but ACT made/persuaded them. And that’s a lie.

  18. Carol 18

    Felix, from what key has said on Nat Rad today, yur option b) is the correct one.

    An audio clip of Key has been played regularly on the Nat Rad news today in which he said:
    he asked Wilkinson initially to look at the 90 Day trial for businesses with up to 50 people.
    and that,
    he thought that eventually the 90 day rule would have been extended to all businesses anyway.

    http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/55331/act-behind-extension-of-90-day-job-trial

    Prime Minister John Key says the Cabinet decided to extend the 90-day trial period for new workers to cover all businesses following negotiations with the ACT party.

    The Prime Minister says ultimately, he believes the trial period would have been made available to all companies, regardless of size, and Ms Wilkinson did not resist the move.

    PS: Must check if that was Key’s exact words: ie that it would eventually be available to all companies and not to all employees

    Shows who the law is really for.

  19. ak 20

    Yet another calculated, cold-blooded fist in the faces of Tariana and Pita.

    So crass that Hone is quiet.

    Too quiet.

    As Winnie’s tots-up the sub-radar baubles.

    The same ones Tari must tout.

    It’s a bomb.

    Astride an economic meltdown.

    Anomie times.

    Decision time for Phil:

    Underdog or poll shill?

    Labour legate or Boot Hill?

    Talk now to Tari and Win

    Or forever hold your wee piece.

  20. doctorjeep 21

    Storm meet tea cup…

    “Bullshit. You’re trying to confuse the “less than 20″ National campaigned on with the “less than 50″ which was as far as Kate says National wanted to go.”

    No you’re confusing a Ministerial recommendation to Cabinet with a whole of Cabinet or National view. Cabinet can agree or not to a Ministerial recommendation at any point in the process – and do. Since none of us have seen the Cabinet paper much of this is just third, fourth hand speculation.

    Based on what we know, the Ministerial recommendation was only to extend to businesses with 50 or less employees because larger firms have in place processes that mitigate the risk of taking on employees not fit for the job. From what I’ve read we haven’t seen anything from “National” where it states there is a risk of extending it to those firms with 50 or more employees for the potential employees themselves. If they don’t think there are it really makes no difference if it is extended or not.

    • felix 21.1

      So you think I can’t take National’s pre-election policies, promises, and assurances as representing the “National view”?

      It seems we’re in agreement if that’s the case.

  21. john gilmartin 22

    When I see Wodney holding that cup it stirs my Fascist complex. Is Wodney a fascist because he arouses feelings like that?Do we want a corporate government fascist state? I think yes because most of us are too lazy to do otherwise!

  22. Tiger Mountain 23

    Hideney, Rortney, El Duce junior, Wodney, etc. really is one of the most personally repulsive political entities since RD Muldoon. Proven gay basher, misogynist, racist, bully and corporatist. And then there is the ACT party line, which the Natz just love to say no, no, no,-yes! to.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-29T07:02:42+00:00