What do you want our government to achieve on climate action in their first 100 days?

Written By: - Date published: 6:06 am, January 23rd, 2021 - 38 comments
Categories: climate change - Tags: , , ,

When the government proposed declaring a climate emergency in December last year, Jacinda Ardern said this,

This declaration is an acknowledgment of the next generation: an acknowledgment of the burden that they will carry if we do not get this right and if we do not take action now. When I visit schools, when I read children’s letters, I’m often struck by how deeply personal the climate crisis is to them. We cannot underestimate a generation, full of angst and anxiety over the reality of climate change for them and their generation. And it is up to us to make sure that we demonstrate there is a pathway, there is a plan for action, and there is a reason for hope. For them, it is instinctual. It is tangible. It is real. It is about the country they will inherit and it’s about the burden of debt they will inherit unless we make sure that we demonstrate leadership on this issue.

Cool, cool. Now show us the money.

As one of those jaded about the notion that Labour will do what is necessary on climate action, I’ve been hoping that 2021 will see a resurgence of climate activism now that things in New Zealand have settled down somewhat with the pandemic. Labour will follow when there are enough of us on the streets demanding change.

So I’m pleased to see School Strike 4 Climate gearing up with this rally at parliament on Tuesday,

Kia ora whanau, School Strike 4 Climate NZ here, we are launching our new campaign called ‘100 Days 4 Action’. We believe it is vital to hold our new Labour government to account from the get-go, specifically on climate change. Like many, we have seen countless promises on policies, actions and goals in the past year – but we often question ourselves, what will they deliver? We are demanding real transformative action during this newly sworn-in government’s first 100 days. It is time for real change, to protect our people & our planet, for good.

We are collating a list of demands for our Government’s first 100 days, which on January 26th, we will take to Parliament to demand that real climate action is taken, based on such demands.

Love this in light of the months from the general election where we’ve been told to have patience and give Labour a chance. Time to get on with it.

From the SS4C press release,

As climate change affects every New Zealander and every part of society, we are inviting everyone to join us. This rally will be intergenerational. Parents, teachers, aunties, uncles and grandparents are asked to join youth on January 26th to stand up for climate justice, and the many issues that follow such.

…

Our demands focus on what climate action New Zealanders want from our government. This includes:

  • Prohibiting the implementation of, and phase out the use of fossil fuels nationwide
  • Investing in a 100% Renewable Energy economy
  • Investing & implementing in a just transition
  • Honouring its [the Government’s] responsibility to our Pacific Island neighbours
  • Decreased Agriculture Emissions
  • Invests in Climate Education

The rally starts at 12.30pm Tuesday 26th January on Parliament Lawn.

In the lead up to the rally SS4C have been asking for people to submit their top three demands of the government for climate action.

What do you want our government to achieve in their first 100 days?

Have at it Standardistas. What should the government be doing right now on climate?

38 comments on “What do you want our government to achieve on climate action in their first 100 days? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Stuart Munro 1
    23 January 2021 at 7:09 am

    Thus far their efforts seem to concentrate on coastal properties threatened by rising sea levels. I don't feel that the public should be compensating private owners for this – and it discourages prudent efforts to mitigate climate threat.

    In terms of regulation, the fastest carbon reduction is probably getting cargo from trucks onto ships and trains. Reducing maximum size or axle weight of trucks would also significantly reduce roading or eroding costs.

    The single use plastic bag rule was a good first step, but the logical followups, discouraging plastic prepacks of produce in favour of less toxic options has not materialised. Nor has one of the largest plastic generators, water bottling, been regulated.

    A broadly applied packaging levy, and a right to return noxious packaging to the purveyor might go some way to deterring the worst offenders.

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    23 January 2021 at 7:18 am

    I'm so glad the School Strike 4 Climate movement didn't fade away. I hope their planned actions are widely reported and taken notice-of, by Government and by the public. I marched with them and spoke at their rally last time and will endeavour to do again if invited. Their actions give me significant leverage in the council chamber, speaking of which, on the agenda for our first 2021 meeting this coming Wednesday: climate change and the presentation of our Urgent Action Plan.

    • In Vino 2.1
      23 January 2021 at 10:32 am

      I hope that there is action this time: Unfortunately, the date was set in Europe where students are actually at school. Here in NZ they are still on holiday, so it won't be so easy for them to organise unless they have the enthusiasm to do it by text, Facebook, etc.

      So many right-wing cynics have said that they just want a day off school, etc… I hope there is a good turn-out this time just to prove the Righties wrong.

  3. Snape 3
    23 January 2021 at 7:56 am
  4. Prohibiting the implementation of, and phase out the use of fossil fuels nationwide
    Investing in a 100% Renewable Energy economy
    Investing & implementing in a just transition
    Honouring its [the Government’s] responsibility to our Pacific Island neighbours
    Decreased Agriculture Emissions
    Invests in Climate Education

    5. The world needs to see a still-prosperous nation where all of the above has been put into place. IOW, New Zealand could serve as a role model to the much bigger emitters like the US.

  5. Ad 4
    23 January 2021 at 8:30 am

    Does James hold a pre-term caucus retreat? The Climate Change Minister should be able to start the year with something.

    His Commission needs to get some runs on the board real fast or people will lose faith.

  6. Macro 5
    23 January 2021 at 12:05 pm
    1. Ban the TV advertising of cars. Particularly SUVs. These are one of our biggest contributors to GHG emissions.

    2. Bring agricultural emissions into the ETS.

    3. Promote greater use of public transport and extend its coverage.

    And if I can have 4,

    4. Implement regulations to move freight from road to rail.

  7. Bazza64 6
    23 January 2021 at 4:41 pm

    The government could provide a few taxpayer subsidised heaters, its bloody cold for the middle of summer !

  8. mosa 7
    23 January 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Start treating this coming apocalypse with the attention it deserves and start planning now for a rise in the ocean level which will change the current coastline and drive out those who live there forever. The cost will be enormous but fortifications will be needed and the impact of entrenched drought with water becoming scarce and the threat to bio diversity that we rely on to survive is already beginning to retreat and disappear.

    Forward planning to adapt for a vastly different world than the one we know now.
    Have a plan to deal with the millions of climate refugees that will want to come here including the island nations that will see their countries fall away into the sea.

    I doubt anything that needs to seriously address the coming disaster will be done. We love to kick the can down the road and leave doing anything for as long as possible or until we are pressured into actually doing something or anything as we start to feel the intense pain and dislocation that climate warming will bring…..sooner rather than later.

    • Jamie 7.1
      24 January 2021 at 3:51 pm

      Ha ha ha you who live in the cities are the ones who will be hammered by droughts. How much water have you got stored in your cupboards. Enough for the shitter and the shower and flushing your excrement discharges straight out to sea or into the nearest river.
      if I was you I wouldn’t be worried about managed retreat- most of our city CBDS Are in big trouble. I’d be worried about what happens when you run out of water in the city. It’s going to happen and happen soon.
      I’ll be sitting pretty on my farm. I’ll just reduce my production plant some more trees and offset my omissions. Oh yeah and shop online so no trips to town. When this happens across the ag industry where is the export money going to come from? It’ll be like COVID we’ll just print more cash ha ha ha remember the adage “nothing comes for free” and that applies to money and climate impacts

      [New user on TS]

  9. Pat 8
    23 January 2021 at 6:35 pm

    First hundred days?….its now 98 days since the election.

    • In Vino 8.1
      23 January 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Hmmm. Better not time it from the election then.

    • Incognito 8.2
      23 January 2021 at 9:15 pm

      Ardern declared climate change as the “nuclear free moment” of this generation on 20 August 2017. This is 1,252 days ago, which seems like an eternity. Now she has declared this year 2021 as the Year of the Vaccine. It is going to be a long year, I fear.

      • In Vino 8.2.1
        23 January 2021 at 10:46 pm

        Now that is sobering.. Perhaps a start date should be made mandatory for all such statements of vague chronological specification.

      • RosieLee 8.2.2
        24 January 2021 at 7:23 am

        How about the Year of State House builds and CGT so that we actually do something meaningful about housing and rents?

  10. Incognito 9
    23 January 2021 at 10:07 pm

    Government could set up a Lottery for all NZ owners of personal cars for private use that are over 15 years old. Once a week they’d draw 20 owners and offer to take over the ownership and possession of their current petrol or diesel car in return for the free lease & maintenance of a brand new EV for one year. After one year, there’ll be an option to continue leasing the car but start paying a minimal amount towards road/licencing costs and maintenance, et cetera. After 5 years, they will have an option to take full ownership of the EV or terminate the ‘lease’ agreement with Government.

    The main cost for Government would be the initial purchase of the EVs and these are not cheap, which is apparently the main issue with low uptake in NZ. After 5 years, the scheme would have replaced up to 5,000 older fossil-fuel cars with new EVs. This may create enough of a momentum for the public and ‘market forces’ to increase speed of uptake and use in NZ. One mission accomplished.

    They can call it the EV Lottery or EV Draw and I think it could be popular. Lucky winners are free to choose the colour of ‘their’ EV car 😉

    • Sacha 9.1
      23 January 2021 at 10:48 pm

      If there is any govt subsidy, it needs to be for electric buses and delivery vans, etc – not for bloody private cars.

      • Incognito 9.1.1
        24 January 2021 at 12:30 pm

        One subsidy does not exclude another, does it? To tackle and prepare for CC, a raft of changes is needed at personal, community, society, and global level. These levels are not quite different dimensions; they are not orthogonal and they are highly inter-linked and overlapping, of course.

        The problem I have with subsidies is that many don’t seem to directly target and/or reach individual people. Many subsidies are aimed at businesses and some of it might trickle down to consumers. Trickling down and actually reaching the people is nice on paper but if they are not aware of it, it has much less impact on them. For example, if you were to use a HOP card for use of subsidised public transport, how would you tell and how would you know what the subsidy is and why and for what reason? It might as well not exist if it doesn’t register. I think that lifting CC into our daily consciousness and practical decisions is crucial for the required ‘psychology’ and mental preparedness, as it is integral with meaningful action.

        I think Government should do much more ‘direct marketing’ to the people in order to reach them and encourage positive (desirable) behavioural changes. FB posts and the likes only go so far even when one has thousands of followers and I think they have limited impact in the overall scheme of things. We need to encourage and see real practical tangible changes, not just send & receive smiles, waves, ‘likes’, and feelz.

        • Sacha 9.1.1.1
          24 January 2021 at 2:16 pm

          Substantial, tangible change requires focus.

          • Incognito 9.1.1.1.1
            24 January 2021 at 2:36 pm

            The Q in/of the OP is clear. I gave a concrete suggestion for something that is actionable and achievable. I’m not wedded to it; if it is a crap suggestion, it is a crap suggestion.

            You disagreed and I countered with my reasons.

            There’s common ground in both our suggestions. Maybe money is better spent on subsidies to businesses, public transport companies, and the likes from an economic PoV. The problem is that economic imperatives don’t always produce (the) desirable outcomes; isn’t that one of the core criticisms against and flaws of the school of neo-liberalism?

            Focus, by whom, on what, and how?

            • Sacha 9.1.1.1.1.1
              24 January 2021 at 8:23 pm

              One subsidy does not exclude another, does it?

              To invest enough money and social effort to produce change, it needs to be focused. In this case, public transit and delivery vehicles will decarbonise our cities the most in the shortest time.

              However, if we also incentivise swapping private vehicles to electric, we lose some of the mode-shift advantages of better PT provision including congestion and carparking impacts on our built form.

              Unless the public money and goodwill is unlimited, we also risk not achieving critical mass. Climate change imposes some deadlines.

              Centrist safe politics, I agree, push towards private EVs which is why geniuses like Simon Bridges are so keen on them. Easier to persuade people to shift a tiny amount than a lot.

              It's much the same though as tackling our urban housing problems by building more $1m standalone houses on the fringes rather than more concentrated townhouses and apartments close to PT routes and local stores and services.

              Takes political courage and broad social leadership to do the right thing rather than the easy one.

    • Jamie 9.2
      24 January 2021 at 3:53 pm

      It would only be a state approved colour. This sounds like getting a trabant fron the factory in russia

      [New user on TS]

      • Incognito 9.2.1
        24 January 2021 at 10:19 pm

        Just like a Trabant, you sound like a choking 2-stroke engine without traction spouting smoke and dirty hot air, which ain’t good for the climate.

        Given that you are “sitting pretty on [your] farm”, maybe you could address the question raised in the post or make another positive contribution to it, yes?

  11. gsays 10
    24 January 2021 at 8:06 am

    From memory, Bill had a couple of real good posts along these lines.Something like free fossil fuel with a sinking cap.

    Unfortunately, when I read the post it all made sense, but poor memory and it's radical (and needed) nature I don't recall the details.

  12. Stunned Mullet 11
    24 January 2021 at 8:33 am

    Nothing ……… at least then I won’t be disappointed.

    • Incognito 11.1
      24 January 2021 at 12:00 pm

      Do you get out of bed every day? Do you know that the meaning of “achieve” is different from “aspire”? Do you aspire to anything other than being a high-achieving troll?

      • stunned mullet 11.1.1
        24 January 2021 at 12:43 pm

        In answer to your questions.

        1. Yes
        2. Yes
        3. Not on this site.

        [Self-confessed trolls are banned permanently, especially when their commenting history is consistent with their confession.

        I’ll leave you to ponder your commitment to this site for the rest of the day after which I will pull the pin on your commenting privileges on this site, depending on your response – Incognito]

        • Incognito 11.1.1.1
          24 January 2021 at 12:55 pm

          See my Moderation note @ 12:43 PM.

          • Stunned mullet 11.1.1.1.1
            24 January 2021 at 1:27 pm

            There is little reason to engage at The Standard with anything outside of groupthink for fear or the usual pile on or an attack by one of more of the moderators.

            Your own lack of self awareness regarding your own biases and trollish behaviour on this site is amusing.

            Ban away dear, ban away.

            [I have no idea what you’re accusing other moderators or me of but it is quite typical of people when challenged to ‘hit back’ with all sorts of wild unsubstantiated accusations and allegations. It is a predictable and pathetic ‘excuse’ for their own poor non-constructive commenting behaviour and lack of meaningful engagement. It is always somebody else’s fault and/or because of somebody else; we have heard it all before. Yawn.

            However, I admit I’m biased against trollish behaviour.

            Lprent and others have not set up this site for your amusement. People who are not interested in engagement should stay away rather than using TS for their personal hang-ups and amusement/entertainment. It is quite telling that you have trolled this site for many years and think that this is somehow ok and justified. Perhaps it is because you’ve got away with it for so long despite the odd ban?

            About the only time that you contribute to the convo here is when discussing medical issues. It’s a pity that your integrity doesn’t go further than that but so be it; I’m sure you have your reasons for mostly acting & behaving as a troll and interfering with others who do want to engage on this site.

            At the end of the day, I will terminate your long career as troll-commenter here, as you wish and given that you have made your intentions clear. You’re free to comment here until then unless you force me act sooner. I guess we’ll still see you around elsewhere – Incognito]

            • Incognito 11.1.1.1.1.1
              24 January 2021 at 4:33 pm

              See my Moderation note @ 1:27 PM.

              • Stunned Mullet …
                24 January 2021 at 6:17 pm

                Yes dear.

                While it's tempting to respond in an LPrentish mode referencing your penchant to self gratification there's some evening gardening to attend to so bye bye.

                • Incognito …
                  24 January 2021 at 8:10 pm

                  I’ve been doing some weeding today too as well as removing debris and dead wood.

                  It was hugely gratifying.

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    5 days ago

  • Pretending to talk other people’s languages
    Fakes can come in many forms.A Rolex, for instance.A tan can be fake. Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • What’s new? A social agency with an emphasis on “investment” instead of “wellbeing” – b...
    Buzz from the Beehive A new government agency will open for business on July 1 – the Social Investment Agency. As a new standalone central agency effective from 1 July, it will lead the development of social investment across Government, helping ministers understand who they need to invest in, what ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago

  • Following the political money
    Bryce Edwards writes –    “Follow the money” is the classic directive to journalists trying to understand where power and influence lie in society. In terms of uncovering who influences various New Zealand political parties and governments, it therefore pays to look at who is funding them. The ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Hipkins would rather no one remember that he was Minister of Education
    Alwyn Poole writes –  After being elected to Parliament in 2008 the maiden speech of Hipkins was substantially around education policy. He was Labour’s spokesperson for education 2011 – 2017. He was Minister for Education from 2017 until February 2023. This is approximately 88% of the time Labour ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Fashionable follies
    Eric Crampton writes –  A fashion industry group is lobbying for protections. They make the usual arguments and a newer one. None of it makes sense. An industry group says it pumped $7.8 billion into the economy last year – that’s 1.9 percent of New Zealand’s GDP. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Justice for Bainimarama!
    In December 2006, Fiji's military leader Voreqe Bainimarama overthrew the elected government in a coup. He ruled Fiji for the next 16 years, first as dictator, then as "elected" Prime Minister. But now, he's finally been sent to jail where he belongs. Sadly, this isn't for his real crime of ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • March for Nature in June
    Don't like National's corrupt Muldoonist "fast-track" law? Aotearoa's environmental NGO's - Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, WWF, Coromandel Watchdog, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, and others - have announced a joint march against it in Auckland in June: When: 13:00, 8 June, 2024 Where: Aotea Square, Auckland You ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago

  • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Thursday May 9
    Seymour describes sushi as too woke for school meals. There are no fish sushi meals recommended by the School Lunches programme. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / Getty ImagesTL;DR: The Government will swap out hot meals for packaged sandwiches to save $107 million on school lunches for poor kids. MSD has pulled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • The non-woke $3 Lunch.
    I don't mind stealin' bread from the mouths of decadenceBut I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled, yeahBut it's on the table, the fire's cookin'And they're farmin' babies, while slaves are workin'The blood is on the table and the mouths are chokin'But I'm goin' hungry, yeahSome ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Labour’s chickens come home to roost
    The Ardern Government’s chickens came home to roost yesterday with the news that the country is short of natural gas. In 2018, Labour banned offshore petroleum exploration, and industry executives say that the attendant loss of confidence by the industry impacted overall investment in onshore gas fields. Energy Resources Minister ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • Calvin Reviews Lord of The Rings
    Hi,If you’ve been digging through the newly launched Webworm store (orders are being dispatched worldwide as I type!) you’ll have noticed the best model we had was Calvin.This is Calvin.Calvin.Calvin is 7, and is the son of my producer over on Flightless Bird, Rob — aka “Wobby Wob”. Rob also ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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