Seasons greetings from David Cunliffe

Written By: - Date published: 7:40 pm, December 24th, 2013 - 89 comments
Categories: labour - Tags:

As we close the year I’d just like to wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season.

Around our beautiful country, Kiwis are getting together with their families and friends to celebrate special times, rest and relax.

But for too many New Zealanders the holiday season offers little joy. The kids who are asking Santa for a house because they’re living out of cars, the minimum wage workers who are spending the season doing shift work and still struggle to pay the bills, the families who are apart because they can’t afford the cost of coming together, the thousands who will be relying on charity for their Xmas dinner.

At the same time there’s hundreds of millions of dollars available for multinational companies, for Hollywood studios, for selling our assets, for the wealthy few.

This is the hard reality of New Zealand under the current government.

But there’s a better way than this, a way to make sure every New Zealander gets a fair go and decent opportunities. And next year, election year, we’ll work for it. Together.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season and make sure you come back refreshed and ready to win.

My aroha to you and your loved ones,

David Cunliffe

PS: if you’ve not taken the chance to send an Xmas card to the Prime Minister you can do it here.

89 comments on “Seasons greetings from David Cunliffe ”

  1. BM 1

    Merry Xmas Dave.

    I disagree with the guts of your message thou, as this link demonstrates.
    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11177643

    Things really ain’t that bad are they.

    Tip for the new year, Dave.

    Focus on the positive, people prefer that.

    • karol 1.1

      Focus on the positive, people prefer that.

      Which people? The ones who are doing fine and don’t want to hear about the inequality gap, and those with little to be cheerful about this summer?

      It’s a very positive message from, Cunliffe – about working to make NZ a better place for all.

      • Bazar 1.1.1

        If you call that positive, your world must be very bleak indeed.
        Xmas is a time to celebrate, not to commiserate.
        While there are others who are in need, this is the one day of the year that shouldn’t be depressed just to make political points.

        • One Anonymous Knucklehead 1.1.1.1

          Fuck off and stop depressing them with your support for shite policies then, asshole.

          • Bazar 1.1.1.1.1

            You’re a bastion of goodwill to all men oak, with an intellect to match.
            Don’t forget to try and enjoy xmas when you’re not busy pissing down on everyone from up high.

            • Akldnut 1.1.1.1.1.1

              How Bazar

              The only one pissing on people from up high is you, it’s so easy for pricks like you to forget the hundreds of thousands who are going without.

              The only thing is that your kind are disingenuous and apply an out of sight out of mind mentality, and only talk about it once forced to – without any action.

              I agree you should fuck right off.

            • One Anonymous Knucklehead 1.1.1.1.1.2

              Pretends goodwill to all men. Supports the National Party. Cognitive dissonance much?

        • karol 1.1.1.2

          Xmas is a time to celebrate, not to commiserate.

          To celebrate what exactly?

          And really! Not make political points?!

          All I see in the run up to Christmas is rampant exploitation and commericalisation – it’s already been hi jacked by the neoliberals – it’s a celebration of consumerism! And that is already political.

          It should be about thinking of others – especially those who are in need/

        • karol 1.1.1.3

          Xmas is a time to celebrate, not to commiserate.

          To celebrate what exactly?

          And really! Not make political points?!

          All I see in the run up to Christmas is rampant exploitation and commericalisation – it’s already been hi jacked by the neoliberals – it’s a celebration of consumerism! And that is already political.

          It should be about thinking of others – especially those who are in need/

          • karol 1.1.1.3.1

            PS: This is a left wing blog. So I’m not really impressed by righties coming here and telling me how I should respond to Christmas Day.

    • Paul 1.2

      Can’t believe the Labour Party ( or any progressive grouping) would be relying on your vote, BM.
      So I doubt they need your sage advice.

      • BM 1.2.1

        Labours never going to win pitching at the disillusioned 10%.

        Until whoever’s in charge of strategy on the left side realizes that you’ll never beat National.

        Personally, I hope the penny never drops.

        • karol 1.2.1.1

          It’s not the disillusioned 10% – there’s a far higher percentage struggling to get by.

          But, I guess the Nats voters just don’t care – seems it’s just all about winning, and nothing about ethics.

          • Colonial Viper 1.2.1.1.1

            Correct. The bottom quarter of the population is doing it very hard and going without on a regular basis. And those in the 26th to 50th percentile struggle to make ends meet week to week as well.

            As you note, BM would quite like the big end of town to continue along in a smooth velvety delusion without being disturbed or concerned.

      • Murray Olsen 1.2.2

        BM looks forward to the day when he won’t even need to vote – when our leaders will be chosen by the Business Round Table, with valued input from our allies in Wall St.

        The positive news is that people are waking up to this neoliberal bullshit we’ve been subjected to, including some, but not all the Labour MPs. The positive news is that, sometime in 2014, Key will be on a flight back to Hawaii, that Benefat will no longer be in charge of the Mystery of Sosh Devlopmint, that Collins will no longer be perverting the national sense of justice, and Bill English will be showing that he doesn’t actually know how to run a farm.

        Merry Christmas, David. Please don’t forget the beneficiaries as recent Labour governments have done. Help us build a country for all Kiwis. It’s been a while since Aotearoa has felt like that. Let’s take it back. Let’s get Green, Mana, and Labour working together.

    • weka 1.3

      “as this link demonstrates.

      http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11177643

      Things really ain’t that bad are they.”

      That link is full of nonsense. Oooh, look, people spend more at Christmas. Oooh, look, it’s up x % on whenever. Oooh, look, people spend more the week before Christmas than they did the week before that. The whole thing reads like someone with a fixation on numbers just vomited a bunch of stats out of their brain with no context or meaning attached.

      eg, spending on camping gear is up. My bet is that less people can afford to go overseas or stay in motels etc.

      “”Kiwis were also out gathering all the last-minute essentials for their Christmas lunch, with food retailing up 81.8 per cent yesterday on the same day last week,” said Whiston.”

      Honest to god, does that sentence have any meaning in it at all?

    • Bearded Git 1.4

      I can smell the fear BM. You know David Cunliffe will have Key on toast in this election.

    • dave 1.5

      is it let them eat cake BM ? 3000 food parcels bm a record ,but no we the elite who caused it dont want see it hear it or beleave it exists go back to your gated community because next year we are going to burn your little fictional world down !enjoy planet key while you can because its going to end ! as your KEY said your time in the sun in over

  2. karol 2

    Thanks, David.

    I also am thinking of those with little to be cheerful about right now. Thank-you for the indication that you will be targeting the inequality gap next year.

    Have a good summer break with those close to you.

  3. Noko 3

    “the minimum wage workers who are spending the season doing shift work and still struggle to pay the bills”
    Anyone wanna pay my bond? Moving year in year out sucks, especially when it’s in the middle of the holidays for everyone else and peak work period for us petrol station workers.

  4. tinfoilhat 4

    Sod off 1% trougher.

    • One Anonymous Knucklehead 4.1

      They can’t help it: they’re afraid of David Cunliffe and what they think his government will mean for them. The fact escapes them that they do better under Labour-led governments, just like everyone else.

      My dearest wish for them is a visit from the ghosts of Christmas Past Present and Future.

  5. Naki Man 5

    Merry Xmas Dave

    National are doing a great job of running the country
    It must be very frustrating for you to see the economy doing so well.

    PS Your dirty tricks just turn the voters off.

    • karol 5.1

      Dirty tricks? That’s the territory of the NActs, Jason Ede et al.

      They are also very good at projecting their failings onto the opposition.

      Bigger queues than ever at foodbanks, and not one expression of concern from the righties: for them it’s all about winning, and no concern for those doing it tough.

      • Olwyn 5.1.1

        Indeed Karol. I sometimes get nostalgic for the days when right wingers had actual thoughts in their heads, and argued that the public good was better served by their side. I didn’t agree with them, but I at least had a modicum of respect for them.

        • karol 5.1.1.1

          Health and poverty – only today on Stuff:

          A national throat-swabbing campaign has identified nearly 50,000 children at risk of getting strep-throat, which can lead to rheumatic fever, a Health Ministry report says.

          Health Minister Tony Ryall’s report into implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy was released today, reporting on district health boards’ and the Ministry of Health’s success in meeting national health targets.
          [..]
          As part of the programme, children who had sore throats were able to have a swab and be tested for strep throat, and were given antibiotics if needed.

          The programme targets communities in areas with the highest incidence of rheumatic fever – an illness commonly associated with poverty and poor housing.

          The health response is fine. But you’d think the NActs would do more about the underlying cause – poverty.

          And there’s also the working poor, NM – people working long hours and still struggling to bring in enough fr their families to live a healthy life. People who want jobs and can’t find them. People living in garages…. etc

          The callousness of righties is a wonder to behold – especially at a time of year that encourages thinking of others..

        • rhinocrates 5.1.1.2

          +1

      • Naki Man 5.1.2

        Wake up Karol
        No one is starving here, obesity is a far bigger health issue.
        You would think some of these lazy people might try growing there own food, Nah that would be like work.

        • karol 5.1.2.1

          Dear oh, dear, NM. You show so little knowledge about health and poverty. As for those in poverty growing their own food? Many try, not that many can.

          • chrissy 5.1.2.1.1

            I agree karol. A lot of people (probably ones who have never tried it themselves) think you just pop a seed or seedling and it will grow. We have a large vegetable garden and it requires lots of time, lots of money, constant vigilance, good rainfall, no baking hot days,no birds, no cats, no small children and so on. The crop failure without pretty much living in the bloody patch weeding, snail , slug removal etc. is depressingly high And who wants a constant diet of silverbeet which is about the only thing we rely on to not fail.
            People who arrogantly say “just grow your own food you lazy whatevers” are just plain stupid. As if that will solve the problem. What about meat, milk, bread and all other staples needed in a diet, what about the necessities of life like clothing, shoes, soap, toilet paper, sanitary requirement for women, medicine for ill people and maybe even a little indulgence like chocolate or a glass of wine or a beer or two.
            People like Naki Man are totally out of touch with reality, unless it is keys reality. And it is about time he realised that most of the TRUTH about poverty in NZ is not reported by media. Instead we get orgasmic reporting of record rampant consumerism paid for presumably by Credit Cards. So we will have even more poverty come the New Year. And so it starts again. Vicious circles. Happy New Year everybody.

        • Paul 5.1.2.2

          You also show very little of the spirit of Xmas compassion.

        • weka 5.1.2.3

          “You would think some of these lazy people might try growing there own food, Nah that would be like work.”

          Ignoring for a minute that you are most likely at tr0ll… you obviously either don’t garden and have no fucking idea how much skill, time and resources are required to do that successfully at the level of feeding a family in a reliable way, or you do garden and were handed the skills and resources but no sense of gratitude for that privilege. Or you’re just a mean fuck.

        • rich the other 5.1.2.4

          Naki man,
          good on ya ,I’ve noticed only a couple of serious critics , Karol and Paul , it seems even on this topic the left aren’t convinced themselves.

          David ,take positive action , get rid of those who don’t fully support you.
          Next election you are doomed so get rebuilding for the following election.

          Merry Christmas even tho your party is full of atheists

          • karol 5.1.2.4.1

            Even in the holiday period…. the righties keep coming here and trying to divert with spinning.

            Hope they get time for some r&r today and tomorrow.

          • karol 5.1.2.4.2

            Even in the holiday period…. the righties keep coming here and trying to divert with spinning.

            Hope they get time for some r&r today and tomorrow.

          • Draco T Bastard 5.1.2.4.3

            good on ya ,I’ve noticed only a couple of serious critics , Karol and Paul , it seems even on this topic the left aren’t convinced themselves.

            I’d say don’t kid yourself but that’s all you RWNJs ever do. Facts never enter that thick skull skull of yours. I’ll give you a hint: Obesity isn’t solely caused by over eating.

            Perhaps others haven’t replied because Paul and Karol have already said what was needed.

        • Will@Welly 5.1.2.5

          Listen, you great big lard of human effluent, if you knew a thing or two about modern food processing and food manufacturing you’d stop and shut your ‘orrible big gob!!
          In the last few years. in the “name of progress” = $$$$, manufacturers have been loading processed foodstuffs up with calories in the shape of sugars, fats and starches to prolong their shelf life and make them more enticing and flavoursome to consumers. WE don’t need that amount of crap in the food we consume.
          In the early 1970’s, scientists in Japan, developed corn syrup, which is now used extensively in food manufacturing, our bodies aren’t built to handle a direct shot of straight sugar like that.
          Then Mr. Naki Man, since you’re one of them thar hillstock inbreds, tell me why in this country where we produce so much fresh fruit and produce, is milk dearer than a litre of coke, or bread dearer than a packet of potato crisps? And why is it we subsidize overseas interests when consumers here pay a premium? Is that just National pandering to it’s cronies again?
          The other thing, if you’re renting, some landlords don’t like you digging up the back yard to have a vege garden, or in other places, the sections are so small, there ain’t no room to grow veges. Or if like alot of folk, you get turfed out of your rental every few months, can you really afford to invest long-term if you don’t know if you’ll be there.
          And finally, Naki Man, it’s about time you stopped chewing on you cud, pulled your head out of you know where,hitch your horse to something more in line with your level of comprehension, instead of trying to mess around with the more intelligent folk. I would have suggested a playcentre, but they’re over-run at present.

    • Linz 5.2

      Naki Man, you’re deluded.

      • karol 5.2.1

        Denial – many righties are very good at it.

        • Paul 5.2.1.1

          It’s the complete lack of empathy I don’t understand.

          • karol 5.2.1.1.1

            It’s the complete lack of empathy I don’t understand.

            exactly!

            • Colonial Viper 5.2.1.1.1.1

              They have to maintain denial and moral superiority, otherwise they might have to take personal responsibility for the society and the political economics which has resulted.

              • emergency mike

                Cognitive dissonance – “Well it can’t be that I’m a mean-spirited oppressor protecting my own privileged position. Nope, that just doesn’t seem right, I’m aweseome. So um… why can’t these people just grow their own vegetables ffs? Or they could just eat cake. Chocolate cake, lemon cake, pecan pie, take a look and all them Lampton Quay cafes, there’s all sorts of cake they could eat.”

            • Akldnut 5.2.1.1.1.2

              It’s the complete lack of empathy I don’t understand.

              It’s sickening

  6. Olwyn 6

    Have a wonderful Christmas David. May 2014 bring into fruition the better way you are talking about.

    • Chooky 6.1

      +1….with the Greens and Mana ….as as fighting battalion to defeat Nact for a generation!.

      Xmas wish list for Santa Cunliffe’s new 2014 coalition government:

      Bring back a strong free state education system….modeled on Finland ( get rid of ACT private lobbiests on education paid by the Ministry and influenced by USA business contractors for failed USA privatised charter school system)

      Bring back Continuing Education

      Bring back a free state funded tertiary and university education system based on France and Germany ( not the failed class/ privilege privatised USA and British model…which excludes some of the best and brightest from the working class and impoverished middle class….and leaves tertiary education as a privilege for the wealthy mediocre )

      Bring back a great independent Public Service…well educated and skilled and committed to doing the best for all New Zealanders ( get rid of the uneducated crony private contractors lining their pockets and who come with corrupting agendas)

  7. Linz 7

    Thanks for coming on The Standard and wishing us well, and thanks especially for giving us hope for a better tomorrow. You have done very well since you became leader. This from John Armstrong no less: “Since taking over from David Shearer, David Cunliffe has not put a foot wrong – at least in a strategic sense.” (I would have stopped the sentence before the dash.) I hope you and your family have a great holiday season, and here’s hoping we all have the best of years in 2014. My best election so far was 1972. I’ve got a feeling 2014 will be even better.

  8. Philj 8

    Xox
    BM and Naki, you are troughing in the wrong place. I wish you both good health, cause if you haven’t you will join the long queue. Course u have health insurance. Hope you learn some kindness and aroha. It is the season.

    • Akldnut 8.1

      Hope that if you do get sick it wont be too bad, because the private health system will pay to use the public health facilities and you will be pushing someone in the public system further down the queue.

  9. Redzone 9

    Naki man what planet are you on? Try growing vegetables when you live in a car and work 2 jobs and then that doesnt even cover the cost of rent. Poverty is for real in NZ. Wake up and show some compassion. Your smugness is nauseating.

  10. RedLogix 10

    David,

    Again thanks for wishing us well here at The Standard. It’s a passionate community and we’ve been inspired in the hope that you have what it takes to turn Labour away from the neo-liberal madness that has held the caucus in it’s thrall for far too long.

    It’s a long haul David and we have your back. Make the most of these few relatively quiet weeks – it’s going to be a great year ahead.

    Kind Regards

  11. Saarbo 11

    Thanks David…also a merry Christmas to all of the Standard commenters (Left ones) and post’ers.

    A funny thing has happened in our family Christmas this year, we have a large family and my aging mum has asked two of our siblings to stay away because they always bicker and cause distress amongst other family members, they also happen to be the only two family members who vote right/National (lol)…there is something in that! Looking forward to a peaceful Christmas this year.

    Looking forward to helping to get rid of this not only mean spirited National party but also hopelessly incompetent (except at spin).

  12. xtasy 12

    Thanks David,

    It should all be available by now to Labour Party insiders, members and spokespersons, but much still seems to go down unnoticed. Thank you David, I still am hesitant to support you, but you are at least the “lesser evil”. By the way, get the UNFAIRNESS, and the PUNITIVE approach in welfare policies to be part of your program for the election campaign, and you may be surprised how many are affected and may give you their votes.

    If you need some real info and advice, as to how to beat the Nat and ACT jerks, I think I could perhaps assist with some guidance here and there, that is if you are interested, as some of your own are not up to it.

    Contact the host or editor, and he may pass on my details.

    Keep it up and do the right thing!

    Do NOT forget the government’s warfare against welfare recipients, or it will come back to be your peril one day. The system is hideous, the Minister is mean and lying, the affected are crapped on day and night. There are not enough jobs, but they push sick and disabled now, same as sole parents if they may have a baby only one year old!!!

    Rgds X

    • xtasy 12.1

      Further to that, tip or advice:

      As you suggested already on RNZ, get yourself, your wife and perhaps whole family made more public and familiar with the wider NZ public!

      Also consider the NZ spirit of tangata whenua and whatever, to create a spirit for togetherness, and learn from what is happening in Latin America:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnG9jHh_ZIo

      With your smartness and resources it should be sugar sweet easy to win the election 2014. But we all know that the MSM is in the pocket of Key and his lot, and that is where your biggest challenge will be.

      Doing the right analysis, and above all, getting the RIGHT program together, Labour should win easily, but that is where it hinges according to my view, the program and policies. We get too little and it is too wishy washy.

      Get all that sorted, and a bit more, and you will be PM in late 2014!

    • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 12.2

      I like xtasy’s message and wish to add please reassess Labour’s approach to superannuation

      – it just seems that now that the jobless and those with health challenges have been screwed down as much as humanly possible and there is no more that can be taken off them we are now going to move onto the oldies. PLEASE we’ve had enough of this nonsense.

  13. One Anonymous Knucklehead 13

    Merry Xmas and happy new year to one and all, ho ho ho and all that.

    2014 is going to be a good year. We’re going to change our government.

    • Anne 13.1

      Season greetings to all, and I hope David Cunliffe takes X up on his offer. xtasy has a wealth of knowledge and understanding especially when it comes to Welfare and Winz.

      The thing I’ve noticed about David is that he doesn’t set himself up as the arbiter of all knowledge. He treats people with respect and listens carefully to their views no matter who they are – a CEO or a road worker. Funny that because his former detractors who were inclined to suggest he was otherwise… were far more inclined to consider themselves better than the rest of us.

  14. Tracey 14

    David

    its up to you to change this country for the better. You have to find the way to cut through the spin and lies of this govt in ways the people will get. You have to find the way to get alot of people to see that the world is not for everyone as it is for them.for gods sake start reminding this country how huge the govt debt now is… how chchch is largely covered by insurance… so who has the money gone to.

    I believe most nzers are fairminded but you have to make them see there is something which requires their fair mindedness.

    we will all vote but we cannot shape how anyone votes only you can.

    dont let the vulnerable down david.

  15. Tracey 15

    Xtasy

    top tip brother. Hope 2014 treats you well.

  16. Tracey 16

    12 litres of coke for 12 bucks…theres a problem right thete

    • Colonial Viper 16.1

      One litre for each day of Christmas…awesome

    • Naki Man 16.2

      Those so called energy drinks, Mother, red bull. V etc are doing far more damage than coke

      • McFlock 16.2.1

        reasoning?

        • Paul 16.2.1.1

          And / or evidence?

        • blue leopard (Get Lost GCSB Bill) 16.2.1.2

          I believe those energy drinks contain even more sugar than coke and also large amounts of caffeine. I think that some of them suggest a limit of 4 per day due to the potential adverse health effects that they could create. This might be what Naki Man is referring to.

          • McFlock 16.2.1.2.1

            That’s my understanding too, but I suspect people drink much more high-fructose-fizz on average than caffeine analogues. Red Bull’s pretty pricey compared to milk or coke, istr.

          • rhinocrates 16.2.1.2.2

            Well, if the poor are made unhealthy by drinking energy drinks, let them drink Châteauneuf-du-Pape!

  17. Lanthanide 17

    I can’t help but think that after 3 years of the next Labour government, all of the things he listed as being problems in NZ will still be problems.

  18. Tracey 18

    I agree lanth … the crucial thing is beginning a change of direction not just talking.
    each time key talks about reform labour needs to call it what it is… making unemployment look better by pushing the vulnerable into city missions. Spend some money on people who can counter frame the bs argument that nats put up.

    tell john key you can now show him the money … its at warner bros… rio tinto… and other needy corporates and in return we have 50b debt and overseas banks creaming interest from us and a minister of tourism who likes to spend his money into the us economy cos no where here meets his standards.

  19. Steve Wrathall 19

    Meery Xmas and please spam John Key with Labours “Xmas cards” so we can harvest your emails.

  20. Tanz 20

    I just do not understand why Key made it harder for first home buyers. That is one of his worst moves.

  21. Kevin 21

    Did you note all the iPhones being used to take pix at the City Mission lunch???

  22. tricledrown 22

    Naki not much difference between coke and energy drinks

  23. tricledrown 23

    I thought all the right whining grinches would be in hawaii celebrating a sucessful year of ladder pulling.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-25T16:34:58+00:00