Silly stories

Written By: - Date published: 10:12 am, December 8th, 2009 - 44 comments
Categories: labour, Media, phil goff - Tags:

Helmetless Hone: Keen to continue the Hone Harawira saga, One News reported that complaints had been laid over Harawira not wearing a helmet when he rode the motorcycle of a visiting anti-violence campaigner on Parliament’s forecourt. I hope the Police have better things to do than investigate an MP for taking a 50m spin on a motorcycle on Parliament’s forecourt. It’s not as if he rode a tractor up the steps.

Goff in charge: Despite not being able to find a single figure in Labour willing to say, even anonymously, that Phil Goff’s leadership was in question over his recent speech, TV3 still ran a sh*t-stirring story about it. To think that there could be real leadership rumblings because of Goff’s speech is silly. A number of people, including me, genuinely disagreed with the speech, not because of the issues it focused on but because it looked a hell of a lot like a dogwhistle. But that doesn’t mean Goff’s leadership is in danger. He has his chance in 2011.

I don’t think Goff as PM is going to be the second coming of Michael Joseph Savage but he will do a hell of a better job than John Key is doing, and on that basis I’ll be fighting for a sixth Labour-led government led by him. That’s the great thing about not being a Nat, I guess. On the Left, you don’t have to blindly idolise party leaders; you can disagree and debate the details while still broadly supporting them.

44 comments on “Silly stories ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. fizzleplug 1
    8 December 2009 at 10:19 am

    Goff has to be the leader in 2011. Who else is there?

    I probably would have voted for Labour at the last election were Phil Goff in charge, but I don’t think I will at the next. He comes across as just a little bit to holier-than-thou.

    • gingercrush 1.1
      8 December 2009 at 10:26 am

      Well if we take the media spin. The two other options at this time are David Cunliffe and Shane Jones. Those two are really holier-than-thou. Goff doesn’t come across as holier-than-thou he just comes off as confused.

      I cringed at the One News item on Harawira. It was embarrassing. Of course Phil Goff has over-egged on the whole Hone thing. So you can’t expect the media to let off on Hone if Phil Goff and elements on the left keep attacking him.

      As to your second point. Well you do have to idolise your leader if you’re Chris Trotter. Now there is someone going off the deep end.

  2. Swimmer 2
    8 December 2009 at 10:34 am

    I can’t believe the media beat up over this. Hone wasn’t hurting anyone, where were the pedestrians and motorists? Phil is fine and doing fine as leader. Again beatup!
    I’d vote for Labour with Phil in charge.

  3. lukas 3
    8 December 2009 at 10:35 am

    Jones can not seriously be taken as an option for the leadership after the 2011 defeat.

    Anyone who listened to him when he was the Labour representative on Paul Holmes breakfast show would know why!

    • Lanthanide 3.1
      8 December 2009 at 10:59 am

      How about you elucidate the problem, for those of us who didn’t listen to him on the Paul Holmes breakfast programme? Which I’m sure will be the large majority of people here.

    • Loco 3.2
      8 December 2009 at 11:50 am

      What about David Parker or Maryan Street as wildcards?

  4. Daveski 4
    8 December 2009 at 10:37 am

    So eddie, speculating about Goff’s leadership is bad but it’s good to do it about Key being rolled as many have predicted here.

    Likewise, idolatry of Key is bad but the sanctification of St Helen is good.

    Silly stories indeed.

    • Lanthanide 4.1
      8 December 2009 at 11:00 am

      We haven’t had any senior MPs calling Goff a ‘do-nothing’. Can’t say the same for Key.

    • felix 4.2
      8 December 2009 at 11:32 am

      So eddie, speculating about Goff’s leadership is bad…

      Eh? Please explain, I can’t see where Eddie says anything of the sort.

    • lprent 4.3
      8 December 2009 at 11:39 am

      I think that the criteria is what people do. John Key seems to be good at photo ops and being relaxed. Those are definitely things that Helen wasn’t good at. I suppose that it reflects the differences between the parties.

      • Daveski 4.3.1
        8 December 2009 at 12:19 pm

        Not at all. It simply reflects our different perspectives. Key is certainly less dogmatic which depending on your view point is either a strength or a weakness.

        What’s particularly interesting is that Key’s no longer being attacked here for his “flip flops” as Goff has started to rewrite Labour’s position. All of a sudden, Goff being less dogmatic is a strength.

        As far as the Nats are concerned, regardless of what is gospel here, the problem is not Key but some of the poor performers under him. However, still happy to bet that if Goff is still Labour leader, they won’t win next election, just as the Nats had no chance with English.

        • lprent 4.3.1.1
          8 December 2009 at 1:06 pm

          Keys flip-flops haven’t gone away – basically he is a pretty good ditherer. However since he hasn’t been doing much (as Rodney pointed out) they are much less apparent.

          It looks as though John is relaxing into being PM with the major signs of activity being keeping an eye out for his photo-ops.

  6. Santi 6
    8 December 2009 at 10:57 am

    I despise Labour and its socialist ideology, but I have to admit Goff is the worst leader the party needs at the moment.

    Opposition to the lazy John Key should concentrate on his inaction, his total lack of energy, his countless flip-flops, his lack of policies, instead of going back to Foreshore and Seabed legislation.

    The Tories must be very thankful Goff and not a true leader heads your party.

    • Deus ex Machina 6.1
      8 December 2009 at 11:42 am

      It’s not ‘my’ party – I voted for it once in the last four elections – but I agree with your drift. Labour is currently the best of some very poor options and Goff the Grey is merely the least worst of a third-rate line-up of leaders, potential or actual.

      The problem is that anyone coming to the fore because of their passion, fire, eloquence and commitment is as likely to be a Hitler as a Churchill – the only MP currently displaying passion, fire, eloquence and commitment is Hone Harawera. ‘Nuff said.

    • Roger 6.2
      8 December 2009 at 1:12 pm

      “Opposition to the lazy John Key should concentrate on his inaction, his total lack of energy, his countless flip-flops, his lack of policies, instead of going back to Foreshore and Seabed legislation.”

      It would be nice if the mainstream media made more than passing referrence to this also.

  7. ak 7
    8 December 2009 at 11:07 am

    I don’t think Goff as PM is going to be the second coming of Michael Joseph Savage…

    No, but the “born again” KISS Phil of late is quite impressive and a welcome development. Floppy Dolittle is becoming increasingly tangled in the inherent tory contradictions – Phil now needs to emerge the clear, caring “anti-Grinny”, and has made a good start. Chanelling Jim Knox or a concise Jim A with a pinch of Mother Theresa sprinkled throughout should do the trick.

  8. gobsmacked 8
    8 December 2009 at 11:15 am

    So now Key has delivered his judgement from the throne, telling the police how to do their job:

    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/3137847/Don-t-charge-Hone-Key

    Of course it’s a non-story. So the Prime Minister should just ignore it. Instead, Key now seems to believe he can and must comment on anything he pleases, because he is King. Judges, Reserve Bank, police, broadcasters – you name it.

    Who needs independent authorities and separation of powers? John knows best … about everything.

    • fizzleplug 8.1
      8 December 2009 at 11:18 am

      Police being told how to do their job by the Beehive is nothing new.

      • gobsmacked 8.1.1
        8 December 2009 at 11:21 am

        But I thought Key was something new?

        If Clark did it, she got criticised for it – by right-wing blogs, the National party and the media. Not given a free pass.

  9. Tim Ellis 9
    8 December 2009 at 11:20 am

    Those are fair points on both counts Eddie.

    I suppose on Mr Goff’s leadership, though, that instability in leadership almost always begins with a silly story that gains momentum, as long as it has a basis in reality. The reality is Mr Goff’s polling at five percent in the polls, and his party is more than twenty points behind National. Silly story or not from Mr Garner, Mr Goff’s leadership just isn’t sustainable with that polling position.

    • lprent 9.1
      8 December 2009 at 11:36 am

      On that basis (5%) Helen should have never been leader of Labour? She was polling below almost every other contender on the left including Jim Anderton after she took leadership.

      Fact is that parties elect their leaders. The party is doing ok for this stage of the electoral cycle. So is Phil.

      That is a rather silly position to take… But if you’re really concerned perhaps you should become a Labour member? Then you might be taken seriously after you show what you can do…

    • felix 9.2
      8 December 2009 at 11:36 am

      …instability in leadership almost always begins with a silly story that gains momentum, as long as it has a basis in reality.

      Whatevs. Just as likely to begin with leader who is an utterly useless cunt having his own ministers slag him off for being such.

      • Tim Ellis 9.2.1
        8 December 2009 at 11:45 am

        So that’s how you sleep at night, Felix, safe in the knowledge that even though 60% of New Zealand voters are stupid for liking John Key and supporting his government, you are smarter than they are because you know better.

        In a democracy however just being smarter than everybody else, whose political preferences you despise, doesn’t help you to win.

      • fizzleplug 9.2.2
        8 December 2009 at 11:48 am

        Wow, that’s pretty strong language. Can’t we all just get along?

      • felix 9.2.3
        8 December 2009 at 12:13 pm

        What a strange perspective you have, Tim. Getting to sleep at night for me isn’t dependent on the success or otherwise of politicians.

        But I suppose if I worked in the field might attach more significance to it.

        Like you do.

  10. Deus ex Machina 10
    8 December 2009 at 11:30 am

    Another TV1 News beat-up was the nonsense shock-and-horror story about the sex and swearing in the play Wellington kiddies were ‘exposed’ to – none of the adults desperately interviewed about it confessed to any shock or horror and the kids, if they even noticed, were amused.

    And the best thing TV1’s very expensive presence in the USA has been able to serve up every night for the last week is recycled salacious gossip about a golfer.

    Were I a TV news teleprompt reader I would be ashamed and embarrassed by the crap I was required to serve up to the Nation every night – but I guess an obscenely high pay-packet for a job just about anyone could do is a good anti-nausea medicine.

  11. The Voice of Reason 11
    8 December 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Tim, there is no poll that says 60% of Kiwis like John Key and his government. A significant percentage like John Key, but it’s hard to find anyone who likes his government. Their incompetence, mismanagement, troughing and mendacity will eventually destroy Key, too. And sooner rather than later, methinks.

    • Tim Ellis 11.1
      8 December 2009 at 12:13 pm

      I suggest you look at the government confidence rating polled by Roy Morgan every fortnight TVOR. It shows that over 63% of the public believe that the government is heading in the right direction, and have believed so since Mr Key’s government was elected. You will note that on a preferred party basis Mr Key’s governing parties have been hovering consistently at around 60%.

      • felix 11.1.1
        8 December 2009 at 12:19 pm

        Do you believe that everything popular is good, Tim?

        Do you think Robbie Williams is the worlds greatest vocalist and Tom Cruise the greatest actor?

        Is McDonalds the best food? If not, why do they have so many restaurants?

        Are the smartest people drawn to the most popular ideas?

        If not, why not?

        • Tim Ellis 11.1.1.1
          8 December 2009 at 12:43 pm

          No I don’t think what is popular is necessarily good Felix.

          But if you asked the population, “do you think Robbie Williams is the greatest vocalist”, or “do you think McDonald’s is the best food” I doubt you would get overwhelming votes for either, despite their popularity.

          We live in what is really a two party system. You either support one side or the other. If one side is doing well in popularity stakes, they are doing either a competent job as far as the public are concerned, or the other side are performing very badly.

          The public overwhelmingly support Mr Key’s government. They overwhelmingly do not support Mr Goff’s opposition. Mr Key is consistently polling at over 50% in the preferred prime minister stakes. Mr Goff is consistently polling in single figures. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think Mr Goff has reached double figures once yet.

          Given we are in a democracy where either a side is winning or losing, how much support it has from the electorate is the only thing that matters.

          • felix 11.1.1.1.1
            8 December 2009 at 3:38 pm

            No I don’t think what is popular is necessarily good Felix.

            Then why did you imply that I can’t possibly be smarter than the supporters of John Key purely on the basis that they outnumber me?

            Serious question and I look forward to a serious answer.

            • Tim Ellis 11.1.1.1.1.1
              8 December 2009 at 3:41 pm

              No I didn’t imply you can’t be smarter, Felix, as I don’t doubt you’re smarter than the majority of people who support any party. Just because you’re smarter than the average person doesn’t entitle you to dismiss their views though. We live in a democracy, where even people you think lesser of are entitled to vote.

              • felix …
                8 December 2009 at 3:50 pm

                Don’t put words in my mouth, Tim. Expressing my own views isn’t dismissing anyone else’s and I never suggested that I “think lesser of” anyone for having differing views.

                In fact it sounds like you’re saying views opposed to the majority should be kept to oneself.

                I actually quite like the fact that so many kiwis backed such a dud PM for such stupid and shallow reasons – it’s already making the bbq circuit very entertaining for me.

              • Tim Ellis …
                8 December 2009 at 3:53 pm

                I think the Left will continue to have real problems engaging with the electorate while you continue to believe that people who supported your opponent are stupid and shallow. Not a very flattering way of winning them back, wallowing in such anger like that. Until you respect voters’ decisions your party will be a long way from being in government.

              • felix …
                9 December 2009 at 2:35 pm

                I’m not trying to engage with the electorate Tim you utter moron.

                I’m not a politician. I don’t represent a political party.

                I wonder why that’s so difficult for you to grasp?

      • Pascal's bookie 11.1.2
        8 December 2009 at 12:24 pm

        “Electors were asked: “Generally speaking, do you feel that things in New Zealand are heading in the right direction or would you say things are seriously heading in the wrong direction?’

        Does not equal what you claim it equals.

      • Lanthanide 11.1.3
        8 December 2009 at 12:47 pm

        Actually the question is “Is the *country* headed in the right direction”, which is a very different question to “Is the government headed in the right direction”.

        At the moment almost everyone will give a ‘yes’ to the first question, because we appear to be coming out of recession etc. Just as if we were heading into a recession, the answer would be an overwhelming ‘no’.

        Nice try Tim, but again your nicely-spun lies don’t hold up well to scrutiny.

        • Pascal's bookie 11.1.3.1
          8 December 2009 at 12:50 pm

          The question is biased towards a positive answer too.

          Generally speaking right direction vs seriously heading wrong direction.

      • felix 11.1.4
        8 December 2009 at 3:32 pm

        Care to explain where this mythical poll result came from, Tim?

        No-one else has ever heard of a question asking “is the government is heading in the right direction?”

        Is it your own poll? Did you just ask yourself?

        If so, why such a low result for the govt?

  12. Zaphod Beeblebrox 12
    8 December 2009 at 12:06 pm

    Ruth Dyson and Maryn Street have always impressed me whenever I heard them speak. I’m not sure how the numbers would stack up for them though.

    In any case, I feel that Phil would be a fantastic PM- when the press can’t do any research they always make lazy assumptions so I never put any credence on anything they say.

    BTW I don’t feel Key is that bad either- its his ministers with the exception of Simon Power that are all hopeless.

    • grumpy 12.1
      8 December 2009 at 12:20 pm

      Phil would be OK as PM, the other two, Dyson and Street are totally unelectable.

      Looks like Phil is safe.

  13. TightyRighty 13
    8 December 2009 at 3:06 pm

    I see that the stuf website has an article about labour closing ranks around goff. we are supposed to believe that article right?

  14. Dancr 14
    8 December 2009 at 3:54 pm

    In terms of the TV3 story Duncan adds some more context in his blog he says:
    So given that, Labour MPs started asking Goff questions about this ‘change in position’.

    So that’s where the concerns lie, apparently. And Goff and some of his MPs will discuss that ‘change of position’ tomorrow.

    One of those concerned is Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson. There are others. But I want to put this on record; I think the area of concern is narrow. Goff’s leadership is not on the line.

    In my opinion he is safe as leader and he will be the leader going into the 2011 election. I’ve spoken to a number of frontbench and middle-ranked MPs today – not one said this is a leadership spill.
    http://www.3news.co.nz/Opinion-Goff-is-safe—for-now/tabid/1135/articleID/133011/cat/924/Default.aspx
    Linda Clark provides a good analysis here (also on TV3)
    http://www.3news.co.nz/Linda-Clark-reviews-Phil-Goffs-performance/tabid/572/articleID/133117/cat/67/Default.aspx

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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 day 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • 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
    2 weeks 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
    2 weeks 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 weeks 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 weeks 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 weeks 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
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-06T02:26:38+00:00