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  • Government rejects Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's demands over rates, GST
    The prime minister has dismissed Wayne Brown's plea to the government to pay rates on its properties in the region and give GST back. ...
    2 days ago
  • How Are We to Think About Winston Peter’s Fiscal Hole Claim?
    Budget tensions are becoming evident within the Coalition Government. Winston Peters made numerous political points in his speech to the NZF annual conference. But the attack on his own government’s fiscal policies raised issues of substance.     ‘Today in the Sunday Star Times, journalist and former advisor to the Labour ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    2 days ago
  • Budget Policy Statement shows coalition promises don't add up – Labour, Greens
    Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the delay to announcing the Budget allowance shows the "level of dysfunction that this government seems to be operating under". ...
    2 days ago
  • The consequences of the government’s new migration legislation could be dire – for individuals a...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and Director of the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney The Albanese government came to power with a promise to be “strong on borders without being weak on humanity”. But there was little humanity in ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • After hogging out on the Budget Policy Statement, media had less appetite for science reform “plan...
    Buzz from the Beehive The media – sure enough – have been binging on Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ release of the Budget Policy Statement and a statement headed Government announces Budget priorities This assures us – or rather, this parrots the Luxon team mantra – that the Budget “will deliver ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Baltimore bridge collapse: a bridge engineer explains what happened, and what needs to change
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colin Caprani, Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, Monash University When the container ship MV Dali, 300 metres long and massing around 100,000 tonnes, lost power and slammed into one of the support piers of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the bridge ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • Customs Investigation Sends Waikato Man Behind Bars On Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges
    He has been jailed for three years, following conviction on 11 charges of possessing, exporting and making child sexual abuse material following a Customs investigation. ...
    2 days ago
  • Please Submit On The Draft Government Policy Statement On Land Transport – Submissions Close A...
    Why it's important to submit As we told you in our March eBulletin, the new Government's Draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport (PDF, 2.3MB), known as the draft GPS, is a big disappointment for pedestrians. Newsroom covered some of the key problems: ...
    2 days ago
  • It's for the economy so shut up
    The Ides of March brought me COVID followed by a bereavement. No wonder they tell you to be careful of them.I’m home now and have resumed the interrupted recuperation. Very much looking forward to getting back to regular things. Meanwhile, some thoughts…OneThis new Prime Minister guy just keeps getting more dire. ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Internal Affairs official tells Fred Again department would sort out Kiwi DJ's passport applica...
    The message was inappropriate, says Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden. ...
    2 days ago
  • Unions Deliver MPs Petition To Stop Real Terms Cuts To The Minimum Wage
    Today a delegation from the union movement delivered a petition of nearly 9,000 people calling on the Government to commit to annual minimum wage increases that keep up with rising costs. “This Government is effectively cutting the wages of ...
    2 days ago
  • Release: Nicola Willis’ numbers still don’t add up
    Kiwis are none-the-wiser today after Nicola Willis’ botched Budget Policy Statement. ...
    2 days ago
  • Australia just committed $207 million to a major satellite program. What is it, and why do we need i...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Steer, Deputy Director, Institute for Space (InSpace), Australian National University Landsat image of Lake Torrens, South Australia. NASA Earth Observatory Last week, the federal minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, signed a A$207 million commitment with the United States ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • How to graciously receive a favour from a government official
    Step one: Don’t tell your 2.5 million followers. Fred Again, a name you will definitely know if you’re under 25 and almost certainly be confused by if you’re any older, has accidentally narced on a Department of Internal Affairs official who helped expedite a Wellington DJ’s passport so they could ...
    The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
    2 days ago
  • Two Steps Forward, One Step Back For Taxpayers
    Reacting to the Government’s bill to increase the trust tax rate to 39% passing its third reading today, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “National have just passed into law yet another of Labour’s tax increases. Rather ...
    2 days ago
  • Waitaki Landowners Call For Help As Land Grab Expands
    Just when you thought the coalition government had put the kibosh into the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) land grab, things are about to get worse. The Waitaki District Council are taking destruction of private property rights to a completely new level. ...
    2 days ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Govt’s Billion-dollar Tax Take On Rates Must Be Returned
    Local Government New Zealand is again swinging behind a chorus of Mayors around New Zealand asking the Government for all GST on rates to be returned to councils. This is a funding lever LGNZ has heard and advocated for over many years. Based on ...
    2 days ago
  • ‘Noisy’ autistic brains seem better at certain tasks. Here’s why neuroaffirmative research mat...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pratik Raul, PhD candidiate, University of Canberra Shutterstock Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference associated with specific experiences and characteristics. For decades, autism research has focused on behavioural, cognitive, social and communication difficulties. These studies highlighted how autistic people face ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Cresswell, Adjunct professor, The University of Western Australia In the Southern Ocean about 4,000 kilometres from Perth lies a truly extraordinary place. Known as the Heard Island and McDonald islands, they are among the most remote places on Earth: a haven ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • Reminder: “Frenemies” are not friends.
    News that the Chinese ATP 40 cyber-hacking unit penetrated parliamentary internet networks in 2021 has renewed concerns about the PRC’s malign intentions in Aotearoa. But is the hack that significant given the length of time that has passed since its … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Government Must Cut Spending And Provide Permanent Tax Relief
    Responding to the release of the 2024 Budget Policy Statement, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns Manager, Connor Molloy, said: “We welcome today’s commitments to fiscal responsibility and reduced spending, but it must be backed up by real action. “At ...
    2 days ago
  • Budget Policy Statement Still Missing In Action
    The Government has released its Budget Policy Statement today, showing worsening economic forecasts with inflation falling more quickly than expected, caused by unemployment rising and growth stalling. However, the statement lacks information on what the ...
    2 days ago
  • New advisory groups for science and tertiary sectors
    The government has announced two new advisory groups, one for science and the other for university sectors, in a bid to boost the economy. ...
    2 days ago
  • Australian Govt Sentences Kiwi Vapers
    In a bold stance against Australia's stringent vaping regulations, the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today laid bare the reality of Australia’s appalling approach to regulating vaping – it will make vapers' ...
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Gangs, kidnappings, murders: why thousands of Rohingya are desperately trying to escape refugee camp...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruth Wells, Research fellow, UNSW Sydney Late last week, a boat crammed with Rohingya refugees fleeing a squalid camp in Bangladesh capsized off the coast of Indonesia. Around 75 people were rescued, including nine children, but more than 70 are missing and ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • ‘New books are such a risk’: Danielle Hawkins’ ‘unadventurous’ reading habits
    Welcome to The Spinoff Books Confessional, in which we get to know the reading habits and quirks of New Zealanders at large. This week: novelist Danielle Hawkins. The book I wish I’d written Northern Lights by Philip Pullman. An excellent story (exciting, original, thought-provoking), beautifully written. That is the highest ...
    The SpinoffBy The Spinoff Review of Books
    2 days ago
  • ‘A story I wanted to tell’: The paralysis diary that became a Sky comedy series
    Director and writer Paula Whetu Jones reveals how her own experience of paralysis led to the creation of brand new local comedy Spinal Destination. Spinal Destination is a series, created and directed by me, that touches on a subject that is often overlooked in mainstream media – the grief, trauma, ...
    The SpinoffBy Paula Whetu Jones
    2 days ago
  • The SIS turns Parliament into liars again
    When Parliament passed the Intelligence and security Act in 2017, they assured us all that it was full of safeguards. Any intrusive surveillance of New Zealanders would be subject to a "triple lock", requiring the approval of the Minister and (supposedly independent) Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, as well as post-facto ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • Public service cuts and context
    Eric Crampton writes –  Richard Harman’s Politik newsletter provides a bit of the context that ought to have been showing up in other media reports on potential reductions in public service staffing.    Media has been reporting on staffing cuts on the order of about 7%. Is that ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Free speech has a freedom problem…
    Mike Grimshaw writes –  It’s becoming increasingly apparent that many perceive free speech to have become the preserve of the politically right wing, the religiously conservative, the libertarian fringe, the anti-trans, the anti-Māori and…. well, just fill in with whatever groups or individuals you don’t like and don’t ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Auckland Polyfest 2024: Vibrant showcase of cultural diversity, youth empowerment
    SPECIAL REPORT: By Tiana Haxton, RNZ Pacific journalist South Auckland was a hub of indigenous pride as the Auckland Polyfest 2024 revealed a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, youth empowerment, and the enduring legacy of Pasifika heritage. From the rhythmic beats of Cook Islands drums to the grace and elegance ...
    Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
    2 days ago
  • Surplus in 2027 ‘not achievable’ on current forecasts – Willis
    The Government’s Budget Policy Statement leaves the key fiscal questions on Budget allowances and the deadline to return to surplus unanswered. Finance Minister Nicola Willis had previously pledged the statement would outline how much the Government plans to spend in each of the next four Budgets, as is standard practice. ...
    NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
    2 days ago
  • Cuba Street businesses face an existential threat – wider footpaths
    When tourists come to Wellington, Cuba Street is always at the top of their bucket list, because of its famous car parking facilities. But now the council wants to take that away.  Business owners on Cuba Street, New Zealand’s oldest and most successful pedestrianised shopping area, need your help. Wellington ...
    The SpinoffBy Joel MacManus
    2 days ago
  • Budget Policy Statement: Willis promises cuts despite late return to surplus
    The government says it will set itself a lower allowance than the previous government did, but will reveal the exact amount in the Budget. ...
    2 days ago
  • Banks and climate change – the law is an ass
    Don Brash writes –  As everybody who is not blind and deaf is aware, there is a huge political preoccupation with climate change at the moment, a widespread (though by no means unanimous) belief that global temperatures are rising mainly as a result of the greenhouse gases created ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • The elephants still in Chris Bishop’s infrastructure room
    TL;DR: My six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy on Wednesday, March 27 include:Chris Bishop laid out his vision for filling Aotearoa-NZ’s $100 billion infrastructure deficit in a speech yesterday, emphasising user pays and private funding, but failed to say how to achieve bipartisanship on population, public borrowing and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • After seven decades of fighting, disabled people are still vulnerable when it comes to support
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hilary Stace, Honorary Research Associate, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington The recent Facebook announcement by Whaikaha – the Ministry of Disabled People on changes to funding for carers and equipment modification and services has put the media spotlight, once ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    2 days ago
  • Gisborne's rainbow crossing restored after protest
    The crossing on Gisborne's main street was painted white by Destiny Church members in protest of a drag event. ...
    2 days ago
  • Rachel House on first-time directing and the power of mounga
    After starring in iconic New Zealand films for decades, Rachel house steps behind the camera for the magic-infused The Mountain. This story uses the Taranaki mita when spelling maunga, which local hapū and iwi spell as mounga. Picture this: you’re doing some high-altitude camping on Taranaki’s Pouakai ranges, waking up ...
    The SpinoffBy Tommy de Silva
    2 days ago
  • Government needs to 'step up' and support rainbow community amid protest – Labour MP
    Labour's rainbow spokesperson Shanan Halbert says a recent protest against drag queens performing at a library shows "vicious discrimination against young people and their families". ...
    2 days ago
  • Spy agency's surveillance powers too broad, Inspector-General warns
    The spy watchdog has warned the NZSIS has too much leeway to decide who it places under "highly intrusive" surveillance. ...
    2 days ago
  • Labour's Chris Hipkins says Disability Minister Penny Simmonds should be sacked
    Labour is doubling down on criticism of the minister's handling of disability funding changes, calling for her to be sacked. ...
    2 days ago
  • Central Govt Should Pay Rates Like Everyone Else
    Following adoptions of recommendations from both the Auckland Council Governing Body and the Houkura Independent Māori Statutory Board, the Mayor has formally requested the Government; Pay rates on its own buildings in Auckland. Reform laws around non-rateable ...
    2 days ago
  • Celebrate International Zero Waste Day – Saturday 30 March
    The second annual International Day of Zero Waste is happening on Saturday 30 March 2024. Zero Waste Network Aotearoa is inviting everyone across the country to be part of the One Day Waste-Free Challenge to celebrate the day. “The One Day Waste-Free ...
    2 days ago
  • New Zealand Government Continues To Stoke Racism
    By Tom Peters, Socialist Equality Group 26 March 2024 Original url: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/03/26/yjys-m26.html   On March 17, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, leader of the right-wing nationalist NZ First Party, delivered a tirade against the previous ...
    2 days ago
  • Lack Of Warning Signs At Speed Camera Locations Is Dishonest And Dangerous
    Commenting on reports that out of 10 permanent speed cameras installed by the Government late last year, only one will have warning signage , Taxpayers’ Union Spokesman, Alex Murphy, said: "The Transport Minister has time and again assured us that ...
    2 days ago
  • If The CCP Can See Politicians' Expenses, So Should Taxpayers
    If the CCP can see politicians' expenses, so should taxpayers Responding to reports of a cyberattack on the Parliamentary Counsel Office and Parliamentary Service by an organisation with links to the Chinese Government, Taxpayers’ Union Campaigns ...
    2 days ago
  • BNZ Warns Of Increased Tax Scams As Tax Time Approaches
    As tax time approaches, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) is urging New Zealanders to be alert to the heightened risk of tax-related scams. “The end of the financial year is a prime opportunity for scammers, who take advantage of tax time to trick and ...
    2 days ago
  • Opposition To Port Of Auckland Lease Deliberately Misleading
    The Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance is calling out a deliberately misleading poll commissioned by It's Our Auckland that claims Aucklanders are not in support of the proposed lease of Port of Auckland operations in the mayor's Long Term Plan (LTP). ...
    2 days ago
  • The mini Easter eggs of New Zealand, reviewed and ranked
    We tried pretty much every mini egg available at Aotearoa supermarkets so you don’t have to, and ranked them from the ovoid-at-all-costs to the eggceptional. Originally published in 2022. Mini chocolate eggs play a crucial role in the Easter experience. They’re essential for the hunt, leading child chocolate fiends to ...
    The SpinoffBy Group Think
    2 days ago
  • How big data and AI are transforming out-of-home and advertising
    David Owen from oOh!media and Tori Colebourne from Black Pearl Group joined Duncan Greive on The Fold to talk about the effects of data and AI on advertising. Out-of-home advertising is increasingly becoming a data-driven industry. With data helping to show us how people move around and how to reach ...
    The SpinoffBy Duncan Greive
    2 days ago
  • China-backed hacking of parliament : NZ had to respond, says expert
    New Zealand has sent a clear message to China: stop interfering or it will escalate its response, says an international relations expert. ...
    2 days ago
  • Call For Urgent Reassessment Of Disability Funding Cuts
    Pou Tangata of the National Iwi Chairs Forum and Iwi Māori Partnership Boards Call for Urgent Reassessment of Disability Funding Cuts to Safeguard Tāngata Whaikaha and Whānau Hauā. Pou Tangata of the NICF and Chairs of Iwi Māori Partnership Boards ...
    2 days ago
  • Release: Labour calls for food pricing inquiry
    Labour has proposed an urgent inquiry to investigate the ever-increasing profits of supermarkets, aiming to lower costs for shoppers and food producers alike, says Labour Spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs Arena Williams and Primary Production Spokesperson Cushla Tangaere-Manuel. ...
    2 days ago
  • Concern For Child Safety Prompts Fresh Calls For Children’s Act Overhaul
    There are concerns the legislation designed to keep New Zealand children safe is failing them. Safeguarding Children New Zealand is calling for urgent changes to be made to the Children’s Act 2014, after obtaining legal advice from law firm ...
    2 days ago
  • Release: Penny Simmonds should be sacked over disability funding debacle
    The Prime Minister has taken all decisions around disability funding out of Penny Simmonds hands, and yet she’s still a Minister. ...
    3 days ago
  • Escaping Utopia reveals ‘a whole other level of what the hell’ to Gloriavale
    The new docuseries reveals shocking new information about the global expansion of the cult – which somehow still has charitable status in New Zealand. When I visited Gloriavale for the first time to endure their last concert – a Disney-style variety show with overtones of North Korea – the fundamentalist ...
    The SpinoffBy Anke Richter
    3 days ago
  • Is Hipkins to be trusted on tax reform?
    Bryce Edwards writes – Former Finance Minister Grant Robertson and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins have been conveying how unhappy they are with the tax system. Last week in his valedictory speech, Robertson called for the introduction of a wealth or capital gains tax. And this week Hipkins ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Government agencies accused of allowing abuse at Gloriavale to continue
    Four agencies are being accused of knowingly allowing abuse to happen at the community. ...
    3 days ago
  • China rifles through our digital drawers
    Accusations that China-backed hackers accessed MPs’ data come as the UK and US make allegations of their own – and issue arrest warrants, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Chinese hackers ...
    The SpinoffBy Catherine McGregor
    3 days ago
  • 'No realistic possibility' foreign agency will reveal if spy system used for war – w...
    The spy agency watchdog has not asked a foreign agency if it used espionage equipment based in New Zealand for military action. ...
    3 days ago
  • Wellington mayor to discuss public service cuts with government
    Wellington's mayor will meet the prime minister next month, with the axe falling on public sector jobs set to take a heavy toll on the capital. ...
    3 days ago
  • Air quality at many train stations is alarmingly bad. Here’s how to improve it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Magnus Moglia, Associate Professor in Systems Science and Sustainable Urbanism, Swinburne University of Technology Shutterstock Recent revelations about poor air quality at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station probably came as no surprise for passengers who have experienced such conditions. Train ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • Strong, resolute and uncompromising: you should see the intense and beguiling art of Waanyi artist J...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alasdair Macintyre, Associate lecturer visual arts, artist, PhD, Australian Catholic University Installation view of ‘mudunama kundana wandaraba jarribirri: Judy Watson’ at Queensland Art Gallery. © Judy Watson/Copyright Agency. Photograph: C Callistemon © QAGOMA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • Want to quit vaping? There’s an app for that
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fiona McKay, Associate Professor of Health Equity, Deakin University SeventyFour/Shutterstock More Australians than ever are vaping, according to recently released data. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey shows the proportion of Australians aged 14 and over who, in 2022–2023, said ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • Accessibility remains an afterthought – how NZ’s digital health tools risk excluding people with...
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sally Britnell, Senior Lecturer in Nursing, Auckland University of Technology Shutterstock Alongside my career path from a PhD in computer science, work as a nurse and ambulance officer and now a university lecturer in nursing, I have become progressively Deafblind. ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • China cyber attack : NZ govt had to respond, says expert
    New Zealand has sent a clear message to China: stop interfering or it will escalate its response, says an international relations expert. ...
    3 days ago
  • We have Wayne Brown’s texts to the boss of AT. They’re exactly what you’d expect
    We’ve received a cache of Wayne Brown’s texts to the chief executive of Auckland Transport, and there’s a lot of complaints about road cones. Wayne Brown was in town for a council meeting last September when he saw something that left him angry and confused. Road cones were strewn on ...
    The SpinoffBy Hayden Donnell
    3 days ago
  • Public submissions to the Covid inquiry closed on Sunday. What happens next?
    About 11,000 people gave their thoughts during the consultation stage, which may mean the scope of the inquiry is broadened significantly. What’s all this then? Sunday marked the end of public submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand’s Covid-19 response. It allowed members of the public to ...
    The SpinoffBy Stewart Sowman-Lund
    3 days ago
  • Lack of trade advice on fast-track bill ‘shows reckless disregard’
    The Government’s plans to put resources projects in the fast lane have proved controversial – but do they fall foul of our international obligations? The post Lack of trade advice on fast-track bill ‘shows reckless disregard’ appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Sam Sachdeva
    3 days ago
  • India’s Gloriavale and the Kiwi women there
    When Theo Pratt saw her sister in India’s Gloriavale outpost last year, she was horrified. “She was just like a shell of the person I remembered as my sister. I was very taken aback, I didn’t expect it to be that bad,” she says. “She was so lifeless.” Pratt was ...
    NewsroomBy Gwen McClure
    3 days ago
  • Access to banking proving to be one of fintech’s biggest roadblocks
    Fintech firm Superior Pay has had three major banks close its accounts since it set up shop in NZ in 2015 – and it isn’t alone The post Access to banking proving to be one of fintech’s biggest roadblocks appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Andrew Bevin
    3 days ago
  • NZ teen arrested with trove of violent, sexual and terrorist content
    The case is part of a pattern, globally and in New Zealand, of minors being radicalised online and seeking out a variety of illegal content The post NZ teen arrested with trove of violent, sexual and terrorist content appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Marc Daalder
    3 days ago
  • Peters sends media minister back to the drawing board
    Broadcasting and Communications Minister Melissa Lee has been sent back to the drawing board by Winston Peters after she failed to consult with NZ First before taking proposals to a Cabinet committee. Proposals normally go to a committee made up of representatives of all the parties in Government before ...
    NewsroomBy Laura Walters
    3 days ago
  • Ngāruawāhia, home of expert liars
    “Writers are liars,” Neil Gaiman once said. That felt like a charming, witty remark before it turned out Gaiman was worse than a liar, pulling the remarkably douchey stunt of dumping his wife Amanda Palmer and their child here in NZ during a Covid lockdown and bolting back to Ireland ...
    NewsroomBy Stacy Gregg
    3 days ago
  • Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 27 March
    Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 27 March appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
    3 days ago
  • Hacking planet Earth will not save us from ourselves
    Opinion: A number of geoengineering methods have been proposed as a way to cool our warming planet The post Hacking planet Earth will not save us from ourselves appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Dr Kevin E Trenberth
    3 days ago
  • Daily crossword, Wednesday 27 March
    The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 27 March appeared first on Newsroom. ...
    NewsroomBy Newsroom Puzzles
    3 days ago
  • China’s democracy hack adds to problem areas for NZ
    Comment: The delicate dance that New Zealand undertakes on all things China was firmly on display as the Government revealed a state-backed infiltration of our parliamentary systems. Speaking to media about the news on Tuesday, spy agencies minister Judith Collins in one breath condemned China’s “totally unacceptable” intrusion into the ...
    NewsroomBy Sam Sachdeva
    3 days ago
  • Assange wins legal lifeline against extradition to the US – but there’s a sting in the tail
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Holly Cullen, Adjunct professor, The University of Western Australia The High Court in London has granted Julian Assange leave to appeal the UK Home Secretary’s order that he be extradited to the United States on charges of computer misuse, and multiple charges ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • ‘We have no clean drinking water’ in quake hit area, says volunteer
    By Phoebe Gwangilo Sepik villagers hit by Papua New Guinea’s earthquake flooding are desperate for clean water, says local volunteer Charles Marlow “Since the flood, the main Sepik River we have been drinking from is not safe anymore, evidence of faeces is seen floating on the water,” Marlow told the ...
    Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
    3 days ago
  • Uber has settled a class action lawsuit for $270 million – what was it accused of?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Who’d want to go back to the days before Uber? The days in which you could never be certain you could get a taxi, the days of long wait times ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • King’s move takes Tonga back to the ‘dark ages’ – democracy editor
    RNZ Pacific The involvement in Tonga’s government by King Tupou VI is a return to the “dark ages” for the kingdom, a long time journalist, author and advocate campaigning for democracy. The King last month withdrew his support for the ministers holding two portfolios. Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni ...
    Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
    3 days ago
  • States agreed to share foundational support costs. So why the backlash against NDIS reforms now?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helen Dickinson, Professor, Public Service Research, UNSW Sydney Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock On Monday evening Australia’s state premiers and territory chief ministers got together and called on the federal government to delay or amend draft laws to overhaul the National Disability Insurance Scheme ...
    Evening ReportBy The Conversation
    3 days ago
  • As Israel blocks more UN aid, Gaza is on the brink of ‘most intense famine’ since WW2
    DEMOCRACY NOW! Presented by Amy Goodman AMY GOODMAN: This is Democracy Now! — The War and Peace Report. I’m Amy Goodman. We turn to Gaza, where aid groups say famine is imminent after five months of US-backed attacks by Israel. This is in spite of the historic UN Security Council ...
    Evening ReportBy Asia Pacific Report
    3 days ago
  • Seven ex-Defence Force staff hired to train Chinese People's Liberation Army – NZSIS dire...
    Intelligence agencies have revealed a further threat from China, telling MPs seven former Defence Force personnel were hired to help train the People's Liberation Army. ...
    3 days ago
  • Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 7:06pm
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  • Recent Comments

    Recent Posts

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      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
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    • Bring out your Dad
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    • Expert Opinion: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
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    • Manufacturing The Truth.
      Subversive & Disruptive Technologies: Just as happened with that other great regulator of the masses, the Medieval Church, the advent of a new and hard-to-control technology – the Internet –  is weakening the ties that bind. Then, and now, those who enjoy a monopoly on the dissemination of lies, cannot and will ...
      2 weeks ago
    • A Powerful Sensation of Déjà Vu.
      Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
      2 weeks ago
    • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
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      Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
      2 weeks ago
    • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
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      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      2 weeks ago
    • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
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      Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
      2 weeks ago
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      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
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    • How Did FTX Crash?
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      PunditBy Brian Easton
      2 weeks ago
    • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
      Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
      2 weeks ago
    • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
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      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      2 weeks ago
    • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
      Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
      2 weeks ago
    • National’s clean car tax advances
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      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
      2 weeks ago
    • Government funding bailouts
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      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      2 weeks ago
    • Two offenders, different treatments.
      See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
      KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
      2 weeks ago
    • Treaty references omitted
      Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      2 weeks ago
    • The Ghahraman Conflict
      What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      2 weeks ago
    • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
      TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      2 weeks ago
    • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
      Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      2 weeks ago
    • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
      It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
      Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
      2 weeks ago

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    • Christchurch gearing up to host ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
      Up to 22,000 people are expected to descend on Whakaraupō Lyttleton Harbour from 23-24 March to watch the highly anticipated ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix. Minister for Economic Development, Melissa Lee says it’s excellent to see the event return for the second year in a row. "The ITM New ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Government response to draft market study into personal banking services
       21 March 2024    Government response to draft market study into personal banking services  “I welcome the release of the Commerce Commission’s draft report into personal banking services.” announced Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly.  The Commission is scheduled to publish its final report by 20 August 2024.  “I ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • New diplomatic appointments
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      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • GDP decline reinforces Government’s fiscal plan
      Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “The 0.1 percent decline in GDP for the December quarter shows our economy slowed earlier and at a faster rate than previously thought. This ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Speech to the NZ Herald Project Auckland Luncheon
      Thank you for inviting me here today to address you all as Minister for Auckland, Minister of Transport, and Minister of Local Government.  Before I begin, I would like to first acknowledge just a few of the key people assembled here who have made today possible. I would like to ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Direction of new speed limits rule announced
      Cabinet has agreed on the coalition Government’s direction of travel for a new Land Transport Rule to be signed by the end of 2024. This new rule will reverse the previous government's blanket speed reductions imposed on motorists across New Zealand, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The new rule will ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Speech to the Property Council of New Zealand Residential Development Summit
      Introduction It’s a pleasure to be back here with you at the Aotea Centre. It’s just over a year since I spoke to this conference as the Opposition spokesperson for Housing and Infrastructure. I’m proud to return this year as the Minister for Housing, Infrastructure and somewhere along the way ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Help for homeowners impacted by severe weather
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      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • New mental health services to take pressure off EDs
      Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has today announced the implementation of a new mental health and addiction peer support service in hospital emergency departments. “We know that at least between 13,000 and 14,600 people present annually to Emergency Departments (EDs) with mental health issues however, with a lack of reliable ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Government announces drought support for Canterbury and Otago
      The Coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification in place for the Marlborough, Nelson, and Tasman districts to cover the Canterbury and Otago regions, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made this decision to unlock additional support for farmers and growers across the Canterbury and Otago ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Speech to the NEXT Foundation Sunset Celebration
      It's my pleasure to be here with you all tonight as we acknowledge the significant generosity and achievements of all those involved with the NEXT Foundation.   Neal and Annette Plowman – your commitment to the protection and enhancement of conservation efforts in Aotearoa is inspirational on a uniquely big scale.   ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Family Court Associates appointed
      Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of the first six Family Court Associates, in a move designed to relieve pressure on the Family Court system. “The associates will take responsibility for much of the initial work required to get cases to the point that a substantive decision can be ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Family Court Associates appointed
      Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of the first six Family Court Associates, in a move designed to relieve pressure on the Family Court system. “The associates will take responsibility for much of the initial work required to get cases to the point that a substantive decision can be ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • First NZ ETS auction for 2024 partially clears
      The first New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) auction of 2024 resulted in a partial clearance today, marking the first time New Zealand Units (NZUs) have been sold at auction since December 2022, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “While today’s auction result is positive for auction participants, there ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Marsden Point Oil Refinery reopening to be investigated in fuel security study
      Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones is investigating the feasibility of reopening the Marsden Point Oil Refinery as part of the Coalition Government’s work on ensuring New Zealand has a secure fuel supply. An investigation into a possible reopening of the refinery in Northland, which was until its closure in 2022 ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • No disabled person to lose essential services
      No disabled person will lose access to funding for essential services, equipment, or support, despite a forecast budget overrun in the disability support appropriation says Minister for Disability Issues Hon Penny Simmonds. “The changes that the Ministry for Disabled People, Whaikaha is making, are simply about ensuring the funding allocated to ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Government to crack down on youth vaping
      The coalition Government is taking action to tackle youth vaping, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “Cabinet has agreed to a complete ban on disposable vapes, significant increases in fines for sales to under-18s, further restrictions on retailers and a better enforcement system to ensure vape retailers are following ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Spotlight on Building Consent Delays
      The coalition Government is taking steps to reduce delays and speed up the building consent system by requiring councils to submit data for building consent and code compliance certificates every quarter, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Applications for building consents and code compliance certificates must be completed within ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
      "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Positive progress for social worker workforce
      New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
      Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
      Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago
    • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
      Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
      Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
      Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Singapore rounds out regional trip
      Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
      Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
      ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
      Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
      Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
      Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • China Foreign Minister to visit
      Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
      Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
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      2 weeks ago
    • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
      The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
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      2 weeks ago
    • Government delivering on tax commitments
      Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
      Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 weeks ago
    • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
      Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
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      2 weeks ago
    • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
      The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
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      2 weeks ago
    • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
      Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
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      2 weeks ago
    • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
      Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
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      2 weeks ago

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