SkyCity’s expected subvention explained for John Roughan

Written By: - Date published: 9:28 am, December 27th, 2014 - 42 comments
Categories: accountability, Economy, journalism, Politics, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, The Standard, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags: , ,

In February 2013, Eddie reposted an earlier warning post from April 2012 which detailed the reasons why SkyCity would inevitably be wanting to extort money and particularly a operating subsidy from  governments, local and central.

People like John Roughan at the NZ Herald ignored such warnings and the linkages to the material behind them.  Today he writes plaintively in the Herald this morning about how he has been a sucker for sweet words.

While it is nice to read that he has finally woken up to the problem. It would have been preferable if he and others like him had actually read intelligent analysis before snapping hungrily at the false fly of a ‘free’ convention centre and incurring  the taxpayer and ratepayer costs to date. Not to mention those legislative boondoggles that our sucker representatives have committed us to.

But I have previously opined on John Roughan’s apparent inability to get past his characteristic short-term thinking, being a sucker for a good line, and apparent inability to read any analysis or reports that isn’t covered in dandruff from picking for wisdom in his own navel.

Eddie’s post was based on a Ministry of Economic Development report (which appears to have now gone missing on the net) that said that that an Auckland convention centre require about $10 million per year in operational subsidies. And that was also likely that they would be holding their hands out for help in attracting conventions to even come into the city to use the facility.

So I’m going to repeat that post for the likes of John Rougham, who now writes (three years later) in “Indifference on convention centre a red flag“…

When SkyCity picked up the tender for a centre of the size and standard long desired by Auckland boosters and endorsed by successive governments, I’d supposed the casino wanted to take its operation to a higher plane.

I thought it reasonable of the Government to give the casino more gambling capacity in return to cater for all those corporate delegates in addition to its existing clientele.

It never occurred to me that they were doing us a favour. As a participant in the New Zealand economy I don’t want favours from the board and management of SkyCity, I want profitable business decisions from them. I’m old enough to have seen how sick this economy became when too much of its activity hinged on public finance and favours.

A $500 million convention centre is not Christmas in the Park or fireworks at New Year, it’s a significant economic investment. I had little confidence in it until SkyCity stepped up. Now that confidence is shot.

Hmmph. All I can suggest to Roughan, and those lazy arseholes like him who allowed this stupid project to go ahead, is that they may like to take some more time to damn well read  the government reports and even well-informed blog posts before becoming suckers. And especially before wasting so much tax  and rate payers time, resources, and effort supporting the planning, crony legislation, and the alienation of taxpayer assets  that has already gone into the white elephant extortion by SkyCity.

As it is, dumping this project and winding back all of the legislation that has been put into place is going to cost more. But it is still going to be cheaper for Auckland than letting this extortion racket proceed.

 

Eddie Feb 2013

A year ago, I wrote that SkyCity was pursuing the dirty practice of ‘subvention’ – where owners of white elephant infrastructure extort governments for subsidies – for the convention centre. The msm has caught up and is reporting on it now. MED is denying there will be any subvention, but Joyce says it’s all on the table. And what about the $10m+ in operating subsidies the centre would need?

————————————————————————————————

Key’s selling our gambling law to SkyCity in return for a ‘free’ convention centre with no government capital contribution. But, according to the MED, we taxpayers would be subsidising that convention centre with $10m for starters. Plus marketing costs. And, then, ongoing subsidies both if convention numbers fall short and as a kickback when it does bring in conventions.

We know that an international convention centre will never generate a return on the capital invested in it. Which is why no private organisation will do it without the government chipping in money, or doing it legislative favours.

But, the convention centre will, at least, cover its own running costs, won’t it?

Nope. MED’s feasibility study says that an international convention centre would need $10 million of operating subsidies in its first 6 years. Remember, this isn’t about capital costs, which SkyCity is agreeing to pay in full as the price for buying our gambling law. Here’s what MED says:

“it is assumed that the centre’s operating costs will break even. However, in the pre-opening phase, and initial years while the centre is establishing itself, it is likely that operational subsidies will be required. These have been assumed as:
• $2.0 million per annum in each of the three years before opening, for setting up operations and initial
marketing
• $2.9 million in the first year after opening
• $1.4 million in the second year after opening
• $0.5 million in the third year after opening”

On top of that, Tourism New Zealand would be expected to pay for the centre’s marketing:

“Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Auckland and CINZ for example will undoubtedly be active convention marketers.”

Yay! More subsidies. [Important reminder: we can’t afford to extend paid parental leave]

And it gets worse.

See, the fundamental problem with building a great big fuck-off international convention centre in the most isolated country on Earth is that nobody’s going to want to host an international convention centre there. And the other fundamental problem is that there’s already lots of international convention centres, all of them competing for a decreasing number of international conventions.

MED recognises risks – potentially leading to bailouts on top of the subsidies already mentioned – for an international convention centre in the form of a weak global economy (amusingly it says this shouldn’t be a problem because the centre won’t be built until after 2011, by which time everything will be better), increased use of tele-presence, and environmental concerns about flying thousands of people around for what are, invariably, pretty pointless events.

What’s important to recognise is that, while those risks affect all convention centres, they would affect a new Auckland International Convention Centre more than any of its competitors in the rest of the world. This is handsomely illustrated by the fact that, while the number of international conventions worldwide fell 5% between 2008 and 2010, the number in New Zealand fell 40%.

Every year the convention centre doesn’t make the revenue expected, SkyCity will be wanting a handout to keep it going.

But really the crazy thing is this: MED sees SkyCity getting subsidies for hosting conventions too.

Say a few international convention centre organisers are batshit crazy enough to fly 3,500 people to the most isolated country on Earth when there are perfectly good, cheaper alternatives, to a city that doesn’t even have a rail link to its airport, or one to the site of the convention centre. Well, then, there’s insidious idea called ‘subvention’. It goes ‘we’ve got this crappy convention centre that sits empty most of the time but when people come from overseas for conventions here they also spend money on accommodation, gambling, food, hookers, and sometimes they do some tourist stuff too, we don’t provide all those services in our business, but we want the profits’. Or, in MED’s language, ‘subvention (incentive) policies recognise the economic value of conferences to host destinations.’

So, SkyCity would continually have its hand out for more public money as kickbacks.

Subvention works because the convention owner can always threaten to close up, leaving the government with massive empty halls and a whole lot of unneeded associated public infrastructure in the middle of a major city and deny the government some revenue from tourism. The convention centre owners internalise the wider economic benefits of convention centres into their own profits by holding a gun to the government’s head.

It’s interesting to reflect at this juncture on where the term ‘white elephant’ comes from. In Thailand and Burma, white elephants were considered possessions that brought great prestige to their owner (it’s all to do with Buddha). Of course, elephants eat a lot, which is expensive and prestige-bearing objects would require special care, meaning extra expense. Usually, an elephant paid its way doing heavy labour but it was illegal to make a white elephant work. So, the King would give enemies a white elephant. It denoted prestige, but it weakened them in the way that counted, by being an expensive burden.

Do we need or want to have a huge ‘prestige’ project in Auckland that we will have to continually subsidise because it can’t pay its way? And is it worth selling our gambling law, creating more gambling addicts, and inflicting more crime and social costs on our community to get it?

42 comments on “SkyCity’s expected subvention explained for John Roughan ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. phillip ure 1
    27 December 2014 at 10:18 am

    eddie nailed/filled and painted that one..

    (i’ve linked to it..)

  2. tricledrown 2
    27 December 2014 at 10:35 am

    Joyces interpretation of a 30%+ blowout of costs just a little bit more.
    Like the little bit legality of using eminems music!

  3. ghostwhowalksnz 3
    27 December 2014 at 10:37 am

    I picked up on what Eddie was saying at the time and thought the ‘free’ convention centre was just nonsense.
    A rail link to the airport ?. Thats just another white elephant as you cant compete with the space the airport has for carparking, and which they would fight tooth and claw to keep the revenue.

    • Sacha 3.1
      27 December 2014 at 11:44 am

      After decades resisting it, the airport company now seems to support rail ( perhaps because the workers in its expanding industrial estate need it?). They’ll still rake in 8 figures a year for pricey air passenger carparking as they currently do.

      Can’t build an airport line in any case until the CRL tunnel adds extra capacity to the whole rail network. Also requires a government that stops diverting most funding into low-value motorway projects instead.

    • Murray Rawshark 3.2
      27 December 2014 at 6:24 pm

      I’d use an airport rail line on my trips. I never park at the airport anyway, so nothing would change there. I’ve been to heaps of European airports that have train stations, and it’s great. I’d love Auckland to have one.

  4. Ovid 4
    27 December 2014 at 10:42 am

    Eddie’s post was based on a Ministry of Economic Development report (which appears to have now gone missing on the net)

    I hate it when sites mess about with their file names. The summary report is here (the figures Eddie cites are section 9.2.2 on page 35) and the full report is here. Enjoy your holiday reading.

  5. Ad 5
    27 December 2014 at 11:10 am

    Just stunning work LPrent and Eddie.

  6. Red delusion 6
    27 December 2014 at 11:34 am

    Agree 100pc. Muldoonism at its best, boutique waterfront sports venue would be a better option ( tourism, public usage, profile etc) if the government must throw money around, taxing profitable companies to pay for unprofitable companies is never a good idea, corporate reditribution is crazy economics on par with excessive social reditribution

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1
      27 December 2014 at 4:34 pm

      At least Muldoon built stuff that was actually productive. Sure, he paid too much and borrowed even more but we’d actually be fucked today if he hadn’t built those hydro dams. Our economy would have ground to a halt years ago if we didn’t have them as there’s no way we’d be able to afford the fossil fuels to power it.

  7. RedLogix 7
    27 December 2014 at 11:51 am

    What was that brilliant line – golf club government ?

  8. Foreign waka 8
    27 December 2014 at 11:58 am

    Can’t help it, it all looks like Italy’s politics in the 80’s. Why is the current government supporting these sucker deals? Who is winning?

    • BassGuy 8.1
      27 December 2014 at 12:37 pm

      I think it’s a lot like the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin – it was sold with the idea that if you don’t think big, you won’t win big.

      Of course, it’s never the people who pay for it that win big, it’s the directors, the boards, the managers, and of course, the private companies who claim effective ownership of it.

      • Sacha 8.1.1
        27 December 2014 at 12:43 pm

        .. and most of all the financiers who clip the ticket all the way along. They love big construction projects and this government has been providing a steady stream of motorway projects to keep them happy.

  9. tracey 9
    27 December 2014 at 12:06 pm

    “… And, then, ongoing subsidies both if convention numbers fall short and as a kickback when it does bring in conventions….”

    And they will fall short because

    Christchurch
    Queenstown
    Welington

    are all also building international convention centres to atrract internal conventions…

    Well done Eddie for doing the work of the media, and Lynn for reminding everyone.

    John Roughan spent all his time “researching” his Key hagiography… no time to serve the citizenry

    • Sacha 9.1
      27 December 2014 at 12:15 pm

      None of the other convention centres are in the capacity bracket that the SkyCity project is aimed at. They will probably just displace business from existing smaller local operators (and from each other).

      • Draco T Bastard 9.1.1
        27 December 2014 at 4:36 pm

        What they’ll be doing is losing money hand over fist as they sit empty and unused.

  10. mickysavage 10
    27 December 2014 at 12:11 pm

    The other aspect is that the Government has invested that much political capital in the project that it cannot back out and Sky City knows it. If the convention centre fails you have to wonder what the government has done to create job growth.

    A cycle way? A return to surplus that just is not happening? More subsidies to overseas corporates?

    • George Hendry 10.1
      27 December 2014 at 4:24 pm

      Greetings MS 🙂

      I see no reason to assume that losing political capital would be a problem for this government. Like the ‘federal reserve’ which creates credit from thin air, the ‘political capital reserve’ can summon up the votes to win any election – phantom votes will still win an election as long as enough people believe in them.

      Surely the government has done nothing to create job growth, as that would be interfering with the work of the market. Yes there are more jobs, especially now that one with no guaranteed hours per week still counts as one.

      • mickysavage 10.1.1
        27 December 2014 at 6:28 pm

        Greetings GH!

        Surely the government has done nothing to create job growth, as that would be interfering with the work of the market

        Agreed but for political cover they are trying to give the impression that they do care about jobs. Unemployment has gone down but is still higher than it was in early 2008. Given the Christchurch rebuild and the ending of the GFC NZ should be doing way better.

  11. Saarbo 11
    27 December 2014 at 12:17 pm

    Wow, this is another Key/Nats shocker. The way that Key/Nats work I suspect that Roughans article maybe preparing the public for a government back-out of this deal. Watch this space.

    • tricledrown 11.1
      27 December 2014 at 1:31 pm

      The govt won’t back out but just downsize its capacity.
      Or maybe do a deal for funding the rail loop for council funding.
      One thing for sure the number of extra one armed bandits will remain the same!

  12. DH 12
    27 December 2014 at 1:25 pm

    The SkyCity deal is, to me, a good illustration of how Labour are constantly letting National create the narrative and playing poodle by not challenging it.

    The extra gambling licences SkyCity are receiving have been independently valued at $460 million by Korda Mentha, they’re referred to in the contract as “Agreed present values”

    The Crown isn’t receiving any assets in exchange for that $460 million worth of licences, it buys only a say in the design of the Convention Centre and how it’s to be operated. The Crown conditions for the Centre will have some (negligible) cost to SkyCity but it’s a fact most of the $460 million is a State subsidy.

    There’s nothing ‘free’ about this Convention Centre. It’s costing us taxpayers some $400 million. Why are Labour letting National get away with this ‘free’ nonsense?

    IMO this bickering & quibbling over a few $million in operating costs is classic ‘can’t see the wood for the trees’. People are arguing over some missing petty cash while the thieves get away with the bank vault.

    • Draco T Bastard 12.1
      27 December 2014 at 4:39 pm

      +1

      • Sacha 12.1.1
        27 December 2014 at 9:19 pm

        The Greens were doing most of opposing this at the time weren’t they? Labour may be able to help now that they’ve stopped fighting one another.

    • George Hendry 12.2
      27 December 2014 at 4:56 pm

      @DH –

      ‘Why are Labour letting National get away with this ‘free’ nonsense?’

      Several possible reasons –

      # ‘Labour’ once did some of the same sort of stuff, today’s ‘Labour’ might not entirely disapprove

      # Labour haven’t bought out the media, National did so they could create ‘the’ narrative

      # after ‘the worst election result in 92 years’ Labour are a bit weakened

      # not just Labour but all of us are responsible for letting National get away with free nonsense.

      You seem to be trying to create the narrative that underresourced democratic police are mainly responsible for massive scale daylight robbery.

      Had you planned to say anything about the robber barons themselves? 🙂

    • Murray Rawshark 12.3
      27 December 2014 at 6:38 pm

      Sky City let Labour MPs into their corporate boxes at big games as well. They’re almost a socialist company, and Labour appreciates that.

  14. repateet 14
    27 December 2014 at 2:29 pm

    “…Roughan, and those lazy arseholes like him who allowed this stupid project to go ahead, is that they may like to take some more time to damn well read the government reports and even well-informed blog posts before becoming suckers…”

    “Sucker” implies some sort of gullible person “sucked” into something by naivety.

    In that sense I don’t believe Roughan was a sucker. I believe he was informed but made deliberate decisions to support the scheme of his mates. He has only come out now because the extent of the idiocy of the project (scam) and does not want to be labelled as an author of it and be party to the disaster.

  16. Draco T Bastard 16
    27 December 2014 at 4:29 pm

    The ‪‎Auckland‬ Convention centre was always going to be a dog that SkyCity would use to boost its profits via government subsidy. At this precise moment in time, the government should be cancelling the contract, reverting the laws that they changed and taking back the state land that they sold for well under price as it’s obvious that SkyCity can’t keep their end of the contract.

  17. Penny Bright 17
    27 December 2014 at 5:02 pm

    Wake up folks!

    The FACTS are that Sky City has effectively, in my considered opinion, been able to set up a money-laundering FACTORY in the heart of Auckland City, because nobody who is anybody did ANY ‘due-diligence’ on the increased risk of money-laundering arising from the NZ International Convention Centre Act.

    The DIA ‘Regulatory Impact Statement’ accompanying the NZ International Convention Centre Bill, spelled out the increased risk of money-laundering, loud and clear.

    But the Organised and Financial Crime Agency of NZ (OFCANZ), whose job it is to help prevent money-laundering, didn’t, and held no information on the key mechanism for money-laundering – TITO (Tickets In – Tickets Out) technology.

    Unbelievable – but true.

    Prime Minister John Key did no ‘due diligence’ on the increased risk of money-laundering, arising from the NZ International Convention Centre Act, – neither did Minister Stephen Joyce, nor Auckland Council, nor Auckland Central Police.

    I know – because I asked and have a paper trail to prove it.

    When I asked NZ Auditor-General Lyn Provost to conduct an inquiry into the failure of OFCANZ to carry out ‘due diligence’ on the increased risk of money-laundering arising from the NZ International Convention Centre Bill, she declined.

    But the NZ Auditor-General Lyn Provost, failed to disclose one rather important wee detail,, at the time she declined to conduct an inquiry into the failure of OFCANZ to carry out ‘due diligence’ on the increased risk of money-laundering arising from the NZ International Convention Centre Bill,

    Which was – that Auditor-General Lyn Provost was herself at that time a SHAREHOLDER in Sky City.

    And – which organisation is the number one ‘platinum sponsor’ of Transparency International NZ?

    Oh – that’s right – the NZ Office of the Auditor-General ….

    (File under ‘You Could Not Make This Sh*t Up’ …..)

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’

    • George Hendry 17.1
      27 December 2014 at 5:21 pm

      Thanks Penny…!

      I see now why NZ has fallen to only 2nd in the international least corrupt ratings, when it could easily have fallen so much further. Such a clean country, with whiter!, brighter!, future clean laundering results.

      @‘You Could Not Make This Sh*t Up’:

      Well you probably could, but why make the effort when you just need to wait and it gets done for you 🙂

  18. Penny Bright 18
    27 December 2014 at 5:16 pm

    Remember Auckland Council Mayor Len Brown, did 180 degree ‘U’ turn from being the poster boy for those opposed to problem gambling, to a major cheerleader for the Sky City deal.

    Once it was revealed that Sky City had given Mayor Len Brown free hotel accommodation for his extra-marital sexual liaison, then, in my considered opinion, the matter should have gone straight to the Police or the SFO.

    So – why didn’t it?

    (Remember, back in 2010, both Auckland Mayoral candidates John Banks and Len Brown each received $15,000 from Sky City.

    Len Brown declared this donation, John Banks did not.)

    Check the membership list of the organisation, which, in my considered opinion, really runs the Auckland region, ‘like a business, by business, FOR business’ – the unelected private lobby group – the Committee for Auckland: http://www.committeeforauckland.co.nz membership

    Follow the dollar and start joining some dots …..

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’

    • Sacha 18.1
      27 December 2014 at 9:15 pm

      “Once it was revealed that Sky City had given Mayor Len Brown free hotel accommodation for his extra-marital sexual liaison” – this is not true. Other hotels did, but not Sky City. You undermine your case repeating right-wing talking points like this.

  19. Penny Bright 19
    27 December 2014 at 6:42 pm

    FYI

    Auditor-General Lyn Provost was a shareholder in Sky City at the time I asked her to investigate OFCANZ, for their lack of ‘due diligence’ into the increased risk of money-laundering arising from the NZ International Convention Centre Act.

    Auditor-General Lyn Provost was a shareholder in Sky City when the OAG decided to do an Inquiry into the ‘Sky City deal’ – which is why she didn’t do it – Deputy Auditor-General Phillipa Smith did it.

    See for yourselves:

    http://www.oag.govt.nz/2013/skycity

    “Deputy Auditor-General’s overview

    Inquiry into the Government’s decision to negotiate with SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited for an international convention centre.

    In June 2012, I announced that this Office would carry out an inquiry into the process that the Ministry of Economic Development (the Ministry) followed leading up to the Government’s decision to negotiate with SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (SkyCity) about developing an international convention centre in Auckland.1

    …………………

    Phillippa Smith
    Deputy Controller and Auditor-General

    18 February 2013

    1: The Auditor-General has a small shareholding in SkyCity so she has not been involved in this inquiry.

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’

    • ropata:rorschach 19.1
      28 December 2014 at 1:55 am

      Penny can you please just stop? I for one, am exhausted by huge unreadable screeds of dubious merit… do you wear a tin foil hat as well?

      No doubt there are interesting and lurid tales of political malfeasance to be uncovered, but your approach is frankly a bit mental.

      We need more Nicky Hager-style careful investigative journalism, not wild eyed lunatics with a megaphone shouting random disconnected theories at passers-by.

      It wouldn’t be so bad if you engaged the conversation and responded to others, but no, you’re too busy spamming the world.

  20. aerobubble 20
    28 December 2014 at 1:50 pm

    So journo costs tax paers millions, did he offer his resignation, did the editor…

    …no, their zeel was added with frothing at the mouth, that the convention center was inspired Key nation building, brilliant use of tax payers money…

    …another day and cheap journalism wins yet another headline debasing our society.

  21. DAVE 21
    28 December 2014 at 7:26 pm

    where is the ideology here free market ,market forces .magic of the market ,risk reward ,Milton Friedman , privatisation run better , we hate welfare bit ,shrinking the government , oh no corporate welfare for there buddies while trying to strip vector from community ownership
    fuckin crooks

    CUT THE CRAP!

  22. Penny Bright 22
    29 December 2014 at 11:40 am

    Sacha – have you not read the ‘EY Report’ for yourself?

    http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/…/Independent%20Review%20Report%2...

    Try page 11.

    At least I’m consistent in stand against bribery and corruption.

    You can keep trying to defend Mayor Len Brown’s indefensible (in my considered opinion) actions – but at least try to get your facts straight in so doing?

    Penny Bright

    ‘Anti-corruption whistle-blower’

    • Sacha 22.1
      29 December 2014 at 11:46 am

      Read it when it was released. Your link not working. SkyCity only provided rooms for Brown and his wife, not his mistress. Nobody is ‘defending’ anything here but credibility.

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    Today, former Port of Auckland CEO Tony Gibson went on trial on health and safety charges for the death of one of his workers. The Herald calls the trial "unprecedented". Firstly, it's only "unprecedented" because WorkSafe struck a corrupt and unlawful deal to drop charges against Peter Whittall over Pike ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Time for “Fast-Track Watch”
    Calling all journalists, academics, planners, lawyers, political activists, environmentalists, and other members of the public who believe that the relationships between vested interests and politicians need to be scrutinised. We need to work together to make sure that the new Fast-Track Approvals Bill – currently being pushed through by the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on fast track powers, media woes and the Tiktok ban
    Feel worried. Shane Jones and a couple of his Cabinet colleagues are about to be granted the power to override any and all objections to projects like dams, mines, roads etc even if: said projects will harm biodiversity, increase global warming and cause other environmental harms, and even if ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    1 day ago

  • The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    Bryce Edwards writes-  The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    1 day ago

  • Maori push for parallel government structures
    Michael Bassett writes – If you think there is a move afoot by the radical Maori fringe of New Zealand society to create a parallel system of government to the one that we elect at our triennial elections, you aren’t wrong. Over the last few days we have ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An announcement about an announcement
    Without a corresponding drop in interest rates, it’s doubtful any changes to the CCCFA will unleash a massive rush of home buyers. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate on Monday, April 22 included:The Government making a ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • All the Green Tech in China.
    Sunday was a lazy day. I started watching Jack Tame on Q&A, the interviews are usually good for something to write about. Saying the things that the politicians won’t, but are quite possibly thinking. Things that are true and need to be extracted from between the lines.As you might know ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago

  • Western Express Success
    In our Weekly Roundup last week we covered news from Auckland Transport that the WX1 Western Express is going to get an upgrade next year with double decker electric buses. As part of the announcement, AT also said “Since we introduced the WX1 Western Express last November we have seen ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    2 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick ‘n’ mix of the news links at 7:16am on Monday, April 22
    TL;DR: These six news links stood out in the last 24 hours to 7:16am on Monday, April 22:Labour says Kiwis at greater risk from loan sharks as Govt plans to remove borrowing regulations NZ Herald Jenee TibshraenyHow did the cost of moving two schools blow out to more than $400m?A ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • The Kaka’s diary for the week to April 29 and beyond
    TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to April 29 include:PM Christopher Luxon is scheduled to hold a post-Cabinet news conference at 4 pm today. Stats NZ releases its statutory report on Census 2023 tomorrow.Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers a pre-Budget speech at ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #16
    A listing of 29 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 14, 2024 thru Sat, April 20, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week hinges on these words from the abstract of a fresh academic ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: The Government’s new fast-track invitation to corruption
    The ability of the private sector to quickly establish major new projects making use of the urban and natural environment is to be supercharged by the new National-led Government. Yesterday it introduced to Parliament one of its most significant reforms, the Fast Track Approvals Bill. The Government says this will ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    2 days ago

  • Thank you
    This is a column to say thank you. So many of have been in touch since Mum died to say so many kind and thoughtful things. You’re wonderful, all of you. You’ve asked how we’re doing, how Dad’s doing. A little more realisation each day, of the irretrievable finality of ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Determining the Engine Type in Your Car
    Identifying the engine type in your car is crucial for various reasons, including maintenance, repairs, and performance upgrades. Knowing the specific engine model allows you to access detailed technical information, locate compatible parts, and make informed decisions about modifications. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a step-by-step approach to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Become a Race Car Driver: A Comprehensive Guide
    Introduction: The allure of racing is undeniable. The thrill of speed, the roar of engines, and the exhilaration of competition all contribute to the allure of this adrenaline-driven sport. For those who yearn to experience the pinnacle of racing, becoming a race car driver is the ultimate dream. However, the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Many Cars Are There in the World in 2023? An Exploration of Global Automotive Statistics
    Introduction Automobiles have become ubiquitous in modern society, serving as a primary mode of transportation and a symbol of economic growth and personal mobility. With countless vehicles traversing roads and highways worldwide, it begs the question: how many cars are there in the world? Determining the precise number is a ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take for Car Inspection?
    Maintaining a safe and reliable vehicle requires regular inspections. Whether it’s a routine maintenance checkup or a safety inspection, knowing how long the process will take can help you plan your day accordingly. This article delves into the factors that influence the duration of a car inspection and provides an ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Who Makes Mazda Cars?
    Mazda Motor Corporation, commonly known as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automaker headquartered in Fuchu, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The company was founded in 1920 as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd., and began producing vehicles in 1931. Mazda is primarily known for its production of passenger cars, but ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Often to Replace Your Car Battery A Comprehensive Guide
    Your car battery is an essential component that provides power to start your engine, operate your electrical systems, and store energy. Over time, batteries can weaken and lose their ability to hold a charge, which can lead to starting problems, power failures, and other issues. Replacing your battery before it ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Can You Register a Car Without a License?
    In most states, you cannot register a car without a valid driver’s license. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Exceptions to the Rule If you are under 18 years old: In some states, you can register a car in your name even if you do not ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Mazda: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Reliability, Value, and Performance
    Mazda, a Japanese automotive manufacturer with a rich history of innovation and engineering excellence, has emerged as a formidable player in the global car market. Known for its reputation of producing high-quality, fuel-efficient, and driver-oriented vehicles, Mazda has consistently garnered praise from industry experts and consumers alike. In this article, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Are Struts on a Car?
    Struts are an essential part of a car’s suspension system. They are responsible for supporting the weight of the car and damping the oscillations of the springs. Struts are typically made of steel or aluminum and are filled with hydraulic fluid. How Do Struts Work? Struts work by transferring the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What Does Car Registration Look Like: A Comprehensive Guide
    Car registration is a mandatory process that all vehicle owners must complete annually. This process involves registering your car with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and paying an associated fee. The registration process ensures that your vehicle is properly licensed and insured, and helps law enforcement and other authorities ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Share Computer Audio on Zoom
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Long Does It Take to Build a Computer?
    Building your own computer can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to get a high-performance machine tailored to your specific needs. However, it also requires careful planning and execution, and one of the most important factors to consider is the time it will take. The exact time it takes to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Put Your Computer to Sleep
    Sleep mode is a power-saving state that allows your computer to quickly resume operation without having to boot up from scratch. This can be useful if you need to step away from your computer for a short period of time but don’t want to shut it down completely. There are ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • What is Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT)?
    Introduction Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) has revolutionized the field of translation by harnessing the power of technology to assist human translators in their work. This innovative approach combines specialized software with human expertise to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of translations. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • iPad vs. Tablet Computers A Comprehensive Guide to Differences
    In today’s digital age, mobile devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Among the vast array of portable computing options available, iPads and tablet computers stand out as two prominent contenders. While both offer similar functionalities, there are subtle yet significant differences between these two devices. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How Are Computers Made?
    A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to carry out a set of instructions. The basic components of a computer are the processor, memory, storage, input devices, and output devices. The Processor The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU), is the brain of the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Add Voice Memos from iPhone to Computer
    Voice Memos is a convenient app on your iPhone that allows you to quickly record and store audio snippets. These recordings can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as taking notes, capturing ideas, or recording interviews. While you can listen to your voice memos on your iPhone, you ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Why My Laptop Screen Has Lines on It: A Comprehensive Guide
    Laptop screens are essential for interacting with our devices and accessing information. However, when lines appear on the screen, it can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Understanding the underlying causes of these lines is crucial for finding effective solutions. Types of Screen Lines Horizontal lines: Also known as scan ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Right-Click on a Laptop
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Where is the Power Button on an ASUS Laptop?
    Powering up and shutting down your ASUS laptop is an essential task for any laptop user. Locating the power button can sometimes be a hassle, especially if you’re new to ASUS laptops. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on where to find the power button on different ASUS laptop ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Start a Dell Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Serious populist discontent is bubbling up in New Zealand
    Two-thirds of the country think that “New Zealand’s economy is rigged to advantage the rich and powerful”. They also believe that “New Zealand needs a strong leader to take the country back from the rich and powerful”. These are just two of a handful of stunning new survey results released ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • How to Take a Screenshot on an Asus Laptop A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Instructions and Illu...
    In today’s digital world, screenshots have become an indispensable tool for communication and documentation. Whether you need to capture an important email, preserve a website page, or share an error message, screenshots allow you to quickly and easily preserve digital information. If you’re an Asus laptop user, there are several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • How to Factory Reset Gateway Laptop A Comprehensive Guide
    A factory reset restores your Gateway laptop to its original factory settings, erasing all data, apps, and personalizations. This can be necessary to resolve software issues, remove viruses, or prepare your laptop for sale or transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your Gateway laptop: Method 1: ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours 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
    11 hours ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
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