So NZ Labour wanted the Headlines.

Written By: - Date published: 3:29 pm, August 1st, 2017 - 50 comments
Categories: election 2017, elections, greens, jacinda ardern, labour, liberalism, Metiria Turei, Politics - Tags: , , ,

I guess the next few days or more will be filled with rampant speculation on what NZ Labour will do next, and that speculation will come alongside some gushing praise for Jacinda Ardern ,as well as whatever amount of condemnation.

But whatever happens, NZ Labour has a policy platform that many have found underwhelming. And unless I’m missing something, the current NZ Labour caucus constructed that platform, mounted that platform, and will have no option but to remain standing on that platform. Now sure, Ardern offers up a more appealing shiny wrapper for NZ Labour’s sales pitch. And we all know that a salesperson can sometimes make a decisive impact on potential buyers.

And if the question was to be between two political brands of the same product (ie – National’s liberalism or NZ Labour’s liberalism), then I’d say Ardern’s potential impact on voters might be fruitful. But NZ no longer has to choose between two competing brands of the same product – the Green Party have somewhat broken that constrictive mould.

NZ Labour will have known that Metiria’s “calling out” of NZs social security system has resonated. And they will know their winter fuel allowance, welcome though it was, just pales away to nothing next to the Green Party’s commitment to raise benefit levels, extend eligibility of WFF to the unemployed and rid WINZ of a punative culture that particularly, though by means way solely, demonises women on the DPB and even presumes to determine their relationships.

So, given what everybody knows, can we expect NZ Labour to suddenly expand or re-cast their already announced policies to encompass aspects of Green Party policy where those policies would have been a natural fit for any pre-’84 Labour Party? Well, no. Of course not. They have to rein things in.

Much more likely then, while still adhering to the letter of the MoU they have with the Green Party, they will be more inclined to throw wee dry sticks into the likes of the flames of moral condemnation that some tried to fan around Meriria’s truthfulness of what it means to be on the DPB.  Ardern already kind of did that  by insisting in an interview about Metiria’s revelations, that an MP can’t condone breaking the law, given that an MP is charged with forming the law. The fact that Metiria hasn’t condoned breaking the law and has merely said she understands why people break the law with regards WINZ while condemning the system that forces them into untenable positions was, it seems, by the by.

Then there was the nonsense Willie Jackson threw up about how the Green Party should endorse NZ Labour candidates in the Maori seats. Andrew Little was clear that wasn’t going to happen –

Jackson was rebuffed by Labour leader Andrew Little soon after, who said the two parties had already agreed not to enter deals on seats and the focus was on ensuring the campaign was respectful and they did not “trip each other up”.

– but he’s gone.

In short, I expect to see a fair bit of “Oops! Very sorry, didn’t mean to trip you there.” stuff to be coming from NZ Labour now. (Christ knows, their caucus has enough of a track record on that front towards their own, never mind towards politicians of other parties.) NZ Labour has nowhere left to go. It has hemmed itself in. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest that it’s now fighting for its future political survival. So if the Green Party doesn’t step up anew and very soon on another policy front, such as education or whatever other bigger policy they haven’t announced yet, then the ‘re-set’ that I’m picking to be under way within NZ Labour is likely to result in a damaging low level ‘beat up’ on the Greens from a smiling, caring NZ Labour between now and the election.

And that could yield results if the Greens present themselves as a sitting target – because the marginalised and others could quite easily disengage if the political environment becomes viewed as hostile or irrelevant again. And that could leave what remains of a potential Green/Labour voting bloc to  drift from a bruised Green Party that’s become snagged in the polls towards, and however however reluctantly, the somewhat dull and grey prospects of NZ Labour’s policy platform. In other words, NZ Labour will have successfully pulled off what it needs to pull off for its own political survival, and repaired the constrictive ‘liberal us or liberal them’ mould of NZ politics.

So the way I see it, the Greens need to ‘tool up’ and step up to prevent our electoral option being taken back to a choice between two brands of the same product yet again.

They need to keep front stepping and calling things for what they are. They need to be  colourful. They need to be bold. And they need to be tireless. They need to keep pushing forwards in ways that appeal to those who have had enough; those who want something more than  a different flavoured sauce on some liberal fayre; those who have become marginalised; those who have become disengaged; those who demand hope.

 

 

50 comments on “So NZ Labour wanted the Headlines. ”

  1. McFlock 1

    Labour policy is solid, but not overly flashy.
    Little as leader was solid, but not overly flashy.
    Wasn’t really getting them anywhere, what with the greens being showy and having some flashy policy.

    I don’t think we’ll see a policy change with Ardern, but she will have higher visibility as the tories try to collapse the Labour vote. Not a bad thing.

    However: Kelvin Davis as deputy? I have the impression he’s a bit of a dick, but can’t remember why. I know he got TTT off hone, but is he part of the pro-charter school crowd too? I also seem to recall him mouthing off once or twice in a dickish way.

    His promotion might be more of a signal than Ardern’s.

    • I know he got TTT off hone, but is he part of the pro-charter school crowd too?

      IIRC, he’s an ‘investor’ in one of them. Perhaps one of the ones that failed badly but ended up with a couple of hectares of prime land paid for by the government.

      I also seem to recall him mouthing off once or twice in a dickish way.

      I believe there’s been a few such instances.

    • Karen 1.2

      Kelvin Davis is not “a bit of a dick.”

      He was instrumental in Serco losing their contract to run Mt Eden.
      Here’s John Palethorpe:
      🤔 John Palethorpe‏ @jjpalethorpe 12h12 hours ago
      “Two years ago today-ish @NgatiBird came to the Serco protest I organised. He was helpful, polite, kind and furious. Good to see him kick on.”

      He exposed the treatment of prisoners in Manus Island and other detention centres.

      He is very strong on prison reform and the need to stop sending people with addiction and mental health issues to prison – he said this is a health issue and we need to stop punishing people for being ill.

      A friend of mine who does a lot of voluntary work in the domestic violence/ woman’s refuge area said he has worked really hard in this area and had always been incredibly supportive of their work. She is a left-wing feminist and thinks Kelvin is great.

      There are two charter schools that he is supportive of but they are community led Māori run schools that will easily fit into the Labour Party’s special character model as they both use registered teachers and are fulfilling a particular need.

      • McFlock 1.2.1

        True, I recall the Manus Island thing now. That was good work.

        Hmmm. I can’t shake the feeling that he took a line that really pissed me off, though. Probably the charter school thing.

        Oh well, if it was a one-off, no worries. If not, I’ll have a better source of criticism than “something I can’t put my finger on”. 🙂

        • weka 1.2.1.1

          I think he’s also a bit of a dick as well as doing the good things Karen points out. Mostly it’s the macho stuff around TTT. My estimation of him went up yesterday when he put the Mp on notice up their game but basically said yeah, we’ll work with you if it comes to that. So not an dogmatic dick.

  2. One Anonymous Bloke 2

    The other thing the Greens have to do is concentrate on their own policies and kaupapa and resist the temptation to react to any centre left provocation.

    I think their supporters would be wise to do the same.

    • Bill 2.1

      I agree.

      But this nonsense from NZ Labour has kind of side swiped a whole lot of stuff, including what the Greens were building. I guess my post is suggesting they need to kick start that whole thing again. And I’m also suggesting that NZ Labour will not be exactly well disposed towards them given the general mess and parlous state they’re in.

      • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1

        First the Greens, and now Labour, have done something that you’re just not supposed to do.

        I’m yet to be convinced that’s a bad thing.

        Political pundits posit all sorts of rational explanations for why it’s a bad thing, and Neurobiology tells us that “rational” decision making is a myth.

        Cinny says talkback is full of people saying they’re voting Labour today. Go figure.

        • marty mars 2.1.1.1

          Yep I’m convinced it is all good. Labour and the Greens are not in competition – target those dim gnats with that damp facecloth bill – call me bill –
          english – he is going down and will look idiotic when against the Greens and Labour.

          • One Anonymous Bloke 2.1.1.1.1

            I’m completely unconvinced: too wary of my own confirmation bias. Not that I’m ruling it out 😀

          • Bill 2.1.1.1.2

            Can’t quite follow that comment marty. I mean, I get that you’re having a go at me…for something I haven’t written (Greens and NZ Labour in competition).

            Go back to the post.

            The letter of the MoU will be honoured. I’m saying the spirit of the MoU’s going to get tossed out by NZ Labour. It’s a party that’s basically flailing about trying to avoid its own political death and inflicting massive wounds on itself (and potentially on others) in the process.

            It’s not the first Labour Party in the English speaking world to be experiencing these death throes. Scottish Labour ‘went’ (22% and third place in the 2016 election) – and for the same reasons that NZ Labour is going.

            Ironically given they’re a Blairite/liberal party, Scottish Labour got a bit of a Lazarus effect from Corbyn becoming leader of UK Labour.

            NZ Labour doesn’t have any such path to possible resurrection that I can see.

            • marty mars 2.1.1.1.2.1

              I’m not talking about you – but the other bill running the bloody country.

              Sorry if it was ambiguous – edit – reading it back it is easy to see that I stuffed up my sentences – sorry again.

              I am feeling optimistic. I don’t think The Greens and Labour will affect each others vote. The Gnats and english will look stupid, slow and dottery compared to the Greens and Labour.

              • Bill

                Ah, Here was me thinking that “attacking someone with a damp facecloth” was just some odd expression I’d never come across. –cough

              • weka

                “I don’t think The Greens and Labour will affect each others vote”

                Except in a good way. Labour looking competent and strong is necessary for the Greens to get into govt. More of a worry for me is NZF. It’s up to Labour to go after that vote, hoping that’s the conclusion they reach in the next few days.

        • savenz 2.1.1.2

          We can only hope that the disappointed Labour supporters vote Green and Jarcinda pushes more people to vote Labour who would otherwise not voted or voted for National. So it ends up more combined voters for that block.

    • David Mac 2.2

      I agree, there is plenty of ripe electorate for both the Greens and Labour to harvest. There are 100,000’s of people staring at the prospect of never owning their own homes. Leave the far left aspect for the Greens and talk with those that have an alarm clock ringing at 6am, 6 days a week. Too many of them are struggling to meet the rent bill, a house deposit an impossible dream.

      I think Jacinda indicated in her press conference that she has potential inter party clashes handled. “The Greens have their policies, I’m here to talk about Labour.” Simple and effective.

  3. Peroxide Blonde 3

    England has Brexit.
    USA has Russia Gate.
    NZ has Grant Robertson organising a leadership change that excludes the membership.

    • The Lone Haranguer 3.1

      But history will show that, despite Grant Robertson organising a leadership challenge (and more in the future Im picking), that hes never organised one that puts him into place “Numero Uno”

      So hes really a bit of a faliure in my view

  4. billmurray 4

    Not sure I am on right comment page but congratulations to ‘the Standard’ for giving excellent coverage of the dramatic change of leadership in Labour, well done.

  5. Louis 5

    Was it only about headlines or did Labour do a knee jerk becasue they didn’t want a repeat media hatefest like what happened to Cunliffe in 2014? No wonder the media thinks it has full dictatorial powers, Labour once again shows it has no spine or balls.

    [lprent: You are acting like a troll. Automoderation until you prove you are a human capable of contributing to the debate. In the meantime I have removed all of your suspect comments that no-one replied to. ]

    • David Mac 5.1

      Changing engines 2 hours before the race starts is not spineless, it’s a brave calculated risk. It’s an ‘All in’ call that will illuminate the run-up to the election. People that don’t care about polls will be curious to hear how Jacinda travels. On Andrew’s part, Jacinda’s and the party, I think it’s far from gutless, took courage. I hope their bravery is rewarded with good fortune.

      • Louis 5.1.1

        Yeah sure, you can believe that if you want. Voters dont usually reward leadership changes like this, particularly this close to an election as its seen as being weak and divisive. Hope those within Labour are happy with themselves, we will find out soon enough if this was worth it or not.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 5.2

      I suspect Jacinda Ardern would deal with that opinion in much the same way as she dealt with Paddy and Corin.

    • Louis 5.3

      Fine. I am not a troll just angry at Labour.

      [lprent: So express it in a pattern that doesn’t make me think that you are some kind of ‘concern’ troll. Jumping around posts leaving one and two liners isn’t expressing yourself about why you have issues with them, it is like listening to bored dog barking in a empty yard, ]

      • Louis 5.3.1

        Im a devastated dog and quite frankly the way I’m feeling i shouldn’t be on here. Appreciate the tip.

  6. Korero Pono 6

    Excellent analysis Bill, it will be an interesting eight weeks no doubt. I wonder if traditional ‘left’ leaning voters will swing to Labour out of fear of another 3 years of NACT? I actually can’t believe that Labour thought it a good thing to get rid of Little at this stage of the game instead of coming up with some actual policy that would draw people to them. Kind of like what the Greens did when they announced their welfare policy. The missing million may have started waking from their slumber, what they need is a rocket put under them and a reason to get themselves out to vote come voting day. Sadly Labour doesn’t seem to want those votes, instead they’ll probably serve up more of the same neoliberal BS they’ve been serving voters the last 30 odd years, and they seriously wonder why they’re polling so low. I would love Labour to give me a reason to vote for them so that we can change the Government but given I suspect more of the same from Labour, I instead pin my hopes on the Greens and hope like hell the next 8 weeks proves fruitful in waking up the disenfranchised, disenchanted missing millon. Greens at least seem to want to do something to reverse the horrendous levels of poverty, suicide and social decay that 30 years of neoliberalism has inflicted upon us.

    • JanM 6.1

      As for the ‘missing million’, have you lately asked around your friends and acquaintances to see what they know about Labour policies? It’s very depressing – many, even people with whom you believe you can have at least a half-way intelligent conversation, haven’t a clue – at least that’s been my experience. I think, perhaps, that especially younger people don’t really do much research to find things out, but wait until it shines out at them from a screen – and it needs to appeal (as in visually). Maybe Jacinda will be that rocket 🙂

      • Peter 6.1.1

        Bash landords seems to be the policy.

        Labour’s Healthy Homes Bill would require landlords to maintain the temperature in their rentals at an MBIE-specified level (said to be 18 degrees).
        How the hell can any landlord do that?

        • Jilly Bee 6.1.1.2

          Peter, I would love to ‘bash’ my daughter and her partner’s landlord who steadfastly refused to either insulate or provide decent heating for the pretty basic house they were renting in West Auckland for top dollar despite my daughter giving birth prematurely to twin babies at the end of May. I insisted that they move out to better accommodation before the baby girls were discharged from the SCBU unit at Waitakere – which they have managed to do. Said landlord was only too happy to paint the exterior of the house, but wouldn’t budge on interior improvements.

      • Pat 6.1.2

        am not sure about that…..it has been my experience that the young will be intrigued by something they hear either from friends or perhaps online or the box and the first thing they will do is search party websites online for information….that is where it falls down imo….most of the policy information is written in dull, and vague terms that requires substantial knowledge of “political” speak to correctly interpret….a language that many young don’t appear to speak or understand (and frankly thats a good thing, now if only politicians could “unlearn” the same)

    • weka 6.2

      I agree about the policy, but now that the leadership has changed it shows that this was a great move, assuming Ardern can go the distance. Little was starting to look beaten and that’s part of what happened to Cunliffe last time. The MSM was merciless and too many people don’t want to vote for the one they see as a loser. Yes, the policy was a big part of that but policy alone won’t save a party. The GP policy on welfare isn’t new to them, they’ve had the best social security policy of any party for a long time. It was what they did with it that made the difference. And to pull that off they needed leaders and a party that could stand up to the media and the RW spin and lies.

      I will continue to encourage people to vote Green to get the most progressive govt we can. We still need Labour to do that. I’m of the theory that the election is the left’s for the taking but only if they appear competent. They were failing on that. Now they’ve got a chance to change that dynamic (again, this depends on Ardern being able to manage the role so it’s not without risk).

      Labour have enough policy that is compatible with the Greens, and I also hope the Greens do more of what they did with welfare. I don’t think it would be possible for Labour to rewrite and cost policy in the timeframe left, so the best Labour can do now is start front footing it on values. Ardern is talking strongly today about inequality and compassion. This is a good fit for the more progressive policies of the Greens.

      I agree with Bill’s previous analysis that there are key things to do re NZF voters, probably a strong stand on foreign land ownership would do it.

      So I’m less worried about Labour being more like the Greens than I am about NZF doing well. But I note that yesterday Little was actively talking about how if voters want to change the govt they need to vote Labour not NZF. I really hope that they follow up on that and start explaining how Labour will make the difference.

  7. Stuart Munro 7

    Early days.

    In principle this looks a bit like following the despicable Key legacy down the charismatic leadership path.

    Jacinda has stepped in gracefully, and seems to be able to wrangle the press. We have to hope that cuts through as far as achieving real change.

    But not in the next few days.

    Early days.

  8. adam 8

    ROFL, my god I’ve been in stitches since I heard this was happening.

    So this is how labour dies, as a handmaiden to liberalism. It really could not have happened to a better party. Started so well, gave us a ripper in the early 70’s, then stab us all in the back in the 80’s. You just killing yourself by the same process – Irony is a dish, best served with lots of giggles.

    Wouldn’t have voted labour, so nothing changes there. But Kelvin Davis as deputy leader, did they look in his closet?

    Well the media are going too…

    I think I said to Jenny Kirk, labour should not have a closet full of bad ideas, and things that could come back and bite them on their bum.

    I should have said, the should not promote people, who could, and probably will have the same effect.

  9. Peter 9

    If a ship is heading for the rocks you can’t rescue it simply by changing the figurehead.

    • Korero Pono 9.1

      +1

    • Heh… but its not.

      What you are looking at is a Labour led govt after September. With the Greens and NZ First.

      The Greens ( thank goodness ) will temper the Labour neo liberal caucuses excesses in social policy , NZ First not only dislike extreme neo liberalism but Peters is a good friend of Kelvin Davis, – and Willie Jackson.

      I also don’t think pointing out how many times English texted Dickson was particularly conducive to forming a coalition with National… and a whole raft of other criticisms Peters has had with both John Key and Bill English.

      Get ready for a change of government , people, … and a broken cabal of has been right wing mouthpieces crying into their beers from Hosking to Hooten.

      • srylands 9.2.1

        I am unaware of any “right wing mouthpieces” in New Zealand.

        But more importantly, why would Hosking be crying about a change of Government? He will still have his silly media gig and his cars and houses and kids and his pleasant life.

        Remember it is the poor that are always worst affected by bad policy. the rich like Hosking will be able to adapt to a Labour/Green government and simply carry on. the poor have nowhere to hide.

  10. Keith 10

    The policies Labour are promoting definitely don’t derserve all the scorn I read here.

    And probably more pronounced than the right the left are made up of social liberals and social conservatives and it is not automatic that the party for the workers has the same views as the middle class Greens.

    But nevertheless this gloomy kicking of Labour can join Hoskings latest rant and Trotter won’t be far behind, rest assured, headed by his twin Farrar.

    But be warmed by the knowledge without Labour you can enjoy National indefinitely!

  11. Hanswurst 11

    In terms of what it predicts about Labour strategy, I think that this post is reading an enormous amount into very little. In terms of what it says about pthe parties’ policies and the Greens’ best strategy, though, it seems pretty sensible.

  12. lurgee 12

    My suspicion is that whoever Jacinda was expected to have to fight for the leadership in 8 weeks time is the person who is feeling happiest just now.

    • Carolyn_nth 12.1

      The pictures I have seen of Ardern’s press conference have GR smirking behind her.

  13. Sable 13

    I’m typically a Green voter but I have seen little from them lately that inspires me. There’s lots of talk but I have not seen much in the way of practical policy.

    I feel no more hope this election than any that have gone before and wonder if we need a real revision of the political system to make politicians in general more genuinely accountable as most other people are at work.

    • weka 13.1

      The Greens have one of the best policy platforms of any party in parliament, developed and costed. Not sure where you’re not seeing that, is it the MSM?

      I’m also curious what you would find inspiring.

      Here’s their policy page,

      https://www.greens.org.nz/policy

      • Sable 13.1.1

        What would I find inspiring, that’s a big question Weka and I don’t have the time to answer it at length. What I would like to see is more of a focus on how to solve immediate environmental issues. In particular tackling issues surrounding factory farming which contributes greatly to global warming. Promoting green solutions such as solar panels. Even in right wing Australia you get a HUGE subsidy for installing them. How about a subsidy for electric cars too? Even the US offers this.

        Instead what you get here in general is mostly passive solutions like Carbon taxes which people hate and don’t directly target the culprits.

        Just a couple of examples but there are others too. I also feel working class Kiwi’s are being overlooked on a broad range of issues with parties clamouring to chase the middle class vote. Again I have specific concerns but I’d be here all day discussing this and I simply don’t have the time.

        Lastly why not more concern and actual policy regarding the TPPA? Its a nasty piece of work and the party that has I feel has done the most to combat it is NZFirst. It stands to uproot environmental initiatives for years to come and cost tax payers untold money.

        P.S. I have not watched TV in over six years and never ever read or watch the MSM.

        • weka 13.1.1.1

          Where are you getting your political information from? I like following various Green MPs on twitter, it’s a good way to keep abreast of what they are actually doing. And reading their policy on the website along with the press releases. What you are wanting re the environment is all there, including a lot of work being done by Gareth Hughes on solar.

          I agree about the traditional working class vote, and it’s a tricky one, because apparently the Greens aren’t a good cultural fit and Labour have abandoned their roots. From what I can tell the Greens have the best policy but people want to vote for the right feel too.

          I haven’t seen what the Greens are doing lately in the TPPA, but when this was a big activist movement a few years ago they were against it (Labour want to amend it).

          • Carolyn_nth 13.1.1.1.1

            Gosh. Gareth Hughes took a leading role in protesting against the TPPA, on the streets and in the House.

            I guess Winton just gets more (on and offline) media cut through.

  14. Shona 14

    Good on you Bill. For telling some of it how it is.
    A media driven coup in the time frame allowed in the Labour leadership rules to appoint and anoint a right wing leader. all no doubt orchestrated by that turd Grant Robertson. And so the ruling class who have been pushing Ardern for 2 or 3 years now through the msm have their code compliant Labour leader. Yawn. No Change no progress just more of the same free market economics from the party who are all Rogernomes at heart.
    Fuck this country is a shit hole full of fuckwits!

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    Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on UnsplashWe’re back again after our mid-winter break. We’re still with the ‘new’ day of the week (Thursday rather than Friday) when we have our ‘hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Will the real PM Luxon please stand up?

    Notes: This is a free article. Abuse in Care themes are mentioned. Video is at the bottom.BackgroundYesterday’s report into Abuse in Care revealed that at least 1 in 3 of all who went through state and faith based care were abused - often horrifically. At least, because not all survivors ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    2 days ago
  • Will debt reduction trump abuse in care redress?

    Luxon speaks in Parliament yesterday about the Abuse in Care report. Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:PM Christopher Luxon said yesterday in tabling the Abuse in Care report in Parliament he wanted to ‘do the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Olywhites and Time Bandits

    About a decade ago I worked with a bloke called Steve. He was the grizzled veteran coder, a few years older than me, who knew where the bodies were buried - code wise. Despite his best efforts to be approachable and friendly he could be kind of gruff, through to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago
  • Why were the 1930s so hot in North America?

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Jeff Masters and Bob Henson Those who’ve trawled social media during heat waves have likely encountered a tidbit frequently used to brush aside human-caused climate change: Many U.S. states and cities had their single hottest temperature on record during the 1930s, setting incredible heat marks ...
    2 days ago
  • Throwback Thursday – Thinking about Expressways

    Some of the recent announcements from the government have reminded us of posts we’ve written in the past. Here’s one from early 2020. There were plenty of reactions to the government’s infrastructure announcement a few weeks ago which saw them fund a bunch of big roading projects. One of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Thursday, July 25 are:News: Why Electric Kiwi is closing to new customers - and why it matters RNZ’s Susan EdmundsScoop: Government drops ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • The Possum: Demon or Friend?

    Hi,I felt a small wet tongue snaking through one of the holes in my Crocs. It explored my big toe, darting down one side, then the other. “He’s looking for some toe cheese,” said the woman next to me, words that still haunt me to this day.Growing up in New ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • Not a story

    Yesterday I happily quoted the Prime Minister without fact-checking him and sure enough, it turns out his numbers were all to hell. It’s not four kg of Royal Commission report, it’s fourteen.My friend and one-time colleague-in-comms Hazel Phillips gently alerted me to my error almost as soon as I’d hit ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Thursday, July 25

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Thursday, July 25, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day were:The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry published its final report yesterday.PM Christopher Luxon and The Minister responsible for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • A tougher line on “proactive release”?

    The Official Information Act has always been a battle between requesters seeking information, and governments seeking to control it. Information is power, so Ministers and government agencies want to manage what is released and when, for their own convenience, and legality and democracy be damned. Their most recent tactic for ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • 'Let's build a motorway costing $100 million per km, before emissions costs'

    TL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:Transport and Energy Minister Simeon Brown is accelerating plans to spend at least $10 billion through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to extend State Highway One as a four-lane ‘Expressway’ from Warkworth to Whangarei ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Lester's Prescription – Positive Bleeding.

    I live my life (woo-ooh-ooh)With no control in my destinyYea-yeah, yea-yeah (woo-ooh-ooh)I can bleed when I want to bleedSo come on, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)You can bleed when you want to bleedYea-yeah, come on (woo-ooh-ooh)Everybody bleed when they want to bleedCome on and bleedGovernments face tough challenges. Selling unpopular decisions to ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Casey Costello gaslights Labour in the House

    Please note:To skip directly to the- parliamentary footage in the video, scroll to 1:21 To skip to audio please click on the headphone icon on the left hand side of the screenThis video / audio section is under development. ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    3 days ago
  • Why is the Texas grid in such bad shape?

    This is a re-post from the Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler Headline from 2021 The Texas grid, run by ERCOT, has had a rough few years. In 2021, winter storm Uri blacked out much of the state for several days. About a week ago, Hurricane Beryl knocked out ...
    3 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on a textbook case of spending waste by the Luxon government

    Given the crackdown on wasteful government spending, it behooves me to point to a high profile example of spending by the Luxon government that looks like a big, fat waste of time and money. I’m talking about the deployment of NZDF personnel to support the US-led coalition in the Red ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:40 am on Wednesday, July 24 are:Deep Dive: Chipping away at the housing crisis, including my comments RNZ/Newsroom’s The DetailNews: Government softens on asset sales, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • LXR Takaanini

    As I reported about the city centre, Auckland’s rail network is also going through a difficult and disruptive period which is rapidly approaching a culmination, this will result in a significant upgrade to the whole network. Hallelujah. Also like the city centre this is an upgrade predicated on the City ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    3 days ago
  • Four kilograms of pain

    Today, a 4 kilogram report will be delivered to Parliament. We know this is what the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care weighs, because our Prime Minister told us so.Some reporter had blindsided him by asking a question about something done by ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Hoon around the week to July 19

    TL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers last night features co-hosts and talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the National-ACT-NZ First Government’s release of its first Emissions Reduction Plan;University of Otago Foreign Relations Professor and special guest Dr Karin von ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #29 2024

    Open access notables Improving global temperature datasets to better account for non-uniform warming, Calvert, Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society: To better account for spatial non-uniform trends in warming, a new GITD [global instrumental temperature dataset] was created that used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to combine the land surface ...
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

    New developments in the heart of North Island forestry country will reinvigorate their communities and boost economic development, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones visited Kaingaroa and Kawerau in Bay of Plenty today to open a landmark community centre in the former and a new connecting road in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • 'Pacific Futures'

    President Adeang, fellow Ministers, honourable Diet Member Horii, Ambassadors, distinguished guests.    Minasama, konnichiwa, and good afternoon, everyone.    Distinguished guests, it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to talk about New Zealand’s foreign policy reset, the reasons for it, the values that underpin it, and how it ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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