So sheepgate was Key’s fault

Written By: - Date published: 10:45 am, November 7th, 2016 - 66 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, corruption, john key - Tags: , , , , ,

Fran O’Sullivan was late to the sheepgate party, but had an interesting gem to contribute – Ministers were played over Saudi sheep

This whole saga has been a convenient figleaf for a major point of contention between the Saudis and New Zealand: Prime Minister John Key’s decision to abandon his leadership of a business mission to the Gulf States in April 2010 and return home. Saudi anger over what was seen as an insult to the Kingdom was conveyed to business members of the mission which continued under the substitute leadership of then Trade Minister Tim Groser.

So much for blaming Labour.

After all, the Government has bent the rules in foreign corporates’ interests before as was displayed when it changed NZ’s employment laws in response to a Warner Brothers shakedown.

Refreshingly honest.

Nor did the documents – which are very carefully constructed – pass the smell test for a Government that has become rather too easy a prey for commercial shakedowns by aggrieved foreign investors.” This remains my view.

Groser and McCully were played.

And then came the payoffs and the lies. Tim Watkin at Pundit is angry – The shame of the Saudi Sheep deal, or democracy gone to the dogs

Occasionally, when it comes down to the abuse of power and a profound disrespect for the fragile system of democracy and governance that has made this country so strong for so long, we see politics at its worst. Or if not its worst, then at least in a very ugly form.

At that point, I can still get angry. And the Saudi sheep deal makes me angry. Angry with a government that, publicly at least, is in denial over its misuse of power and its casual attitude towards our constitutional infrastructure. Angry at the damage done to our global reputation as transparent and honest brokers. Angry with a media that doesn’t bother to research and think and critique nearly enough (although this story has been exposed by some top drawer journalism, others have woefully ignored, down-played or misunderstood it). And angry with an electorate that allows complexity to defeat morality.

The final findings are that corruption – defined as “an abuse of power for private gain or an offence against the Crimes Act 1961 by a Minister or an official” – did not occur. But it’s a spurious finding because no-one has alleged that McCully gained financially from the deal; rather, it was accused he paid off al-Khalaf for political gain.

I can accept that using public money for political purposes of this kind falls below a legal definition of corruption. I just find it repugnant.

What’s clear from the rest of the report is that the Auditor-General found “significant shortcomings” in the deal and a grave lack of transparency. She even went so far as to say McCully used a contract with private providers to settle a diplomatic dispute. Further, it’s clear from this report – if it wasn’t from media reporting already – that cabinet was to a greater or lesser degree in the dark as to what was going on.

That is simply remarkable and should be instantly condemned as an abuse of ministerial power. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister took it upon himself to give public money to a private individual in an effort to secure a trade deal.

So National’s spin is that “something had to be done”, so because McCully did something – however dodgy – he retains the Prime Minister’s confidence.

That makes me angry. The buck stops nowhere. And his cabinet colleagues who were misled by this rogue operator should be furious with him too. Instead, their silence is a stain on them all.

Matthew Hooton, if you believe him (never wise) is just as pissed –
hooton-transcript-sheepgate
(with thanks to whoever did the transcript [r0b: Interview seems to be from NewsTalk ZB not RNZ])

Update – Of course! – PM defends Saudi sheep deal as good use of taxpayer money. I’m a taxpayer, what did I get for my money?

66 comments on “So sheepgate was Key’s fault ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. WILD KATIPO 1
    7 November 2016 at 11:13 am

    In time to come, history will not view either McCully or Key , or in fact most of the inner core of this National govt favorably.

    It will be reviewed in University study papers as one of the most concentrated assemblages of corrupted and anti democratic individuals that this country has ever known and will be used as a historic case in point in the study of the devolution of a democracy.

    THIS is the results of neo liberalism , its deceits and the manner in which it forces those adhering to that ideology to have to use these tactics to overrule an open , transparent democracy.

    THIS is the John Key legacy.

    THIS is corruption.

    THIS is tomorrow calling.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnr5eCEoXro

    • NZJester 1.1
      7 November 2016 at 5:38 pm

      If it keeps going the way it is, they will actually be touted as heroes in the school curriculum. The reason for that is because the schools will be run by the corporations that will brand the students of the poor as their property and get to keep them as indentured servants for life. They will be made to try to pay back their mandatory school fees while paying for outrageously overpriced company accommodation and being forced to buy necessities at even more outrageous prices from the company stores. They will even have to buy water, as getting free uncontaminated water will be impossible as the companies pollute the environment at will.

  2. Marcus Morris 2
    7 November 2016 at 11:21 am

    This scandal must not be allowed to be airily brushed away – no pun intended.

  3. Richard Rawshark 3
    7 November 2016 at 11:22 am

    reading it makes my blood boil.. if there is no justice do we make justice, everything falls apart. everything.

    Without rules, without transparency without consequences anarchy is born, justice breaks down..

    it’s tantamount to treason against democracy and this is why National should just hold a snap election right fkn NOW.

    • adam 3.1
      7 November 2016 at 2:15 pm

      Ah Richard the fact you used the word anarchy like the authorities want you to, means you already lost the argument.

      Oh well, better luck next time, not being a pawn.

    • billmurray 3.2
      7 November 2016 at 3:58 pm

      Richard Rawshark, re: snap election,
      careful what you wish for Richard, I understand that there is some pressure on John Key to do just.
      The reasoning is that Labour will not keep their 30% position in the polls and this is the time to call a snap election to give Key a better chance at a fourth term.
      I would rather see Labour in the high 30’s or higher, before an election.

      • Barfly 3.2.1
        7 November 2016 at 4:29 pm

        Snap election = % dip…unless the opposition are bleeding everywhere it won’t have a snowball’s chance

      • Richard Rawshark 3.2.2
        7 November 2016 at 4:45 pm

        Muldoon.

        • billmurray 3.2.2.1
          7 November 2016 at 4:57 pm

          Richard Rawshark,
          yes I see your point about Muldoon but in that time, as you know, it was FPP this is MMP, because of that fact I see the situation differently.

          • Richard Rawshark 3.2.2.1.1
            7 November 2016 at 7:26 pm

            Re snap election..

            weighing it up, right now, yes I would, as the damage of having to call one, due to his errors would see Nats out.

        • Cinny 3.2.2.2
          7 November 2016 at 5:11 pm

          was very boozey that night, i remember it well.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLDve40cxlk

          • Richard Rawshark 3.2.2.2.1
            7 November 2016 at 5:16 pm

            I was a kid, I remember seeing it..i can remember it now..i new he was drunk and I was a kid..

            when I think back..it must have been bad.. might watch it now as an adult.

            after,

            yes he kind of starts off ok, then the piss gets hold of him..crack up..

  4. NZJester 4
    7 November 2016 at 11:40 am

    When you write the rules and employ the umpires, everything you do in government is legal. It maybe corrupt, immoral or downright unethical, but they have made it legal for themselves. Anyone else does something similar and they would be in court.

  5. Gabby 5
    7 November 2016 at 11:41 am

    I’m sure Guyon knew nothing about the 2010 stuff and that’s why he didn’t bring it up and figured it prolly was down to previslabagump after all.

    • Richard Rawshark 5.1
      7 November 2016 at 5:19 pm

      you gotta watch those previslabagump’s I heard they were responsible for the great flood, according to my sources in the PM’s office.

      blardy previslabagump’s

    • pat 5.2
      7 November 2016 at 8:32 pm

      GE’s research and ability to think in the moment are sadly lacking for a journalist who is supposed to be of some repute….unless of course it is deliberate.

  6. Whispering Kate 6
    7 November 2016 at 11:56 am

    Why are any of us surprised by these findings, everything leads back to the head of the snake. The litany of lies and over-ups from this Government has become a new norm in this country. We only get what we deserve and the people who vote in this Government have lost their moral compass and think its just business as usual. We reap what we sow.

  7. Draco T Bastard 7
    7 November 2016 at 12:04 pm

    I’m a taxpayer, what did I get for my money?

    We got shafted.

  8. ianmac 8
    7 November 2016 at 12:08 pm

    The thing Key can be admired for is being able to twist facts to suit his agenda. He lies quietly and confidently and even Guyon finds it hard to find a chink in his Bland Grand Deception.
    It was Key’s deserting the Saudi Trade Deal signing that caused the rift.
    Blaming Labour is a barefaced lie.

    And the lack of an indignant response from Media leaves Key to treat Media and we the people with contempt.
    Angry? Sure am!

  9. Richard Rawshark 9
    7 November 2016 at 12:18 pm

    I loved the way Fran let it all go on, quietly she sat on that information, for how long? to spring her article.

    I can hate that woman with such a passion, the next day she spins me round like a record.

    Just when you think she’s a paid off patsy she shows us how she played them at their own game gaining their confidence to expose their lies.

    Sign of a great orator and journalist IMHO.

    • tc 9.1
      8 November 2016 at 6:57 am

      Oshillivan is a blatant right wing hack supporting corruption and rorts.

      We live in an an era where there’s so much material on poor corporate governance, insider trading, dodgy takeovers, flaunted NZX rules, badly managed businesses like feltex, pumpkin patch, finance companies, solid energy etc.

      Fran writes the occasional wet bus ticket piece but on the whole is a complete boardroom trout enabling the plunder.

      • Richard Rawshark 9.1.1
        8 November 2016 at 7:35 am

        I think I had overcompensate as it’s so rare a sight to see, I lost control of my KB and in delirium started typing twaddle.

  10. Greg 10
    7 November 2016 at 12:30 pm

    Is there anything key hasn’t lied about

  11. Ad 11
    7 November 2016 at 12:37 pm

    An object lesson for reminding current and future Ministers that if you are going to intervene in an industry, do it with the full backing of both your own Ministry, Crown Law, and Treasury. And because it crosses more than one Minsitry, pull in DPMC as well.

    Intervene, sure, but collective advice is the most defensible advice.

  12. shorts 12
    7 November 2016 at 12:43 pm

    I was curious as to why Key cancelled his 2010 trip and found this – so Fran’s not the first to point this out and the damage Key did at the time… though good to see it reiterated

    interesting to note the trip wasn’t long after National voted to continue the ban of live sheep exports – I wonder if this was his motivation to stay home, fear of being asked hard questions after all but promising the Arab’s the trade would be reinstated?

    “The wheels came off the free trade agreement bandwagon when Prime Minister John Key cancelled his role to lead a trade mission to the Gulf states in April 2010.

    -snip-

    Things were to have been straightened out in April 2010, but Mr Key cancelled his visit to the region at the last minute to fly back to New Zealand for the funerals of three Air Force personnel killed in a helicopter crash near Wellington. The local emirs did not take kindly to the snub. Lest it be thought Mr Key deserves credit for prioritising the funerals of servicemen, it did not escape the notice of GCC diplomats in Wellington two years later when Mr Key skipped the funerals of two New Zealand soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan to watch his son play baseball in the US.”

    https://www.nbr.co.nz/opinion/gulf-games-fail-deliver

    if only people took more notice of how badly run NZ Inc is under this team of bunglers

    • Sacha 12.1
      7 November 2016 at 1:16 pm

      Baseball was the cover story. This was his trip to receive instructions from Hollywood bigwigs before the Dotcom raid. The PM knows who is more important for his future career prospects than the NZ military or citizens.

      • Draco T Bastard 12.1.1
        7 November 2016 at 3:55 pm

        +1

        Yep, rich foreigners.

      • Anne 12.1.2
        7 November 2016 at 6:05 pm

        Baseball was the cover story.

        It surely was. It transpired a few weeks down the track that lo and behold… John Key stopped off in Los Angeles to attend a “private dinner” with Warner Brothers bosses and… who else I wonder? Not one journalist had the nous to publicly join the obvious dots or conduct an investigation. Indeed, the silence from the NZ media was thunderous!

        The funeral was FOUR days before the baseball game which gave Key plenty of time to attend the funeral and then hop on a plane to watch his son play baseball.

  13. Marcus Morris 13
    7 November 2016 at 1:49 pm

    Yes Shorts – the “helicopter” episode occurred at the time when photo “ops” for the leader were paramount.
    Re “Sheepgate” – wonder if it gets revisited by that arch sycophant Mike Hosking. Mind you, I will never know the answer to that one because I change channels the second the prat appears on screen!

  14. adam 14
    7 November 2016 at 2:21 pm

    The pony-tail pulling hipster of a P.M now wants me to believe, we win in paying for his mistakes.

    If you believe the P.M then you really are just more than a little delusional, imprudent sycophant is probably the best description.

    • Richard Rawshark 14.1
      7 November 2016 at 2:52 pm

      He should have resigned over the disgrace of pony tail gate, for so many reasons, but he totally blanked it, to survive you would have thought he’d be on his last strike, but several shockers later he’s still here.

      The nats will support a kiddy fiddler as long as it retains power..

      I mean how can any decent person support Tories or the man Key.. have some code of fucking conduct Nats kick him out get someone with the moral dignity and uprightness of virtue to lead you, if you can find one.

  15. KJT 15
    7 November 2016 at 2:28 pm

    When is a bribe not corruption?

    When National does it.

    • Richard Rawshark 15.1
      7 November 2016 at 2:41 pm

      There is no corruption or bribery when it’s a facilitation payment, haven’t you been listening to the spin, jeez mate.

      says Richard Rawshark in a sarcastic way..

      Lot of pasture land there, this will open doors let me tell you..

    • Leftie 15.2
      7 November 2016 at 4:27 pm

      +1000

  16. doc 16
    7 November 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I think the people of NZ should all get a leg of mutton and an apology from the keyster and mugs mcully in time for Xmas. If not, then fill the sheep dip it’s time for a cleansing.

  17. billmurray 17
    7 November 2016 at 4:13 pm

    OMG, I believe NATWATCH is giving praise to Mathew Hooten.

    Mathew Hooten has been heavily criticising Key and McCully for some months now.

    So has Fran Wilde.

  18. Venezia 18
    7 November 2016 at 4:26 pm

    As this sordid story changes, I hope someone can put together a timeline of what actually happened and the rationale given (ie the truth). For example – at what points in time were Treasury, Crown Law or McCully’s cabinet colleagues informed of this plan – before or after the payments were made? sheep loaded? contracts awarded for equipment for the “Farm”?

  19. Guerilla Surgeon 19
    7 November 2016 at 4:34 pm

    Since when have cabinet ministers in New Zealand ever resigned, even after the most egregious “mistakes”. You can pretty much count them on the fingers of one hand. So McCully is staying – no surprise there.

    • billmurray 19.1
      7 November 2016 at 4:50 pm

      Guerilla Surgeon, what you say may be hard to swallow but you are right, this is also old news given a lease of life by the Herald.
      I would be surprised if this does anything to the polls.

      Just a thought, if Gareth Morgan keeps getting free publicity, hence membership, then that could cause some stirring in the polls.

    • ianmac 19.2
      7 November 2016 at 5:01 pm

      Guerilla don’t you see? A Trade deal was ready for the signing but Key offended the Saudis. Key made a bad mistake. He had to avoid the blame/fallout.
      McCully moves in with the camouflaging story.
      Attention pours in on McCully. Dodgy dealing. Bribes. Sheep. Suspicion. A long delay.
      Enquiry “clears” McCully.
      Will Key fire McCully after he saved Key’s bacon?
      No way! McCully is Key’s fervent best mate now forever.

      • Richard Rawshark 19.2.1
        8 November 2016 at 7:30 am

        A script from ” Yes Minister”, it’s almost like National referenced it for how to deal with stuff ups. – i’d use coarser language but I am going to try to tone down the swearing..

        It’ll be difficult under this regime, as they really make you want to curse.

        • wyndham 19.2.1.1
          8 November 2016 at 9:20 am

          Delighted to hear you’re cutting down on the swearing, Richard.

          It becomes tedious at times and adds little to discussion.

          Just saying.

          • Richard Rawshark 19.2.1.1.1
            8 November 2016 at 9:24 am

            Yeah know that myself..i’ll give it my best effort, no offence taken, thanks for the feeback.

            I do have issues. I’m working on it.

  20. Keith 20
    7 November 2016 at 4:51 pm

    The thing is with our Wall Street banker of a Prime Minister is that he and his fellow Nat millionaires and their dodgy toadying wannabe bum boys like McCully drag us ALL down into the moral and ethical sewer in which the live.

    They are trashing this country’s good name we once had.

  21. Gabby 21
    7 November 2016 at 6:20 pm

    Not that there’s anyhing wrong with offending the Saudis, mind – it’s the grovelling making amends that sticks in the craw.

  22. Leftie 22
    7 November 2016 at 6:37 pm

    So…. John key’s snub cost New Zealand, sheep and millions of dollars in bribes.

  23. Rosemary McDonald 23
    7 November 2016 at 6:43 pm

    Is there a link to the 3rd November interview of Matthew Hooten on RNZ?

    Great transcript, but I would really like to hear the audio.

    • Richard Rawshark 23.1
      7 November 2016 at 7:18 pm

      if your going to listen to him here

      =====================================================

      tie this around you and tug twice if you need help, or pulling out in a hurry.

      I’ll be here don’t worry. Oh, PS Do not look into his eyes.

      🙂

      • Rosemary McDonald 23.2.1
        7 November 2016 at 10:42 pm

        Thanks for trying rOb…but I still can’t get to the audio. Link goes to the page, refers to the interview with Smalley….but….nothing. Oh well.

        Perhaps the text of the post needs an edit? it does state “RNZ”…..not a station I tune into.

        • r0b 23.2.1.1
          7 November 2016 at 10:54 pm

          The “video” at the top of the page is audio over a still picture.

          Yes the transcript seems wrong on RNZ, I will amend post.

          • Rosemary McDonald 23.2.1.1.1
            8 November 2016 at 10:20 am

            Touch of embarrassment here. I was trying Linux (recently installed on my other laptop) and lo! No media player! No sound and vision….how will I cope? (Better, now free of MS tyranny)

            Thank goodness I am keeping this dinosaur for a while, else that rant from Hoots would have been denied me.

            Great stuff…..defamation suit on it’s way perhaps?

  24. Richard Rawshark 24
    7 November 2016 at 7:21 pm

    PS Watch Hooten, he’s playing a political game, I suspect he knows national haven’t much left, he’s started positioning himself to be involved with the next government.

    I smell it like a sixth sense.

    • tc 24.1
      8 November 2016 at 7:03 am

      Yup matty knows the mood and probably Nats internal polling results also being well connected in that small spin world he habitates

  25. mosa 25
    7 November 2016 at 9:04 pm

    This long National nightmare seems to go on with no end in sight and John Key is untouchable.

    This latest scandal is getting attention from some National media stalwarts who unlike all the others can spot wrongdoing and deceit in fact Hooten was sounding the warning bells about the PMs honesty after revelations that he and his office were complicent in the black ops being organised and run from his office in 2014.

    Then he went very quiet after directly criticising Key publicly after daring to accuse him of being dishonest and not being straight with the NZ public about what he was involved in and encouraging the destruction of Phil Goff , David Cunliffe and others.

    The irony in all of this is when kiwis are polled on on Keys trustworthiness and honesty they rank him down the bottom.

  26. Gangnam Style 26
    7 November 2016 at 10:11 pm

    It’s Hooton.

  27. mosa 27
    7 November 2016 at 10:47 pm

    Of course Gangnam.

    Hooton my apologies.

  28. Henry Filth 28
    8 November 2016 at 12:08 am

    In a way, it’s quite pleasing that the New Zealand government isn’t actually any good at corruption.

    Not pleasing that they were railroaded into this nonsense,mind you. Just pleased that they st*ffed it up – and that there was enough of a trail for the Auditor General’s office.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-24T05:49:50+00:00