Something missing from asset sales debate

Written By: - Date published: 7:28 pm, September 8th, 2012 - 38 comments
Categories: assets, labour, national, Privatisation, uncategorized - Tags:

Something’s missing from Labour’s position on asset sales. It’s what it will do with the partially privatised companies (if the sales do go ahead despite Treaty issues and the dearth of economic rationale)  when  Labour is once more in  government.  I understand why it cannot promise to buy back the shares but why not make the sales less attractive by saying to potential buyers, regarding Mighty River and co, the next Labour led government WILL regulate power prices so  the private sector will NOT profit from higher prices (or by ‘growing prices’ as they say in the industry these days)?

That’s pretty much what Labour did when National privatised ACC (they announced very clearly that renationalising ACC would be one of its first acts, and it was) and that uncertainty did limit the number of overseas insurance companies willing to enter the market.

Am I missing something?  Why is this not Labour policy?

38 comments on “Something missing from asset sales debate ”

  1. pete 1

    David Cunliffe suggested the renationalisation wasn’t off the table (link: http://tvnz.co.nz/q-and-a-news/david-shearer-cuniffe-transcript-4588650).

    I think he copped a bit of flak for that, but signalling strong regulation would be a much more palatable strategy.

    Since strong regulation is going to be necessary, signalling it now will make it much easier to pass in future. Labour will have a powerful mandate if they announce their intentions early. Buyers will be aware of the regulatory risk when they buy, especially if that risk makes it into the prospectus.

    • BernyD 1.1

      It’s like they are waiting for more polls before they decide.
      Strange that they vet the voices before acting on them.
      A simple “I hear you” is all that’s required, it’s not policy making, just standing with people.
      They have all the policy ready to go, the whole party is Civilised, it’s time for us to hear them speak it.

    • Fortran 1.2

      pete

      Labour will not have enough seats to have a mandate on their own, but with the Greens, and Winston parties they will have.
      There is a need to get some agreement underway now, as Key may well call an early General Election over the Maori water affair.

    • Dr Terry 1.3

      David Cunliffe “suggested” . . . “we would not rule out renationalising them . . . We look very hard at that”. Labour is careful not to make any “commitment” to buying anything back. They just would not rule it out!
      On the whole, in this interview, Cunliffe is considerably more specific than Shearer, however. Shearer is noteworthy for “hedging his bets”, with the one exception of a strong statement concerning our troops in Afghanistan.

  2. Colonial Viper 2

    Am I missing something? Why is this not Labour policy?

    Why why why, what could the answer be???

    And not just simply regulating power prices. Also make it clear that the Government will select the majority of the Board of each power company.

  3. Rory 3

    There’s a strong view amongst the rank-and-file that renationalisation should take place, and that we should announce it before the election. A remit to such effect is travelling to Conference in November.

    If the claims run by Labour and KOA coalition are true (i.e. the economic and fiscal benefits of state ownership), then surely it makes economic and fiscal sense to buy these revenue-generating assets back?

    The implication of not doing so suggests that the claims we make to every kiwi who signs the petition are a cynical political stunt devoid of any real commitment to public ownership of the towering heights of the market.

    Clayton Cosgrove, and David Shearer, dismissed renationalisation as a potential policy commitment at the Region 4 conference and in the media; which makes the remit fight at National Conference particularly interesting. Our MPs may regret being so haste to reject what is really a sensible, ideologically consistent, and politically popular policy. They may be forced to change position come December.

  4. RedLogix 4

    Agreed.

    I’ve been thinking this for some time. If it was clearly signalled BEFORE any sale AND the terms that would be imposed … then there can hardly be an objection.

    It’s so obvious that you have to ask why not.

    • Draco T Bastard 4.1

      Because it’s traditional for a government not to fully and immediately undo what the previous government did even when what the previous government did was a) not in the interests of the country and b) against the will of the people. The reasoning is that if any government did that then you’d get tit for tat governing and thus no stability. Meanwhile, whenever the right get into power they do what they want and the next leftish government is effectively prevented from fixing their fuckups which, of course, adds to the growing inequality and general degradation of our society.

      Need more referendums to get off this path into a Banana Republic that the right have got us on.

      • Shaz 4.1.1

        I think regulation rather than renationalisation might be the best hope and the pressing issue for Labour is the TPP, which, if it goes through will limit a new progressive government’s ability to change legislation in case an aggrieved overseas invesvtor – seeing the likelhood of reduced profits triggers an investor states tribunal case through the TPP mechanism to overturn the legislation and / or exact compensation for lost earnings.

        • Dean Reynolds 4.1.1.1

          The obvious solution is that the next Labour/Green govt withdraws from the TPP. It’s delusional to think that membership of the TPP wil bring any benefits to ordinary New Zealanders

          • Colonial Viper 4.1.1.1.1

            The TPP will no doubt be set up to make it prohibitively expensive to withdraw from it. That’s what signing a deal with the devil usually entails.

      • Macro 4.1.2

        Muldoon and the previous govt super scheme spring to mind? _ and yes look what a mess that turned into. 🙁

      • AmaKiwi 4.1.3

        What do call rulers who make their own rules for how they will be re-elected? Dictators.

        We are not even going to have a referendum on the proposed changes to MMP!

        Leading Labour MP’s hate the mention of binding referendums. Which leaves people who campaign for Labour in an awkward position: “My Labour dictator will be better than their dictator. I’m sorry, democracy is not part of our policy.”

  5. Tim 5

    Interesting debate….and I’m just an interloper trawling the various “soshul netwerking” sites, since it seems to be the thing to do – even though any sort of substance is “v-i-r-t-u-a-l” It’s a nice way though o not actually having to smell shit, or even rotting bodies.
    Seems to me though that what is most paramount is to find a way to ensure this cyclical bullsht that’s driven by ideological extremes can come to rest. Swing right, swing left ………swing LOW sweer chariot. Really it’s all fucked up royally!
    Why do we even vote ffs!
    If we are going to even pretend we are a democracy, then we should be looking at ways whereby things like asset sales (supposedly owned by a “public”) cannot enter into the realms of the used-car-salesman, or any other “mouth” with the gift of the gab, but precious little else.

    It’ all a bit of a joke really. But I d see Keys and Joyces and Bennets hanging off the crossmembers of rural lamposts if they continue with all this crap.

    Roll the dice I spose! Let’s see where it falls. Damn sure though a Key or a JoiceJuice or a Bent really haven’t thought too far ahead.

  6. Wayne 6

    Draco, the same principle also applies to centre- right governments. There are many things that Labour does that National does not undo. ACC has not been opened to competition; the ERA was modified, not repealed, just as Labour did not reintroduce compulsory unionism in 2000. Incoming governments always have to work out what has permanently changed and what can be modified. Renationalisation would be a spectacular waste of money for no gain. The Government would be reborrowing, but for New zealanders there would be no change; power prices would not decrease, no-one would get better services. Surely an incoming Labour Government would want to do things that would change peoples lives in some tangible way.

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1

      Draco, the same principle also applies to centre- right governments.

      Yes, but there tends to be a bit of a difference. What NACT do is detrimental to NZ while what the left does generally isn’t (it’s usually repairing the damage that NACT have done). Not being able to undo the detrimental stuff has us, on average, getting worse off.

      ACC has not been opened to competition;

      Yeah but that’s not because they didn’t try. They got in power, said ACC was in the shit and raised fees. A year later with ACC well into surplus it came out that they’d have to raise fees again just so that private insurance companies could compete.

      Renationalisation would be a spectacular waste of money for no gain.

      Renationalisation is the only option that doesn’t continuously make us worse off.

      The Government would be reborrowing,

      The government never needs to borrow which is part of the problem – they keep doing so.

    • Dr Terry 6.2

      “Surely”? Never be too certain!

    • fatty 6.3

      “the ERA was modified, not repealed”

      Why would National want to repeal such a pathetic piece of legislation? Its as if they wrote it themselves

    • felix 6.4

      “Renationalisation would be a spectacular waste of money for no gain. “

      Obviously the “gain” is the ownership and control of our energy infrastructure. Pretty important as we’re at the end of the age of cheap energy and it would be really, really stupid to put ourselves in a position where we have to pay for the profits of overseas owners just so we can use our own energy network.

      As for the cost of re-nationalisation, it needn’t cost a cent if it’s clearly and fairly signaled.

  7. Mikesh 7

    The difficulty Labour has is that it would not be sensible to do or say something that would lower the price that the government receives if the sales go ahead.

    • Anne 7.1

      Why?

      The lower the price the better. It’s right wing ideological claptrap anyway, so if the Left can help it to fail… all well and good!

      • Nick 7.1.1

        Unfortunately the Government is determined to go ahead with these sales regardless. Even though they said they wouldn’t sell them if they couldn’t get a fair price they will need to sell some if not most of the assets they are looking at before the next election to have any credibility amongst their base.

        If Labour could do something to force the price down but not stop the sales then the books are even worse off than if they get sold for a fair / high price.

        Best bet would be to have something effective block the asset sales completely, if they are going ahead anyway then Labour needs to be careful about its position, we don’t want the sales to have gone ahead, be a failure and Labour take the blame prior to the next election. Crosby-Textor would have a field day.

        • felix 7.1.1.1

          “Even though they said they wouldn’t sell them if they couldn’t get a fair price “

          I’ve heard English say this, but I’ve also heard Key say in the house that they’ll sell them regardless of price simply because selling them is the “right thing to do”.

          • Anne 7.1.1.1.1

            I’ve also heard Key say in the house that they’ll sell them regardless of price simply because selling them is the “right thing to do”.

            Yep. Proves my point at 7.1 “Nothing but ideological claptrap.”

            Get in behind the referendum petition folks. The greater the number of signatures, the less likely this govt. can ignore it – despite Key’s bull-shitting rhetoric to the contrary.

            An example of how worried they are about the petition:

            I heard Bill English claim on Q&A this morning – and I quote “the Labour Party is so desperate it’s getting children to sign the petition”. He went on to say “they wouldn’t get away with it because the kids names will be removed… ha ha ha”. But we know that English is a consummate liar from way back.

  8. Raymond A Francis 8

    One reason was that during the 9 years that Labour was running things they regarded the power companies as a cash cow and would be loath to cut even 51% of that payout
    The rumour that they (the MPs) will be buying up large if they come onto the block is just that (a rumour)

    • Colonial Viper 8.1

      One reason was that during the 9 years that Labour was running things they regarded the power companies as a cash cow and would be loath to cut even 51% of that payout

      Indeed. Labour set those companies up to be irresistable to the Tories to sell.

  9. Treetop 9

    I just love it that the asset sales are keeping the Government up at night; their day dreaming (not seeing all the pitfalls) just has to stop.

  10. Wayne 10

    Felix, are you proposing expropriation without compensation, well you know Labour and probably not even the Greens would do that. Mind you Hone would!

    More seriously what does renationalization actually do. Draco says it means regaining control, but it is not lost with the Govt retaining 51%. More importantly it does not change anything for the voters own circumstances, such as bringing down power prices. Programs relevant to voters require tax and benefit changes or jobs and innovation programs, or social, health, education and housing programs. The actual design of course depends on each parties view.

    By the way Draco Labours ERA retained many of the features of the ECA – Labour in 2000 realized there was no going back to the pre 1984 era, and who would want to?

    • Draco T Bastard 10.1

      Draco says it means regaining control, but it is not lost with the Govt retaining 51%.

      More ignorance. Selling off even a small amount limits what the government can do with the assets as the minor shareholders get veto on anything that might decrease their returns thus a loss of control.

      More importantly it does not change anything for the voters own circumstances, such as bringing down power prices.

      Wrong again. It means that taxes are going to have to go up to pay for the loss of income from the power companies. That is definitely a change for the voters.

      By the way Draco Labours ERA retained many of the features of the ECA

      So?

      Labour in 2000 realized there was no going back to the pre 1984 era, and who would want to?

      The 10% to 20% of the population that have shifted into the Precariat since the neo-liberal reforms of the 1980s? You know, the people who no longer have a stable income and who are living below the breadline.

  11. Wayne 11

    Draco, Tell me anything that has happened over the last several years (and I include the Labour Govt) that the SOE’s do to benefit the consumer in a way that is significantly different to other companies. In fact Trust Power seems closer to the Tauranga community that the Power SOE’s seem to be to us as taxpayers.

    You also seem to be ignoring the fact the the sale reduces debt whereas renatinalisation increases it. Now I know that there will be increased income, but also note the Govt only gets the dividends, not the whole company profit, and of course it has to pay the interest on the increased debt.

    Do you think we should we should go back to the sort of economy that existed prior to 1984, which almost had New Zealand being bailed out by the IMF. The system was unsustainable. In any event it is a sterile argument. Those days are gone and no party who can form the core of a New Zealand government believes that form of centralized, highly regulated economy can return. That is why denationalization will not happen.

    • Draco T Bastard 11.1

      Tell me anything that has happened over the last several years (and I include the Labour Govt) that the SOE’s do to benefit the consumer in a way that is significantly different to other companies.

      Well, kept taxes down.

      You also seem to be ignoring the fact the the sale reduces debt whereas renatinalisation increases it.

      I’m not ignoring it. I realise, unlike you, that it will be temporary as the sale of those assets will induce more borrowing.

      Do you think we should we should go back to the sort of economy that existed prior to 1984,

      Nope. I think we should go to one where the government creates the money, not the private banks and where the government provides necessary services such as power because it’s a public good and not because it can make a profit at it. An economy where capitalism exists as a minor, non-critical part of society.

      In any event it is a sterile argument.

      No it’s not no matter how much you would like it to be so. We’re having it now and we’re having it because the reforms that the 4th Labour government brought in and was continued by later governments has just failed as much as the one that existed prior to 1929. The one that existed in 1984 didn’t fail that much which would indicate that it is somewhat better even if still a failure.

  12. Peter 12

    Good article Jenny. I have been wondering this too, to the point at which I wrote a letter to Shearer’s office in an attempt to get answers. Naturally, I didn’t.

    I would just be bold and renationalise the things. That’s the weapon that Labour currently possesses, but yet, it is too afraid to challenge it.

    Even if that isn’t appropriate, some strong policy on how we regulate the power system might come close.

    Not holding my breath though.

  13. Wisdumb 13

    Apart from changing the MOM Act to ensure that the government selected the boards and specified the chairpersons, and strongly regulating prices, as mentioned above by Col. Viper, a Labour govt should reverse some of the other nasties in the MOM Act: make the 51% owned entities subject to the Official Information Act and the Ombudsman Act. There are no doubt others in the fine print that need to be reversed.

    Renationalising should be a long term objective because the entire NZ electricity system needs to be run as a unified system. This would achieve real efficiencies that would match generating capacity with demand, and keep the Transpower side of things in tune with generation – they have quietly been underinvesting a la Telecom to show book profits, I seem to think, There would be no need for such forced manipulations as the exchange of South Island generation capacity and North Island virtual capacity between Meridian and Genesis, the gaming of the network, the construction of excess capacity for competitive reasons but isn’t then used but we have paid for it in falsely high electrictiy prices, the massive bumph competitive spin and PR, and the duplication of head offices, boards chairmen, and so on and so on. And let us not forget Geoff Bertram’s point, the false upvaluation of historically paid for assets to futher ramp up prices.

  14. captain hook 14

    The national government is fixated on the nineties when a huge shift occurred in the world financial markets and apparatus. namely computers where all the dweebs could sit down and anlayse a multibillion dollar business in an afternoon.
    One of the by productrs of this mass delusion was the falsehood that a spot market could be made in power pricing in every and al countries of the world.
    this was of course hopeless nonsense but the current crop of infantilised tory party mavens still beleive it or even if they dont they know they are in the box seat to get their share parcels.
    ungggggggggggghhhhhh.
    what a gang of creeps we have ended up with in control.

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    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
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  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    3 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    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
    8 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • Navigating an unstable global environment
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