Spinning Key’s India fail

Written By: - Date published: 11:02 am, October 28th, 2016 - 35 comments
Categories: International, john key, spin - Tags: ,

Key’s India trip started off going nowhere fast, and ended up the same way – New Zealand’s as close as it’s ever got to a free trade deal with India – John Key. Translation, no trade deal.

Today the same loyal scribe (Jo Moir) doubled down with this effort – John Key’s time in India was ‘short and sweet’ but will be chalked up as a success

While a free trade agreement hasn’t been signed and sealed in New Delhi this week, Key has got New Zealand closer to it happening than ever before.

Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was an important step in the process as face-to-face relations are paramount in India when it comes to striking an agreement.

While Modi, a serial hugger, didn’t embrace Key he did seem to genuinely enjoy his company and is keen to visit New Zealand and see it for himself – a sign of mutual respect.

As for the delegation of 35 business leaders who travelled to New Delhi with Key the experience was priceless.

Not only did the trip allow an opportunity to discuss business opportunities in a country with an exploding population but time spent with other influential Kiwis was just as valuable.

One industry leader spoken to said it was almost impossible at home to meet so many powerful people all at once, so it was no wonder they all jumped at the opportunity to spend hours together on a plane.

Are you feeling the love?

https://twitter.com/MacFinlay/status/791755425217585152

35 comments on “Spinning Key’s India fail ”

  1. Kevin 1

    Great.

    Lets have a free trade agreement with yet another country where manufacturing wages are below the basement level to destroy whatever is left of NZ manufacturing that China and others haven’t already destroyed.

    Being a wage slave will just get harder.

  2. CnrJoe 2

    Was Max Key sent to the social media rescue? Squirrel! 😊

  3. saveNZ 3

    What was even scarier is that Key seemed to be keen to bend the Nukes rules for India in return for a free trade deal.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11735766

    “In the lead-up to the trip, Indian media have focussed on a sensitive point in the two countries’ relationship: New Zealand’s stance on an American-led push for India to join a club of countries that control access to sensitive nuclear technology.

    The 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) sets global rules for international trade in nuclear energy technology, and was established in 1974 as a response to India’s first nuclear test.
    New Zealand is a member of the NSG.

    India wants in, despite not being a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which requires members to make commitments on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

    It needs a unanimous vote to join, and has been blocked by Beijing, who has argued signing the non-proliferation treaty is a pillar of the group, and the rules shouldn’t be bent for India.

    Key has said New Zealand and other “like-minded” countries had said it was possible for India to join without signing the treaty, but that would require them to agree to meet similar conditions.”

    • Wayne 3.1

      The Clark govt proposed a similar solution in relation to a nuclear matter some years ago.

      The view was taken that it was better to get some level of compliance from India, rather than ostracizing them on this issue.

  4. Ad 4

    +100
    First New Zealand government to go backwards and achieve absolutely nothing of note in many decades.

    • Wayne 4.1

      New Zealand has not gone backwards. In fact there has been an advance on trade issues, but a way to go yet. As I noted a couple of days ago a full free trade deal with India is impossible given India’s level of protectionism. So we won’t get the type of deal we have with China.

      Incidentally the deal is mostly about access for New Zealand goods to India. We essentially have no trade barriers against India. The cheap goods from India are already here.

      And if Kevin wants to oppose the free trade deal with China and the prospective deal with India on the basis they hurt New Zealand, fine go ahead. After all there is no need to be bothered by pesky facts getting in the way of your argument. Same approach as Trump.

      • saveNZ 4.1.1

        Look around internationally, there is zero public appetite for free trade deals. When both Trump and Clinton both say they will not ratify the TPPA – there’s a reason. With the pirate party looking like they might take out Iceland and the UK Brexit – the reason is, Free trade has failed the people.

        The way free trade has panned out, the only people enriched are global individuals, politicians and multinational organisations. The rest of the population and the environment has had to pay, with higher costs of living, and less jobs to make the .1% richer.

        India is ahead of us on home ownership, and solar investment.

      • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2

        New Zealand has not gone backwards.

        Yes it has as the increasing poverty brought about by this governments policies shows.

        In fact there has been an advance on trade issues, but a way to go yet.

        It’s those ‘advances’ that are helping cause the increase in poverty.

        As I noted a couple of days ago a full free trade deal with India is impossible given India’s level of protectionism.

        And they’re going forwards. Not nicely or equitably but their people are slowly getting better living standards. Just like we used to.

        Incidentally the deal is mostly about access for New Zealand goods to India. We essentially have no trade barriers against India. The cheap goods from India are already here.

        Yep, which has added to our increasing poverty.

        After all there is no need to be bothered by pesky facts getting in the way of your argument.

        The facts show that ‘free-trade’ as envisioned by the rich causes serious damage to the rest of us.

        • Wayne 4.1.2.1

          Draco,

          China, which has been much more open than India for trade and investment over the last 30 years, has done a lot better than India. Not just for the wealthy but for everyone.

          And New Zealand has benefited from the China FTA, again not just a few, but just about everyone. It is a key reason why NZ was not too badly hit by the GFC, and is a reason why we are near the top of the OECD for growth and employment.

          Anyway you believe what you want.

          I would note that even the the Europeans believe the Wallons have gone too far in opposing free trade with Canada, though I guess you would say they are right on the money, given your total opposition to free trade.

          What that means for Brexit is interesting. Maybe there will be no deal at all with Europe once the Brits leave. In that case the WTO rules will apply.

          In fact the EU could even oppose the UK joining the WTO, though that could get very nasty indeed. If the EU did that, the UK would be free to impose selective tariffs against Europe, specifically aimed to hurt particular European industries. Such an approach would probably damage NATO as well. It could easily lead to some odd outcomes. The UK may specifically befriend Russia with the intent of hurting vulnerable members of the EU.

          Some pretty brutal realpolitik is possible if Europe and the UK decide to go crazy.

          • Draco T Bastard 4.1.2.1.1

            China, which has been much more open than India for trade and investment over the last 30 years, has done a lot better than India. Not just for the wealthy but for everyone.

            Yeah, that would be why the managers put fences around factories to stop suicides.

            And most NZers are worse off after the FTA with China as rising house prices prove.

            I would note that even the the Europeans believe the Wallons have gone too far in opposing free trade with Canada, though I guess you would say they are right on the money, given your total opposition to free trade.

            I don’t oppose free-trade – I don’t think that the present system has any relationship to it. It’s more forced trade than free trade.

            In fact the EU could even oppose the UK joining the WTO, though that could get very nasty indeed.

            The UK has always been part of the WTO so, no, the EU couldn’t do that.

            Anyway you believe what you want.

            It’s not a question of belief but looking at the facts and you’re in denial of those facts because those facts go against your beliefs.

            • Wayne 4.1.2.1.1.1

              The UK is a member of GATT (General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs) rather than the WTO. Most of the tariff rules are through GATT rather than the WTO. However, the more modern aspects on services etc are are through WTO.

      • Ad 4.1.3

        Go right ahead and set out those trade achievement from this government Wayne.

      • pat 4.1.4

        “Incidentally the deal is mostly about access for New Zealand goods to India. We essentially have no trade barriers against India. The cheap goods from India are already here.”

        don’t forget services Wayne…how many Indian students do you think we could “educate” here?….and on what terms?

        India are not going to liberalise our access without something in return

        • Muttonbird 4.1.4.1

          And where would we house them? Ten to a container at Avondale racecourse I suppose.

          That’s the thing with this government – no planning for infrastructure after they open the tap.

        • Wayne 4.1.4.2

          Fair point. India will want something. But the overseas education market already looks pretty open. Maybe an bigger relationship with Pharmac?

          One of the issues of New Zealand and free trade agreements is that we tend not to have much we can offer because our market (goods, services and investment) is already very open.

          For instance in the case of China they essentially had open access to the New Zealand market (in all of its respects) already, so the agreement was largely about them opening up their markets.

          • pat 4.1.4.2.1

            “For instance in the case of China they essentially had open access to the New Zealand market (in all of its respects) already, so the agreement was largely about them opening up their markets.”

            Hardly open access..
            “In the period 2004–2006 the average annual revenue collected on imports from China was NZ$193 million. As tariffs are phased out over the transition under the FTA, the New Zealand Customs Service will progressively collect less revenue from duty payments.
            The exact amount of duty collected will be influenced by the pattern of actual imports and the proportion that qualify for preference under the agreement Rules of Origin. The majority of current duties collected on imports from China are on textile, clothing and footwear products, which will see gradual tariff reductions over a 7 or 9-year period, depending on the particular product, through to 2014 or 2016.
            Based on current trade patterns, around 40 percent of the tariff revenue on imports from China is already being foregone under the domestic tariff reduction programme in place for the period 1 July 2006 to 1 July 2009.”

            https://www.mfat.govt.nz/assets/_securedfiles/FTAs-agreements-in-force/China-FTA/National-interest-analysis.pdf

      • Stuart Munro 4.1.5

        “New Zealand has not gone backwards.”

        NZ home ownership headed for 40%. Men out of work now in numbers comparable to the great depression.

        Systematic corruption in CERA so outrageous even Treasury are protesting.

        Christchurch still in ruins many years after the event – and thousands of fake repair jobs failing, but Gerry the crook arranged liability immunity for those responsible.

        Have a drink from Lake Forsyth Wayne – it wouldn’t just make you sick, it would actually kill you. Friend of mine used to fish in that lake not too long ago.

        The government are not addressing any of NZ’s real problems. They launch swingeing attacks on public services “to save money” and then blow the money by poor governance of commercial providers. The whole place is going to rack and ruin.

      • Red Hand 4.1.6

        “The cheap goods from India are already here” I don’t want them. What I want are good quality, durable goods made in NZ by New Zealanders paid a wage adequate to afford them. There are many examples of excellent quality goods once designed and produced here. Bicycles, toasters, oven and table ware, boats, outdoors clothing and equipment, footwear and many other goods. I am baffled that you would support cheap, poor quality imports when you know your fellow countrymen could produce the goods needed and of a high quality.

  5. this dismal journey sums up the key leaderless’s legacy well – plane broken, spin bullshit, try to make money, spin bullshit, come home, pretend it was so successful – repeat…

  6. Draco T Bastard 6

    One industry leader spoken to said it was almost impossible at home to meet so many powerful people all at once,

    Typical authoritarian reaction – kowtow to the richest person around.

  7. Smilin 7

    Isnt great in this day and age that we have to keep an EYE on these leaders like our Mr Key in the hope that they might actually do something good for the country other than sell it out which seems to be the mode since Lange left, or maybe it started with the Rainbow warrior
    Which ever way you go its really is a pain with this Key that we usually find hes dropped us in it somewhere, fuck em he aint worth the money we pay him

  8. mickysavage 8

    That is pravda quality writing. Utterly appalling.

    • Incognito 8.1

      That’s unfair to Pravda; it was written professionally and consistently (!) with an air of objectivity and matter of fact. This piece, however, was fawning and superficial as if it was an entry into a high school girl’s personal diary (with photos, of course). There appears to be a small ‘inner circle’ of female (…) sycophants journalists that regularly accompany John Key on his overseas trips and spout this kind of blatantly-unprofessional fluff. It also highlights the incestuously-small pool of journalists & reporters in NZ. To remedy this I’d suggest that on his next trip John Key will invite a bunch of bloggers into his entourage.

  9. mary_a 9

    So a failed trade mission by dear leader is considered a success in right wing circles? FFS!

    Blued tinted glasses on everyone! All’s well on Planet Key.

    Should be interesting what Key has to say about it when he arrives back home.

    • “Interesting”?
      Really? In what way?
      I find myself in no way interested in what Key might say when he arrives back home in New Zealand.

    • dukeofurl 9.2

      Findlay McDonald says not even the PMs press department would spin it so blatantly.

      “didn’t embrace Key he did seem to genuinely enjoy his company and is keen to visit New Zealand and see it for himself – a sign of mutual respect”

      It seems like Key himself wrote it- Jo Muir isnt a name that rings a bell writing for stuff before, maybe the PM has a ‘pen name’

    • Muttonbird 9.3

      Anything he has touched recently has turned to shit.

      Air Force One
      Errant son
      India trade deal
      TPPA
      Lockwood flag
      Northland
      Mixing with Bananarama who then locks up the Fiji opposition.

      Seems like he’s desperate to get something equivalent to the last Labour government’s ground-breaking deal with China. After all, this is his thing – wheeling and dealing with the elite on big financial deals. Wayne Mapp tells us Key is highly regarded by international leaders because of his longevity in the backyard on NZ. Why then can’t he get the deal done – any deal?

      Why indeed would he go to China with McCullum in tow and talk up a free trade deal with India when, as Wayne Mapp has also admitted, such a thing is impossible?

    • mosa 9.4

      “Should be interesting what Key says when he gets back home”
      Not Really it will be the same predictable spin and bullshit we always get.

      I hope it was worth it for the rest of the entourage i am sure Keys generosity with tax payers money made the trip bearable.

  10. mauÄŤ 10

    What would be better than being booed off Eden Park by League-ies.

    Being booed off Eden Gardens by Indian cricket fanatics in a foreign country.

  11. Stuart Munro 11

    I’m sure the sheep are already on the plane for Delhi.

  12. ropata 12

    As seen on the unmissable “Beehive Letters” … the letter is classic Key-ism https://t.co/Z9bBZDUilF

    John Key to Todd McClayRE: India Update… sigh….#nzpol #Satire pic.twitter.com/Z9bBZDUilF— Beehive Letters (@BeehiveLetters) October 27, 2016

  13. Thinkerr 13

    Key had the wrong person doing his spin for him.

    I would have hurredly set up a meeting for Key with the Mayor of Townsville and got a free trade agreement between NZ & Townsville (possibly with Townsville taking a maintenance contract on our air force fleet). Success story #1.

    Next, I would have spun the hours spent on the Tarmac as a top-secret meeting of NZ business leaders & politicians. It had to be kept secret, even from the participants, so that the GCSB wouldn’t automatically have a transcript of everyone’s opinions, as happens in Dogzone country, but now it could be revealed. Silk purse from a sow’s ear, and Success story #2.

    Then, I would have offered India the use of NZ’s thought-police, to engage with and take names at India’s own euthenasia debates, as a sweetener to the fair trade deal. India could never find another western country with its own thought-police, and would surely want to opt in.

    Also, a couple of free tickets to the next John Key fundraiser dinner, which would have sealed the deal. Success story #3.

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    Been Here Before: To find the precedents for what this Coalition Government is proposing, it is necessary to return to the “glory days” of Muldoonism.THE COALITION GOVERNMENT has celebrated its first 100 days in office by checking-off the last of its listed commitments. It remains, however, an angry government. It ...
    3 days ago
  • Can you guess where world attention is focussed (according to Greenpeace)? It’s focussed on an EPA...
    Bob Edlin writes –  And what is the world watching today…? The email newsletter from Associated Press which landed in our mailbox early this morning advised: In the news today: The father of a school shooter has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter; prosecutors in Trump’s hush-money case ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Further integrity problems for the Greens in suspending MP Darleen Tana
    Bryce Edwards writes – Is another Green MP on their way out? And are the Greens severely tarnished by another integrity scandal? For the second time in three months, the Green Party has secretly suspended an MP over integrity issues. Mystery is surrounding the party’s decision to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Jacqui Van Der Kaay: Greens’ transparency missing in action
    For the last few years, the Green Party has been the party that has managed to avoid the plague of multiple scandals that have beleaguered other political parties. It appears that their luck has run out with a second scandal which, unfortunately for them, coincided with Golraz Ghahraman, the focus ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s Dawn Chorus with six newsey things at 6:46am for Saturday, March 16
    TL;DR: The six newsey things that stood out to me as of 6:46am on Saturday, March 16.Andy Foster has accidentally allowed a Labour/Green amendment to cut road user chargers for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the Government might accept; NZ Herald Thomas Coughlan Simeon Brown has rejected a plea from Westport ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • How Did FTX Crash?
    What seemed a booming success a couple of years ago has collapsed into fraud convictions.I looked at the crash of FTX (short for ‘Futures Exchange’) in November 2022 to see whether it would impact on the financial system as a whole. Fortunately there was barely a ripple, probably because it ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago
  • Elections in Russia and Ukraine
    Anybody following the situation in Ukraine and Russia would probably have been amused by a recent Tweet on X NATO seems to be putting in an awful lot of effort to influence what is, at least according to them, a sham election in an autocracy.When do the Ukrainians go to ...
    4 days ago
  • Bernard’s six stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15
    TL;DR: Shaun Baker on Wynyard Quarter's transformation. Magdalene Taylor on the problem with smart phones. How private equity are now all over reinsurance. Dylan Cleaver on rugby and CTE. Emily Atkin on ‘Big Meat’ looking like ‘Big Oil’.Bernard’s six-stack of substacks at 6pm on March 15Photo by Jeppe Hove Jensen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Buzz from the Beehive Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought. But the government intends to put new life into it:  We want our country to be a ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
    Wellington’s massively upzoned District Plan adds the opportunity for tens of thousands of new homes not just in the central city (such as these Webb St new builds) but also close to the CBD and public transport links. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: Wellington gave itself the chance of ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    5 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
    For forty years, Robert Muldoon has been a dirty word in our politics. His style of government was so repulsive and authoritarian that the backlash to it helped set and entrench our constitutional norms. His pig-headedness over forcing through Think Big eventually gave us the RMA, with its participation and ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    6 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    6 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    6 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Government moves to quickly ratify the NZ-EU FTA
    "The Government is moving quickly to realise an additional $46 million in tariff savings in the EU market this season for Kiwi exporters,” Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay says. Parliament is set, this week, to complete the final legislative processes required to bring the New Zealand – European ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago
  • Positive progress for social worker workforce
    New Zealand’s social workers are qualified, experienced, and more representative of the communities they serve, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “I want to acknowledge and applaud New Zealand’s social workers for the hard work they do, providing invaluable support for our most vulnerable. “To coincide with World ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Minister confirms reduced RUC rate for PHEVs
    Cabinet has agreed to a reduced road user charge (RUC) rate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. Owners of PHEVs will be eligible for a reduced rate of $38 per 1,000km once all light electric vehicles (EVs) move into the RUC system from 1 April.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • Trade access to overseas markets creates jobs
    Minister of Agriculture and Trade, Todd McClay, says that today’s opening of Riverland Foods manufacturing plant in Christchurch is a great example of how trade access to overseas markets creates jobs in New Zealand.  Speaking at the official opening of this state-of-the-art pet food factory the Minister noted that exports ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    15 hours ago
  • NZ and Chinese Foreign Ministers hold official talks
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Wellington today. “It was a pleasure to host Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his first official visit to New Zealand since 2017. Our discussions were wide-ranging and enabled engagement on many facets of New Zealand’s relationship with China, including trade, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kāinga Ora instructed to end Sustaining Tenancies
    Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour by tenants, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Earlier today Finance Minister Nicola Willis and I sent an interim Letter of Expectations to the Board of Kāinga Ora. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber: Growth is the answer
    Tēna koutou katoa. Greetings everyone. Thank you to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and the Honourable Simon Bridges for hosting this address today. I acknowledge the business leaders in this room, the leaders and governors, the employers, the entrepreneurs, the investors, and the wealth creators. The coalition Government shares your ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Singapore rounds out regional trip
    Minister Winston Peters completed the final leg of his visit to South and South East Asia in Singapore today, where he focused on enhancing one of New Zealand’s indispensable strategic partnerships.      “Singapore is our most important defence partner in South East Asia, our fourth-largest trading partner and a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister van Velden represents New Zealand at International Democracy Summit
    Minister of Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon. Brooke van Velden, will travel to the Republic of Korea to represent New Zealand at the Third Summit for Democracy on 18 March. The summit, hosted by the Republic of Korea, was first convened by the United States in 2021, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Insurance Council of NZ Speech, 7 March 2024, Auckland
    ICNZ Speech 7 March 2024, Auckland  Acknowledgements and opening  Mōrena, ngā mihi nui. Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho.  Good morning, it’s a privilege to be here to open the ICNZ annual conference, thank you to Mark for the Mihi Whakatau  My thanks to Tim Grafton for inviting me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Five-year anniversary of Christchurch terror attacks
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins have expressed their deepest sympathy on the five-year anniversary of the Christchurch terror attacks. “March 15, 2019, was a day when families, communities and the country came together both in sorrow and solidarity,” Mr Luxon says.  “Today we pay our respects to the 51 shuhada ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024
    Speech for Financial Advice NZ Conference 5 March 2024  Acknowledgements and opening  Morena, Nga Mihi Nui.  Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Nor Whanganui aho. Thanks Nate for your Mihi Whakatau  Good morning. It’s a pleasure to formally open your conference this morning. What a lovely day in Wellington, What a great ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Early visit to Indonesia strengthens ties
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters held discussions in Jakarta today about the future of relations between New Zealand and South East Asia’s most populous country.   “We are in Jakarta so early in our new government’s term to reflect the huge importance we place on our relationship with Indonesia and South ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • China Foreign Minister to visit
    Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced that the Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, will visit New Zealand next week.  “We look forward to re-engaging with Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussing the full breadth of the bilateral relationship, which is one of New Zealand’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister opens new Auckland Rail Operations Centre
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has today opened the new Auckland Rail Operations Centre, which will bring together KiwiRail, Auckland Transport, and Auckland One Rail to improve service reliability for Aucklanders. “The recent train disruptions in Auckland have highlighted how important it is KiwiRail and Auckland’s rail agencies work together to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Celebrating 10 years of Crankworx Rotorua
    The Government is proud to support the 10th edition of Crankworx Rotorua as the Crankworx World Tour returns to Rotorua from 16-24 March 2024, says Minister for Economic Development Melissa Lee.  “Over the past 10 years as Crankworx Rotorua has grown, so too have the economic and social benefits that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Government delivering on tax commitments
    Legislation implementing coalition Government tax commitments and addressing long-standing tax anomalies will be progressed in Parliament next week, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The legislation is contained in an Amendment Paper to the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill issued today.  “The Amendment Paper represents ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Significant Natural Areas requirement to be suspended
    Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard has today announced that the Government has agreed to suspend the requirement for councils to comply with the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) provisions of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity for three years, while it replaces the Resource Management Act (RMA).“As it stands, SNAs ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government classifies drought conditions in Top of the South as medium-scale adverse event
    Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the drought conditions in the Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging conditions facing farmers and growers in the district. “Parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell. I know ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government partnership to tackle $332m facial eczema problem
    The Government is helping farmers eradicate the significant impact of facial eczema (FE) in pastoral animals, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced.  “A $20 million partnership jointly funded by Beef + Lamb NZ, the Government, and the primary sector will save farmers an estimated NZD$332 million per year, and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • NZ, India chart path to enhanced relationship
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has completed a successful visit to India, saying it was an important step in taking the relationship between the two countries to the next level.   “We have laid a strong foundation for the Coalition Government’s priority of enhancing New Zealand-India relations to generate significant future benefit for both countries,” says Mr Peters, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Ruapehu Alpine Lifts bailout the last, say Ministers
    Cabinet has agreed to provide $7 million to ensure the 2024 ski season can go ahead on the Whakapapa ski field in the central North Island but has told the operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts it is the last financial support it will receive from taxpayers. Cabinet also agreed to provide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Govt takes action to drive better cancer services
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says the launch of a new mobile breast screening unit in Counties Manukau reinforces the coalition Government’s commitment to drive better cancer services for all New Zealanders. Speaking at the launch of the new mobile clinic, Dr Reti says it’s a great example of taking ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Work begins on SH29 upgrades near Tauriko
    Unlocking economic growth and land for housing are critical elements of the Government’s plan for our transport network, and planned upgrades to State Highway 29 (SH29) near Tauriko will deliver strongly on those priorities, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The SH29 upgrades near Tauriko will improve safety at the intersections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Fresh produce price drop welcome
    Lower fruit and vegetable prices are welcome news for New Zealanders who have been doing it tough at the supermarket, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ reported today the price of fruit and vegetables has dropped 9.3 percent in the 12 months to February 2024.  “Lower fruit and vege ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Statement to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the sixty-eighth session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68)
    Tēnā koutou katoa and greetings to you all.  Chair, I am honoured to address the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. I acknowledge the many crises impacting the rights of women and girls. Heightened global tensions, war, climate related and humanitarian disasters, and price inflation all ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government backs rural led catchment projects
    The coalition Government is supporting farmers to enhance land management practices by investing $3.3 million in locally led catchment groups, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. “Farmers and growers deliver significant prosperity for New Zealand and it’s vital their ongoing efforts to improve land management practices and water quality are supported,” ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Auckland Business Chamber
    Good evening everyone and thank you for that lovely introduction.   Thank you also to the Honourable Simon Bridges for the invitation to address your members. Since being sworn in, this coalition Government has hit the ground running with our 100-day plan, delivering the changes that New Zealanders expect of us. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Commission’s advice on ETS settings tabled
    Recommendations from the Climate Change Commission for New Zealand on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction and unit limit settings for the next five years have been tabled in Parliament, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Commission provides advice on the ETS annually. This is the third time the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government lowering building costs
    The coalition Government is beginning its fight to lower building costs and reduce red tape by exempting minor building work from paying the building levy, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk. “Currently, any building project worth $20,444 including GST or more is subject to the building levy which is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Trustee tax change welcomed
    Proposed changes to tax legislation to prevent the over-taxation of low-earning trusts are welcome, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The changes have been recommended by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee following consideration of submissions on the Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill. “One of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister’s Ramadan message
    Assalaamu alaikum. السَّلَام عليكم In light of the holy month of Ramadan, I want to extend my warmest wishes to our Muslim community in New Zealand. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, renewed devotion, perseverance, generosity, and forgiveness.  It’s a time to strengthen our bonds and appreciate the diversity ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister appoints new NZTA Chair
    Former Transport Minister and CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber Hon Simon Bridges has been appointed as the new Board Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for a three-year term, Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced today. “Simon brings extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role. He will ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Speech to Life Sciences Summit
    Good morning all, it is a pleasure to be here as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology.  It is fantastic to see how connected and collaborative the life science and biotechnology industry is here in New Zealand. I would like to thank BioTechNZ and NZTech for the invitation to address ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Progress continues apace on water storage
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says he is looking forward to the day when three key water projects in Northland are up and running, unlocking the full potential of land in the region. Mr Jones attended a community event at the site of the Otawere reservoir near Kerikeri on Friday. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government agrees to restore interest deductions
    Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government has agreed to restore deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties. “Help is on the way for landlords and renters alike. The Government’s restoration of interest deductibility will ease pressure on rents and simplify the tax code,” says ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Minister to attend World Anti-Doping Agency Symposium
    Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Switzerland today to attend an Executive Committee meeting and Symposium of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Mr Bishop will then travel on to London where he will attend a series of meetings in his capacity as Infrastructure Minister. “New Zealanders believe ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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