Taxpayers Union – concentrating on the banal and ignoring the big issues

Written By: - Date published: 1:56 pm, March 3rd, 2014 - 45 comments
Categories: greens, Media - Tags: , , ,

The Taxpayer’s Union is one of the first astroturfing organisations we have seen in Aotearoa. Nominally independent it has as its members the Government’s chief blogger, and is based in the law firm of Franks & Ogilvie whose partners include former ACT and National candidate Stephen Franks as well as Jordan Williams who has close links with National and in particular Simon Lusk.

The choice of the word “Union” in the title is no doubt an in joke.  I can confidently say that the movers and shakers behind this particular entity have no sympathy for the trade union movement.

The objects of the society include the giving of taxpayers a voice in the corridors of power, to educate New Zealand against excessive and wasteful spending, to scrutinise Government spending and to publicise Government waste, among other objectives.  Membership is limited to those persons who the board of the society approves and it would be interesting to see who has applied and if they were approved.

Recent campaigns have been run to get Len Brown pay for the investigation into his use of Council resources even though he neither authorised the investigation nor consented to it, the failure to seek repayment of $100,000 set aside for a yacht race that did not occur, and health and safety training paid for by ACC.  The latest to be criticised is Green MP Mojo Mathers for, well, travelling to do her job.

The attacks by the TU appear to be scattered and concentrate on targets that are not to do with the Government.  The one reported criticism of the Government that I can find was met with demands for a correction by Jordan Williams.  Obviously he was deeply concerned at the the impression that he had criticised Lockwood Smith.

But as pointed out by Danyl McLaughlan the TU are missing some rather big targets that should be subject to intense scrutiny.  Danyl has listed the following examples:

  • “The National government paying Paula Rebstock $290,000 for her failed inquiry
  • Gerry Brownlee spending $1500 to lease an SUV while watching the America’s Cup race in San Francisco.
  • Tim Groser and a private secretary spending over $8500 to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington for a week, during a month in which Groser spent $18,200.
  • John Key, DPS bodyguards and staffers flying down to Queenstown for the New Zealand golf open, at an as-yet unknown cost.”

Of course there are thousands of other examples that can be added, for instance the millions that have been spent on selling our assets at what looks more and more likely to be too cheaply.

The recent attack on Mojo Mathers is bizarre.  Mojo impresses me as being a highly dedicated MP who despite the difficulties caused by her hearing impediment gives the job everything she has.  She travelled last week to Masterton to be interviewed for a local station on disability issues.  She had to attend personally so that she could lip read, and, get this Williams, she was not able to conduct the interview on the phone.

In what looks like a leaked attack the Sunday Herald exposed details of the trip complete with a comment from Williams.  To quote from the article:

The Taxpayers Union questioned whether it was value for money.

“It’s amazing that she has so little to do with her time to actually travel to a community radio that probably has as many listeners as you can count on your hand,” director Jordan Williams said.

“The only silver lining is that the time spent travelling to go on the station in the middle of nowhere is less time spent dreaming up new ways to spend tax payers money.”

You have to wonder how the Herald discovered that the trip had been made.  I should attribute this concern to Pete George who has raised this issue on his blog.  He is right to say that how an Auckland paper learned about a Christchurch MP travelling to Masterton is suspicious.

On Facebook Williams has confirmed that the TU was tipped off about the trip, and that he was questioned about it by the Herald by phone.  No press release was prepared.  He also criticised the environmental damage caused by the trip!  When in a hole Jordan it is best that you stop digging.

45 comments on “Taxpayers Union – concentrating on the banal and ignoring the big issues ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. fambo 1
    3 March 2014 at 2:04 pm

    If the name is the “Taxpayers Union” shouldn’t everyone who pays taxes be entitled to join? I’d love to see someone legally challenge the organisation on the basis that their membership application was rejected despite them being a taxpayer.

    • mickysavage 1.1
      3 March 2014 at 2:08 pm

      Hehe

      We could flood them with applications and express concern if the applications were not handled properly!

      • Andrew Geddis 1.1.1
        3 March 2014 at 4:24 pm

        Well – you could. But more likely they’d just take your $5, because the members don’t matter. Over on Dimpost, Izogi made the following comment:

        “It’s more interesting to read the society’s rules, though.

        The Incorporated Society Act says that it has to have rules for becoming members — furthermore you can read its rules from the incorporation document, which say “membership” is open to any NZ citizen or permanent resident (rule 4.1). In rule 6, though, it defines the initial Board of Directors as three specific people (David Farrar, Jordan Williams and Gabrielle O’Brien), states that up to 15 board members can remain on the board until their 3 year term expires, and they become eligible for reappointment. The only way someone can get onto the Board is if the existing Board appoints them. Then they can’t be forcefully removed until their term expires, or if they miss too many meetings.

        And AGMs and SGMs which involve all those people who faithfully paid $5? Well, they’re to discuss… (rule 9.2)… “any business the board puts before it”. So members get to vote at an AGM or SGM — they just have no say in what to actually vote about. Nice for a company or a lobby group or most political parties. Hardly typical of a union or a society in my own [limited] experience.

        Changing the rules of the society? Requires two thirds of the board majority.

        So yes. It’s basically 3 people and their friends with total control between them, pretending to represent members with everything they say and do yet giving those members zero actual influence into the operation of the society, including an ability to choose their own representatives. More like a fan club than anything else.”

        • Draco T Bastard 1.1.1.1
          3 March 2014 at 7:28 pm

          More like a fan club than anything else.

          No, more like another passive income stream for the board of directors.

        • mickysavage 1.1.1.2
          3 March 2014 at 8:41 pm

          Thanks Andrew. So a self perpetuation elite supported by others with no say in what is happening. Sounds familiar!

        • Anne 1.1.1.3
          3 March 2014 at 9:09 pm

          So yes. It’s basically 3 people and their friends with total control between them, pretending to represent members with everything they say and do…

          What is so tragic is that the MSM give them the time of the day.

          A few decades ago such bogus outfits would soon be exposed and their operators sent packing usually with a blood nose. But of course those were the days when the main stream media (which was all the media) had at least a modicum of integrity and fairness about them.

    • sweetd 1.2
      3 March 2014 at 2:25 pm

      Fambo, the “taxpayers union’ is the name, not a summary of their terms and conditions, much in the same way as Labour is just a name and in no way concerned with working people.

      • Enough is Enough 1.2.1
        3 March 2014 at 3:25 pm

        Nice analogy – very accurate

      • Molly 1.2.2
        3 March 2014 at 3:53 pm

        You are right that it is just a name, but somehow it is used to give them credence in media reporting.

        “Blokes Talking About A Load of Bollocks” is also a name, but I doubt that they would be given the same supposed legitimacy if they had chosen it.

    • fender 1.3
      3 March 2014 at 2:51 pm

      Can’t see them rejecting your membership fee or a government grant, just don’t expect them to investigate any Nact spending of taxpayers money.

    • phillip ure 1.4
      3 March 2014 at 5:39 pm

      and if they are called ‘the taxpayers’ union’..

      ..and claim to be working in the interests of the long-suffering taxpayer..

      ..with the aim of lessening the tax-burden of/on those long-suffering taxpayers..

      ..(such lofty-stated-aspirations..eh..?..all total bullshit..we all know..but never mind..i’ll play along..)

      ..so..if we accept all the above as being true..

      ..why is this taxpayers union not focusing on the $5 billion in criminally-avoided taxes each and every year..by..in the main..the richest/elites/corporates..rightwingers all..

      ..i would like to see mr williams asked that question..

      ..why he is focusing on such chump-change bullshit…and ignoring that $5 billion dollar elephant..in this ‘taxpayers’ union’ room..?

      (and as an aside..they must think we are all really fucken dumb as a sack of doorknobs..eh..?

      ..setting up a rightwing attack-machine..(with the anti-mmp pimp fronting it..and black-heart farrar lurking in the background/whispering instructions..)

      ..and claiming some sort of non-partisan status..?

      ..laughable–really..)

      phillip ure..

  2. fender 2
    3 March 2014 at 2:24 pm

    Why aren’t these dorks honest enough to name their lobby group: “Only Right-Wingers Are Allowed To Spend Taxpayers Money Union”

  3. Draco T Bastard 3
    3 March 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Taxpayers Union upset over Mojo story

    But after being contacted by 3 News following backlash on social media where the union have been likened to the National Front and American right-wing Tea Party, Mr Williams says his comments have been reported in a poor light.

    The poor dear. /sarc

    Considering his comments he obviously got reported in exactly the right light.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 3.1
      3 March 2014 at 2:49 pm

      On the one hand it’s good to hear Jordan whining at being correctly characterised on Facebook, on the other hand why is anything he says newsworthy? If his owners need to say something they should say it themselves.

      • Draco T Bastard 3.1.1
        3 March 2014 at 3:26 pm

        But then they wouldn’t be able to maintain the needed anonymity that allows Jordan to claim independence.

  4. Tracey 4
    3 March 2014 at 2:31 pm

    with all that money and pr and legal advice, he… misspoke????? mr williams group, i assumed was an armslength dirt whisperer for ACT?

  5. Hayden 5
    3 March 2014 at 2:41 pm

    “The only silver lining is that the time spent travelling to go on the station in the middle of nowhere is less time spent dreaming up new ways to spend tax payers money.”

    Well, that’s a bit stupid, it’s not as if she was flying the plane (and I come up with lots of brilliant ideas while driving, most of which I forget immediately).

  6. Lanthanide 6
    3 March 2014 at 3:09 pm

    The really sad thing, for the TU, not for us, is that when Labour are next in government, the TU will be all over up-and-down criticizing them for their spending.

    Except that their track record so far shows that they have not attacked this government over their spending, of which there clearly is some questionable.

    That means it will be very easy to label them as a partisan hack front, rather than any truly independent group, and they can simply be ignored.

    Pretty poor execution on their part.

  7. rhinocrates 7
    3 March 2014 at 3:41 pm

    Let’s not forget Farrar’s involvement in this group, or that they specifically targeted a disabled person thinking that she’d be an easy target to marginalise. Despicable, bigoted, cowardly.

    • Anne 7.1
      3 March 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Last week the target was Pete Hodgson who was in Papua New Guinea at the time the story on him broke so he didn’t get a chance to clear it up quickly. I think that’s what happened. Here’s Farrar’s take on the story….

      http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2014/02/editorials_on_gentlemens_agreement.html

      Hodgson was interviewed late last week by RNZ and cleared the matter up. It seems the Dunedin Council staff member(s) charged with the task of putting the OIA together stuffed up big time. Hodgson had copies of the appropriate documentation and faxed them to RNZ. Everything was in order and above board! STORY SANK.

      Any apology for Pete Hodgson? I doubt it.

      This week it’s Mojo Mathers.

      Who is it next week?

      It’s another filthy campaign by Nact to create an impression the Opposition Parties can’t be trusted, are dishonest and fraudsters. There’s a special expression for a person/people who transfer their own dishonesty and fraudulent/unlawful activity on to the shoulders of their victims. Can’t remember it offhand.

    • geoff 7.2
      3 March 2014 at 4:17 pm

      And stupid!

      • rhinocrates 7.2.1
        3 March 2014 at 4:58 pm

        And Farrar has set his dogs on children in the past to intimidate their mother. The scum.

        • geoff 7.2.1.1
          3 March 2014 at 5:48 pm

          Argh, what a creep.

          • rhinocrates 7.2.1.1.1
            3 March 2014 at 8:15 pm

            She later attempted suicide. He’d have had her blood on his hands if she’d succeeded. Thankfully she’s still alive, but she’s permanently scarred. Farrar or course just got another Nat paycheque and has probably forgotten it.

            That’s “formenting merry mischief” as he calls it.

    • Murray Olsen 7.3
      3 March 2014 at 10:05 pm

      As far as I’m concerned, Farrar comes across as filthier and more despicable than WhaleSpew. In the days of empire, Farrar would have been the soft handed perfumed toff who signed warrants for the torture of colonials by the likes of Slater. Both were necessary for their filthy project, but the Farrars were closer to the real power.

  8. shorts 8
    3 March 2014 at 4:07 pm

    There was a table of the number of press releases the Union had issued and on what (sorry can’t find it now)… the most releases were to do with Len Brown (11), nothing else garnered over 2 releases and if memory serves there were approx 22 in total – suggesting they are more a rate payers union, and Auckland one at that (representing no one)

    Still I sleep safe that expenditure of $500 approx is not too small for them to take a interest in…

  9. phillip ure 9
    3 March 2014 at 4:35 pm

    i imagine williams lurking around lab/grn offices..

    ..counting/re-counting pencils/checking waste-paper bins..

    ..re-bending paper-clips..

    ..ever vigilant..!

    ..phillip ure..

  10. TightyRighty 10
    3 March 2014 at 4:57 pm

    did you pen the headline of this article Mickey? delicious irony

    • Lanthanide 10.1
      3 March 2014 at 6:57 pm

      Here are the headlines from Mickey’s 4 most recent posts beside this one:
      The retirement age debate.
      National misleads on child poverty.
      The Genesis share float has problems.
      Labour’s new parliamentary chief of staff.

      If anyone is focussing on the banal, it’s you.

  11. karol 11
    3 March 2014 at 6:18 pm

    Maybe we could start an Association of Creators of Wealth (AoCOW).

    The objective would be monitor what corporates do with the wealth produced by workers.

  12. captain hook 12
    3 March 2014 at 7:26 pm

    Its worse than mean spirited. Its totally unconscionable and typical of the banal level of New Zealands poltical debate.
    The country is run by C grade students and poltroons and the thecommentariat and self apponted blatherers are on the same level.
    This sort of attack is infantile and needs to be condemmed by all parties immediately.

  13. RedBaronCV 13
    3 March 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Maybe we need a new body called the taxpayers & ratepayers union, with similar rules that offers opposing comment. Should muddy the waters nicely.

  14. RedBaronCV 14
    3 March 2014 at 7:36 pm

    That man has missed his best career option as a nit picking auditor.

  15. red blooded 15
    3 March 2014 at 7:56 pm

    Of course, part of the irony is that these right wing ideologues don’t want to pay tax. Maybe we should set up an alternative group called Taxpayers United. Wonder if the media would ask for a rep to appear on The Nation and pontificate on behalf of those of us who believe in a progressive tax system to support societal structures that offer opportunities to all? Nah – probably not.

  16. Rob 16
    3 March 2014 at 7:57 pm

    They are just a joke but unfortunately the MSM give them space and therefore enable them a degree of credibility
    Credibility is something Farrar Williams et al are not really entrusted with.

  17. Tigger 17
    3 March 2014 at 8:27 pm

    Come on MSM, it’s time to do an in depth piece on this ‘union’ and ensure everyone knows what they really are – a far right shill.

  18. rhinocrates 18
    3 March 2014 at 8:35 pm

    As I’ve suggested above, those arsewipes like Farrar, Slater and Hooton jerk themselves off imagining that they’re “players” in some exciting game, but they have real victims: ordinary people whose lives they casually ruin with every ejaculation.

Links to post

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-08T11:25:16+00:00