Thanks Jacinda – Zero cases of Covid19 in Aotearoa!

Written By: - Date published: 1:15 pm, June 8th, 2020 - 93 comments
Categories: health, jacinda ardern, labour, uncategorized - Tags: ,

Thanks to clear and decisive leadership, an intelligent government, the decision to go hard and fast, respect for science, and overwhelming commitment by local kiwis we can celebrate a milestone, Aotearoa has no current cases of Covid 19.

Now we are at a maintenance stage.  It seems very likely that a decision to take us to level one will be taken this afternoon with the change to be implemented probably this week.

And the virus is a bastard.  Continued vigilance is essential and my view is the borders need to be kept shut until we can be sure our status is not threatened.

But for now Aotearoa we can all celebrate.  And reflect that Jacinda and Micky Savage (the real one) will in the future be talked about with the same affection and appreciation.

93 comments on “Thanks Jacinda – Zero cases of Covid19 in Aotearoa! ”

  1. McFlock 2

    yuss

  2. solkta 3

    That's a real feel good feeling. Thanks to everybody who tried hard to make this happen.

  3. Dawn Trenberth 4

    Yes!!!!!! And who wants to be like Australia now.

  4. Ad 5

    I would like to see a plan for airport proof-of-entry biometric testing without 2-week quarantine before I do too many woo-hoos over this one.

    There's so many global secondary breakouts now it's hard to trust anything.

    • Andre 5.1

      Until there is a convincingly demonstrated detection method with a false negative rate less than 0.01% for infections acquired as recently as when the aircraft was boarded, then as far as I'm concerned, 2 weeks quarantine is the only acceptable answer.

      In other words, 2 weeks quarantine is the only answer.

      • Naki man 5.1.1

        "In other words, 2 weeks quarantine is the only answer."

        Agree, i hope air NZ have lifted their game after one of their flight crew caused the biggest cluster including two deaths. A couple of weeks ago they were still exempt from quarantine.

        • Tricledrown 5.1.1.1

          Naki man facts right this happened before lockdown.

          • Naki man 5.1.1.1.1

            The point i was making is that unlike Australian flight crew they didn't quarantine during the lockdown even after causing the death of two people.

            • Tricledrown 5.1.1.1.1.1

              It was voluntary but the person was showing serious symptoms, from inside info on the wedding he was coughing and spluttering you think with all the info on symptoms around that this person should have self isolated. Taken personel responsibility.

              It's easy in hindsight but lessons need to be learned and an enquiry into the pandemic is needed not a Royal enquiry it will take to long.

              An urgent enquiry is needed to check what systems are in place how much PPE is available ie face masks where high concentrations of people gather ,planes and public transport etc.If a new wave or another pandemic arrived are we ready.

              An urgent stock take is needed aged care facilities where most deaths are occurring need a lift in funding to provide enough PPE and hygiene management . Care facilities were woefully short on both it was lucky we didn't have a large scale outbreak.

  5. gsays 6

    Good news indeed.

    Any yahoo who is rushing to get back to BAU yesterday, before they cast their reckons, needs to acknowledge the decision making that has given us options.

  6. Macro 7

    Well done JA, the rest of the Cabinet, AB and the MoH, the advisors, our essential workers, and the rest of the team of 5 million for staying the course so far.

    There are some things that have changed for the better over the past few months. Long term homeless people have been placed into some form of permanent accommodation, now that they have a permanent address they have been able to apply for a benefit and accommodation supplement.

    Meanwhile, overseas Palestinians are making face masks for Israelis.

    https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/gaza-factory-exports-face-masks-israel-during-covid-19

    • Sacha 7.1

      now that they have a permanent address they have been able to apply for a benefit and accommodation supplement.

      City Missions and others have long provided an address for people without one. Not the barrier.

      • Descendant Of Smith 7.1.1

        You've never needed an address to get a benefit. Used to have arguments about this back in the 80's with the local DSW office. Homeless people have always been able to get a benefit.

        • Macro 7.1.1.1

          You've never needed an address to get a benefit. Used to have arguments about this back in the 80's with the local DSW office. Homeless people have always been able to get a benefit.

          Well tell that to the folks I have been working with over the past few months. One of their major problems has just been getting access to WINZ without access to a computer.

      • Macro 7.1.2

        That has not been the case here.

        • Descendant Of Smith 7.1.2.1

          In the UK you do have to have an address. This was added in recent years I believe.

          In NZ there is nothing in legislation that says you do. I often let people begging know this and encourage them to get help from an advocate.

          Homeless urban myths
          Separating fact from fiction

          https://www.thepeoplesproject.org.nz/homelessness/

          Don’t people need an address to get a benefit?

          Every person correctly registered with Work and Income can receive a benefit. The People’s Project makes sure everyone is receiving their entitlement. That said, many are living on less than $100 a week. Many have overwhelming debts and fines.

          • Descendant Of Smith 7.1.2.1.1

            Just checked nothing has changed – none of the benefits require an address.

            Jobseeker support: requirements

            A person is entitled to jobseeker support if the person—

            (a) has a work gap; and

            (b) is available for work; and

            (c) meets the age requirement; and

            (d) meets the residential requirement; and

            (e) has no or minimum income.

            Sole parent support: requirements

            A person is entitled to sole parent support if the person—

            (a) meets the sole parent requirement; and

            (b) either—

            (i) is not in a situation of split care (see section 32); or

            (ii) is in a situation of split care and is the 1 parent who is entitled to sole parent support (see section 32); and

            (c) meets the residential requirement; and

            (d) is aged 20 years or over.

            Supported living payment: on ground of restricted work capacity or total blindness: requirements

            A person is entitled to the supported living payment if the person—

            (a) has restricted work capacity or is totally blind; and

            (b) meets the residential requirement; and

            (c) is aged 16 years or over.

            Outline of beneficiary’s general and specific obligations

            (1) The general obligations of a beneficiary, that is, obligations that apply to all beneficiaries, are the following:

            (a) the obligation to hold, and give MSD details of, a bank account (see section 111):

            (b) the obligation to supply a tax file number (see section 112):

            (c) the obligation to notify a change of circumstances (see section 113).

            (2) The specific obligations that apply to some beneficiaries only, are the following:

            (a) the obligation to notify absence from New Zealand (see section 114):

            (b) the obligation to undergo work ability assessments (see sections 115 to 119):

            (c) work-preparation obligations (see sections 120 to 126):

            (d) obligations in relation to dependent children (see sections 127 to 137):

            (e) work-test obligations (see sections 138 to 156):

            (f) youth payment obligations (see sections 162 and 163):

            (g) young parent obligations (see sections 164 and 169):

            (h) obligations under section 165(7) of a young person aged 18 or 19 years who is receiving jobseeker support, who is at significant risk of long-term welfare dependency (see sections 165 and 169), and who is required under section 165(2) to receive youth services:

            (i) obligations (including relating to instruction, education, training, or learning) of a young person who is the spouse or partner of a beneficiary (see sections 166, 167, and 169):

            (j) obligations (including relating to youth services) of a young person who is the spouse or partner of a beneficiary (see sections 168 and 169):

            (k) the obligation to work with contracted service providers (see sections 170 and 171):

            (l) obligations in relation to overseas pensions (see sections 172 to 180).

            110 When obligations apply

            An obligation applies from the time that the benefit in question is paid, except in the case of—

            (a) the applicant’s or beneficiary’s obligation to hold, and give MSD details of, a bank account (see section 111); and

            (b) the section 162(1)(a) education or training obligation of a young parent who is the principal caregiver of that young parent’s youngest dependent child who is under 12 months old (see section 163(2)).

            And you don't need a bank account at the start if you do not have one.

            Beneficiary must hold, and give MSD details of, bank account

            (1) It is a condition of every benefit, unless MSD in a particular case determines otherwise, that the applicant or beneficiary must, by the deadline (specified by regulations made under section 438(2)(a)(ii)) for receipt by MSD of any supporting evidence reasonably required by MSD,—

            (a) give MSD details of an existing suitable bank account held by the applicant or beneficiary; or

            (b) open a bank account, if the applicant or beneficiary does not hold one, and give MSD details of it.

            • gsays 7.1.2.1.1.1

              Perhaps the crux of getting the $ is in the last two bits you've cited.

              (a) give MSD details of an existing suitable bank account held by the applicant or beneficiary; or

              (b) open a bank account, if the applicant or beneficiary does not hold one, and give MSD details of it.

              Them banksters are gonna wanna know where you live.

  7. peterh 8

    And now its up to Grant Robertson, and already his stuff is working, Just listened to head of kiwifruit, when they got all clear Got 28000 staff in a week packing 2 million trays a day, record crop record ,price, and sales going through the roof, rest of country just has to follow

  8. observer 9

    One of the greatest peacetime victories that NZ has achieved, in the modern era at least.

    Politics (or government) is always about the next challenge, not the last – but for once that little dance is more than justified. Let's Bowie!

  9. Ad 10

    I'm also looking forward to our Minister of Trade, and Agriculture, and Economic Development, and all key leads witin MBIE, NZTE, MFAT, ExportNZ, Fonterra and of course our entire horticulture and wine and beverage industries to use this moment to shout this little comparative advantage to the world.

    Every bit of economic advantage we can now find will help this country.

  10. mary_a 11

    Well done Kiwisyes Great leadership from JA, combined with excellent direction from Dr Bloomfield during a very challenging time.smiley

    • Anne 11.1

      So lucky to have real leadership and brilliant scientists. We've had the latter for years but they were rarely acknowledged.

  11. mac1 12

    "Thanks to clear and decisive leadership, an intelligent government, the decision to go hard and fast, respect for science, and overwhelming commitment to local kiwis we can celebrate a milestone, Aotearoa has no current cases of Covid 19".

    Well said, MickySavage.

    Empathy, leadership, regard for science and sound advice.

    Little NZ leads the world. A government that cares, a citizenry that responds, a result that should be seen as an example to the world.

  12. Muttonbird 13

    Incredible effort.

    A few weeks ago, anti-Labour operatives were grizzling hard about the definition on eliminated. They tried to frame the PM as being dishonest. Of all the hair-brained strategies the RW have come up with in the last 3 months, that one is right up there.

    Today Jacinda Ardern cast aside the need for the word eliminated and instead we can use the word eradicated. The opposition can't argue the definition of that, although the Hologram tried his best to be negative on one on NZ's greatest days.

    The Hologram seems to be trying to hoover up the hard right National votes leaving after the leadership change.

    • observer 13.1

      I get annoyed with NZ First most days of the week but when we talk about Jacinda's leadership we should not forget that in the alternative universe, by 2020 (after PM Bill would have retired) the Covid-19 response would have been led by PM Simon Bridges and David Seymour would have been a Minister in that government.

      Winston may be an old rogue but still … his decision in 2017 saved hundreds of Kiwi lives.

      • Muttonbird 13.1.1

        +1. David Seymour is the Jair Bolsonaro of New Zealand, student version.

        • Incognito 13.1.1.1

          Bolsonaro’s trade mark is a red beret, Seymour’s is a red dwarf.

          • Tricledrown 13.1.1.1.1

            Hollow man or hologram Nationals uninspiring leadership gives Seymour a lift in the polls which means National policy moving further to the right.

            • mpledger 13.1.1.1.1.1

              I thought Goldsmith wasn't high enough on the list that if he failed to win Epsom then he would be out of parliament (on current polling). I think he might have to contest the seat this time. ;->

              • Sacha

                Finance portfolio guarantees a high list placing. And he always has that vanity publishing career to fall back on.

  13. Kat 14

    Since Michael Joseph Savage how may NZ Prime ministers have been referred to with the term "love"……..we love you Jacinda. Thank you for being one of us, and to the core.

    • SDCLFC 14.1

      Norm Kirk?

      Maybe not loved, but he's the politician I hear her most compared to in terms of empathy for all people.

      But, your point stands

  14. Ken 15

    Three Damehoods for that lady!

  15. David Mac 16

    Usually at this time of the year we can't fill an Airbnb or Copthorne bed for love or money up in the Far North. Just now, bookings are going off. Like housing, there are so many indirect influences. When a visitor has their head on a pillow, 100's get closer to paying their rent.

    Onya NZ, the Thai restaurant has all burners burning and Gav at the laundry, his mandatory holiday is well and truly over.

  16. Fireblade 17

    Happy Happy Joy Joy.

    by Stinky Wizzleteats, The Ren & Stimpy Show.

  17. David Mac 18

    Fortunately perception is everything. The world buys our 100% Pure message. Our Covid status is a handy contribution.

    Price our God's Disneyland accordingly. Yeah Paris is expensive, we should be too.

    Get rid of the loose bowel teens in unregistered 80's Hi-Aces. They'll have to save a bit harder. 'We offer you this flush toilet with our blessing.'

    Offer a 50% discount to the holder of a NZ driver's license or passport.

    We have all it takes to create one of the most coveted destinations in the world. We should start behaving like we have.

    It's a market sector that actually does have a trickle down effect. The guy that's paying a thousand for his room tips pretty good.

    • mac1 18.1

      "It's a market sector that actually does have a trickle down effect. The guy that's paying a thousand for his room tips pretty good."

      I prefer a system where the guest pays a fair price to the owner who then pays his workers a decent wage. That is, as I have understood it for seventy years, the New Zealand way. (The living wage is still to be the standard,)

      Mrs Mac1 and I celebrated recently with a meal out at a local restaurant. For the first time in my life in NZ I was asked for a tip. Business was booming for them after lockdown; full house midweek. I've been going there for years.

      Is this a reaction to Covid-19 or a further Americanisation of our commerce?

    • Naki man 18.2

      You are promoting trickle down effect, Airbnb, and getting rid of the loose bowel teens in unregistered 80's Hi-Aces. I am surprised your not being abused.

      Keep up the good work.

      • Tricledrown 18.2.1

        Research on how much freedom campers spend in NZ .They spend more than most.surprisingly because they are here longer and want to spend money on adventure Tourism ie skydiving whale watching bunny jumping skiing etc

        • Sacha 18.2.1.1

          They spend differently as well. Do wish some of them would stop shitting everywhere they please.

  18. David Mac 19

    Outlaw Maui drivers with a foreign license.

    Charge them 3k more and insist they enlist a driver/legend sharer/stays in a motel guide….they'll warm to it and have the holiday memory they will take to their grave. Train these guides, create a career path for them. We could get language savvy. Align a Vietnamese speaking guide with Vietnamese visitors.

    Nothing sells like word of mouth. Start creating some truly memorable experiences down here and we won't need to spend much on advertising.

  19. Craig H 20

    Congratulations everyone! The team of 5 million has got the job done, very ably led by the PM and DG of Health, with strong support from the Deputy PM, Finance Minister, Education Minister and Director of Public Health, to name a few.

  20. David Mac 21

    So if Jacinda told you to jump off the bridge would you?

    Ummm, we'd need to hear more. Is Ashley available?

  21. David Mac 22

    Ashley would say "This is the first time I find myself disagreeing with Prime Minister. I'd like to call a timeout for this press meeting, lets regroup in 30 minutes. I'll need a private room, whiteboard, pens in 3 colours and an overhead projection of the bridge in question."

  22. Fireblade 23

    In awe of NZ: How world media reacted to New Zealand eliminating Covid-19.

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12338194

  23. Mark 24

    This is great news.

    However at what cost has this been achieved – in terms of the economy and even lives and suffering. And a stuffed up economy will cost lives.

    Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have also done extremely well – but without a full lock down.

    In any case we should all be grateful. Things could have been so much worse.

    • mpledger 24.1

      Noone's talking about South Korea anymore and they were once the golden child. They went hard early and were doing way better then us then they opened up and had a super spreader and now they are back to where they were two months ago (for daily new cases anyway, daily deaths look is looking a lot better).

  24. Maurice 25

    Now to really start taxing the rich pricks!

    Particularly those in Public Service who continued to be paid during the entire lockdown?

    • Tricledrown 25.1

      Maurice they always find away to avoid paying tax so its futile to target them you are playing right into their song book.

      Just getting them to pay the existing taxes is a mission as the rich only pay an average of 17% as opposed to the 33% top tax rate.

      The way to make them pay is to keep right wing govts out of power ie National sacking 1500 IRD workers because of technology why not redeploy those staff to investigate how these very wealthy avoid tax .For those who pay their full taxes would benefit while those who roll up to private schools (govt subsidized )n the Range Rovers while having no taxable income .

      A Capital gains tax or land tax would be a good way to start paying down the $140 billion debt from the Covid financial bailout of the economy.

      • Tricledrown 25.1.1

        Another Idea would be to have a flexible top tax rate lowering it depending on the capital gains paid each year as some years no capital gain will be paid.

        To undo the rights dogma of saying the left only know how to tax and spend.

        The Carrot and stick approach would be that those who are paying no taxes on capital gain would be played against those who can't avoid paying their fair share.

        • Maurice 25.1.1.1

          Indeed! As long as capital and land valuations are set at the bottom of the Covid dip there should be many years of capital and land value gains to be taxed.

          If no value gains then income tax at top rates for that year and off-set against that paid in increasing value years. To keep the rate of tax collection the same or very similar for each year …. and as high as possible? Is that the idea?

    • Sacha 25.2

      No public servants on the rich list I'm afraid, Maurice.

      • Maurice 25.2.1

        Average salary varies widely amongst different occupations in the Public Service. In June 2018, the average salary was highest for Managers ($136,300), followed by Policy Analysts ($99,400), ICT Professionals and Technicians ($93,400), Legal, HR and Finance Professionals ($90,600) and Information Professionals ($84,600). By contrast, Social, Health and Education Workers ($65,200), Inspectors and Regulatory Officers ($62,900), Clerical and Administrative Workers ($60,000) and Contact Centre Workers ($52,900) had the lowest average salaries.

        Compare that to beneficiaries and the newly unemployed …

        • Sacha 25.2.1.1

          We clearly have a different standard for 'rich pricks'. Good to know.

          • Maurice 25.2.1.1.1

            It all depends where in the pay heap one is … and whether the income continues.

  25. xanthe 26

    yeah well Jacinda seems ok at dealing with a crisis…… BUT to really launch us into a crisis we need National /sark

    • Maurice 26.1

      It doe snot matter who is there – two generations of wealth has been squandered and we are ALL in the pooh

  26. Sabine 27

    so this will now be revoked? right? right?

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/121504938/coronavirus-new-covid19-law-gives-police-power-to-conduct-warrantless-searches-amid-civil-liberty-concerns

    A controversial new coronavirus law has been hastily passed, despite coming under fire for allowing police to search homes without a warrant.

    Despite widespread concern, the Government rushed through the powerful legislation for Alert Level 2, but legal experts say the new enforcement law is better for the public than the extreme emergency powers used under lockdown.

    There are now calls for the Government to take the unusual step of returning the law to parliament, so it can again be scrutinised while it's being used.

    The law, which passed 63 – 57, had to be hurried through the House as it was required for the enforcement of Alert Level 2 restrictions such as social distancing – set to begin at 11.59pm on Wednesday.

    surely an announcement is forthcoming to let us plebs know that we are now again save in our houses from warrantless house searches by the police?

    • Fireblade 27.1

      The law allowing police to enter homes without a warrant no longer applies. The PM stated that at the media conference yesterday. (32:30 in the video).

      • Chris T 27.1.1

        Not entirely sure she is correct on that technically.

        Unless I am an idiot and miss-reading, which admittedly would not be a first!

        http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2020/0246/latest/d12844704e2.html?search=sw_096be8ed8198703a_alert+level_200_se&p=1&sr=0

        In addition to this, the Bill—

        (a)

        will apply to all Alert Levels under the COVID-19 Alert Level Framework; and

        (b)

        addresses the need for some enforcement powers for certain restrictions that may be applied so that these restrictions do not rely on powers provided by a state of national emergency—at Alert Level 2 this may include gatherings and distancing; and

        (c)

        establishes decision-making processes that are more modern and consistent with recommended practice by legal academics and others; and

        (d)

        has limited retrospective effect to enable the Alert Level 2 order to be prepared and commence immediately, if needed; and

        (e)

        does not provide retrospective validation of actions already taken on previous orders.

        • Naki man 27.1.1.1

          Jacinda did not say the law no longer applies she said they won't use it anymore.

          She also said in another interview that they were able to bring in level one at short notice because they did not have to change any law to inforce level one.

          So it looks like you are correct Chris T

    • gsays 27.2

      Good question Sabine.

      It seems like it is still a law.

      We may yet be moving or leaving the ‘Level’ scheme.

      • Chris T 27.2.1

        Can’t see that happening for at least a year or two tbh.

        But purely from memory I think the no warrant bit was only valid for 3 months.

      • Louis 27.2.2

        The law already existed. See 27.1.1.1.1.1

    • Louis 27.3

      It was already the law.

      • Chris T 27.3.1

        So it was already there yet they rushed it through. Presumably as they didn’t know this. And now the PM says it is not there even though it was already there and still is?

        • Louis 27.3.1.1

          Thats a load of rubbish Chris T.

          • Chris T 27.3.1.1.1

            Was the law already there or not?

            “Louis27.1.1.1.1.1
            9 June 2020 at 7:11 pm
            The law already existed prior to the Covid19 response.”

            • Louis 27.3.1.1.1.1

              You know it is but it doesnt apply to L1 and your assumption that they didnt know about it is false.

  27. Treetop 28

    Having stamina was well worth it. The citizens and residents of NZ are the winners.

    Vigilance is required to keep the virus out.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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