That one time Government almost did something decent for workers

Written By: - Date published: 9:50 am, July 4th, 2015 - 41 comments
Categories: human rights, workers' rights - Tags:

There was this one time when the Government understood that workers coming into NZ to help rebuild Christchurch were very vulnerable to exploitation.  Because a work visa is tied to a particular employer, migrant workers found that raising any issue such as getting the minimum wage, health and safety, being ripped off on accommodation and the like, meant they would be dismissed and have to leave the country despite often having incurred huge debt to get here.

The Government thought a solution would be to allow them the freedom to move easily to another employer involved in the rebuild and changed the rules to allow this.  We all praised them.   But the Government is worried about “employee poaching”.  That is when workers move to other employers because they can earn more.  Yes they have made collective bargaining inaccessible by design of the law, but there will also be active measures to ensure market pressure to lift wages are also removed by Government supported anti competitive measures.

Warned/lobbied (by those bastions of worker rights, Labour Hire agencies would you believe!) that this move to support migrants might mean ” employee poaching” – it has now backed down and reversed this decision.  Actually prior to that is has even facilitated construction employers to sign a “Construction Sector Workforce Plan” with a specific acknowledgement that “poaching” will increase wages and a provision that says

Anti-poaching agreement: construction employers will investigate the scope for an anti-poaching agreement, in which signatories will refrain from directly approaching other employers’ staff with a view to poaching them, and rely instead on fair and equitable ways of attracting and retaining staff

Actually there was this other time too.  After two Government run inquiries into health and safety, the overwhelming finding was that the biggest fault in our shonky system was the lack of worker participation in workplace safety.  Basically workers are the only “eyes, ears and mouth” at the worksite every day and in safe jurisdictions they have rights and roles in keeping the work safe.

The Government almost introduced new law which would secure this role and these rights for workers.  We all praised them.  Not only would workplaces have elected safety reps but they would have real rights – like ceasing dangerous work, issuing prohibition notices, accompanying inspectors and being part of investigations.  After lobbying from our most dangerous sector (agriculture), the Government will try to pass the law excluding these rights for all business with less than 20 staff – which happen to be our most dangerous – farming, forestry, construction, fishing.  If workers do not have reps with approved training, it doesn’t matter what “employee participation” system the workplace has – these rights are removed.

Oh and actually… do you remember the Minister (Woodhouse) said he would legislate to remove the worst elements of zero hour contracts and deductions from workers wages for events such as drive offs in petrol stations (maybe he just meant he would get rid of John Campbell?).  We all praised him.

Of course the worst element for zero hours is that in most cases they are unnecessary.  They occur most often in 24/7 businesses that could easily offer permanent hours.  The fix would be to make them unlawful unless there were genuine reasons on reasonable grounds to use them.  We think instead he will probably legislate to make zero hours lawful but put in unstipulated penalties in such as “an allowance” for late cancelled shifts, or such like. There will be nothing for late call ins which will increase (to avoid the allowance), or insufficient security of hours and irregular shifts – which is the real issue here.   On deductions – we think they are already unlawful, but these too are likely to be made legal in some circumstances allowing more of them rather than reducing them (if they do anything at all).

41 comments on “That one time Government almost did something decent for workers ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. red-blooded 1
    4 July 2015 at 10:06 am

    The cuts to workers’ rights have been insidious; usually presented as a solution to some problem employers claim to have, apparently little steps, but little steps that all lead in one direction.

  2. Nigel 2
    4 July 2015 at 10:32 am

    “Of course the worst element for zero hours is that in most cases they are unnecessary. They occur most often in 24/7 businesses that could easily offer permanent hours.”

    Good article. Great work you do getting the message on H&S/working conditions out there.

    We are literally not allowed to discuss any of this stuff as an employee of a business that may fit the quote above. Top secret workplaces and all that.

  3. ropata 3
    4 July 2015 at 10:48 am

    Michael Hudson nails the problem. The 1% are waging financial war on the rest of us. The objective of military warfare is to acquire land, key resources, and political power over a nation. The only difference is that financial warfare is carried out with fountain pens not guns. The outcome is the same.

    The aim of financial warfare is not merely to acquire land, natural resources and key infrastructure rents as in military warfare; it is to centralize creditor control over society. In contrast to the promise of democratic reform nurturing a middle class a century ago, we are witnessing a regression to a world of special privilege in which one must inherit wealth in order to avoid debt and job dependency.

    The emerging financial oligarchy seeks to shift taxes off banks and their major customers (real estate, natural resources and monopolies) onto labor. Given the need to win voter acquiescence, this aim is best achieved by rolling back everyone’s taxes. The easiest way to do this is to shrink government spending, headed by Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. The fact that these are the programs that enjoy the strongest voter support has inspired the Big Lie of our epoch: the pretense that governments can create money only to pay the financial sector, leaving the beneficiaries of social programs entirely responsible for paying for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, not the wealthy. This Big Lie is used to reverse the concept of progressive taxation, turning the tax system into a ploy of the financial sector to levy tribute on the economy at large.

    http://www.counterpunch.org/2012/12/31/the-financial-war-against-the-economy-at-large/

    • Draco T Bastard 3.1
      4 July 2015 at 1:13 pm

      The emerging financial oligarchy seeks to shift taxes off banks and their major customers (real estate, natural resources and monopolies) onto labor.

      This is what GST is and why we’ve always seen an increase in GST at the same time that taxes on high incomes has come down.

    • Reddelusion 3.2
      4 July 2015 at 5:02 pm

      Can you tell me when the next meeting of the 1pc is, I would like to go, they seem very organised

      • Crashcart 3.2.1
        6 July 2015 at 11:39 am

        Just look for the next meeting of the Cabinet Club. That should have a pretty good representation of the 1% paying a whole lot of money into the National Party charity and having nice little innocent discussions with the leader of the National party. Not the PM of course that could be considered slightly corrupt.

      • ropata 3.2.2
        9 July 2015 at 11:27 pm

        Up FJK’s arse usually, I’m pretty sure you are familiar with it

  4. dukeofurl 4
    4 July 2015 at 11:00 am

    So the Labour hire companies stamp their feet and its done overnight.

  5. Charles 5
    4 July 2015 at 11:38 am

    It’s nice the government tried to become an Immigrant Labour Union (ILU – you may not have heard of them..) to solve the problems of their ideology, and then realised that as a Union they were contradicting the idea of unfettered profit and private control of the labour force. Must have been quite something to see that reverse eureka moment go off in the collective heads of National MPs.

  7. Chrys Berryman 7
    4 July 2015 at 12:34 pm

    ……and when the immigrant worker gets home …the exploitation continues,crammed into a bedroom with 4 other guys and paying $175 for the privilege…..this is not the N.Z I grew up in,where an owner of clapped out villa in ChCh can gross $500,000 a year…….and then theres the highly trained Phillipino nurses who work in aged care for the minimum wage and get the shove after 2 years because they fail the English exam[a test most Kiwis would fail!!]………enabling the rest home to get another set of wage slaves…….the list goes on and on…….thankyou National for creating the conditions for this evil to thrive.

  8. Draco T Bastard 8
    4 July 2015 at 1:08 pm

    But the Government is worried about “employee poaching”. That is when workers move to other employers because they can earn more.

    Wouldn’t that be like the free labour market that employers keep insisting that they need?

    Of course, what the employers really mean is that they want to be able to do anything they like without having to consider the employees while the employees have to do what they’re told whether they like it or not. Exactly the same way as it was under the old feudal lords.

    Actually prior to that is has even facilitated construction employers to sign a “Construction Sector Workforce Plan” with a specific acknowledgement that “poaching” will increase wages and a provision that says

    I’ve looked at a few contracts for labour hire firms and the one thing that they seem to have in common is a clause that if the person who is employed by them then gets a job for one of the labour hire firms clients that person owes the labour hire firm. The least I’ve seen claimed is two and a half weeks pay and the most is $5000.

    The employers don’t want a free labour market, they want a slave market and this government is giving it to them.

    • ropata 8.1
      4 July 2015 at 1:34 pm

      That is not a legal contract, it contravenes the basic right of someone to earn a living. Wouldn’t stand up in court, but a minimum wage labourer doesn’t have the means to go there..

    • Reddelusion 8.2
      4 July 2015 at 5:08 pm

      Are you sure Draco, my experience is the employer pays if worker goes temp to perm. You may be referring to if employee finishes with labour hire company, thus the labour hire company is simply seeking to recover his investment in bringing some one out

      • Draco T Bastard 8.2.1
        4 July 2015 at 5:29 pm

        Last time I looked, labour hire companies don’t do any investment in the people that the contract out and so they’re not recouping anything.

        • Reddelusion 8.2.1.1
          4 July 2015 at 5:56 pm

          Draco if they where providing no value they would not survive. they are simply acting as middlemen connecting employees and employers which obviously comes at a cost but also adds value , if not you would assume with modern technolgy they would be easily disinter-mediated.

          • ropata 8.2.1.1.1
            4 July 2015 at 7:09 pm

            Surprisingly, unskilled labourers don’t use high technology in the manner you dream of

          • Draco T Bastard 8.2.1.1.2
            4 July 2015 at 7:50 pm

            I’m not disputing that. I’m pointing out that they’re effectively claiming ownership of the employees by demanding payment from those employees and the new employers if the employees leave.

    • BM 8.3
      4 July 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Yeah, that finders fees a bit rough.

      I remember doing a bit of work for one particular business and they had this young fella
      helping out doing general labouring and stuff.

      The boss of the business was going to offer him a full time job but the labour hire company said the business in question would have to pay something like 3-5k to them as a finders fee.

      We’re talking just a bog standard labourer with no special skills, unfortunately the young guy didn’t get the job.

      I don’t think a lot of people quite realize the traps some of these labour hire companies can be.

      • Draco T Bastard 8.3.1
        4 July 2015 at 5:30 pm

        It’s not a finders fee as the labour hire firm hadn’t been hired to find anybody. It’s a don’t take our slave off us fee.

      • Reddelusion 8.3.2
        4 July 2015 at 6:05 pm

        This is normal terms in the industry bm. If not how would these firms survive. They offer to types of services, temp labour where the make a margin on hours worked by temp ( paid by employer) , hence if employer can just take his people the business model would be unsustainablle, ie let the hire company do all the recruiting and work and at no cost employer takes the ones he likes. Normally if a temp has been at a place long term the temp to perm fee is waived or reduced. The other service these companies provide is recruiting for full time employees, this is where a one off finders fee is paid by employer. All this talk of slave labour is nonsense, these companies prove a valueable service in bringing employees and employers together, which either party would find much more difficult on their own

        • BM 8.3.2.1
          4 July 2015 at 7:00 pm

          I completely understand.

          I just thought it was a bit high for a labourer.

          It’s hard enough for the unskilled to find work, having this sort of road block put in your way when you’re trying your best is a bit disheartening .

        • Tracey 8.3.2.2
          5 July 2015 at 11:25 am

          why do they have a right to survive? They get a cut by charging the work at $25 per hour but only paying $15 per hour…

  9. Mike the Savage One 9
    4 July 2015 at 3:40 pm

    Perhaps instead of being concerned about “employee poaching”, especially in view of a looming recession coming our way (dairy bust, China growth slowing, Australia losing steam), we may also have reason to be concerned about immigrant workers competing for jobs offered by other employers, thus putting pressure on wages of local workers?

    But besides of that, whatever is going on in the area of labour laws and workers rights, this government can hardly be trusted to honestly look after the interests of workers.

  10. Gordon Reynolds 10
    4 July 2015 at 7:01 pm

    What are you all complaining about.
    The majority of voters support the national party so they are getting what they want.
    After all the employers are a minority the rest of us are workers so we get what the working voter voted for.
    I don’t understand them!!!!!!

  11. G C 11
    4 July 2015 at 7:23 pm

    Free market capitalism is normally National’s mantra, right? “We should let the markets decide” I’m sure I’ve heard them say that? (I’m seriously asking)

    This sounds like slavery. If an employee can get better pay somewhere else, all power to them. Why shouldn’t a skilled/hardworking construction worker be entitled to accept such opportunities.

    It’s good for over-all wage increases and encourages businesses to be more innovative. ‘Job Placement Companies’ are probably losing money when workers exit jobs they’ve been placed in – cry me a river, people aren’t slaves, right?

    If people are impinged from moving around the labour force, unemployment will be created:

    Opportunities for continued employment will be lost. ChCh Rebuild Example: Employee is told there is 8 months worth of work. After working 5 months an opportunity to take up a years contract in another business arises. Because of anti-poaching policy – opportunity is lost and employee is unemployed 3 months later.

    • Reddelusion 11.1
      4 July 2015 at 10:24 pm

      Yes it is free market GC but as in all markets contracts mean something hence the contract between hire company and their staff and employee and hire company. The government step in where the market is failing to deliver on the greater good , ie chc rebuild, I thought you would be all for that

      • G C 11.1.1
        4 July 2015 at 11:58 pm

        Disagree Reddelusion

        I haven’t seen any evidence workers (ChCh Rebuild) availing themselves with higher paying opportunities means; “the market is failing to deliver on the greater good”.

        Someone maybe a valued employee of a small company. If their skill-set is being under utilised – and said skill-set could be used to complete say, an Anchor Project (convention centre, sports facility) – why stop that from happening.

        If a foreign worker is being exploited, is it for the “greater good” to stop them accepting fair remuneration for their labour.

        Let’s not forget the Christchurch Rebuild is the government’s proverbial ‘wet-dream’ in that it dramatically bolsters economic growth.

        It’s human nature NOT to want to job hop. Rather people want a secure position they can stick at. Christchurch has traditionally been a low wage town/city. With an increasingly active and dynamic local economy here (ChCh) – wages have to and will increase. Policies like the above are just backwards.

        • Reddelusion 11.1.1.1
          5 July 2015 at 11:35 am

          It simply a competitive fixed term contract GC, a contract to supply labour is no different than any other contract, if you don’t like it don’t sign it, or negioate terms accordingly. Without the law of contracts and effective enforcement commerce would break down. How would you feel if you hired a plumber for 2 weeks under contract and halfway through the job he decides to pick up sticks because it suits him Your political views on chic rebuild is immaterial to this arguement

          • G C 11.1.1.1.1
            5 July 2015 at 12:25 pm

            “How would you feel if you hired a plumber for 2 weeks under contract and halfway through the job he decides to pick up sticks because it suits him”

            1. A sole-trade is unlikely to throw His business away on a whim
            2. If it is a company, another trades person could finish the job
            3. I wouldn’t pay the plumber
            4. etc, etc, etc

            People aren’t incline to just leave jobs – if ‘Recruitment Agencies’ are experiencing high turn over – perhaps they need to look at themselves.

      • Draco T Bastard 11.1.2
        5 July 2015 at 4:46 am

        There are somethings that shouldn’t be in a contract and clauses that prevent employees from moving to better employment is one of them.

        • Reddelusion 11.1.2.1
          5 July 2015 at 11:41 am

          That is the case under normal employment law, the chc rebuild is a bit different, re jobs are project related, people are coming in on specific temporary visa to meet a specific need (the chc rebuild) and are operating in a quasi contractor environment and are not directly employed by the employer, but by the hire company

          • G C 11.1.2.1.1
            5 July 2015 at 12:18 pm

            When using the term “quasi contractor environment” in your argument – It’s really scrapping the bottom of the barrel. I’m still not convinced there is an actual problem that needs addressing here.

            Rather, I’m incline to think ‘Recruitment Agencies’ are using lobbyist to promote policy that would line their pockets. I’d suggest ‘Recruitment Agencies’ need to get better at placing people in jobs – NOT seeking corporate welfare through a legislative proxy.

          • Draco T Bastard 11.1.2.1.2
            5 July 2015 at 4:54 pm

            Nothing about the Christchurch rebuild requires a change in employment law just to protect the labour hire firms from their own folly of not paying enough/abusing people.

  12. G C 12
    4 July 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Surely the ACT Party would be against this kind of ‘policy making’ & legislation?

    • Draco T Bastard 12.1
      4 July 2015 at 7:52 pm

      You would think so but I wouldn’t count on it as Act works to protect the employers more often than not.

      • G C 12.1.1
        4 July 2015 at 8:18 pm

        I hope Act speak out against this policy idea – I’m liking David Seymour at the moment.

  13. Keith 13
    5 July 2015 at 7:52 am

    The move to stop a worker going to another employer to get better conditions is a text book example of laws used in the medieval period where serfs were prevented from leaving their masters. What next, legislate what colour and material of clothing they must wear?

    As for Woodhouse saying he was going to change the zero hour rort and he doesn’t, absolute classic lying National. I can just see it, “shit we are getting a caning over this abusive zero hour scam, tell them you’ll change it, but never change anything. It will keep our donors happy and maximise profits.

    Its no exaggeration that National are in government for their mates and hate ordinary people.

  14. Keith 14
    5 July 2015 at 8:39 am

    In fact what you describe in the opening paragraphs is not at all disimilar to “Debt bondage” or “Serfdom” and this banned by the UN.

    Because a person, who goes to great expense to come to NZ is then bonded to an employer named on the visa and cannot leave them legally to work for another, or certainly not without a lot of difficulty and probable expense. Their original employer quite simply owns their destiny whilst in NZ and that person is extremely exploitable to say the least.

    Its almost unbelievable that in NZ in the 21st century we are even talking about this.

  15. Peter Scott 15
    5 July 2015 at 11:30 am

    Excellent post Helen. So National are the champions of letting the market decide except when it comes to labourers wages. That is absolutely disgraceful and must be stamped on if workers wages are to rise.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    6 hours 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T05:48:49+00:00