The Coming Oil Crisis

Written By: - Date published: 9:21 am, January 13th, 2024 - 21 comments
Categories: Deep stuff, Economy, energy, International, israel, Palestine - Tags:

An expanding Middle East war that puts the Red Sea and Suez tanker route at risk is a major risk to us because it could hit the global price of oil.

Since the attacks by the United States and United Kingdom on Houthi bases in the last days, oil prices have started to spike.

This runs counter to the 2023 price record. The Chief Market Strategist for B. Riley Wealth Mr Art Hogan explained the growing importance of OPEC as a stabilising influence. “OPEC+ has done an effective job in 2023 of coordinating lower output levels, in an environment of decelerating demand. Additionally Brazil looks set to join the alliance in January 2024.”

Brazil’s entry is likely to put downward pressure on oil price globally since it is not committing to match output with demand, and oil production in the US together with very soft economic growth in China will also be downward-price factors.

However it is pretty apparent that the United States effort towards containment of the Middle East conflict in Israel and beyond is failing. It is now much more likely that this is about to kick off, and with it oil prices are at upward risk.

We have very little protection against rising oil prices.

More than in other OECD countries, New Zealand’s use of transport fuel is weighted towards diesel and jet fuel, which play a minor role in private transport but a major role in tourism and agriculture which are our economic engines. Our economy is already weak and this is exactly what we don’t need.

We should definitely worry that an expanding war in the Middle East will affect oil prices.  Analysts like Goldman Sachs have been flagging this increasing risk for a while now.

During the 1973 Arab states invasion of Israel, Arab members of OPEC imposed an embargo against the United States in retaliation for the U.S. decision to re-supply the Israeli military and to gain leverage in the post-war peace negotiations. It may be 40 years ago, but this current confluence we don’t need again. Then the Iran revolution occurred in 1979. As the previous Minister of Energy Sir Bill Birch stated, “In 1979, New Zealand suddenly lost half its oil supply. The Government could not stand idly by and do nothing.”

You can check out the full public sector response in John Boshier’s 2023 book Power Surge. This results from his recollections as an insider and his own extensive research. Read it if you want to understand the turning points in our energy story, and explore what motivated the key people.

The pressure on New Zealand at that time was so strong that it instigated a massive national programme towards greater energy self-reliance.

But then ideological radicalism and complacency set in. Deregulation of the oil industry in 1988 removed price controls, government involvement in refining, licensing of wholesalers and retailers, and restrictions on imports of refined products. With the dismantling of Marsden Point as a refinery we now fully rely on imports for all petroleum products from road tarmac to butane.

As the Ukraine war did, so the Middle East chaos should again remind us of our vulnerability.

Don’t worry we are a long way from carless days or another oil crisis.

Forty years later from the OPEC embargo, New Zealand doesn’t have an energy strategy. But the previous government did generate a terms of reference for one to be developed.

There are two bits of good news. The U.S. has such strong domestic supply that it can’t be successfully embargoed by OPEC as it was. Secondly the countries upon which we are most reliant – China, the United States and Australia – are not experiencing recession and are sending bounteous volumes of tourists our way. They can pay for the jet fuel.

The bad news is that the United States simply isn’t using its influence to calm the region down. Since 2015, in Yemen, Saudi Arabia has produced the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and caused 377,000 deaths according to U.N. estimates. That’s who the U.S. wants a big diplomatic deal with. And it is continuing to fail to use its influence over Israel to come to any diplomatic solution over its huge attacks on Gaza after the terrorist incursions in October 2023, and rewarding it with unlimited weapons.

This sustained failure with the two worst offenders in the Middle East is not likely to improve, whether Biden or Trump are running U.S. foreign policy.

This is going to get worse.

But New Zealand has zero effect on any of that. So it must prepare.

New Zealand is at high risk of oil price spikes that can cause massive economic damage.

Our government needs to commit to continuing the transformation away from oil dependence towards electricity and decarbonisation across the whole of New Zealand. It needs an energy strategy. It needs to accelerate electric car fleet replacement. It needs to shut down the Huntly coal power station. It needs to work to rid us of petroleum reliance which is our core addiction.

And it needs to act fast. As we all do.

21 comments on “The Coming Oil Crisis ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. Bearded Git 1
    13 January 2024 at 12:01 pm

    Good post Ad. Agree entirely with your conclusion in final paragraph. But the chances of this happening under the rabble just elected are minimal.

    Let's hope it is a one-term government…..or less.

  2. Grant 2
    13 January 2024 at 1:00 pm

    Actually fifty years since 1973

  3. Scud 3
    13 January 2024 at 3:11 pm

    The reason why the Yanks aren't to worried about oil & gas atm, is because they are largely self efficient due to fracking in the USA & Canada.

    But the flip side to this, is the other Economies that are still reliant POL for not only its Economic Security but also the world's economic development EU, Japan, Sth Korea, India before even look at the likes Of Oz or little old NZ which probably has more to lose than anyone else atm.

    Ie- distance to & from NZ to export & import goods,

    Inflation as costs go up at home & overseas

    Costs for goods & services which will feed in Inflation see above LoL.

    Interest rates rises could see more defaulters happening across all sectors of NZ's Economy again see above LoL.

    The list goes on.

  4. Dennis Frank 4
    13 January 2024 at 3:54 pm

    The global neolib system is getting a timely resilience test. Terrorists trying to take out supply lines are just one dimension.

    The World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Global Risks 2024 report, published on 10 January, sheds some much-needed light on some of the key risks and issues the global economy is likely to face this year and in the coming years… In 2024, conflict escalation could be seen in three vital hotspots. These include Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. If so, this could have potentially far-reaching economic, geopolitical and security consequences.

    The report highlights: "All three areas stand at a geopolitical crossroads, where major powers have vested interests: oil and trade routes in the Middle East, stability and the balance of power in Eastern Europe and advanced technological supply chains in East Asia.

    Each could lead to broader regional destabilisation, directly drawing in major power(s) and escalating the scale of conflict. All three also directly involve power(s) reckoned to possess nuclear capabilities."

    https://www.euronews.com/business/2024/01/10/global-risks-2024-what-are-the-key-geopolitical-risks-this-year

    Could be a good idea to shoot the breeze with your local thematic leader…

    The survey takes into account the views of nearly 1,500 leaders across a variety of sectors, including business, academia, civil society and government, as well as more than 200 thematic leaders.

  5. Pat 5
    13 January 2024 at 5:12 pm

    Have a look at the 'oil' price the past couple of years….you may wish to revaluate your projection.

    • Ad 5.1
      13 January 2024 at 6:08 pm

      I already noted the 2023 trading band.

      I also cited the current trades.

      Go ahead make a point.

      • Pat 5.1.1
        13 January 2024 at 6:13 pm

        The point is quite simply the oil producers have been limiting supply for the past couple of years due to the lack of demand….demand is what sets the price, and the world cannot afford expensive energy (the basis of a modern economy)…the price is the price that can be paid, and the worlds largest supplier (Saudi Arabia) will continue to set the price as high as it can without collapsing demand…with one eye on the cost of fracking.

        The price may increase short term but will do what it has done the past couple of years and revert to a sustainable level….they have no choice.

  7. SPC 7
    14 January 2024 at 8:43 am

    It would be wise for consumer nation states and corporate suppliers this side of the Suez to increase the level of reserves/storage capacity/contingency because of longer shipping times.

    As for oil, the risk is to Persian Gulf supply itself, which means planning for lower levels of dependence on that source (working with suppliers to diversify). But in the short term also partnering with corporate suppliers to ensure greater reserves.

  8. gsays 8
    14 January 2024 at 8:59 am

    This touches on one of my pet peeves, the closure of Marsden Point.

    I had a wee look at this below, time and time again it mentions a low likelihood but high consequence event causing a stoppage of imports. (Covid casts a long shadow over the advice.)

    https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/17733-fuel-supply-resilience-without-a-domestic-oil-refinery-proactiverelease-pdf

    At the crux of these problems, and most other of our problems, is this globalist, market driven ideology.

    Refinery NZ is/was a private company with shareholders. Shareholders get twitchy because of their returns being diminished. They aren't interested in national resilience, they are reluctant to spend $ on the necessary upgrades and maintenance.

    There is talk of CC emissions in the report. Typical doublespeak (or some other Orwellian term), closing the refinery doesn't impact global emissions but does lower Aotearoa emissions by " 0.75 and 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) each year." It's just they appear on another nations balance sheet. We will have to pay for that but no mention of that cost in the report.

    I was surprised to learn how big a part Marsden Point played in our supply. "In the years immediately before 2020, Refining NZ supplied about 65 to 70 per cent of New Zealand’s total demand for refined fuels, and 100 per cent of its jet fuel."

    This is without considering the impact on the Northland economy and the specialised jobs that were lost.

    It was surprising to learn how big a part the refinery played in our fuel make up. "In the years immediately before 2020, Refining NZ supplied about 65 to 70 per cent of New Zealand’s total demand for refined fuels, and 100 per cent of its jet fuel. "

    NZ needs to get more resilient in respect to the nature of it's imports, ie, developing the pharmaceutical industry etc.

    These are issues that seem beyond the imagination and ability of our political masters of all stripes and the public service.

    Hey, neo liberals gotta neo liberal.

    • gsays 8.1
      14 January 2024 at 9:11 am

      This touches on one of my pet peeves, the closure of Marsden Point.

      I had a wee look at this below, time and time again it mentions a low likelihood but high consequence event causing a stoppage of imports. (Covid casts a long shadow over the advice.)

      https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/17733-fuel-supply-resilience-without-a-domestic-oil-refinery-proactiverelease-pdf

      At the crux of these problems, and most other of our problems, is this globalist, market driven ideology.

      Refinery NZ is/was a private company with shareholders. Shareholders get twitchy because of their returns being diminished. They aren;t interested in national resilience, they are reluctant to spend $ on the necessary upgrades and maintenance.

      There is talk of CC emissions in the report. Typical doublespeak (or some other Orwellian term), closing the refinery doesn't impact global emissions but does lower Aotearoa emissions by "0.75 and 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) each year." It's just they appear on another nations balance sheet. We will have to pay for that but no mention of that cost in the report.

      I was surprised to learn how big a part Marsden Point played in our supply. "In the years immediately before 2020, Refining NZ supplied about 65 to 70 per cent of New Zealand's total demand for refined fuels, and 100 per cent of its jet fuel."

      This is without considering the impact on the Northland economy and the specialised jobs that were lost.

      It was surprising to learn how big a part the refinery played in our fuel make up. "In the years immediately before 2020, Refining NZ supplied about 65 to 70 per cent of New Zealand's total demand for refined fuels, and 100 per cent of its jet fuel. "

      NZ needs to get more resilient in respect to the nature of it's imports, ie, developing the pharmaceutical industry etc.

      These are issues that seem beyond the imagination and ability of our political masters of all stripes and the public service.

      Hey, neo liberals gotta neo liberal.

      Edit; The comments section of this Stuff article are worth a peruse,
      https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/125650659/closure-of-marsden-point-oil-refinery-set-to-cost-240-jobs

      • SPC 8.1.1
        14 January 2024 at 9:51 am

        Sure, instead heavy trucks on roads, limited coastal shipping – concerns about commitment to Kiwi Rail and fast efficient movement of goods by rail between the two islands.

  9. Tricledrown 9
    14 January 2024 at 10:20 am

    Inflation is going to kill the any economic resurgence National will do there austerity thing and create more poverty and social breakdown.

  10. Tricledrown 10
    14 January 2024 at 10:28 am

    Inflation is going to kill the any economic resurgence National will do there austerity thing and create more poverty and social breakdown.

    What will National do, nothing except exasperate the situation

    This would be a good time for house building not going to happen.

    Fix the fing ferries not going to happen electrify the entire rail system not going to happen.

    Add value to Agriculture in a huge revamp so we are not dependent on heavy low value exports as Shipping will be way more expensive.

    Import substitution not going to happen

    Reduce dependence on Oil

    Not going to happen.

    NactNZfirst coalition is going to be a disaster.

    • bwaghorn 10.1
      14 January 2024 at 11:09 am

      The electrified main trunk bisected my farm, I don't recall seeing a single train actually useing the wires , big diesels roaring by is what I see.

    • Gosman 10.2
      15 January 2024 at 8:40 am

      Import substitution is an idiotic policy especially for a smallish country like NZ

  12. Mike the Lefty 12
    15 January 2024 at 10:26 am

    When oil prices spike up the coalition government will say its not their fault for the higher pump prices, exactly the opposite of what they were saying a year.

    Also interesting how the exceptionally low recent lamb and mutton prices have gone by without a murmur from the farmers, who must be really suffering from the low gate prices, seeing as when prices were double what they are now the sheep farmers still complained they weren't making any money.

    When its National in power and their prices drop they shrug their shoulders, blame the weather and just carry on. When its Labour in power they blame the government and drive their tractors into town.

  13. John 13
    23 January 2024 at 6:09 am

    Unfortunately, Treacherous swine have closed our only oil refinery permanently. It has been destroyed, not mothballed.

    If we had a nationalized refining company, we could be importing cheap Russian crude, refining it and raising the lifestyles of all NZer's.

    But no, thanks to the efforts of the great traitor Douglas, Richardson and Co, the Commons were gutted!

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    Respect Existence, Or Expect Resistance? There may well have been 50,000 pairs of feet “Marching For Nature” down Auckland’s Queen Street on Saturday afternoon, but the figure that impresses the Coalition Government is the 1,450,000 pairs of Auckland feet that were somewhere else.IN THE ERA OF DRONES and Artificial Intelligence, ...
    Bowalley Road
    6 days ago

  • Media Link: AVFA on post-colonial blowback.
    Selwyn Manning and I discuss varieties of post colonial blowback and the implications its has for the rise of the Global South. Counties discussed include Palestine/Israel, France/New Caledonia, England/India, apartheid/post-apartheid South Africa and post-colonial New Zealand. It is a bit … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago

  • Policy by panic
    Back in March, Ombudsman Peter Boshier resigned when he hit the statutory retirement age of 72, leaving the country in the awkward (and legally questionable) position of having him continue as a temporay appointee. It apparently took the entire political system by surprise - as evinced by Labour's dick move ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago

  • PSA: NZ's Richest Company, Zuru, Sucks
    Hi,Today the New Zealand press is breathlessly reporting that the owners of toy company Zuru are officially New Zealand’s wealthiest people: Mat and Nick Mowbray worth an estimated $20 billion between them.While the New Zealand press loses its shit celebrating this Kiwi success story, this is a Webworm reminder that ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    7 days ago

  • Bernard's Dawn Chorus and pick 'n' mix for Monday, June 10
    TL;DR: The six things to note in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty in the past day to 8:36 pm on Monday, June 10 were:20,000 protested against the Fast-track approval bill on Saturday in Auckland, but PM Christopher Luxon says ‘sorry, but not sorry’ about the need for ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago

  • In Defence of Kāinga Ora
    Given the headlines around the recent findings of the ‘independent’ review of Kāinga Ora by Bill English, you might assume this post will be about social housing, Kāinga Ora’s most prominent role. While that is indeed something that requires defending, I want to talk about the other core purpose of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    7 days ago

  • Baby You're A Rich Man
    “How does it feel to beOne of the beautiful peopleNow that you know who you areWhat do you want to beAnd have you traveled very far?Far as the eye can see”Yesterday the ACT party faithful were regaled with craven boasts, sneers, and demands for even more at their annual rally.That ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago

  • Stopping a future Labour government from shutting down gas exploration
    A defiant Resources Minister Shane Jones has responded to Saturday’s environmental protests by ending Labour’s offshore oil exploration ban and calling for long-term contracts with any successful explorers. The purpose would be to prevent a future Labour Government from reversing any licence the explorers might hold. Jones sees a precedent ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    7 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #23
    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, June 2, 2024 thru Sat, June 8, 2024. Story of the week Our Story of the Week is Yale Climate Connection's Resources for debunking common solar and wind myths, by ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Fission by the river
    This is where we ate our lunch last Wednesday. Never mind your châteaux and castles and whatnot, we like to enjoy a baguette in the shadow of a nuclear power plant; a station that puts out more than twice as much as Manapouri using nothing more than tiny atoms to bring ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • Fact Brief – Is the ocean acidifying?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by John Mason in collaboration with members from the Gigafact team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is the ocean acidifying? Acidification of oceans ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • 20,000+ on Queen St.
    The largest protest I ever went on was in the mid 90s. There were 10,000 people there that day, and I’ve never forgotten it. An enormous mass of people, chanting together. Stretching block after block, bringing traffic to a halt.But I can’t say that’s the biggest protest I’ve ever been ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Josh Drummond's Columns
    Hi there,I wanted to put all of Josh Drummond’s Webworm pieces all in one place. I love that he writes for Webworm — and all of these are a good read!David.Why Are So Many “Christians” Hellbent on Being Horrible?Why do so many objectively hideous people declare themselves “Christian”?Meeting the Master ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago

  • Bernard’s Saturday soliloquy and weekend Pick ‘n’ Mix for June 8/9
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: On reflection, the six things to note in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty this week were:The Government-driven freeze in building new classrooms, local roads and water networks in order to save cash for tax cuts is frustrating communities facing massive population ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • The no-vision thing
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past somewhat interrupted week. Still on the move!Share Read more ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • When Journalists are Disingenuous
    Hi,One of the things I like the most about Webworm is to be able to break down the media and journalism a little, and go behind the scenes.This is one of those times.Yesterday an email arrived in my inbox from journalist Jonathan Milne, who is managing editor at Newsroom.I don’t ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago

  • Me, elsewhere: Just say you’ll do the thing
    Wrote something over at 1/200 on a familiar theme of mine: The way we frame the economy as a separate, sacred force which must be sacrificed to, the way we talk about criminals as invaders who must be repelled, the constant othering of people on the benefit, people not in ...
    Boots TheoryBy Stephanie Rodgers
    1 week ago

  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted
    A nice bit of news today: my 4600-word historical fantasy-horror piece, A Voyage Among the Vandals, has been accepted by Phobica Books (https://www.phobicabooks.co.uk/books) for their upcoming Pirate Horror anthology, Shivering Timbers. This one is set in the Mediterranean, during the mid-fifth century AD. Notable for having one of history’s designated ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago

  • Ministerial conflicts of interest
    Since the National government came to power, it has been surrounded by allegations of conflicts of interest. Firstly, there's the fast-track law, which concentrates power in the hands of three Ministers, some of whom have received donations from companies whose projects they will be deciding on. Secondly, there's the close ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • The 2024 Budget Forecasts Are Gloomy Prognosis About The Next Three Years.
    There was no less razzamatazz about the 2024 Budget than about earlier ones. Once again the underlying economic analysis got lost. It deserves more attention.Just to remind you, the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU), is the Treasury’s independent assessment and so can be analysed by other competent economists (although ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago

  • A government that can't see twenty feet ahead
    There are two failings that consistently characterise a National government. One is a lack of imagination, the other is their willingness to look after their mates, no matter what harm it might do to everyone else.This is how we come to have thousands of enormous trucks carving up our roads. ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • A post I hope is incorrect
    In May, we learned that National MP David MacLeod had "forgotten" to declare $178,000 in electoral donations. Filing a donation return which is false in any material particular is a crime, and the Electoral Commission has now referred MacLeod to police, since they're the only people who are allowed to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Māori Cannot Re-Write New Zealand’s Constitution By Stealth.
    The Kotahitanga Parliament 1897: A Māori Parliament – at least in the guise of a large and representative body dedicated to describing the shape of New Zealand’s future from a Māori perspective – would be a very good idea.THE DEMAND for a “Māori Parliament” needs to be carefully unpicked. Some Pakeha, ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • Cowpats and Colonials.
    Dumbtown, is how my friend Gerard refers to people like ZB listeners - he’s not wrong.Normally on a Friday I start by looking at Mike Hosking’s moronic reckons of the week which he vomits down the throats of his audience like helpless baby birds in a nest, grateful for the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • Gordon Campbell on cutting the sick leave of vulnerable workers
    Should sick leave be part and parcel of the working conditions from Day One on the job, just like every other health and safety provision? Or should access to sick leave be something that only gradually accumulates, depending on how long a worker has been on the payroll? If enacted ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    1 week ago

  • Nobody Move: Ageing Boomers, Laurie & Les, Talk Politics.
    “So long as we live in a democracy, economic policy can never be anything other than social-democratic.”“HEH!”, snorted Laurie, as he waved his debit card over the EFTPOS machine. “Same price as last week. I guess budgets aren’t what they used to be.”“I wouldn’t know,” replied the young barman, wearily, ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • In Search Of Unity.
    Kotahitanga: New Zealand’s future belongs to those who do not fear a nation carved out of unity and solidarity, and are willing to trust the carvers. Some New Zealanders will be required to step up, and others, perhaps for the first time in their lives, will be expected to step ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago

  • Weekly Roundup 7-June-2024
    Welcome to another Friday roundup! Here are some recent links and stories that caught our eye, perfectly timed for your watercooler discussions and weekend reading. As always feel free to share more in the comments. Our header image this week is by Patrick Reynolds, and shows Te Komititanga from above. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago

  • The Hoon around the week to June 7
    As Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, ACT’s Brooke van Velden is fronting proposed changes to sick pay regulations and The Holiday Act. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The podcast above of the weekly ‘hoon’ webinar for paying subscribers features talking with:The Kākā’s climate correspondent talking about the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Did we boil the oceans by cutting pollution?
    Lowering aerosol emissions from shipping has altered clouds, with potentially drastic effects. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: Here’s the top six news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer:New evidence is increasingly pointing at efforts ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #23 2024
    Open access notables Abrupt reduction in shipping emission as an inadvertent geoengineering termination shock produces substantial radiative warming, Yuan et al., Communications Earth & Environment: Human activities affect the Earth’s climate through modifying the composition of the atmosphere, which then creates radiative forcing that drives climate change. The warming effect ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 week ago

  • Fragments
    The best observation I’ve read this week about the deep, profound harm Trump is doingTrump has hurled threats and smears at witnesses, jurors and the judge (including his family)... [he] has tried to intimidate witnesses and delegitimize the New York courts as corrupt. In continuing to incite his mob (that ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • High Court Judge appointed
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Auckland King’s Counsel Gregory Peter Blanchard as a High Court Judge. Justice Blanchard attended the University of Auckland from 1991 to 1995, graduating with an LLB (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (English). He was a solicitor with the firm that is now Dentons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Health workforce numbers rise
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says new data released today shows encouraging growth in the health workforce, with a continued increase in the numbers of doctors, nurses and midwives joining Health New Zealand. “Frontline healthcare workers are the beating heart of the healthcare system. Increasing and retaining our health workforce ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to overhaul firearms laws
    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has today announced a comprehensive programme to reform New Zealand's outdated and complicated firearms laws. “The Arms Act has been in place for over 40 years. It has been amended several times – in a piecemeal, and sometimes rushed way. This has resulted in outdated ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government delivers landmark specialist schools investment
    The coalition Government is delivering record levels of targeted investment in specialist schools so children with additional needs can thrive. As part of Budget 24, $89 million has been ringfenced to redevelop specialist facilities and increase satellite classrooms for students with high needs. This includes: $63 million in depreciation funding ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Major health and safety consultation begins
    A substantial consultation on work health and safety will begin today with a roadshow across the regions over the coming months, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.  This the first step to deliver on the commitment to reforming health and safety law and regulations, set out in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Growing the potential of New Zealand’s forestry sector in partnership
    Forestry Minister Todd McClay, today announced the start of the Government’s plan to restore certainty and confidence in the forestry and wood processing sector. “This government will drive investment to unlock the industry’s economic potential for growth,” Mr McClay says. “Forestry’s success is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, boosting ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government cancels forestry ETS annual service charges for 2023-24
    Annual service charges in the forestry Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will be cancelled for 2023/24, Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. “The sector has told me the costs imposed on forestry owners by the previous government were excessive and unreasonable and I agree,” Mr McClay says. “They have said that there ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the LGNZ Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Thank you for having me here today and welcome to Wellington, the home of the Hurricanes, the next Super Rugby champions. Infrastructure – the challenge This government has inherited a series of big challenges in infrastructure. I don’t need to tell an audience as smart as this one that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government boosts Agriculture and food trade with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard welcomed outcomes to boost agricultural and food trade between New Zealand and China. A number of documents were signed today at Government House that will improve the business environment between New Zealand and China, and help reduce barriers, including on infant formula ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ and China launch Services Trade Negotiations
    Trade Minister Todd McClay, and China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, today announced the official launch of Negotiations on Services Trade between the two countries.  “The Government is focused on opening doors for services exporters to grow the New Zealand’s economy,” Mr McClay says.  As part of the 2022 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement Upgrade ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon meets with Premier Li
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Government House in Wellington today.  “I was pleased to welcome Premier Li to Wellington for his first official visit, which marks 10 years since New Zealand and China established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Mr Luxon says. “The Premier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government and business tackling gender pay gap
    The coalition Government is taking action to reduce the gender pay gap in New Zealand through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. “Gender pay gaps have impacted women for decades, which is why we need to continue to drive change in New Zealand,” Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Funding Boost for Rural Support Trusts
    The coalition Government is boosting funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide more help to farmers and growers under pressure, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced today. “A strong and thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the New Zealand economy and one of the ways to support it is to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Latest data shows size of public service decreasing
    Spending on contractors and consultants continues to fall and the size of the Public Service workforce has started to decrease after years of growth, according to the latest data released today by the Public Service Commission. Workforce data for the quarter from 31 December 23 to 31 March 24 shows ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to the Law Association
    Thank you to the Law Association for inviting me to speak this morning. As a former president under its previous name — the Auckland District Law Society — I take particular satisfaction in seeing this organisation, and its members, in such good heart. As Attorney-General, I am grateful for these ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • 25 years on, NZ reaffirms enduring friendship with Timor Leste
    New Zealand is committed to working closely with Timor-Leste to support its prosperity and resilience, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “This year is the 25th anniversary of New Zealand sending peacekeepers to Timor-Leste, who contributed to the country’s stabilisation and ultimately its independence,” Mr Peters says.    “A quarter ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Inquiry requested into rural banking
    Promoting robust competition in the banking sector is vital to rebuilding the economy, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  “New Zealanders deserve a banking sector that is as competitive as possible. Banking services play an important role in our communities and in the economy. Kiwis rely on access to lending when ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ministry for Regulation targets red tape to keep farmers and growers competitive
    Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced a regulatory sector review on the approval process for new agricultural and horticultural products.    “Red tape stops farmers and growers from getting access to products that have been approved by other OECD countries. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government to reverse blanket speed limit reductions
    The Coalition Government will reverse Labour’s blanket speed limit reductions by 1 July 2025 through a new Land Transport Rule released for public consultation today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  The draft speed limit rule will deliver on the National-ACT coalition commitment to reverse the previous government’s blanket speed limit ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Chair appointments for NZSO, CNZ and NZ On Air
    Minister Paul Goldsmith is making major leadership changes within both his Arts and Media portfolios. “I am delighted to announce Carmel Walsh will be officially stepping into the role of Chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, having been acting Chair since April,” Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Carmel is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Government focus on long-term food, fibre growth
    Food and fibre export revenue is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6b in 2028 as the Government focuses on getting better access to markets and cutting red tape, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones say. “This achievement is testament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Govt consulting on cutting red tape for exporters
    A new export exemption proposal for food businesses demonstrates the coalition Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory barriers for industry and increasing the value of New Zealand exports, which gets safe New Zealand food to more markets, says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.  “The coalition Government has listened to the concerns ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand and Philippines elevating relationship
    New Zealand and Philippines are continuing to elevate our relationship, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The leaders of New Zealand and Philippines agreed in April 2024 to lift our relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership by 2026,” Mr Peters says. “Our visit to Manila this week has been an excellent ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Paid Parental Leave increase to help families
    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden says paid parental leave increase from 1 July will put more money in the pockets of Kiwi parents and give them extra support as they take precious time off to bond with their newborns. The increase takes effect from 1 July 2024 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Defence increases UN Command commitment
    The number of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel deployed to the Republic of Korea is increasing, Defence Minister Judith Collins and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.  NZDF will deploy up to 41 additional personnel to the Republic of Korea, increasing the size of its contribution to the United ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • New Zealand to attend 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine' in Switzerland
    New Zealand will be represented at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine by Minister Mark Mitchell in Switzerland later this week.    “New Zealand strongly supports Ukraine’s efforts to build a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Minister Mitchell is a senior Cabinet Minister and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Big step forward for M.bovis programme
    Farmers’ hard work is paying off in the fight against Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) with the move to a national pest management plan marking strong progress in the eradication effort, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.  “The plan, approved by the Coalition Government, was proposed by the programme partners DairyNZ, Beef ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Build To Rent opening welcomed by Housing Minister
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Housing Minister Chris Bishop formally opened a new Build to Rent development in Mt Wellington this morning. “The Prime Minister and I were honoured to cut the ribbon of Resido, New Zealand’s largest Build to Rent development to date.  “Build to Rent housing, like the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Agriculture to come out of the ETS
    The Government will deliver on its election commitment to take agriculture out of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and will establish a new Pastoral Sector Group to constructively tackle biogenic methane, Coalition Government Agriculture and Climate Change Ministers say. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand farmers ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Luxon Tokyo-bound for political and business visit
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Japan from 16-20 June, his first visit as Prime Minister.   “Japan is incredibly important to New Zealand's prosperity. It is the world’s fourth largest economy, and our fourth largest export destination.  “As you know, growing the economy is my number one priority. A strong economy means ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Bayly travels to Singapore for scam prevention meetings
    Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Andrew Bayly, travels to Singapore today to attend scam and fraud prevention meetings. “Scams are a growing international problem, and we are not immune in New Zealand. Organised criminal networks operate across borders, and we need to work with our Asia-Pacific partners to tackle ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • More help for homeowners impacted by severe weather
    People who were displaced by severe weather events in 2022 and 2023 will be supported by the extension of Temporary Accommodation Assistance through to 30 June 2025. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the coalition Government is continuing to help to those who were forced out of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government to reverse oil and gas exploration ban
    Removing the ban on petroleum exploration beyond onshore Taranaki is part of a suite of proposed amendments to the Crown Minerals Act to deal with the energy security challenges posed by rapidly declining natural gas reserves, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “Natural gas is critical to keeping our lights on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand and Malaysia to intensify connections
    New Zealand and Malaysia intend to intensify their long-standing, deep connections, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “Malaysia is one of New Zealand’s oldest friends in South-East Asia – and both countries intend to get more out of the relationship," Mr Peters says.   "Our connections already run deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Ending contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The end of Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) motels in Rotorua is nearing another milestone as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announces it will not renew consents for six of the original 13 motels, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. The government is committed to stop using CEH ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • First Home Grant closure exemptions
    The Government is providing a narrow exemption from the discontinuation of the First Home Grant for first home buyers who may face unfair situations as a result, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The First Home Grant scheme was closed with immediate effect on 22 May 2024, with savings being reprioritised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Faster consenting for flood protection projects in Hawke's Bay
    Work to increase flood resilience in Hawke’s Bay can start sooner, thanks to a new fast consenting process, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and Environment Minister Penny Simmonds say.  “Faster consenting means work to build stop banks, spillways and other infrastructure can get underway sooner, increasing flood ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Judge Craig Coxhead and Nathan Milner newest Māori Land Court appointments
    Tangata tū tangata ora, tangata noho tangata mate. Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka today announced acting Deputy Chief Judge Craig Coxhead as the new Deputy Chief Judge, and Nathan Milner as Judge of the Māori Land Court. "I want to congratulate Judge Coxhead and Mr Milner on their appointments ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government signs Indo-Pacific Economic agreements to boost trade
    Trade Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, today signed three Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreements that will boost investment, grow New Zealand’s digital and green economies and increase trade between New Zealand and the 14 IPEF partners. IPEF’s partners represent 40 per cent of global GDP ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government signs Indo-Pacific Economic agreements to boost trade and cooperation
    Trade Minister Todd McClay and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, today signed three Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) agreements that will boost investment, grow New Zealand’s digital and green economies and increase trade between New Zealand and the 14 IPEF partners. IPEF’s partners represent 40 per cent of global GDP ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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