The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Pause With Map In Hand and Scratch Their Heads

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 am, November 13th, 2022 - 19 comments
Categories: China, covid-19, Deep stuff, global warming, health, Politics, Russia, uncategorized, United Nations, war - Tags:

“When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

–      Book of Revelation, Ch. 6 v. 8

I proposed here in July 2020 that it was the worst year I could think of in my lifetime.

I wrote simply of the arrival of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, since the world was indeed beset by a plague, a crisis as big as the Great Depression, mass riots in the United States, and it would only take a decent-sized war to complete the miserable set. Which trotted on stage right in Ukraine eight months later.

But in November 2022 the four horsemen appear to have slowed their scything of world humanity and at least putting their horses in for a rest. We’re on the bench sweaty faced having finished the Great Colonic taken two Neurophen 2 kilos lighter and now upright on the bench glowing rather proud of ourselves. The great Toyota Corolla of the human order has done another 100k on the clock had its shocks changed and appears up for 400.

In the last month really useful things have occurred, which like coming down the other side of the Routeburn and falling means in existential terms we’ve sprained our hand bracing the fall and not broken our ankle meaning hypothermia and helicopter evac.

Weird things have now revealed that both reveal a truth and also a staircase out of serious schtuck.

In no particular order: Plague.

This particular apocalyptic horse of the pandemic still does a lively trot and anyone in our health system has been worn ragged reining it in. But the plague has been defeated into something as common as the mumps or chicken pox which can indeed still go wrong but is less so and managed on a population basis through public health measures.

Our thousands dead, our hundreds of thousands of young with futures shunted, our millions carrying mental damage like a social concussion. They need love and monuments tens of metres tall to surviving, tributes to different kinds of heroism, grieving, martial control and ANZAC Day at our letterboxes with the neighbours and a radio as the Last Post was played.

And so to war.

There are many dozens of smaller wars needlessly ruining lives in Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Azerbaijan, but frankly we will always have those on that scale. What we have is a full-scale national invasion by nuclear-armed Russia against the Ukraine. Ukraine has since September seriously pushed back against the invader and this is despite a truly massive near-all-in conscription of men by Russia having now lost 80,000 soldiers in death and over 150,000 wounded or captured. That’s a measure of defeat more than the hiding Soviet Russia took in Afghanistan that accelerated the full demise of Brezhnev’s cruel legacy.

That plague of war has not expanded into and across the borders of other states, even Belarus or Poland or Moldova. The United States, the United Nations, and latterly even China has railed against Russia’s ruler President Vladimir Putin for daring to suggest that even nuclear armaments could be used against the Ukrainians. Backwards went one tock of the nuclear clock.

One dare not forecast how much further Russia’s military will be pushed back before the winter ground freezes over, or indeed how many years at this rate it will take indeed for hot war or hell to itself freeze into slushy miserable permanent enmity. But one can indeed see that tyranny is indeed losing.

The European Union that continues to be held like Batman’s Mr Freeze hostage to the supply of gas for heating and electricity generation has both found other sources and sensibly used the crisis to massively accelerate car fleet electrification and otherwise accelerate away from the worst of its carbon emissions.

That’s one apocalyptic horse pastured for turning into red pet food.

Two years ago China got into a serious trade war squeezing our patron state Australia with sanctions, knowing that New Zealand were at least as reliant on their favour to trade as Australia was. They could have choked us to death with their pinkie finger.

But two years on Canberra and Beijing have resumed ministerial level dialogue. The long term structural divide between China and the United States has kept the trade policies against Australia in place but China still needs all its raw mineral ingredients just as much as it still needs our foods and beverages and holidays. A solution to the bilateral political tensions driving the trade disruptions is not on the horizon but everyone still be making the money one deal at a time. In about as many fronts as one can think of, the United States is winning and oddly doing a lot of good controlling not only global tyranny but internally much of its own.

What about the epistemic apocalypse whipping the horse of societal death into bloody frothed flanks?

By which I mean the massive overweening control by social media companies to drive free and unregulated speech into the rise of hard right populism that in turn drove very hard right governments in many major countries into success unparalleled since the 1930s. Brazil. Hungary. Italy. The United States. And this year the rise again of Netanyahu within a racist controlled coalition back to power once more.

But Bolsonaro in Brazil has been defeated. Popular and liberal social democratic movements have taken power not only in most of South America but also in Australasia, Indonesia, Germany, and elsewhere. The hard right hasn’t overcome the ageing and unpopular Democrats, and Trump and family are readying themselves for the legal trials that will both indict him personally for Federal crimes and burn his empire into cold ash. The media’s leftie darlings and us wee poppets on the centre left can now sell tickets to watch the Republican Party and its media dogs tear themselves apart live before a studio audience.

Xi Jinping may well have installed himself as god within a Stalinist state but the great real estate empire of rapid debt-fuelled widespread property ownership and prosperity has long since peaked and really there are no answers left for him any more. He will rule as a tyranny but not as a success.

For open societies the great social media machines that drove populism and apparent wealth appear to be crumbling. Twitter and Facebook and TikTok are being humbled from within. Amazon is troubled. Bitcoin variants have seen all, to quote Marx, all that was solid melt into air. The recently divorced Tom Brady will be playing American Football until they install grease nipples in his knees and Steve Austin-style bionic eyeball sockets just to keep Giselle Bundschen in Badger spleen facials for as long as she can inhale Happy Thin Powder, given that they bet most of their fortune on some dumb bitcoin variant. Emperors like Zuckerberg and Musk, like the Russian oligarchs with Scrooge McDuck vats of unspendable Roubles, no longer have clothes on. Or friends anywhere in power.

What happened to the certainty that there was nothing we could do and human agency was no more?

Why did the four clicloppers of the apocalypse decide to shake their manes buck their riders and roll over in the clover for the evening?

Why are the Four Horsemen unable to momentarily shake their manly certitude and ask for directions?

Hmm.

Here’s a few reasons.

States with strong institutions like public health, public finances, public servants, strong reserve banks, and good voting systems, got those public institutional weapons to fight successfully against famine, war, pestilence, death and other plagues like lies and deception.

Banks and market analysts finally started to call out the truth of the tech boom (once more) at just the same time as multibillionaire tech tyrants overreached their place within society, and pushed the collapse of globally unregulated speech into fallen houses of cards at least for now.

The left did not give up the fight against neofascist tyranny and fought back to gain previously lost territory, and took many peoples with them back to the centre and indeed back to belief that the idea of a big state that organised stuff when times are really tough is a sufficient and necessary causal condition for actual continuing existence as society. Parties like the UK Conservatives and the French National Rally are seeking new direction and will be for some time and boofuckinghoo to them all.

The people saw what unregulated anomie looked like and it looked like a bad idea that ought be stopped before it set in as it had a generation earlier in Thatcherism, Reaganism, Rogernomics, and everything of that terror.

Moral shaming is back on a national scale, underway in Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, and even in Egypt’s shameathon of COP27. It’s not enough to rebuild the world but it’s a serious functioning moral mechanism that is getting stronger not weaker, and we are all better at operating it.

If November 2022 ain’t a new dawn then at very least the Four Horses of the Apocalypse are munching happily and distractedly on solid flower-bedecked clover.

If this had been 1919 a whole new version of communism would have arisen. If it were 1946 a whole new global regulatory order would have been required. If it were 1967 there would be mass riots, excruciating poetry, excrable music and millions losing their minds on drugs as foolish colonial wars were started all over the place. If it were 1987 there would be market purges and hyperinflation and mass unemployment and collapses of government and major companies in multiple sectors and yet another corporatisation of hard-earned public assets.

Yeah nah and none of it.

Instead for little old us, walking by the reigns the Four Black Riders of Hobbiton into the high Country Calendar fields of world-adoring mountains means inflation remains low compared to anything pre 1999, unemployment is at record lows, government is competent if a bit spent, and public subsidies for everything including just inhaling and exhaling are growing across this land as not seen in 30 years.

Apocalytopia just trotted up to crest the ridge and revealed warm afternoon golden sun and rolling pasture.

19 comments on “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Pause With Map In Hand and Scratch Their Heads ”

  1. Jenny are we there yet 1

    And women's rugby is better than men's rugby

    • tsmithfield 1.1

      I have to agree. The male version is getting fairly boring now. That game last night was absolutely refreshing to watch. Well done the women. Couldn't have happened for a nicer bunch of people.

  2. Really well-written post. Thought-provoking, informative, entertaining – a real pleasure to read.

  3. Adrian 3

    I don’t always agree with what you say Ad but that was a good, clever and entertaining read. Your final chapter on the immediate future was a bit premature, when all of those future scenarios that we know of grew out of those seminal moments I doubt if anyone at the time, except maybe the quiet instigators knew what may be coming down the road. Like you I’m hopeful that it will be something good and last for a while.

    The COP comments were particularly insightful, JA has been criticised by many for not going there, but I think she realises these mutual back-slapping and ego indulgence sessions achieve bugger all except for a stage for arseholes to grandstand on with no intention of doing anything that hasn’t got a quid in it for them. She has better things to do, and don’t forget it was her that was the first to put the SM Poohbahs feet to the fire, it may well be that the Chch Call is part of the great game change. Musk for all his brilliance, and yes he is like all those before him who have changed things for the better in vital industries, has made EVs cool and nesseccary and accelerated exponentially, their acceptance, something the rest of the car industry was in no hurry to do. The irony is like all his over- reaching peers in history they often do something completely stupid which almost costs them almost everything. BTW, don’t forget, it was an NZer who started and made Tesla possible, he just wasn’t interested in money or world domination, but that’s another story.

    Well done.

  4. Intent and optimism suit you Ad.

    Well written and reminding us of how humanity usually finds the "Crowd choice" of social survival in time to change direction.

    We have been blessed in this corner by fortunate timing of events.

    The horse of plague has been slowed, and not yet put out to pasture, but we have its reins.

    Government is competent if a bit spent……. agree, and is now getting their second wind to tackle climate change.

    thought provoking post Ad. Uplifting and full of hope.

    Great birthday present to start my day.

    • mary_a 4.1

      Another year older, another year wiser Patricia (4). Off topic I know, but enjoy your special day.

      Mary

      • devil yes I used to think 81 was really olddevilnow I'm here… not so much, Mary.

        Whether it was the rugby win or the sun after a storm, I find myself being more hopeful, and more so after Ad's contribution and your good wishes. cheers.

  5. Drowsy M. Kram 5

    I proposed here in July 2020 that it was the worst year I could think of in my lifetime.

    I wrote simply of the arrival of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, since the world was indeed beset by a plague, a crisis as big as the Great Depression, mass riots in the United States, and it would only take a decent-sized war to complete the miserable set. Which trotted on stage right in Ukraine eight months later.

    You proposed here on 4 June 2020 – "a decent-sized war" "trotted on stage right in Ukraine" eight twenty months later, if you're referring to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine ("special military operation") in February 2022.

    I miscounted in similar fashion recently – maybe it’s something to do with living in interesting times.

    Anyway, thanks Ad for a thought-provoking post and the dose of hope.

  6. mikesh 6

    Is the coming "American Century" the wonderful new world promised in Isaiah 65; 17-25?

    • Ad 6.1

      Thankfully the Christian Nationalist US vote failed.

      Maybe the Handmaid's Tale writers can now concentrate on Iran, Saudi Arabia, Gulf States, Mali, Mauritania, Pakistan, Afghanistan, or other Moslem-dominant misogynist governments.

  7. JO 7

    Totally and absolutely superbly encouraging and entertaining on a sunny Sunday. Great thoughtful writing, thank you!

  8. Ad 8

    And the Democrats just won Nevada so they retain control of the Senate irrespective of the Georgia runoff outcome.

    Let's see how fast Fox releases Trump from their playlist. Really looking forward to an internal Republican war.

    • SPC 8.1

      Sununu says Trump will declare because of an intent to prevent any contest. But says it will have no effect because others are going to come forward.

  9. Jenny are we there yet 9

    And more good news.

    https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/democrats-retain-control-of-the-us-senate-after-key-election-news-agency-afp-quoting-reports-3515469?browserpush=true

    Give those horses a sugar lump and put them out to pasture for a frolic.

  10. Doogs 10

    Your opinion piece could have been a chapter directly out of Revelations with all its dream like imagery and apocalyptic predictions, with a side salad of punitive retribution.

  11. lprent 11

    Good post 📫 👌

  12. Maurice 12

    The four Neddies are a bit tired but are just resting ….. ready for the next gallop

    Unfortunately ….

  13. Tricledrown 13

    Murdoch's media's love affair with Trump is over .Humtpy Trumpty couldn't build his wall Humpty Trumpty had a great fall and all the Republicans coudn't put Trumpty together again.Looks like Trump is finished DeSantis is the new front runner Trump is already trying to take him down, Trumps ego is his downfall.Americans have had enough of divisive politics hopefully.

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  • National’s clean car tax advances
    The Transport and Infrastructure Committee has reported back on the Road User Charges (Light Electric RUC Vehicles) Amendment Bill, basicly rubberstamping it. While there was widespread support among submitters for the principle that EV and PHEV drivers should pay their fair share for the roads, they also overwhelmingly disagreed with ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Government funding bailouts
    Peter Dunne writes – This week’s government bailout – the fifth in the last eighteen months – of the financially troubled Ruapehu Alpine Lifts company would have pleased many in the central North Island ski industry. The government’s stated rationale for the $7 million funding was that it ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Two offenders, different treatments.
    See if you can spot the difference. An Iranian born female MP from a progressive party is accused of serial shoplifting. Her name is leaked to the media, which goes into a pack frenzy even before the Police launch an … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    4 days ago
  • Treaty references omitted
    Ele Ludemann writes  – The government is omitting general Treaty references from legislation : The growth of Treaty of Waitangi clauses in legislation caused so much worry that a special oversight group was set up by the last Government in a bid to get greater coherence in the public service on Treaty ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • The Ghahraman Conflict
    What was that judge thinking? Peter Williams writes –  That Golriz Ghahraman and District Court Judge Maria Pecotic were once lawyer colleagues is incontrovertible. There is published evidence that they took at least one case to the Court of Appeal together. There was a report on ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 15
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Climate Scorpion – the sting is in the tail. Introducing planetary solvency. A paper via the University of Exeter’s Institute and Faculty of Actuaries.Local scoop: Kāinga Ora starts pulling out of its Auckland projects and selling land RNZ ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The day Wellington up-zoned its future
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    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 15-March-2024
    It’s Friday and we’re halfway through March Madness. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday Matt asked how we can get better event trains and an option for grade separating Morningside Dr. On Tuesday Matt looked into ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    4 days ago
  • That Word.
    Something you might not know about me is that I’m quite a stubborn person. No, really. I don’t much care for criticism I think’s unfair or that I disagree with. Few of us do I suppose.Back when I was a drinker I’d sometimes respond defensively, even angrily. There are things ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • The Hoon around the week to March 15
    Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The five things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the last week included:PM Christopher Luxon said the reversal of interest deductibility for landlords was done to help renters, who ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Labour’s policy gap
    It was not so much the Labour Party but really the Chris Hipkins party yesterday at Labour’s caucus retreat in Martinborough. The former Prime Minister was more or less consistent on wealth tax, which he was at best equivocal about, and social insurance, which he was not willing to revisit. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #11 2024
    Open access notables A Glimpse into the Future: The 2023 Ocean Temperature and Sea Ice Extremes in the Context of Longer-Term Climate Change, Kuhlbrodt et al., Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society: In the year 2023, we have seen extraordinary extrema in high sea surface temperature (SST) in the North Atlantic and in ...
    5 days ago
  • Melissa remains mute on media matters but has something to say (at a sporting event) about economic ...
     Buzz from the Beehive   The text reproduced above appears on a page which records all the media statements and speeches posted on the government’s official website by Melissa Lee as Minister of Media and Communications and/or by Jenny Marcroft, her Parliamentary Under-secretary.  It can be quickly analysed ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    5 days ago
  • The return of Muldoon
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    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Will the rental tax cut improve life for renters or landlords?
    Bryce Edwards writes –  Is the new government reducing tax on rental properties to benefit landlords or to cut the cost of rents? That’s the big question this week, after Associate Finance Minister David Seymour announced on Sunday that the Government would be reversing the Labour Government’s removal ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Geoffrey Miller: What Saudi Arabia’s rapid changes mean for New Zealand
    Saudi Arabia is rarely far from the international spotlight. The war in Gaza has brought new scrutiny to Saudi plans to normalise relations with Israel, while the fifth anniversary of the controversial killing of Jamal Khashoggi was marked shortly before the war began on October 7. And as the home ...
    Democracy ProjectBy Geoffrey Miller
    5 days ago
  • Racism’s double standards
    Questions need to be asked on both sides of the world Peter Williams writes –   The NRL Judiciary hands down an eight week suspension to Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu , an Auckland-born Samoan, after he calls Ezra Mam, Sydney-orn but of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • It’s not a tax break
    Ele Ludemann writes – Contrary to what many headlines and news stories are saying, residential landlords are not getting a tax break. The government is simply restoring to them the tax deductibility of interest they had until the previous government removed it. There is no logical reason ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • The Plastic Pig Collective and Chris' Imaginary Friends.
    I can't remember when it was goodMoments of happiness in bloomMaybe I just misunderstoodAll of the love we left behindWatching our flashbacks intertwineMemories I will never findIn spite of whatever you becomeForget that reckless thing turned onI think our lives have just begunI think our lives have just begunDoes anyone ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • Who is responsible for young offenders?
    Michael Bassett writes – At first reading, a front-page story in the New Zealand Herald on 13 March was bizarre. A group of severely intellectually limited teenagers, with little understanding of the law, have been pleading to the Justice Select Committee not to pass a bill dealing with ram ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on National’s fantasy trip to La La Landlord Land
    How much political capital is Christopher Luxon willing to burn through in order to deliver his $2.9 billion gift to landlords? Evidently, Luxon is: (a) unable to cost the policy accurately. As Anna Burns-Francis pointed out to him on Breakfast TV, the original ”rock solid” $2.1 billion cost he was ...
    5 days ago
  • Bernard's Top 10 @ 10 'pick 'n' mix' for March 14
    TL;DR: My top 10 news and analysis links this morning include:Today’s must-read: Jonathon Porritt calling bullshit in his own blog post on mainstream climate science as ‘The New Denialism’.Local scoop: The Wellington City Council’s list of proposed changes to the IHP recommendations to be debated later today was leaked this ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • No, Prime Minister, rents don’t rise or fall with landlords’ costs
    TL;DR: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said yesterday tenants should be grateful for the reinstatement of interest deductibility because landlords would pass on their lower tax costs in the form of lower rents. That would be true if landlords were regulated monopolies such as Transpower or Auckland Airport1, but they’re not, ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Cartoons: ‘At least I didn’t make things awkward’
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Tom Toro Tom Toro is a cartoonist and author. He has published over 200 cartoons in The New Yorker since 2010. His cartoons appear in Playboy, the Paris Review, the New York Times, American Bystander, and elsewhere. Related: What 10 EV lovers ...
    5 days ago
  • Solving traffic congestion with Richard Prebble
    The business section of the NZ Herald is full of opinion. Among the more opinionated of all is the ex-Minister of Transport, ex-Minister of Railways, ex MP for Auckland Central (1975-93, Labour), Wellington Central (1996-99, ACT, then list-2005), ex-leader of the ACT Party, uncle to actor Antonia, the veritable granddaddy ...
    Greater AucklandBy Patrick Reynolds
    5 days ago
  • I Think I'm Done Flying Boeing
    Hi,Just quickly — I’m blown away by the stories you’ve shared with me over the last week since I put out the ‘Gary’ podcast, where I told you about the time my friend’s flatmate killed the neighbour.And you keep telling me stories — in the comments section, and in my ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    5 days ago
  • Invoking Aristotle: Of Rings of Power, Stones, and Ships
    The first season of Rings of Power was not awful. It was thoroughly underwhelming, yes, and left a lingering sense of disappointment, but it was more expensive mediocrity than catastrophe. I wrote at length about the series as it came out (see the Review section of the blog, and go ...
    6 days ago
  • Van Velden brings free-market approach to changing labour laws – but her colleagues stick to distr...
    Buzz from the Beehive Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden told Auckland Business Chamber members they were the first audience to hear her priorities as a minister in a government committed to cutting red tape and regulations. She brandished her liberalising credentials, saying Flexible labour markets are the ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • Why Newshub failed
    Chris Trotter writes – TO UNDERSTAND WHY NEWSHUB FAILED, it is necessary to understand how TVNZ changed. Up until 1989, the state broadcaster had been funded by a broadcasting licence fee, collected from every citizen in possession of a television set, supplemented by a relatively modest (compared ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago
  • Māori Party on the warpath against landlords and seabed miners – let’s see if mystical creature...
    Bob Edlin writes  –  The Māori Party has been busy issuing a mix of warnings and threats as its expresses its opposition to interest deductibility for landlords and the plans of seabed miners. It remains to be seen whether they  follow the example of indigenous litigants in Australia, ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago
  • There’s a name for this
    Every year, in the Budget, Parliament forks out money to government agencies to do certain things. And every year, as part of the annual review cycle, those agencies are meant to report on whether they have done the things Parliament gave them that money for. Agencies which consistently fail to ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    6 days ago
  • Echoes of 1968 in 2024?  Pocock on the repetitive problems of the New Left
    Mike Grimshaw writes – Recent events in American universities point to an underlying crisis of coherent thinking, an issue that increasingly affects the progressive left across the Western world. This of course is nothing new as anyone who can either remember or has read of the late ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

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

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