The Government is misrepresenting the effect of the Ruataniwha Dam decision
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- Date published:
8:00 am, July 9th, 2017 - 21 comments
Categories: Abuse of power, bill english, Conservation, david parker, Environment, farming, farming, labour, national, national/act government, Politics, same old national, water -
Tags: geoffrey palmer, maggie barry, Ruataniwha dam
The Minister of Conservation has failed in her attempt to swap a pristine piece of conservation land for a cow paddock so that the ill conceived Ruataniwha Dam can proceed.
I am not surprised. The Ruataniwha Dam proposal is an appalling waste of resources and if it was completed it would poison the Tukituki river.
The background is complex and the politics labyrinth but essentially the Hawkes Bay Regional Council wanted to build a big as damn flooding pristine conservation areas so that it could intensify farming in the Hawkes Bay. Much effort went into presenting the proposal as something that would be good for the environment. The reality was that it was going to effectively destroy the Tukituki River by rendering it toxic through increased nitrate levels.
The Regional Council wanted to get around this problem by measuring phosphate levels only and not nitrate levels. If you do not measure it then I guess it does not become a problem. I wrote about DOC’s involvement in the Board of Inquiry into the Dam previously, specifically its involvement in a submission concerning water quality methodology and said this:
The original 32 page draft submission [prepared by DOC] said that the proposal is a risky and untested approach to water management which could kill the rivers involved. It also said the risks of the dam project had not been fully assessed, and there was an inadequate management plan for potentially high impact effects on rivers. It was replaced with a 2 paragraph submission that did not refer to these concerns and was neutral on the proposal.
The Board of Inquiry in its wisdom decided to strictly limit nitrate levels and this should have killed the idea of the dam. But the Hawkes Bay Regional Council and the Government have refused to accept the inevitable and have still fought on.
One battle they recently lost in the Supreme Court concerned the legality of the decision by the Director-General of Conservation to allow a land swap so that the dam could proceed. The Government has tried to suggest that this decision is a bad one on the basis that for some time the Government has engaged in land swaps that have resulted in it obtaining land with superior conservation values.
But this is spin, pure and simple. If you read the judgment you will come across phrases such as these:
… [t]here is no doubt, therefore, that the areas of indigenous habitat which are subject to the proposal contain significant ecological values within a national context”.
… the area in question was accepted to have high conservation values …
…[i]t is clear, however, that the scientific assessment was relatively even and there is no suggestion that the values identified on the 22 hectares were not significant and did not in themselves warrant continued protection in the absence of the exchange. The assessment was that, on balance, there were net gains in the exchange …
The decision relies on the distinction between “conservation” land and “stewartship” land, the former having higher values. While the latter land can be swapped, for this to occur in relation to the former a separate test, that the land itself is not deserving of special protection, has to be met.
As said by the Court:
[114] It was not enough that on a “relativity analysis” there was considered to be a margin, on balance, in favour of the Smedley land in the swap. Gain in exchange of land was not the right question in considering revocation of protected status. If it were, there would be inevitable collapsing of the two decisions as to revocation and exchange, despite the recognition that they are distinct, and despite the legislative history which made it clear that gain in exchange of land did not justify exchange of additionally protected land but was available only in respect of stewardship areas. [115] Revocation under s 18(7) must be assessed by reference to the particular resources affected and does not lend itself to a calculation of whether an exchange of land will lead to net gain to either the forest park as a whole or the wider conservation estate. Nor is it sufficient to undertake a comparative assessment as to whether land proposed to be obtained in an exchange has higher intrinsic conservation values. Revocation of protected status is open only if the conservation values of the resources on the subject land no longer justify that protection.
And this is no accident. The Court referred to the Parliamentary debates and the history of the Act and concluded that the different rules for land swaps for stewardship and conservation was a deliberate decision. Specifically it said this:
The 1989 Bill which inserted s 16A as introduced had not sought to confine exchanges of land to stewardship land alone. A number of submissions were made to the Select Committee that the ability to exchange land should be restricted to stewardship land only. An amendment made at a late stage adopted that restriction. Palmer J took the view that this legislative history meant that it was important to view the two decisions, for revocation and exchange, as distinct: “to view the process as a single step would be to obviate the clear Parliamentary intent not to provide a mechanism allowing specially protected land to be the subject of exchange”.
So this belies the claim that the decision was unexpected and was going to cause all sorts of difficulties for the Government. But this did not stop the Government from claiming that it would.
Bill English immediately indicated that a law change could be expected. From the Herald:
Minutes after the Supreme Court ruled against plans for a huge dam in the Hawke’s Bay, Prime Minister Bill English said his Government would change the law to allow such projects to go ahead.
In a major victory for conservation group Forest & Bird, the court dismissed an appeal by the Department of Conservation to swap 22ha of conservation land for 170ha of private farmland.
The land swap would have allowed the Ruahine Forest Park land to be flooded to create the country’s largest irrigation project.
English, speaking to NewstalkZB, immediately said Parliament would have to consider a law change.
“This will become a matter now for whether we change the legislation.
“Everyone thought the legislation meant that you could trade a lower conservation piece of land in return for higher conservation piece of land.
“The Supreme Court apparently, on the face of it, is telling us that that’s not what the legislation lets you do.
Notice the reframing of reality, that the piece of land was of a lower intrinsic value, had started almost immediately. But as noted by Isobel Ewing, to describe the land as of having lower intrinsic value was technically a lie.
And Maggie Barry chimed in also claiming that the decision would stop the swapping of lower quality with higher quality land. From Stuff:
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said the Government had long believed the law allowed DOC to make land-swaps if it ended up with land that had higher conservation values.
“The Supreme Court finding that the Director-General cannot consider that broader picture has far-reaching implications and we will now be working through the effects of that,” Barry said.
“We will now look at changing the law to ensure we can continue to improve conservation outcomes by having the ability to make land swaps where the outcome would be a win for conservation.”
We are facing two possibilities, either the Government will let the Supreme Court decision stand but change the Conservation Act, or it will change the law so that the Dam project can proceed.
If the latter occurs then this will be a breach of long standing constitutional principles. As noted by Geoffrey Palmer:
Any attempt to retrospectively reverse the court’s decision in the dam case would be deeply offensive to the rule of law and a constitutional outrage.
It would deprive the litigants of the fruits of their forensic victory.
Why would the government appear and defend itself in court and then use legislation to overrule the decision when it loses?
Is that compatible with our democratic framework involving the separation of powers between the executive and the independent judiciary?
It is fine for the law to be changed prospectively if a judicial decision finds the law to be faulty in the view of Parliament.
But to change the situation retrospectively is wrong in these circumstances.
It has happened before. As noted by David Parker back in the 1980s the Muldoon Government passed special legislation to get the Clyde Dam built.
Even if the decision is allowed to stand but the law amended this will also be a bad result for the environment. Pristine conservation land has ancient forests on it. They should be preserved at all costs and if another piece of land with high conservation values is discovered then it should be added to the conservation estate, not swapped.
I wonder how far the Government will push this? If it does it will not be the first time that it has misinterpreted the law but used this as a pretext to make changes that have a negative effect. But this Government thinks that it is always rights and these sorts of problems are always someone else’s fault.
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Yesterday the government announced the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking across Aotearoa. Trans-Tasman Resources’ plan to mine the seabed off the coast of Taranaki was one of these projects. “We are disgusted but not surprised with the government’s decision to fast-track the decimation of our seabed,” said Te ...2 days ago
- Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets
At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system. ...2 days ago
- Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment
The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. ...2 days ago - Release: Fast track list reveals Govt’s backroom deals
The coalition Government’s backroom deals with coal and ironsands mining companies have finally been revealed – and it’s not pretty. ...2 days ago
- Release: Nicole McKee unfit for firearms portfolio
Fresh questions have been raised about the conduct of the Firearms Minister after revelations she misled New Zealanders about her role in stopping gun reforms prior to the mosque shootings. ...2 days ago
- Release: The question remains… will schools get their classrooms?
Education Minister Erica Stanford still can’t confirm when the Government will deliver the $2 billion worth school upgrades she cut earlier this year. ...5 days ago
- Release: Govt failing NZ’s manufacturing sector
Labour acknowledges the hundreds of workers today losing their jobs as the Winstone Pulp mill closes and what it will mean for their families and community. ...6 days ago
- Tell National what their $216m tobacco tax cut could have funded instead
In Budget '24, the National Government put aside $216 million to pay for a tax cut which mainly benefitted one company: global tobacco giant Philip Morris. Instead of giving hundreds of millions to big tobacco, National could have spent the money sensibly, on New Zealand. ...6 days ago
- Release: Govt has made up a cost crisis to justify cuts
Te Whatu Ora’s financials from the last year show the Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify making cuts that are already affecting patient care. ...6 days ago
- Speech: Why Kiwi businesses are the best in the world
The New Zealand business community is unique. It has always punched well above its weight on the world stage. ...6 days ago
- Te Pāti Māori Statement on Israel & Iran
Over 41,000 Palestinian’s have been murdered by Israel in the last 12 months. At the same time, Israel have launched attacks against at least four other countries in the Middle East including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. “You cannot play the aggressor and the victim at the same time,” said ...7 days ago
- Release: Costello makes a fool of the PM
Associate health minister Casey Costello has made a fool of the Prime Minister, because the product she’s been fighting to get a tax cut for and he’s been backing her on is now illegal – and he doesn’t seem to know it. ...1 week ago
- Work to do on climate adaptation
The Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into climate adaptation is something that must be built on for an enduring framework to manage climate risk. ...1 week ago
- End of free RAT tests means more exposure to virus
The end of free Rapid Antigen Tests today is another sign the Government is giving up on the challenge of protecting the community from Covid-19. ...1 week ago
- Release: Government breaks promise on ferry plan
Time has run out for Nicola Willis who has failed to keep her promise to deliver a solution to replace the Interislander ferries by today. ...1 week ago
- Release: Labour supports marches for better health
Labour supports Buller and Dunedin communities who are marching today and calling on the Government to act urgently to fix the health crisis. ...1 week ago
- Raising speed limits will cost our communities
The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. ...2 weeks ago
- Greens stand in solidarity with Buller community
The Green Party stands in solidarity with the Buller community in its silent protest for better healthcare. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Proposed job losses devastating for Timaru
News that the Smithfield meatworks could close is devastating for the hundreds of people who work there, Timaru and the wider region. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Question mark over financial sustainability of Polytechs
The Government is taking tertiary education down a worrying path with new reporting finding that fourteen of the country’s sixteen polytechnics couldn’t survive on their own,” Labour’s tertiary education spokesperson Dr Deborah Russell says. ...2 weeks ago
- TPM issues warning to Govt: Back down or prepare for the wrath of the million Māori
Today the government announced a $30m cut to Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori- a programme that develops te reo Māori among our kaiako. “This announcement is just the latest in an onslaught of attacks on te iwi Māori,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt set to break promise on Dunedin Hospital
The Green Party is calling on the Government to honour its promise to Dunedin and build its new hospital to full capacity. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Dunedin Hospital d-listed by Government
The non-announcement in Dunedin today had Ministers leaving broken promises and a likely severely diluted hospital build in their wake. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour welcomes UAE trade deal
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed today with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Hundreds more jobs cuts on housing frontline
The Government has shown its true intentions for the public service and economy – it’s not to get more public servants back to the office, it’s more job losses. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis
The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers
The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown Minerals Bill Advances Colonisation
Today, the Crown Mineral Amendment Bill was read for the first time, reversing the ban on oil exploration off the coast of Taranaki. It was no accident that this proposed law change was read directly after the Government started to unravel the ability of iwi and hapū Māori to have ...2 weeks ago
- Landlord govt finds new way to undermine public housing
Proposed cuts to Kāinga Ora reflect a failure to fully commit to fixing the housing crisis. ...2 weeks ago
- Crown should prove their rights to Foreshore & Seabed – Te Pāti Māori
Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Justice, Tākuta Ferris, has hit out at the Government, demanding the Crown prove its rights to the foreshore, following the Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill, passing its first reading. "Māori rights to the foreshore pre-exist the Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and ...2 weeks ago
- NZ must urgently help whanau in Lebanon
The Government must immediately help evacuate New Zealanders and Lebanese whanau caught up in the current conflict unfolding across south Lebanon. ...2 weeks ago
- Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits
The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. ...2 weeks ago
- Government introduces controversial MACA legislation
The Government’s introduction of its interventions in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act threatens to throw relations between Māori and Crown into deeper disharmony. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges
Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Govt forgetting the 6000 jobs they’ve cut
The real problem in the public sector is ongoing job losses and cuts to the front line. ...2 weeks ago
- Government undermines public service with WFH crackdown
The Green Party says the Government’s retrograde move to tighten up on Work from Home arrangements is the latest in a series of blows to the Public Service. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Ministers oblivious to cuts’ effect on families
The National Government is oblivious to the impact cuts to services will have on New Zealanders who are doing the hard yards caring for mentally ill family members. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Public service set up to fail under National
Nicola Willis has set up the public service to fail to pay for reckless tax cuts for landlords and the tobacco industry. ...2 weeks ago
- Holding careless builders accountable
The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses ...15 hours ago - Further action to tackle driver licence wait times
The Government is taking further action to tackle the unacceptable wait times facing people trying to sit their driver licence test by temporarily extending the amount of time people can drive on overseas licences from 12 months to 18 months, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “The previous government removed fees for ...19 hours ago
- Strengthened cyber security support for New Zealand businesses
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring New Zealand is a safe and secure place to do business with the launch of new cyber security resources, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Cyber security is crucial for businesses, but it’s often discounted for more immediate business concerns. ...19 hours ago
- Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations
Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say. “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, ...24 hours ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...24 hours ago
- Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals. “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston ...24 hours ago
- Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it! A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says. Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today ...1 day ago
- Unlocking the potential of ethnic businesses
This week’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium will explore the role that ethnic communities and businesses can play in rebuilding New Zealand’s economy, Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee says. “One of my top priorities as Minister is unlocking the economic potential of New Zealand’s ethnic businesses,” says Ms Lee. “Ethnic communities ...2 days ago
- New Zealand marks anniversary of 7 October
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters are renewing New Zealand’s calls for restraint and de-escalation, on the first anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks on Israel. “New Zealand was horrified by the monstrous actions of Hamas against Israel a year ago today,” Mr Luxon says. ...2 days ago
- Iwi-led and partnered projects among those referred for Fast Track approval
Kia uru kahikatea te tū. Projects referred for Fast-Track approval will help supercharge the Māori economy and realise the huge potential of Iwi and Māori assets, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says. Following robust and independent review, the Government has today announced 149 projects that have significant regional or national ...3 days ago
- Fast-track to boost renewable electricity
The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 ...3 days ago
- Fast-track to drive transport projects forward
The Government has enabled fast-track consenting for 29 critical road, rail, and port projects across New Zealand to deliver these priority projects faster and boost economic growth, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealand has an infrastructure deficit, and our Government is working to fix it. Delivering the transport infrastructure Kiwis ...3 days ago
- Fast-track projects released
The 149 projects released today for inclusion in the Government’s one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill will help rebuild the economy and fix our housing crisis, improve energy security, and address our infrastructure deficit, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop says. “The 149 projects selected by the Government have significant regional or ...3 days ago
- Ruakākā recreation centre opened
A new multi-purpose recreation centre will provide a valuable wellbeing hub for residents and visitors to Ruakākā in Northland, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Ruakākā Recreation Centre, officially opened today, includes separate areas for a gymnasium, a community health space and meeting rooms made possible with support of ...4 days ago
- Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced up to $50,000 in additional Government support for farmers and growers across Southland and parts of Otago as challenging spring weather conditions have been classified a medium-scale adverse event. “The relentless wet weather has been tough on farmers and ...5 days ago
- Government welcomes move to delay EU Deforestation Regulation
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay today welcomed a move by the European Commission to delay the implementation of the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by 12 months, describing the proposal as a pragmatic step that will provide much-needed certainty for New Zealand exporters and ensure over $200 million in ...5 days ago
- Response to Ministerial Inquiry into School Property
The Government is taking decisive action in response to the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property, which concludes the way school property is delivered is not fit for purpose. “The school property portfolio is worth $30 billion, and it’s critically important it’s managed properly. This Government is taking a series of immediate actions ...5 days ago
- New Government support for residential construction market announced
The Government has announced a new support programme for the residential construction market while the economy recovers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. “We know the residential development sector is vulnerable to economic downturns. The lead time for building houses is typically 18 ...5 days ago
- New appointment to the EPA board
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds has confirmed the final appointee to the refreshed Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) board. “I am pleased to welcome Brett O’Riley to the EPA board,” Ms Simmonds says. “Brett is a seasoned business advisor with a long and distinguished career across the technology, tourism, and sustainable business ...5 days ago
- Strengthening resilience with critical road improvement projects
The Government has approved a $226.2 million package of resilience improvement projects for state highways and local roads across the country that will reduce the impact of severe weather events and create a more resilient and efficient road network, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Our Government is committed to delivering ...5 days ago
- Doubling road rehabilitation this summer to prevent potholes
Kiwis will see fewer potholes on our roads with road rehabilitation set to more than double through the summer road maintenance programme to ensure that our roads are maintained to a safe and reliable standard, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Increasing productivity to help rebuild our economy is a key ...5 days ago
- Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed in Bougainville post-referendum moderator role
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the announcement of Sir Jerry Mateparae as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future. “New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the ...6 days ago
- Latest census data highlights New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity
The latest 2023 Census results released today further highlight New Zealand’s growing ethnic and cultural diversity, says Ethnic Communities Minister Melissa Lee. “Today’s census results are further evidence of the increasingly diverse nature of our population. It’s something that should be celebrated and also serve as a reminder of the ...6 days ago
- FamilyBoost payments make ECE more affordable
Parents and caregivers are now able to claim for FamilyBoost, which provides low-to-middle-income families with young children payments to help them meet early childhood education (ECE) costs. “FamilyBoost is one of the ways we are supporting families with young children who are struggling with the cost of living, by helping ...6 days ago
- South Pacific defence meeting fosters collaboration
This week’s South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) has concluded with a renewed commitment to regional security of all types, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. Defence Ministers and senior civilian and military officials from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga gathered in Auckland to discuss defence and security cooperation in the ...6 days ago
- Minister welcomes larger Police recruitment wings
Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has welcomed the Police announcement that recruitment wings at the Police College will be expanded to 100 recruits next year. “This is good news on two fronts – it reflects the fact that more and more New Zealanders are valuing policing and seeing it as ...6 days ago
- Speech to the Minerals West Coast Forum
Introduction Good morning! What a pleasure to be back in the stunning West Coast at one of my favourite events in the calendar. Every time I come back here, I’m reminded of the Coast’s natural beauty, valuable resources, and great people. Yet, every time I come back here, I’m also ...6 days ago
- Positive progress on Government health targets
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti welcomes new data from Health New Zealand, saying it demonstrates encouraging progress against the Government’s health targets. Health New Zealand’s quarterly report for the quarter to 30 June will be used as the baseline for reporting against the Government’s five health targets, which came into ...6 days ago
- Supporting better access to data for Kiwis
The launch of a new data tool will provide Kiwis with better access to important data, Statistics Minister Andrew Bayly says. “To grow our economy and improve productivity we must adopt smarter ways of working, which means taking a more data driven approach to decision-making. “As Statistics Minister one of ...7 days ago
- Progressing remote building inspections
The Government is progressing plans to increase the use of remote inspections to make the building and consenting process more efficient and affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “We know that the building and construction sector suffers from a lack of innovation. According to a recent report, productivity ...7 days ago
- PPTA accepts charter schools
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the PPTA putting a proposal to members at its annual conference to change its constitution and allow membership of teachers who work in charter schools. “The PPTA has had a come to Jesus moment on charter schools. This is a major departure from the ...1 week ago
- New TAIC Chief Commissioner appointed
David Clarke has been announced as the Chief Commissioner of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). David Clarke is a barrister specialising in corporate and commercial law and he has over 20 years experience in governance roles in commercial, public and charitable sectors. He also is a current TAIC Commissioner. ...1 week ago
- Government secures market access for blueberries to Korea
The Government has secured market access for New Zealand blueberries to Korea, unlocking an estimated $5 million in annual export opportunities for Kiwi growers Minister for Trade and Agriculture Todd McClay today announced. “This is a win for our exporters and builds on our successful removal of $190 million in ...1 week ago
- South Pacific Defence Ministers meet in Auckland
Partnership and looking to the future are key themes as Defence Ministers from across the South Pacific discuss regional security challenges in Auckland today, Defence Minister Judith Collins says. The South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM) brings together Defence Ministers, Chiefs of Defence and Secretaries of Defence from New Zealand, ...1 week ago
- Keytruda, CGMs, and FamilyBoost welcomed
In a triple whammy of good news, 1 October heralds the beginning of the funding of two major health products and a welcome contribution to early childhood fees, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. “Keytruda is the first drug to be funded and made available from the $604 million boost we ...1 week ago
- Children’s Unit opens at Rotorua Hospital
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti today opened the refurbished Children’s Unit at Rotorua Hospital, which will provide young patients and their families in the Lakes District with a safe, comfortable and private space to receive care. “The opening of this unit is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving ...1 week ago
- Minor variations no longer major problem
It is now easier to make small changes to building plans without having to apply for a building consent amendment, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Previously builders who wanted to make a minor change, for example substituting one type of product for another, or changing the layout of ...1 week ago
- New diplomatic appointments
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced seven diplomatic appointments. “Protecting and advancing New Zealand’s interests abroad is an extremely important role for our diplomats,” Mr Peters says. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of seven senior diplomats to these overseas missions.” The appointments are: Andrew ...1 week ago
- SuperGold Information Hub live
The first iteration of the SuperGold Information Hub is now on-line, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today. “The SuperGold Hub is an online portal offering up-to-date information on all of the offers available to SuperGold cardholders. “We know the SuperGold card is valued, and most people know its use ...1 week ago
- New fund to clean up old landfill and dump sites
A new Contaminated Sites and Vulnerable Landfills Fund will help councils and landowners clean up historic landfills and other contaminated sites that are vulnerable to the effects of severe weather, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. "This $30 million fund, part of our Q4 Action Plan, increases the Government’s investment in ...1 week ago
- Unprecedented peril: disaster lies ahead as we track towards 2.7°C of warming this century
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Thomas Newsome, Associate Professor in Global Ecology, University of Sydney You don’t have to look far to see what climate change is doing to the planet. The word “unprecedented” is everywhere this year. We are seeing unprecedented rapidly intensifying tropical storms ...1 hour ago - Bhutan’s king is set to visit Australia for the first time. Here’s why thousands will line the s...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tashi Dema, PhD Candidate in Language and Politics, University of New England Deki, a 23-year-old resident of the remote town of Armidale, NSW, has been sleepless with excitement since the Bhutanese embassy in Canberra announced an upcoming visit from Bhutan’s fifth monarch, ...1 hour ago
- Republicans once championed immigration in the US. Now, under Trump, an ugly nativism has been norma...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Prudence Flowers, Senior Lecturer in US History, College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, Flinders University It might seem surprising today in the era of Donald Trump, but Republicans in the United States once championed immigration and supported pathways to citizenship for ...1 hour ago
- Improved efficiencies needed to turn Health New Zealand’s deficit around – Commissioner
The man in charge of turning around Te Whatu Ora's financial situation is adamant they can do more with less. ...1 hour ago - Warnings before key immigration system pushed back until next year
A $35 million upgrade to immigration identity systems has been deferred until after the busy summer period - despite officials' own advice about the risks of doing so. ...1 hour ago
- ACC levies part of ‘spectacularly hard’ time for electric cars
Hikes to ACC levies will see owners of electric cars paying up to $40 more than owners of hybrids or small petrol cars, says an electric vehicle lobby group. ...2 hours ago
- Will the Earth warm by 2°C or 5.5°C? Either way it’s bad, and trying to narrow it down may be a ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonny Williams, Climate Scientist, University of Reading Getty Images Climate change is usually discussed in terms of rising temperatures. But scientists often use a different measure, known as “equilibrium climate sensitivity”. This is defined as the global mean warming caused ...2 hours ago
- An ecological disaster looms off the coast of Samoa
While reports of oil leaking from the capsized Manawanui may be unfounded, that doesn’t mean the wreckage won’t cause lasting damage, writes Stewart Sowman-Lund in today’s extract from The Bulletin. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. ...2 hours ago - NZ’s staunch anti-nuclear policy “is a mistake”, ex-Trump adviser John Bolton tell...
An adviser to three US Presidents, John Bolton, says he worries New Zealand could be "spun off on its own" in an increasingly dangerous world. ...3 hours ago
- David Seymour goes head-to-head in a heated debate with iwi leader
The online debate between Seymour and Ngāti Toa leader Helmut Modlik on the place of Te Tiriti in modern Aotearoa got heated at times. ...3 hours ago
- Health NZ wants to cut four chief medical officer roles
Health New Zealand wants to reduce the number of chief medical officers from 18 to 14 while also promising not to cut front-line medical roles. ...3 hours ago
- Olive oil costs heaps at the moment. Can local producers come to the rescue?
A global shortage means imported olive oil is more costly than it’s been since the late 90s. Can local producers compete on price now? The past couple of years have seen olive oil prices spiking higher than a Mariah Carey top note. Heat waves and drought in the Mediterranean, particularly ...5 hours ago
- When the flood came for South Dunedin, this time it was ready
Flat and surrounded by hills and rising tides, it’s no surprise that South Dunedin is at risk of flooding. But nine years of preparation meant last week’s deluge wasn’t as bad as it could have been – and a future here still seems possible. Standing in her living room, Faye ...5 hours ago
- ‘Round the clock’ hazards monitoring at risk from funding gap
Barely five years after its launch, a 24/7 service to monitor natural hazards is in jeopardy The post ‘Round the clock’ hazards monitoring at risk from funding gap appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago - Tourism recovery one bright spot for ‘chilly’ economy
International tourism has picked up from pandemic lows, but it’s going to be more of a gradual improvement from here. The post Tourism recovery one bright spot for ‘chilly’ economy appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Effective diabetes care transcends technology
Analysis: Recent advancements in diabetes management, particularly the decision by Pharmac – Te Pātaka Whaioranga to fund essential biotech devices such as continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps, have brought a sense of hope within the diabetes community.These innovative tools alleviate many burdens associated with managing diabetes, although it is crucial ...5 hours ago
- No open-pit mines on Coromandel Forest Park, despite confusing fast-track listing
Confusing language led to an ‘appalling’ misrepresentation of a controversial Coromandel gold mine listed on the fast-track The post No open-pit mines on Coromandel Forest Park, despite confusing fast-track listing appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 9 October
Loading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A,DIV,A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp');Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions.The post Newsroom daily quiz, Wednesday 9 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Wednesday 9 October
The post Daily crossword, Wednesday 9 October appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Adventures doing a POWA of good
At the heart of everything Kate Parr does is a deep commitment to inclusion, something she has a knack for explaining.“I’m the kind of person who gives a shit. Those are the words I use: ‘Do you give a shit? I give a shit’,” she says.“My staff and I care ...5 hours ago
- Pinkest gay in the village shortlisted for Surrey
A dozen writers – some of them leading figures in New Zealand literature, some of them complete nobodies – have been shortlisted for the fairly glamorous, definitely long-winded and awesomely enumerated Surrey Hotel Writers Residency Award in Association with Newsroom and Dick and Jude Frizzell.The elite doz were selected from ...5 hours ago
- The Burden: Kiwis with Long Covid speak out
Four sufferers talk about the debilitating effect it has had on their lives The post The Burden: Kiwis with Long Covid speak out appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- How Greater Christchurch can continue to grow sustainably
Opinion: Planning framework over the last 25 years has stood us in good stead – until now, with fast-track legislation The post How Greater Christchurch can continue to grow sustainably appeared first on Newsroom. ...5 hours ago
- Physics Nobel awarded to neural network pioneers who laid foundations for AI
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Snoswell, Research Fellow in AI Accountability, Queensland University of Technology The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to scientists John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton “for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks”. Inspired ...8 hours ago
- Government to put pressure on opposition with legislation to ensure NBN stays in public hands
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Albanese government on Wednesday will introduce legislation to ensure the NBN remains in government ownership. The move is designed to set up a test for the Coalition, putting pressure on the opposition ahead ...8 hours ago
- From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do to th...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today. And unlike in ...9 hours ago
- From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the U...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today. And unlike in ...9 hours ago
- Government to strengthen builder licensing regime
The government is continuing to crack down on dodgy builders, with a move to strengthen requirements for registration and licensing. ...13 hours ago
- Minister refers question over state of navy contributing to Manawanui sinking to NZDF
RNZ asked Judith Collins if she would ensure staffing issues were within the scope an inquiry. ...13 hours ago
- Politics with Michelle Grattan: Danielle Wood on the keys to growing Australia’s weak productivity
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra “Productivity” might sound a nerdy word to many, but improving it is vital for a more affluent life for Australians in coming years. At the moment it is languishing. Investigating ways in which our national ...13 hours ago
- Partisanship dominates as federal parliament fights over Middle East war
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Federal parliament has split on partisan lines over the Middle East crisis, just a day after the anniversary of the Hamas atrocities against Israelis. After discussions between Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton failed to reach ...13 hours ago
- 700 million plastic bottles: we worked out how much microplastic is in Queensland’s Moreton Bay
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Elvis Okoffo, PhD candidate in Environmental Science, The University of Queensland M-Productions/Shutterstock When it rains heavily, plastic waste is washed off our streets into rivers, flowing out to the ocean. Most plastic is trapped in estuaries and coastal ecosystems, with a ...15 hours ago
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I guess it just shows their entitlement up as they understand.
M Barry has shown herself up and may be better of taking garden tours in future.
And yet again the MSM shows it’s colours by not calling Billshit and Mags on their clear and blatant misrepresentation of the land being of a lower intrinsic value.
I mean shit!, all the info is there in the original DOC submission (prior to it’s balls being ripped out and the neutered result being sat in the corner to numbly sign any and all approvals Mags pulls out of her handbag).
Just ask Billshit or Mags why they’re using this framing when the original submission clearly states the reasons for the continued protection of this taonga. Go on MSM ask a non-scripted question for once!
OH! and don’t go using any of that science shit like Nitrate levels or such to stop us, we’ve got our own specialist that come up with completely different answers to yours!!
So we have laws as long as they suit the National Party and yet the moment the law goes against them, like the worst of third world dictators they make up a new law to do away with the inconvenience of the law that they want to break, to suit themselves.
These despots have been pushing moral, ethical and quite plainly lawful boundaries until they’ve broken them since elected, but even this is a wrong too far. Its Warner Bros and Sir Peter Jackson law changes all over again but on steroids.
But they will know through their research that the thick voters that support them will not notice nor care. Some bumpkin place they’ve never been, that makes money for Fontera, yawn!
So Prime Minister, why bother with laws at all, because you and your rotten party certainly don’t see them as a necessity you need to worry about!
+100 Keith I heard Chester Borrows being interviewed by Wallace Chapman this morning saying how the National Party had moved to the “Centre”. Nearly choked in my muesli.This is SPIN.
Under this government these 9 long years we have seen the top 5%, farmers, businessmen and speculators benefit with peasants getting crumbs as a sop and the the RMA trashed, state houses sold off etc etc etc . The reaction to the dam is a continuation of this process.
Time for a Labour/Green bloc government to sort things out again*.
*on this note Labour set up Pharmac when last in government. It has just been given a massive international tick for reducing the price of drugs in this country compared with other countries. Labour (and friends) also set up Kiwisaver, Kiwibank, the superannuation fund, Fonterra……
Deregulation was all about getting rid of the laws that the capitalists didn’t like so that they could take more and more from both the environment and the people without those costs being properly considered. It makes the businesses more profits but it destroys the community and the environment.
Very well put, Keith.
Which journalists are able to take up the suggestion made below and follow the money? I want to know who will benefit from the massively dirty deal which is in the offing.
Maggie Barry, this is NOT your finest hour.
I’m glad this issue has surfaced here. What the government is doing is disgusting, selling out our protected natural areas to further intensify and pollute for the financial gain of a few. This should be all over the media.
The National government lying again and adding in possible constitutional outrage just because they’re upset that the law doesn’t allow them to get what they want.
We shouldn’t be surprised by this. National are psychopathic.
Blinglish to Pulya Benefit: Re Law Change
Does anyone know why the government is so invested in this dam going ahead?
For starters it’s pretty expensive & if I’ve followed all the twists correctly then the local ratepayers are not interested in paying. I seem to remember John Key saying after the last local elections that taxpayer money may have to go in.
I understand that it also benefits a relatively few people so why do they want to spend so much to gainvotes/donations from a relatively few people?
Government policy to double primary production, they are looking after their fed farmer base – increasing the land values for farmers to ultimately sell – without regard to the actual increasingly unsustainable future of farming. Look what they have done to the Mackenzie country.
Because those few people are rich.
+100
Exactly.
Follow the money.
When they say “Hawkes Bay’ some people assume they mean water storage for the orchardists, which would make some sense, but this is water for the central Hawkes Bay which wants to jump onboard the so called Dairy Boom. Ridiculous. Economically and environmentally. And another industry for the Bay that will rely on using desperate foreign workers to keep the wages low.
https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2017/07/09/clarifying-the-facts-supreme-court-land-swap-ruling-forest-and-bird/
Excellent clarification by Forest and Bird. I heard Maggie saying that they were already doing this sort of thing “a couple of times a year” – spinning it as if the law change is needed to regularise a normal procedure. Forest and Bird say it has happened only 3 times in 10 years. Worth reading.
It seems there is far more contortion and convolution than conservation in this minister…
The minister is a mouthpiece and an empty vessel. She was also unaware her own department allowed water extraction in a national park through a threatened kiwi sanctuary.
Plenty of fools bought the “battle for the birds” greenwash and the predator free by 2050 self medicating conscience crap.
This government are demonstrably mass polluting environmental vandals.
“technically a lie”
nothing technical about it. blatant lying.
The planning went ahead in spite of their not first getting access/permission for the land. So $10+ million of someone’s money was spent. Now that “they” cannot get the land “they” will change the rules to get what “they” want and thus get value for their 10million.
Sound like good management? Or maybe Government promised the beneficiaries a perfect outcome and now Government has to make sure that it happens.
Great post Mickey.
Forest and Bird have for many years been the most effective government opposition we have. Because of that, they are really easy to donate to.
Great to see Crown Law get such a shellacking.
Mickey who acted and appeared for Forest and Bird? We should buy them a beer.
A similar dam fiasco is looming in the Tasman District. It’s called the Waimea Community dam. This was instigated by corporate orchardists and then, when beginning to stall, was foisted onto reluctant ratepayers for extra funding. It has just passed another vote for continuance by the Mayors casting vote!
What is DOC planning to do with the land exchanged? Are DOC going to start a farm or spend vast amounts revegatating it?