The great reset

Written By: - Date published: 7:45 am, February 9th, 2023 - 109 comments
Categories: broadcasting, chris hipkins, Economy, Environment, human rights, labour, minimum wage, water, workers' rights - Tags:

Apologies for not posting much lately.  The Auckland floods and the draft Mayoral budget have taken their toll on my time as well as many other things not to mention people’s lives.

Chris Hipkins has announced the great policy reset and there are no surprises.

The RNZ TVNZ merger is off.  Hopefully now journalists from those institutions will settle down and stop presenting the Government in such negative terms.

The Social Insurance Scheme has been put on ice.  To ease the disappointment of the Trade Union Movement and workers generally there has been a significant increase to the minimum wage, up by $1.50 or 7%.  Business interests are predictably moaning about this.  In their view the poorest paid amongst us should bear the brunt of the effects of inflation.

The hate speech legislation has been moved over to the Law Commission to take a deeper look at it.  I think this is the appropriate thing to do.  Hopefully the Law Commission’s recommendations will take some of the politics out of the attacks although to be frank I do not expect the attacks or the rhetoric to abate.

The biofuels mandate is scrapped.  My personal view is they need to concentrate on renewables.  Use of biofuels has received a mixed response from environmentalists.

And Three Waters is to be reviewed.  If I had a say in what will happen I would recommend that stormwater management was retained by councils.  This simplifies the reform process significantly.  In Auckland for instance there would be no change and Watercare could be rolled out to the north to look after their water and wastewater systems.

Obviously they will take a deep look at the Governance provisions.  Increasing the proportion of local government representation on the Regional Representative Groups is one option that may be considered.  One option could be for local government to elect their own iwi representatives to the RRGs.

But to those that say that Three Waters is not necessary or important all I can do is point out what has  happened to Auckland over the past week.

In political terms it is a move to the centre.  The intent is that it gives the Government enough head space to accelerate other projects.

109 comments on “The great reset ”

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  1. Tony Veitch 1
    9 February 2023 at 8:08 am

    So long as it keeps an abomination like an Act/Natz government out of power, I'm in favour!

    I put Act first in the above coupling, because the Act tail will sure as hell wag the Natz dog!

  2. Ad 2
    9 February 2023 at 8:12 am

    I can certainly accept Prime Minister Hipkins as 100% Pure Politician in his blood.

    But for a two-term low-achieving government with a once-in-a-lifetime majority, this government has now withdrawn into a small olive green camouflaged shrub hoping people won't trip over it walking to the polling booth.

    This isn't what I voted for.

    Even insofar as they had any manifesto to begin with in 2020, the wreckage of this government throwing policy pieces around in public and arterial transport, local governance, media, water, organised labour, tertiary education, health and more is piling up like a post-flood roadside.

    By comparison President Joe Biden has ridden mostly the same crises, on a razor majority in the Senate, and you can check his legislative achievements in the State of the Union yesterday.

    (27) President Joe Biden delivers 2023 State of the Union address to Congress — 2/7/23 – YouTube

    I expect more than this from any government and especially a Labour government.

    • James Simpson 2.1
      9 February 2023 at 9:21 am

      Well said Ad.

      This is such a wasted opportunity.

      In the first term NZ First acted like a hand brake and Labour was prevented from being the transformational government they promised to be.

      The second term they were given an absolute majority. Something which may never exist again in an MMP parliament. They had, and still have, the opportunity to do the things they want and promised. Things which minor coalition partners will never allow them to do.

      There is a chance that National will win the election this year. And then what? 9 years of nothing happening, while we look back at these years and think if only we had done what needed to be done when we had the chance.

      Now is the time Chippy should be putting the foot down, to get as much completed before the election. Not surrendering to National and the centre

    • Ian B 2.2
      9 February 2023 at 9:22 am

      yes BULLSEYE!

    • Adrian Thornton 2.3
      9 February 2023 at 9:38 am

      "This isn't what I voted for."….."I expect more than this from any government and especially a Labour government"

      No this is exactly what you voted for…Adren said quite clearly that she (and by extension Labour NZ) are “pragmatic idealist(s)”….if that wasn't a flashing in your face clue as to pathetic depth of their fighting spirit when faced with even the slightest head wind then that's is on you pal.

      Not even going to start on that war pig gangster Biden.

    • JeremyB 2.4
      9 February 2023 at 11:52 am

      Not sure if that is an appropriate comparison
      https://www.factcheck.org/2023/02/factchecking-the-state-of-the-union-4/

      The TL,DR is: lots of spin

  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    9 February 2023 at 8:48 am

    Sometimes a circuit breaker is needed in politics. New PM Mr “Chipkins” has certainly cleared the desk and sat some of the usual suspects well and truly on their arses.

    Employers large and small just hate that minimum wage floor! So the increase scheduled in April to $22.70 was a positive move for working class NZers. Many other things can obviously be done–they still have an MMP majority till October, but Chris has started well.

    • RosieLee 3.1
      9 February 2023 at 11:43 am

      You mean like state housing and controls on rents? Oh – and how about a CGT?

      • Tiger Mountain 3.1.1
        10 February 2023 at 2:50 pm

        Certainly, but I would not count on it!

        NZ Labour are hardly likely to abandon the cross party Parliamentary neo liberal/monetarist consensus–but lets praise them please when they “stick it to the man” with minimum wage increases.

  4. Reality 4
    9 February 2023 at 10:08 am

    Covid stepped in three years ago don't forget! That very much dominated everything in one way or another, with staff away sick, staff shortages, planning put on hold, financial planning and allocation realigned. The world is not a perfect place, and nor is New Zealand. Utopia really doesn't exist.

    • James Simpson 4.1
      9 February 2023 at 10:26 am

      So Covid is the reason for a reset?

    • Obtrectator 4.2
      9 February 2023 at 1:26 pm

      Even allowing for Covid, Ms Ardern was for me something of a disappointment. No question, we couldn't have had anyone better at the helm for dealing with that particular crisis, plus the several others that came along.

      But her clear reluctance to be associated with any action that might be unpopular or even controversial proved to be a severe weakness. Take the cannabis reform referendum – comparatively trivial in itself, but a perfect illustration of what I mean. A firm endorsement from her of decriminalisation, and we'd have got that over the line. Instead she havered, and ducked for cover, and the thing was lost for possibly another decade.

      • gsays 4.2.1
        9 February 2023 at 7:29 pm

        Couldn't agree more.

        I'll add Little to the disappointments but file under 'bitter'. When Parker's conceit led to Little's appointment, hopes went up.

        Another priceless opportunity to implement meaningful reform, squandered because of the cost. (Didn't cover himself in glory leading into the electric puha referendum either.)

      • Louis 4.2.2
        9 February 2023 at 8:06 pm

        "her clear reluctance to be associated with any action that might be unpopular or even controversial" The policies if the Ardern govt that PM Hipkins removed, put on hold etc clearly shows your statement is not true.

  5. tsmithfield 5
    9 February 2023 at 10:16 am

    If they keep up this sort of pace of backwards marching, fairly soon they will be National in drag.

    The key thing for me is that Chippie was part of the team that signed off on all this stuff to start with. So, it looks to me that it is just posturing to avoid scaring the horses before the election.

    So, it seems likely it will all be regurgitated after the election if they get back in.

    So, for people who don't want this stuff to see the light of day again, the best option is to vote National or Act.

    • Drowsy M. Kram 5.1
      9 February 2023 at 11:14 am

      If they keep up this sort of pace of backwards marching, fairly soon they will be National in drag.

      Indeed, borrowing from the Nat playbook.

      Christopher Luxon rethinks top tax cut as situation changes ‘big time’, Grant Robertson, David Seymour take jabs [23 November 2022]

      Might a ‘top tax cut’ be “regurgitated” under a Luxon-Luxoff-'led' govt? smiley

      PM defensive after video reveals GST flip-flop

      With so many U-turns, flip-flops and reversals, it's hard to know who to Truss. Still, I was pleased about the increase to the minimum wage – help where it's needed, imho, and certainly not from the Nat playbook.

      • James Simpson 5.1.1
        9 February 2023 at 11:25 am

        Not that I would encourage anyone reading them, but the right wing blogs are celebrating the rest.

        That says a lot really.

        National voters applauding Chippy while we feel deflated.

        • Incognito 5.1.1.1
          9 February 2023 at 7:53 pm

          Of course, the RW is celebrating! Stalling is their only main opposition tactic and deferred change preserves the status quo and BAU, for as long as possible.

          Besides, they were getting scared of how much repealing they had to do when in Government – the bonfire of shambolic regulations would have been burning for months and the phoenix arising from the ashes would have been a roasted turkey wandering like a headless chicken in a haze of hot air and smoke & mirrors.

      • gsays 5.1.2
        9 February 2023 at 7:34 pm

        That's the thing Drowsy, it's an unelectable rabble you are comparing this MMP majority government to.

        What's next at least Grant Robertson didn't double dip?

        • Drowsy M. Kram 5.1.2.1
          9 February 2023 at 8:33 pm

          "An unelectable rabble" you say? 'Rabble' (mob/gang) – yes.

          'Unelectable' – I (still) fear not, but I'm less despondent than I was 3 weeks ago.

  6. Anne 6
    9 February 2023 at 10:27 am

    I note none of the commenters thus far have mentioned the big elephant in the room – the Covid pandemic. You know, the one that shut down NZ for two plus… of the last five years. The one that required the full blown attention of the government for most of their time in power. The one that was responsible for projects and promises to be put on the back-burner because they were physically impossible to implement under pandemic conditions.

    You know, the one that saved the lives of thousands of NZers.

    Some people appear to be saying those lives were not worth saving and we should have carried on business as usual – studiously ignoring they may have ended up being among the dead.

    But that's the art of politics among the great unwashed which is most of us. Ignore what has gone on before, and be destined to repeat the same mistakes. And that is always what you get from National governments.

  7. Reality 7
    9 February 2023 at 10:32 am

    Covid changed the landscape in many many ways. What was planned five years ago may now simply not be a priority. Households are no different to a country. Our household had to change all sorts of plans and adapt to how life had to be lived now.

  8. Reality 8
    9 February 2023 at 10:41 am

    Likewise the recent Auckland floods have changed priorities from what was possible or planned six months ago. Life is all about adapting to circumstances.

  9. tsmithfield 9
    9 February 2023 at 10:59 am

    I actually agree with a lot of comments above.

    It looks to me like Labour is trying to make itself as similar as possible to National, rather than try and differentiate itself from it.

    From my perspective, it wouldn't take much more to change in Labour's policy mix for me not to care whether Labour or National are in power next time (assuming that the shelved stuff doesn't come back after the election).

    But, is that really a good thing? And is that what politics is all about? Remaining in power at all costs even if it means selling your soul?

    • Barfly 9.1
      9 February 2023 at 11:55 am

      A Natioal /Act government would be simply Asset sales, Austerity, Cut-backs and Crackdowns. The rich would get more the poor would get hammered – same as it ever was.

      • Drowsy M. Kram 9.1.1
        9 February 2023 at 12:12 pm

        Pretty much – nacting in defence of the 'poor' put-upon wealthy (oh the pain of it all!)

      • tsmithfield 9.1.2
        9 February 2023 at 12:40 pm

        “A Natioal /Act government would be simply Asset sales, Austerity, Cut-backs and Crackdowns. The rich would get more the poor would get hammered – same as it ever was.”

        Looks like you been imbibing a bit to much left wing fear porn there.

        I can't remember any National government in recent times that has been like that.”

        • Obtrectator 9.1.2.1
          9 February 2023 at 1:15 pm

          None of those Nat administrations had to deal with an ACT caucus that was anything like the size of the present one

          • tsmithfield 9.1.2.1.1
            9 February 2023 at 1:29 pm

            Managing the extreme positions is one of the difficulties of MMP. Just like Labour will likely have to deal with the Greens and the MP.

            Unless you suggest a grand coalition would be a good idea? That would put an end to any such fear from either side.

            • adam 9.1.2.1.1.1
              9 February 2023 at 6:13 pm

              What's a MP, or who is the MP? You know the house is full of MP's?

              • Mac1 …
                9 February 2023 at 8:12 pm

                MP is Māori Party in this context. Yeah, use of contractions, abbreviations etc can be confusing when used outside of a conversation of people versed in the specialised language of the topic.

                • adam …
                  10 February 2023 at 11:42 pm

                  sigh not wanting to sound angry, but my point was MP is a fucking stupid abbreviation, on so many levels.

                  Apart from the obvious if you want to abbreviate it, TPM is the more appropriate one. But that would probably leave dog whistle racists in total confusion.

                  Also the MP is a term we use to describe pollies and muddying the waters seem bloody stupid as well.

                  Then there is the fact it just reads like the usual, me white, me right b.s. that’s been so much a part of NZ politics.

                  I knew what he meant, just thought I let the plonker who wrote it, work out he was being a newb.

                  • Mac1 …
                    11 February 2023 at 8:22 pm

                    I wasn'r trying to be helpful to you so much as I knew you knew what MP meant in tsmithfield's context.

                    I wanted to make a point generally about the reliance we put on others knowing what our contractions mean. I had to look up CGT used above at 3.1. In 106 comments in this post and comments there are 24 different contractions used. What are these 7?

                    GSF, IUCN,PAC,TL,DR, HSL,MW, CE?

        • bwaghorn 9.1.2.2
          9 February 2023 at 3:53 pm

          Where you under a rock in the key years??

        • Patricia Bremner 9.1.2.3
          9 February 2023 at 5:21 pm

          That is a naive statement tsmithfield, considering all the tax refunds for the top tax people got(thousands).

          The pitiful 50c an hour rise plus $10 a week tax break for workersangry plus a lowering of all benefits to the "job seeker" with a thousand cuts of humiliation for any beneficiary.crying

          Each year under the Nats we had to take a letter from WINZ, which we had to line up for, to our Bank which confirmed we were "pensioners".

          We also had an argument with a poorly trained misogynist beasty at WINZ about my GSF pension. He was sure I was "cheating the system" and said so. It is a tax paid pension and does not count for that reason… especially as we paid 30% at least in tax!!! So I enjoyed telling him to "Do some study, and to apologise for calling me a "Cheat". He did so grudgingly.

          Further to this the sale of AirNZ Contact Energy, .. look up NZ government Asset sales as at 2014. NZ Steel Petrocorp NZ Health Computing Service. etc

          I rest my casefrown

        • Patricia Bremner 9.1.2.4
          9 February 2023 at 5:22 pm

          angrySee full comment!!

        • JeremyB 9.1.2.5
          10 February 2023 at 4:06 pm

          "I can't remember any National government in recent times that has been like that"

          Selective memory?
          Income from State Asset Sales as at May 2014 (treasury.govt.nz)

          “”We are going to campaign on being very fiscally responsible and that means spending less money and borrowing less money.”
          https://www.stuff.co.nz/editors-picks/4588506/Key-Marching-in-streets-won-t-change-policy

    • Drowsy M. Kram 9.2
      10 February 2023 at 11:38 pm

      After the 14 October general election, I'd prefer that a Labour-Green-Te Pāti Māori government forms, rather than a National-ACT govt.

      I see from the comments here that some seem quite happy to have the government drop policies on the basis of "whatever it takes to win".

      There are elements of "whatever it takes to win" at all points on the political compass, more in some camps than others. Would be interesting to tease out the rationale for critiquing a supposed "whatever it takes to win" strategy, and also to apply that critique without fear or favour to all points of the compass.

      I was pleased when the Nats and Luxon-Luxoff did a U-turn on tax cuts for the rich, against the wishes of their backers:

      'So many U-turns': Luxon signals review of tax policy, including axing top tax rate [23 November 2022]

      but doubt it's a "firm position", unlike their innovative "boot camps" (sorry, 'military academies'), or our government's recent minimum wage increase in line with inflation.

      Surprise! National can measure child poverty after all. Now comes the hard part. [5 September 2017]

      Can't wait for our opposition parties to release their progressive campaign policies.

      Social media gaffe means missed opportunity for National's Christopher Luxon

      I wish Luxon had more political experience, but "whatever it takes to win" – Right?

      David Seymour questions Christopher Luxon's loyalty to conservatism ahead of election year

  10. Anker 10
    9 February 2023 at 12:07 pm

    https://www.newsroom.co.nz/jan-heijs-stormwaters-inclusion-in-three-waters-reforms-will-worsen-flood-risks

    Here's an interesting piece from a water engineer. He seems to disagree with you Mickey about Three Waters and flooding.

    And this very worrying comment about people in the industry feeling they can’t speak up against Three Waters

    It is interesting to see how many in the water industry appear to fall in line with the suggested Three Waters reform. I know of many people in the industry who bite their tongue. The consequences of not falling into line can be career limiting.

    “The Three Waters reform is likely to make all of this worse. Stormwater is predominantly a land-use challenge and in that way dealing with stormwater is tied up with planning and development of our towns and cities. “

    • Shanreagh 10.1
      9 February 2023 at 2:48 pm

      I was not a fan of this comment from this engineer when Pat linked to it a couple of days ago. I could not put my finger on why, just intuitively something seemed to be off about it. I have read it again and now feel that the one and only sentence that appeals to me is this one

      Stormwater is predominantly a land-use challenge and in that way dealing with stormwater is tied up with planning and development of our towns and cities.

      Yes of course stormwater, with its links to disposing of the water that comes from houses and which is exacerbated by large expanses of concretes, additional roads is a function of land use. The more impermeable surfaces we have the less likely it is that stormwater will trickle, seep etc away in situ.

      Even with minimal housing with one road to get to it you need to cater for the interruption of rain being able to soak away. We saw roads acting as de facto rivers and of ancient streams re-emerging. Land use planning has a pre-eminent role in this. But so we have minimised concrete and excess roading but stormwater still comes about. So what do we do with that?

      At the moment we pipe it away, some times for miles underground, then we deal with at the coast by lagooning with tidal etc mechanical gates. In Wellington there have been instances where the force of the water in these huge drains has been enough to blow the tops/covers off the drains. Especially in areas where we have built over old streams or culverted old streams.

      So yes changing land use has a role. Sprawl and intensification all have bad parts to play in controlling, minimising stormwater over flows. The immediate answer to sprawl seems to be going up.

      Several new residential blocks (about 6-7 storeys) have gone up in inner Wellington. These cover the whole section with either building or concrete covering the whole section with some 'trendy' little plants being put in the concrete bunkers almost as an after thought.

      So no thought of what to do with water, other than piping it away somewhere, no roof gardens, no attention paid to this wonderful policy from the IUCN

      https://iucnurbanalliance.org/promoting-health-and-wellbeing-through-urban-forests-introducing-the-3-30-300-rule/

      As I said I am attracted to this one sentence in this report from this engineer. I still can't put my finger on why I am feeling a bit skeptical about the many other sentences.

      • Incognito 10.1.1
        9 February 2023 at 8:29 pm

        His criticism was mainly of a very wide range of non-engineering issues and thus just his opinion on those matters. When he balked about Three Waters reforms it was just his reckons and he showed his negative bias. Some of his assertions were misleading and this begs the question why he misrepresented the intent of the reforms. The comments on his opinion piece didn’t all agree with him either, but did not challenge him straight on enough, IMO.

      • Thinker 10.1.2
        10 February 2023 at 7:34 am

        Problem is the 3 waters entities would be engineer driven, if watercare is the model.

        And, to those who only have a hammer, the solution to every problem looks like a nail.

        If the new entities were set up with think tanks to come up with localised, environmental solutions, green technology might have a chance. But, I fear even if they are not profit driven they will be cost minimisers, throwing detention tanks along the pipeline as the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff.

    • SPC 10.2
      9 February 2023 at 9:36 pm

      You misrepresented what Mickey wrote by around 180 degrees.

      If I had a say in what will happen I would recommend that stormwater management was retained by councils. This simplifies the reform process significantly. In Auckland for instance there would be no change and Watercare could be rolled out to the north to look after their water and wastewater systems.

      For mine there has been a failure by the Super City, they have since allowed building in areas that were known to be flood prone and have neglected to act in a timely way to local flooding events (as to doing works that were known as necessary locally before the next event).

  11. observer 11
    9 February 2023 at 2:43 pm

    Sad to see comments here reflecting the conventional pundit take, looking back instead of looking forward. Do I need to spell it out?

    The only prospect of a Labour-led government after the election is Labour plus Greens. That government (hopefully full coalition, with Greens in Cabinet for a historic first) is very much worth fighting for. It would be the most progressive MMP government yet.

    If you've invented a time machine then you can go back to 2020 and change things. If you haven't, then all you're doing is complaining about what you wish had happened, pointlessly. "I wouldn't have started from here" is a waste of words. Breaking news: Time is linear.

    Hipkins knows what he is doing. Maximise Labour vote, lose some votes to Greens and/or TPM. If the result is 38% + 10% + 2%, job done.

    It's not about the current government any more. It's about the next one.

    But if people prefer, we can moan some more and look forward to our warm glow of righteousness when ACT are in Cabinet telling Luxon how to destroy the country, reward their mates and piss on the bottom of the pile. No thanks.

    Get over your disappointment or welcome in disaster. Easy choice, really.

  12. Mike the Lefty 12
    9 February 2023 at 3:46 pm

    What would really throw the cat amongst the National Party pigeons would be if Labour comes up with policies that involve fixing New Zealand's terrible roads. National and ACT are both on the road building populist vote gathering trail at the moment, with ACT additionally implying that they will raise national road speed limits. So as well as the gun nuts and share market speculators, ACT is fishing for the petrol head vote. Winston Peters has really missed the boat here.

    • gsays 12.1
      9 February 2023 at 7:47 pm

      Get the big trucks and truck and trailer units off the road. Tax 'em till their eyes bleed.

      We will just have to wait an extra day or so for that shit from Amazon, the Trade Me buy to arrive…. Use the train set and coastal shipping instead.

      But that means negating the efforts of the Trucking Lobby. Good luck with that

  13. Stuart Munro 13
    9 February 2023 at 5:15 pm

    Throwing the hate speech to the Law Society seems wise – it's a difficult technical issue, to distinguish between robust expression, and inciting the kind of hatred that causes violence.

    Letting the media off the hook was unwise. Their lack of professionalism already puts them among NZ's least trusted professions. They need public interest reform, and we the public need a conscientious professional media – not third-rate saluads that are basically Whaleoil in drag.

    A refocusing on workplace economics is long overdue however, and if Chris Hipkins can progress a rebalancing of the unfortunate and unsustainable status quo, that will be very welcome.

    • SPC 13.2
      9 February 2023 at 10:16 pm

      The conflation of a merger with increased funding was wrong.

      RNZ needed more money for public journalism/broadcasting years ago. TVNZ needs a sufficient funding stream allocation for its public media/broadcasting role (while it remains in the advertising market and paying a dividend) – and that includes access to current affairs on demand (journalism of record) as well as use of designated digital broadcasting time.

      Some of the opposition came from those who wanted a greater share on Air funding for themselves (impact of social media on revenue streams from advertising in mass media markets) and some from those who want comms as subject to private capital management as possible (all to increase the power of the well-funded PAC, domestic or foreign)

      • Stuart Munro 13.2.1
        10 February 2023 at 5:41 pm

        By all means give RNZ proper funding.

        But TVNZ is in an advanced state of decay – better to build a new state TV from scratch, with a social charter and as yet uncorrupted new talent – there is nothing worth saving in the current mess.

      • tWiggle 13.2.2
        10 February 2023 at 6:05 pm

        And during the last Nats' government, RNZ retained a healthy criticism of their government, where TVNZ took a softer role. Having them under the same board of directors and CE hss potential to lead to the kind of political pressure the BBC has suffered in recent years.

  14. roblogic 14
    9 February 2023 at 7:54 pm

    The shit Luxon says is unbelievable– just naked self-interest for the landlord class. On the news tonight he wants to get rid of the bright line test, bring back negative gearing, and the Nats old 90-day fire-at-will law, that encourages abusive employers to exploit vulnerable workers for a few months. Same old National.

    • Thinker 14.1
      10 February 2023 at 6:48 am

      Don't see it as Naked Self Interest.

      I think it might be "Desperate times call for desperate measures".

      Winning this election may not be the milk run they thought it would be.

      That's a good sign for the left.

      Esp. as the point I've made before, which is that Natz policies still appeal to the dropping number of boomers.

      When the boomers were the bulk of voters National could do these sorts of policies and win. Now, they should be appealing to genx up to millenials and they aren't.

  15. Louis 15
    9 February 2023 at 8:12 pm

    @MICKYSAVAGE. Just a point, its Income Insurance scheme, not social.

  16. SPC 16
    9 February 2023 at 9:47 pm

    While there was criticism by the Green spokesperson about also referring the religion component of HSL to the Law Commission (as was birth sex, sexuality and gender etc) Moslem spokespersons themselves said they wanted a whole of process approach.

    This reminds me of the common cause (between minorities) approach that applied with the civil unions legislation earlier this century.

    My take on this is that, there needs to be a clear in law distinction between criticism/comment and hate speech, incitement to hate. The existing law includes race (but has very rarely been prosecuted – indicating a high prosecution threshold. But not one actually specified in the legislation).

  17. SPC 17
    9 February 2023 at 9:56 pm

    The income insurance involves a charge on people struggling to pay rent and mortgage. An obvious reason for a delay.

    A higher MW, better support to lower income families, use of a wealth tax to reduce income tax on the many and the Fair Pay (industry award) legislation should help (as would a rent freeze).

    Another problem is that adopting income insurance going into a recession is not a sound business approach (as to its financial well-being).

    It is however one way to cater to people being supported through sickness (given ACC excludes this). An alternative is a scheme to cover just sickness but then there would be a need to also focus on improvement in workplace redundancy arrangements. Push that idea and watch industry accept income insurance.

    • Craig H 17.1
      10 February 2023 at 3:45 pm

      That was why Business NZ agreed to be involved in the first place – cheaper than compulsory redundancy. Scrapping income insurance and going to forced redundancy payments plus expanding ACC to illness would be another option.

      • tWiggle 17.1.1
        10 February 2023 at 6:11 pm

        And Hipkins mentioned the lack in ACC coverage for chronic illness in his reply to press questions on Tuesday. He suggested then that maybe the scope of ACC could be broadened.

  18. Gosman 18
    10 February 2023 at 10:07 am

    Having the Law commission look at hate speech laws will not remove the politics from the topic if they recommend any law changes that will criminalise hate speech.

  19. Maurice 19
    10 February 2023 at 11:50 am

    More likely A Bonfire of the Vanities

    OR Witch Burning?

  20. tsmithfield 20
    10 February 2023 at 11:57 am

    I see from the comments here that some seem quite happy to have the government drop policies on the basis of "whatever it takes to win".

    The question I have, is whether Labour should be honest with the voting population prior to the election about what policies they intend to bring back in should they win, and which they intend to cancel permanently.

    Because, Hipkins said he wanted to focus on bread and butter issues. To me, that suggests that once there has been enough focus on the bread and butter issues, then those shelved policies could be brought back to life.

    I am sure this will be an argument that National and Act will use prior to the election. So, I think it would be to Labour’s advantage to state a firm position on these issues.

    • weka 20.1
      10 February 2023 at 12:18 pm

      I see from the comments here that some seem quite happy to have the government drop policies on the basis of "whatever it takes to win".

      That's one way of framing it. Another is that Labour recognise that some of the policies they've been pushing are not well liked by many NZ citizens. My take on that is that Labour were pursuing a Daddy knows best, classic centre left authoritarian position, and because of the stressors of recent years it's just not working. I'm relieved because of that.

      We're in the long crisis now and it's imperative that major policy brings people along. One of the biggest things NZ has going for it is that we still have a reasonably level of social cohesion. Not as much as we used to, but let's not erode it further.

      Besides, the obvious solution for lefties pissed off at Labour is to vote Green. It's MMP dudes.

      • Craig H 20.1.1
        10 February 2023 at 3:47 pm

        I also got the impression that a lot of the big ticket items were agreed years ago, but becasue they took a long time to design, consult, redesign, reconsult, legislate etc, and deal with Covid, changes that would normally have been done in a year or two were only now coming to potential fruition, by which time some of them had run into "events, dear boy" so to speak.

        • weka 20.1.1.1
          10 February 2023 at 3:54 pm

          that would make sense. Seems to me like lots of people don't realise just how big a deal the pandemic has been (and still is) in terms of impacts on government and policy.

      • tWiggle 20.1.2
        10 February 2023 at 6:27 pm

        I read from Hipkins' press conference on Tuesday from his answers to media questions that he was well aware of perceived lack of transparency issues, as well as the bitsy-ness and over-extension of Labour's legislative committments this term.

    • Incognito 20.2
      10 February 2023 at 12:20 pm

      When you wear binary binoculars, everything you see is B & W.

      You obviously don’t understand the nuance and context of the Government’s policy refocus and pay no attention to what the new PM has said.

      https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-takes-new-direction-policy-refocus

      https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/483510/chris-hipkins-says-it-s-inane-to-rule-anything-in-or-out

      Even if you get your absurd wish of categorically ruling in or out policies, a change of the guard (e.g. party leader) or major events can easily change things around, as is the case. There is no place in politics for absolutist fixations that you euphemistically label a ‘firm position’.

      • Louis 20.2.1
        10 February 2023 at 1:53 pm

        yes Incognito

      • tsmithfield 20.2.2
        10 February 2023 at 2:00 pm

        Thanks Weka, Incognito,

        But neither of you answered this question, and neither do the links.

        The question I have, is whether Labour should be honest with the voting population prior to the election about what policies they intend to bring back in should they win, and which they intend to cancel permanently.

        I will change the wording of that question so it is a little less perjorative:

        The question I have is whether Labour should, prior to the election, advise the voting public if either the cancelled or shelved policies could be reintroduced in the next term, should they win the next election.

        I think this question is a fair one, because if they don't have a clear position on this, or are seen to be fudging when asked by interviewers etc, then it will not look as good for them compared to if they have clear positions they can articulate.

        Because a clear point of attack for National/ACT will be that the policies people hate are really just being postponed, and that they will just have to deal with them again after the election.

        By being clear and open about this, Labour would be able to preemptively spike this attack.

        • observer 20.2.2.1
          10 February 2023 at 2:30 pm

          Of course Labour should inform the voters before the election. So should every other party.

          We still have far more knowledge about Labour's intentions than National's. If you have any info about what National would do, please let us know.

          Whoever is in government, the country will still need a health system, water infrastructure, housing and much more. These things are not a "nice to have". They are the foundations of any society. We only know what National have promised to scrap. We know nothing at all about what they intend to put in its place.

          Nothing.

          • tsmithfield 20.2.2.1.1
            10 February 2023 at 2:49 pm

            Thanks for that. I agree. They should. It will be interesting to see if they do.

            I will be interested what other policies are to be dropped or modified.

            Because, if they drop and modify too much, they risk being seen as National in drag. And then, even I would consider voting for them, LOL, as it wouldn't make much difference. But I think that would actually be quite sad. Personally, I think parties should actually stand up for what they believe in.

        • weka 20.2.2.2
          10 February 2023 at 2:43 pm

          Hasn't Hipkins already talked about this? eg the hate speech law has been referred to the Law Commission (ie it's not been scrapped). Three Waters is being reworked.

          • tsmithfield 20.2.2.2.1
            10 February 2023 at 2:53 pm

            Some things, yes. But, others, not so clear on.

            And, there is more water to go under this bridge yet.

            • weka 20.2.2.2.1.1
              10 February 2023 at 3:19 pm

              maybe list the ones you are concerned about. Labour have a lot of policies.

              • tsmithfield …
                10 February 2023 at 3:33 pm

                Probably the Social Insurance scheme would be one. I know it has been shelved due to current economic conditions. But, would be interesting to know if they plan to bring that back in next term if the economic conditions allow it.

                And there are still more things they are looking at I understand.

                If they were to shelve/cancel fair pay agreement legislation, then they truly will have jumped firmly to the centre, and will not be very much different to National IMO.

                • Craig H …
                  10 February 2023 at 9:02 pm

                  FPA legislation is not being repealed under a Labour government – it's as signature a piece of legislation as anything a Labour party could dream of doing.

            • Craig H 20.2.2.2.1.2
              10 February 2023 at 3:50 pm

              Hipkins was clear in the press conferences that the manifesto would have the commitments Labour would be implementing in a third term if elected, and that would include any policies scrapped, paused or sent back for more work.

        • Incognito 20.2.2.3
          10 February 2023 at 6:33 pm

          Nah, you’re still not getting it and simply repeating yourself. You don’t seem to know much about what has been happening since Hipkins became PM and how (and why) realpolitik works.

  21. Ad 21
    10 February 2023 at 2:10 pm

    No one knows what Chris Hipkins stands for. Go through his speeches over years and see little more than a functional manager.

    No one knows what will be in the 2023 manifesto.

    No one has any idea of Hipkins values because he doesn't have any.

    His political track record is mixed at best.

    He doesn't yet demonstrate the difference between running the House and leading a country.

    His update shows only that he can kill policies and ministers, without courage or rationality.

    His aww shucks suburban boy schtick is useless other than to contrast with Ardern.

    He's near identical to Key in his first months and killing initiatives is easily comparable to National 2009.

    Hipkins simply isn't a Labour leader.

    • Maurice 21.1
      10 February 2023 at 2:37 pm

      So Hipkins is not Labour Leader

      Luxon is not a leader …

      The Green Leadership is in flux

      That leaves Seymour as the Leader?

    • Drowsy M. Kram 21.2
      10 February 2023 at 2:58 pm

      Chris Hipkins formally elected new New Zealand Labour leader, replacing outgoing prime minister Jacinda Ardern [22 January 2023]
      Mr Hipkins was the sole nominee from Labour's caucus to succeed Ms Ardern as leader after her bombshell announcement on Thursday that she was standing down due to exhaustion.

      Hipkins simply isn't a Labour leader.

      Maybe, but PM Hipkins is and has been the leader of the NZ Labour party since he was 'elected' unopposed by Labour's caucus, less than three weeks ago.

      What might follow logically from those facts and your "Hipkins simply isn't a Labour leader" assertion – Labour isn't Labour?

      Who was the last NZ Labour leader? Couldn’t be Ardern. She's a hard road finding the Labour leader who will please Ad. Still…

      Ahh, you really had me going there – well done!

  22. RP Mcmurphy 22
    10 February 2023 at 6:30 pm

    pretty fair assessment. last year was starting to amass a few mountains too high to climb too many and the government was seen to be over committed. this team is the right team.

  23. tsmithfield 23
    10 February 2023 at 10:13 pm

    I will know Labour has truly lost their soul if they put tax indexation into their budget. Then it will be clear that they are trying to convince the electorate that they are so close to National, there isn’t any point in changing.

    Then, I truly won't care who wins the next election, because both parties will be so similar.

    • Incognito 23.1
      11 February 2023 at 3:46 pm

      It has not been mooted by Labour before, in fact quite the opposite (cf. comments by David Parker), so where is this or rather where are you coming from?

      Do you want it in B & W, a watertight absolute assurance & guarantee? Anything else you can think of?

      If pigs fly, then I will believe in unicorns.

  24. newsense 24
    11 February 2023 at 3:11 pm

    I feel almost like Hipkins should say about 3 Waters- screw it, canceled ,your council will have to do everything- so either poo on the street and flooding or enormous rate rises. I’m sure you all trust Wayne Brown and Phil Mauger. I’m sure they got you. No infrastructure, but stadiums.

    And take a new policy to the election. That’s not too dissimilar to the old one. But called something different.

    • Maurice 24.1
      11 February 2023 at 11:21 pm

      At the moment smaller District Councils are building water services debt and putting some of that money into roading as fast as possible.
      https://figure.nz/chart/WltFQOK08buwxX0v-0io8Mu16eipQrAI2
      All that will be handed over to the Water Services will be strangled by debt and in hock to the lenders. The most damaging thing Government cold do would be to scrap the entire 3/5 waters legislation and leave the mess with Councils to try and sort out. As for the larger Auckland and Wellington Councils water services are already well below par and Christchurch is still recovering from under-insurance of water infrastructure after the Earthquakes. Some of the smaller District Councils appear to be in far better positions but many still have problem areas and there are numerous "boil water" notices in effect.

      https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/17/concern-as-nz-towns-boil-water-notice-in-place-for-28-years/

      The agency's head of regulatory Ray McMillan says they're still getting to the bottom of the term boil water notices.

      "The fact that we've got boil water notices that have been in effect for 30 years is really concerning."

      Under the Official Information Act 1News has learnt there's 82 current boil water advisories in place, of which 50 are more than six months old.

      Twenty-seven boil water notices, or around a third, are more than one year old. And there's 12 that have been in place longer than three years.

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    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    3 days ago

  • The Folly Of Impermanence.
    “You talking about me?”  The neoliberal denigration of the past was nowhere more unrelenting than in its depiction of the public service. The Post Office and the Railways were held up as being both irremediably inefficient and scandalously over-manned. Playwright Roger Hall’s “Glide Time” caricatures were presented as accurate depictions of ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • A crisis of ambition
    Roger Partridge  writes – When the Coalition Government took office last October, it inherited a country on a precipice. With persistent inflation, decades of insipid productivity growth and crises in healthcare, education, housing and law and order, it is no exaggeration to suggest New Zealand’s first-world status was ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Have 308 people in the Education Ministry’s Curriculum Development Team spent over $100m on a 60-p...
    Rob MacCulloch writes – In 2022, the Curriculum Centre at the Ministry of Education employed 308 staff, according to an Official Information Request. Earlier this week it was announced 202 of those staff were being cut. When you look up “The New Zealand Curriculum” on the Ministry of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • 'This bill is dangerous for the environment and our democracy'
    Chris Bishop’s bill has stirred up a hornets nest of opposition. Photo: Lynn Grieveson for The KākāTL;DR: The six things that stood out to me in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, poverty and climate from the last day included:A crescendo of opposition to the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill is ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    4 days ago

  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    4 days ago

  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
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    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    4 days ago

  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    4 days ago

  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago

  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

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

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

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    10 hours ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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