The greatest threat to Banks: Brash (& that story)

Written By: - Date published: 10:50 am, November 10th, 2011 - 39 comments
Categories: act, don brash, john banks, john key - Tags:

John Banks says the brand he is campaigning for in Epsom is ‘Brand Key’ (yup, that’s gone mainstream now), not ACT. Epsomites don’t want three-time loser Don Brash but it’s unavoidably true that a vote for Banks is a vote for Brash. This is leading to a further unattractive debacle as Banks tries to distance himself from his leader, who he’s trying to get into parliament.

On Close Up the other night, Banks was twice asked to explicitly endorse Brash as his leader and he refused to do so. When another candidate at an Epsom candidate meeting pointed out exactly who Banks was representing, Banks’ reaction was extraordinary.

All of this bizarre internal fighting and disrespect just makes Banks, Brash, and ACT even less attractive to voters.

I don’t think a cup of tea from Key could save them at this stage.

And I’m still not sure it will happen.

Key’s not delaying until the absolutely last minute for the hell of it. He is in a Mexican stand-off with the media. If he sits down with Banks, he risks someone running the Banks story and getting that all-important ‘Brand Key’ sullied by association. And the media are holding off running the story until after any such endorsement to maximise its impact.

So, Key will continue to say that a cup of tea is a question for another day, while more and more Epsom votes get locked in, and the chances of Banks winning wilt.

39 comments on “The greatest threat to Banks: Brash (& that story) ”

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  1. Carol 1
    10 November 2011 at 11:25 am

    John Banks says the brand he is campaigning for in Epsom is ‘Brand Key’ (yup, that’s gone mainstream now), not ACT.

    Geez! These guys unashamedly game the system. It seems they have no ethics other than winning… I guess that is part of Brand Key

  2. mickysavage 2
    10 November 2011 at 11:44 am

    He is in a Mexican stand-off with the media. If he sits down with Banks, he risks someone running the Banks story and getting that all-important ‘Brand Key’ sullied by association. And the media are holding off running the story until after any such endorsement to maximise its impact.
     
    It is delightful watching them all squirm.  This really has the potential of being messy for all the right people.
     
    Perhaps we should term this as the “H bomb” where “H” stands for hyprocrisy?

    • Hami Shearlie 2.2
      10 November 2011 at 3:22 pm

      “H'” also stands for Huljich as in Kiwisaver rort. Why haven’t Banks and Brash been charged over that little disaster? Why is Peter Huljich the only one carrying the can? Did Simon Powers manage to delay the dirt sticking to Brash and Banks till after the election?

      • Tom Gould 2.2.1
        11 November 2011 at 8:06 am

        The failure of regulators and authorities over the “H” investigation is a genuine scandal, and someone should look into it.

        • Penny Bright 2.2.1.1
          13 November 2011 at 12:32 am

          I’m formally requesting that the SFO lay charges against Banks and Brash – which should have happened at the same time that charges were laid against fellow former Director of Huljich Wealth Management (NZ) Ltd – Peter Huljich.

          I hope to do this on Monday 14 November 2011.

          Penny Bright
          Independent Candidate for Epsom.
          Campaigning against ‘white collar’ CRIME, corruption (and its root cause – PRIVATISATION) and corporate welfare.

  3. Treetop 3
    10 November 2011 at 11:46 am

    I had my first giggle of the day when I was listening to morning report RNZ. Banks is promoting himself and Brash is promoting the Act Party.

    When it comes to Banks promoting himself exactly what is he promoting?

    It is my understanding that Banks is the Act candidate for the seat of Epsom and not the National candidate for the seat of Epsom.

  4. Anne 4
    10 November 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Well, someone can correct me if my analysis is faulty, but I take it that the ‘cup of tea’ is not likely to happen. If that proves to be correct, what happens to the story? Does the media run it anyway, or will they be quietly told to leave it alone until after the election – or else!! ?

    Or if it does happen, it’s because the media have promised not to run the story until after election?

    • mickysavage 4.1
      10 November 2011 at 12:03 pm

      I suspect that if the cup of tea has not happened before the last week then Key has effectively dog whistled the Epsomites not to back Banks and then the H bomb will be dropped.

    • RJL 4.2
      10 November 2011 at 12:04 pm

      If there’s no ‘cup of tea’, Key and Brash might meet for a Whopper down at BK instead?

    • Lanthanide 4.3
      10 November 2011 at 12:33 pm

      Duncan Garner on TV3 last night said they had heard from high-placed people in the National party that the cup of tea was going to go ahead, the only question was the timing. Duncan therefore surmised it would be sometime in the next week or two.

  6. ianmac 6
    10 November 2011 at 12:11 pm

    Epson voters will henceforth be known as “Suckers.”

  7. queenstfarmer 7
    10 November 2011 at 12:14 pm

    He is in a Mexican stand-off with the media.. the media are holding off running the story until after any such endorsement to maximise its impact.

    So you are saying that the media have some huge story that’s ready to run, but none of them are interested in getting a scoop on their rivals. Nor are they worried about being scooped by various bloggers/netizens who hint that they know all about the story (interestingly, only found on this site). Instead, you would have us believe that fierce media rivals are all collaborating with each other.

    Who knows, but really?

    • Lanthanide 7.1
      10 November 2011 at 12:35 pm

      My bf is of the opinion that holding back damaging material, and hinting about it on a very public blogsite, is really a stupid strategy because it’ll be clear it has only be released in order to cause maximum damage during the campaign and will therefore be shrugged off by the public, or blowup in the faces of those who planned it. Sort of like the H-fee ‘scandal’ did.

    • tc 7.2
      10 November 2011 at 12:39 pm

      lookig forward to your response on the welfare handout to those poor canty farmers.

    • Puddleglum 7.3
      10 November 2011 at 1:44 pm

      Stories are held back in the media for all sorts of reasons (see Flat Earth News for a few examples).

      I remember Colin Espiner once admitting that Press Gallery journalists know about all sorts of scandals about any number of MPs but choose not to publicise them because of the belief that the private life of an MP is not usually ‘fair game’. (He didn’t mention it, but I’m sure the reverse is true too – which would be another disincentive for going down the ‘scandal’ track.)

      There’s a blurred intermediate ground, I imagine, between entirely private scandals and those that in some way (e.g., through police attention) leak into the public arena.

      If the story is true and if MSM journalists have reliable ‘sources’ to run it with, I imagine it’s not being reported for just the reason mentioned by Colin Espiner. 

      That suggests that it won’t come out unless it is ‘outed’ elsewhere in the public domain or if some strand of it begins to emerge in some other public way (e.g., police attention, a politician saying something untrue that the story would prove was untrue, etc.).

      That would, in effect, force the hand of MSM journalists and then there would be a competitive race to cover it in as high profile a way as possible. 

      I’m just saying the above entirely in the abstract and have absolutely no ‘inside knowledge’ on any of this. 

    • Blighty 7.4
      10 November 2011 at 2:06 pm

      Market theory, eh?

      Yeah, the media, especially the press gallery, doesn’t work like that.

  8. Deadly_NZ 8
    10 November 2011 at 3:34 pm

    Epsomites don’t want three-time loser Don Brash but it’s unavoidably true that a vote for Banks is a vote for Brash.

    Oh so they would rather have a 3 time loser like banks???

    Oh the choice the choice.

  9. Ianupnorth 9
    10 November 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Why would anyone want to live in Epsom anyway?

    • Anne 9.1
      10 November 2011 at 5:32 pm

      Mt Eden is part of Epsom. Lovely old villas. Mature trees line the roads and avenues. Middle class territory but not toffee nosed.

      • RedLogix 9.1.1
        11 November 2011 at 11:12 am

        Yes… I grew up there. Originally it was very middle class, lots of young families some better off, some not so much… but I enjoyed my childhood. It was largely a safe and sheltered upbringing. Schools, scouts, churches and shops, my first jobs… were decent, human scale places. Families for the most part thrived.

        While everywhere has it’s underbelly; Epsom in the 60’s was quiet, non-flashy and solid. Remuera was for the filthy rich.

        Of course it’s changed much. An ageing population (most of us kids who grew up there could never afford to stay) and a huge influx of very, very wealthy Asian families has pushed the place into a much more conservative profile. Obese SUV’s sit in driveways where the old villa was bowled over, replaced by some mock-mansion. High fences are the rule. The main roads are clogged with traffic, the small shops have mostly gone. When I go back I feel a mixture of nostalgia and anger at the soulless modern world.

        Or to quote Bruce Jesson:

        As a result of the transformation that has occurred since 1984, we no longer aspire to anything of significance at all. We now live in a society that is thoroughly commercial, where no one aspires to anything noble or worthwhile, or if they do they are ridiculed by the cynics of the free market. In this respect, the pre-1984 tradition of progress lives on as a critique of the present.

        • Carol 9.1.1.1
          11 November 2011 at 11:21 am

          Yes, I grew up in Mt Eden in the 50s-60s, though further out than the centre of Mt Eden village. My neighbourhood was quite mixed middle, working and upper middleclass. And I couldn’t afford to live their now. When I go back I feel a sense of nostalgia, loss, and anger at the take-over by the better off people. I do like that the neighbourhood is more multicultural, though.

        • Anne 9.1.1.2
          11 November 2011 at 2:07 pm

          Yes, there are parts of Mt Eden that have been taken over by wealthy conservatives, but some of it is still much the same as it used to be. I grew up on the western slopes of Mt.Albert and when I return it fills me with nostalgia. I miss the wonderful views we had of the Waitakeres. I expect people pay a fortune now just to have those views. You knew the names of everybody in the street, and if anyone had a problem there was always someone to help out.

          Oh a trip down memory lane. 🙂

  10. Rodel 10
    10 November 2011 at 9:18 pm

    I used to live and vote in Epsom. Not rich. But if I was living there now I’d be incensed at the Johnnymandering or is it Donnymandering? that’s going on that I’d vote for anyone but ACT or National. I’d probably scribble expletives all over the voting paper as an informal protest ( which is taken notice of by the way if enough people do it).
    The disrespect and disregard for the people of of Epsom ( and the ones I knew were good people) is astounding… putting in a carpetbagger like Banks and suggesting that this loser reject is what they deserve as a representative is so insulting.
    I hope they respond with vehemence.

    • queenstfarmer 10.1
      10 November 2011 at 9:50 pm

      …putting in a carpetbagger like Banks …

      Either you don’t realise that Banks lives in the Epsom electorate (and has done for a long time, I believe), or you don’t know what “carpetbagger” means.

      In modern usage in the U.S., the term is sometimes used derisively to refer to a politician who runs for public office in an area where he or she does not have deep community ties, or has lived only for a short time.

      There are plenty of epithets to describe Banks, Brash and the Epsom mess. You just happened to choose one of the few ones that’s inapt!

      An accurate example of a “carpetbagger” in the Epsom electorate is David Parker.

  11. Rodel 11
    10 November 2011 at 10:03 pm

    I know what a carpetbagger is in modern NZ usage and Banks is that. ..inapt or not.

  12. hoom 12
    10 November 2011 at 11:07 pm

    Perhaps if I was a rightie I’d be feeling pissed but as a leftie I’m really looking forward to be able to use MMP to stick it to ’em with my otherwise pretty much wasted electorate vote while still being able to help the guys I like with my Party vote 🙂
     
    I live here primarily because its walking distance to work, town, parks shops etc.
     
    Can someone explain what is happening in the slideshow?
    Looks like other guy (who?) pulled out that ‘BB is watching you’ poster of Brash & said ‘this is who he’s representing’ then Banks rushed up, grabbed it & tucked it away off stage?
     

    • jaymam 12.1
      11 November 2011 at 7:21 am

      Pat pulled out the big picture of Brash, which caaused an uproar in the room. After having his say, he left the picture in front of the lectern, where it stayed for 18 minutes. The other candidates all had a go at Brash. Banks bleated about the attacks on Brash but he was of course outnumbered.
      Eventually while Banks was talking, he took hold of the picture (by Brash’s hair!) then turned it backwards and when he had finished speaking he took the picture and threw it behind the chairs on the platform.

  13. hoom 13
    11 November 2011 at 9:57 am

    Lols, is it bad that the only guy I recognise is the guy I’m trying to keep out? 😐

  14. fender 14
    11 November 2011 at 10:54 am

    Seeing Banks drag that picture around reminds me of that movie where a guy dies and his two mates just continue taking him on a roadtrip, priceless.

  15. gobsmacked 15
    11 November 2011 at 11:13 am

    Cup of tea, Banks & Key, in Newmarket, 2.30 pm today.

    Who wants to get down there and gatecrash the photo-op? Take fancy dress and kitchen props … “let them eat cake”, piece of humble pie, Tea party banner, a wooden spoon … ?

    C’mon, this is too good to miss …

  16. hoom 16
    11 November 2011 at 2:10 pm

    Lol, National Radio just read out a letter suggesting that Goff have a cup of tea with Golding/Goldsmith (whatever) 😆

  17. Rodel 17
    12 November 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Gee I wonder what deep political, ideological philosophies Banks and Key discussed over a cup of tea.
    Nuthin’ substantial I bet except where’s the cameras? At least we aren’t yet paying Banks salary for such a time wasting shallow stunt.At least I hope not..
    It’s the shallow/hollow men all over again and an insult to the good people of Epsom.

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    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    3 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 days ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    Skeptical Science
    7 days ago

  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago

  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    Bowalley Road
    7 days ago

  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago

  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    18 hours ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    24 hours ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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