The Green Party list

Written By: - Date published: 7:10 am, April 17th, 2020 - 73 comments
Categories: election 2020, greens - Tags: , , , ,

The initial Green Party list was posted on twitter last week by Henry Cooke. This is its first form. Next it goes through a member ranking process, and then is adjusted for balance of Māori, gender, region, and age. The list is then reviewed by the Leadership group and approved by the National Executive. You can see the full process explained here.

For comparison, here is the 2017 final list, the one adjusted after Metiria Turei, David Clendon and Kennedy Graham left the party ahead of the 2017 election, and the 2020 initial list.

  2017 original final list 2017 election list 2020 initial list
1 Metiria Turei James Shaw Marama Davidson
2 James Shaw Marama Davidson James Shaw
3 Marama Davidson Julie Anne Genter Jan Logie
4 Julie Anne Genter Eugenie Sage Eugenie Sage
5 Eugenie Sage Gareth Hughes Teanau Tuiono
6 Gareth Hughes Jan Logie Julie Anne Genter
7 Jan Logie Chloe Swarbrick Chloe Swarbrick
8 Kennedy Graham Gloriz Ghahraman Golriz Ghahraman
9 Chloe Swarbrick Mojo Mathers Elizabeth Kerekere
10 Golriz Ghahraman Barry Coates Ricardo Menendez March

The order of the 2020 initial list is likely to change.

There are three new candidates in the top ten:

  • Teanau Tuiono
  • Elizabeth Kerekere
  • Ricardo Menendez March

Teanau Tuiono is a long time indigenous activist, who works as an education consultant in the Māori and Pasifika arena, and has worked at the United Nations and Massey University. He is standing in the Palmerston North electorate.

Elizabeth Kerekere, Ngāti Oneone, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Whānau a Kai, Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, is an artist, takatāpui/LGBTIQ activist and scholar, and chair of the Tīwhanawhana Trust (community support for LGBTIQ people in Wellington).

Ricardo Menendez March is an anti-poverty activist, who has been working with Auckland Action Against Poverty on liveable incomes, housing, WINZ culture, and access to healthcare. He is standing as Green Party candidate in the Maungakiekie electorate.

The Greens currently have 8 MPs off 6.3% of the vote. To get another two MPs, they would need around 8.5%. At the 2014 election they gained 14 MPs from 10.7%.

I’d be very happy to see all three new candidates in parliament via 8.5% of the vote.  I don’t know Steve Abel, at #11 currently, but he’s another long time environmental activist and is standing in the New Lynn electorate.

The full initial list, via Henry Cooke,

73 comments on “The Green Party list ”

  1. Beats me what Jan Logie's done to be ranked above Eugenie Sage.

    And Ricardo Menendez March reminds me of Rik from the Young Ones every time I see him speaking on TV.

    That said, I'm not a member so my opinions don't count for much.

    • Chris 1.1

      Sage would be more at home in the right wing faction of the Labour Party.

      • weka 1.1.1

        She's also the only candidate in the top ten from the South Island, which imo is a problem.

        (although Logie is an Invercargill girl)

  2. Marcus Morris 2

    Surprised that Julie-Anne Genter is only at six. What has Jan Logie done. Must check. Interesting that seven of the first ten are female. I have no actual problem with that but I always though that gender balance was a key issue when the list was made up.

    • Marcus Morris 2.1

      Should have read the introductory paragraph more carefully. This is clearly not the final list.

    • weka 2.2

      I'm a little unclear about the gender balance rule. I think it applies to the whole list, but that the final adjustment processes might take it into account for the top ten or however many as well. I also suspect that it's not such a bit deal for the GP compared to other parties as they tend to recruit and support awesome women.

      • Herodotus 2.2.1

        I see as lot of Activists there BUT perhaps they need to read the Green Party of Aotearoa "About Us" and the1st 2 points "The green movement is driven by people who know that protecting our planet and supporting our communities go hand in hand. " As the list appears a little thin on The Green aspect "Protecting our planet ", this phrase also starts off para 2. Eugenie Sage is for me about the only 1 on the list that could be considered a Primarily Environmental activist first – the others secondary.

        • weka 2.2.1.1

          I'd say Shaw and Genter are more environmental too. Can't say about Swarbrick, because I think she is of the generation that have integreated social/environmental seamlessly.

          Given the GP kaupapa is that social justice and environmental justice are inextricably entwined, this is written into the Principles/Charter, and the party's policy reflects that, I don't see how it is possible for the MPs to end up being overloaded one way or the other. It's not like the social justice activists are going to not be working within that kaupapa.

          You can't protect the planet without addressing social/economic justice. The first line of the About makes it clear,

          The green movement is driven by people who know that protecting our planet and supporting our communities go hand in hand.

          https://www.greens.org.nz/about

          From the Charter, and notice how each flows into the next and from the one before,

          Ecological Wisdom

          The basis of ecological wisdom is that human beings are part of the natural world. This world is finite, therefore unlimited material growth is impossible. Ecological sustainability is paramount.

          Social Responsibility

          Unlimited material growth is impossible. Therefore the key to social responsibility is the just distribution of social and natural resources, both locally and globally.

          Appropriate Decision-making

          For the implementation of ecological wisdom and social responsibility, decisions will be made directly at the appropriate level by those affected.

          Non-Violence

          Non-violent conflict resolution is the process by which ecological wisdom, social responsibility and appropriate decision making will be implemented. This principle applies at all levels.

          https://www.greens.org.nz/charter

          • Herodotus 2.2.1.1.1

            In the 3 intro paragraphs "Protect/ing the planet " is consistent followed by: "and supporting our communities","and make sure everyone is treated equally" and "and build fairer communities"

            History "…active members of the Values Party, the world's first national-level environmentalist party"

            From this I gather that Being an Environmentalist party is the guiding philosophy from which the social follows/dovetails. I gather that this has taken a back seat from the 3 new candidates and that you (Weka) did not mention any "Environmental" aspects to their background- perhaps due to limiting the post perhaps it is of less importance to these 3 ? But that is only my impression.

            • solkta 2.2.1.1.1.1

              Perhaps you need to do some reading about the Values Party. Plenty of social policy there. You are still trying to interpret this in a linear cartesian manner rather than a holistic dialectical hegelian manner. Not "this then that" but "this and this".

              The Values Manifesto Beyond Tomorrow can be viewed here:

              https://www.globalgreens.org/green-party-platforms-programs-and-manifestos/nz_values_1975

              • solkta

                Funny to read that now with all the archaic and ironic sexist language:

                Population growth, economic growth and use of resources must be restricted if society is to meet the needs of man.

                The task ahead is not to assimilate the Maori but to help him foster his racial and cultural identity.

                Cringe city.

          • Grafton Gully 2.2.1.1.2

            Reading this makes me realise how unelectable the party is and also the "OK boomer" comment.

            • Forget now 2.2.1.1.2.1

              Which "OK boomer" comment? Maybe it's the comment system glitching the position of your reply, because I can't see that phrase anywhere in this thread.

              Though it always strikes me as strange that; those who are readiest to dismiss "Snowflakey Millennials", are quickest to take offence at ageism directed back their way. Like "RFs" who are happy to dish out their opinions of TIMs and TIFs, but get offended when others call them TERFs.

              • weka

                Swarbrick said 'OK Boomer' to a Nat MP in the House who was hassling her. I don't really have a problem with that, but the bullshit online around and since that time needed to stop. There is no doubt that 'ok boomer' is generally ageist and classist. I notice hardly anyone is using it now that old people are actually dying.

      • solkta 2.2.2

        Still a big deal as it is now working in favour of the men.

    • AB 2.3

      "Surprised that Julie-Anne Genter is only at six."

      If the MMP threshold is 5% – then if you reach it, you automatically get 6 MPs (5% of 120). So positions 1-6 are effectively equivalent in electoral terms. (I agree on the optics of it though.)

  3. Forget now 3

    Some points that Weka omitted (perhaps for the sake of brevity). Both TT & RMM (I am not typing out every name in full – read the OP and it should be obvious who I am denoting) were on the initial 2017 GP list, though not in the top ten. EK wasn't on the initial list (IL) at all, but was on the EL (election list – and contested a Maori electorate seat):

    https://www.greens.org.nz/green-party-thrilled-announce-initial-2017-party-list

    With four of the "final" list (FL) dropping out before the election; MT#1, KG#8, DC#16, plus Ruthven#2?; TT was at #16 on the EL, EK#19 & RMM#21.

    I assume what happened was that EK got slotted in to fill the empty space on the FL that was left when Ruthven split because she couldn't be bothered contributing the time to the GP if she wasn't going to have a decent chance at a parliamentary seat. Then after Turei's demonstration of just how much NZ loves to Bash the Bennies, and her subordinates subsequent disloyalty, everyone was bumped up three slots on the EL from the FL.

    • weka 3.1

      I'll have a proper read of that later when I've got time to parse the abbreviations, but using last names instead of initials would have made that much easier to read.

      The post is about the top ten initial list, because that's where the MPs will come from (or if we are lucky the top 15.

      When talking about 2017, there were three lists, the initial, the final, and then the adjusted final. It's a little hard to tell which of the last two you are referring to.

      • Forget now 3.1.1

        Okay, now I look at it; perhaps I did go a little overboard on the initialisations. EL and EK in particular being way to similar. IL denotes the; initial list, FL; final list, & EL revised final list (ie election list).

        TLDR is that:

        • Tuiono was number 16 on the 2017 revised final list
        • Kerekere number 19
        • March number 21

        So they are not exactly new faces to Green Party members; who determine the final list ranking (barring another implosion like last election – and just please don't!). Even though they may not be widely known to the population at large.

        • weka 3.1.1.1

          Yep. Implied in the post that the 'new' was the position in the top ten, interesting also given the shifting of existing MPs.

  4. Herodotus 4

    Don't know if there has been any changes to the rules, but as I read it the rules apply to the list not sections e.g. top 5 or 10 MUST comply with ….

    https://elections.nz/assets/Party-files/gp-candidate-selection-and-list-ranking.pdf

    • weka 4.1

      That's how I read it too but theoretically that could mean the top ten might be all men. So I assume there are processes within the other parts of listmaking that take into account the need to not have that happen.

      • solkta 4.1.1

        The gender balance thing is usually applied in bands of 5 and 10 where possible. In recent years this has not been achievable as there has been so many high calibre female candidates. I think this is more a best practice guideline than a 'rule'.

        • Herodotus 4.1.1.1

          Having 2 sitting male MP's "quit/leave/expel" didn't help the balance.

          • Forget now 4.1.1.1.1

            Only Turei and Graham had any chance of being elected.

            Outside of Northland, Clendon was mostly despised by GP members – I know I wasn't impressed when I talked to him out at Turei's tower. But his final list ranking gave him little chance of being re-elected anyway. Though more than Ruthven that's for sure.

            But those who chose to "quit/ leave/ expel" in 2017 did not really alter the gender balance: #1 Female, #8 Male, #16 Male, #23(?) Female.

            Though Kerekere's late inclusion did bring in a much needed LBQT+ gender perspective. Have we had a takutapui MP since Beyer?

        • bwaghorn 4.1.1.2

          Ha ha if a man used that line hed be hung drawn and quartered

          • solkta 4.1.1.2.1

            Not sure what you mean.

          • weka 4.1.1.2.2

            not really. It's the men arguing that we don't need gender balancing tools because we should choose people on merit (and thus implying that men are better than women) that get shit. Rightfully so.

            I'm really pleased that the GP has high calibre men too, but there are good reasons why we need more women in parliament and the party than men at the moment.

            • KJT 4.1.1.2.2.1

              Well. I would argue for selecting on merit.

              But, my party list would be mostly women. We've been gifted with many competent and intelligent women, candidates.

              However, I value a facilitative style of leadership. Which seems to be more common with women. At least on our prospective candidates.

              😊

              • weka

                "Well. I would argue for selecting on merit."

                Yes, but I didn't argue against that. I argued against people who think there should be no gender, ethinicity etc adjustments because merit alone should be enough. The implication is that men dominate parliament because they are more meritorious than women. I've seen men argue this, albeit they soften it by saying that not as many women step up or they go off and have babies or something.

              • weka

                "However, I value a facilitative style of leadership. Which seems to be more common with women. At least on our prospective candidates."

                Yep. There's some interesting reports of the differences between men and women in positions of leadership in response to climate change. I won't be surprised if this is true for the pandemic too.

              • Marcus Morris

                Agreed. Was very sorry when Kennedy Graham withdrew. His loss was huge although I disagreed with his reason for going. It was hugely damaging. James Shaw is, IMO very good value but I could never really take Gareth Hughes seriously. From the incomparable Jeanette Fitzsimons onwards there has been a long line of outstanding woman "front liners".

                • KJT

                  I used to like Kennedy.

                  Hugely disappointed with him when he "threw his toys out of the cot".

                  I expected the hypocrisy from the usual suspects.

                  Not from someone within the party.

  5. mickysavage 5

    Speaking as a long term Labour activist in the New Lynn electorate can I say I have met Steve Abel on a number of occasions. He is bright and very dedicated, has done a huge amount of work for Greenpeace and has been very active in local issues relating to tree protection.

    I would really like to see him in Parliament where I think he would be great although you will understand if I say not as the MP for New Lynn …

    • weka 5.1

      I'm sure he will be happy to be a list MP 🙂 Fingers crossed for at least 9.5% then.

    • Not on account of anything in particular except that I'm seriously considering a Labour->Green conversion, but is he related to Sue? (also bright and dedicated and a number of other people/community type things)

  6. Wayne 6

    As someone who is obviously not of the Green persuasion, It seems strange to me that Julie Anne Genter and Chloe Swarbrick are so lowly ranked. And that Jan Logie is so high.

    Chloe Swarbrick, just about more than anyone else, comes across as the modern face of the Greens, and has very high visibility. She is now dependent on the Greens getting 6%.

    Yes, the Greens may have a lot more women MP's as a percentage, but so what. Surely electability matters. And that means putting the top team at the top.

    • Andre 6.1

      Wayne, have you got any thoughts on the proportion of the top tenners whose public image is biased towards social activism versus those more biased towards green activism?

      • Wayne 6.1.1

        The two I did mention are more identified as green activists rather than social activists. I was a bit surprised at how much social activism was predominating. I know of course about the green mantra about the conjoining of the two. But in the mind of voters, including I imagine most Green Party voters, the very name of the party suggest that environmental activism should dominate.

        • Andre 6.1.1.1

          Thanks. FWIW, as a very likely Green voter, but not party member, my reaction was similar.

          • weka 6.1.1.1.1

            Do you perceive the Greens as not leading on environmental issues? Is there any particular reason you think the three new candidates (or any of the top ten) might not be dedicated to that?

            One good reason to have the social justice people there is to help build a movement of people who are being left behind. We need those people to get on board with climate change and the ecological crisis as much as anyone else.

    • Incognito 6.2

      Yes, electability matters, of course. However, spinning a good yarn on the hustings and online doesn’t necessarily mean being able to operate effectively and efficiently in-between elections, be it in Government or on the Opposition benches.

      It seems to me the Greens tend to look more at/to what’s between than at (the) elections per se. Whether this is a wise strategy that pays (them) political dividend is up for debate.

    • Forget now 6.3

      I think you fundamentally misunderstand the purpose of the initial list rankings there, Wayne. These are the candidates that are being presented to the GP members (which no longer includes me, at least not at this time and you need to have been a member for 6months to vote anyway). The party membership at large are not necessarily as familiar with every candidate as are the party co-coordinators.

      So, rather than putting all the sitting MPs at the top of the list and getting automatic votes from name recognition, the initial list is carefully crafted over the course of months at regional and national GP conferences. The purpose is to present candidate options to the voters that seem both in line with the party's ethos, but may not be immediately recognisable outside their particular area of activity.

      I assume that it is specifically because Logie had been so diligent in a low profile role that she has been promoted above Swarbrick who has a higher public profile. Not having attended any of these conferences this time I cannot be certain of course, but that would be consistent with previous lists. I understand that this is not the way that the National party does it, but you have to admit that there are more fresh faces in each GP caucus.

      "For the good of the world, rather than the individual!"

      • weka 6.3.1

        Nice one, thanks. I love how posts like these bring out good knowledge sharing from Greens in the comments.

        "the initial list is carefully crafted over the course of months at regional and national GP conferences."

        Ah, had missed this part of it.

    • infused 6.4

      Green's selection process is not about putting the best at the top. It's about ticking arbitrary boxes to keep a loud few happy.

      • adam 6.4.1

        nationals's selection process is not about putting the best at the top. It's about ticking arbitrary boxes to keep the money men happy.

        • Incognito 6.4.1.1

          TS’s self-selection and commentary process is not about putting the best at the top or out there. It’s about making arbitrary comments to keep the commenters happy.

          • adam 6.4.1.1.1

            cheeky You should be locked up more incognito – your getting this humor thing. cheeky

            • Incognito 6.4.1.1.1.1

              I have home detention but my mind is as free as a flightless bird.

              • Drowsy M. Kram

                "As soon as birds do not need to fly, there is selection against flight."
                https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flightless_birds

                NZ's Covid-19 elimination strategy is an attractive and academic idea. Right now we're largely battling human behaviour; Covid-19 battle comes later.

                Oops, off topic: With at least six people (probably more, but I don’t know enough about some of them) of proven principle in their preliminary top ten list, the Greens have my party vote (and have had it a while) – easy choice.

                • Incognito

                  Let’s hope we haven’t pissed off the Author of this Post; I’m spreading my wee wings 😉

                  There’s much to like about the Greens and their preliminary Party List. One thing that has bothered me for a while is that they don’t seem to be able or want to get out of the groove of being a ‘support party’ to Labour. Maybe the Greens could (should?) act like a critic & conscience of Labour instead of a silent minor partner?

                  • Drowsy M. Kram

                    Like your idea of a 'critic and conscience' role, but that must be a fine line to walk in politics. Would Labour "give a little whistle" to the Greens? And whatever happened to Jiminy Cricket?

                    • Incognito

                      🙂

                      It is possible that the Greens have been moving mountains behind the scenes and been more influential than we, the public, realise without wanting to claim credit or draw attention to the fact. However, without becoming a thorn in Labour’s conscience, the Greens need to give voters a good reason to vote for them. Something that sets them apart, in a good way, from Labour without portraying Labour as an Evil Doom’s Day Cult.

                    • weka

                      The Greens were gearing up early in the year for this. They started doing social media and press releases making clear statements different from the government.

                      I hope they can get back to that ahead of the election, although timing is everything right now.

                  • weka

                    "Maybe the Greens could (should?) act like a critic & conscience of Labour instead of a silent minor partner?"

                    how do you see that being done?

                    • Incognito

                      TBH, I have very little idea; was just thinking aloud (brain farts).

                      The Greens lack political profile and media attention IMO. Of course, to get attention they could say something outrageous or post a photo of a Green MP fishing or hunting in their backyard.

                      They need to raise their profile in MSM (make more noise) without becoming like the other political parties (noise polluters).

                      I know the Greens’ way is building/seeking consensus but it is ok to speak up/out against Labour if no consensus was or could be reached. The Greens don’t hang out the dirty laundry, which is a good thing, but their relative silence can be perceived as being (too?) agreeable with Labour.

                      I haven’t thought deeply about this, as you can tell; had and have other things that occupy my mind.

                    • weka

                      I'm a bit brain dead tonight, but I think it's a topic worth exploring in depth. Esp how the Greens could do this without buying into macho politics.

                    • solkta

                      It's a hard one. The Greens can't pull the rug out from under Labour to get attention like Winston so likes to do.

                    • Incognito []

                      They could, but that would turn them into NZ Greens First.

      • solkta 6.4.2

        to keep a loud few happy

        And how would you know this? On what basis do you come to this conclusion? Have you been an active Green Party member?

      • Marcus Morris 6.4.3

        That is BS. While I am no longer a paid up member of the party I found Jeanette Fitzsimons an inspiration and joined. During two election cycles I was an electorate representative on the List selection process. You may have had similar experiences and perhaps you or I missed something but your statement above is, in my opinion, totally without substance. Balance between gender, geography and ethnicity are important considerations, and so they should be, but they are not the be all and end all. One of the frustrations of going to GP meeting and conferences was the length taken to make truly democratic decisions and overall consensus.

  7. Blazer 7

    'So, rather than putting all the sitting MPs at the top of the list and getting automatic votes from name recognition, the initial list is carefully crafted over the course of months at regional and national GP conferences. The purpose is to present candidate options to the voters that seem both in line with the party's ethos, but may not be immediately recognisable outside their particular area of activity.'

    on that basis why bother ranking them at..all?

    • Forget now 7.1

      Yeh, I really messed up the grammar there didn't I? "… that seem; both in line with the party's ethos, and; capable of working cooperatively within the caucus, but…" would be a lot better, though I can't recall now the exact phrasing I intended now.

      Apologies for the incompetence.

  8. adam 8

    Good to see Jan being recognised for her hard work. I know she does her utmost not to promote herself in anyway. But as far an MP's who reads widely (especially for committee work), helps constituents, answers questions, and does a lot of the hard graft – others could learn from Jan.

    • weka 8.1

      Yeah, I'm kind of surprised at the people surprised here, but I assume it's because she doesn't blow her own horn so most people don't know much about her. She always strikes me as good value and I'd vote to keep her up the list.

  9. Ad 9

    Best of luck to them and I sure hope they do better than last time.

  10. Corey Humm 10

    I'm still angry that Mojo Mathers was ranked below Golriz , no issue with Golriz but Mojo was an amazing advocate for the disabled community and a SI mp.

    I strategically voted for them last election, but after they gave their parliamentary questions to the Nats (giving the nats an even bigger stick to hit the govt with) I'm not sure,they are on the borderline poll wise where I probably will have to suck it up and vote for them again.

    Ricardo is a nice addition, he's cool apart from him Chloe the rest are a bit meh and could easily be in labour , I miss the old Donald era greens,Im grenot thea fan of the leadership (John key in a green tie and the only thing I like about Marama is that she triggers the right but she's very meh) isn't the greens front bench supposed to be gender balanced? I believe we need more women in politics, but surely there another bloke or two wouldn't hurt, the greens bled so many male votes last election to TOP and Lab. Not a lot of difference or new energy for a party in desperate need or attention and relevance of it wants to break the coalition curse. We'll see what the policies are I suppose

    • weka 10.1

      I agree about MM, that was a real loss. When the list was voted on and adjusted, hard to imagine then that the Greens would drop so many votes.

      There's some discussion upthread about the gender balance.

      I honestly don't think it would make much difference if the mix was different or it was different people. NZers who support the GP have long not translated that into votes. It's weird. They still have the most left wing policies of any party in parliament.

      • Forget now 10.1.1

        There was also some resistance to Mathers from those GP members who were not onside with her opposition to animal testing.

        I am not saying many GP members are openly pro-vivisection, it certainly made for some; interesting, discussions at times. However, many are scientifically literate and know that unpleasant activities can be necessary at times to progress learning. Putting your head up and saying so out loud was a bit of a plea for ostricisation, but that doesn't mean that many didn't disagree with Mathers stance on the quiet.

  11. Lettuce 11

    "Ricardo Menendez March is an anti-poverty activist, who has been working with Auckland Action Against Poverty on liveable incomes, housing, WINZ culture, and access to healthcare. He is standing as Green Party candidate in the Maungakiekie electorate."

    Oh fantastic! I live in the Maungakiekie electorate. In the 2017 election, National's awful Denise Lee won with 15,063 votes. Labour's Priyanca Radhakrishnan got 12,906 votes and Chloe Swarbrick got 4060 votes for a combined total of 16,966 votes, which would have been enough to win the seat.

    So it looks like we'll get saddled with Denise again. Thanks a bunch Greens. Can't Labour and the Greens work out an arrangement not to compete against each other in a few close seats? National could hardly cry foul after they've kept Act on life support in Epsom for the last 10 years.

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

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