The importance of political narrative

Written By: - Date published: 9:54 am, January 15th, 2023 - 37 comments
Categories: Deep stuff, election 2023, jacinda ardern, labour, national, political parties, Politics - Tags:

One thing that really impressed me about the last Auckland Mayoral campaign run by Wayne Brown was how simple his campaign messaging was.  It was extraordinarily simple.  Auckland was broken and he was the man to fix it.

His policy platform was remarkably sparse.  He wanted to fix Auckland’s infrastructure, stop wasting ratepayers money, take back of the Council Controlled Organisations, improve transport networks and make the most of our environment.

As well as being sparce it was also combative and divided the electorate into long suffering ratepayers as opposed to overpaid public servants of directors of CCOs.

By comparison Efeso Collins’s campaign lacked this level of clarity.  Apart from a promise of free public transport his messaging was far too complex.

Brown had a certain amount of luck.  Auckland Transport announcing the week before Election Day that large swathes of the rail network was going to be shut down for extended periods underlined how bad the Super City’s infrastructure is and reinforced the main theme of his campaign.  I still struggle with the timing of that announcement.  It should have been made either well before or after the election.  The timing reinforced Brown’s campaign theme dramatically and with hindsight it is no wonder that he lost.

His campaign was not without controversy.  Promising on film to have a photo of a senior reporter who had the temerity of asking him difficult relevant questions placed on the city’s urinals should have been a game changer.  But it was not.

National will take a lot of heart from this campaign.  It had senior campaigners involved in the crafting and mounding of the messaging and it showed.  And the apparent back room deals that saw his two contenders on the right pull out should be subject to public scrutiny but so far have not.

Even now it appears that National is moulding its campaign activities on what worked for Brown.  National’s campaigning so far is to complain that everything is broken and, without providing any detail, promising to fix everything.  And their language is divisive.

The campaign technique is not a new one.

Please note I am not equating National’s policies with fascism.  I am drawing a comparison with campaign techniques not the substance of policy announcements.

The technique clearly has been used overseas.  Just thing of Donald Trump making America Great Again or the UK Regaining Control from the EU as two examples where simple slogans won election contests against the odds.  And how Jair Bolosonaro managed to almost win again in Brazil shows how potent the technique is.

The picking fights aspect is clear to see locally.  The Government’s Three Waters Reform provides a perfect subject, allowing National to hint darkly at what Co Governance actually does not mean.  All they have to do is raise the specter and allow individuals to picture whatever bogeymen they want.

Lefties tend to prefer complex real world discussions and solutions.  In a complex world these will provide better solutions.  But in using these techniques they sacrifice a large area of campaigning potential to the opposition.

The US Republicans recognize this.  This passage from Drew Watson’s book “The Political Brain” although written in 2008 is still relevant:

In politics, when reason and emotion collide, emotion invariably wins. Although the marketplace of ideas is a great place to shop for policies, the marketplace that matters most in American politics is the marketplace of emotions.

Republicans have a keen eye for markets, and they have a near-monopoly in the marketplace of emotions. They have kept government off our backs, torn down that wall, saved the flag, left no child behind, protected life, kept our marriages sacred, restored integrity to the Oval Office, spread democracy to the Middle East, and fought an unrelenting war on terror. The Democrats, in contrast, have continued to place their stock in the marketplace of ideas. And in so doing, they have been trading in the wrong futures.

The issue for Labour is how to counter what will clearly be a negative campaign.

Their advantage is Jacinda Ardern.  She has taken something of a battering from ultra conservatives, anti vaxxers and old grumpy people as well as the right media.  She has recently been somewhat distracted.  But leading the country through the past few years would have taxed any leader.

And it should be remembered that she was something of a reluctant leader.  She has never pursued power for power’s sake.  It was offered to her and she reluctantly accepted.

There are overseas examples that I am sure Labour strategists are looking at.  Daniel Andrews’ recent win in Victoria, albeit with a reduced vote, was said to be because hope always defeats hate.

The formulation of this year’s campaign messaging by the left will be of utmost importance.  And it needs to be uplifting and focussed.  But most importantly it needs to be simple.

37 comments on “The importance of political narrative ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. aj 1
    15 January 2023 at 10:52 am

    Timothy Snyder nails it.

    Reasoned dispute towards constructive policy…..

    Not possible in politics in most of the world today, if ever indeed it ever has been.

  2. dvT 2
    15 January 2023 at 11:09 am

    Wayne Brown’s ‘staggering’ $123k legal bill, plus his $5k a week chief of staff

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/staggering-wayne-browns-big-spend-with-top-nz-law-firm-5k-plus-a-week-chief-of-staff-123k-in-legal-advice/SBJNMX66UBF2XKA5UXULF663YE/

    Good to see cutting cost!!! GEEZ HA

  3. Tiger Mountain 3
    15 January 2023 at 11:42 am

    We have the reverse situation almost of Britain 75 years ago. Winston Churchill, arch conservative, union buster, and racist, guided a beleaguered Britain through WWII and was dumped post war for a Labour Govt. that bought in far reaching nationalisations and unparalleled levels of public housing and Healthcare that lasted for decades until the vandals arrived in the form of Thatcher and Reagan.
    https://www.nziff.co.nz/2013/archive/the-spirit-of-45/

    Jacinda Ardern guided this country through–we know what–but her would be replacements want to attack recent working class gains (PPL, FPAs, rising minimum wage and Living Wage) and Māori people, and keep shovelling the wealth “upstairs”. It is filthy right wing chaos and division that the Natzos and ACT seek, based on Steve Bannon and the Trumpers modus operandi.

    Micky is spot on with the comparison to Mayor Browns Campaign. Wayne Brown has a track record of union busting, insider trading, bullying and intimidation, but it mattered little to Auckland voters. Although if the strategic Molloy and Beck withdrawals had not occurred we would likely have Mayor Collins. As dvT points out above “Browny” is a Grade A hypocrite. And it will get ugly indeed on the General Election stage if Labour don’t develop a short sharp response very soon.

    NZ Labour has been unwilling to recant Rogernomics/Monetarism/Contracting Out/Mangerialism etc. and this will be their undoing in the end. The NZ Labour Caucus to my eye is substantially neo Blairist along with some just politically vacuous, bar Michael Wood and Willie.

    –State House/apartment mega build
    –New Works Dept taking over all contracted out tasks like roading
    –Restore full public ownership of power generation and supply
    –Retire MSD/WINZ and institute a basic income for all citizens via IRD and a new agency for special needs groups
    –A big “free” list, Dental, Public Transport etc.

    NZ Labour need a reset and to get their heads out of…and co-operate genuinely with Greens and TPM (who are kicking it around again regarding the Natzos) or I will be battling yet another bunch of tories in my gold card years–which I will of course–stick it to the man! is still my default setting.

    • Anne 3.1
      15 January 2023 at 2:19 pm

      "And it will get ugly indeed on the General Election stage if Labour don’t develop a short sharp response very soon."

      Absolutely.

    • Pataua4life 3.2
      15 January 2023 at 8:00 pm

      Ummm.

      Can you please provide evidence that Wayne Brown has a history of insider trading as defined by the law and not your opinion. As if you don't i suspect that this must be very close to slander?

    • Bearded Git 3.3
      15 January 2023 at 11:36 pm

      Agree with much of that Tiger

      I think you underestimate Labour's ability to win votes with some changes in policy and with Jacinda outshining Luxon in the campaign.

      I also happen to know that a senior Labour cabinet member supports a Wealth Tax.

      • Tiger Mountain 3.3.1
        16 January 2023 at 7:06 am

        It was all doom and gloom in US Midterm elections-a relentless campaign in media channels declaring huge Republican victory for months. Then enough people got organised and voted.

        We have not got a hot button issue like Abortion, but some heavy policy announcements could do it. Yes, Jacinda will slaughter Luxury Luxon in debates.

      • Hunter Thompson II 3.3.2
        16 January 2023 at 10:18 am

        Political party leaders may have some effect on an election result, but it's the policies that really count, IMO.

        Despite JA's marshalling NZ thru' the Covid-19 difficulties, some of Labour's policies have got a lot of voters very worried.

        Other policies haven't got very far or (like the Auckland Harbour bridge cycle crossing) have been canned.

        So Luxon may get over the line.

  4. PsyclingLeft.Always 4
    15 January 2023 at 11:44 am

    Their advantage is Jacinda Ardern.

    Yes. She is till the standout…..and IMO…a Gem. (notwithstanding the whiteanting from "some" IN Labour, on here even : (

    Fuck knows where NZ will be, if nact do get back in power. IMO : in a very bad place….

    • Alan 4.1
      15 January 2023 at 2:12 pm

      This is 2023, not 2017 or 2020

      • Anne 4.1.1
        15 January 2023 at 2:20 pm

        Fancy that! I never knew. 🙄

      • Tony Veitch 4.1.2
        16 January 2023 at 5:43 am

        Well, bless me, for once Alan is right! Very astute of him.

        I wonder if he's noticed that 'things' (like climate catastrophe, war, starvation etc.) have not also gone away like 2017 and 2020 have.

        I wonder if he genuinely thinks a corporate CEO with f-all people skills and a loose relationship with facts and the truth and a balance-book mentality, is the best person to lead NZ through the crises which 2023 will bring.

        I know who I prefer.

  5. Patricia Bremner 5
    15 January 2023 at 1:27 pm

    One thing we can do is donate small amounts often to the Greens and Labour to aid their campaign. (The Right have amassed huge war chests.)

    We need to be supportive of our MMP Government. They are our best chance for the required changes to bring future hope. (No… not perfect, but well intentioned and hard working.)

    Remember to "Win the big argument", then iron out the details.

    "We are doing this for our future."

  6. Kat 6
    15 January 2023 at 4:09 pm

    Basically what the author is saying is that propaganda, cunning politics with some possible fast footwork in candidate gerrymandering won the Auckland election for W. Brown.

    Well welcome to general election 2023, the political cunning already began with the Hamilton West by election. The media play a huge part, same lot that created "Jacindamania"……who can control the message will win the election.

    With National/Act its not about policy its about power, and doing/saying whatever it takes to attain it (for all the reasons we on the left already know). So far they are paying the piper and calling the tune.

    So far…………….

    • Ghostwhowalksnz 6.1
      15 January 2023 at 4:35 pm

      Every previous super city mayor won on around 46% plus of the vote. ( what Brown got)

      Even in 2010 against John Banks , the sitting Auckland City mayor, its was 49% for Len Brown

      Are you suggesting that Collins could have won on 31% if there was more right candidates stayed the course and split the vote ?

      I think you are dreaming

      • Kat 6.1.1
        15 January 2023 at 6:18 pm

        My comment was related to what the author wrote: "It had senior campaigners involved in the crafting and mounding of the messaging and it showed. And the apparent back room deals that saw his two contenders on the right pull out should be subject to public scrutiny but so far have not………"

        And, if you read my comment closely it says: "… some possible…."

        Dreams are free…..goals have a cost….

        • Ghostwhowalksnz 6.1.1.1
          15 January 2023 at 6:32 pm

          Ok….

          What then is candidate gerrymandering… a phrase of your own creation

          • Kat 6.1.1.1.1
            15 January 2023 at 8:27 pm

            Find a dictionary, look up the word gerrymandering, understand its meaning…..then put candidate in front of it……wink

            The English language can be as artistic as necessary.

            • Ghostwhowalksnz 6.1.1.1.1.1
              16 January 2023 at 2:44 pm

              I know what gerrymandering is , its about drawing electorate boundaries

              Why not explain what you mean specifically rather than inventing nonsense phrases.

              I explained why a person with 31% cant win no matter how many other candidates . Then I said what you claim is tosh. A twofer

              • Kat …
                16 January 2023 at 8:17 pm

                Ok….he that casts no shadow, I raise my hand to disengage, and proclaim you as the current master of pettifoggery………

  7. Alan 7
    15 January 2023 at 4:23 pm

    I have jut reread this, are you preparing us for the Jacinda resignation Micky?

  8. adam 8
    15 January 2023 at 4:29 pm

    A vote for national is a vote to let the Godless and the Greedy run the country via act.

  9. pat 9
    15 January 2023 at 6:50 pm

    'The issue for Labour is how to counter what will clearly be a negative campaign."

    With 'inflation' hitting the ability of the electorate to meet needs and an accentuated recession looming why would you (or anyone) expect anything else?….there is little to be gained in being perversely optimistic in the face of the facts.

    • adam 9.1
      15 January 2023 at 11:36 pm

      They could introduce a price freeze, or rationing.

      There are other options in dealing with inflation, but we have moved so far to the right. The insane are running the asylum within the purity of liberalism. So the poor have to pay for the inflation the greedy have imposed.

  10. Stephen Bradley 10
    15 January 2023 at 8:12 pm

    When I was a boy, say 1955, my elders would refer to the 'big lie technique' in reference to news stories broadcast over the wireless. The 'big lie technique' was developed by Dr Joseph Goebbles, Reich Minister of Propoganda in the National Socialist government of Germany 1933-1945 led until his own suicide by Reichfuhrer Adolf Hitler.. A key element of the technique was to repeat something loud enough and often enough so that enough people began to believe it. A second element was to contain the message in three simple phrases. In today's language that would be [simplified]: Labour keeps screwing up; everything is broken, National will fix it. A third element is find a scapegoat, some section of the community that the rest of us can be urged to blame – variously, according to the need: Maori, solo mothers, immigrants/refugees, gangs, unemployed layabouts, pommie agitators. communists, et al.

    Labour can combat this message management by sticking to the ethical practices so far, stripping down its message to three themes, and have them relevant to the lived experience [actual needs] of the democratic majority.

    • Thinker 10.1
      16 January 2023 at 7:43 am

      Not sure if that's a fair comparison, because the NAZIs made it illegal to voice an opposition (similar to what Key did with the unions during the NATSis term).

      It's also made more difficult by any opposition being able to criticise who is in government, but not having to show their own results, which is a pretty unfair situation.

      I agree with the person who used Churchill's example above. Although, my parents (who were British children during the war) said that Churchill's big problem was that, at a time when people wanted to rejoice and forget about war, Churchill was warning them about the impending Cold War and there was a feeling as if Churchill enjoyed Britain being at war. With hindsight, of course…

      But, I also think there's an element of fashion about governments these days, which is why ex rugby players or celebrities get picked as political candidates. Like all good fashions, after a while they get stale and are vulnerable to a new and interesting style from someone else that takes people's attention.

      • Visubversa 10.1.1
        16 January 2023 at 10:22 am

        The main thing I remember about the documentary film about the 1948 election in Britain was an interview with an old man sitting in a pub. He was talking about why he and his friends all voted Labour and he said something like "my mother died for the want of the price of a pint of blood". Working people wanted the support of a National Health Service.

        A not so obvious reason was an increase in the rural vote for Labour. Farming people had got used to the restrictions, and the support for modernisation necessitated by wartime rationing. The Tories campaigned on the removal of these restrictions and supports. Labour promised to keep on helping farmers to modernise and supply more of Britain's needs as the country recovered. Consequentially, Labour won more rural seats.

  11. Peter Bradley 11
    16 January 2023 at 8:51 am

    "If you want to know what's wrong with democracy spend 5 minutes talking to the average voter." Winston Churchill.

    When do voters take responsibility for their tendency to be manipulated by charlatans? They don't – the consequence of lower taxes is born by their children and grand children who's future access to public services and infrastructure is diminished. The consequence of racist polices and growing inequality plays out over time and is not immediately felt. Voters are like frogs in a pot of slowly heating water asking center right leaders to get that water boiling in order to hurt someone else.

    The UK is a classic example – despite all evidence to the contrary voters believe to their bones that a cruel and austere government is the only sensible option. This overpowering belief has forced the UK Labour party into adopting most Tory policy as it's own in order win an election.

    The consequence for ordinary UK citizens are not great but they will vote for the same thing over and over.

    • tc 11.1
      16 January 2023 at 1:56 pm

      UK labour is Tory light under starmer. What socialism existed is being purged for the cause.

      Despite all evidence to the contrary the media backs the tories austerity

      Media is not serving the people but the establishment. Al Jazeera doco lays out the systemic purge within labour driven from the top.

  12. woodart 12
    16 January 2023 at 2:56 pm

    brown is labours best election weapon. a large number of jafas are already p*ssed off at him. read todays stuff. having hooten as his mouthpiece is more good news for labour. brown is confirming everything that northlanders already knew, and his association with a failed nat spruiker is comedy gold. even grainy herald is turning against brown..hah!

    • tc 12.1
      16 January 2023 at 3:56 pm

      Many jaffas I speak to are pissed they're funding dirty politics and feel deceived which hooten would wear as a badge of honour.

      Anyone can rant and rave, being inclusive and constructive is what's required, something Wayne struggles with being an old school authoritarian.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • 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
    6 hours 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
    7 hours 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
    9 hours 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
    10 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    13 hours 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
    18 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperation
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research.   “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Government redress for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua
    The Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Focus on outstanding minerals permit applications
    New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.  “While there are no set timeframes for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research Call
    The New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Tenancy rules changes to improve rental market
    The coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with China
    Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Freshwater farm plan systems to be improved
    The coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Fast Track Projects advisory group named
    The coalition Government has today announced the expert advisory group who will provide independent recommendations to Ministers on projects to be included in the Fast Track Approvals Bill, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones. “Our Fast Track Approval process will make it easier and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Pacific and Gaza focus of UN talks
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his official talks with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York today focused on a shared commitment to partnering with the Pacific Islands region and a common concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.    “Small states in the Pacific rely on collective ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-18T10:47:19+00:00