The Mana Party & the Money Party

Written By: - Date published: 12:13 pm, April 25th, 2011 - 48 comments
Categories: act, Left - Tags: ,

Hone Harawira is set to launch his Mana Party next weekend, possibly triggering a by-election in Te Tai Tokerau at the same time.

As when Tariana Turia left Labour and set up the Maori Party, resigning and triggering a by-election establishes legitimacy for the new party (assuming the by-election is won). As with Turia’s by-election in 2003, I don’t think Labour would bother to waste resources standing a candidate against Harawira – they can write the by-election off as expensive grandstanding.

It will be very interesting to see the platform of the Mana Party. With Matt McCarten and Willie Jackson on board it may be less focused on Maori Nationalism and more about solid Leftwing values. That may earn it the support of many Pakeha and PI can support as well, despite Mana being overtly a Maori party, particularly if there are some Pakeha candidates.

I definitely don’t think this is something for the Greens and Labour to fear. Sure, they may lose a few votes to it (maybe mine) but mostly it will take votes away from the kupapa Maori Party and bring in more of the enrolled non-vote. One in five Kiwis don’t vote because they don’t feel there’s anyone to vote for that represents them – the Mana Party could appeal to many of them.

At the other end of the spectrum, Don Brash’s haphazard attempt to take over ACT may actually just be casus belli for him to establish a New Right Party.

As I was writing yesterday’s post, Brash was being interviewed on Q+A. Watching that video later, it seemed clear that Brash had put very little thought into actually getting the numbers to take over ACT. He needs 3 out of 5 MPs and 8 of the 12 board members. Of the MPs, he might get Douglas and Roy but he won’t get Boscawen and it looks like Calvert is with Hide.

Brash is used to being the unaccountable Governor of the Reserve Bank and then parachuted in to National’s leadership. He no doubt thought that the informal support of ACT Party President was all he needed to get the leadership. The (sorry) brashness with which he then started talking about it publicly and musing about where he would position ACT post-election when he isn’t even a member of the party stomped on a lot of ACT toes.

I think he probably genuinely believes that this is like a job interview: he makes his case and ACT will welcome him on board. Silly old man. You have to remember that, while Brash as a brand is backed by a lot of the hard right, as a man he is a hopeless and naive politician. 31 years after first competing in national politics, he still looks like a babe in the woods.

But if ACT refuses Brash’s advance, then it gives him and his backers room to write it off as a lost cause and set up their own New Right Party (the Money Party?). I don’t think Brash is consciously orchestrating it that way, but others may be.

If Brash offers his services to ACT, is rejected and sets up a new party, the money will flood into it.If you read Slater’s posts on rightwing party dynamics, you realise they’re not worried so much about votes and activists, those can be bought, what matters is to whom the few big Auckland money-men write their cheques.

Whatever party Brash leads will share a lot of characteristics with the American Tea Party: reactionary social and environmental policies, hard-right economics, and funding from shadowy businessmen.

Stepping back a bit, the rise of new parties, and New Zealand First’s resurgence, is on the back of public dissatisfaction with the status quo in the context of long-term economic decline. Economic distress breeds political extremism and innovation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing at all, unless the reactionaries win.

48 comments on “The Mana Party & the Money Party ”

  1. Draco T Bastard 1

    I don’t think Brash is consciously orchestrating it that way, but others may be.

    Key is a Yes man but Brash seems to be an outright puppet. His political nous is, as you say, non existent so it seems unlikely that he’s decided to conquer Act without being steered in that direction by his puppet masters.

  2. Carol 2

    I’m interested in the development of both these parties, especially the Mana one.  But I would probably wait to the election after this to see how they perform before committing a vote to them.  The Greens, I think, will still get my vote this time around.

    Are both these parties going to be very male dominated, or do they have some women involved in developing them?

    • Jenny 2.1
      Hi Carol. In answer to your question; It is probable that Annette Sykes widely respected Scholar, lawyer, activist, will be high up on the new Party’s list and deservedly so. 

      In my opinion, Annette Sykes will be great asset in our parliament and to our democracy.

      For Annette Sykes to be able to enter parliament is worth this Pakeha’s list vote.

      Unless someone can provide a convincing counter argument – 

      I think as many other Pakeha as possible should do the same.
       
      An indigenous response to neoliberalism – Annette Sykes

      • Carol 2.1.1

        Thanks, Jenny.  I’ll keep a watch on them.  I’ll still need to see how a party performs in an electoral cycle before committing a vote to it.
         
        I’m having trouble getting the anti-spam word to work today.  I type it in, but it doesn’t get recognised.  And now I can’t get rid of the bold.

        [lprent: fixed. Editor is next on the list now that the server load looks like it is solved. ]

  3. gobsmacked 3

    John Armstrong in the Herald gets very excited about having Brash AND Hide in Cabinet.

    http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10721376

    Back on Planet Earth, this won’t happen. But if right-wingers want to keep divvying up the spoils before they’ve won, let them. See how the voters feel about that.

    I’m more convinced than ever that this ACT of insanity is not Key’s “cunning plan”. He ruled out Winston Peters, saying he was yesterday’s man. As opposed to Brash and Banks?

    This week is meant to be about Key the statesman, meeting the Queen and mingling with the mighty. But there will be headlines every day about Brash and Hide, until the ACT meeting this weekend. Then Key returns to NZ, and a barrage of questions. And he has to pretend he’s in charge.

    By Monday, he will be backing Hide or sacking him.

    • This week is meant to be about Key the statesman, meeting the Queen and mingling with the mighty. But there will be headlines every day about Brash and Hide, until the ACT meeting this weekend. Then Key returns to NZ, and a barrage of questions. And he has to pretend he’s in charge.” 

      Actually, he doesn’t have to pretend he’s in charge of ACT – as he has already done, he can talk about crossing bridges when he comes to them. Remember the position he adopted in relation to the MP ructions and the earlier ructions in ACT? ‘Nothing to do with me.’ He even tries that on – with success – in relation to his own party/ministers. 

      [There is, however, a question to be asked about how he feels about a National party member trying to become the leader of a supposedly distinct political party. He could be asked whether he thinks such a member should have his membership revoked? If not, why not? Although, he could even try the ‘nothing to do with me’ line in response to this question – ‘That’s for the party president/council to decide. Brash isn’t an MP.’]

      Also, being statesmanlike on the other side of the world is exactly the image he needs in order to distance himself from this pivotal moment on the right. (Don’t tell me the Royal Wedding won’t be given prominent coverage on news bulletins? Despite lack of interest amongst New Zealanders, since the wedding date was announced the media have given it wall-to-wall coverage.) He can wait and then make ‘pragmatic’ decisions in relation to the outcome. 

      Key is no centrist. (In fact, most members of the cabinet, I bet, currently prefer more right wing policies than they are currently publicly airing. Even Lockwood was talking about ‘dead fish [sic]’ they were swallowing and English was obviously happy to see the back of Kiwibank.) Ergo, a resurgent ACT is just the ticket. That way Key has his cake and eats it too: He remains popular with middle-New Zealand AND gets a good number of his preferred policies through. He shows those who matter (big money party funders) that he can deliver, while he also gets what he wants (‘that nice man Mr Key’).  

      Remember, he isn’t trying to convince people like you and me that he can be trusted to be a benign centrist. We’re lost causes. (BTW, I’m enjoying this speculation and very much respect your analysis. Frankly, I genuinely hope you are right and Key gets some of the mud from this bizarrely public, political machinating sticking to him – right over that smiley bit. I’d be prepared to eat humble pie for that!)

  4. Rich 4
    I wonder whether Key will flick another safe seat to the New Right Party to get them in as well? Most of the plum Auckland ones belong to ministers though, who might not take kindly to being bumped to the list.
    • Draco T Bastard 4.1

      Most of the plum Auckland ones belong to ministers though, who might not take kindly to being bumped to the list.

      I dunno, those safe seats down in the deep south come complete with an extra $40k/year in unaccountable housing expenses to cover the irritation of having to live in Wellington.

  5. gobsmacked 5

    So, who are we backing in the big fight? It’s David Farrar versus Matthew Hooten.

    http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/2011/04/are_there_any_act_members_involved_in_the_brash_bid.html

    I think the Standard should support DPF. His travel photos are very nice.

  6. Looks like those of the dead ideology are squabbling again. The year that Key wants privatisation to begin, Hide and Brash are stuck in a knifefight and Simon Power the SOE minister decides on a quick exit. All is not well in the Bank of Key.
     
    Carol you can bet any (old, right and white) party will be male dominated. Hide, Brash, Garret and such are the definition of old boys and old money.
     
    Key, the banker might have to do some ‘you are fired’ interventions as his henchmen/staff are misbehaving. I sense rival factions in National are not on the best of talking terms, as things are getting messy.

  7. Of Course were Brash to cut the deepest, the maori party would not want to be in a Brash, Key colonial government. Brash may be acting up, but the act is not going well, nor can it end well.

  8. RichWhite&Fey 8

    Stay tuned ..

  9. Anne 9

    @ RichWhite & Fey

    …and MyersGibbsHeatley..

    ACT is about to rise from the dead. It took those Rich White Men $2million to set ACT up in 1995.  Add another $2million (at least) in 2011, and Bob’s your uncle. Yeah… add Bob Jones in as well?

  10. bad act 10

    Would prob take $2 billion to raise Act from the dead

    • Anne 10.1

      Remember, it wouldn’t be the first time Bob Jones has attempted (with success) to manipulate the outcome of an election. Think 1984.

      Anyone know what Bob Jones is worth these days?
       
       

    • Blue 10.2

      How much will the Unions have to shell out to raise Labour from the dead? ALthough given that industrial action is the LOWEST for years and significantly Lower than during Labours last term, one wonders what else they have to do with the money fleeced from their members?

      • Carol 10.2.1

        Not all the work the unions do involves industrial action, which is the tactic of last resort.

        • Blue 10.2.1.1
          Sure it is Carol, you keep telling yourself that.  Those figures have been used for decades by the left to show the country is either happy, or unhappy.  Hence the popularity of the current Government would indicate the former.  You really can’t have it both ways dear.  how many jobs has any union “created”?  I know they’ve lost a few through intransigence and a silly commitment to an 1930’s dock workers doctrine that is out of place in the modern world.
          • Carol 10.2.1.1.1

            Nice try, Blue. I know my union has been very busy in negotiations, with some useful successes, and have been gaining membership.
             
            PS:  Linking the unions to Labour in a very strong way is not my interest.  I don’t vote Labour.

            • Blue 10.2.1.1.1.1
              Carol, you don’t have to “link the unions” to Labour, they are one and the same, with the same goal.  Mediocrity, allied to an inherent self belief that the voters know not what they do, if they don’t vote Labour.  Which is somewhat patronising.  Have a look at how much the unions give to Labour every year (without asking their members if they agree) and I’ll believe the pink and hysterical moaning from people of the left about businesses backing National. There is no difference.  All are interest groups that back who they want in power on the basis of what they can get. My voting choices come down to what is best for my family and the values we have, i.e. with hard work and ambition you can be anything you want to be.  Labour fails that test because I’m straight, male, married, a father, white, university educated, middle income, come from a working class family who encouraged eduction as the path to prosperity and I’m not obese. I’m about as far away from the Labour demographic as you can get.  Which is, I guess, why they don’t care about us at all.
              • KJT

                Pity your education missed on spelling and maths.

                I am all of these and the reason I do not vote Labour is they are too like National.

                If you had paid attention to maths you would know that right wing Neo-Liberal Governments are detrimental to the  hard working middle class, as well as almost everyone else..
                http://kjt-kt.blogspot.com/2011/03/neo-liberalisms-success-in-new-zealand.html
                http://kjt-kt.blogspot.com/2011/03/vote-national-for-lower-wages-lower.html
                 

              • lprent

                You may not be obese, but evidentially you are a bit of an ignorant idiot…. And before you ask, I’ve never been in a union, I have always worked in the private sector as either a manger or a programmer, and I don’t suffer fools gladly – I try to educate them (as unkindly as is possible).

                you don’t have to “link the unions” to Labour, they are one and the same, with the same goal.

                The unions have to affiliate to Labour before their members can vote inside Labour. Many unions are not affiliated. The frequent complaint by the unions who are unaffliated is that Labour does not represent their interests fully.

                Should we count that one as you merely being a blowhard with limited knowledge?

                Have a look at how much the unions give to Labour every year (without asking their members if they agree)

                1. Not that much, at least compared to the published money that poured into the accounts of both National and Act over the last few decades. I have no idea of exactly what the difference is, but it is at least one order of magnitude larger.

                2. Again, the unions that do are ‘affiliated’. It required a vote by the union membership to become affiliated. It is also pretty easy to get a vote called to become unaffiliated. It happens regularly in many unions and is usually lost.

                Conclusion – you were asleep when you did NZ history or you’re an immigrant who hasn’t bothered to learn much about this country.

                ….because I’m straight, male, married, a father, white, university educated, middle income, come from a working class family who encouraged eduction as the path to prosperity and I’m not obese.I’m about as far away from the Labour demographic as you can get.

                Nope. That is one of the largest demographics that do support Labour, but usually when they become adults. The same demographic under 40 tend to be as ignorant as you evidentially are and often hold many of the same opinions. Older people in the same demographic are some of the better supporters of Labour and have been over the 20 years I’ve been looking at the demographics.

                In my opinion, like you, this is because younger males are not known for thinking deeply about issues. In particular the support that has been given to them by society, family and friends. For some biological reason they prefer to think that they did most of it on their own rather than understanding that they were given the opportunity to do it. As they get more mature and start having to provide the leg up to others, they begin to understand how much they were helped themselves.

                Perhaps you should go and learn something about the actual Labour party and the unions rather than spending your time asserting that you are an idiot (as you have done in the past).

                Now I seem to remember that you are currently banned probably for flame trolling…. Ummm.. nope that was true blue…

                • The Voice of Reason

                  My theory is that Blue is actually in a coma and he is dreaming that its Xmas 1978 and he is waiting on Picton Wharf for a strike bound ferry. Any minute now Rob Muldoon is going to enter the dream dressed as a Pierrot and magic him back to the present day. Blue will then awake from the dream, discover that modern life is rubbish and hit himself on the head repeatedly until the coma returns.
                   

                  • Blue

                    Come on now, lprent, you’re getting hysterical.  My view is that your wrong, I certainly haven’t called you an “idiot” for believing what your first year sociology lecturer that you took a shine to, told you when you had acne.  If your opinion was shared by the majority, then surely you and your kind would be governing and Hone would be Prime Minister? Well, wouldn’t it?  Democracy seems to be an ok system for you (but only if you win).  Cue the ritual tears and abuse (wrapped in concern for others that never materialises in action).

                    • lprent

                      ….for believing what your first year sociology lecturer that you took a shine to…

                      As I was pointing out earlier – you’re ignorant – you make unwarranted assumptions – and you appear to be too stupid to learn.

                      First degree was in science, second was an MBA. I haven’t done sociology at university although I have read some at various stages over the decades.

                      With the number of stupid fuckup assumptions that you’ve exhibited thus far – please explain why anyone should value your opinion apart from your kids? At present I can’t see that you have any real value except as an example of the pitfalls of unwarranted arrogance.

                    • Colonial Viper

                      Cue the ritual tears and abuse (wrapped in concern for others that never materialises in action).

                      You’re a born to rule rich prick. Or a servant of such, which makes you even more stupid.
                       
                      You don’t think your crew stepping on the necks of poor NZ’ers doesn’t count as “abuse”? Fucking hypocrite.
                       
                      Tell you what, Labour is putting the minimum wage up to $15/hr, making the first $5000 earned tax free, taking 15% off all fruits and vegetables all the while telling foreign millionaires/billionaires to keep their sweaty palms of our strategic energy assets.
                       
                      What are you going to do in comparison, asshole?

          • KJT 10.2.1.1.2

            Enjoy your limited hours working day, Saturdays, public holidays and weekends off, owning your own house, cheap or free education, libraries and lunch breaks all of which you would not have without those 30’s style dockers and other unions and trades associations.

            • Blue 10.2.1.1.2.1
              Enjoy your computer, television, car, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, I assume house (although from your prose it is likely you are in a State House).  None of these were the result of a socialist intervention, all are the result of private enterprise, hard work, innovation and ambition. These characteristics are anathema to the “hand out” mentality of the left.
              • KJT

                All from the efforts of working people and entrepreneurs.
                The right are the keenest on hand outs.

                http://kjt-kt.blogspot.com/2011/03/kia-ora-yeah-we-should-be-doing.html
                 

              • Colonial Viper

                These characteristics are anathema to the “hand out” mentality of the left.

                Sorry mate you must have been sleeping last few months, National are the kings of corporate handouts and handouts to farmers.
                 
                Which means you are either ignorant or a fucking hypocrite. So which is it.
                 
                I can happily entertain the idea that you are both.

                • Blue

                  Once your type resorts to profanity to make a point. Sad really. Farmers are the reason this country for decades had a standard of living the envy of most of the world. You seem to have forgotten that. The corporate “handouts” you seem to upset about were all for the benefit of ordinary New Zealanders, whose life savings and homes and possessions were at risk of loss. Why would you deny them protection? If so, why? It seems a callous stand from the left who claim to watching out for the ordinary working New Zealander. As you wish, but its hardly the kind of policy that wins hearts and minds. You really are a cold hearted bunch.

                  lprent, wonderful set of degrees you claim to have, of course we all know this is a fabrication, a bit like left wing economic policy. The company I run values my opinion quite highly and the Doctorate I hold. Have a good day laddie

                  • joe90

                    A doctorate in what, making shit up?,

                    • The Voice of Reason

                      Nah, more likely history, given that Blue so obviously lives in the past.

                  • Carol

                    Blue, you and the Don are in good company then! Don being a known liar and spinner.

                  • Colonial Viper

                    Once your type resorts to profanity to make a point. Sad really.

                    You find my language offensive? Well I find you and your elitist paternalism offensive. Frak off.

                    Farmers are the reason this country for decades had a standard of living the envy of most of the world.

                    Yeah until the rest of the world started making iPhones, 1kg of which is worth the same as a tonne of milk powder. Get with the programme mate its the 21st century not the 1950’s, if you aren’t going to be part of the solution to add more to our economy other than just more and more water sucking farming (and ag/hort is still needed and crucial for our economy) you are part of the problem.

                    The corporate “handouts” you seem to upset about were all for the benefit of ordinary New Zealanders, whose life savings and homes and possessions were at risk of loss. Why would you deny them protection? If so, why?

                    I’m sorry which ordinary NZ’ers did the $43M loan to media works protect?

                    I’m sorry which millionaire foreigners who invested in SCF are you counting as “ordinary NZ’ers” to protect?

                    I’m sorry, which directors and senior managers of AMI are now going to get the book thrown at them for taking profits when times were good and under protecting ordinary NZ\’ers (the clients they made promises to?)?

                    I’m sorry, throwing $6M to repair the Christchurch football pitch which the moneyed corporate owners were too skint to insure themselves, which ordinary NZ’ers were protected there?

                    Shall I continue with the list of this Government’s corporate welfare (which you seem to love defending even as actual ordinary NZ’ers go hungry and cold this winter).

                    I’ll tell you what should have happened with SCF, all “ordinary NZ investors” should have got their first $250K back dollar for dollar, than 20c on the dollar thereafter.

                    That would have protected the ma and pa investor and burned the millionaire players who pitched in their money at the last minute.

                    The company I run values my opinion quite highly and the Doctorate I hold. Have a good day laddie

                    *PUKE* Have a good life asshole

                    • Colonial Viper

                      So you can use foul language all you like to get your point across, but it just shows an intellectual vacuousness and an emotional immaturity that you can’t debate without losing your self control and getting hysterical.

                      Get over yourself Mr Doctorate School Principal, your condescending paternalism reminds me too much of the attitude of the Born to Rule Elitist blue bloods.

                      You have like minds, a sense of entitlement that is completely undeserved and unwarranted.

                      LOL the Born to Rule speaks loud and clear.

                      Ever tried running a country without labour to cook your meals, clean your suits, repair your vehicle, watch over you and your children while you sleep?

                      😉

                      PS so did you know that 1kg of iPhones is worth the same as a tonne of milk powder? And that farming generates far fewer jobs at far lower wages per $1M of capital invested than say, electronics design and manufacturing?

                      Get with the programme my man

                  • lprent

                    ..wonderful set of degrees you claim to have..

                    Just look them up you hopeless pillock. Here I’ll help your pathetically helpless arse…

                    Lynn Prentice. BSc Waikato 1991 (completed 1981). MBA Otago 1990 (completed 1988). I’m kind of slack about picking the damn things up because I don’t attend graduations. Had a burst of energy in 1990 and asked for them.

                    Once your type resorts to profanity to make a point.

                    I was wondering how long it’d take for you to get to that point. Your type routinely use this particular line to try to shut down discussion. Mostly because you’re being described as being ignorant.

                    … and the Doctorate I hold.

                    I’d point out that so far you haven’t actually impressed anyone. As far as I can see no-one even thinks that you have any brains. So far you look like a blowhard with about as much understanding of the things you’re talking about as a ACToid – in other words you’re ACTing pig ignorant and showing a complete inability to listen or learn.

                    • Blue

                      Hilarious, even when trying to make a point you can’t help yourself. Ignorance has very little to do with opinion, emotion sometimes does as you clearly show, but opinion is based on something quite different. Just because someone disagrees with you having weighed the facts and taken a side, it does not indicate ignorance, it indicates choice. Once again, anathema to the left. So you can use foul language all you like to get your point across, but it just shows an intellectual vacuousness and an emotional immaturity that you can’t debate without losing your self control and getting hysterical. I don’t want to shut down debate at all, and I’m not interested in impressing anyone, particularly on this site as most posters are thoroughly unimpressive and don’t warrant the effort. Also I’m used to dealing with adults who show a measure of self control and listen in a mature fashion, something you are clearly unable to do. If another person doesn’t agree with you, it doesn’t make their opinion any less valid than yours just different. Hone is welcome to your vote. You have like minds, a sense of entitlement that is completely undeserved and unwarranted. People like yourself drain the country of any ambition. Tragic.

                    • wtl

                      LOL, Blue YOU are hilarious. You come and shout some slogans about unions being bad and socialists never achieving anything, offering no real facts or evidence to back your statements up. Others challenge you about it and you complain that those opposing you are just being hysterical and insulting, while at the same time insulting them by saying they are just too stupid to be worth debating with since “it is beneath you”. I’m sure you don’t see anything wrong with your behaviour, but others will make up their own minds 🙂

              • joe90

                Your and you’re are different too and Zoltan Lajos Bay was a state employee .

  11. The Voice of Reason 11

    It occurs to me that Brash’s request to talk to the board is actually part of a business strategy; the declaration of a hostile takeover. The shareholders are being presented with the choice of an offer at below market value now or bankruptcy in November.

  12. ak 12

    Or:  Focus groups say Brash/Orewa One (ii) will do better than the Chimp, Epsom fatcats will do as they’re told, and what rich boys want, rich boys get.

    Interesting bit is what Rodders holds over the kid and whether he’ll use it.  I’d say he’d take the money.

  13. (Posted this on Kiwiblog – thought it might be useful here as well?)
    Wonder if Don Brash attended any of the ANZAC services yesterday?
    Hope not – the hypocrisy of so doing would arguably make thinking, decent Kiwis nauseous?
    Corporate ‘DEMOCRACY’ Don Brash style, according to the ‘Golden Rule’?
    ‘Those who have the gold – make the rules’?
    Just a bit short on the concept (errr…….. basic human/democratic right actually)
    ‘The will of the people is the basis of the authority of government..”
    [Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 21 s (3)]
    NEW ZEALANDERS BEWARE!
    If this is how Don Brash works in order to get into power – how would he operate if he WAS in a position of power?
    EEEK! cried a number of the good (former?) National voters of Epsom?
    Of course masterfully-packaged (current) corporate raider ‘shonky’ John Key would work with ‘the Don’:
    “Prime Minister John Key says Don Brash is a political extremist but is not ruling out working with him – either as ACT leader or under the banner of a new party. ”
    http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4926196/PM-I-d-work-with-extremist-Don-Brash
    Remind me how Nicky Hager was wrong again with ‘The Hollow Men’?
    Penny Bright
    http://waterpressure.wordpress.com

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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
    4 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 ...
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    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
    1 week ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

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