The seat of Napier is now in play

Written By: - Date published: 11:47 am, October 1st, 2013 - 41 comments
Categories: labour - Tags:

Stuart Nash2

Chris Tremain somewhat unexpectedly announced yesterday that he will not be standing at the next election.  He has been the MP for Napier for the past eight years.  He won the seat in 2005 with a 3,600 majority over labour’s Russell Fairbrother, pushed it out to 9,000 in 2008 but then, in 2011 in an election where National blitzed the opposition saw his majority crumble to 3,700 over Stuart Nash.

This was a surprising result and testimony to an energetic campaign run by Nash.  In 2011 outside of Auckland and the West Coast Labour struggled to find anything to cheer about.  But the Napier result gives Stuart Nash, presuming he is selected as candidate, and Labour some hope of winning the seat next year.

Maybe Tremain saw the writing on the wall.  A similarly sized swing to the last one would have seen him relying on a list position to remain in Parliament.  And John Key has been clear in stipulating performance at an electorate level as a career enhancing requirement, and loss of an electorate seat as something to frown about.

Although we have MMP this approach is perfectly sound.  An electorate seat gives gravitas and resources to an area that should result in an improved political performance.

And Labour struggled to win provincial seats last time.  Amongst the General Electorates the only electorate winners outside of the four main metropolitan centres were Iain Lees Galloway in Palmerston North and Damien O’Connor in West Coast.

There is plenty of reason for hope.  This Government’s only approach to regional development is to leave it to the market.  A helping hand to the provinces could not only lift up their quality of living but also reduce the urge of Kiwis to flock to Auckland.    David Cunliffe choosing himself to be spokesperson for Regional Development shows the importance he attaches to this policy.

So expect a strong emphasis on regional development especially on job creation in the lead up to the next election.  And I would recommend that Labour hits the road and starts visiting the provinces to persuade locals that the best sort of political leadership is that which plays an active role in fashioning the future and not that which sits on its hands and hopes the wealthy decide to work for the common good.

41 comments on “The seat of Napier is now in play ”

  1. Rogue Trooper 1

    Stuart Nash, hmmm.

  2. Bill 2

    …presuming he is selected as candidate…

    A bit of a sidebar comment. (apologies) But the degree of appreciation, should someone familiar with the in’s and out’s of the selection process compile an informative post…it would be ‘up there’ somewhere 😉

    Y’know, how much (if any) influence/input do members have? How much (if any) influence/input do members sitting on LEC’s have? How much (if any) influence/input comes from ‘party central’, affiliates etc?

    And if members need to be on their local LEC to have a say/voice, then how do they go about doing that? And is there a limit to the size of LEC’s?….etc,etc,etc.

    • Rogue Trooper 2.1

      colloquially speaking

    • mickysavage 2.2

      Hi Bill.

      Depending on the number of party members in an electorate locals will have either two or three representatives on the selection panel and head office appoints another three representatives. There is also a card vote of members and affiliates who have had continuous membership for no less than 12 months and an indicative vote of all other members.

      A strong local organisation can insist on their candidate being selected as long as their support is solid.

      It appears that Stuart Nash is keen to give it another go.

      • Rogue Trooper 2.2.1

        imho (opinion), not prophecy, Napier is likely to remain National; while having a solitary morning cup of tea out in the garden, wearing a blue tee-shirt, a bumble-bee mistook me for a lavender bush.

        • greywarbler 2.2.1.1

          Do you think this was a familiar of the local NACTs and it was looking to be your creature? Or did it just like blue which I think they see as yellow, or or in our recent heraldic design. It all fits – in my fevered mind.

      • Bill 2.2.2

        Thanks Mickey. And you know that your comment has raised a number of further questions to do with the finer machinations of the structure(s) you’ve outlined. But I’ll save them for now, as this isn’t really the thread for it.

  3. ghostwhowalksnz 3

    Wasnt there a missive, some months back, from the collective going by the name of Whaleoil that said Tremain was going to lose at the next election…unless had their special services to run his campaign ?

  4. Ramsay 4

    Good news for those of us who support a moderate, centrist Labour party.

  5. Tracey 5

    Im put in mind of simon powers resignation 12 months out from last election.

    any howls of discord in the nat ranks? No suggestion of bullying of the “younger” rising stars?

    Nah its national not labour

  6. Tracey 6

    And John Key has been clear in stipulating performance at an electorate level as a career enhancing requirement, and loss of an electorate seat as something to frown about.”

    Says he was gifted a safe sear

  7. Tracey 7

    “A moderate centrist labour party” – oh you mean national lite?

    Who will you vote for if you dont get your wish…

  8. just saying 8

    What party is Nash thinking of standing for?

    Glad there is no dynastic theme in this one Mickey.

  9. Skinny 9

    As long as Stu goes with the new direction of the LP, which is a political party that represents the interests of all Kiwis ‘meaning the rich are put into line.’ basically a party that has a social conscience.

    Don’t worry senior whip Sue Moroney has his number and will take delight in reining him in should he show overy overt tendencies lol.

    • Ron 9.1

      Thats all very well but I don’t recall Nash being any sort of team player. He certainly savaged Fran Mold which was not helpful to the party. I seem to remember some report of Nash being almost frog marched from Leaders office. Do we have any record of him being supportive to the current leader. I note he has recently been voicing nice things about DC but that seems newly found.
      I also note that he seemed very close to Pagani and I would prefer the party keep well away from that person.
      Surely we should be putting up some really good people for Napier selection committee and ensure we have a good chance of winning seat come election.

      • ghostwhowalksnz 9.1.1

        Whos this “we should be putting up some really good people”-

        is this like National where the nomenklatura decide which ones are favoured to be in the final group where the pretence of democracy occurs in selection of the candidate

        • Ron 9.1.1.1

          We as in NZ Labour Party. We should always be on outlook for good talent that will benefit the party and the people of New Zealand. One of the stupid positions we have got to now is that there did not seem to be any planned succession plan within party for nine years under Helen which is almost criminal. We need constant new blood coming into the party and not rely on people that have just hung around because they find it a easy to do so.

  10. Jenny Michie 10

    Stu Nash is absolutely the right man for this seat. He has continued to campaign for labour despite being shafted on the list. He’s built up a great organisation, is well regarded and just from a personal perspective, he was out campaigning for meka every week in the last by election, which is more than can be said for a number of people who should have known better. Also he’s smart and has a brilliant network here in Napier. The issue for labour is who’s going to stand against Craig foss in tukitukii. He’s hanging on by the skin of his ministerial teeth.

    • Ron 10.1

      But you did not really answer my question. Is he supportive of David Cunliffe and the current party lineup?
      Did he get ejected from Shearers office and if so why?
      Is he just another of Pagani’s people with their peculiar outlook on left wing politics?
      Can you point to any public statements that would indicate he is supportive of the way that party is heading or are we going to just have another closet right wing person economically speaking.

      Stu Nash is absolutely the right man for this seat. He has continued to campaign for labour despite being shafted on the list. He’s built up a great organisation, is well regarded and just from a personal perspective, he was out campaigning for meka every week in the last by election, which is more than can be said for a number of people who should have known better. Also he’s smart and has a brilliant network here in Napier. The issue for labour is who’s going to stand against Craig foss in tukitukii. He’s hanging on by the skin of his ministerial teeth.

      • Tamati 10.1.1

        The party needs both wings if it wants to fly mate. I don’t know where Stu stands on the issues, but if he has half a brain he’ll get in or get out.

    • Sanctuary 10.2

      Now that poisonous bastard Louis Peirard isn’t editor of the local paper hopefully Nash will also get a better hearing than the disgraceful smear campaign that Pierard ran to get ensure the defeat of Fairbrother.

    • my nickname for foss is foss-the-hapless..

      ..he defines bumbling incompetence..

      ..and has all the presence of a sun-dried cow-pat…

      ..and tremain has a few nicknames..

      ..(and along with the robotic-voiced guy..is hekle and jekyl..)

      ..my favourite nickname for him is ‘startled meerkat’…

      ..he looks like a meerkat..

      ..but it is mainly in the eyes..(all nervy/twitchy..)..

      ..and i have no problems imagining him suddenly popping up out of the ground…

      ..and nervously scanning the horizon..

      ..when he would jump to his feet in parliament..

      ..i imagined him somewhere out on the savannah..

      ..phillip ure..

  11. Tamati 11

    I’d be surprised it Tukituki came in play next year.

    Foss has a majority of over 10,000 and outpolled his own party vote in Tukituki (Unlike Tremain), so he obviously has some personal popularity in the region. Besides, the Havlock North area has become more and more of a retirement village area for wealthy Wellingtonians and Aucklanders. Labour will struggle against the demograhpic shift.

    Best to focus on winning Napier and just the party vote for the whole Hawke’s Bay area.

  12. Jenny Michie 12

    Ron, yes he is supportive of DC and the current line up. I don’t know what happened to him regarding the chief of staff roll but I do know that the COS position is one that can’t be filled by just anyone – it takes a very particular skill set not necessarily filled by MPs or ex-journalists.

    And I’m not sure what you mean by a ‘particular take on left wing policies’ and his association with John Pagani. John is ex Alliance – that’s pretty left. I’m proud to be an associate of Pagani, as I am to be standing by Stu. What we need is more Labour seats in the provinces where we have been thoroughly whipped so I for one am happy to get on board.

    • just saying 12.1

      May have once been left.
      Nowadays, however…

      • Ramsay 12.1.1

        Unfortunately, John Pagani crossed the line (for some here) by defending the previous leadership of the Labour Party. A minority of commenters seem to be experiencing a sort of “David Cunliffe Ultramontanism” where they don’t just see him as the best, most prudent choice to lead the New Zealand Labour Party but a messianic, father figure who is poised to bring about an administration of national salvation.

        Everything they perceive to be outside of that, is anathema.

        When the fever will break, I do not know.

        [lprent: John Pagani crossed the line here by accusing one of the authors of lying and cowardice. What he was accusing the author of was something that John himself had made up about the post – because it wasn’t in it. It was one of the most disgusting and overt bits of strawman activity that I’ve seen in politics. I classed him amongst the arseholes of politics, a dickhead of the net, and banned him *permanently* from the site.

        In my opinion he is a political fool. I wound up with a much better idea about why the rump of the Alliance never managed to make any headway outside of a single electorate when in theory they should have been able to carve a much larger niche out of the political landscape. Having a dumbarse like that running strategy would have been a excellent way of driving away supporters and activists. ]

  13. Morrissey 13

    With this utterly hopeless time-server slipping away unnoticed, the main vacuous head-nodders in parliament will now be Tim McIndoe and Louise Upston. They are the two directly behind the Prime Minister in this clip….

    • Rogue Trooper 13.1

      Good call!

    • the pigman 13.2

      Louise Upston a vacuous time-server? I think not. From her appearance on Parliament TV (behind the PM *spit* as you say) she appears to be by far the most… alert of the MPs on National’s side of the house. Almost too alert if you ask me (conspiratorial italics emphasized). Also, if I recall correctly, quite a lot has been invested in her promotion/PR already…

      • ghostwhowalksnz 13.2.1

        Shes the Whip, so its her job to pay attention whats happening around her in the house.

        Others are thinking what time their flight leaves Wellington or are reading newspapers

  14. Tony77 14

    “The issue for labour is who’s going to stand against Craig Foss in Tukitukii. He’s hanging on by the skin of his ministerial teeth.”

    The answer is Henarae O’Keefe – a legend in his community of Flaxmere – in the Tukitiki electorate. He might not win next year but if he gets a good place on the list then he will almost certainly take the seat in 2017. He would be a huge asset to the seat and the party and would bring voters across and voters out. He of course ran for the Ikaroa-Rawhiti nomination but missed out to good competition.

    Labour needs good people like Nash and O’Keefe.

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  • The professionals actually think and act like our Government has no fiscal crisis at all

    Treasury staff at work: The demand for a new 12-year Government bond was so strong, Treasury decided to double the amount of bonds it sold. Photo: Lynn GrievesonMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Friday, September ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago
  • Weekly Roundup 6-September-2024

    Welcome to another Friday and another roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. As always, this and every post is brought to you by the Greater Auckland crew. If you like our work and you’d like to see more of it, we invite you to join our regular ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    6 days ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies; Excerpt Four.

    Internal versus external security. Regardless of who rules, large countries can afford to separate external and internal security functions (even if internal control functions predominate under authoritarian regimes). In fact, given the logic of power concentration and institutional centralization of … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    6 days ago
  • A Hole In The River

    There's a hole in the river where her memory liesFrom the land of the living to the air and skyShe was coming to see him, but something changed her mindDrove her down to the riverThere is no returnSongwriters: Neil Finn/Eddie RaynerThe king is dead; long live the queen!Yesterday was a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    6 days ago
  • Bright Blue His Jacket Ain’t But I Love This Fellow: A Review and Analysis of The Rings of Power E...

    My conclusion last week was that The Rings of Power season two represented a major improvement in the series. The writing’s just so much better, and honestly, its major problems are less the result of the current episodes and more creatures arising from season one plot-holes. I found episode three ...
    6 days ago
  • Who should we thank for the defeat of the Nazis

    As a child in the 1950s, I thought the British had won the Second World War because that’s what all our comics said. Later on, the films and comics told me that the Americans won the war. In my late teens, I found out that the Soviet Union ...
    7 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #36 2024

    Open access notables Diurnal Temperature Range Trends Differ Below and Above the Melting Point, Pithan & Schatt, Geophysical Research Letters: The globally averaged diurnal temperature range (DTR) has shrunk since the mid-20th century, and climate models project further shrinking. Observations indicate a slowdown or reversal of this trend in recent decades. ...
    7 days ago
  • Join us for the weekly Hoon on YouTube Live at 5pm

    Photo by Jenny Bess on UnsplashCome and join us for our weekly ‘Hoon’ webinar with paying subscribers to The Kākā for an hour at 5 pm.Jump on this link on YouTube Livestream for our chat about the week’s news with special guests:5.00 pm - 5.10 pm - Bernard and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    7 days ago
  • Media Link: Discussing the NZSIS Security Threat Report.

    I was interviewed by Mike Hosking at NewstalkZB and a few other media outlets about the NZSIS Security Threat Report released recently. I have long advocated for more transparency, accountability and oversight of the NZ Intelligence Community, and although the … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    7 days ago
  • How do I make this better for people who drive Ford Rangers?

    Home, home again to a long warm embrace. Plenty of reasons to be glad to be back.But also, reasons for dejection.You, yes you, Simeon Brown, you odious little oik, you bible thumping petrol-pandering ratfucker weasel. You would be Reason Number One. Well, maybe first among equals with Seymour and Of-Seymour ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    7 days ago
  • A missed opportunity

    The government introduced a pretty big piece of constitutional legislation today: the Parliament Bill. But rather than the contentious constitutional change (four year terms) pushed by Labour, this merely consolidates the existing legislation covering Parliament - currently scattered across four different Acts - into one piece of legislation. While I ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    7 days ago
  • Nicola Willis Seeks New Sidekick To Help Fix NZ’s Economy

    Synopsis:Nicola Willis is seeking a new Treasury Boss after Dr Caralee McLiesh’s tenure ends this month. She didn’t listen to McLiesh. Will she listen to the new one?And why is Atlas Network’s Taxpayers Union chiming in?Please consider subscribing or supporting my work. Thanks, Tui.About CaraleeAt the beginning of July, Newsroom ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Inflation alive and kicking in our land of the long white monopolies

    The golden days of profit continue for the the Foodstuffs (Pak’n’Save and New World) and Woolworths supermarket duopoly. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note in Aotearoa’s political economy around housing, climate and poverty on Thursday, September 5:The Groceries Commissioner has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The thermodynamics of electric vs. internal combustion cars

    This is a re-post from The Climate Brink by Andrew Dessler I love thermodynamics. Thermodynamics is like your mom: it may not tell you what you can do, but it damn well tells you what you can’t do. I’ve written a few previous posts that include thermodynamics, like one on air capture of ...
    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Three.

    The notion of geopolitical  “periphery.” The concept of periphery used here refers strictly to what can be called the geopolitical periphery. Being on the geopolitical periphery is an analytic virtue because it makes for more visible policy reform in response … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • Venus Hum

    Fill me up with soundThe world sings with me a million smiles an hourI can see me dancing on my radioI can hear you singing in the blades of grassYellow dandelions on my way to schoolBig Beautiful Sky!Song: Venus Hum.Good morning, all you lovely people, and welcome to the 700th ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • I Went to a Creed Concert

    Note: The audio attached to this Webworm compliments today’s newsletter. I collected it as I met people attending a Creed concert. Their opinions may differ to mine. Read more ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    1 week ago
  • Government migration policy backfires; thousands of unemployed nurses

    The country has imported literally thousands of nurses over the past few months yet whether they are being employed as nurses is another matter. Just what is going on with HealthNZ and it nurses is, at best, opaque, in that it will not release anything but broad general statistics and ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 week ago
  • A Time For Unity.

    Emotional Response: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addresses mourners at the tangi of King Tuheitia on Turangawaewae Marae on Saturday, 31 August 2024.THE DEATH OF KING TUHEITIA could hardly have come at a worse time for Maoridom. The power of the Kingitanga to unify te iwi Māori was demonstrated powerfully at January’s ...
    1 week ago
  • Climate Change: Failed again

    National's tax cut policies relied on stealing revenue from the ETS (previously used to fund emissions reduction) to fund tax cuts to landlords. So how's that going? Badly. Today's auction failed again, with zero units (of a possible 7.6 million) sold. Which means they have a $456 million hole in ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • Security Politics in Peripheral Democracies: Excerpt Two.

    A question of size. Small size generally means large vulnerability. The perception of threat is broader and often more immediate for small countries. The feeling of comparative weakness, of exposure to risk, and of potential intimidation by larger powers often … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 week ago
  • Nicola Willis’s Very Unserious Bungling of the Kiwirail Interislander Cancellation

    Open to all with kind thanks to all subscribers and supporters.Today, RNZ revealed that despite MFAT advice to Nicola Willis to be very “careful and deliberate” in her communications with the South Korean government, prior to any public announcement on cancelling Kiwirail’s i-Rex, Willis instead told South Korea 26 minutes ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Satisfying the Minister’s Speed Obsession

    The Minister of Transport’s speed obsession has this week resulted in two new consultations for 110km/h speed limits, one in Auckland and one in Christchurch. There has also been final approval of the Kapiti Expressway to move to 110km/h following an earlier consultation. While the changes will almost certainly see ...
    1 week ago
  • What if we freed up our streets, again?

    This guest post is by Tommy de Silva, a local rangatahi and freelance writer who is passionate about making the urban fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland more people-focused and sustainable. New Zealand’s March-April 2020 Level 4 Covid response (aka “lockdown”) was somehow both the best and worst six weeks of ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    1 week ago
  • No Alarms And No Surprises

    A heart that's full up like a landfillA job that slowly kills youBruises that won't healYou look so tired, unhappyBring down the governmentThey don't, they don't speak for usI'll take a quiet lifeA handshake of carbon monoxideAnd no alarms and no surprisesThe fabulous English comedian Stewart Lee once wrote a ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Five ingenious ways people could beat the heat without cranking the AC

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Daisy Simmons Every summer brings a new spate of headlines about record-breaking heat – for good reason: 2023 was the hottest year on record, in keeping with the upward trend scientists have been clocking for decades. With climate forecasts suggesting that heat waves ...
    1 week ago
  • No new funding for cycling & walking

    Studies show each $1 of spending on walking and cycling infrastructure produces $13 to $35 of economic benefits from higher productivity, lower healthcare costs, less congestion, lower emissions and lower fossil fuel import costs. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMōrena. Long stories short; here’s my top six things to note ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • 99

    Dad turned 99 today.Hell of a lot of candles, eh?He won't be alone for his birthday. He will have the warm attention of my brother, and my sister, and everyone at the rest home, the most thoughtful attentive and considerate people you could ever know. On Saturday there will be ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 week ago

  • Getting the healthcare you need, when you need it

    The path to faster cancer treatment, an increase in immunisation rates, shorter stays in emergency departments and quick assessment and treatments when you are sick has been laid out today. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has revealed details of how the ambitious health targets the Government has set will be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Targeted supports to accelerate reading

    The coalition Government is delivering targeted and structured literacy supports to accelerate learning for struggling readers. From Term 1 2025, $33 million of funding for Reading Recovery and Early Literacy Support will be reprioritised to interventions which align with structured approaches to teaching. “Structured literacy will change the way children ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 hours ago
  • Survivors invited to Abuse in Care national apology

    With two months until the national apology to survivors of abuse in care, expressions of interest have opened for survivors wanting to attend. “The Prime Minister will deliver a national apology on Tuesday 12 November in Parliament. It will be a very significant day for survivors, their families, whānau and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Rangatahi inspire at Ngā Manu Kōrero final

    Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini kē - My success is not mine alone but is the from the strength of the many. Aotearoa New Zealand’s top young speakers are an inspiration for all New Zealanders to learn more about the depth and beauty conveyed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Driving structured literacy in schools

    The coalition Government is driving confidence in reading and writing in the first years of schooling. “From the first time children step into the classroom, we’re equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy. “From 1 October, schools and kura with Years 0-3 will receive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Labour’s misleading information is disappointing

    Labour’s misinformation about firearms law is dangerous and disappointing, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says.   “Labour and Ginny Andersen have repeatedly said over the past few days that the previous Labour Government completely banned semi-automatic firearms in 2019 and that the Coalition Government is planning to ‘reintroduce’ them.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Govt takes action on mpox response, widens access to vaccine

    The Government is taking immediate action on a number of steps around New Zealand’s response to mpox, including improving access to vaccine availability so people who need it can do so more easily, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. “Mpox is obviously a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Next steps agreed for Treaty Principles Bill

    Associate Justice Minister David Seymour says Cabinet has agreed to the next steps for the Treaty Principles Bill. “The Treaty Principles Bill provides an opportunity for Parliament, rather than the courts, to define the principles of the Treaty, including establishing that every person is equal before the law,” says Mr Seymour. “Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government unlocking potential of AI

    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced a programme to drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) uptake among New Zealand businesses. “The AI Activator will unlock the potential of AI for New Zealand businesses through a range of support, including access to AI research experts, technical assistance, AI tools and resources, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government releases Wairoa flood review findings

    The independent rapid review into the Wairoa flooding event on 26 June 2024 has been released, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced today. “We welcome the review’s findings and recommendations to strengthen Wairoa's resilience against future events,” Ms ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Promoting faster payment times for government

    The Government is sending a clear message to central government agencies that they must prioritise paying invoices in a timely manner, Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Andrew Bayly says. Data released today promotes transparency by publishing the payment times of each central government agency. This data will be published quarterly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Acknowledgement to Kīngi Tuheitia speech

    E te māngai o te Whare Pāremata, kua riro māku te whakaputa i te waka ki waho moana. E te Pirimia tēnā koe.Mr Speaker, it is my privilege to take this adjournment kōrero forward.  Prime Minister – thank you for your leadership. Taupiri te maunga Waikato te awa Te Wherowhero ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Interim fix to GST adjustment rules to support businesses

    Inland Revenue can begin processing GST returns for businesses affected by a historic legislative drafting error, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. “Inland Revenue has become aware of a legislative drafting error in the GST adjustment rules after changes were made in 2023 which were meant to simplify the process. This ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Strong uptake for cervical screening self-test

    More than 80 per cent of New Zealand women being tested have opted for a world-leading self-test for cervical screening since it became available a year ago. Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti and Associate Minister Casey Costello, in her responsibility for Women’s Health, say it’s fantastic to have such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document sets ambitious direction

    Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the Ministry for Regulation’s first Strategic Intentions document, which sets out how the Ministry will carry out its work and deliver on its purpose. “I have set up the Ministry for Regulation with three tasks. One, to cut existing red tape with sector reviews. Two, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Māori Education Advisory Group established

    The Education Minister has established a Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group made up of experienced practitioners to help improve outcomes for Māori learners. “This group will provide independent advice on all matters related to Māori education in both English medium and Māori medium settings. It will focus on the most impactful ways we can lift ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government welcomes findings of NZ Superannuation Fund review

    The Government has welcomed the findings of the recent statutory review into the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation and the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says. The 5-yearly review, conducted on behalf of Treasury and tabled in Parliament today, found the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • First of five new Hercules aircraft takes flight

    Defence Minister Judith Collins today welcomed the first of five new C-130J-30 Hercules to arrive in New Zealand at a ceremony at the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s Base Auckland, Whenuapai. “This is an historic day for our New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our nation. The new Hercules fleet ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Have your say on suicide prevention

    Today, September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day, a time to reflect on New Zealand’s confronting suicide statistics, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy – a tragedy that affects far too many of our families and communities in New Zealand. We must do ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Action to grow the rural health workforce

    Scholarships awarded to 27 health care students is another positive step forward to boost the future rural health workforce, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Pharmac delivering more for Kiwis following major funding boost

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed the increased availability of medicines for Kiwis resulting from the Government’s increased investment in Pharmac. “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the Government,” says Mr Seymour. “When our Government assumed office, New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Sport Minister congratulates NZ’s Paralympians

    Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop has congratulated New Zealand's Paralympic Team at the conclusion of the Paralympic Games in Paris.  “The NZ Paralympic Team's success in Paris included fantastic performances, personal best times, New Zealand records and Oceania records all being smashed - and of course, many Kiwis on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government progresses response to Abuse in Care recommendations

    A Crown Response Office is being established within the Public Service Commission to drive the Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care. “The creation of an Office within a central Government agency was a key recommendation by the Royal Commission’s final report.  “It will have the mandate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Passport wait times back on-track

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, and the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] is now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport. “I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New appointments to the FMA board

    Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has today announced three new appointments and one reappointment to the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) board. Tracey Berry, Nicholas Hegan and Mariette van Ryn have been appointed for a five-year term ending in August 2029, while Chris Swasbrook, who has served as a board member ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • District Court judges appointed

    Attorney-General Hon Judith Collins today announced the appointment of two new District Court judges. The appointees, who will take up their roles at the Manukau Court and the Auckland Court in the Accident Compensation Appeal Jurisdiction, are: Jacqui Clark Judge Clark was admitted to the bar in 1988 after graduating ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Government makes it faster and easier to invest in New Zealand

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged by significant improvements to overseas investment decision timeframes, and the enhanced interest from investors as the Government continues to reform overseas investment. “There were about as many foreign direct investment applications in July and August as there was across the six months ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand to join Operation Olympic Defender

    New Zealand has accepted an invitation to join US-led multi-national space initiative Operation Olympic Defender, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. Operation Olympic Defender is designed to coordinate the space capabilities of member nations, enhance the resilience of space-based systems, deter hostile actions in space and reduce the spread of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government commits to ‘stamping out’ foot and mouth disease

    Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says that a new economic impact analysis report reinforces this government’s commitment to ‘stamp out’ any New Zealand foot and mouth disease incursion. “The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Improving access to finance for Kiwis

    5 September 2024  The Government is progressing further reforms to financial services to make it easier for Kiwis to access finance when they need it, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.  “Financial services are foundational for economic success and are woven throughout our lives. Without access to finance our ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Prime Minister pays tribute to Kiingi Tuheitia

    As Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII is laid to rest today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to a leader whose commitment to Kotahitanga will have a lasting impact on our country. “Kiingi Tuheitia was a humble leader who served his people with wisdom, mana and an unwavering ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Resource Management reform to make forestry rules clearer

    Forestry Minister Todd McClay today announced proposals to reform the resource management system that will provide greater certainty for the forestry sector and help them meet environmental obligations.   “The Government has committed to restoring confidence and certainty across the sector by removing unworkable regulatory burden created by the previous ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • More choice and competition in building products

    A major shake-up of building products which will make it easier and more affordable to build is on the way, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Today we have introduced legislation that will improve access to a wider variety of quality building products from overseas, giving Kiwis more choice and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Joint Statement between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand 4 September 2024, Seoul

    On the occasion of the official visit by the Right Honourable Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea from 4 to 5 September 2024, a summit meeting was held between His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (hereinafter referred to as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership the goal for New Zealand and Korea

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol. “Korea and New Zealand are likeminded democracies and natural partners in the Indo Pacific. As such, we have decided to advance discussions on elevating the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • International tourism continuing to bounce back

    Results released today from the International Visitor Survey (IVS) confirm international tourism is continuing to bounce back, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey says. The IVS results show that in the June quarter, international tourism contributed $2.6 billion to New Zealand’s economy, an increase of 17 per cent on last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government confirms RMA reforms to drive primary sector efficiency

    The Government is moving to review and update national level policy directives that impact the primary sector, as part of its work to get Wellington out of farming. “The primary sector has been weighed down by unworkable and costly regulation for too long,” Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.  “That is ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Weak grocery competition underscores importance of cutting red tape

    The first annual grocery report underscores the need for reforms to cut red tape and promote competition, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “The report paints a concerning picture of the $25 billion grocery sector and reinforces the need for stronger regulatory action, coupled with an ambitious, economy-wide ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Government moves to lessen burden of reliever costs on ECE services

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says the Government has listened to the early childhood education sector’s calls to simplify paying ECE relief teachers. Today two simple changes that will reduce red tape for ECEs are being announced, in the run-up to larger changes that will come in time from the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Over 2,320 people engage with first sector regulatory review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says there has been a strong response to the Ministry for Regulation’s public consultation on the early childhood education regulatory review, affirming the need for action in reducing regulatory burden. “Over 2,320 submissions have been received from parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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