The Standard’s political awards for 2022

Written By: - Date published: 12:01 pm, December 30th, 2022 - 39 comments
Categories: act, Carmel Sepuloni, Christopher Luxon, climate change, david seymour, Deep stuff, jacinda ardern, michael wood, national, science, uk politics - Tags:

It is that time of year again where the events of the year are reviewed and what was notable, noteworthy and notorious.

And what a year it has been.  January 2022 seems like a decade ago.

Who can forget when earlier in the year a group of protestors borrowing the language of various progressive rights movements to claim that what they were campaigning for was right and virtuous while at the same time publicly calling for the execution of various politicians and public servants?

They are the recipient of the inaugural tinfoil hat award given in recognition of their bizarre take on reality and in particular because some of them were actually wearing tinfoil hats.

They also win the cry baby award for thinking they could turn up and occupy Parliament’s grounds, make actual threats of violence against the PM, MPs, Journalists, shop workers and anyone walking past and then complain about the slightest activity by the police in trying to keep order.  I am all for a good protest but really?

The award for the biggest misuse of allegations of conflict of interest goes to Simeon Brown whose continuous attacks on Nanaia Mahuta ended up with a report exonerating her stating that it found there was “no evidence of favouritism, bias, or undue influence”.

But the award for the biggest actual example of conflict of interest goes to National MP Barbara Kuriger who used her position to continuously attack MPI officials for successfully prosecuting her son on animal cruelty charges.  How she still remains in National’s caucus says much about its hypocrisy.

Brown features heavily in this year’s awards.  The award for the spokesperson who understands his or her portfolio the least again goes to him for his potholes campaign.  The problem clearly is a consequence of cutting budgets back during National’s last reign and climate change, neither of which should be blamed on this Government.

The Bermuda Triangle award goes to the National Party.  What happened to the Sam Uffindell report and what happened to National’s promises of openness and transparency?

Obsequious media article of the year was a hotly contested area but this piece from Fran O’Sullivan could not be beaten.  I challenge anyone else to watch the actual video and form the same positive conclusion that O’Sullivan reached.

The misspeak award can only go to one person, National leader Christopher Luxon.  Who else in one year could come up with such clangers as calling poor people bottom feeders and claiming that South Auckland Garages were breeding grounds for gang membership?  He also wins an award for worst apology of the year for saying he was sorry “if anyone was offended”.  All this coming from someone who confused Hawaii with Te Kuiti suggests that accuracy and sensitivity are not Luxon’s strong points.

Luxon also wins the complete lack of self awareness award for his performance in this interview with Jack Tame about climate change where he railed against the Government for working in “bumper stickers and headlines” while National has absolutely no policies or targets of its own to talk about.

The Marvin the Paranoid Android award for being utterly depressing goes to the National Party Caucus.

All year they have been on a real downer.  No matter what the Government has done National has been utterly, utterly negative about it.  Labour could have discovered a universal cure for Cancer and National would have complained about the cost.

Check this out if you need proof.

I get that this is what an opposition does but are they happy about anything?

The Taxpayer Union you really need to check this out award also goes to the National Party for using Parliamentary Services resources to fly to Australia to campaign. Maybe they were hoping we would not notice?  In any event the Auditor General should be checking this out.

The Out of Touch award goes to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who as part of a publicity stunt worked in a soup kitchen giving out food to the poor.

He was caught on film asking Ben if he worked in business.

Ben replied that he did not work and that he was homeless.

There are so many questions arising from this.  Like are there people who work in finance who frequent soup kitchens?  And why did Rishi ask Ben, who clearly looked like he was homeless, if he worked in finance?  Are there people who work in finance who look like they are homeless?

And the most precipitous descent into chaos award, last awarded to National in 2020 goes to the UK Conservative Party.

Who can ever forget the chaos of the Boris years, how he broke every rule in the political book as well as at least one law, or his final week where Ministers were racing each other in who was going to resign first.  He was then replaced by Liz Truss.  She campaigned on a right wing wet dream policy of tax cuts.  Having been elected she then found out that the market has a brain and even it did not think that unfunded tax cuts would achieve everything.

The most use of the word Woke in a political blog award has a clear winner, Martyn Bradbury!  He also won this award last year.  This is a rare feat.

I don’t get how someone nominally of the left buys so readily into a right wing attack phrase.  These debates ought to be happening on our terms, not theirs.

The nu fone who dis award goes to Gaurav Sharma.  Remember him?

Putting aside what happened earlier the level of shitfuckery involved in doing a confidential text dump on social media at the very time your leader is giving a post cabinet press conference is exceedingly high.

Despite what he had done the Caucus decided to give him one last chance.  There are some very gentle souls there.

And the genesis of his original complaint was his trenchant disbelief that the Whips stepped in to stop him from bullying his staff.  He then claimed them stopping him from bullying his staff was of itself a form of bullying.

He decided to let the good people of Hamilton West decide on his ability as an MP.  And they did this giving him less than 10% of the vote.

The runner up for this award is Sharma’s new party named Momentum which unfortunately for him lacked that particular characteristic its name suggested it might have.  It has since disappeared without trace.

The Arrogant Prick award goes hands down to David Seymour.  But he also gets the Right Winger who actually resembles a human being award for his signing with Jacinda Ardern of the Hansard record of the exchange which was then auctioned for charity for Prostate Cancer.  That an Arrogant Prick chose to do something for Prostate Cancer says something about New Zealand politics.

Quiet achiever of the year award goes to Carmel Sepuloni who has been methodically implementing the recommendations of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group.  One statistic that may amaze you given the vitriol sent her way is that up to March 2022 and since 2018 benefits had increased by 40% above the rate of inflation.  Sure recent high inflation rates may have affected this but I cannot think of such a sustained increase ever happening before.

Another statistic that should give you hope is that in 2021 66,500 children were lifted out of poverty.

Of course some still complain these steps are not enough and we still have too much poverty in Aotearoa but can I invite you to think about the alternative.  If there was a change of Government on day one it would be announced that there was a budgetary crisis.  And then after that either through actual cuts or letting increases slip behind the rate of inflation the real level of benefits would decline and poverty would increase.  This is the inevitable order of New Zealand politics.

The award for the politician who burned up the most political capital to achieve something good goes to Jacinda Ardern.  John Key burned up political capital on a grandiose flag referendum.  Jacinda burned up political capital keeping us alive.

And the opposition has been utterly disgraceful on the issue.  Leading the country through a once in a century global pandemic takes a lot of skill and when you look at the body count New Zealand did remarkably well.

Even Japan’s death rate is now higher than us.  Singapore is the only western country whose statistics can be trusted who is doing better than us.

The continuous attacks on New Zealand’s response by opposition MPs trying to score political points is getting really tiring.  This latest article by Act deputy leader Brooke Van Velden is typical.  She talks about the benefit of hindsight but still says that the Government should have loosened things up last Christmas.  At the time when Omicron was surging overseas.

The one thing you can say about these wannabe leaders is thankfully they were not in control during a time when cool heads and real leadership were required.

And the award for the best performance by a politician this year goes to …

drum roll …

Michael Wood for his achievements in getting the Fair Pay legislation passed, for guiding transport through a rough period and for making fundamental changes to the way that Waka Kotahi operates so that sustainable transport is more of a focus, for handling Immigration with care and for generally walking the talk on living by Labour Principles.

39 comments on “The Standard’s political awards for 2022 ”

  1. MickeyBoyle 1

    So in summary, National bad, Labour good.

    Enlightening.

    • mickysavage 1.1

      Pretty much.

      • Herodotus 1.1.1

        As some in the family said over Christmas commented "how can a Labour govt enact policy that results in over stimulating asset bubble then as the only solution we have the Reserve bank now implementing policy for a Recession as a solution to the over stimulated economy ?? "

        Supporters and those who see Labour as the solution – You should be totally ashamed of what you have supported – What regime will have caused more damage and a greater widening of the rich/poor divide – Lange or Adern governments ??? And we have not an iota of ownership of what damage has been caused over the last 2-3 years and to throw ONLY accolades towards Labour

        • DB Brown 1.1.1.1

          Deleted more snarky reply it wont help.

          This government did no such thing ("more damage and a greater widening of the rich/poor divide"). The pandemic, the bloody weather, the uncertain future we're now far more certain of, the inflation, the war, the Trump presidency. The pandemic that is STILL going. We're frayed because we're paying attention mate. Blaming the government is myopic and petty. Sure they aint perfect, but they're actually trying to help.

          The government did not turn up on a fine spring afternoon for a bit of a chat about things, they walked into crisis after crisis, as well as the mess made of health, housing, wages, etc.

        • Nic181 1.1.1.2

          Our government did its very best for New Zealanders in extraordinary circumstances. Those choosing to review that, with the benefit of hindsight and no empathy, are out of touch with reality. If Nat/ACT is the answer, you are asking the wrong question.

        • Craig H 1.1.1.3

          It was the advice of the Treasury – keep the country afloat with fiscal policy and deal with the inflation consequences later. As for why inflation is targeted via OCR increases to reduce spending which in turn reduces employment, that's the macroeconomic model we use – monetarism, as introduced as part of Rogernomics. I think Labour would do well to replace monetarism with something else, but that's a tough job to explain that in an election campaign.

        • We hear this said in right wing circles "widening the rich and poor divide", but growth in benefits wages and a revaluation of the housing ponzi, plus people's taxes and spending make a lie of that.

          Rises in basic benefits and earning allowances, Social housing, increased building, the improvements in rentals, the systems in place to support tenants, all have begun to improve things.

          Those who want thousands of migrants to work for them need to supply sound accommodation and transport, instead of expecting the public purse to provide.

          The recovery from the Pandemic is patchy world wide, but NZ has the 2nd lowest deaths per million, and has kept most people in work and underpinned business so that could happen.

          Ashamed!! Get a life. Personally I think this Government has shown resilience courage and care.

          I am proud of them. I am also proud of New Zealanders. Those who wish to believe with "hindsight" they could have done better are fooling themselves, by rationalising after the event(s).

          So far National do not even have any Policy for our future, though they expect us to believe they could do "better." ( I think they mean better for the top 5%)

          To quote our great PM. “there is even more mahi to do”.

      • So are you promoting Michael Wood as the next Labour leader ?

      • Anker 1.1.3
        • Not so sure the voters agree with you Mickey if you look at the polls
    • Powerman 1.2

      MickeyBoyle, you got that right just as Labour have.

      [I fixed tiny error in e-mail address and removed URL from your comment. This is the third and last time – Incognito]

  2. Incognito 2

    Fair Play legislation, I love it laugh

    [Haha oops will correct – MS]

  3. Great summary of a weird year. Further the the UK Conservative Party's "Descent into Chaos" award, here's a funny and well written evisceration of the British media

    'I Will Make You Hurt': 2022 & the Media (bylinesupplement.com)

  4. Tiger Mountain 4

    To paraphrase an old saying on humanity…“50% of New Zealanders are awful, and the other 50% are not that much better”…

    In the third decade of the 21st Century, only 5 million in a beautiful, productive, long narrow country, there remains a steaming pile of immediate issues. “We never flung any poop”–well good for you–minus the odd brick or two.

    But “poop” in the form of working class organisation does need to be flung if we are ever to rid NZ of Rogernomics, break the Aussie bank stranglehold and re-nationalise public infrastructure and services.

  5. Another retrospective on 2022 from Australia. A similar review of NZ's biggest companies would be instructive.

    https://youtu.be/JXMKwzfZSIQ

  6. Mike the Lefty 6

    On the subject of Martin Bradbury's blog's use of the term "woke".

    After being a regular contributor on that blog for several years I gradually got sick and tired of his obsession with the term. It became a reason for anything that he didn't like. Woke this – woke that – everyone was woke, the whole political left was woke, etc….

    But he never could define what woke was, or what it really meant. I don't know either, it seems to be purely a collective subjective term for any quasi-political views that someone else doesn't like and doesn't understand but it actually can mean anything or nothing at all.

    I'm glad that it only rarely appears on this blog, instead of being in practically every sentence on The Daily Blog.

    Happy new year everyone.

    • DB Brown 6.1

      Woke used to have meaning, basically non-homophobic/non-sexist/non-racist. Those awake to the problems manifest from colonisation, institutionalisation, religion…

      Now it's a lazy pejorative of the right, alongside commie, antifa, tree hugger and various other sad wankery. A rally cry for delusional 'real men'.

      • Mike the Lefty 6.1.1

        That's a pretty good definition, thanks.

      • Shanreagh 6.1.2

        Yes thanks. After being told on here that I am both woke and non -woke by my least favourite poster and being thoroughly confused and hurt, your explanation about how it is now used as a rightist pejorative makes sense to me. It also makes it easier to comprehend the posts as being written by a rightist, they always pulled me up short as I thought the insults were from a leftie to me a leftie.

        • Anne 6.1.2.1

          Yes Shanreagh, I went through the same process. The fact we are both women is also relevant. Misogyny runs deep among the right-wing bloggerati (my word). However, once the unsuspecting target realises who they are… it becomes water off a duck's back.

          • Shanreagh 6.1.2.1.1

            Yes cheers Anne.

            And finding unannounced right-wingers on this blog can pull me up short as well. I respect the ones who have come on here, announced themselves and are issues based. The snipers from both/all sides from the back row not so much.

            The movement of woke from Ok to pejorative, and right wingery explains much.

            All the best for the New Year Anne. smiley

            • Anne 6.1.2.1.1.1

              Same to you Shanreagh.

              Yes, there are some good commenters here who openly admit they are Centre Right. They are intelligent and they're comments usually well thought through. They come at a topic from a different standpoint which is often valid and useful.

              tsmithfield is a good example.

      • Couldn't have put it better.

        From an article in The Independent: The word "woke" originated in African American Vernacular English to refer to being "woken up" to" or alert to issues around racial injustice. ……Boris Johnson, with reference to a newly elected Joe Biden, said " nothing wrong with being woke" and that it was "important to stick up for your history, your traditions and your values, the things you believe in. From an article by Kate Ng – Friday 22 January 2021

        In support of DB Browns earlier post.

      • Paul Campbell 6.1.5

        My take on "woke" is the same as "politically correct" it's a term that people on the left originally used to gently make fun of their compatriots who went a little too far, that was adopted and redefined by the right to mean something that they thought was far worse …..

    • Anne 6.2

      Yes I remember you on TDB Mike the Lefty. You were one of the better quality commenters. I used to comment there up until a few years ago but the constant slagging of the government drove me away.

      I remember the occasion when Bradbury was thrown off the RNZ 'Panel' all those years ago. He was strident, rude and generally obnoxious in the way he presented his pov. He's never been invited back as far as I know and it was his own fault.

  7. Rosemary McDonald 7

    They also win the cry baby award for thinking they could turn up and occupy Parliament’s grounds, make actual threats of violence against the PM, MPs, Journalists, shop workers and anyone walking past and then complain about the slightest activity by the police in trying to keep order. I am all for a good protest but really?

    You're how old MickySavage? Surely you remember this standout protest from Labour and the Lefties from back in 2012?

    https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2022/02/20/guest-blog-suzie-dawson-remembering-the-left/

    The one when the stalwarts dragged the guillotine through the streets of Auckland then with great merriment decapitated Key, English, Collins and Bennett. Resplendent with fake blood. A very well supported event with most of us hating the thought of flogging the family silver for short term gain. But guillotines and life sized photo cut-outs of the enemy being dispatched? Really?

    Oh, and the 'slightest activity' of the police? You might want to watch footage from the protest that wasn't shot by the Government's stenographers. Or not.

    Your Party might not acknowledge this fact Greg, but something broke that day.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vvcXEoeHTk

    • weka 7.1

      there is a difference between political theatre (guillotines on protests etc), and making threats on MPs. This isn't 2012, it's post-Trump and the storming of the Capitol building where people were intent on killing and insurrection. I have no trouble believing that some on parliament grounds were at least extremely negligent in their rhetoric about executions and likely would have carried that out if they had the power.

      If you have evidence that the protestors in 2012 wanted and intended to execute MPs, then show it. Otherwise the comparison is spurious and lacking in any real political analysis.

      Oh, and the 'slightest activity' of the police? You might want to watch footage from the protest that wasn't shot by the Government's stenographers. Or not.

      You misunderstand. He's not referring to the police eventually taking strong action against the protestors. He's referring to the complaints about any action however mild.

      Your Party might not acknowledge this fact Greg, but something broke that day.

      I agree. The government handled it badly, and the protestors handled it badly. All round bad.

      Got anything to say about Counterspin's involvement? Until the VFF and associated movements are willing to front up and be honest about the issues being raised about the protest, then it's hard to respect them. It's also hard to understand why they don't. Is it denial, or do they not think those issues are a problem?

      • Rosemary McDonald 7.1.1

        If you have evidence that the protestors in 2022 wanted and intended to execute MPs, then show it.

        And let us not forget…many of the people in Wellington had very real concerns about the safety of the Pfizer product that was(and still is is some sectors) being forced upon people who had already had adverse reactions to the shots. Some had family and friends who had died very close to having a shot. These people were protesting for their livelihoods and their lives. Asset sales…all a bit meh in comparison.

        And before you get all hand-wavey moderator about injuries from the Pfizer shot being talked about as perhaps a real thing… https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/not-anti-vaxxers-dr-kerryn-phelps-says-she-suffered-covid-vaccine-injury-calls-for-more-research-20221220-p5c7ry.html ….its just about mainstream now.

        (What do you think the odds are of a couple BOTH having severe adverse reactions to the Pfizer shot if such reactions are as rare as we have been told???)

        He's not referring to the police eventually taking strong action against the protestors.

        Perhaps 'spray and walk away' Greg could pop back in and let me know if he watched the non MSM footage I provided which clearly shows the police action on the 10th February 2022 was anything but 'slight'. Unfortunately he'd have to watch the entire footage to get the full context.

        And he won't do that.

        [The rest of this sub-thread has been moved to OM (https://thestandard.org.nz/open-mike-01-01-2023/#comment-1928796), as it was off-topic and derailing the Post – Incognito]

        • Incognito 7.1.1.1

          You haven’t changed a bit and are still flinging poop here.

          Yes, more research is always good.

          Up to and including 30 November 2022, a total of 184 deaths were reported to CARM after the administration of the Comirnaty vaccine.

          https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/COVID-19/safety-report-46.asp#death

          So far, only 2 deaths have been “determined by the Coroner to be due to myocarditis following first dose Covid-19 (Pfizer) vaccination”.

          By chance, some people will experience new illnesses or die from a pre-existing condition shortly after vaccination, especially if they are elderly. Therefore, part of our review process includes comparing natural death rates to observed death rates following vaccination, to determine if there are any specific trends or patterns that might indicate a vaccine safety concern. See below for more information about these observed-versus-expected analyses.

          To date, the observed number of deaths reported after vaccination is actually less than the expected number of natural deaths. [my emphasis]

          The couple that you are referring to from your link had indeed adverse reactions. However, there’s nothing in the article about severity or rarity of those events. In other words, you made it up, again.

          As far as MickySavage is concerned, by my count he posted 192 Posts under his name this year and a few more under notices and features. Your twisted narrative is grossly inaccurate, as usual.

  8. Gary 8

    Thank goodness for a post which acknowledges some good from this government. If you read The Herald or listen to Newstalk ZB, you'd think we were Armageddon.

  9. I think that the reserve bank made a mis-judgement when it made cheap money available to all. It should have been targeted towards struggling businesses and first home buyers. Instead avaricious property speculators took huge advantage of this windfall in their favour and hence the obscene rise in domestic property values.

    • Property was used as an investment vehicle instead of shelter by a portion of the Public, and AirB&B has a great deal to answer for!! imo. A shortage always increases the price of a commodity.

  10. Peter 10

    I remember Gaurav Sharma. He was the guy who went on a little rave about the misuse of taxpayers money by MPs, an allegation checked and proven to be wrong.

    To celebrate, he resigned causing a by-election which apparently cost taxpayers up to a million dollars.

  11. Hunter Thompson II 11

    MS, you forgot the "Bury a major constitutional change in a Bill and if we're caught out we'll say it was all a mistake" award.

    Or call it "The Climbdown of the Year" award for short.

    Several contenders for that one.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • The Bank of our Tamariki and Mokopuna.
    Monday left me brokenTuesday, I was through with hopingWednesday, my empty arms were openThursday, waiting for love, waiting for loveThe end of another week that left many of us asking WTF? What on earth has NZ gotten itself into and how on earth could people have voluntarily signed up for ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 hour ago
  • The worth of it all
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.State of humanity, 20242024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?Full story Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 hours ago
  • What is the Hardest Sport in the World?
    Determining the hardest sport in the world is a subjective matter, as the difficulty level can vary depending on individual abilities, physical attributes, and experience. However, based on various factors including physical demands, technical skills, mental fortitude, and overall accomplishment, here is an exploration of some of the most challenging ...
    7 hours ago
  • What is the Most Expensive Sport?
    The allure of sport transcends age, culture, and geographical boundaries. It captivates hearts, ignites passions, and provides unparalleled entertainment. Behind the spectacle, however, lies a fascinating world of financial investment and expenditure. Among the vast array of competitive pursuits, one question looms large: which sport carries the hefty title of ...
    7 hours ago
  • Pickleball On the Cusp of Olympic Glory
    Introduction Pickleball, a rapidly growing paddle sport, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. Its blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis elements has made it a favorite among players of all ages and skill levels. As the sport’s popularity continues to surge, the question on ...
    7 hours ago
  • The Origin and Evolution of Soccer Unveiling the Genius Behind the World’s Most Popular Sport
    Abstract: Soccer, the global phenomenon captivating millions worldwide, has a rich history that spans centuries. Its origins trace back to ancient civilizations, but the modern version we know and love emerged through a complex interplay of cultural influences and innovations. This article delves into the fascinating journey of soccer’s evolution, ...
    7 hours ago
  • How Much to Tint Car Windows A Comprehensive Guide
    Tinting car windows offers numerous benefits, including enhanced privacy, reduced glare, UV protection, and a more stylish look for your vehicle. However, the cost of window tinting can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you understand how much you can expect to ...
    7 hours ago
  • Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing the Issue
    The pungent smell of gasoline in your car can be an alarming and potentially dangerous problem. Not only is the odor unpleasant, but it can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle’s fuel system. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your car may smell like ...
    7 hours ago
  • How to Remove Tree Sap from Car A Comprehensive Guide
    Tree sap can be a sticky, unsightly mess on your car’s exterior. It can be difficult to remove, but with the right techniques and products, you can restore your car to its former glory. Understanding Tree Sap Tree sap is a thick, viscous liquid produced by trees to seal wounds ...
    7 hours ago
  • How Much Paint Do You Need to Paint a Car?
    The amount of paint needed to paint a car depends on a number of factors, including the size of the car, the number of coats you plan to apply, and the type of paint you are using. In general, you will need between 1 and 2 gallons of paint for ...
    7 hours ago
  • Can You Jump a Car in the Rain? Safety Precautions and Essential Steps
    Jump-starting a car is a common task that can be performed even in adverse weather conditions like rain. However, safety precautions and proper techniques are crucial to avoid potential hazards. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed instructions on how to safely jump a car in the rain, ensuring both your ...
    7 hours ago
  • Can taxpayers be confident PIJF cash was spent wisely?
    Graham Adams writes about the $55m media fund — When Patrick Gower was asked by Mike Hosking last week what he would say to the many Newstalk ZB callers who allege the Labour government bribed media with $55 million of taxpayers’ money via the Public Interest Journalism Fund — and ...
    Point of OrderBy gadams1000
    13 hours ago
  • EGU2024 – An intense week of joining sessions virtually
    Note: this blog post has been put together over the course of the week I followed the happenings at the conference virtually. Should recordings of the Great Debates and possibly Union Symposia mentioned below, be released sometime after the conference ends, I'll include links to the ones I participated in. ...
    15 hours ago
  • Submission on “Fast Track Approvals Bill”
    The following was my submission made on the “Fast Track Approvals Bill”. This potential law will give three Ministers unchecked powers, un-paralled since the days of Robert Muldoon’s “Think Big” projects.The submission is written a bit tongue-in-cheek. But it’s irreverent because the FTAB is in itself not worthy of respect. ...
    Frankly SpeakingBy Frank Macskasy
    16 hours ago
  • The Case for a Universal Family Benefit
    One Could Reduce Child Poverty At No Fiscal CostFollowing the Richardson/Shipley 1990 ‘redesign of the welfare state’ – which eliminated the universal Family Benefit and doubled the rate of child poverty – various income supplements for families have been added, the best known being ‘Working for Families’, introduced in 2005. ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    17 hours ago
  • A who’s who of New Zealand’s dodgiest companies
    Submissions on National's corrupt Muldoonist fast-track law are due today (have you submitted?), and just hours before they close, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop has been forced to release the list of companies he invited to apply. I've spent the last hour going through it in an epic thread of bleats, ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    19 hours ago
  • On Lee’s watch, Economic Development seems to be stuck on scoring points from promoting sporting e...
    Buzz from the Beehive A few days ago, Point of Order suggested the media must be musing “on why Melissa is mute”. Our article reported that people working in the beleaguered media industry have cause to yearn for a minister as busy as Melissa Lee’s ministerial colleagues and we drew ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    20 hours ago
  • New Zealand has never been closed for business
    1. What was The Curse of Jim Bolger?a. Winston Peters b. Soon after shaking his hand, world leaders would mysteriously lose office or shuffle off this mortal coilc. Could never shake off the Mother of All Budgetsd. Dandruff2. True or false? The Chairman of a Kiwi export business has asked the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    20 hours ago
  • Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    Jack Vowles writes – New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    23 hours ago
  • Melissa Lee and the media: ending the quest
    Chris Trotter writes –  MELISSA LEE should be deprived of her ministerial warrant. Her handling – or non-handling – of the crisis engulfing the New Zealand news media has been woeful. The fate of New Zealand’s two linear television networks, a question which the Minister of Broadcasting, Communications ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago
  • The Hoon around the week to April 19
    TL;DR: The podcast above features co-hosts and , along with regular guests Robert Patman on Gaza and AUKUS II, and on climate change.The six things that mattered in Aotearoa’s political economy that we wrote and spoke about via The Kākā and elsewhere for paying subscribers in the ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • The ‘Humpty Dumpty’ end result of dismantling our environmental protections
    Policymakers rarely wish to make plain or visible their desire to dismantle environmental policy, least of all to the young. Photo: Lynn GrievesonTL;DR: Here’s the top five news items of note in climate news for Aotearoa-NZ this week, and a discussion above between Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Nicola's Salad Days.
    I like to keep an eye on what’s happening in places like the UK, the US, and over the ditch with our good mates the Aussies. Let’s call them AUKUS, for want of a better collective term. More on that in a bit.It used to be, not long ago, that ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 day ago
  • Study sees climate change baking in 19% lower global income by 2050
    TL;DR: The global economy will be one fifth smaller than it would have otherwise been in 2050 as a result of climate damage, according to a new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and published in the journal Nature. (See more detail and analysis below, and ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-April-2024
    It’s Friday again. Here’s some of the things that caught our attention this week. This Week on Greater Auckland On Tuesday Matt covered at the government looking into a long tunnel for Wellington. On Wednesday we ran a post from Oscar Simms on some lessons from Texas. AT’s ...
    1 day ago
  • Jack Vowles: Stop the panic – we’ve been here before
    New Zealand is said to be suffering from ‘serious populist discontent’. An IPSOS MORI survey has reported that we have an increasing preference for strong leaders, think that the economy is rigged toward the rich and powerful, and political elites are ignoring ‘hard-working people’.  The data is from February this ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    1 day ago
  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    1 day ago
  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A StepbyStep Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and thirdparty applications. So, lets dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. Thats why they introduced the Recently Deleted folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Heres how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the Recents tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on Edit. Select Show Recently Deleted. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose Recover to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Heres how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the onscreen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose Restore from iCloud Backup during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore ThirdParty Apps (with Caution): ...
    1 day ago
  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    2 days ago
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    2 days ago
  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    2 days ago
  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    2 days ago
  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    2 days ago
  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    2 days ago
  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    2 days ago
  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago
  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    2 days ago
  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    2 days ago
  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    2 days ago
  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    2 days ago
  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago
  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago
  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    2 days ago
  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    2 days ago
  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago
  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    2 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    2 days ago
  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago
  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    2 days ago
  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago
  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago
  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago
  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago
  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago
  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    4 days ago
  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    4 days ago
  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago
  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago
  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    4 days ago
  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago
  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago

  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 hours ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    19 hours ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    2 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 days 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
    3 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    6 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-04-19T23:24:09+00:00