The Tauranga by election

Written By: - Date published: 7:00 pm, June 18th, 2022 - 64 comments
Categories: by-election, elections, labour, national, Simon Bridges - Tags:

This has been one of the quietest by elections I have ever witnessed.

Normally by elections are rather dramatic things with quirks and strange events.  This one has none of those features despite a host of fringe and weird candidates.  They almost inevitably go against the Government.  And Labour has not won this seat since 1935.

I expect that National will cruise home and if it does not then this will be significant.  Labour will not do as well as it did in 2020 when Jan Tinetti came within 1,857 votes of beating Simon Bridges for the seat.

I expect the result to be similar but worse to 2017 when Bridges won 54% of the candidate vote as opposed to Tinetti’s 26% with the rest being shared amongst the minor candidates.

Which makes the Q & A Kantar poll last week so interesting.  It had National’s Sam Uffindell on 45% and Tinetti on 35%.  If this is the result I personally will celebrate this as a win.

My impression of the candidates is that Uffindell has been wooden and talks mostly in slogans.  His raison d’etre is to build more roads.  He is typically National.

Tinetti is well respected and her promotion into Cabinet underlies her expertise in the Education area.

And for the dumbest take about the by election Josie Pagani has criticized Labour for not performing a similar stunt in the UK where she claims Boris Johnson released the inhumane Rwanda extradition for refugee candidates in order to take the attention off the Tory who resigned after he was discovered watching porn in Parliament.

This post will be updated as results come in.

64 comments on “The Tauranga by election ”

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  1. Incognito 1
    18 June 2022 at 7:16 pm

    @ Micky, this Post had missed it Schedule @ 7:00 pm, so I pushed it out. Hope that’s ok.

    [Cheers thanks for this – MS]

  2. mickysavage 2
    18 June 2022 at 7:51 pm

    Cheers bloody WordPress …

  3. mickysavage 3
    18 June 2022 at 7:52 pm

    At 7:50 the results are Uffindell 58% and Tinetti 24% which is not far from the 2017 result.

    Sue Grey is a distant fourth and the others do not bear talking about.

  4. Robert Guyton 4
    18 June 2022 at 8:06 pm

    Sue Grey doesn't bear talking about either.

    • Incognito 4.1
      18 June 2022 at 8:19 pm

      Looks like almost 1,000 people in Tauranga will beg to differ.

    • mauī 4.2
      19 June 2022 at 2:07 pm

      That's a bit sad… a candidate who had a successful election running on local democracy and community, freedom of choice, and green values is to be ignored…

      • Robert Guyton 4.2.1
        19 June 2022 at 2:28 pm

        Ignored?

        Not enough votes = ignored.

        That's politic, I guess.

        Sue and her crew believed they would take this election, as they believe they will take the coming General Election.

        Hope they don't get … ignored …

        (sorry to tease, mauī, I know you are a good, sincere person).

  5. Mike the Lefty 5
    18 June 2022 at 8:08 pm

    National's perennial solutions for all ills are more roads and tax cuts. National never had a progressive policy in its existence.

    • Obtrectator 5.1
      19 June 2022 at 10:47 pm

      " … more roads … "

      Blimey, haven't they got enough of 'em yet? Last time I was up that way we couldn't help but notice all the big empty roads everywhere we went in the area, with huge M-way style intersections linking them. Who, we asked ourselves, had decided to build this lot, and why? Then there's that endless ribbon development all the way from The Mount through Papamoa and onward, ever eastward …. Hideous.

      And, as someone further down remarks, a cultural desert (whatever became of the old Historic Village? – now just a few old or old-style buildings gutted of any historic content and housing often-closed modern businesses). Reckon Obtrectatrix and I dodged a bullet when events and circumstances scuppered our plans to semi-retire up there.

      As for the election outcome: Gammonsville stays blue with the usual swing against the sitting government. How utterly unexpected! Nothing to truly perturb Ms Ardern there.

  6. Anne 6
    18 June 2022 at 8:44 pm

    Uffindell doesn't come across as very bright but that is not a consideration among the Nats. So long as they can sign their name at the bottom of the page. We saw an example of that back in the JK days when the MPS were sent letters to pass on to their constituents. All they had to do was [insert name of electorate here] and sign them.

    • Blade 6.1
      18 June 2022 at 10:13 pm

      Don't confuse a backroom boy with the personality of a wet mop as being not too bright.

    • O C Smith 6.2
      19 June 2022 at 7:21 am

      Anne I suggest you check his academic qualifications.

      • Belladonna 6.2.1
        19 June 2022 at 12:16 pm

        Why would that matter? Never let facts get in the way of opinions /sarc/

      • Anne 6.2.2
        19 June 2022 at 5:55 pm

        That sometimes means nothing. I used to know a scientist or two who were as thick as two short planks.

        • Blade 6.2.2.1
          19 June 2022 at 8:20 pm

          Those were probably the ones who started the
          man made climate change scam.

          As for our Sam…I think he has a clue or two.

          Quote:

          ”Sam is currently the Head of Financial Economic Crime for Rabobank and owns a small agribusiness based in the Bay of Plenty.”

          https://sunlive.co.nz/news/292878-sam-uffindell-nationals-new-tauranga-candidate.html

          • Robert Guyton 6.2.2.1.1
            19 June 2022 at 8:25 pm

            Sounds like a real treasure for the party. Looks spot-on too.
            His name though…
            Max Profitt would have been better.
            Bill Cash?
            John Banks … oh, hang on!!

            • Blade 6.2.2.1.1.1
              19 June 2022 at 8:31 pm

              Yes, he will look regal in a ministers limo…unlike current short squat ministers.

              • Robert Guyton …
                19 June 2022 at 8:33 pm

                But getting into that limo?

                Can he bend at the waist?

                • Blade …
                  19 June 2022 at 8:42 pm

                  No, of course he can't bend at the waist. That would be like giving a nod to the hoi polloi. His limo will have a sunroof that allows him to enter with a small dip.

                  • Robert Guyton …
                    19 June 2022 at 8:53 pm

                    Quite.

                    He sounds like the right stuff.

                    He'll fit into the National Party carcass like a fop's hand in a kid glove.

                  • Incognito …
                    19 June 2022 at 9:17 pm

                    Wow, “hoi polloi”, now look who’s going all fancy with his ancient Greek verbosity in his self-contained talkback bubble!

  7. Incognito 7
    18 June 2022 at 8:58 pm

    To summarise, the anti-army has invaded and re-captured its own stomping grounds from yesteryear and this is their Victory Day. I salute them on their astonishing accomplishment.

  8. Ross 8
    18 June 2022 at 9:01 pm

    Which makes the Q & A Kantar poll last week so interesting.

    The Kantar poll was a fantasy. Uffindell wins with 56.3% of the vote, Tinetti finishes a distant second with 25.2%. What a thumping.

    The Newshub poll was not far off the mark.

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2022/06/national-party-s-sam-uffindell-cruising-to-victory-in-tauranga-by-election-newshub-nation-reid-research-poll-shows.html

  9. alwyn 9
    18 June 2022 at 9:03 pm

    Reply to Incognito.

    It is good to see that you and Micky appear to understand the law about what you can do on Election Day.

    I am told that Cabinet Ministers Jackson, Allan and Tinetti herself didn't bother to stick to the rules. Do you know if that was true?

    • Incognito 9.1
      18 June 2022 at 9:06 pm

      You should stop listening to those voices inside your head unless you can back them up with a link other than a mind meld.

  10. Robert Guyton 10
    18 June 2022 at 9:15 pm

    "Sue Grey is a distant fourth and the others do not bear talking about."

    "Sue Grey doesn't bear talking about either."

    "Looks like almost 1,000 people in Tauranga will beg to differ."

    They can talk about her amongst themselves.

    • Incognito 10.1
      18 June 2022 at 9:19 pm

      My guess is that the chatter around her is not about her per se, as she’s not a cult leader yet, is she?

  11. Belladonna 11
    18 June 2022 at 9:21 pm

    It would be interesting to see how candidates (and everyone else) are supposed to handle social media posts.

    I mean, the post may have been made on Friday – but it's still live and visible – especially if people are commenting on it – which will push it up the result list on Facebook (for example).

    Technically, should the poster take it down?

    Personally, I don't see any real reason that the law can't be updated, so candidates can continue to campaign on polling day – just not in the vicinity of the polling booths (no one wants to run a gauntlet of desperate politicos in order to cast their vote!)

  12. Belladonna 12
    18 June 2022 at 9:35 pm

    I'm not sure if this is responding, or not (sorry, if it's in the wrong place)

    @Incognito

    Chris Bishop did a gotcha on the official Labour MP accounts doing posts on election day – posts were removed within an hour.

    8.20 timestamp
    https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/06/18/100-of-tauranga-by-election-vote-counted-nationals-uffindell-wins/

    • Incognito 12.1
      18 June 2022 at 9:41 pm

      Nah, that’s a reply @ alwyn, but thanks anyway 🙂

      As for Chris Bishop, it’s a shit job being a muckraker, but somebody’s got to do it, and he does it so well, doesn’t he?

      • Belladonna 12.1.1
        19 June 2022 at 12:21 pm

        I agree – if stuff is there to find, Bishop (and his admin team) will do so.

        But, pretty elementary mistake from an apparently experienced Labour party organization (I highly doubt Tinetti actually pushed the 'send' button herself – I gather most official MP accounts are actually managed by their local party team and/or their Wellington staff.)

  13. Ross 13
    18 June 2022 at 9:37 pm

    On election day, you can’t publish or broadcast anything that is likely to influence voters until after voting closes at 7pm. If you publish a newspaper after 6pm on the day before election day, it counts as publishing it on election day. … On election day, it's illegal to post or share anything that’s likely to influence voters. This includes photos of completed ballot papers. Posting personal political views on election day can also break the law.

    That seems pretty clear to me. Earlier today Jan Tinetti tweeted: "Let's keep moving forward #Vote#TinettiforTauranga". A simple enough mistake for a Cabinet Minister to make…

    https://elections.nz/media-and-news/media-handbook-2/there-are-restrictions-on-election-and-referendum-campaigning-once-voting-has-started/

  14. Ross 14
    18 June 2022 at 11:08 pm

    Tauranga Labour candidate Jan Tinetti's campaign could get in trouble with the Electoral Commission, after it made posts encouraging people to vote for her on by-election polling day.

    Under electoral law, candidates and parties are forbidden from campaigning on polling day.

    This includes social media posts.

    But the Facebook page for the Labour candidate made a post saying "hashtag vote, hashtag Tinetti for Tauranga", and reminding people today was their last chance to vote.

    A spokesperson says they became aware of the post within an hour of it being up, and took it down immediately.

    An Electoral Commission spokesperson said in a statement, " I can confirm we became aware of the posts earlier today and contacted the Labour Party. The posts were taken down."

    Come on, Cabinet Ministers cannot be expected to know the law.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/469380/national-s-uffindell-easily-wins-tauranga-by-election

    • Blade 14.1
      19 June 2022 at 8:52 am

      One wonders what other skulduggery from the Left MAY eventuate leading up to the general election? Chris Luxon may come out from a fancy restaurant in Tauranga to find his Mercedes has four flat tyres and is scrawled with graffiti saying '' no more roads…go electric.''

  15. MickeyBoyle 15
    19 June 2022 at 12:32 am

    The Greens should have run a candidate. They need to untie themselves from Labour and start telling kiwis what they stand for. I know they would not have won, but they have missed an opportunity to get their message out to voters.

    As for the result, no big surprise. I thought Jan might do better considering there was no Green candidate and she has recently been promoted to inside of cabinet.

    Not a great result for the left and it continues a run of average news unfortunately.

    • Mike the Lefty 15.1
      19 June 2022 at 8:17 am

      I was surprised when the Greens didn't run a candidate because it could have given them a good indicator of how the NZ voters really view their involvement in government – whether it counts for real or is just token. I also really thought that Winston would stand too, considering his history in the seat, and that would have made the by-election campaigning a bit more lively instead of being as Stuff described it as one of the most low-key by-elections ever.

      The result was as most expected: a comfortable win for National on the back of falling support for the government, economic bad news and post=COVID fatigue. The low turn out comes from many people taking the result as a foregone conclusion and therefore not bothering.

      Unnoticed by the media was ACT's showing – just over 10% of the vote that suggests ACT could well be a deciding force in the next general election and that National had better not ignore what's going on to its right.

      • MickeyBoyle 15.1.1
        19 June 2022 at 9:46 am

        National won't care about what's going on to the right of them with ACT. Seymour will go with National and no one else.

        Deep down many on the right will be hoping for a strong ACT showing, just like many here would love for Labour to be reliant on the Greens. Yes the center is where elections are won and Luxon seems to be doing a good job winning those voters back. But to the edges of both sides is where true transformational policy lies.

        A strong Green or ACT vote means transformational policies can be delivered and gives National and Labour someone to blame if it all goes pear shaped.

      • Temp ORary 15.1.2
        19 June 2022 at 1:28 pm

        I was neither surprised nor disappointed that the GP chose not to squander their limited resources on contesting an unwinnable by-election. Tauranga not only doesn't represent Aotearoa as a whole, the 19,403 people who were registered and chose to cast a by-election vote in the Tauranga electorate on Saturday can barely be said to represent the 130k residents of the city of Tauranga.

        https://electionresults.govt.nz/

        That's the link that the page gave me – hopefully it's specific enough to get to the Tauranga results, otherwise it's just a click away. But if we take the 2020 numbers as a rough guide, there were 12k people who didn't turn out to vote for Tinetti in this by-election compared to the last general election (more voting Labour on PV). If the 1,901 votes that Cole (2,407 GP) recieved last election had suffered a proportionate diminution, then that would work out as 552 votes – 60% of the 917 NZOF's Grey.

        https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-52.html

    • Belladonna 15.2
      19 June 2022 at 12:26 pm

      I agree that I was surprised not to see a Green candidate.
      Possibly cost was a factor – in an election that they had no chance of winning.
      However, as you say, it would have given them a platform to test communication strategies and ideas – and de-coupled them from Labour.

      I don't think they would have been worried about potentially kneecapping Tinetti – and letting Uffindell through the middle with a split vote – this was always a safe National seat.

      I'm assuming that Green voters simply stayed at home, and didn't bother voting.

      No surprise that Peters didn't stand. That boat has long sailed from the Tauranga electorate – and he has zero interest in wasting money (assuming that NZF actually has any, after the last debacle being played out in the courtroom now) – on an election he couldn't win. It's all about Winston, remember….

  16. Ad 16
    19 June 2022 at 6:54 am

    Tauranga is a perfect National city: car-reliant, no soul, past-erasing, nothing but agricultural servicing and real estate.

    Its Council is stripped out to mere admin, has no plan, its roads are intestinal, and it has ruined everything that used to be good about it.

    The new mp will simply support more and more and more of that.

    • Blade 16.1
      19 June 2022 at 8:36 am

      It never used to be that way. The old Tauranga and Mt Maunganui died in1989 when the rest of NZ rolled in to enjoy a good thing instead of just visiting for the holidays.

    • RosieLee 16.2
      19 June 2022 at 8:39 am

      Correct. And that photo pretty much sums it up. Sickmaking.

    • Robert Guyton 16.3
      19 June 2022 at 9:32 am

      Nat heartland then!

    • Psycho Milt 16.4
      19 June 2022 at 10:37 am

      No soul? Hey, to be fair I hear Tauranga has an excellent white supremacy museum.

    • Belladonna 16.5
      19 June 2022 at 12:13 pm

      If no local government, who is to blame?
      3 years of government appointed commissioners….. Just been extended, by Mahuta, so no local government elections this year.

      It doesn't matter, whether left or right-wing – central government should be very wary of stepping in to run local government. It should be last resort, and should be on a very short timeframe.

      If the commissioners can't sort out the local government in 3 years – why would 2 more make any difference?

      Mahuta's involvement in this, combined with 3 waters – gives the opposition a lot of conspiracy theory to play with.

      • Incognito 16.5.1
        19 June 2022 at 12:36 pm

        Conspiracy theorists always find something to feed and confirm their paranoid suspicions. For example, they may want to create the impression that central government, and Minister Mahuta in particular, have taken all control away from the local authority to push through a nefarious agenda.

        Rarely will those conspiracy theorists read up on facts – they prefer to listen to talkback radio to have their worst fears confirmed – and even more rarely will they change their tune after analysing such inconvenient facts.

        https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/Portals/0/data/council/comissioners/files/letter-to-minister-mahuta-recommended-exit-plan.pdf

        • Belladonna 16.5.1.1
          19 June 2022 at 2:53 pm

          Read it.
          To summarize: The Commissioners (appointed, not elected) don't trust the people of Tauranga to elect representatives that will carry out their plan.

          Really, this quote says it all

          How to mitigate the risk that a newly-elected Council reverses significant Commission decisions and deviates from the strategic path which the Commission has determined is required;

          Followed by the ‘solution’

          “It is the view of the Commission that this is best achieved through a 12-month extension of the Commission’s term; election of a new council in October 2023; and having a Commissioner appointed as a Crown Manager at the commencement of the new elected council, with Terms of Reference covering the matters outlined in (b) above.”

          So, pretend to allow democracy again, but actually retain the reins of power in an un-elected Crown Manager, appointed solely by the Minister.

          Democracy is a failure, because the people are too ignorant to elect 'proper' representatives.

          Dictatorship is the solution.

          • Incognito 16.5.1.1.1
            19 June 2022 at 4:40 pm

            Democracy is a failure, because the people are too ignorant to elect ‘proper’ representatives.

            Dictatorship is the solution.

            Didn’t expect you to brandish lazy labels and make nonsensical statements. But at least you appeared to have read it, so that’s something, I guess.

            This Exit Plan recommendation reflects the Commission’s view that the scale and significance of identified high risk areas is such there will be actual or probable adverse consequences for residents and ratepayers of a return to an elected council in October 2022. Furthermore, the substantive positive momentum and change achieved through the term of the Commission could be reversed, with significant detrimental impact on the city and the sub-region.

            The Exit Plan provides a pathway to return to a democratically elected council, while also mitigating the more significant risks associated with that course.

            • Blade 16.5.1.1.1.1
              19 June 2022 at 5:51 pm

              Mikey said giving the green light for the redevelopment of Tauranga CBD is the only good thing the Commissioners have done. I don't know whether that is correct of not. All I know is if the shite hits the fan I assume the commissioners can walk away without a care in the world?

              https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/council-news-and-updates/latest-news/artmid/456/articleid/7663

              ''Rarely will those conspiracy theorists read up on facts – they prefer to listen to talkback radio to have their worst fears confirmed.''

              I have heard a few ring talkback, sometimes more than a few. Most get cut down by the host, and exit stage left. If a host should express a view(s) like Peter Williams did about the Covid vaccine, they suddenly don't return to their job. I'm afraid it's not the whacky wonderland you believe it is or want it to be.

              I don't listen to talkback to have my worst fears confirmed. Talkback provides the litany of fears that unfortunately more times than not foreshadow future realities.

              • Incognito …
                19 June 2022 at 7:25 pm

                Rarely will those conspiracy theorists read up on facts – they prefer to listen to talkback radio to have their worst fears confirmed.

                QED

                • Blade …
                  19 June 2022 at 8:13 pm

                  QED…just what I was thinking. But I didn't know the cool Latin to describe said thoughts. I would have said you live in a self contained bubble.

                  ''Q.E.D. is an acronym for the Latin phrase quod erat demonstrandum, a fancy way to show off you just logically proved something.''

                  Yes, I believe I have.

                  • Incognito …
                    19 June 2022 at 8:42 pm

                    Well done, Grasshopper, you have come a long way on the path to self-endearment and belief in talkback conspiracies. Master Mikey is rolling his milky eyes up to sky full with pride.

            • Belladonna 16.5.1.1.1.2
              19 June 2022 at 6:26 pm

              As I said, 'pretend' democracy.

              Real democracy is where the electorate can elect representatives to reflect where and how they want to spend their money – regardless of the priorities that the 'governing classes' might wish them to have.

              • Incognito …
                19 June 2022 at 7:55 pm

                That’s a rather narrow definition and understanding of ‘real democracy’, as if there’s only one ‘real’ one!?

                Yup, we all know that the elites and the ‘governing classes’ only have their own interests at heart and are pushing their own nefarious agendas in secrecy and in stealth under the cover of democratic elections. And it might be considered a thought-crime to think negative or critical thoughts of our central government – local government are the good guys, of course.

                You must be looking forward to 8 October, when the forces of good do battle on the field to choose who might be worthy to face the evil enemy that is central government. I hope Leo will win in Auckland because they need strong and decisive leadership. I assume he’s endorsed by Mikey, which is an up-tick for me, because what Mikey says feels good (enough) to me. Are you in Camp Leo too?

                • Belladonna …
                  19 June 2022 at 8:21 pm

                  Nope. Leo's not my cup of tea at all (more for personal than political reasons – Auckland is a small town (figuratively speaking), and I know a bit too much about him).

                  However, I do support democracy, rather than autocracy – regardless of whether the left or right do it.

                  And, I'm deeply allergic to 'mother knows best' style of governance.

                  There is nothing at all democratic about the commissioners appointed in Tauranga. Not elected. Local people have no say over who was appointed, and for how long, or over the policy they've implemented.

                  Just think for a moment, would you be equally as supportive of this situation, if it were a Right-wing government who'd appointed a board of commissioners, and openly agreed with their proposal to enshrine a Government Manager in place (to cement in their programme), before elections (which, horror of horrors) might return people who disagreed with the agenda?

                  I always vote (even when I don't think my vote will do any good – i.e. change the outcome). I think if you choose not to vote, then you have zero right to complain about the outcome for the next 3 years 🙂

                  PS: are you implying that Efeso Collins won't be a strong leader? I think that would be news to many of the people I know in his 'camp'.

                  • Incognito …
                    19 June 2022 at 9:11 pm

                    So, elected officials appointing unelected officials is undemocratic and autocratic? Even when this is a temporary measure to enable a re-start of the local democratic process with positive and better outcomes?

                    NZ Law specifically allows for Commission. Such Commission is supposed to act on behalf of and in the interest of the local authority.

                    https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0084/latest/DLM4925975.html

                    As a mother you’d know that mother doesn’t always know best but often she does. And even when she’s wrong she’s still the parent with the authority and respect. Democracy is not B&W and it’ll never be ‘perfect’ either and there are many forms of democracy just as there are many forms of motherhood.

                    Leo has the mongrel to give the finger to central government. Some talkback listeners would consider this the best thing since the bee’s knees and he can count on those votes.

                    • Belladonna …
                      19 June 2022 at 9:20 pm

                      Well, I hope that you're still of the same mind if/when a Right wing government appoints commissioners.

                      That will, presumably, be just as 'democratic' in your eyes.

                      Yep. Mum knows best (benevolent – well, we hope so – autocracy) is an essential rule when dealing with toddlers' bedtimes and tantrums – doesn't work so effectively when the 'child' is 15 – let alone 35.

                    • Incognito []
                      19 June 2022 at 9:33 pm

                      Don’t be daft! There is no singular version of ‘real democracy’ and each case needs to be judged on its merits and outcomes. Unlike you, it seems, I have a much more fluid idea of what democracy is and no dogmatic or ideological hang-ups either.

                      A child is still the child, even at 15, and that seems where some parents seem to drop the ball (too early). Once they have moved out and become independent things change, of course, but never the respect for the parent even if that parent screwed up badly. There’s not to be a rewrite of one’s upbringing, no ‘Whig fallacy’ and no ‘presentism’.

                    • Blade …
                      19 June 2022 at 9:27 pm

                      I don't think Belladonna is much interested in talkback and its machinations. Only I am.

                    • Incognito []
                      19 June 2022 at 9:41 pm

                      She might be interested but at least she can think for herself and construct a decent argument and counter-argument unlike some talkback co-dependents.

                    • Blade …
                      19 June 2022 at 9:58 pm

                      If you say so. I don't believe that for one moment. I'm a regular Arthur Whimbey.

  17. Tiger Mountain 17
    19 June 2022 at 1:31 pm

    “Towel–Wronga” reaffirms its status as one of NZ’s true shit towns, a venal money trench for blue suit wearers–a cultural and intellectual desert best avoided by anyone with some realisation of what living in the 21st century should entail.

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    1 day 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 ...
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    1 day 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    2 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 ...
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    4 days ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
    The Government is honouring commitments made to Taranaki iwi with the Te Pire Whakatupua mō Te Kāhui Tupua/Taranaki Maunga Collective Redress Bill passing its first reading Parliament today, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “This Bill addresses the commitment the Crown made to the eight iwi of Taranaki to negotiate ...
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    1 week ago

  • Enhanced partnership to reduce agricultural emissions
    The Government and four further companies are together committing an additional $18 million towards AgriZeroNZ to boost New Zealand’s efforts to reduce agricultural emissions. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the strength of the New Zealand economy relies on us getting effective and affordable emission reduction solutions for New Zealand. “The ...
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    1 week ago

  • 110km/h limit proposed for Kāpiti Expressway
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will begin consultation this month on raising speed limits for the Kāpiti Expressway to 110km/h. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and this proposal supports that outcome ...
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    1 week ago

  • New Zealand Biosecurity Awards – Winners announced
    Two New Zealanders who’ve used their unique skills to help fight the exotic caulerpa seaweed are this year’s Biosecurity Awards Supreme Winners, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard. “Strong biosecurity is vital and underpins the whole New Zealand economy and our native flora and fauna. These awards celebrate all those in ...
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    1 week ago

  • Attendance action plan to lift student attendance rates
    The Government is taking action to address the truancy crisis and raise attendance by delivering the attendance action plan, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today.   New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. Regular attendance, defined as being in school over 90 per cent of the ...
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    1 week ago

  • World must act to halt Gaza catastrophe – Peters
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York today that an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza to halt the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.    “Palestinian civilians continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military actions,” Mr Peters said in his speech to a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to United Nations General Assembly: 66th plenary meeting, 78th session
    Mr President,   The situation in Gaza is an utter catastrophe.   New Zealand condemns Hamas for its heinous terrorist attacks on 7 October and since, including its barbaric violations of women and children. All of us here must demand that Hamas release all remaining hostages immediately.   At the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Government woolshed roadshow kicks off
    Today the Government Agriculture Ministers started their national woolshed roadshow, kicking off in the Wairarapa. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said it has been a tough time for farmers over the past few years. The sector has faced high domestic inflation rates, high interest rates, adverse weather events, and increasing farm ...
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    1 week ago

  • PM heads to Singapore, Thailand, and Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines this week (April 14-20), along with a senior business delegation, signalling the Government’s commitment to deepen New Zealand’s international engagement, especially our relationships in South East Asia. “South East Asia is a region that is more crucial than ever to ...
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    1 week ago

  • Prime Minister launches Government Targets
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced further steps to get New Zealand back on track, launching nine ambitious Government Targets to help improve the lives of New Zealanders. “Our Government has a plan that is focused on three key promises we made to New Zealanders – to rebuild the economy, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Natural hydrogen resource should be free of Treaty claims entanglement
    Natural hydrogen could be a game-changing new source of energy for New Zealand but it is essential it is treated as a critical development that benefits all New Zealanders, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones is seeking to give regulatory certainty for those keen to develop natural, or geological, ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government responds to unsustainable net migration
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New Zealand on stage at global Space Symposium
    Space Minister Judith Collins will speak at the Space Symposium in the United States next week, promoting New Zealand’s rapidly growing place in the sector as we work to rebuild the economy. “As one of the largest global space events, attended by more than 10,000 business and government representatives from ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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