Todd Muller is Simon Bridges with less personality

Written By: - Date published: 1:33 pm, May 26th, 2020 - 68 comments
Categories: climate change, jacinda ardern, national, nz first, same old national, Simon Bridges, superannuation, todd muller - Tags:

Yesterday was an interesting day.

Jacinda Ardern managed to ace an interview during the middle of an earthquake while at the same time poking a bit of fun at her partner Clark Gayford’s love of sheds.  She again attracted International attention and reinforced what a cool head she has during an emergency.  This 30 second clip live on TV will reinforce already stellar support for her in her role.

Meanwhile Todd Muller has completed his reshuffle.  The overwhelming impression is that National’s front bench is very, very white.

Among the biggest losers, Simon Bridges who plunges 48 places and Paula Bennett who drops 11 places.  Maori will notice their treatment.  Paula is now ranking behind Chris Bishop.  If current dire polling continues this could be the difference between being returned to Parliament and not being returned.  And Alfred Ngaro dropped 9 places.  Take that Pacific brothers and sisters.

National’s ethnic representation policy is in turmoil.  They face the prospect of Jin Yang, Melissa Lee, Parmjeet Parmar, Kanwaljit Bakshi no longer being there.  National’s fundraising will take a hit.

Meanwhile Todd’s first exposure on National TV was as you say not a good start.  He kept tacking to his talking points.  He wants to open up as quickly as possible and thinks the Government is not doing enough to support businesses.  He seems to have missed the billions of dollars spent on the wage subsidy.

He came out with a few clangers like this one:

I think we would be spending money.  I’m not going to quibble over whether it should be more or less.

Can someone tell me what was meant by this.

Jack Tame has the perfect response to this: 

You are criticising the Government for a lack of detailed spending but you can’t even tell me if you would spend more or less. How is that for detail.

Muller replied by saying that he had a phenomenal team.  And that National had a comprehensive economic plan that will resonate and people will relate to it and they will support risk taking and entrepreneurship. It is clear to see what platitudes National is going to use this election campaign.

As to policy the only details that we received were that National would reverse the Government’s ban on off sea oil drilling and not increase taxes.  He also stood by National’s policy to increase the retirement age.

The strong impression I received was that Muller was not on top of details of National’s policy.  This will be a problem if it continues. 

He was asked about his relationship with Winston Peters.  He has apparently not spoken to him since being elected leader.  He was asked about his personal position on working with Winston.  he replied by saying that it was up to caucus.  He refused to rule it out. This represents national’s only hope.

The complete interview is worth a watch.  Tame did an excellent job.  The first thing they teach you in law school is to keep your questions short and look directly into the eyes of the person you are questioning. Tame did these exceptionally well.

Excuse me for saying this but Muller’s performance was Sheareresque in its quality.

Matthew Hooton must be deeply worried.  All of his twitter posting of random numbers (now under lockdown) may have not improved things for National.

68 comments on “Todd Muller is Simon Bridges with less personality ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. JanM 1
    26 May 2020 at 2:17 pm

    I get the impression that he has been promoted to his level of incompetence. That interview last night was a looloo!

    • lprent 1.1
      26 May 2020 at 5:42 pm

      It was interesting… And not in a good way for National.

      What keeps popping into my head while watching him was David Shearer being wooden. Banging out the talking points. Like the awkward reversions to Shane Reti at the end. Sounded like a tokenism

      He appears to be better at speeches than dialogue. Sluggish when having to think on his feet. He was slightly better in announcing the lineup shuffle.

      Also watched Amy Adams with John Campbell – way more relaxed and communicative.

    • Unicus 1.2
      27 May 2020 at 2:20 pm

      AND Simons got hair

      Bald men don’t win elections – ask Winston😂

  2. OnceWasTim 2
    26 May 2020 at 2:24 pm

    "They face the prospect of Jin Yang, Melissa Lee, Parmjeet Parmar, Kanwaljit Bakshi no longer being there."

    So would that be 6 people they could lose?
    Or would it be 3?

    • woodart 2.1
      26 May 2020 at 3:55 pm

      depends whether they have a bag of cash in each hand, free market rules dont ya know?

    • Ken 2.2
      26 May 2020 at 5:31 pm

      Good question.

      There's a complex equation – I think one Chinese person is worth two Indians and three Filipinos.

      I'm not 100% sure of those ratios….perhaps someone could ask The Toddler.

  3. mac1 3
    26 May 2020 at 2:34 pm

    It has to be said that at least Simon Bridges knew who were Māori in his caucus. Watching Todd Muller nod his head in agreement with his deputy pointed out the fourth gaffe he has made in four days.

    Early days so in our observations of Mr Muller’s road to discovery we must be maganaminous…….

  4. Dennis Frank 4
    26 May 2020 at 2:36 pm

    "I think we would be spending money. I’m not going to quibble over whether it should be more or less." Can someone tell me what was meant by this.

    Having 50c each way? Looks like the critics are right. He has not started well.

    The first thing they teach you in law school is to keep your questions short and look directly into the eyes of the person you are questioning.

    I can see why that's optimal training for the courtroom. Also excellent training for tv reporters (if they are given it – I suspect not).

    Not my job to try & figure positive spin on his performance, but if I were Hooton I'd explain the necessity of talking to the people rather than reciting party lines. Could be his confused stance derives from the interim state between established Nat policy and the mix he wants caucus to adopt. Best gloss I can think of…

    • mac1 4.1
      26 May 2020 at 2:48 pm

      Another gloss is that he doesn’t know whether more or less money should be spent. This from a self-professed businessman who in his own words is able to read a balance sheet. Pffffft!

  5. roblogic 5
    26 May 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Bridges’ polling has been awful, the public perception of him was a disagreeable yapping naysayer, even alienating the base blue vote. So the Nat strategists thought a grey cipher, a temporary figurehead that says nothing of substance, would minimise the damage of the coming election

  6. peterh 6
    26 May 2020 at 3:20 pm

    The 40 day wonder said he was going to give it to Kelvin Davis ,Davis just made them look like a bunch of fools in question time

    • Paddington 6.1
      26 May 2020 at 3:36 pm

      It’s hard to imagine Davis being capable of making anyone look a fool except himself. he’s one of a number of weak links in Parliament (from both sides) and he’s Labour’s 2IC.

      • ianmac 6.1.1
        26 May 2020 at 7:56 pm

        Trouble is Kelvin doesn't lie and in trying to be fair he, self checks all his words which slows his delivery. But today he made McClay, who looked eager for Kelvin's blood receive a bloody nose for his trouble.

        • Paddington 6.1.1.1
          26 May 2020 at 9:22 pm

          Kelvin may not lie (although I find that in a politician hard to believe), but the man is a liability. He's given too many dead possum interviews to think otherwise.

    • anker 6.2
      26 May 2020 at 6:16 pm

      Just watched the clip of Kelvin Davis. McLay…egg meet face

  7. patricia 7
    26 May 2020 at 3:22 pm

    Still think "Deer in the headlights" He will underestimate Kelvin because he thinks he is smarter. Big mistake.

  8. Siobhan 8
    26 May 2020 at 3:40 pm

    He should do well.

    He basically acknowledged Jacindas Government as being good at dealing with the Nations Health Crisis, but that now we need the steady hand(sic) of a National Government, to take care of the economy and the rebuild.

    I bet you your average National voter, who is ever so grateful to Jacinda for saving their lives, will be very relieved to have an excuse to return to National.

    He doesn't need to have as much personality as Bridges….he just needs to not have Bridges personality full stop.

    He looks and sounds like everybodies favorite family trust building Lawyer.

    He's a loaf of white bread in a Nation of bog standard white bread eaters…

  9. Paddington 9
    26 May 2020 at 3:41 pm

    " Maori will notice their treatment. "

    You give Maori too little credit. And you make the all too common mistake of considering maori as some single organism. They are not.

    • mickysavage 9.1
      26 May 2020 at 6:35 pm

      Que?

      I disagree entirely with your first comment. Maori society is very sophisticated and very aware of what is happening.

      I do agree with your second comment however. Brevity sometimes does not allow for nuance.

  10. newsense 10
    26 May 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Muller flip flops on MAGA, Kaye knows a Maori, and National are reborn #brownout

    • woodart 10.1
      26 May 2020 at 4:00 pm

      can see a blackface cartoon with todd in a hat(?) being pushed around by the three dominant females behind him.

  11. Cinny 11
    26 May 2020 at 3:53 pm

    My tory boss thinks todd is hopeless, to be fair he didn't think much of bridges. But he sure loved key and co.

    He said there was nothing new or fresh about todd, or his team.

    But he does rate Jacinda.

  12. Enough is Enough 12
    26 May 2020 at 4:00 pm

    3 women in the top 4. I doubt you would have seen that 30 years ago

    • ScottGN 12.1
      26 May 2020 at 5:27 pm

      No you wouldn’t have. But nor should it be something you feel the need to make a song-and-dance about these days.

  13. observer 13
    26 May 2020 at 5:04 pm

    Like others I expect Muller to lift National's support simply by being Not Bridges. He doesn't need to inspire and it looks like he won't.

    What I didn't expect was the breakdown in caucus discipline. That is definitely worse than under Bridges.

    They aren't even hiding behind anonymity.

    e.g.

    National's Jo Hayes told Radio Waatea the matter was concerning and she would be asking Muller about it.

    "This is not good. We need to remedy this or you need to front it and take it head on and say why. You need to give a better explanation," Hayes said.

    (and)

    "The new leadership have chosen their top team and they are the ones who are answerable for it." (Paula Bennett).

    They grumbled off the record about Bridges, but public unity was maintained. Gone now.

  14. Nick 14
    26 May 2020 at 5:25 pm

    TM is SB with less personality but more hats…..he's even got a nazi 2016-2020 collectors item.

  15. ScottGN 15
    26 May 2020 at 5:30 pm

    It’s surprising that, having wasted his first weekend as leader getting himself distracted by the MAGA cap he’s only made it to Tuesday before ditching it.

  16. ScottGN 16
    26 May 2020 at 5:34 pm

    Not exactly a glowing review for his first day from RNZ’s Political Editor Jane Patterson on Checkpoint this evening. She made the point that his overly prescriptive line of questions at Question Time in the House today simply gave the PM free rein to extol her government’s work at supporting jobs.

    • new view 16.1
      26 May 2020 at 5:56 pm

      Supporting jobs yes. Supporting the businesses that provide those jobs no. An interest free loan doesn’t cut the mustard. Or is there a lot of help for businesses I’m missing. The coalition can’t pay wages for ever,or should I say us. . I would have thought huge support for business was imperative.

      • ScottGN 16.1.1
        26 May 2020 at 6:04 pm

        I would have thought that subsidising wages for staff was a pretty good way of supporting the businesses that employ them.

        • Cinny 16.1.1.1
          26 May 2020 at 6:44 pm

          I would have thought that subsidising wages for staff was a pretty good way of supporting the businesses that employ them.

          It sure is and has been appreciated by many business owners and their employees, and the local business where said employees spend their wages.

          The wage subsidy provided an excellent solution, benefiting more than just the business owners.

        • new view 16.1.1.2
          26 May 2020 at 7:01 pm

          The problem is a lot of those businesses don’t have enough customers at present but their overheads remain. Rent, rates, paying for stock that might sit on shelves for too long, insurances, vehicle maintenance etc just to name a few. The Government is all about the workers which is admirable, but are they starving the goose that lays the golden egg. Time will tell.

          • ScottGN 16.1.1.2.1
            26 May 2020 at 7:12 pm

            So basically you’re saying businesses should lay off staff and then get help from government to meet fixed costs? I think most people would prefer the wage subsidy.

            Another way of looking at National’s GST rebate is that they are asking NZers (some in straitened financial circumstances) to keep paying 15% more than they need to for goods and services in order to subsidise businesses.

            • aj 16.1.1.2.1.1
              26 May 2020 at 7:50 pm

              I think new view is suggesting the govt should support ALL business costs..

              …but their overheads remain. Rent, rates, paying for stock that might sit on shelves for too long, insurances, vehicle maintenance etc just to name a few. The Government is all about the workers which is admirable…

              Which is a very interesting proposition.

              • How long should the government support business while they do not have customers? forever?
              • At what level of customer support should the govt step away.
              • Since the level of support required may be years, what level of debt should the govt be prepared to take on
              • And remember "The Government is all about the workers which is admirable" so we must presume new view want the wage subsidy to continue as well

              Can everyone see the problems with new view's proposition? and that of the national party, which new view is echoing. Which is why Todd Muller and his party won't be pinned down on any details, they are all mouth no trousers. All piss and wind. Talk is cheap so they need to be pressured into giving details of their plans, if they have any. They don't, so let hold a sweep stake how long they will hold out before they insist that 'tax cuts' are the answer. As it is has been to every hard question the right has had to answer in the last 30 years. I give them less than a month.

            • new view 16.1.1.2.1.2
              26 May 2020 at 7:52 pm

              ScottGN. You said the businesses should lay off staff, I didn’t. The wage subsidies are crucial but they go to the staff. The businesses need separate financial support and should have it. If you read the news Some businesses are folding up their tent regardless. Why is that?

              • pat …
                26 May 2020 at 8:02 pm

                "According to MBIE, 58 percent of Kiwi businesses born in 2010, with no employees, ceased to exist by 2015. With up to five employees the figure was slightly better at 43 percent."

                https://nzbusiness.co.nz/article/fail-exposé

              • Graeme …
                26 May 2020 at 8:23 pm

                So the 'government', that's actually every taxpayer in the country, should pick up the tab for business's inability to plan for a downturn.

                We're in tourism, and have been for over 50 years over two generations. Shit like this happens, and quite regularly. We structure our business to be able to cope with downturns that come every 7 -10 years. Two years ago we looked at the way the world was going with the hyper mobility that developed over the last 10 years and concluded that something like this was likely. We're hurting, but it's sustainable and we've been able to negotiate a sustainable position with our landlord and bankers.

                Around us in Queenstown are a lot of businesses that are in a similar position, they've been around a long time and will be around for a bit more.

                There's also a lot that won't, some were struggling before Christmas and this will finish them off, but that's business, they come and go. And others just didn't see it coming and are overwhelmed by events. They've got a problem of their own making. Hopefully they will learn from this and learn to plan for the full business / economic cycle.

                The government has done the right thing by looking after the staff, they aren't the ones that did the business plans, but are wearing the consequences.

              • ScottGN …
                26 May 2020 at 8:30 pm

                So you want the government to pay businesses fixed costs and subsidise their staff’s wages? For how long? How much do you imagine that’s going to cost?

                • new view …
                  26 May 2020 at 8:44 pm

                  I don’t know Scott. You tell me. At present half the work force is being paid a wage subsidy for doing nothing. Waiting for the businesses to fire up. Wouldn’t it be great if there’s a business there to go back to. The subsidy will finish at election time. I hope all those businesses that you seem to think should be able to hang on until then, can. One of us will be right. If I’m right many will go straight from the wage subsidy onto the dole. If I’m wrong the re elected Government? Will last until the following election and beyond.

                  • aj …
                    26 May 2020 at 9:31 pm

                    Dunedin mayor urges H&J Smith to remain open in city

                    H&J Smith managing director Jason Smith said the group had applied for all Government support that was available to them. It had applied for the wage subsidy and the wage subsidy extension but it was only one cost to running a business, he said. The proposal was not a decision made solely on the economic effects of Covid-19, he said.

                    Smith believed it was not the Government's role to prop up every business in the country.

                    Jason Smith is the managing director and sixth consecutive member of the Smith family to undertake that role in the H&J Smith group of companies since siblings Helen and John Smith opened the business in 1900.

                    Sounds like he agrees with Grant Robertson.

                    • In Vino …
                      26 May 2020 at 10:53 pm

                      new view – remember when you wrote some nonsense about starving the goose that lays the golden egg? Your ilk used to do their best to sell off and privatise that goose.

                      The damage to the economy has been done by the virus: stop trying to blame the govt. Wait and see what economic damage happens to countries that have not controlled the virus as we have.

                      Far too early to make your silly judgements

                    • new view []
                      27 May 2020 at 10:20 am

                      In Vino. I’m not trying to blame anyone. Just pointing out the support to small businesses has been Minimal. (Interest free loan)The wage subsidy is for the staff whose employers aren’t able to pay them at present. The Government has done a good job of looking after them. The businesses have other overheads that may mean it not worth carrying on. If you think that’s silly then you are acting a bit silly yourself. My Ilk(whatever that is) is entitled to a point of view. People like you don’t seem to get that a lot of businesses won’t survive, so soon as the wage subsidy finishes those workers become unemployed. Or do you not give a stuff about them.

                    • mickysavage []
                      27 May 2020 at 12:55 pm

                      I take it you do not own a small business. I can show you thousands that are very grateful for the wage subsidy and a billion dollars has been lent out under the small business loan scheme.

                    • new view []
                      27 May 2020 at 1:07 pm

                      No I don’t own a small business. I never said they weren’t grateful for the wage supplement. Time will tell how many won’t make it back. The Government will be hoping it’s pulled the right strings because it’s own survival will depend on it. In my opinion.

                    • Tricledrown …
                      27 May 2020 at 7:55 am

                      H&J Smith are an expensive place to shop , in a recession that's problematic.

                  • woodart …
                    26 May 2020 at 11:00 pm

                    half the work force? nothing like a bit of exageration eh? I would suggest the vast majority of workers are back at work now.

  17. anker 17
    26 May 2020 at 6:21 pm

    OMG Todd's pitch is that National are more competent, but already Niki Kaye saying Goldsmith is Maori and then Nicola Willis on one News when talking about Todd called him Simon Bridges, which the reporter pulled her up about "you mean Todd Muller"

    Their pitch has been that the are more competent than Labour (in a somewhat superior way). They are coming across as clowns

  18. Fireblade 18
    26 May 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Todd is the new head turd polisher, but the shine has already faded. Todd is just plain boring, uninspiring and clumsy.

    Todd's performance in Parliament today was pathetic. National may have to change the leader again if they genuinely want to try and win the general election.

    Simon Bridges was National's most talented leader, even though he was unelectable.

  19. pat 19
    26 May 2020 at 7:48 pm

    "Bennett’s decision to not only make no attempt to salvage her colleagues, but emphasise their blunder, means the other narrative behind the story is that divisions in the party are raw and ugly."

    https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/105220/why-todd-muller-needs-release-part-1-his-economic-recovery-plan-asap-avoid-being

    Trouble at mill

    • I Feel Love 19.1
      26 May 2020 at 8:12 pm

      "First impressions count" – indeed they do.

      • pat 19.1.1
        26 May 2020 at 8:41 pm

        Surprising how poorly they are performing given that Hooton had such an input…would have thought he'd be better prepared than that.

        • Bryn 19.1.1.1
          27 May 2020 at 1:34 am

          It ultimately comes down to the politician, there's only so much minders can do. Also, Hooton doesn't strike me as a genius political tactician. He usually just takes digs at Labour and hints at insider gossip, but as for sketching out a positive vision for NZ I don't see him doing that.

  20. hoom 20
    26 May 2020 at 8:39 pm

    National had a comprehensive economic plan that will resonate and people will relate to it and they will support risk taking and entrepreneurship.

    Decoded means something like:

    Economic plan =tax cuts for rich & business.

    That will resonate =cut cut cut

    And people will relate to it =bump GST/other regressive tax.

    Will support risk-taking & entrepreneurship =deregulate deregulate deregulate & hock off what ever remains of Crown Assets.

  21. newsense 21
    26 May 2020 at 9:16 pm

    Gotta remember Hooton is all about Kiwi/Iwi and smarmy 'kia ora's with Brash.

  22. newsense 22
    26 May 2020 at 9:26 pm

    Also, there was a big stink made about Hooton using RNZ as a personal microphone for the coup and/or his PR business. But isn't Ben Thomas part of the same firm? There he is on RNZ the next day. RNZ's editorial staff have got some 'splainin to do.

  23. roblogic 23
    27 May 2020 at 12:40 am

    Muller flounders in Question Time, PM Ardern is impressive as ever

    https://ondemand.parliament.nz/parliament-tv-on-demand/?itemId=212433

  24. David Mac 24
    27 May 2020 at 1:27 am

    I like Todd, I think he's nice. I think he is making a strategic play to take over the Morrinsville fish and chip shop Jacinda worked at after school.

  25. David Mac 25
    27 May 2020 at 1:36 am

    What a chore, any bloke taking on Jacinda in September.

    Grinch vs Snow White

  26. David Mac 26
    27 May 2020 at 1:54 am

    I'm hoping Jacinda will back her 'be kind' thing and resist the urge to counter slag the opposition.

    Let them be as nasty as they want to be.

    NZ is looking for a govt that is focused on the job at hand and not a caucus absorbed with bickering with those that didn't get voted in.

    Jacinda should also be sitting down with Phil et al and discussing why they have consistently been selected by a broad range of observers as chronic under achievers.

    We need goal kickers right now. Kick or leave.

  27. Infused 27
    27 May 2020 at 6:09 am

    Act are going to get a lot of votes this year.

    What a fuckup by national

  28. Tricledrown 28
    27 May 2020 at 7:48 am

    Paula Benefit snipes leader mule head "there the ones in charge now"Looks like some unhappy campers the young talent has been sidelined .

    Pale stale males in charge geriatric brownlie takes Paula Benefits job.

  29. Cinny 29
    27 May 2020 at 7:58 am

    todds interview on Q+A was bad, his performance in the house yesterday was useless, but wow JC sure took him to task big time this morning and todd was terrible.

    Well done John Campbell for asking the questions and holding todd to account for his vague answers and party one liners.

    IMHO I think todd wanted the leadership for his own personal gain and power trip so he spun whatever lines he needed to the nat MP's to get it.

  30. Tricledrown 30
    27 May 2020 at 8:17 am

    Tau Henare dumping on National looks like the coup is backfiring.Unconcious racism.No Asian or Pacific representation in top 10.

    National getting all the headlines just they are all bad.

    No Unity

  31. JustMe 31
    30 May 2020 at 2:18 pm

    In their current form and referring to the above Photos there appears to be 8 males and ONLY 4 females in Team Muller. Not exactly all that impressive or even credit worthy for National. Hardly a Equal Opportunities Party when all things considered???!!!!

    And hardly a political party worth voting for at the next general election.

    I am sure National will claim the bloopers by Muller in interviews is just that i.e bloopers and mistakes and hence a human mistake that everyone can make.. But let us all be assured National will never extend such 'privilege' of making mistakes upon any MP that sits opposite to them and will in fact drag the errant MP over the coals.

    And so whilst National will deem and preen themselves into thinking they are utter perfection upon the planet they will never care about anyone else but themselves

    All in all I am totally fed up with National trying to pretend they know what NZers are going through when in reality they didn't give a toss about us for the 9 years they were in government.

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    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Justice Minister to attend Human Rights Council
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is today travelling to Europe where he’ll update the United Nations Human Rights Council on the Government’s work to restore law and order.  “Attending the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva provides us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while ...
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    5 days ago

  • Patterson reopens world’s largest wool scouring facility
    Associate Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, formally reopened the world’s largest wool processing facility today in Awatoto, Napier, following a $50 million rebuild and refurbishment project. “The reopening of this facility will significantly lift the economic opportunities available to New Zealand’s wool sector, which already accounts for 20 per cent of ...
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    5 days ago

  • Speech to the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective Summit, 18 April 2024
    Hon Andrew Bayly, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing  At the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) Summit, 18 April, Dunedin    Ngā mihi nui, Ko Andrew Bayly aho, Ko Whanganui aho    Good Afternoon and thank you for inviting me to open your summit today.    I am delighted ...
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    5 days ago

  • Government to introduce revised Three Strikes law
    The Government is delivering on its commitment to bring back the Three Strikes legislation, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee announced today. “Our Government is committed to restoring law and order and enforcing appropriate consequences on criminals. We are making it clear that repeat serious violent or sexual offending is not ...
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    5 days ago

  • New diplomatic appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today announced four new diplomatic appointments for New Zealand’s overseas missions.   “Our diplomats have a vital role in maintaining and protecting New Zealand’s interests around the world,” Mr Peters says.    “I am pleased to announce the appointment of these senior diplomats from the ...
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    5 days ago

  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
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    5 days ago

  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
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    6 days ago

  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

  • Trade relationship with China remains strong
    “China remains a strong commercial opportunity for Kiwi exporters as Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value our high-quality safe produce,” Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.   Mr McClay has returned to New Zealand following visits to Beijing, Harbin and Shanghai where he met ministers, governors and mayors and engaged in trade and agricultural events with the New ...
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    7 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
    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 - ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week 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 ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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