Towards Banana Republic Status

Written By: - Date published: 10:25 am, April 17th, 2024 - 27 comments
Categories: chris bishop, climate change, corruption, democracy under attack, Economy, energy, Environment, global warming, law and "order", national, nz first, Politics, same old national, Shane Jones - Tags:

There is a bill before Parliament right now that has the potential of blowing a rather big hole in our reputation as an open and transparent democracy.

It is the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

Its problems are myriad.

It is clearly rushed.

If enacted it would give Chris Bishop, Simeon Brown and Shane Jones extraordinary powers to approve projects that may potentially have major adverse effects on the environment.

There are two categories of projects. There are those listed in part A of schedule 2 of the Act which automatically get referred to an expert panel for consideration and those which the Ministers approve to be included for consideration.

There are limited criteria to take into account and limited ability to seek legal redress against a Ministerial decision to include a project for consideration. But for those lucky projects which are in part A of the schedule there will be very little that concerned citizens can do.

These projects do not have to meet the criteria contained in section 17 of the Bill. They do not have to be an identified priority project, or deliver regionally or nationally significant infrastructure, or increase the supply of housing or deliver significant economic benefits or support primary industries or the development of natural resources, or support climate change mitigation or recovery from natural hazards or address significant environmental issues or be consistent with local or regional environmental issues.

By their very inclusion they are deemed to be of national or regional significance.

But dear reader there is a major problem with schedule 2, for it is empty.

The Government has confirmed that the schedule will be completed before the legislation is passed. But the time for public submissions ends this Friday and it appears to be exceedingly unlikely that the projects will be announced any time soon. The Government has asked for applications for projects to be included and the timeframe does not close until May 4.

Chris Bishop is gung ho about the law. He said to Television New Zealand:

Bishop said he made “no apologies” for the changes.

“We are deliberately disrupting the system. The status quo is failing New Zealand.”

He said he has received emails and letters from people lobbying for projects, which would be made public under the Official Information Act if requested.

“People are excited about fast track, there’s people out there who want to use the law.”

But this is what happened when Radio New Zealand followed up on his suggestion that the OIA be used:

With days left for submissions on proposed Fast Track consenting legislation, the public is still in the dark about what projects might be picked.

RNZ’s Official Information Act requests to obtain answers have been rejected on the basis material will be released “proactively”. But the agency leading the process can not guarantee the proactive release will occur before public submissions close. The Ministry for the Environment said it was collating material from multiple agencies and “can’t yet say” when the information would be available to the public.

    Already we have an inkling about the sort of project that could be included. Trans Tasman Resources has recently abandoned an application for sand dredging off the Taranaki coast. And Stephenson Mining has not appealed a decision that prevented it from mining a mountain in Westport that is home to numerous threatened species including roroa great spotted kiwi, South Island fernbird, geckos, and 17 plant species.

    Apart from requiring Ministers to act in a manner that is consistent with treaty settlements there is no acknowledgement of the Treaty of Waitangi.

    And the type and location of activity that can be allowed is jaw dropping. Projects that would otherwise be prohibited under local district plans, like carving up the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges would be possible. And projects in World Heritage areas are possible, with the only extra requirement that the Minister of Conservation be consulted.

    The Ministerial powers are extraordinary. They have the ability to effectively rewrite a panel’s recommendation. The matters that they can consider are extremely wide.

    And the process will be truncated. Councils will only have 10 working days to respond to projects that may be extremely complex. There will be no public hearing and no ability for the public to have any say.

    The bill is attempting to address a perceived problem, that of the slowness in handling resource consent applications, by not only speeding up the process but allowing open slather on the environment.

    The bill does allow fast tracking of projects that will support climate change mitigation, including the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas emissions. But it completely undoes the benefits of this by allowing the fast tracking of projects that will will support development of natural resources, including coal and petroleum. And climate change mitigation is not included as a purpose of the Act.

    Perhaps most disturbingly the potential for corruption is high. Inclusion in the first part of schedule 2 would be a bonanza for any company and would allow them to sidestep the sort of oversight and review that the environement needs for its protection. The stakes and the potential benefits are high. And there will be limited redress or judicial oversight.

    The Environmental Defence Society has been scathing in its response to the bill. From its website:

    “Our detailed analysis concludes that there is no need for the Bill and that it should not proceed to enactment,” said EDS Chief Executive, Gary Taylor.

    “What is clear from the Bill is that it’s a fake premise, purporting to speed up decision-making when its real purpose is to enable environmental harm with impunity.

    “Ministers will have unprecedented powers to approve pet projects. The public will be precluded from having any say. Development is given absolute priority in an astonishingly unbalanced set of decision-making criteria.

    “Moreover, the process for giving selected projects a preferential consenting pathway via Schedules to the Bill is arguably unconstitutional, involving a process with no select committee or public scrutiny allowed. Coal, gold and offshore mining interests are very excited.

    “It is not an exaggeration to say that the legislation lacks legitimacy and is truly an exercise of unbridled power by Ministers.

    “Existing fast-track provisions already enable very speedy decision-making on major projects without gutting all environmental protections. That process has seen an average timeframe of just 97 days for referred projects and 88 days for listed projects. There is no need to replace that law.

    Submissions close this Friday. Please make your voices heard and not only submit but also ask for the ability to meet with the Select Committee to present your submission. The Parliament link for lodging a submission is here and EDS has this helpful template submission that allows you to generate a submission.

    27 comments on “Towards Banana Republic Status ”

    • Comments are now closed

    1. Res Publica 1
      17 April 2024 at 10:41 am

      So, for those of us playing along at home, the three parties that vowed to remain laser focused on the issues that matter most to people have:

      1. Told communities they can't decide how they're represented.
      2. Made it much harder for councils to set appropriate speed limits in their own communities. On infrastructure they've paid for and maintained.
      3. Cancelled a whole bunch of public transport and cycling projects local communities want in favour of MOAR ROADS.
      4. Left local government (and ratepayers) carrying the can for their collective meltdown over 3 waters.
      5. Got distracted by a whole bunch of weird culture war issues.

      And now they want to reserve themselves the right to decide over the top of whatever local planning processes are in place and approve their pet projects, or those of their donors.

      Yup. Local democracy saved guys. Cost of living crisis solved.

      • tc 1.1
        17 April 2024 at 11:15 am

        Culture wars were part of their strategy to regain power.

        Id like to see the opposition go hard here and suggest that they will pass laws allowing former ministers to face the consequences of their actions.

        • Res Publica 1.1.1
          17 April 2024 at 1:33 pm

          I'd like to see all of the mayors and councilors who were foaming at the mouth about 3 waters and Labour's "authoritarianism" put exactly the same amount of time and energy (and ratepayer money) into defending local democracy from National.

          • tc 1.1.1.1
            17 April 2024 at 3:23 pm

            They'll never bite that hand even though its just slapped them in the face hard.

            Now they get to raise rates for something they lobbied hard for and explain to ratepayers why. Luddites.

    2. Reality 2
      17 April 2024 at 11:06 am

      There is a daily cringe and shock horror reaction to what this government is doing. Never thought it would be this bad.

      As for Seymour calling Jacinda "authoritarian"! Says he who is telling parents to send their sick children to school, and all the other "authoritarian" edicts about how people should lead their lives. Seymour does not behave like a normal human. And as for Luxon’s weird tik toks. Creepy.

      • Mike the Lefty 2.1
        17 April 2024 at 12:55 pm

        It wasn't Jacinda who came up with the idea of banning cellphones from classrooms either.

        What also amazes me is the low key response from teachers and teachers unions. If it had been a Labour government all hell would have been let loose.

        But when its National in power they just sit back and take it, or at worst they give mild, almost apologetic criticism.

        It used to be that the teachers were the one group that National couldn't strong-arm into submission. But the political right have obviously been successful behind the scenes over the last few years and now the teachers have been tamed.

        • I Feel Love 2.1.1
          17 April 2024 at 1:37 pm

          I dunno about that, my kids school are being pretty half assed about it, they still have their phones & there are a heaps of exceptions. I imagine each school is dealing with it in their own way.

          • mpledger 2.1.1.1
            18 April 2024 at 10:10 am

            Yea, I think that's right. People will grouse to Labour because they know Labour will listen, people won't grouse to National because they know they won't listen and so just do their own thing anyway. It just means that National/Act will have to get more and more authoritarian to make people do what they want.

            The thing is if something like COVID-19 happens again they'll have no good will in the bank to get people to make good choices for the benefit of the country over themselves.

        • Vivie 2.1.2
          18 April 2024 at 12:36 pm

          Why did teachers not strike under the National-led Government from 2008 to 2017? During that time teachers received minimal pay increases. In the 2009 budget National cut funding to all levels of education and training, from preschool up to and including community education and also apprenticeships, cut funding for disability education and for learning assistants. The Labour Government improved teachers' pay and conditions considerably. What are the motivations of the teachers unions and what are their political affiliations? It will be interesting to see if teachers take strike action under the current Government.

          https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/514542/ministry-of-education-plans-to-cut-565-roles

          "Ministry of Education is proposing to cut 565 jobs, including nearly 100 regional and frontline roles directly supporting schools. RNZ understands 225 roles of the jobs are vacant.

          It makes the proposal the biggest single slash to a public service agency so far……The Public Service Association (PSA) said it was a brutal and dark day for public servants and the children and young people they supported.

          Assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the proposal included scrapping 87 jobs in the regions.

          "People doing work including supporting children with disabilities, migrant and refugee children, advising schools on accessing speech and language therapy, lifting student achievement and helping ensure schools run smoothly."

          There was also a net reduction of 38 roles supporting students with disabilities and learning support needs.

          Fitzsimons said the government promised job cuts would not impact frontline services but "these proposals show that is not true".

          The curriculum centre, which provided expertise and resources to teachers on the curriculum, would see 202 staff cut from its team, she said……".

          • In Vino 2.1.2.1
            19 April 2024 at 9:28 am

            Quick reply: PPTA were, as I remember, all set up to do a big strike when the Christchurch Earthquake hit. They rapidly realised that the idea had to be dropped.

            Sometimes things fall apart for unions, you know. Not the fault of PPTA: it explains why PPTA had to quietly settle that year.

            Sarcastically, I could claim that National were damned lucky that the Chch Earthquake happened..

            • Vivie 2.1.2.1.1
              20 April 2024 at 3:31 pm

              In Vino: Following the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February 2011, the teachers' unions had well over six years to take strike action against the National led Government.

    3. adam 3
      17 April 2024 at 11:09 am

      This bill if passed into law, will see an explosion of righteous protest.

      That protest will be led by those who understand we live in a intergenerational world. That the greed of a few in the current generation need to be curbed for future generations.

      Were are the good old fashioned conservatives?

      Why do we have a government hell bent of enabling the avarice of a few?

      Morally bankrupt government, at best. Doing the work of Mammon is an equally plausible explanation of this government at this point.

      • tc 3.1
        17 April 2024 at 11:27 am

        This is an ideological CoC full of neoliberal acolytes driven by the dollar.

        A well funded one with backers expecting to be rewarded.

    4. Sanctuary 4
      17 April 2024 at 11:47 am

      There are two other aspects of this that deeply disturb me. One is the obvious openness of the process to corrupt practices – something that our lax donations laws almost guarantee will occur – especially with Shane Jones and NZ First, a couple of names that don't spring immediately to mind when contemplating the uncorrupt in NZ.

      Secondly is the one of sovereign risk. No parliament is bound by the prior. If something is rammed through under a secretive and corrupt practice then whoever gets the consent had better be aware that a change of government will almost certainly see their work reversed tout suite, at considerable potential financial cost. No matter how much Jones talks wildly of blackmailing voters by promising puntive payments should any future government renege – an outrageous suggestion in itself – business will accord NZ a much higher sovereign risk.If implemented this law would lead to osicillating law making of the type that would normally befit the politics of corrupt banana republics. Should significant protest also threaten these fast tracked "consents" I'd expect Jones (a man who appears drunk with power) to come back with draconian anti-protest laws. The scene is being set for some very bitter public disorder.

      • Res Publica 4.1
        17 April 2024 at 1:31 pm

        You're spot on the money about the constitutional consequences Sanctuary.

        I just hope all of Shane Jones' and David Seymour's mates price the risk of their blatantly corrupt or environmentally damaging projects being cancelled by a less retrograde government into their plans.

        And that said future government will have the cojones to risk some political capital, cancel their consents, and tell them to go have a cry to someone who cares when they start pissing and moaning about the impact on their bottom line.

      • Tiger Mountain 4.2
        17 April 2024 at 2:28 pm

        How about a Hundertwasser green NZ “MAGA” hat…“Make Aotearoa NZ Great Again”…with MAGA in tiny font…there are dangers in copying such filth I guess but it could also make a statement in some settings.

        • Mike the Lefty 4.2.1
          18 April 2024 at 10:23 am

          The kind of people who would wear such a hat would probably not call our country Aotearoa.

      • Obtrectator 4.3
        17 April 2024 at 11:37 pm

        "No parliament is bound by the prior."

        Is this true, though? What happens when we want to exit some onerous international treaty or contract which the previous administration has committed us to?

        • Res Publica 4.3.1
          18 April 2024 at 8:37 am

          Then Parliament can simply choose to exit it. Doesn't mean there won't be any consequences; only that there wouldn't be any legal impediment.

          Basically, Parliament is sovereign. So, gets to decide what's legal and illegal. So, even if there's a law, for example, to keep us in some kind of contact, a future Parliament can simply amend or repeal.

    5. AB 5
      17 April 2024 at 12:05 pm

      If enacted it would give Chris Bishop, Simeon Brown and Shane Jones extraordinary powers…

      We know the Bill is a dog because the people championing it would have apoplexy if those three names were changed to (say) Chloe Swarbrick, Rawiri Waititi and David Parker.

      Partisan authoritarianism and the abandonment of proper processes is all good if it’s the ‘right’ (Right) people doing it.

    6. Ad 6
      17 April 2024 at 12:57 pm

      Sure makes me wonder what a Labour-Green government could make happen with the same ministerial powers.

      • dv 6.1
        17 April 2024 at 1:03 pm

        Yes, and when the govt changes they will have the legislation make it happen — thanks to ????]]

        Can you just imagine the uproar.

      • Michael 6.2
        17 April 2024 at 1:26 pm

        Just look what the last government did and didn't do.

    7. Mike the Lefty 7
      17 April 2024 at 1:00 pm

      It is appropriate that you show a picture of Mr Pork Barrel Shane Jones.

      Give the man a big slush fund – ahem…."a regional development fund" and his mates will be feasting and drinking up large for the next three years with f..all jobs to show for it.

      He did it with Labour and is now doing it with National.

      The difference now is that he no longer cares to try and hide it.

    8. Michael 8
      17 April 2024 at 1:26 pm

      Shane Jones – distinguished Labour Party alumnus.

    9. Bearded Git 9
      17 April 2024 at 3:36 pm

      Tarras International Airport.

      Labour/Greens/TPM should make it plain that projects consented under the FTP may have their consents cancelled if the government changes.

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    • The Rings of Power: Season Two Teaser Trailer
      I have hitherto been fairly quiet on the new season of Rings of Power, on the basis that the underwhelming first season did not exactly build excitement – and the rumours were fairly daft. The only real thing of substance to come out has been that they have re-cast Adar ...
      A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
      2 days ago

    • At a glance – What ended the Little ice Age?
      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 ...
      Skeptical Science
      3 days ago

    • Talking Reo with the PM
      “The thing is,” Chris Luxon says, leaning forward to make his point, “this has always been my thing.”“This goes all the way back to the first multinational I worked for. I was saying exactly the same thing back then. The name of our business needs to be more clear; people ...
      More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
      3 days ago

    • Waitangi Tribunal’s authority in Chhour case is upheld – but bill’s introduction to Parliament...
      Buzz from the Beehive It’s been a momentous few days for Children’s Minister Karen Chhour.  The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision which blocked a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal for her. And today she has announced the Government is putting children first by introducing to ...
      Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
      3 days ago

    • Australia jails another whistleblower
      In 2014 former Australian army lawyer David McBride leaked classified military documents about Australian war crimes to the ABC. Dubbed "The Afghan Files", the documents led to an explosive report on Australian war crimes, the disbanding of an entire SAS unit, and multiple ongoing prosecutions. The journalist who wrote the ...
      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
      3 days ago

    • Some “scrutiny”!
      Back in February I blogged about another secret OIA "consultation" by the Ministry of Justice. This one was on Aotearoa's commitment in its Open Government Partnership Action Plan to "strengthen scrutiny of Official Information Act exemption clauses in legislation" (AKA secrecy clauses). Their consultation paper on the issue focused on ...
      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
      3 days ago

    • TVNZ is loss-making, serves no public service due to bias, and should be liquidated
      Rob MacCulloch writes –  According to the respected Pew Research Centre, “In seven of eight [European] countries surveyed, the most trusted news outlet asked about is the public news organization in each country”. For example, “in Sweden, an overwhelming majority (90%) say they trust the public broadcaster SVT”. ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      3 days ago

    • The conflicted Covid Chair
      David Farrar writes –  Kata MacNamara reports:    Details of Tony Blakely’s involvement in the New Zealand Government’s response to the pandemic raise serious questions about the work of the Covid-19 Royal Commission of Inquiry over which he presides. It has long been clear that Blakely, a ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      3 days ago

    • Attacking the smartest and most resilient people in the room is never a good idea
      Chris Trotter writes – Are you a Brahmin or a Merchant? Or, are you merely one of those whose lives are profoundly influenced by the decisions of Brahmins and Merchants? Those are the questions that are currently shaping the politics of New Zealand and the entire West. ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      3 days ago

    • A fortune-telling failure, surely, if the tarot cards can’t see a bulldozer coming
      RNZ reports –  It’s supposed to be a haven of healing and spiritual awakening but residents of the Kawai Purapura community say they’ve been hurt and deceived. It’s the successor to the former Centrepoint commune, and has been on the bush block opposite Albany shopping centre since 2008. It ...
      Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
      3 days ago

    • The climate battleground heats up
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      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      3 days ago

    • Bernard’ s Dawn Chorus & Pick ‘n’ Mix for Tuesday, May 14
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      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      3 days ago

    • Gordon Campbell on why anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitic
      To be precise, the term “anti- Zionism” refers to (a) criticism of the political movement that created a modern Jewish state on the historical land of Israel, and to (b)the subjugation of Palestinians by the Israeli state. By contrast, the term “anti-Semitism” means bigotry and racism directed at Jewish people, ...
      Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
      3 days ago

    • Climate change is making hurricanes more destructive
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      Skeptical Science
      3 days ago

    • Wayne Brown’s PT Plan
      Yesterday the Mayor released what he calls his “plan to save public transport” which is part of his final proposal for the Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP). This comes following consultation on the draft version that occurred in March which showed, once again, that people want more done on transport, especially ...
      Greater AucklandBy Matt L
      3 days ago

    • Potaka's Private Universe.
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      Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
      3 days ago

    • Our slow regional councils
      The Select Committee hearing submissions on the fast-track consenting legislation is starting to become a beat-up of regional councils. The inflexibility and slow workings of the Councils were prominent in two submissions yesterday. One, from the Coromandel Marine Farmers Association, simply said that the Waikato Regional Council’s planning decisions were ...
      PolitikBy Richard Harman
      3 days ago

    • Ministers are not above the law after all
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      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
      4 days ago

    • NZTA takes the wheel after govt gives it the road map for regional roads (and puts a speed governor ...
      Buzz from the Beehive  Tolling was mentioned when Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced the government was re-introducing the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) programme, with 15 “crucial” projects to support economic growth and regional development across New Zealand. All RoNS would be four-laned, grade-separated highways, and all funding, financing, and ...
      Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
      4 days ago

    • Change in Catalonia?
      or the past 14 years, ever since the Spanish government cheated on an autonomy deal, Catalonia has reliably given pro-independence parties a majority of seats in their regional parliament. But now that seems to be over. Catalans went to the polls yesterday, and stripped the Catalan parties of their majority. ...
      No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
      4 days ago

    • Having an enrolment date is not depriving anyone of a vote
      David Farrar writes –  Radio NZ report: Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins said the Electoral Commission should make sure the system ran smoothly and “taking away the right of thousands of people to vote” was not the answer. “Thousands of people enroled and voted on the day. If ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      4 days ago

    • Perhaps house prices don’t always go up
      Don Brash writes –  There was a rather revealing headline in the Herald on Sunday today (12 May). It read “One in 8 Auckland homes on market were bought during boom, may now sell for loss”. The first line of text noted that “New data shows one in ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      4 days ago

    • Can’t read, can’t write, can’t comprehend – and won’t think…?
      Mike Grimshaw writes –  At a time when universities are understandably nervous regarding the establishment of the University Advisory Group (UAG) and the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) it may seem strange – or even fool-hardy – to state that there are long-standing issues in the tertiary sector ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      4 days ago

    • Time for some perspective
      Lindsay Mitchell writes –  A lack of perspective can make something quite large or important seem small or irrelevant. Against a backdrop of high-profile, negative statistics it is easy to overlook the positive. For instance, the fact that 64 percent of Maori are employed is rarely reported. For ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      4 days ago

    • Will NZ Herald’s ‘poor journalism’ cost lives?
      Earlier this year, the Herald ran a series of articles amounting to a sustained campaign against raised pedestrian crossings, by reporter Bernard Orsman. A key part of that campaign concerned the raised crossings being installed as part of the Pt Chevalier to Westmere project, with at least 10 articles over ...
      Greater AucklandBy Matt L
      4 days ago

    • The Kaka’s diary for the week to May 19 and beyond
      TL;DR: The six key events to watch in Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the week to May 19 include:PM Christopher Luxon is expected to hold his weekly post-cabinet news conference at 4:00pm on Monday.Parliament is not sitting this week. It resumes next week for a two-week sitting session up to and ...
      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      4 days ago

    • Webworm Popup Photos!
      Hi,Thanks to all the beautiful Worms who came to the LA Webworm popup on Saturday.It was a way to celebrate the online store we launched last week — and it was super special.As I talk about a lot, I really value our community here — and it was a BLAST ...
      David FarrierBy David Farrier
      4 days ago

    • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #19
      A listing of 35 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, May 5, 2024 thru Sat, May 11, 2024. (Unfortunate) Story of the week "Grief that stops at despair is an ending that I and many others, most notably ...
      Skeptical Science
      5 days ago

    • The Gods Must Be Woke.
      Last night the largest solar storm in decades resulted in Aurorae being seen across Aotearoa, causing many to ask why?Why was the sky pink? What was all this stuff about the power grid? Have we, as so many have wondered since the election, reached the end of days?I had a ...
      Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
      5 days ago

    • More road
      We have been on the road in England, squeezing down narrow lanes, flying up the M6, loving hedgerows and villages and cathedrals, liking the 21st century less.There have been moments when it’s felt like a movie trope. The pub in Exford, lovely seventeenth century bar, almost more dogs than people, ...
      More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
      5 days ago

    • Seeing the Aurora Australis
      There’s a solar-storm on at the moment, and since the South Island is having a day and night with clear skies, that means Aurorae. I have just got back from a midnight visit to Tunnel Beach – southwards-looking over the Sea, and without the light pollution. Quite a few others ...
      A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
      6 days ago

    • Welcome to the current welfare mess
      Michael Bassett writes – I’m not sure that it’s much comfort to anyone to know that the post-Covid surge in violent crimes, gang activity, ram raids, random shootings, thuggery and stabbings is occurring in other countries as well as New Zealand. These days, wagging school, out-of-control welfare and ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      6 days ago

    • A shovel-ready autopsy
      Oliver Hartwich writes –  Cast your mind back to mid-December. A new Prime Minister had just been sworn in, the new Government started its 100-day programme, and Christmas was only days away.Amid all the haste, a report landed that would have deserved our attention.I am talking about the ...
      Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
      6 days ago

    • Why we almost blacked out and how to fix it
      TL;DR: An unseasonally early icy blast at the same time as some long-overdue maintenance almost caused Aotearoa-NZ’s electricity system to black out this week. That’s because a quadropoly of gentailers1 have prioritised paying dividends from their rising profits and adding debt over investing in 1.5 GigaWatts of new wind farms ...
      The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
      6 days ago

    • What Is Instagram Trying To Sell Us?
      Hi,Before we crack into today’s Webworm, I wanted to acknowledge the fact that Israel is pushing into Rafah. Over 100,000 Palestinians are now attempting to flee the one place that was deemed “safe”.Trouble is, the place they’re fleeing to is already destroyed. Total annihilation is the end goal here.“Israel is ...
      David FarrierBy David Farrier
      6 days ago

    • Precious Little Excitement: Warner Brothers, Peter Jackson, and Gollum
      Back in February 2023, I made the cardinal mistake of getting my hopes up. Warner Brothers declared that fresh Middle-earth movies were in the works: https://phuulishfellow.wordpress.com/2023/02/24/it-never-rains-but-it-pours-warner-brothers-and-impending-tolkien-adaptations/ My assumption, based on which rights were available, and what had already been done, was that this was a stab at either the Angmar ...
      A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
      7 days ago

    • Do We Need a Population Census?
      ‘It has been said that figures rule the world. Maybe. I am quite sure that it is figures which show us whether it is being ruled well or badly.’ GoetheI was struck at a recent conference on equity for the elderly, how many presenters implicitly relied upon Statistics New Zealand. ...
      PunditBy Brian Easton
      7 days ago

    • District Court Judges appointed
      Attorney-General Judith Collins has announced the appointment of three new District Court Judges, to replace Judges who have recently retired. Peter James Davey of Auckland has been appointed a District Court Judge with a jury jurisdiction to be based at Whangarei. Mr Davey initially started work as a law clerk/solicitor with ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      53 mins ago

    • Unions should put learning ahead of ideology
      Associate Education Minister David Seymour is calling on the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) to put ideology to the side and focus on students’ learning, in reaction to the union holding paid teacher meetings across New Zealand about charter schools.     “The PPTA is disrupting schools up and down the ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 hour ago

    • Craig Stobo appointed as chair of FMA
      Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly today announced the appointment of Craig Stobo as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA). Mr Stobo takes over from Mark Todd, whose term expired at the end of April. Mr Stobo’s appointment is for a five-year term. “The FMA plays ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 hours ago

    • Budget 2024 invests in lifeguards and coastguard
      Surf Life Saving New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand will continue to be able to keep people safe in, on, and around the water following a funding boost of $63.644 million over four years, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey say. “Heading to the beach for ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      4 hours ago

    • New Zealand and Tuvalu reaffirm close relationship
      New Zealand and Tuvalu have reaffirmed their close relationship, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says.  “New Zealand is committed to working with Tuvalu on a shared vision of resilience, prosperity and security, in close concert with Australia,” says Mr Peters, who last visited Tuvalu in 2019.  “It is my pleasure ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      20 hours ago

    • New Zealand calls for calm, constructive dialogue in New Caledonia
      New Zealand is gravely concerned about the situation in New Caledonia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “The escalating situation and violent protests in Nouméa are of serious concern across the Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.  “The immediate priority must be for all sides to take steps to de-escalate the ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      21 hours ago

    • New Zealand welcomes Samoa Head of State
      Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met today with Samoa’s O le Ao o le Malo, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is making a State Visit to New Zealand. “His Highness and I reflected on our two countries’ extensive community links, with Samoan–New Zealanders contributing to all areas of our national ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      22 hours ago

    • Island Direct eligible for SuperGold Card funding
      Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced that he has approved Waiheke Island ferry operator Island Direct to be eligible for SuperGold Card funding, paving the way for a commercial agreement to bring the operator into the scheme. “Island Direct started operating in November 2023, offering an additional option for people ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      23 hours ago

    • Further sanctions against Russia
      Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions on 28 individuals and 14 entities providing military and strategic support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  “Russia is directly supported by its military-industrial complex in its illegal aggression against Ukraine, attacking its sovereignty and territorial integrity. New Zealand condemns all entities and ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 day ago

    • One year on from Loafers Lodge
      A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 day ago

    • Pre-Budget speech to Auckland Business Chamber
      Ka nui te mihi kia koutou. Kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. Thank you so much for having me here in the lead up to my Government’s first Budget. Before I get started can I acknowledge: Simon Bridges – Auckland Business Chamber CEO. Steve Jurkovich – Kiwibank CEO. Kids born ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 days ago

    • New Zealand and Vanuatu to deepen collaboration
      New Zealand and Vanuatu will enhance collaboration on issues of mutual interest, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “It is important to return to Port Vila this week with a broad, high-level political delegation which demonstrates our deep commitment to New Zealand’s relationship with Vanuatu,” Mr Peters says.    “This ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 days ago

    • Penk travels to Peru for trade meetings
      Minister for Land Information, Chris Penk will travel to Peru this week to represent New Zealand at a meeting of trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of Trade Minister Todd McClay. The annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting will be held on 17-18 May ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 days ago

    • Minister attends global education conferences
      Minister of Education Erica Stanford will head to the United Kingdom this week to participate in the 22nd Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (CCEM) and the 2024 Education World Forum (EWF). “I am looking forward to sharing this Government’s education priorities, such as introducing a knowledge-rich curriculum, implementing an evidence-based ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 days ago

    • Education Minister thanks outgoing NZQA Chair
      Minister of Education Erica Stanford has today thanked outgoing New Zealand Qualifications Authority Chair, Hon Tracey Martin. “Tracey Martin tendered her resignation late last month in order to take up a new role,” Ms Stanford says. Ms Martin will relinquish the role of Chair on 10 May and current Deputy ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      2 days ago

    • Joint statement of Christopher Luxon and Emmanuel Macron: Launch of the Christchurch Call Foundation
      New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and President Emmanuel Macron of France today announced a new non-governmental organisation, the Christchurch Call Foundation, to coordinate the Christchurch Call’s work to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.   This change gives effect to the outcomes of the November 2023 Call Leaders’ Summit, ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • Panel announced for review into disability services
      Distinguished public servant and former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers will lead the independent review into the disability support services administered by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. The review was announced by Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston a fortnight ago to examine what could be done to strengthen the ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • Minister welcomes Police gang unit
      Today’s announcement by Police Commissioner Andrew Coster of a National Gang Unit and district Gang Disruption Units will help deliver on the coalition Government’s pledge to restore law and order and crack down on criminal gangs, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. “The National Gang Unit and Gang Disruption Units will ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • New Zealand expresses regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric
      Foreign Minister Winston Peters has today expressed regret at North Korea’s aggressive rhetoric towards New Zealand and its international partners.  “New Zealand proudly stands with the international community in upholding the rules-based order through its monitoring and surveillance deployments, which it has been regularly doing alongside partners since 2018,” Mr ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • New Chief of Defence Force appointed
      Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies MNZM is the new Chief of Defence Force, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. The Chief of Defence Force commands the Navy, Army and Air Force and is the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and other Ministers with relevant portfolio responsibilities in the defence ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • Government puts children first by repealing 7AA
      Legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act has been introduced to Parliament. The Bill’s introduction reaffirms the Coalition Government’s commitment to the safety of children in care, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour. “While section 7AA was introduced with good intentions, it creates a conflict for Oranga ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • Defence Minister to meet counterparts in UK, Italy
      Defence Minister Judith Collins will this week travel to the UK and Italy to meet with her defence counterparts, and to attend Battles of Cassino commemorations. “I am humbled to be able to represent the New Zealand Government in Italy at the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of what was ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • Charter schools to lift educational outcomes
      The upcoming Budget will include funding for up to 50 charter schools to help lift declining educational performance, Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced today. $153 million in new funding will be provided over four years to establish and operate up to 15 new charter schools and convert 35 state ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      3 days ago

    • COVID-19 Inquiry terms of reference consultation results received
      “The results of the public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has now been received, with results indicating over 13,000 submissions were made from members of the public,” Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says. “We heard feedback about the extended lockdowns in ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      4 days ago

    • The Pacific family of nations – the changing security outlook
      Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, other Members of Parliament Acting Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of Defence Distinguished Guests  Defence and Diplomatic Colleagues  Ladies and Gentlemen,  Good afternoon, tēna koutou, apinun tru    It’s a pleasure to be back in Port Moresby today, and to speak here at the Kumul Leadership ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      4 days ago

    • NZ and Papua New Guinea to work more closely together
      Health, infrastructure, renewable energy, and stability are among the themes of the current visit to Papua New Guinea by a New Zealand political delegation, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Papua New Guinea carries serious weight in the Pacific, and New Zealand deeply values our relationship with it,” Mr Peters ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      4 days ago

    • Driving ahead with Roads of Regional Significance
      The coalition Government is launching Roads of Regional Significance to sit alongside Roads of National Significance as part of its plan to deliver priority roading projects across the country, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “The Roads of National Significance (RoNS) built by the previous National Government are some of New Zealand’s ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      4 days ago

    • New Zealand congratulates new Solomon Islands government
      A high-level New Zealand political delegation in Honiara today congratulated the new Government of Solomon Islands, led by Jeremiah Manele, on taking office.    “We are privileged to meet the new Prime Minister and members of his Cabinet during his government’s first ten days in office,” Deputy Prime Minister and ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      5 days ago

    • New Zealand supports UN Palestine resolution
      New Zealand voted in favour of a resolution broadening Palestine’s participation at the United Nations General Assembly overnight, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The resolution enhances the rights of Palestine to participate in the work of the UN General Assembly while stopping short of admitting Palestine as a full ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      6 days ago

    • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
      Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      7 days ago

    • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
      Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
      New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
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      1 week ago

    • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
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      1 week ago

    • Accelerating Social Investment
      A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Getting Back on Track
      Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
      Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
      The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
      The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
      Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
      BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
      1 week ago

    • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
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      1 week ago

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