Voting away our democracy

Written By: - Date published: 11:00 am, April 13th, 2011 - 52 comments
Categories: democracy under attack, Gerry Brownlee - Tags: ,

Just before the second Christchurch earthquake, Gerry Brownlee was being criticised for the lack of progress in recovery. People suggested what was needed was an independent commissioner to lead the rebuilding – an ‘earthquake Tsar’. Brownlee responded “the last Tsar got shot“. Now, the new CERA law will make Brownlee our Tsar in a too literal sense.

You’ll remember that, after the first earthquake, the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act (CERRA) was slammed through the House. It contained a ‘Henry the VIIIth clause’ that let Brownlee amend nearly any law of the land by decree without going through Parliament. There’s a myth that this power wasn’t abused; it was, in subtle ways.

Yesterday, National introduced the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Bill (soon to be CERA). I/S at No Right Turn describes its powers:

The bill is even more outrageous and undemocratic than the original. The least objectionable parts are those relating to the development of a recovery strategy and plans. No-one disputes the need for this sort of planning, but the Act puts it in the hands of CERA [the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Agency]. Which means that the big decisions around the future of Christchurch will be decided not by its people, but by Gerry Brownlee. Who while he is a Christchurch MP, isn’t exactly in the same position of democratic accountability as the elected representatives of the Christchurch City Council.

And after that it’s all downhill. CERA has the power to demand any information about anything from anyone. No warrant, no oversight, no safeguards. This is more power than the Serious Fraud Office, and with fewer checks and balances.

CERA, which means the Minister, also has wide powers to “assist” the rebuilding of Christchurch. They can:

And all of this without any effective rights of appeal and with only limited rights of compensation.

And to cap it all off, there’s the same dictatorial power to amend laws by regulation originally seen in CERRA v1.0.

This is too much power, in too few hands, with too few checks and balances to be safe. Democracies don’t do this sort of thing. But then, as we saw with ECan and with the original CERRA, National’s first response to any problem is dictatorship.

I would like very much to submit on this bill. But I can’t. Its being rammed through under urgency, with only a limited select committee process (basically, the Local Government and Environment Committee will be hearing from selected insiders tomorrow; ordinary concerned citizens are shut out of the process). And it’ll be law by Friday.

The power given to Brownlee here is unprecendented and uncontrolled. He will be appointing the CEO or CERA who will report to him. On Marae Investigates last Sunday, a disaster expert, Dr Regan Potangaroa, who has worked around the world said he had never seen such powers put into the hands of a minister, or anyone. He said they are powers that officials have in dictatorships.

(Potangaroa also graded the actual recovery effort on the ground a ‘D’ – Brownlee is very busy giving himself extraordinary powers but what extraordinary powers does it take to get people portaloos and temporary houses? I think that’s the worst part of this – extraordinary powers and appallingly subpar delivery of practical help)

In the information age, the new powers to demand any information from anyone are scary. For instance, Gerry Brownlee could have his man write to Lynn and say ‘I want the IP addresses and emails of everyone who has ever commented on The Standard on a post related to the earthquake’ and that would be legal. I’m sure Lynn would rather destroy the data and go to jail but it’s a taste of what Brownlee can do. He can compel anyone to tell him anything. Journalists and whistleblowers have a lot to fear. So do any citizens who want to cause a fuss because they live in a poor suburb which hasn’t got portaloos or is going to be demolished without justification.

That Brownlee might choose not to abuse these powers is no excuse for giving them to him. Democracies don’t work by giving one person unbridled power. In fact, history tells us, that voting in a ‘temporary’ Enabling Act is often the last act of democratic government on the road to dictatorship.

We’re told not to worry because CERA will expire in five years. Yeah, well the German Enabling Act of 1933 was meant to expire after four years (or when Hitler left power – clever). Julius Caesar was elected Dictator for ‘just’ ten years. The Committee of Public Safety was only meant to to a temporary measure. The dictatorship of the proletariat was supposed to melt away when it was no longer needed.

In five years time, what guarantee do we have that our Tsar (whoever it may then be) won’t decide that a fresh crisis – say another oil shock, a depression, civil strife, or an international war – doesn’t make it necessary for him to hold on to his powers and accumulate some more?

52 comments on “Voting away our democracy ”

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  1. ghostwhowalksnz 1
    13 April 2011 at 11:22 am

    A former woodwork teacher as Commissar for Christchurch ?

    l

  2. ianmac 2
    13 April 2011 at 11:30 am

    A certain corporal became Czar of Germany.
    A smiling money trader became Prime Minister of New Zealand.
    A carpenter became leader of a mystical Christain sect.
    So why not let a woodwork teacher become the most powerful/heaviest power in NZ? Huh? (But don’t cross him. He is mean. Power corrupts.)

  3. The Economic Illiteracy Support Group 3
    13 April 2011 at 11:41 am

    It will be interesting to see which Christchurch property developers will be contributing election funding to Gerry and/or the National Party at the election.

    The simplest way to get rid of this particular dictator is to make sure National don’t make it back as the government in November. Although it would also be useful if Labour were to put revocation of the CERA powers as an explicit election policy, so that it’s crystal clear they wouldn’t also be tempted by absolute power.

    • kiwinewt 3.1
      13 April 2011 at 1:24 pm

      I agree – and I’m sure I could convince most of my neighbors and friends to vote for Labour if this was on the table…

    • Rex Widerstrom 3.2
      13 April 2011 at 4:07 pm

      it would also be useful if Labour were to put revocation of the CERA powers as an explicit election policy, so that it’s crystal clear they wouldn’t also be tempted by absolute power.

      But they are, so they won’t. Or they wouldn’t have acquiesced so readily to this travesty in the first place. Or are we meant to conveniently forget that?

      Politicians are the elite. The elite are interested in the furtherance and extension of their own power ahead of any other consideration. Some will tell you (and may even have convinced themselves) that the end justifies the means – the end in this case being their ongoing ability to pass “good” legislation. Of course its goodness is decided solely by them because they are, after all, elite.

      The honest ones won’t bother with the pretence, knowing you have no real options anyway.

    • Shane Gallagher 3.3
      13 April 2011 at 9:21 pm

      Why vote Labour? They have sold old. The Greens are the only party that are opposing this legislation

      • Colonial Viper 3.3.1
        13 April 2011 at 9:32 pm

        Don’t be so smug. The Greens always fail to accomplish change without help. 
         

        • Shane Gallagher 3.3.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 10:55 pm

          Smug? CV I respect your opinion a lot and always look out for your usually intelligent and incisive commentary but you are playing the man not the ball here. I expect more from you.
          The Greens change things all by themselves. We persuade others of the rightness of our policies. It makes the party and caucus work very hard to make solid, well informed and principled proposals for change, be that in a parliament or outside it. We have changed the debate time and again. What was considered “eco-warrior madness” a few years ago is now accepted wisdom – climate change, clean water, pollution, child abuse… the list goes on. Yes we do need help from others because we are a small party.
          But how is that relevant to the fact that Labour has not defended democracy? Labour has not defended the people of Christchurch from the stripping away of their democratic rights to have a say in the rebuilding of their city. That is something that the Labour party should be ashamed of. And I guess from your reaction CV, that you are ashamed of it as well.
           
           

          • Colonial Viper 3.3.1.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 11:15 pm

            Come now, in that case don’t start by accusing me of playing the man not the ball, but end up doing exactly the same yourself.
             
            Personally I have no idea why Labour has not stood up against CERA. It may be some stupid risk management strategy to avoid feared backlash from National’s inevitable PR spin. I am not in a position to know that but I hope that it is not something that facile.
             
            If you have read my comments (cheers for the positive feedback) you will also know that I think that LAB should be roaring ahead in this current economic climate and that it is not points to serious problems of disconnection and communication.
             

            What was considered “eco-warrior madness” a few years ago is now accepted wisdom – climate change, clean water, pollution, child abuse… the list goes on. Yes we do need help from others because we are a small party.
             

            Look, don’t go taking more credit for the NZ Greens on this stuff than it is due. And of course it is due some. Social issues like child abuse are longstanding and have nothing to do with the “ecowarrior” paradigm. And what child abuse stats have actually improved anyhows? The ‘anti-smacking’ legislation was extremely costly in terms of political capital. But how many young lives has it actually saved?
             
            Sorting out clean water and pollution…that was going on long before the Greens coalesced as a political force in NZ. And even today plenty of indicators show that things are getting worse, not better.
             
            Re: climate change. We live in a political and social system where thinking 5 years in advance is virtually impossible. And to my mind, only a small minority of people get climate change deep enough and seriously enough to base their voting on it. About 6-7% of them, at a guess.
             
            So if you wish, the Greens can take credit for this stuff but at the end of the day there is not that much credit to take – as yet.

  4. Jim Nald 4
    13 April 2011 at 11:41 am

    If I am PM Key, I would be relaxed and comfortable with CERRA giving Gerry massive amount of power and control.
    Too big to fail.
    Smile and wave away parliamentary democracy.

  5. PeteG 5
    13 April 2011 at 11:54 am

    Something special and urgent is required to help guide Christchurch’s recovery. I’ll be looking in particular to the Labour Christchurch MPs to see if they are happy with the outcome. All of them voted for the first reading.

    Labour earthquake recovery spokesman Clayton Cosgrove  said he would suggest a series of amendments. He has also said:

    “Let’s be under no illusion – this authority will have enormous power, and if that power is exercised appropriately and correctly, that is all for the good.”

    Extra power and less red tape is essential, it’s a matter of how much is sufficient.
     

    • Pete 5.1
      13 April 2011 at 12:13 pm

      ”Modern politicians often proudly announce their desire to sweep away red tape.  The contemporary prejudice is that too much paperwork slows you down, clogs things up. But if you take a historical view,  it’s bureaucracy that sees you through the rocky patches and enables the state to survive. Bureaucracy is not evidence of inertia, it is life saving continuity”
      A History of the World in 100 Objects

    • Bright Red 5.2
      13 April 2011 at 12:20 pm

      “Extra power and less red tape is essential”
      specifically what extra powers do you think are needed and what red tape shoul be gotten rid of. Or don’t you know and you’re just assuming it’s true because Gerry told you so.
      “it’s a matter of how much is sufficient”
      That’s a truism. We all want the govt to have as much power as we think is sufficient. If we didn’t we would want more or less.
      Cliches and tautologies, is this the depth of rightwing thinking?
       

  6. Kevin Hague 6
    13 April 2011 at 12:03 pm

    Absolutely right. Here’s Kennedy Graham’s First Reading Speech, explaining why the Green Party is opposing the Bill.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuNLW0YoVZI&feature=player_embedded

    The only others to join us in opposition yesterday were Chris Carter and Hone Harawira.
    Labour say they have done a deal with the Government, voting for the first reading with no guarantee of further support, in return for the extremely limited and secret select committee process you describe in the post. For us that’s part of the problem, not a solution.

    • The Economic Illiteracy Support Group 6.1
      13 April 2011 at 12:11 pm

      Good on the Green Party for voting against this appalling legislation. There are times when principles trump expediency, and this is absolutely one of those times.

    • Pascal's bookie 6.2
      13 April 2011 at 12:12 pm

      Good on y’all Kevin.

    • PeteG 6.3
      13 April 2011 at 12:13 pm

      What is the Green solution? How long would that take?

      • Colonial Viper 6.3.1
        13 April 2011 at 12:17 pm

        The Green solution is not having Gerry Brownlee as a dictator. And it would get Christchurch rebuilt far faster, for the benefit of the citizens, not the property developers.

        • PeteG 6.3.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 12:24 pm

          That’s not a solution, it’s a negative with some waffle.
           
          Do you want the government out of it altogether and let Christchurch rebuild itself?

          • Jim Nald 6.3.1.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 12:28 pm

            That’s a great idea. Get Gerry out of government altogether to allow the Christchurch to rebuild.

          • Colonial Viper 6.3.1.1.2
            13 April 2011 at 12:36 pm

            Do you want the government out of it altogether and let Christchurch rebuild itself?
             

            Hahaha mate I gave you an answer and just because you didn’t like it you ignored it lol
             
            It sure is negative mate because cancelling out Gerry Brownlee puts Christchurch well ahead of the game immediately 😀
             
            The Government should provide the funds and the framework and the people of Christchurch should decide what they want done and how.
             
            Do you have a problem with Brownlee’s property developer mates not having first dibs PeteG?

            • Jim Nald 6.3.1.1.2.1
              13 April 2011 at 12:59 pm

              Watch the party coffers of the you-can’t-see-but-I-can-see political trusts swell to large proportions?
              CERRA won’t be legitimising political largesse in return for political patronage. Hmm, right.

      • Bright Red 6.3.2
        13 April 2011 at 12:23 pm

        I love how PeteG asks “How long would [the Greens plan] take?”
        As if this government is acting with incredible speed.
        Do you realise that it’s coming up on two months after the quake and not only are there no emergency houses built, they don’t even know who will build them? It was meant to be announced last Monday, that was delayed to this Monday… and that deadline passed without a peep.

        • PeteG 6.3.2.1
          13 April 2011 at 12:36 pm

          That would make the time it would take important, wouldn’t it.

          • Bright Red 6.3.2.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 12:43 pm

            explain how Brownlee’s new powers will speed up the construction of temporary housing.
            There has been no suggestion to date that laws and regualtions are the hold up. The hold up is that Brownlee can’t be arsed doing his job for the people in need. Too busy getting new powers to help out his developer mates.

      • Shane Gallagher 6.3.3
        13 April 2011 at 12:50 pm

        It would mean that the communities would be involved in the rebuilding of their communities – not a bunch of bureaucrats and politicians and property developers dictating from on high – I thought you right wingers  were all for small government and people doing it for themselves? 

        It would mean that stuff would be happening right now because the Greens would have enabled communities to start working with expert advice and assistance. The student army got on and did their thing as did many communities not thought about by the Nats – that is community action and the Greens would have been there to enable it.

        NACT/MP/Labour response is to impose dictatorship.  Hah! Some democracy we live in. 

        This is all about property developers cashing in on a major disaster.

        • freedom 6.3.3.1
          13 April 2011 at 1:11 pm

          Shane
          remember that the Greens voted for CERRA as well, they do not and should not get a pass because they make a little noise this time round

          • kiwinewt 6.3.3.1.1
            13 April 2011 at 1:29 pm

            The Greens only voted for CERRA as they believed, dictatorship or not, it might help Canterbury. It has been shown that it doesn’t (and got a large negative response from many Green supporters), so this time round they are doing the right thing. Labour should be opposing it as well. The MP are too busy under the desks of National with loud sucking noises to notice…

          • Shane Gallagher 6.3.3.1.2
            13 April 2011 at 11:03 pm

            Yes, and I defended the caucus for doing so (and caught a lot of flack for doing it) — they chose to give National the benefit of the doubt. This time there is no doubt. Anyway, the blame lies solely with the government – they are the ones who put that legislation together in the first place – talk about shock doctrine in practice.
             

  7. Bright Red 7
    13 April 2011 at 12:07 pm

    the vid that Kevin is referring to is here

  8. Pascal's bookie 8
    13 April 2011 at 12:14 pm

    Brownlee responded “the last Tsar got shot“.

    That would be brutal on a T-shirt.

    • ghostwhowalksnz 8.1
      13 April 2011 at 12:56 pm

      “The last Tsar got shot “ and then chucked down a mine shaft- gee they must have had it in for him, and his family.
      I wonder why that was ?

  9. vto 9
    13 April 2011 at 12:39 pm

    Perhaps I am  missing something here but exactly why does the central govt need these powers?

    The rebuild of the CBD is near 100% a private matter, which everyone seems to keep forgeting. No special powers needed there.

    The rebuild of the sewer and water infrastructure is easily overseen by the more than competent CCC people. It is a relatively simple though large job. Central govt will contribute funds only. No special powers needed there.

    The rebuild of public buildings in and around Chch is a matter for each individual owner (CCC, govt, dept of this or that). Funding is a simple process. No special powers needed there.

    If special powers are needed for a new City Plan (changing planning rules) then that could be dealt with on an individual legislative basis, following some rapid public input.

    If special powers are needed to designate entire suburbs as now no-build areas then that too can be dealt with on an individual basis.

    It seems to me that these “special powers” are not in fact needed much at all. In the few areas where some extraordinary measures may be required then it should be dealt with individually.

    I don’t think I have seen this govt explain in any decent manner the detailed reasons for these special powers.

    • freedom 9.1
      13 April 2011 at 1:07 pm

      This question becomes even more critical when you consider the bizarre and wide ranging powers regarding the limitless right to gather information.  Some relevant factors of concern are the secrecy behind the recent changes to the security and surveillance bill, the progress of the copyright infringement bill , the raft of changes to our judicial system and the ever dwindling opportunity for redress.
       
      Combined into what we must assume is a coherent policy from a functioning Government then these are not the actions of an open democratic authority.
       
       

    • Draco T Bastard 9.2
      13 April 2011 at 3:09 pm

      The government isn’t giving itself lots of special powers because it needs them but because they want them. It’s not that power corrupts but that corrupt people seek power.

    • Armchair Critic 9.3
      13 April 2011 at 11:37 pm

      +1 vto.

  10. Zaphod Beeblebrox 10
    13 April 2011 at 1:17 pm

    What do you do if you have no housing policy, no planning policies, no urban development policies, your local government policy revolves around stealing their powers and removing their resources??

    Easy- vote yourself unlimited powers and pretend you can design all these policies in your head. Then force all people to disclose all information (private and otherwise) and all reports.  Glad I don’t live in the Christchurch.

    • vto 10.1
      13 April 2011 at 1:28 pm

      Yes and don’t forget we also suffer under an Environment Canterbury tyranny owned and driven from Wellington with ridiculous powers over the water flowing through our region.

      Plus CERA with dictatorial powers.

      Add to that the fact that the armed forces are still out and about and being viewed a little more ominously. The armed forces of course are doing a marvellous job, however when they begin to take a large part in civilian life it becomes unnerving. Particularly when stories emerge of them verbally harassing civiliains and meting out vigilante justice to accused looters.

      It is time for the armed forces to depart. Their use in civil matters is of grave concern and should only be done in absolute emergencies, which this was of course. No longer.

      If Canterbury’s current settings were operating in some other third world country we would be getting all uppity about their lack of democracy. Like Libya. Or Indonesia.

      • Zaphod Beeblebrox 10.1.1
        13 April 2011 at 2:21 pm

        I was thinking more of Romania or some of the other Eastern European Soviet Republics. Massively dominant centrally controlled planning decided on a whim by an unchallengable individual.

        What are the principles, objectives and raison d’etre of the whole process- err nobody knows.

        • Draco T Bastard 10.1.1.1
          13 April 2011 at 3:18 pm

          Actually, we do know – it’s the principles, objectives and raison d’etre of psychopaths. Those who seek power for its own sake.

      • Swampy 10.1.2
        14 April 2011 at 10:06 pm

        “Particularly when stories emerge of them verbally harassing civiliains and meting out vigilante justice to accused looters.”

        What stories? There has not been a whisper of any such thing in the media. Sounds like nonsense.

  11. Andrew Geddis 11
    13 April 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Without wishing to comment on the other aspects of the CERA, it actually is incorrect to say “The power given to Brownlee here is unprecendented and uncontrolled. He will be appointing the CEO or CERA who will report to him.” The CEO will be appointed by the State Services Commissioner, and Brownlee will have no formal role in that (see here: http://www.ssc.govt.nz/display/document.asp?docid=8050)

    That said, no doubt the ability to work with the Minister will be a pretty key consideration in the appointment … but it isn’t quite as much a closed loop as you suggest.

  12. Steve Withers 12
    13 April 2011 at 3:22 pm

    According to the most recent Colmar-Brunton poll, roughly 54% of Kiwis support National. They are, de facto, supporting National disregarding democracy, accountability and transparency. Probably because they can’t spell them, never mind know why they matter or why it’s relevant now.  

    Ok, most of us will know a C-B poll more than 8 weeks before an election typically gives National 8 points too much and everyone else too little due to persistent (and consistent) over-sampling of National voters (for at least the past 15 years), but even so….there are still a lot of Kiwis out there who – really –  don’t give a rat’s arse about democracy or anything connected with it.

    Many of them will vote to get rid of MMP and many of THEM, perversely, voting to strip themselves of the only vote they have that actually counts: their MMP party vote.

    I’m not sure what anyone can do when so many are so dreadfully ignorant of what is in their best interest. I guess you could respond as National has and make out like thieves while the dummies keep on voting for you.

  13. Steve Withers 13
    13 April 2011 at 3:30 pm

    Andrew: The SSC boss doesn’t appoint anyone the Cabinet doesn’t like. That’s just how it is. Even under the most hands-off govt it’s still nods and winks. This crowd would be MUCH less subtle than that.

    • gobsmacked 14.1
      13 April 2011 at 9:44 pm

      That Stuff thread is amazing, hundreds of comments in just a couple of hours, very anti.

      The official opposition (Labour) are just a slow-moving rusty old tanker, and National know it. They can do whatever they want under urgency, and by the time they’re done and dusted, Labour MPs will be preparing to hold a meeting to discuss whether they should hold a meeting to possibly object (or not).
      Of all the world’s “old” democracies, I can’t think of a single one where the government has an easier ride than in New Zealand today.

    • Pete 14.2
      13 April 2011 at 11:08 pm

      The only MP that has impressed me on this is Gareth Hughes. I’ve been a fairly staunch Labour supporter, but this puts the Greens in play for me come election day.

  15. Boom 15
    13 April 2011 at 6:58 pm
    I’m not for this sort of legislation – but Lianne Dalziel seems to be.

    Select committee member Lianne Dalziel suggested the reason for the rushed legislation was because the council ”had failed to come up with a plan after the earthquake.”

    • Swampy 15.1
      14 April 2011 at 10:09 pm

      Oh, anything to try to smear Bob Parker. But you know, he’s only the frontman. All the decisions made by elected councillors are subject to a vote and he is only one (or two) of the votes. So Liane will have to explain why she’s so keen to shaft all the Labour councillors as well.

  16. MrSmith 16
    13 April 2011 at 7:03 pm

    That useless fat prick running things, we are screwed now and the greens just got my vote, we are now going to get endless announcements from Jerry with photo op’s for Wonkey right up to the election , Sickening thought.
     
    Piss off PeteG!

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    15 hours ago

  • Clearing up confusion (or trying to)
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters is understood to be planning a major speech within the next fortnight to clear up the confusion over whether or not New Zealand might join the AUKUS submarine project. So far, there have been conflicting signals from the Government. RNZ reported the Prime Minister yesterday in ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    16 hours ago

  • How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log iPhone Without Computer
    How to Retrieve Deleted Call Log on iPhone Without a Computer: A Step–by–Step Guide Losing your iPhone call history can be frustrating, especially when you need to find a specific number or recall an important conversation. But before you panic, know that there are ways to retrieve deleted call logs on your iPhone, even without a computer. This guide will explore various methods, ranging from simple checks to utilizing iCloud backups and third–party applications. So, let‘s dive in and recover those lost calls! 1. Check Recently Deleted Folder: Apple understands that accidental deletions happen. That‘s why they introduced the “Recently Deleted“ folder for various apps, including the Phone app. This folder acts as a safety net, storing deleted call logs for up to 30 days before permanently erasing them. Here‘s how to check it: Open the Phone app on your iPhone. Tap on the “Recents“ tab at the bottom. Scroll to the top and tap on “Edit“. Select “Show Recently Deleted“. Browse the list to find the call logs you want to recover. Tap on the desired call log and choose “Recover“ to restore it to your call history. 2. Restore from iCloud Backup: If you regularly back up your iPhone to iCloud, you might be able to retrieve your deleted call log from a previous backup. However, keep in mind that this process will restore your entire phone to the state it was in at the time of the backup, potentially erasing any data added since then. Here‘s how to restore from an iCloud backup: Go to Settings > General > Reset. Choose “Erase All Content and Settings“. Follow the on–screen instructions. Your iPhone will restart and show the initial setup screen. Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup“ during the setup process. Select the relevant backup that contains your deleted call log. Wait for the restoration process to complete. 3. Explore Third–Party Apps (with Caution): ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    18 hours ago

  • How to Factory Reset iPhone without Computer: A Comprehensive Guide to Restoring your Device
    Life throws curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs necessitate wiping your iPhone clean and starting anew. Whether you’re facing persistent software glitches, preparing to sell your device, or simply wanting a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset iPhone without a computer is a valuable skill. While using a computer with ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Call Someone on a Computer: A Guide to Voice and Video Communication in the Digital Age
    Gone are the days when communication was limited to landline phones and physical proximity. Today, computers have become powerful tools for connecting with people across the globe through voice and video calls. But with a plethora of applications and methods available, how to call someone on a computer might seem ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #16 2024
    Open access notables Glacial isostatic adjustment reduces past and future Arctic subsea permafrost, Creel et al., Nature Communications: Sea-level rise submerges terrestrial permafrost in the Arctic, turning it into subsea permafrost. Subsea permafrost underlies ~ 1.8 million km2 of Arctic continental shelf, with thicknesses in places exceeding 700 m. Sea-level variations over glacial-interglacial cycles control ...
    Skeptical Science
    1 day ago

  • Where on a Computer is the Operating System Generally Stored? Delving into the Digital Home of your ...
    The operating system (OS) is the heart and soul of a computer, orchestrating every action and interaction between hardware and software. But have you ever wondered where on a computer is the operating system generally stored? The answer lies in the intricate dance between hardware and software components, particularly within ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use? Understanding Power Consumption and Efficiency
    Laptops have become essential tools for work, entertainment, and communication, offering portability and functionality. However, with rising energy costs and growing environmental concerns, understanding a laptop’s power consumption is more important than ever. So, how many watts does a laptop use? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t straightforward. It depends on several ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How to Screen Record on a Dell Laptop A Guide to Capturing Your Screen with Ease
    Screen recording has become an essential tool for various purposes, such as creating tutorials, capturing gameplay footage, recording online meetings, or sharing information with others. Fortunately, Dell laptops offer several built-in and external options for screen recording, catering to different needs and preferences. This guide will explore various methods on ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Laptop Screen? Navigating Repair Options and Costs
    A cracked or damaged laptop screen can be a frustrating experience, impacting productivity and enjoyment. Fortunately, laptop screen repair is a common service offered by various repair shops and technicians. However, the cost of fixing a laptop screen can vary significantly depending on several factors. This article delves into the ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • How Long Do Gaming Laptops Last? Demystifying Lifespan and Maximizing Longevity
    Gaming laptops represent a significant investment for passionate gamers, offering portability and powerful performance for immersive gaming experiences. However, a common concern among potential buyers is their lifespan. Unlike desktop PCs, which allow for easier component upgrades, gaming laptops have inherent limitations due to their compact and integrated design. This ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Climate Change: Turning the tide
    The annual inventory report of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions has been released, showing that gross emissions have dropped for the third year in a row, to 78.4 million tons: All-told gross emissions have decreased by over 6 million tons since the Zero Carbon Act was passed in 2019. ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 day ago

  • How to Unlock Your Computer A Comprehensive Guide to Regaining Access
    Experiencing a locked computer can be frustrating, especially when you need access to your files and applications urgently. The methods to unlock your computer will vary depending on the specific situation and the type of lock you encounter. This guide will explore various scenarios and provide step-by-step instructions on how ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Faxing from Your Computer A Modern Guide to Sending Documents Digitally
    While the world has largely transitioned to digital communication, faxing still holds relevance in certain industries and situations. Fortunately, gone are the days of bulky fax machines and dedicated phone lines. Today, you can easily send and receive faxes directly from your computer, offering a convenient and efficient way to ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Protecting Your Home Computer A Guide to Cyber Awareness
    In our increasingly digital world, home computers have become essential tools for work, communication, entertainment, and more. However, this increased reliance on technology also exposes us to various cyber threats. Understanding these threats and taking proactive steps to protect your home computer is crucial for safeguarding your personal information, finances, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Server-Based Computing Powering the Modern Digital Landscape
    In the ever-evolving world of technology, server-based computing has emerged as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure. This article delves into the concept of server-based computing, exploring its various forms, benefits, challenges, and its impact on the way we work and interact with technology. Understanding Server-Based Computing: At its core, ...
    Gareth’s WorldBy admin
    1 day ago

  • Vroom vroom go the big red trucks
    The absolute brass neck of this guy.We want more medical doctors, not more spin doctors, Luxon was saying a couple of weeks ago, and now we’re told the guy has seven salaried adults on TikTok duty. Sorry, doing social media. The absolute brass neck of it. The irony that the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    1 day ago

  • Jones finds $410,000 to help the government muscle in on a spat project
    Buzz from the Beehive Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones relishes spatting and eagerly takes issue with environmentalists who criticise his enthusiasm for resource development. He relishes helping the fishing industry too. And so today, while the media are making much of the latest culling in the public service to ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    1 day ago

  • Again, hate crimes are not necessarily terrorism.
    Having written, taught and worked for the US government on issues involving unconventional warfare and terrorism for 30-odd years, two things irritate me the most when the subject is discussed in public. The first is the Johnny-come-lately academics-turned-media commentators who … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    1 day ago

  • Despair – construction consenting edition
    Eric Crampton writes – Kainga Ora is the government’s house building agency. It’s been building a lot of social housing. Kainga Ora has its own (but independent) consenting authority, Consentium. It’s a neat idea. Rather than have to deal with building consents across each different territorial authority, Kainga Ora ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Coalition promises – will the Govt keep the commitment to keep Kiwis equal before the law?
    Muriel Newman writes – The Coalition Government says it is moving with speed to deliver campaign promises and reverse the damage done by Labour. One of their key commitments is to “defend the principle that New Zealanders are equal before the law.” To achieve this, they have pledged they “will not advance ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • An impermanent public service is a guarantee of very little else but failure
    Chris Trotter writes –  The absence of anything resembling a fightback from the public servants currently losing their jobs is interesting. State-sector workers’ collective fatalism in the face of Coalition cutbacks indicates a surprisingly broad acceptance of impermanence in the workplace. Fifty years ago, lay-offs in the thousands ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • What happens after the war – Mariupol
    Mariupol, on the Azov Sea coast, was one of the first cities to suffer almost complete destruction after the start of the Ukraine War started in late February 2022. We remember the scenes of absolute destruction of the houses and city structures. The deaths of innocent civilians – many of ...
    Open ParachuteBy Ken
    1 day ago

  • Babies and benefits – no good news
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – Ten years ago, I wrote the following in a Listener column: Every year around one in five new-born babies will be reliant on their caregivers benefit by Christmas. This pattern has persisted from at least 1993. For Maori the number jumps to over one in three.  ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    1 day ago

  • Should the RBNZ be looking through climate inflation?
    Climate change is expected to generate more and more extreme events, delivering a sort of structural shock to inflation that central banks will have to react to as if they were short-term cyclical issues. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāMy pick of the six newsey things to know from Aotearoa’s ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours, as of 9:16 am on Thursday, April 18 are:Housing: Tauranga residents living in boats, vans RNZ Checkpoint Louise TernouthHousing: Waikato councillor says wastewater plant issues could hold up Sleepyhead building a massive company town Waikato Times Stephen ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 day ago

  • Gordon Campbell on the public sector carnage, and misogyny as terrorism
    It’s a simple deal. We pay taxes in order to finance the social services we want and need. The carnage now occurring across the public sector though, is breaking that contract. Over 3,000 jobs have been lost so far. Many are in crucial areas like Education where the impact of ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    2 days ago

  • Meeting the Master Baiters
    Hi,A friend had their 40th over the weekend and decided to theme it after Curb Your Enthusiasm fashion icon Susie Greene. Captured in my tiny kitchen before I left the house, I ending up evoking a mix of old lesbian and Hillary Clinton — both unintentional.Me vs Hillary ClintonIf you’re ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • How extreme was the Earth's temperature in 2023
    This is a re-post from Andrew Dessler at the Climate Brink blog In 2023, the Earth reached temperature levels unprecedented in modern times. Given that, it’s reasonable to ask: What’s going on? There’s been lots of discussions by scientists about whether this is just the normal progression of global warming or if something ...
    Skeptical Science
    2 days ago

  • Backbone, revisited
    The schools are on holiday and the sun is shining in the seaside village and all day long I have been seeing bunches of bikes; Mums, Dads, teens and toddlers chattering, laughing, happy, having a bloody great time together. Cheers, AT, for the bits of lane you’ve added lately around the ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    2 days ago

  • Ministers are not above the law
    Today in our National-led authoritarian nightmare: Shane Jones thinks Ministers should be above the law: New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is accusing the Waitangi Tribunal of over-stepping its mandate by subpoenaing a minister for its urgent hearing on the Oranga Tamariki claim. The tribunal is looking into the ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    2 days ago

  • What’s the outfit you can hear going down the gurgler? Probably it’s David Parker’s Oceans Sec...
    Buzz from the Beehive Point  of Order first heard of the Oceans Secretariat in June 2021, when David Parker (remember him?) announced a multi-agency approach to protecting New Zealand’s marine ecosystems and fisheries. Parker (holding the Environment, and Oceans and Fisheries portfolios) broke the news at the annual Forest & ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    2 days ago

  • Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Bryce Edwards writes  – Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • Matt Doocey doubles down on trans “healthcare”
    Citizen Science writes –  Last week saw two significant developments in the debate over the treatment of trans-identifying children and young people – the release in Britain of the final report of Dr Hilary Cass’s review into gender healthcare, and here in New Zealand, the news that the ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    2 days ago

  • A TikTok Prime Minister.
    One night while sleeping in my bed I had a beautiful dreamThat all the people of the world got together on the same wavelengthAnd began helping one anotherNow in this dream, universal love was the theme of the dayPeace and understanding and it happened this wayAfter such an eventful day ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Texas Lessons
    This is a guest post by Oscar Simms who is a housing activist, volunteer for the Coalition for More Homes, and was the Labour Party candidate for Auckland Central at the last election. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's pick 'n' mix of the news links at 6:06 am
    The top six news links I’ve seen elsewhere in the last 24 hours as of 6:06 am on Wednesday, April 17 are:Must read: Secrecy shrouds which projects might be fast-tracked RNZ Farah HancockScoop: Revealed: Luxon has seven staffers working on social media content - partly paid for by taxpayer Newshub ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Fighting poverty on the holiday highway
    Turning what Labour called the “holiday highway” into a four-lane expressway from Auckland to Whangarei could bring at least an economic benefit of nearly two billion a year for Northland each year. And it could help bring an end to poverty in one of New Zealand’s most deprived regions. The ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago

  • Bernard's six-stack of substacks at 6:26 pm
    Tonight’s six-stack includes: launching his substack with a bunch of his previous documentaries, including this 1992 interview with Dame Whina Cooper. and here crew give climate activists plenty to do, including this call to submit against the Fast Track Approvals bill. writes brilliantly here on his substack ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • At a glance – Is the science settled?
    On February 14, 2023 we announced our Rebuttal Update Project. This included an ask for feedback about the added "At a glance" section in the updated basic rebuttal versions. This weekly blog post series highlights this new section of one of the updated basic rebuttal versions and serves as a ...
    Skeptical Science
    3 days ago

  • Apposite Quotations.
    How Long Is Long Enough? Gaza under Israeli bombardment, July 2014. This posting is exclusive to Bowalley Road. ...
    Bowalley Road
    3 days ago

  • What’s a life worth now?
    You're in the mall when you hear it: some kind of popping sound in the distance, kids with fireworks, maybe. But then a moment of eerie stillness is followed by more of the fireworks sound and there’s also screaming and shrieking and now here come people running for their lives.Does ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Howling at the Moon
    Karl du Fresne writes –  There’s a crisis in the news media and the media are blaming it on everyone except themselves. Culpability is being deflected elsewhere – mainly to the hapless Minister of Communications, Melissa Lee, and the big social media platforms that are accused of hoovering ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Newshub is Dead.
    I don’t normally send out two newsletters in a day but I figured I’d say something about… the news. If two newsletters is a bit much then maybe just skip one, I don’t want to overload people. Alternatively if you’d be interested in sometimes receiving multiple, smaller updates from me, ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Seymour is chuffed about cutting early-learning red tape – but we hear, too, that Jones has loose...
    Buzz from the Beehive David Seymour and Winston Peters today signalled that at least two ministers of the Crown might be in Wellington today. Seymour (as Associate Minister of Education) announced the removal of more red tape, this time to make it easier for new early learning services to be ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Will politicians let democracy die in the darkness?
    Politicians across the political spectrum are implicated in the New Zealand media’s failing health. Either through neglect or incompetent interventions, successive governments have failed to regulate, foster, and allow a healthy Fourth Estate that can adequately hold politicians and the powerful to account. Our political system is suffering from the ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Was Hawkesby entirely wrong?
    David Farrar  writes –  The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled: Comments by radio host Kate Hawkesby suggesting Māori and Pacific patients were being prioritised for surgery due to their ethnicity were misleading and discriminatory, the Broadcasting Standards Authority has found. It is a fact such patients are prioritised. ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • PRC shadow looms as the Solomons head for election
    PRC and its proxies in Solomons have been preparing for these elections for a long time. A lot of money, effort and intelligence have gone into ensuring an outcome that won’t compromise Beijing’s plans. Cleo Paskall writes – On April 17th the Solomon Islands, a country of ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Climate Change: Criminal ecocide
    We are in the middle of a climate crisis. Last year was (again) the hottest year on record. NOAA has just announced another global coral bleaching event. Floods are threatening UK food security. So naturally, Shane Jones wants to make it easier to mine coal: Resources Minister Shane Jones ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • Is saving one minute of a politician's time worth nearly $1 billion?
    Is speeding up the trip to and from Wellington airport by 12 minutes worth spending up more than $10 billion? Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me in the last day to 8:26 am today are:The Lead: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Long Tunnel or Long Con?
    Yesterday it was revealed that Transport Minister had asked Waka Kotahi to look at the options for a long tunnel through Wellington. 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 ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    4 days ago

  • Smoke And Mirrors.
    You're a fraud, and you know itBut it's too good to throw it all awayAnyone would do the sameYou've got 'em goingAnd you're careful not to show itSometimes you even fool yourself a bitIt's like magicBut it's always been a smoke and mirrors gameAnyone would do the sameForty six billion ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • What is Mexico doing about climate change?
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections The June general election in Mexico could mark a turning point in ensuring that the country’s climate policies better reflect the desire of its citizens to address the climate crisis, with both leading presidential candidates expressing support for renewable energy. Mexico is the ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • State of humanity, 2024
    2024, it feels, keeps presenting us with ever more challenges, ever more dismay.Do you give up yet? It seems to ask.No? How about this? Or this?How about this?When I say 2024 I really mean the state of humanity in 2024.Saturday night, we watched Civil War because that is one terrifying cliff we've ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Govt’s Wellington tunnel vision aims to ease the way to the airport (but zealous promoters of cycl...
    Buzz from the Beehive A pet project and governmental tunnel vision jump out from the latest batch of ministerial announcements. The government is keen to assure us of its concern for the wellbeing of our pets. It will be introducing pet bonds in a change to the Residential Tenancies Act ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    4 days ago

  • The case for cultural connectedness
    A recent report generated from a Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) survey of 1,224 rangatahi Māori aged 11-12 found: Cultural connectedness was associated with fewer depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms and better quality of life. That sounds cut and dry. But further into the report the following appears: Cultural connectedness is ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Useful context on public sector job cuts
    David Farrar writes –    The Herald reports: From the gory details of job-cuts news, you’d think the public service was being eviscerated.   While the media’s view of the cuts is incomplete, it’s also true that departments have been leaking the particulars faster than a Wellington ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
    Remember the good old days, back when New Zealand had a PM who could think and speak calmly and intelligently in whole sentences without blustering? Even while Iran’s drones and missiles were still being launched, Helen Clark was live on TVNZ expertly summing up the latest crisis in the Middle ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    4 days ago

  • Govt ignored economic analysis of smokefree reversal
    Costello did not pass on analysis of the benefits of the smokefree reforms to Cabinet, emphasising instead the extra tax revenues of repealing them. Photo: Hagen Hopkins, Getty Images TL;DR: The six news items that stood out to me at 7:26 am today are:The Lead: Casey Costello never passed on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago

  • True Blue.
    True loveYou're the one I'm dreaming ofYour heart fits me like a gloveAnd I'm gonna be true blueBaby, I love youI’ve written about the job cuts in our news media last week. The impact on individuals, and the loss to Aotearoa of voices covering our news from different angles.That by ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Who is running New Zealand’s foreign policy?
    While commentators, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, are noting a subtle shift in New Zealand’s foreign policy, which now places more emphasis on the United States, many have missed a key element of the shift. What National said before the election is not what the government is doing now. ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    5 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #15
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 7, 2024 thru Sat, April 13, 2024. Story of the week Our story of the week is about adults in the room setting terms and conditions of ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago

  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 hours ago

  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    8 hours ago

  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago

  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    22 hours ago

  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day 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 day ago

  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic Partnership
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...
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    2 days ago

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

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

  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sector
    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...
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    2 days ago

  • Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International Congress
    Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector.    "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Removing red tape to help early learners thrive
    The Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tape
    Changes to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationship
    Trade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
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    4 days ago

  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
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    4 days ago

  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
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    4 days ago

  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    4 days ago

  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
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    5 days ago

  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 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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    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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