Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March

Written By: - Date published: 2:07 pm, March 28th, 2014 - 63 comments
Categories: activism, assets, child welfare, education, poverty, Privatisation, schools, sustainability, trade, workers' rights - Tags:

Local Bodies well-researched post showed how much our public education system has been undermined by the current government:

In 2008 New Zealand was internationally ranked in the top seven for educational achievement, and when you compared us with other countries that were also culturally diverse and were experiencing growing inequality we were extremely successful.

[…]

We were just on the cusp of something great when an election occurred…

A National led Government was elected and New Zealand’s public education system came under heavy attack:

[…]

After five years under National, New Zealand’s international ranking plummets to as low as 23rd.

As Local Bodies indicated there is a strong connection between education and the social system; between a good public education system for all being part of a waider policy to decrease the inequality gap.

Tomorrow Today the NZEI (New Zealand Education Institute) has demonstrations planned in Auckland and Wellington focusing on the importance for children of their families receiving a living wage.

The one in Wellington is at the same time as the TPP protests around the country.

Wellington

1pm at Parliament

It’s time to tackle inequality! A community event with a Pasifika band, children’s choir and kapa haka.

Every child deserves a chance in life, but more than one in four Kiwi kids live in poverty. That inequality is the biggest hurdle to education success.

The Government is putting millions into highly paid “new roles” for some principals and teachers, but ignoring child poverty. It has rejected a living wage for low paid teacher aides and support staff who directly support students with the greatest needs.

If you want a living wage for learning for kids and education workers, come and join us to show your support!

The Auckland Living Wage demonstration ends at Aotea Square at the same time as the TPP protest is beginning there.

I don’t understand why the iwi leaders object to this protest on the same day as Hekia Parata is playing a significant role on behalf of NZ at an international conference on education in Wellington.  Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed?

Support the anti-TPP Day of Action

The Anti-TPP rallies and marches are mostly being at 1pm around the country – check the start time for your local protest as one or two are earlier than 1pm. Details listed here:

TPPA poster March 29 2014

After four years, the corporate deal of the century – aka the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – is still being negotiated in secret.

The TPPA puts our sovereignty at risk, violates our democratic right to decide our own future, and wastes taxpayers’ money that should be spent on social, not corporate, welfare.

It needs to stop. Now.

The National Day of Action Against the TPPA on 29 March will mark the fourth anniversary and send the government a message – Stop the TPPA! 

Join the rallies, marches and events in your area: AucklandChristchurchDunedin, GeraldineHamiltonHokianga, Invercargill, KaitaiaNelsonPalmerston NorthTaranakiTauranga, ThamesWhanganuiWellingtonWhangarei

If there’s nothing happening, start something yourself. If you do organise something people get in touch with us. through chris.zack@gmail.com or webadmin@itsourfuture.org.nz in case we know of something else being planned and can put you in touch with others.

If you need some materials, check here where we have a bunch and can create others as required.

Need some reasons why you should come out this Saturday for the nationwide day of action? Check out some of our sponsors’ reasons.

Yes, social welfare and security, not corporate welfare.   The TPP will make it even harder to decrease the inequality gap and work towards a more sustainable and livable society for all Kiwis.

[Update]  Report on the protests:

NZEI demonstration. Auckland.

It was a pretty good sized crowd.

NZEI demo ready to go

NZEI demo ready to go

And it made a lot of vigorous noise walking up Queen Street – non-stop chanting.  Often there was a different chant coming from the front of the march (led by a guy on a megaphone) from the chant coming from the back of the march (to the sound of a tambourine).  The combined sound was really impressive – sharp, assertive and somehow made the march seem united.  It definitely got the attention of bystanders.

Teacher placard

DSC01312

I learned that a lot of school support workers, who have been doing their essential jobs for many years, are still not getting a living wage.

NZEI march end arrives at Aotea Square

end of NZEI marcharrives at Aotea Square

Green and Labour MPs attended (including Metiria Turei and David Cunliffe), along with people from Mana, like John Minto.

NZEI rally Turei at Aotea Square

TPPA rally and march – Auckland

Attendance was pretty substantial. Stuff says nearly 2000.  Video at the link.  NZ Herald says several thousand.

Cunliffe speaks at TPP Rally before the march

Cunliffe speaks at TPP Rally before the march

Later, Kelsey was critical of Labour’s timid response to the TPPA – kind of a step forward, in wanting to see the text of the TPPA before the NZ government signs it, … but not a very strong line.

NZ Herald reports:

Labour leader David Cunliffe received a few heckles but generally polite applause when he outlined his party’s stance on the TPPA to the crowd.

“We are demanding the Government release the text and the details,” he said. “This deal needs to be in the public domain so that New Zealanders can be informed and we can have a proper public debate I can’t say today what our final position is going to be because we are going to wait until we see the details.”

TPPA march ready to go_1

TPPA march ready to go

TPPA march ready to go_2

The march ended at the US Embassy.  There was quite a large crowd there, listening to some speeches.

NZ Herald reports:

Former Green Party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons, whose speech on the ills of the TPPA received the loudest cheers of the day, said the agreement was “an extremely dangerous initiative”.

“At the heart it is a huge lie which pretends this is about trade. It’s not about trade, it’s about allowing foreign corporations to over-ride the decisions of democratically elected governments.

“The fact that it has a specific clause in it to allow investor corporations to sue our government if it takes any actions which reduces their profits that is the most anti-democratic thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.”

Jeanette Fitzsimons outside US embassy

Jeanette Fitzsimons speaking outside US embassy

Jane Kelsey told it like it is, while revving up the crowd outside the US Embassy, with lots of loud chants of “Shame,Shame, Shame!”

Kelsey revving up the crowd outside US embassy

Kelsey revving up the crowd outside US embassy

Standardista, greywarbler, reports on the Nelson anti-TPPA demonstration, in the comments under this post.  He begins:

Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.

Macro reports on the protests at Thames and Hamilton, beginning with:

11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.

11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats?

More at the link.

63 comments on “Walking the talk – protests Sat 29 March ”

  1. lprent 1

    I don’t understand why the iwi leaders object to this protest on the same day as Hekia Parata is playing a significant role on behalf of NZ at an international conference on education in Wellington. Perhaps there’s something I’ve missed?

    Not that I can see. Basically it seems like they’re saying that they don’t like Hekia Parata being embarrassed. Personally I think that she is the biggest embarrassment in the National cabinet and the current person in National most involved in trying to screw up the education system.

    Perhaps they should read LocalBodies post and look at the current state of the education system? Or maybe they should talk to some teachers?

    As far as I can see from the press release their views appear to come from some kind of slavish veneration of authority rather than using their intelligence.

    • karol 1.1

      I’m trying to check the links in the post to the Its Our Future site with info about the TPPA demo. But the site seems to be down at the moment, as far as I can tell.

      • lprent 1.1.1

        Yep is for me as well.

        Left a note on facebook and on my facebook timeline.

        • karol 1.1.1.1

          Thanks, most of the links are working now,except the Invercargill one – and the link to that isn’t working on the Its Our Future page with an overview of the day of action.

    • lprent 1.2

      Annette Sykes comment on facebook 🙂

      What a load of codswollop… Who are these Iwi Leaders? We, Dr Apirana Mahuika, Sir Toby Curtis, Sir Mark Solomon, Raniera Tau, Willie Te Aho, Awanuiarangi Black, Tiwha Puketapu, Naida Glavish, Sir Tamati Reedy and Pem Bird …. National Party sychophants

      • karol 1.2.1

        🙂 Thanks.

        • mickysavage 1.2.1.1

          So Karol and lprent. See you there?

          • karol 1.2.1.1.1

            Yep. I’m planning to join the NZEI for a walk up Queen Street from Britomart – then walk back with the TPP demo.

      • North 1.2.2

        Annettes Sykes’ Faceboook was heartening. She called them National Party sycophants. Which they are, demonstrably. Amazing what a few knighthooods thrown around will do. Amazing how your shit doesn’t stink when you’re “up there”. When your head is so high up in the clouds you’re just that little bit more “white”. And real. And movin’ and shakin’.

        When you find yourself in and out of Te Koru Club several times a week, preparatory to your gravy train funded flight to Wellington to see “Te Minita”, or to massive your “mana” at some talkfest. While kids in Kaikohe actually starve and their little minds rot.

        And on your way to Gate 14 some snivelling bastard Tory list MP greases up alongside and acknowledges you. And your personal “maaaa- na”. Oh what a fine man/woman property developer real estate agent piss-arse lawyer wealthy farmer entrepreneur accountant petty boeurgoisie sole trader this subliminally racist Tory list MP is. Who doesn’t give a fuck about Maori kids in Kaikohe and their little minds rotting.

        Disgraceful. Scabs.

        To (Dame – soon to be) Naida Glavish – one of them – “Kia Ora Caller”.

  2. Tracey 2

    i hope teachers get out there… even if they wear masks.

    police union has been very quiet… must be due to speak up on imagined law and order concerns.

  3. Jenny Kirk 3

    Here’s basic details :
    Auckland Location: Meet at Aotea Square, then march down Queen St to the US Consulate
    Christchurch Location: Cashel Mall Restart, 114 Cashel Street, 1pmWe will march through REstart mall with our pickets and banners, being as loud as possible (while still respecting mall goers) and then assemble in the Cathedral Square for speeches.
    Dunedin Location: Rally at The Octagon, Dunedin, 1 pm
    Hamilton Location: Garden Place, Victoria Street, Hamilton, 1pm
    Hokianga Location: Kohukohu Ferry, 1 pm
    Nelson Location: Meet at 12:30pm at the Millers Acre I-siteMarch up Trafalgar St to arrive for a Rally at about 1:00pm.
    Taranaki Location: Puke Ariki Landing, rally at 11am (note the time!)Hikoi around the streets and market.
    Tauranga Location: Red Square, Tauranga, 1pm Thames Location: Rally outside National MP office, 614 Pollen St, at 11am.
    Wellington Location: The Bucket Fountain, Cuba St, Wellington 12.30-1.00pm Brass Razoo (Brass Solidarity band) 1.00pm Cuba Street, Bucket Fountain March to Parliament:At Parliament ETA 2.30pm
    Whanganui Location: Meet at the Silver Ball Sculpture on the Riverfront 1pm to walk up to Majestic Square.
    Whangarei Location: Meet outside Claphams Clock Museum Town Basin, 1pm

    Don’t have a location for Palmerston North, but they’re organising a rally as well

    • karol 3.1

      Thanks, Jenny. The Palmerston North Link on the Its Our Future page is now working – the Invercargill one isn’t, and there’s one there for Geraldine as well.

  4. Puckish Rogue 4

    So roughly 100 -200 will turn up or is that being generous?

    • gitmo 4.1

      Even with 50 the stench will be hideous.

      • Murray Olsen 4.1.1

        Fuckwitted troll. Out of respect for the good people on this blog, I won’t say what I really think.

    • lprent 4.2

      So roughly 100 -200 will turn up or is that being generous?

      I tell you what, lets make a small side penalty. How confident are you?

      Something like a weeks ban for every hundred over 200 for the TPPA protest in Auckland. We’ll even use the lower of the understated measures from the NZ Herald and the Police.

      How about it? Agreed?

      Problem is that this dickhead is used to the right wing protests – the ones measured in tens.

  5. captain hook 5

    heka paratai speaks out of both sides of her mouth at once.
    I hear her on the radio saying that NZ has a first class education system but when nobody else is looking she is advocating for the dismantling of the system in favour of giving the money to charter schools.
    It doesnt look like that she knows how to tell the truth about anything.

    • fender 5.1

      Yes Hekia Parata want’s the nation to get behind our education system like we do our sports teams. But I’m struggling to get behind coach Parata considering the head high tackles, knock-ons and other infringements she inflicts on her own team. I’ve never seen a coach treat their own players so poorly, nor have I seen one field players from another code without them having an understanding of the rules first.

  6. Philj 6

    Xox
    Torries Privatising Public Assets. Again! I’ve had enough and now I’m off to the March in Nelson. Beautiful sunrise.

  7. Jim Nald 7

    Thanks, karol. I will be biking to the protest and hope many people around the country will be making a strong stand.

  8. Jim Nald 8

    Btw, I have just seen this:

    “[Labour calls] on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.”

    https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa

    Is there a typo in there? Or do Labour MPs have a different sense of time, with a week being a long time in politics and all that?

  9. Ron 9

    Does anyone know is Labour are doing anything in an organised way for either of these protests today. Cannot find anything from official sources. Want to get involved but would like it to be Labour Inc not individual.
    Note that Greens seem to be on the ball where is Labour

    • karol 9.1

      Labour was more in force at the Auckland NZEI demo. Cunliffe dropped by the TPPA rally afterwards and made a speech.

      I think there were some Labour MPs on the schedule to attend and give speeches at the TPPA demos in other parts of the coutnry.

  10. Blue 10

    No. Labour must support it, given the absence of serious noise about it. They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost. I don’t think this indicates any opposition to it, given Labours history with free trade deals. We will wait and see I guess.

    • Ergo Robertina 10.1

      ‘They were interested in reading it prior to signing as stated above, but it seems a half hearted objection, a Shearer like stance almost.’

      This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting the Americans.
      A nonsense equivocation that only a party run by technocrats could be pleased with.
      What’s at stake in the TPPA is too fundamental for mere process quibbles.
      Standard author Micky Savage was pleased with Cunliffe’s handling of it; the quote is from his December 23 post, David Cunliffe’s first hundred days:

      ‘The day after the election result I was astounded to read David pronouncing a very deft line about the TPPA. Labour would not support the treaty if the text was not released. Both radicals and moderates would be attracted to the notion either that we do not sign up to the agreement at all, or that we only do if the public knows what it is letting itself in for. Finally a Labour leader had learned about triangulation of issues.’

      • Ergo Robertina 10.1.1

        CORRECTION to my comment above: ‘This ‘condition’ was an attempt to appear principled about a deal Labour probably supports, but cannot do so openly without upsetting its members.

    • One Anonymous Bloke 10.2

      Support what? Negotiating with other countries over trade terms?

  11. greywarbler 11

    Went well in Nelson. We had a Canadian speaker a woman called Fosse I think. She was excellent and one point I had to get my head around is that corporates can sue for expected profits not received, if our gummint did anything that might get in the way of that.

    So you are screwed with that hanging over you. To do anything would be likely to end in costs that would destabilise the government, which would be bound to happen anyway when people realised how weakened they are.

    It is frightening when you start thinking of all the ways that this faustian pact could crush the lives we have had that our ancestors fought to establish. A new Dark Ages. It doesn’t bear thinking about but we must think about it and face up to it.

    faustian pact – wikipedia

    the pact is between a person and Satan or a demon. The person offers his or her soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Those favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, or power.
    It was also believed that some persons made this type of pact just as a sign of recognizing the Devil as their master, in exchange for nothing!!

    • One Anonymous Bloke 11.1

      I think you’ll find that one of the negotiating parties supports that position, and it isn’t the NZ government.

    • karol 11.2

      Thanks, grey. And that thing of corporates being able to sue for loss of profits is totally undemocratic.

    • karol 11.3

      grey, hope you don’t mind, I added a link to your Nelson report at the bottom of my post.

      • Jim Nald 11.3.1

        Hey grey and karol,

        The speaker’s name is Nicole Foss (just google to find out more).

        Although there doesn’t seem to be anything specific on that point from her on the web, others have discussed the issue of corporates suing for loss of profits … for eg something like the following:

        “… we know that the TPP gives corporations the power to sue governments for loss of profits resulting from the countries’ laws which protect the public health and welfare.

        “For example, under established trade agreements, Phillip Morris is suing the Government of Uruguay for lost profits in an amount that exceeds the Gross National Product of Uruguay. The dispute is over putting health warnings on cigarette packs. Under the TPP, all countries become liable for similar profit-driven suits, including the United States. Such suits, if won by the corporation, will undermine our economic and national security, our healthcare laws, as well as our environmental and food laws and regulations. …”

        http://www.inmotionmagazine.com/global/wosd/wosd_tpp.html

      • greywarbler 11.3.2

        karol anything you like will be good. I was a bit tired, energised by the meeting speakers and turnout, but depressed by the enormity of it all and sad that it is happening and so many go blithely on in determined ignorance, with no concern for protecting themselves and their own future, much less that of their country and fellow citizens.

        I must say that there was a good turnout from Motueka and they have done something that they say is acting as a template for the country. Got in touch with local councillors and local councils. Apparently they have sent out about a thousand. Hard work and dedication. And they brought a guitarist and singer who sang a few suitable songs – so we had great speakers and great songs. They travelled for up to an hour to get to Nelson and made the meeting hum. That business of contacting the pollies. I am reluctant to get my personal email smothered with political crap, but I guess I can have one just for the purpose. Do others think that emailing the pollies in parliament, all parties being equal but some more equal than others, would be a good use of my democratic-concern-time?

        Wayne Brittenden was on again on Radionz this morning and talking about TPPA. We are having that heavy foot that Terry Gilliam designed for Monty Python sequences, come right down on us with our version of TPPA demands. The European Union is insisting on revelation of documents, transparency apparently, not secrecy. There was a small segment on TPPA this morning besides Wayne.

        There was also mention of a case that Philip Morris is bringing against the Australian government in a TPPA type law suit, under an agreement they have signed with Hong Kong. Don’t know much about it but it stems from ordering plain packaging to reduce smoking. Oz is being sued for loss of brand, intellectual stuff and probably as well, loss of sales. It will be tried by a tribunal of someone outside Oz, and from what I have heard it’s the corporates who organise the judging panel. Anyway you can bet that Oz hasn’t a leg to stand on and it will cost millions for the trial and I think the company is asking for (don’t hit me if I’m wrong) about $90 billion.

        It sounds crazy so I must have heard wrong. But hey crazy is believable these days. I see that Jim Nald referring to Uruguay. We are going to end up like some of those dingy imaginings on film, Blade Runner for instance. I don’t think we should think about national flags at this important moment, nor should we think of changing our national anthem – we need to ask God to help us defend New Zealand. I referred to the faustian exchange earlier. It seems a true and accurate description for us.

        And Jim Nald – about Labour. I think that it was Open Mike yesterday that had a good link to Ken Loach comment in The Guardian put up by some good body who I forget but I commented on it so you could find it by searching greyw. It posed some searching questions that are going through your head as I noticed in your lower comment.

  12. greywarbler 12

    Hi I am undefined now. For a short period till someone tells me who I am.

    Labour in Nelson wanted the TPPA text released. They wanted to make sure it is all good for NZs. There was general talk. The pharm side was mentioned I think. (My brain is getting tired.)

    But they didn’t say they were against TPPA. And nothing was said about the effect on our small business that is about 90% of the enterprise in NZ. And what we really need so we have a thriving happy country. I still want to see that happen!!!!!!!! So not much from Labour – Andy Haden called Mary Wilson a pinko after she tried to interview the warped old bull the other day. And that term could really apply to Labour.

    • Jim Nald 12.1

      You won’t be the only one feeling that way, greywarbler.

      How about climb up the fence and join ‘Labour’, given the latest news piece:
      http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9883535/Labour-on-the-fence-about-trade-deal?

      In political black-or-white debates over the issues, Labour’s wait-and-see dissolves into greyness. Even those who voted in the previous election may now be a little bewildered and might perhaps toy with the idea of joining the so-called missing million who didn’t vote in the last election?

      Labour MPs can provide more effective opposition and stronger leadership by saying ‘no TPPA until the people of NZ see and discuss the text’.

      • Jim Nald 12.1.1

        If the question is posed by jonolists about ‘final position’ on the TPPA, throw the question back with a quick retort –

        what final position?

        first, show us the text!

    • Ergo Robertina 12.2

      +1 Labour’s hiding behind a technocratic fig leaf on the TPPA, and thinks no-one will notice.
      It is rather pathetic.

  13. Macro 13

    11am Gathering of 30+ people here in Thames outside local MP Scott Simpsons office, to hear Catherine Delahunty speak on the reasons why this behind closed doors deal is so pernicious.

    11.30 am Off to Hamilton to attend the rally at the Garden Centre there. Crowd slowly gathered to max out at around 200+ to hear music and speakers in the sun. Speakers from Mana, Greens (Catherine D), NZ First, Maori Party, Labour, Social Democrats? and a statement read out from National – the “fundamentals of Pharmac will be preserved” what ever that means. Oh! and business gets a say.. now isn’t that nice.
    Labour spokeswoman seemed to think that people did not understand that they were opposed to the deal. Just they want to read it first! Which they don’t seem to understand – isn’t all that reassuring! Not exactly No way! TPPA!

  14. I wrote to David Cunliffe a few weeks ago asking if / when Labour gets into power it would release the full text of the TPPA (assuming it will be signed by then). I got no response. Russel Norman replied though.

  15. The Real Matthew 15

    Hope you guys had a good day out with the Rent a Crowd.

    May I ask why you guys weren’t out protesting when Labour was negotiating the FTA with China?

    • felix 15.1

      1) What makes you think people here didn’t protest the China FTA?

      2) Do you understand that much of the opposition to the TPPA is not actually opposition to the “free trade” aspects of the agreement at all?

      3) I don’t believe anyone was paid to attend. The only person I know of who rent crowds for political protests is Colin Craig.

    • greywarbler 15.2

      Were you TRM out protesting then? What are you on about you tool? You wouldn’t know fhit from clay. Go and do some real work if you can’t make any points of value. This isn’t a game. But perhaps somebody pays you in kind or money to do this or perhaps no-one will pay you anything at all because you are so useless at anything you put your hand to.

    • Tracey 15.3

      cos chinas tobacconists didnt want to sue us for removing their branding from their death sticks

      cos china didnt ask for its corporations to have precedence over our sovereignty.

      may i ask how it can be that you dont understand the difference between an fta and the tpp and how many contracts you enter into without reading them or even your lawyer reading them?

  16. JanM 16

    Joce Jesson has confirmed on Metiria’s twitter what I thought may well be the case – the ‘iwi leaders’ kicking up the fuss have been bought off by the National Party with the promise of charter schools – ugh!

    • karol 16.1

      Thanks for the tip. Found this on Turei’s Facebook: [which I can view without logging in.

      I hear that Sir Toby Curtis, Pem Bird and Naida Glavish have accused NZEI of trampling on their mana because of the Living Wage for Learning rallys today which coincide with Hekia Parata’s education forum. They should know that the measure of a leader’s mana is in the well being of the whanau not in how many international visitors they get to hobnob with. Maybe they could spend less time chatting with Hekia and more time advocating for whanau to be properly paid for the amazing work they do supporting and educating our kids.

      Turei was to me the most prominent (only?) (co)leader on the NZEI march in Auckland yesterday.

      Saw here there before on and after the march.

      A group of Labour MPs were at the rally in Aotea Square after the march – mind you, it was a failry big march so maybe they did the walk.

      Minto was there (on both marches) for Mana.

      Bomber made some crack about Harawira having to stay in Wellington – “something to do with Dotcom” – Bomber said. Don’t know if that was meant as a joke or for real.

  17. Tautoko Viper 17

    There was a reasonable coverage of the TPPA issues on TV1’s coverage of the march and as a result I think a lot more people will at least have some idea about the TPPA.
    However, since most young people don’t watch TV or read the “news”papers, the internet party is going to be a very useful conduit for information on issues like this to a section of the potential youth vote.

    • greywarbler 17.1

      Good point TV Kim DC will have an important place in this election, whether it will be a lasting value who knows, but in today/s market place for ideas he is offering something we need.

  18. mac1 18

    Grey Power is also protesting about TPPA’s and its effect especially on Pharmac.

    Grey Power is also highlighting the plight of superannuitants who have no other income but that of Superannuation and who do not own their own homes.

    According to Treasury, who got the figures wrong originally, revised Treasury figures of after tax income show that 50% (73,500) of superannuitants who do not own their own home now live in poverty.

  19. Jenny Kirk 20

    To GreyWarbler, Jim Nald and other posters – Labour’s position is clear – its on their website – under issues/policies – here’s the link – https://www.labour.org.nz/tppa – and the following are some of the statements in it.

    ” New Zealand must not sacrifice cheaper medicines through Pharmac, or give up our sovereign right to regulate and legislate for our health, protection of our environment, in ICT and online security and privacy, or in areas including gambling, tobacco and alcohol. We must preserve our democratic rights to regulate overseas corporations that operate here ……………
    ” It is clear we can’t decide whether the TPPA will hinder or help our economic wellbeing until we know what is in the final agreement.
    ” Therefore we have called on the National Government to release the full text of the TPPA, at least two weeks before they intend to sign it.
    ” New Zealanders should be allowed to have an informed and mature public debate about what is in our people’s interests. …………………”

    • Ergo Robertina 20.1

      How is it possible for scrutiny to occur within the (at least) two week time frame? Many stakeholder groups, such as the medical profession, have busy jobs, and it takes time to formulate a submission/response, gain consensus, and clarify any unclear or ambiguous parts of the text.
      And surely any ‘informed and mature public debate’ can only occur AFTER interested parties/critics have had their say, as the average person will not be able to interpret the text or see the fish hooks.

    • Jim Nald 20.2

      Thanks very much for pointing that out, Jenny.I have just seen your comment @ 20.

      I now see where the reference to ‘two weeks’ has come from. Quite frankly, that is not enough time and can be cynically seen as a whitewash or mockery especially with such a momentous proposal.

      What is not coming through more clearly is that it is not just simply like any free trade agreement. Can someone on TS or any readers/bloggers put up or encourage a post here or elsewhere to get a deeper discussion going?

      First, the TPPA is no longer the same kind of grouping that started off circa 2005 among the ‘small’ trading nations of Chile, Singapore, NZ and Brunei. That grouping has been hijacked and metastised into the current beast.

      Second, for those of us who were involved or familiar with old battles, the TPPA is regarded as the MAI that is now being resurrected. It is good to see some online reference to this and more needs to be done to generate greater awareness, public outrage and collective rejection of the TPPA in its present cancerous form:

      “That sounds like the MAI that we defeated in the 1990s!

      “It is the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on steroids. The TPP is effectively a bill of rights for big corporations that is designed in secret and shackles future governments and our democratic right to decide future policy and laws.”

      http://www.theawarenessparty.com/links-and-resources/articles/political-2/beware-the-trans-pacific-partnership-agreement/

      That website has many points that are just spot on.

  20. Jonathan 21

    There was a good turnout in Napier, about 100 people, particularly good turnout from the Mana Movement. Really good energy, so much so that, after a few speeches, we made an unplanned return march down the main street! And all with generally good responses from the general public, even a few people joining in.

  21. Tautoko Viper 22

    I get really annoyed by the continual misinformation on the TPPA.
    “Mr Groser said New Zealanders would hear the facts when the deal was put before Parliament.” http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/240196/call-for-public-to-have-say-on-trade-deal
    Parliament does not vote on whether to sign the TPPA or not.
    The TPPA is signed off by the 20 National Cabinet Ministers.
    The only vote that Parliament will get is whether to modify any laws that need to be altered pertaining to the TPPA.

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  • PM’s South East Asia mission does the business
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has completed a successful trip to Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, deepening relationships and capitalising on opportunities. Mr Luxon was accompanied by a business delegation and says the choice of countries represents the priority the New Zealand Government places on South East Asia, and our relationships in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    16 hours ago
  • $41m to support clean energy in South East Asia
    New Zealand is demonstrating its commitment to reducing global greenhouse emissions, and supporting clean energy transition in South East Asia, through a contribution of NZ$41 million (US$25 million) in climate finance to the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-led Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM). Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Minister releases Fast-track stakeholder list
    The Government is today releasing a list of organisations who received letters about the Fast-track applications process, says RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop. “Recently Ministers and agencies have received a series of OIA requests for a list of organisations to whom I wrote with information on applying to have a ...
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    1 day ago
  • Judicial appointments announced
    Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister David Jonathan Boldt as a Judge of the High Court, and the Honourable Justice Matthew Palmer as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Boldt graduated with an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington in 1990, and also holds ...
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    1 day ago
  • Education Minister heads to major teaching summit in Singapore
    Education Minister Erica Stanford will lead the New Zealand delegation at the 2024 International Summit on the Teaching Profession (ISTP) held in Singapore. The delegation includes representatives from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) Te Wehengarua and the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa.  The summit is co-hosted ...
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    1 day ago
  • Value of stopbank project proven during cyclone
    A stopbank upgrade project in Tairawhiti partly funded by the Government has increased flood resilience for around 7000ha of residential and horticultural land so far, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones today attended a dawn service in Gisborne to mark the end of the first stage of the ...
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    2 days ago
  • Anzac commemorations, Türkiye relationship focus of visit
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters will represent the Government at Anzac Day commemorations on the Gallipoli Peninsula next week and engage with senior representatives of the Turkish government in Istanbul.    “The Gallipoli campaign is a defining event in our history. It will be a privilege to share the occasion ...
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    2 days ago
  • Minister to Europe for OECD meeting, Anzac Day
    Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...
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    2 days ago
  • Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the Philippines
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government commits $20m to Westport flood protection
    The Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Taupō takes pole position
    The Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...
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    2 days ago
  • Cost of living support for low-income homeowners
    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners.  “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government backing mussel spat project
    The Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government focused on getting people into work
    Benefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Clean energy key driver to reducing emissions
    The Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...
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    3 days ago
  • Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forward
    The Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 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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    3 days ago
  • Government consults on extending coastal permits for ports
    RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...
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    3 days ago
  • Inflation coming down, but more work to do
    Today’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...
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    3 days ago
  • School attendance restored as a priority in health advice
    Refreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 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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    4 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 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
    5 days ago
  • Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister Lee
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.   Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ ties
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.  During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Antarctica New Zealand Board appointments
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner.  The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Finance Minister travels to Washington DC
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...
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    5 days ago
  • Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlords
    The coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being considered
    State Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • New Zealand condemns Iranian strikes
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel.    “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says.    "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plans
    Hundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand Chair
    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board.   “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti.  “I have asked her to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Roads of National Significance planning underway
    The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.  “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Navigating an unstable global environment
    New Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States.    “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ welcomes Australian Governor-General
    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for Winter
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • NZ and the US: an ever closer partnership
    New Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Joint US and NZ declaration
    April 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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