What has happened to Simon Bridges?

Written By: - Date published: 8:40 am, July 19th, 2018 - 42 comments
Categories: blogs, China, david clark, David Farrar, International, jacinda ardern, Media, national, same old national, Simon Bridges, the praiseworthy and the pitiful, you couldn't make this shit up - Tags:

You would think that while Jacinda Ardern takes time out to properly introduce baby Neve to the world opposition leader Simon Bridges would be striding throughout the country like a colossus and really make a name for himself.

But he has been rather invisible.  Maybe it is part of a cunning plan by National Strategists to lull Labour into a false sense of security.  Maybe they think he is better to wait until Jacinda is back.

Whatever it is he has been pretty invisible for the past few weeks. And when he has appeared he has been pretty appalling.

Like when he criticised David Clark for a quick trip to Australia to settle his kids in. Duncan Garner was scathing about his comments describing him as being truly pathetic. From Newshub:

“Leadership in these sorts of incidents, talking things down, talking in good faith about what the solutions are, they matter, and I think [David Clark] should’ve been here,” Mr Bridges told The AM Show.

But Duncan Garner didn’t take the comments lightly. He said it was “truly pathetic” of Mr Bridges to attack Dr Clark for being out of the country for 33 hours during the week when the nurses were striking.

“He has a wife and three young kids who he helped transport to Australia. He stayed the night and came straight home. A sprint to Australia and back to help your family get somewhere is hardly a perk. Being a minister is not his only job in life,” Garner said.

Dr Clark did the right thing by escorting his family over to Australia, Garner said, because travelling with young children is “a pretty stressful thing”.

It was not as if Clark was engaged in the negotiations.  He was not.  Health Board representatives were involved.  And he had his cell phone with him.

Bridges latest major media engagement was this weird interview he had with Radio New Zealand.  He was asked about the recently released New Zealand Defence Force Strategy which warned about expansion of Chinese activity in the South China sea and the implications for peace.  Bridges response was this:

“The defence paper is pretty clear in its critical stance but [Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters] won’t bring himself to be in that space,” he said.

“I think that is worrying. We all deserve, actually China deserves, a clear position from New Zealand, not having to read the tea leaves, not having to be open to misinterpretation.”

There needed to be greater clarity and understanding around the defence paper to avoid the risk of negative economical consequences, he said.

“We need to understand the validity of where Mr Peters is taking us in this – we’ve got the stringent defence document, we don’t see that coming through in his comments, it’s this very obtuse position.

“I’ve got to say as well, this will have economic ramifications for New Zealand. I just don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” Mr Bridges said.

What was he saying?  We should not criticise China because it may affect trade?

He was asked a curly question by Espiner about National MP Jian Yang and blew it.  The discussion went like this:

Espiner – What’s [Yang’s] spokesmanship.

Bridges – Statistics

Espiner – anything else?

Bridges – no, not at this time

Espiner – his bio says he is an associate spokesperson for ethnic communities is that right as well

Bridges – that would be right, he is remarkably effective at that …

But it is not only the misspeaking that is getting him into trouble.  It is also his invisibility.  He seems to be missing from the media at a time when there is little opposition.

As an example the National Party blogger has posted three posts in the past month mentioning Bridges.  One was an incidental mention of him in a quoted passage by Shane Te Pou, the second was a post where questions that Bridges asked of Peters in Parliament were referred to, and the third also contained an incidental reference to him.

By way of contrast my count is that Jacinda Ardern was mentioned in no fewer than 12 Kiwiblog posts.

Although the content is somewhat confusing this Newstalk  ZB heading from a normally supportive media organisation speaks volumes.  It says “If Simon Bridges fails, at least he’s tried”.

Other cheerleaders claim that he is putting in the hard yards and is a social media warrior.  The facebook like count would suggest otherwise.  Jacinda Ardern has 276,000 likes compared to Simon’s 33,000.  And having your invitation list open so that anyone can see that right now only four people intend going to your Te Atatu public meeting scheduled for tomorrow is not the sign of a social media warrior.

I am sure Bridges is trying.  I am also pretty sure he is failing.

42 comments on “What has happened to Simon Bridges? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. dukeofurl 1
    19 July 2018 at 8:56 am

    Social media warrior ?

    Does that mean they are spending largish amounts on Facebook ads to put him out there ? I dont use the thing so cant tell

  2. One Two 2
    19 July 2018 at 9:25 am

    33 Hours

    33,000 Likes

  3. Hanswurst 3
    19 July 2018 at 9:41 am

    His interviews read almost exactly like Key’s, tbh. I don’t think the problem is Bridges himself, but the fact that National were caught off-guard without a proper succession plan when the 2017 election was lost (perhaps even by Key’s resignation under a year earlier). If you look back at 2005, Key was being talked up as leader and given minimal but clear framing as a policy heavyweight as National’s economics spokesman before almost anybody had ever even seen him in action. On becoming leader, of course, he revealed himself to be an utter doofus, misspeaking, tying himself in knots (“A Labour government I lead…”, “30,000… erm… 50,000… erm, no, actually 100,000 shares in Tranzrail”) and generally making an ass of himself. Virtually nothing he ever said made any sense at all. However, National already had the roll-out of the statehouse-boy-to-riches story prepared to accompany his becoming leader and capture the imagination of the electorate as a positive framing on what he actually presented.

    The difference for Bridges, I think, is manifold. Firstly, he hasn’t had that carefully crafted spin seeded before he entered the limelight. Secondly, no matter who you are and what the spin, it’s hard to enter the limelight without significant negative baggage when coming off three terms in government. Key had the massive asset of coming from a background outside politics, with his rise as a politician coinciding with his party’s resurgence from opposition; that’s just the way the biscuit breaks sometimes. Thirdly, Key was novel; Bridges is an attempt to recapture that, and it’s been done now. Finally, that particular coveted pole-position in the popular consciousness has been captured by Jacinda Ardern, another politician whose rise in popularity has had more to do with being in the right place at the right time than with any actual substance, regardless of what that substance is. Bridges would have to be all sorts of special to succeed at all at this point.

    • Matthew Whitehead 3.1
      19 July 2018 at 11:09 am

      I think this is a big problem of the emerging trend (helped along by the media) to less parliamentary, more leader-focused politics, where it’s difficult to mentor a successor as Party Leader while maintaining the near-absolute discipline and control of cabinet that the media seem to want. There is little room in such a model for alternative leaders to become independent and learn their own styles under such a model, and I wonder if we can expect a further series of nine-year swings each direction under it if it continues.

      Otherwise I’m quite a fan of what you’re getting at though- there was a lot of careful branding of Key that Simo just can’t capture, he doesn’t have the charisma for it, and he’s very clearly a born-to-rule club member who will find it difficult to capture that centrist vote that National needs to pinch back off Labour.

      • paul andersen 3.1.1
        19 July 2018 at 5:24 pm

        if you can fake sincerity, youve got it made. key could, bridges cant.

        • tc 3.1.1.1
          20 July 2018 at 9:53 am

          Totally and gaming the systems along with rewriting as many rules as required helps heaps.

          Simey’s got the hospital pass after the hollowmens looting of the NZ economy. A low or no profile’s not that bad a play ackshully IMO.

      • swordfish 3.1.2
        19 July 2018 at 11:18 pm

        MW

        … to capture that centrist vote that National needs to pinch back off Labour

        Labour certainly made inroads into the Centrist vote at the last Election … but … according to recent UMR research … National remains dominant in that domain.

        Labour’s real secret is that the Left segment of voters is larger than both the Centrist and Right segments (and so it doesn’t need to win the lion’s share of the Centre vote to win Office … just needs to make reasonable inroads).

        That’s according to UMR research, at least (The New Zealand Election Study tends to record greater Centrist and weaker Leftist sentiment among voters than UMR and thus places more emphasis on the need to capture the Centre).

    • Kevin 3.2
      19 July 2018 at 11:56 am

      Haha, the TranzRail shares. He was played like a fish on that one.

      Still cannot believe that he did not twig earlier that Fran Mold KNEW how many shares he had, yet he still kept lying through his teeth about it.

  4. mauī 4
    19 July 2018 at 9:51 am

    He was on TV3’s the Project last week, he obviously appeals to the hip, young crowd of Gen Yers. Much like Seymour you would have to say..
    https://twitter.com/simonjbridges/status/1017290006216339456

  5. mac1 5
    19 July 2018 at 10:16 am

    “…….China deserves, a clear position from New Zealand, not having to read the tea leaves……”

    Simon Bridges is showing great cultural awareness, having no doubt learnt from his associate spokesperson for ethnic communities, Mt Yang, about how China gets its intelligence.

    Tasseography is one of Simon’s fortes. It seems that it is also how he gets his information and political insights.

    Google informs us- “Tasseography is an ancient practice of divination, or fortune-telling. High quality loose-leaf tea is ideal for practicing this craft. Tea leaf reading is a tradition that likely began soon after the discovery of tea by Chinese Emperor Shen Nun in 2737 BC.”

  6. dV 6
    19 July 2018 at 10:21 am

    SO what is the natz clear unequivocal position regarding China Mr Bridge?

    • Draco T Bastard 6.1
      19 July 2018 at 11:22 am

      Probably that they’ll do whatever China wants.

      It’s part of the psyche of authoritarians and the right-wing that they’ll always kowtow to those with more power.

  7. Tricledrown 7
    19 July 2018 at 10:36 am

    National are like Trump with Russia.
    Having a former Chinese spy trainer on the Defence committee.
    Collins husband able to do deals with China no other NZ company can do.

    • cleangreen 7.1
      19 July 2018 at 1:29 pm

      100% Trickledrown
      We are no effective government now with National as they had no backbone at all, at least NZF sticks upm with Winston Peters always claiming China should be kept at arms length.

  8. Morrissey 8
    19 July 2018 at 11:17 am

    Don’t like to boast, but I tagged this mediocrity way back in 2012….

    The most hilarious bit comes when he obsequiously praises his Dear Leader….

    “When you think about him as a politician and his both intellect and EQ
    [emotional intelligence], he is a complete package so it is hard to go
    past him in terms of his style and the way he does things.”

    “He is not an academic but he is intellectual,” says Bridges.

    https://morrisseybreen.blogspot.com/2018/01/simon-bridges-is-young-not-very-bright.html

  9. veutoviper 9
    19 July 2018 at 11:21 am

    Sorry, MS. I rarely disagree with you and I am definitely no fan of Bridges, but the premise of your post that Bridges“has been pretty invisible for the past few weeks” is questionable if you actually do a Google and a Twitter search.

    Genetic google search
    https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=simon+bridges&rlz=1C9BKJA_enNZ744NZ746&hl=en-GB&tbas=0&tbas=0&source=lnt&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiT56n22qncAhXJHZQKHTElA2YQpwUIIA&biw=1024&bih=724

    Genetic Twitter search
    https://twitter.com/search?q=simon+bridges&ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Esearch TS features in this search quite a lot including your post(s) – h/t Lynn and Mike Smith. Also lots of other relevant posts on that search site. LOL.

    It seems that Bridges is still “striding throughout the country” – but not necessarily like a colossus nor necessarily making a name for himself.” – to use some of your wonderful wording above.

    Bridges is reasonably active on his official Twitter account and posted this a couple of days ago – “Kicked off the week with a jam-packed couple of days in Canterbury. As well as public meetings as part of my roadshow, it was a pleasure to officially open Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey’s new Rangiora office & great to meet with a number of community & business leaders.” –
    https://twitter.com/simonjbridges/status/1019103089880530944

    But in terms of effectiveness etc, much as I know the opinion of many/most people here (including me) of Barry Soper and NZ herald, this article more or less sums up the situation, even just in its title alone – ” Simon Bridges’ biggest problem is Prominence”:

    https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12090053

    As it is not all that long, to save giving clickbait, here is most of it.
    ‘You can say plenty of things about National’s leader Simon Bridges – and plenty of people have. Of all the aspirants for the party’s top job, Bridges was probably the least known. He was, however, considered shrewd.

    … [couple of sentences about other applicants for Nat leader].

    His biggest problem is prominence – he’s not well known by the electorate and, with the last opinion poll putting him at nine per cent, he knows he has cause for worry. At the same time in his leadership, John Key was polling at 24 per cent and Bill English was at 25 per cent.

    So there was only one thing for it: get his mug out to the masses.

    By Saturday, Bridges will have held 66 public meetings through the length and breadth of the country since May. So no one can argue that he’s work-shy, even if a number of the meetings have been at inconvenient times of mid-morning and mid-afternoon.

    While he’s been putting himself out there glad handing, he’s also become a social media warrior, hitting all the platforms, some of them telling us stuff that we don’t really need to know, like how good he is at changing nappies or how obsessive he is with the laundry (still, it’s a step up from Bill English’s pizzas).

    Since Jacinda Ardern’s been on maternity leave, the cut and thrust of Parliament’s bear pit’s become something of a training ground for him, pitted against Winston Peters who obviously finds him less offensive than the two former National leaders. The only thing Peters has got against him is Bridges beat him resoundingly in Tauranga in 2008 which, thanks to Key, saw New Zealand First out of Parliament for the next three years.

    But when Bridges takes on the wily old fox he’d do well to steer clear of the lair which he fell into recently when he asked Peters whether he agreed with David Parker’s view that business opinion surveys are junk.

    Peters shot back quoting an IMF report, quite removed from surveys in this country he reminded him, but praising the economy. Going in for the kill, Peters said the main author of the report was one of Key’s former economic advisers. So, the acting Prime Minister declared, yes he did agree with Parker’s wise comment.

    Stand up more slowly, be more careful and try to be a gentleman, was Peters’ parting shot in the clash.

    But it’s away from Parliament that Bridges really needs to make his mark and, if he can’t make it there, his 55 National colleagues will become restless. But at least they won’t be able to say he hasn’t put in the hard yards.”

    There is plenty more in the general Google search along the same lines, especially if you add a time filter – eg last month or last week – as the momentum re Bridges’ apparent lack of making a positive impact seem to be growing if you measure it by current media feedback.

    CLICKBAIT WARNING: this Newstalk ZB one is a repeat of the Barry Soper one above under a different title – http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/opinion/the-soap-box-if-simon-bridges-fails-at-least-hes-tried/

    As a slight aside,I found this Newshub item interesting where Duncan Garner of all people blasted Bridges a few days ago for criticising David Clark for flying to Australia with his wife and three young children. Apparently Clark only flew across to Australia with them to help with the children on the flight and then returned to NZ the next day.

    Garner called Bridges’ comments “truly pathetic” and also said “In my view, [David Clark] actually did the honourable thing.”

    https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/07/truly-pathetic-duncan-garner-blasts-simon-bridges-for-david-clark-comments.html

  10. cleangreen 10
    19 July 2018 at 1:32 pm

    Micky you asked; – :What has happend to Simon Bridges”?

    The same question could be asked about the ‘ten bridges’ he promised Northland remember?

    Simon who? – Who cares?

  11. Tuppence Shrewsbury 11
    19 July 2018 at 1:40 pm

    What has happened to any positive mentions of labour ministers in the absence of Jacinda? I would have thought grant Robertson would be front and centre

    • cleangreen 11.1
      19 July 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Tuppence Shewsbury;

      Labour has done ‘much to fix your National Party srew-ups’ – that Labour was left with to deal with quickly so far in the last 8 months; – they have been in Government.

      It may take six years to get NZ back on a straight path again, – no thanks to national.

      So enough said!!!!

      • Lebleaux 11.1.1
        19 July 2018 at 2:41 pm

        Not “enough said”.

        The question was:
        “What has happened to any positive mentions of labour ministers in the absence of Jacinda? I would have thought grant Robertson would be front and centre”

        The response lacked any reference to any positive references to anything. So ……

        “What has happened to any positive mentions of labour ministers in the absence of Jacinda? I would have thought Grant Robertson would be front and centre”

        • Tricledrown 11.1.1.1
          19 July 2018 at 7:43 pm

          Less is more in politics people don’t want polys in their face 24/7 Bridges is trying to do that but barking at tyres is how it comes across

    • Kevin 11.2
      19 July 2018 at 2:58 pm

      Have you been in an information vacuum for the past 15 years TS?

      News media prefer scandal and confrontation to good news stories. Especially when it involves politics.

      • Tuppence Shrewsbury 11.2.1
        19 July 2018 at 3:32 pm

        Where has labour been is what I asked? Plenty of coverage in media of the last government, positive and negative.

        Seems telling I get attacked for asking the hard questions rather than anyone actually being able to answer. #edcall

        • McFlock 11.2.1.1
          19 July 2018 at 3:59 pm

          There’s your slide.
          Labour is not the government.

          The government has had regular coverage.
          Labour has had less, because the acting PM is the one usually interviewed.

          Has the amount of news coverage about Labour cabinent ministers (excluding the PM) changed at all?

          • Tuppence Shrewsbury 11.2.1.1.1
            19 July 2018 at 6:21 pm

            Splitting those hairs awfully finely there McFlock

            The coverage of this government then is almost non existent since the prime minister left. Except for the media reporting the inconsistency of its decision s

            • McFlock 11.2.1.1.1.1
              19 July 2018 at 6:25 pm

              Well, then either our recollection of reporting on issues involving the government differs fundamentally, or the difference is in our respective understanding of the qualifier “almost”.

              Because me local newspaper seems to be reporting on the government regularly.

              edit: unless “inconsistency” is the point of difference?

    • patricia bremner 11.3
      19 July 2018 at 7:43 pm

      Actually, interest co.nz had quite a flattering article on Robertson and the choice of the new Reserve Bank Governor.
      Winston has had praise for his steadiness.
      Phil Twyford has had mixed reviews as the opposition try the “inept” meme, which the faithful rightwing journos have repeated ad nauseum.
      Mostly the Government are getting on with trying to improve things. It won’t happen overnight,but what is achieved will more visible than Bridge’s bridges.

  12. Sabine 12
    20 July 2018 at 8:15 am

    who cares?

  13. Robert Guyton 13
    20 July 2018 at 8:56 am

    Glares, scares (Fezzik).

  15. Delia 15
    20 July 2018 at 11:09 am

    I think he took maternity leave in sympathy with Jacinda, and gave himself a break, a break David Clark was not approved of by him.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Kiwi exporters win as NZ-EU FTA enters into force
    Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Mining resurgence a welcome sign
    There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill passes first reading
    The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Government to boost public EV charging network
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure.  The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Residential Property Managers Bill to not progress
    The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Independent review into disability support services
    The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Justice Minister updates UN on law & order plan
    Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Ending emergency housing motels in Rotorua
    The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago

  • Trade Minister travels to Riyadh, OECD, and Dubai
    Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Education priorities focused on lifting achievement
    Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • NZTA App first step towards digital driver licence
    The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say.  “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Supporting whānau out of emergency housing
    Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Tribute to Dave O'Sullivan
    Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Speech – Eid al-Fitr
    Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Government saves access to medicines
    Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff.    “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Pharmac Chair appointed
    Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Taking action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says.  “Every day, ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • New sports complex opens in Kaikohe
    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Diplomacy needed more than ever
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges.    “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address, Buttes New British Cemetery Belgium
    Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service.  It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – NZ National Service, Chunuk Bair
    Distinguished guests -   It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders.   Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Anzac Commemorative Address – Dawn Service, Gallipoli, Türkiye
    Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia.   Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • PM announces changes to portfolios
    Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • New catch limits for unique fishery areas
    Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Minister welcomes hydrogen milestone
    Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
    The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-05-05T04:23:45+00:00