What’s the Right’s plan for Auckland 2013?

Written By: - Date published: 9:28 am, January 10th, 2013 - 55 comments
Categories: auckland supercity, local body elections - Tags:

It’s 9 months until polls close in the 2013 local body elections.

Len Brown has just been rated the 7th best mayor in the world. He failed the wharfies, but its not looking like there’ll be a big challenge to his Left.

So, who’s going to stand up from the Right? 9 months is no time to get the brand recognition needed to take the most powerful political job in the country outside Cabinet’s top 5 but there’s no sign of a frontrunner on the Right.

It might fall to Brewer, who’s got no shot. He was only the 5th highest polling councillor.

Where’s the real opponent, the candidate with the mana that Banks used to have?

Does no-one on the Right want to run because they’re sure to lose?

Meanwhile, the Left can concentrate on running winning campaigns for its council candidates.

Come 2014, with any luck we’ll have a Left government and a Left Auckland Council. Scary prospect for the Right, yet they seem to be running up the white flag already.

55 comments on “What’s the Right’s plan for Auckland 2013? ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. shorts 1
    10 January 2013 at 9:38 am

    can Banks not run again?

  2. higherstandard 2
    10 January 2013 at 9:40 am

    “Does no-one on the Right want to run because they’re sure to lose?”

    Ummm do you live in the Auckland region ?

    At present Satan, whether he chose to run on a left or right platform, would have a better than average chance in beating Len Brown – he is widely despised as a useless toad interested in little more than his own profile and continued bleeding of the long suffering ratepayer.

    • Colonial Viper 2.1
      10 January 2013 at 9:45 am

      But you must love the cost savings of National/ACTs Supercity, right?

      • higherstandard 2.1.1
        10 January 2013 at 10:12 am

        I am on record as saying that the only thing that was ensured with the supercity was an increase in rates…….. although that was not a very hard prediction to get correct.

    • felixviper 2.2
      10 January 2013 at 10:08 am

      “At present Satan, whether he chose to run on a left or right platform, would have a better than average chance in beating Len Brown”

      Already tried that in 2010 and he got a pasting.

      • higherstandard 2.2.1
        10 January 2013 at 10:15 am

        Really ?

        I didn’t bother voting as I couldn’t stomach the candidates on offer, if Satan was on the ballot I’m pretty sure he would’ve got most people’s vote in preference to Brown, Banks, Craig and Williams.

        • mike e vipe e 2.2.1.1
          10 January 2013 at 11:25 am

          HS Thats a crying shame we on the left opposed Nationals and Rodney Hides roughshod job of overruling the democratic process .
          Thank you for belated support!
          It’s time you changed horses our horse is not lame and delivers the policy not just hollow promises of the right!

          • higherstandard 2.2.1.1.1
            10 January 2013 at 2:43 pm

            Thanks for the offer Mike but I tend to avoid being a member of either team as I find they’re chocka with self serving twats and I have enough of those to deal with at one of my places of employ.

        • Northshoreguynz 2.2.1.2
          10 January 2013 at 8:15 pm

          Don’t vote, then you have no say, so f off.

          • higherstandard 2.2.1.2.1
            10 January 2013 at 8:19 pm

            I pay rates therefore I am more than entitled to my say …. and I say Len Brown is a mendacious sack of shite.

            • felixviper 2.2.1.2.1.1
              10 January 2013 at 8:27 pm

              Everyone pays rates hs. But that aside, how can you be more than entitled to your say?

              • higherstandard …
                11 January 2013 at 6:53 am

                I live in the auckland area and am a ratepayer (residential and business) therefore I am more than entitled to have my say than someone who does not live in the Auckland area.

            • mike e vipe e 2.2.1.2.1.2
              10 January 2013 at 8:48 pm

              so why stop there HS what about Key and Banks

    • mickysavage 2.3
      10 January 2013 at 11:08 am

      Um HS beg to disagree …

      The Right have not been able to agree on a Mayoral candiate. I hear the ranks of Citizens and Ratepayers is not a happy place to be right now.

      I am not surprised. Their councillors resemble more a collection of tea party members than a coherent political grouping.

      The big test this election will be what happens to council positions such as in Whau and Papakura where a change to the left could fundamentally change the balance.

      • Another Viper 2.3.1
        10 January 2013 at 12:25 pm

        A great opportunity for Labour to now run in non City Vision wards as … Wait for it……

        LABOUR.

      • higherstandard 2.3.2
        10 January 2013 at 2:18 pm

        My comment if you choose to read it again was that any candidate of the left or right would be deemed preferable by most Aucklanders compared to the odious twit Len Brown.

        I couldn’t give a flying fuck whether they are of the far left or far right as long as they have some semblance of ability, planning, honesty and are able to stop screwing over the region as has been the case during Len’s term.

        I do realise you don’t give a toss about Auckland and are only interested in whether your perceived “team” is the winner.

        • Another Viper 2.3.2.1
          10 January 2013 at 4:20 pm

          Inference being that pushing a Party brand is a selfish act?
          E.g Running a Green brand in the General Election is in the interest of the Green Party rather than the country?

          Mmm….,feeling a big sanctimonious today?

        • onsos 2.3.2.2
          10 January 2013 at 5:26 pm

          Where do you get this from? Just a gut feeling? Or is there a poll out there that derides Brown’s chances?

    • Tracey 2.4
      11 January 2013 at 12:14 pm

      “widely despised”? Really? Source?

      Brewer is heading for parliament, a tilt at the mayorlty, win or lose might raise is worth in that regard?

  3. karol 3
    10 January 2013 at 9:42 am

    I was in the newly gerrymandered Whau Board last election. There was a problem that this board, encompassing some of Cunliffe’s New Lynn electorate, didn’t really put up an obvious left wing candidate. I would suggest this is rectified for the coming elections. There was a much better coordinated campaign for the rest of the west via Future West.

    Just for retrospective consideration, 2010 final results:

    Mayor

    Wards and local Boards.

  4. andy (the other one) 4
    10 January 2013 at 10:23 am

    Cameron Brewer has been running for the last couple of years hasn’t he?

    He regularily feeds tales of waste and excess to granny Herald..

    /sacasm

    • ghostwhowalksnz 4.1
      10 January 2013 at 4:03 pm

      The guy is been a leech on the taxpayer for years. First he was an ratepayer funded aide to Banks in his first mayoral term, and when he lost he worked for Rodney Hide but was paid by the taxpayer. Then he got a ratepayer funded job at the newmarket |business association , until a job as a councillor.

      hes only happy with council spending when hes the one spending up large

    • Tracey 4.2
      11 January 2013 at 12:50 pm

      agreed, which is why the tilt at mayorlty will only be as part of a wider strategy into parliament, must have been right pissed off when the boy in nappies got in ahead of him.

  5. tc 5
    10 January 2013 at 10:36 am

    The game’s rigged, Rortneys supershity make the Mayor a largely ceremonial position.

    Whoever runs from the right will be well backed and compensated but I don’t think they’ll be expected to do more than wave the blue flag and let Brown go back and continue to be outflanked and outgunned by the design quirks Rortney was told to rollout.

    My money’s on Banksey Jnr, Cammy boy. The MSM have been garnering his profile with the mock outrage at rates rises, expenses and other stuff to look tough and out for the ratepayer. Fletcher will probably go on the ticket as Goldy boy failed to get on a board and is now comfy as in the Epsom seat.

    Brown has been weak and showed over POA he ain’t the messiah, not even close.

  6. tamati 6
    10 January 2013 at 10:51 am

    I think a better question is who is going to stand up for the left? Len Brown is just another TINA neo-lib who takes advantage of left wingers.

    Isn’t it about time Helen Kelly made a debut into elected politics?

    • Dr Terry 6.1
      10 January 2013 at 11:12 am

      tamati – a very good question, plus a very good suggestion!

    • King Kong 6.2
      10 January 2013 at 11:37 am

      Helen Keller would have better vision and could hear what people actually want.

      • QoT 6.2.1
        10 January 2013 at 7:26 pm

        Hahaha it’s funny because Helen Keller had disabilities so she wasn’t very good at anything, LOL!!!!

        🙄

        I wonder if KK even realises just how ironic hir comment is …

        • KevC. 6.2.1.1
          11 January 2013 at 7:42 pm

          QoT I think you should review your comment that Helen Keller “…wasn’t very good at anything…” Yes she had disabilities [she was deaf blind] but she became an author, was a political activist and demonstrating a keen intelligence became a socialist. Here’s a link to wikipedia for you to follow
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_keller
          Incidentally, having a disability does not necessarily mean a person cannot be good at anything.

      • Tracey 6.2.2
        11 January 2013 at 12:49 pm

        She is known in New Zealand as Judith Collins

    • Fortran 6.3
      10 January 2013 at 1:41 pm

      Assume Annette King will stand in Wellington mayoralty leaving Rongotai for Helen Kelly who will make a refreshing new MP.

    • ad 6.4
      10 January 2013 at 5:17 pm

      Mayor Brown is, like Obama, necessarily a centrist apart from specific opportunities. Don’t forget that while the current government has been legislating local government’s coherence and ambit and power away really fast over the last year, Brown has cut hard against that with the Auckland Plan and a 10 year funding plan. I would put it to you that Brown has done more for expanding the public sphere, within a hostile central government, than anyone else on the left in the last 6 years.

    • Rogue Trooper 6.5
      10 January 2013 at 6:27 pm

      leave a gap at the CTU but

      • TiggerViper 6.5.1
        11 January 2013 at 1:53 pm

        Kelly cannot win Rongotai. She’s an unpalatble candidate and unelectable. Little has been sniffing around the seat also after failing to take New Plymouth. If King leaves (if!) and Councillor Paul Eagle wants the nomination then it should be his. He’s proved he can get out the vote in that area and he’s fresh Beehive blood that Labour desperately needs.

  7. NoseViper (The Nose knows) 7
    10 January 2013 at 11:07 am

    Len Brown seems to be able to talk the talk but seems inflexible on some things, not open to discussion or reconsideration. But it’s likely that the supershitty will become more management oriented, decisions from the top, user pays etc. It’s too big to fall over thing. Who is for the ordinary person – community boards?

    • mickysavage 7.1
      10 January 2013 at 11:12 am

      I think it will be similar to the US election this time. Lefties will decide that Brown is OK and that his vision for the city is good and they will rally behind him. If the right wing put up a candidate he will be far too scary to countenance. Things like the inner city loop are far too important to not do.

      Having said that there is still some grumpiness with Len over issues such as POAL and he must do better.

      • karol 7.1.1
        10 January 2013 at 11:13 am

        I have been impressed by what I’ve seen of Penny Hulse (deputy mayor) on Citizen A. But I know little else about her politics. Is she a continuing left prospect for the future?

        • mickysavage 7.1.1.1
          10 January 2013 at 12:53 pm

          Penny IMHO has been remarkably good and I am sure she will stand again. She has even voted against Len a couple of times on issues that matter such as the Council response to the POAL dispute.

          The Mayoralty is a big deal though. To mount an effective campaign someone needs half a million plus in the bank and the support of one of the major parties. I cannot imagine anyone succeeding if they are unable to achieve both of these. The logistics of campaigning region wide would otherwise be far too much.

      • andy (the other one) 7.1.2
        10 January 2013 at 11:23 am

        I have a feeling the CitRats are going to put up a weak candidate with the ultimate goal being 2016 elections, I think that as opposed to Higher standard above, people realise Brown inherited a lot of issues and may give him 3 more years.

        Cam Brewer needs to get a better profile and start selling an alternative vision instead of just being anti everything Len says. Or he is waiting for that Epsom seat….

  8. BJ 8
    10 January 2013 at 11:27 am

    Newsflash – Len Brown is a right wing candidate. Who opened the speaking order at the national party conference this year? Len Brown. Who refused to stand up for port workers in the face of their getting fucked by a council-owned company? Len Brown. Who stands idly by, and even worse has community members forced out of meetings regarding the issue, while families are evicted and state houses stolen from Glen Innes? Len Brown. We need a real candidate of the left, preferably not Penny Bright this time.

    • Lightly 8.1
      10 January 2013 at 3:10 pm

      the mayor of the host city opened the Nats’ conference – as is traditional for labour and nat conferences

  9. Anne 9
    10 January 2013 at 1:11 pm

    Who opened the speaking order at the national party conference this year? Len Brown.

    BJ, it is traditional for the mayor of a city that is hosting a major political party conference to open that conference. In the past, Labour conferences have been opened by Nat. supporting mayors.

  10. ad 10
    10 January 2013 at 5:20 pm

    What’s the Left’s plan for Auckland 2013?

  11. millsy 11
    10 January 2013 at 11:16 pm

    Len Brown should scrape home, not that he really deserves to, I really dont see him all committed to the provision of things like parks, pools, libraries, halls, etc. Plus he needs to take those buses ‘in house’. Plus I think he’s a bit socially conservative.

    The thing is, these local body candidates dont really say that they stand for apart from ‘rates should be kept down’ (without saying what services they will cut to achieve that).

    Political parties need to start standing candidates in elections and drawing up manifestos to campaign on. I want to have a choice between a Labour candidate who promises to keep our libaries open, an ACT candidate who wants to close them all down and a Green candidate who wants to give everyone a free recycling bin.

  12. alex 12
    11 January 2013 at 11:44 am

    Why would they bother running a candidate when the waterfront debacle showed they can just co-opt Len Brown into being their stooge?

  13. Pascal's bookie 13
    11 January 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Not seeing any suggestions from the resident righties.

  14. The Urban Maori 14
    11 January 2013 at 2:43 pm

    Like it or not guys Len Brown is staying mayor.
    Otahuhu and South Auckland carried him to victory and he knows community better than pretty much any candidate that the Right and probably even the Left can field.

    BTW, Otahuhu technically isn’t South Auckland but gets counted as Southside when it appears in the news for something bad.

  15. gnomic 15
    11 January 2013 at 11:41 pm

    John Banks had mana? Nope, I think not. Never ever ever. He had the support of the rest of his crew, the people who make jobs supposedly, and the moneybags gang to some extent, but mana, you must be joking surely? The guy is certifiable imho, and anybody with half a clue would be aware of that. So they would just have been be hoping to steer him to do what they wanted. Can you spell crazy puppet?

  16. unicus 16
    12 January 2013 at 7:09 pm

    Len would have been sunk without the regional knowledge of Mike Lee and Sandra Coney . Lee and Coney provided the only brains and ability in a council dominated by a shower of clueless yobs dredged up from the old territorial authorities and an array of down at heel ex MPs and mayors . In the face of the active opposition and perenial bastardry of the National Party and its excruciating government Lee and Coney bought to the supercity the fifty year history of acheivement and learning by Aucklands only successful local govenment authority – the ARC

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    Something odd happened yesterday, and I’d love to know if there’s more to it. If there was something which preempted what happened, or if it was simply a throwaway line in response to a journalist.Yesterday David Seymour was asked at a press conference what the process would be if the ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    2 days ago

  • Webworm LA Pop-Up
    Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    2 days ago

  • “Feel good” school is out
    Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    2 days ago

  • 6 Months in, surely our Report Card is “Ignored all warnings: recommend dismissal ASAP”?
    Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy. Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    3 days ago

  • Bread, and how it gets buttered
    Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    3 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: Why Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating in the country
    Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    3 days ago

  • Justice for Gaza?
    The New York Times reports that the International Criminal Court is about to issue arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, over their genocide in Gaza: Israeli officials increasingly believe that the International Criminal Court is preparing to issue arrest warrants for senior government officials on ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    3 days ago

  • If there has been any fiddling with Pharmac’s funding, we can count on Paula to figure out the fis...
    Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    3 days ago

  • FastTrackWatch – The case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    3 days ago

  • Bernard’s pick 'n' mix for Monday, April 29
    TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Gordon Campbell on Iran killing its rappers, and searching for the invisible Dr. Reti
    span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
    Gordon CampbellBy lyndon
    3 days ago

  • Auckland Rail Electrification 10 years old
    Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
    Greater AucklandBy Matt L
    3 days ago

  • Coalition's dirge of austerity and uncertainty is driving the economy into a deeper recession
    Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago

  • Disability Funding or Tax Cuts.
    You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    3 days ago

  • Of the Goodness of Tolkien’s Eru
    April has been a quiet month at A Phuulish Fellow. I have had an exceptionally good reading month, and a decently productive writing month – for original fiction, anyway – but not much has caught my eye that suggested a blog article. It has been vaguely frustrating, to be honest. ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    4 days ago

  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #17
    A listing of 31 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, April 21, 2024 thru Sat, April 27, 2024. Story of the week Anthropogenic climate change may be the ultimate shaggy dog story— but with a twist, because here ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago

  • Pastor Who Abused People, Blames People
    Hi,I spent about a year on Webworm reporting on an abusive megachurch called Arise, and it made me want to stab my eyes out with a fork.I don’t regret that reporting in 2022 and 2023 — I am proud of it — but it made me angry.Over three main stories ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    4 days ago

  • Vic Uni shows how under threat free speech is
    The new Victoria University Vice-Chancellor decided to have a forum at the university about free speech and academic freedom as it is obviously a topical issue, and the Government is looking at legislating some carrots or sticks for universities to uphold their obligations under the Education and Training Act. They ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    4 days ago

  • Winston remembers Gettysburg.
    Do you remember when Melania Trump got caught out using a speech that sounded awfully like one Michelle Obama had given? Uncannily so.Well it turns out that Abraham Lincoln is to Winston Peters as Michelle was to Melania. With the ANZAC speech Uncle Winston gave at Gallipoli having much in ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago

  • 25
    She was born 25 years ago today in North Shore hospital. Her eyes were closed tightly shut, her mouth was silently moving. The whole theatre was all quiet intensity as they marked her a 2 on the APGAR test. A one-minute eternity later, she was an 8.  The universe was ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    4 days ago

  • Fact Brief – Is Antarctica gaining land ice?
    Skeptical Science is partnering with Gigafact to produce fact briefs — bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. This fact brief was written by Sue Bin Park in collaboration with members from our Skeptical Science team. You can submit claims you think need checking via the tipline. Is Antarctica gaining land ice? ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Policing protests.
    Images of US students (and others) protesting and setting up tent cities on US university campuses have been broadcast world wide and clearly demonstrate the growing rifts in US society caused by US policy toward Israel and Israel’s prosecution of … Continue reading → ...
    KiwipoliticoBy Pablo
    5 days ago

  • Open letter to Hon Paul Goldsmith
    Barrie Saunders writes – Dear Paul As the new Minister of Media and Communications, you will be inundated with heaps of free advice and special pleading, all in the national interest of course. For what it’s worth here is my assessment: Traditional broadcasting free to air content through ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Bryce Edwards: FastTrackWatch – The Case for the Government’s Fast Track Bill
    Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its arguments for such a bold reform. ...
    Democracy ProjectBy bryce.edwards
    5 days ago

  • Luxon gets out his butcher’s knife – briefly
    Peter Dunne writes –  The great nineteenth British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, once observed that “the first essential for a Prime Minister is to be a good butcher.” When a later British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, sacked a third of his Cabinet in July 1962, in what became ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • More tax for less
    Ele Ludemann writes – New Zealanders had the OECD’s second highest tax increase last year: New Zealanders faced the second-biggest tax raises in the developed world last year, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says. The intergovernmental agency said the average change in personal income tax ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    5 days ago

  • Real News vs Fake News.
    We all know something’s not right with our elections. The spread of misinformation, people being targeted with soundbites and emotional triggers that ignore the facts, even the truth, and influence their votes.The use of technology to produce deep fakes. How can you tell if something is real or not? Can ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago

  • Another way to roll
    Hello! Here comes the Saturday edition of More Than A Feilding, catching you up on the past week’s editions.Share ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    5 days ago

  • Simon Clark: The climate lies you'll hear this year
    This video includes conclusions of the creator climate scientist Dr. Simon Clark. It is presented to our readers as an informed perspective. Please see video description for references (if any). This year you will be lied to! Simon Clark helps prebunk some misleading statements you'll hear about climate. The video includes ...
    Skeptical Science
    5 days ago

  • Cutting the Public Service
    It is all very well cutting the backrooms of public agencies but it may compromise the frontlines. One of the frustrations of the Productivity Commission’s 2017 review of universities is that while it observed that their non-academic staff were increasing faster than their academic staff, it did not bother to ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s demoted ministers might take comfort from the British politician who bounced back after th...
    Buzz from the Beehive Two speeches delivered by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at Anzac Day ceremonies in Turkey are the only new posts on the government’s official website since the PM announced his Cabinet shake-up. In one of the speeches, Peters stated the obvious:  we live in a troubled ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • This is how I roll over
    1. Which of these would you not expect to read in The Waikato Invader?a. Luxon is here to do business, don’t you worry about thatb. Mr KPI expects results, and you better believe itc. This decisive man of action is getting me all hot and excitedd. Melissa Lee is how ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago

  • The Waitangi Tribunal is not “a roving Commission”…
    …it has a restricted jurisdiction which must not be abused: it is not an inquisition   NOTE – this article was published before the High Court ruled that Karen Chhour does not have to appear before the Waitangi Tribunal Gary Judd writes –  The High Court ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Is Oranga Tamariki guilty of neglect?
    Lindsay Mitchell writes – One of reasons Oranga Tamariki exists is to prevent child neglect. But could the organisation itself be guilty of the same? Oranga Tamariki’s statistics show a decrease in the number and age of children in care. “There are less children ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    6 days ago

  • Three Strikes saw lower reoffending
    David Farrar writes: Graeme Edgeler wrote in 2017: In the first five years after three strikes came into effect 5248 offenders received a ‘first strike’ (that is, a “stage-1 conviction” under the three strikes sentencing regime), and 68 offenders received a ‘second strike’. In the five years prior to ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • Luxon’s ruthless show of strength is perfect for our angry era
    Bryce Edwards writes – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has surprised everyone with his ruthlessness in sacking two of his ministers from their crucial portfolios. Removing ministers for poor performance after only five months in the job just doesn’t normally happen in politics. That’s refreshing and will be extremely ...
    Point of OrderBy poonzteam5443
    6 days ago

  • 'Lacks attention to detail and is creating double-standards.'
    TL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on Aotearoa-NZ’s political economy in the two days to 6:06am on Thursday, April 25:Politics: PM Christopher Luxon has set up a dual standard for ministerial competence by demoting two National Cabinet ministers while leaving also-struggling ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    6 days ago

  • One Night Only!
    Hi,Today I mainly want to share some of your thoughts about the recent piece I wrote about success and failure, and the forces that seemingly guide our lives. But first, a quick bit of housekeeping: I am doing a Webworm popup in Los Angeles on Saturday May 11 at 2pm. ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago

  • What did Melissa Lee do?
    It is hard to see what Melissa Lee might have done to “save” the media. National went into the election with no public media policy and appears not to have developed one subsequently. Lee claimed that she had prepared a policy paper before the election but it had been decided ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    6 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
    1 hour 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 hours 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
    8 hours 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
    19 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    1 day 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    2 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    3 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
    4 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    5 days 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
    6 days 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
    7 days 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
    7 days 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week 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
    1 week ago

  • Overseas decommissioning models considered
    Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Release of North Island Severe Weather Event Inquiry
    Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell has today released the Report of the Government Inquiry into the response to the North Island Severe Weather Events. “The report shows that New Zealand’s emergency management system is not fit-for-purpose and there are some significant gaps we need to address,” Mr Mitchell ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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

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

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

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

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

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