Zero Carbon acts – this is how change happens

Written By: - Date published: 10:31 am, November 8th, 2019 - 51 comments
Categories: activism, climate change, james shaw - Tags: ,

That pretty much sums it up for me. A few other thoughts. I don’t follow the detail of current mainstream responses to the climate crisis (eg the Zero Carbon Act), because I believe there are compelling reasons for industrialised nations to Powerdown (while sharing resources with countries that don’t have the basics of life and wellbeing for their people).

So most of the public discourse that is still centred in green BAU fits into the winning slowly failure category and I see an incredibly frustrating large gap between where we are and what even the left are talking about that needs doing (not to worry deep greenies, the other mahi is being done too and we will be ready when the time comes).

But, I also believe that the problem here is not technological – we have the knowledge, experience, and physical capacity to Powerdown and still live good lives. The problem is social, and consequently political. What interests me then is how social change happens, and how much we can influence this.

The Zero Carbon Act is a big deal because of this. It shifts culture. The line just moved and I can see flow on effects spreading out in a myriad of ways. Think the next twelve months leading into the election and the potential for making it the climate change election.

I cried yesterday when I heard the news that the Bill passed nearly unanimously, because it’s a win against significant odds and because we can’t save the world without actions like this. But beyond all the debate and rationalisations for various positions, I think mostly I cried because of the relief that finally we are doing something. This too shouldn’t be underestimated, the power of hope and relief and the fact that we are emotional beings who respond intuitively to things heading in the right direction.

These shifts in the social and political culture in NZ, the mainstreaming of climate action, can now be backed up throughout society in how we do things, including in government, NGOs with government contracts, workplaces and businesses, schools, communities. This is how change happens. We need at least another 2 terms of a L/G government, and we need more Green Ministers, because they’re the ones committed to doing all the boring policy and implementation work that changes society.

The Act is not the only thing that is needed, but then what we also need right now is for people to understand that governments are following activism on climate action. The Zero Carbon Act will exist because of Generation Zero, decades of work by indigenous peoples, Green parties, climate NGOs, and more lately the School Strikers and Extinction Rebels. We did this, the people, and the Zero Carbon Act makes it easier for the next waves of activism to have more concrete results. This is how change happens.

For those doubtful that the Act is going to help, bear in mind that three years ago when I started writing about climate  change at The Standard, much of my political thinking was around how can we get the general public to take this more seriously? This is no longer the issue, that snowball is rolling. The issue now is how can we build on the gains we have achieved in ways that give us the best possible outcomes?

No doubt many of us will spend the day tossing around ideas about what is and isn’t enough, and yes National are still a bunch of very dangerous, political opportunist, climate denying fools, but let’s also celebrate this victory and remember to talk about how far we’ve come.

Finally, a shout out to James Shaw, who cops a lot of shit from the left and progressives for being a suit. I am immensely grateful for the work he did on this. I see both the weaving of life-affirming green kaupapa throughout this and the commitment to the long, deep work of building something that will last. 

51 comments on “Zero Carbon acts – this is how change happens ”

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  1. Sacha 1
    8 November 2019 at 11:03 am

    the Bill passed nearly unanimously

    Because Seymour stayed away from the chamber (not for the first time), the vote was officially unanimous. He is such a waste of oxygen.

    • Robert Guyton 1.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:05 am

      And producer of CO2 (let's give him some credit!)

      • Sacha 1.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 11:19 am

        He will make a good carbon sink.. one day.

        [lprent: And one day you will walk too far over the bounds. I can see that in your future. Can’t you see that as well. ]

        • Sacha 1.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 2:42 pm

          We are all destined to be useful in that way – for him that will make a change, is all I was noting.

  2. Robert Guyton 2
    8 November 2019 at 11:09 am

    The passing of this Bill is a huge blow for the confidence and ideology of the conservative, regressive elements; they'll be spewing, though feeling conflicted, because their team showed "weakness" in going along with the nonsense. They'll be drawing succour though, from the certain knowledge that Simon, Judith and co. will strip the Zero Carbon Bill of everything that might cost them, as soon as they are elected in 2020.

    • weka 2.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:19 am

      that is so good, hadn't even thought about that.

      • Sacha 2.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 11:21 am

        Remember the Nats have huge amounts of polling research behind decisions like this one. Being cooperative now and ruthlessly gutting the law when next in power must have played best.

        • weka 2.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 11:31 am

          good point too. This speaks to quite a weak position yeah? That this is their best move suggests they are losing on the climate politics. And they may be blind to just how strong the climate movement is about to become.

          Important for lefties to take this into account, as Nats go more vicious in their fear.

          • Sacha 2.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 11:34 am

            Nats are juggling urban liberal and rural tory interests as they have always done. And yes, the left need to be smart about what to do from here onwards.

        • Sanctuary 2.1.1.2
          8 November 2019 at 1:33 pm

          Isn't that what they did to the ETS under Key?

        • Graeme 2.1.1.3
          8 November 2019 at 6:02 pm

          That polling would have indicated that the consequences of not supporting the bill would have put their next public polling at a level that would have handed Labour / Green a landslide next year, like in 20's or below.

          For the same reason National won't go near it if they win next year. Simon's threat's are to hang onto that base 20 odd %. I look at a lot of their screeching in the same light, trying to hold the deep base.

          The vote show's two things,

          • Climate has become a third rail issue in New Zealand
          • National might have some conflict between holding it's deep base, and getting elected

          National don’t seem to think strategically any more, it’s all about maintaining the poll rating week by week

    • KJT 2.2
      8 November 2019 at 1:52 pm

      The blow back on the National sites is comical.

      Any illusions I may have had, that National voters had any intelligence, have been shattered.

    • Bh 2.3
      8 November 2019 at 6:14 pm

      So when the sun starts it's last days, expands and incinerates the earth, what are we going to do?

      My question is why bother?

      • weka 2.3.1
        8 November 2019 at 7:16 pm

        That's pretty nihilistic. We can do something about impending suffering and death now, so why not?

        If humans are still around in 7.5 billion years when the earth gets nuked by the sun, I guess we'll have to deal with that. It's not like the situation we are now though.

        • Bh 2.3.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 7:29 pm

          Just delaying the inevitable. Mass extinction has happened on earth at least 5 times already – all without human caused climate change. It will happen again…without human caused climate change.

          • weka 2.3.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 7:35 pm

            Not sure what your point is, but you should know that I don't allow climate denialism under my posts if that's where you are going.

      • Pat 2.3.2
        8 November 2019 at 7:54 pm

        4.5 to 5.5 billion years away is a wee bit different than 1 or 2 generations

        https://phys.org/news/2016-05-earth-survive-sun-red-giant.html

  3. Booker 3
    8 November 2019 at 11:40 am

    I’ve always been impressed by James Shaw’s ability to get stuff done. It seems that some Green members would prefer a leader who takes a harder line, makes good radical sound bites and refuses to deal with the dirty opposition. I’m grateful we’ve got someone who talks to people, gets them on board and gets legislation passed.

    • weka 3.1
      8 November 2019 at 11:51 am

      Same. I don't really understand the political position of be more radical in parliament when they've got such minimal power. It's clear that Shaw wants to be more racial but can't. Will be interesting to see what happens are they gain more MPs.

  4. Robert Guyton 4
    8 November 2019 at 11:53 am

    Look to Judith Collins' behaviour yesterday, for a heads-up on National's intentions and tenor. Personally, I think they're mistaking the mood of the nation, but we'll see. They may be failing to account for what Labour, Greens etc. will be able to lever in response to their attempts to paint the Bill as too far, too fast. Jacinda set the response in motion yesterday with her, "We won't be slow followers" statement. The Nats are determined to be just that. It will be very difficult/impossible to regress, imo.

    • weka 4.1
      8 November 2019 at 12:00 pm

      I think so. It would be very bad if National win next year, but if L/G get even one more term the whole ball game will have changed by 2023 and it will be hard to roll back the gains. By 2023 we'll be on to updating the Act.

      • Robert Guyton 4.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 12:14 pm

        That's right. There will be no actual pain felt by the public as a result of the Zero Carbon Bill as early as 2020, so any advantage the Right might hope to gain will be from scaremongering alone. That's the route they will take, naturally, and the Left will have to counter that. With Jacinda as spokesperson, the Left have a tremendous advantage over the Right in this situation. I feel National will fail to get a rise from anyone other than their own regressive supporters. The Left will win the coming election and the Government will continue with its work.

        • Sacha 4.1.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 2:39 pm

          The Nats may still plan to lure Winston First voters away and collapse them below 5%.

          • Robert Guyton 4.1.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 2:41 pm

            Simon Bridges called NZ1st, "ignorant" in the House yesterday. Good luck with the luring, Is! But yes, they will try. Winston however, is wiley and will respond in kind.

            • Sacha 4.1.1.1.1.1
              8 November 2019 at 2:44 pm

              You don't poach another party's voters by saying they're doing a great job. 🙂

              • Robert Guyton …
                8 November 2019 at 2:49 pm

                True. Winston though, is positioning himself as the Farmer's Champion. He's been lolloping pots of money in their direction and pulling on the Green handbrake as hard as he can. He'll do okay.

  5. Stuart Munro. 5
    8 November 2019 at 3:42 pm

    Not to rain on the parade here, but this is a paper victory thus far. It will be the implementation that determines whether it is really a victory, or a first step on the path to one, or a self-congratulatory exercise that falls woefully short.

    There are a few 'victories' to date that lack follow through – the plastic bags springs to mind. Although the carry bags are gone, single use bags are still everywhere in evidence. There is not, in most cases, even the option of paper ones instead.

    So, let's see some confirming instances of action, so that we have actual cause to celebrate.

    • weka 5.1
      8 November 2019 at 3:56 pm

      How is removal of one set of very common plastics not a win? Are you suggesting that it's a theoretical victory because other single use plastics are still in use? What about the lessening of plastics pollution as well as the social changes? We all know it's not enough, but how does framing it as not a victory help?

      Re the ZCA, the point of the post was to highlight the value in shifting society as part of system change. Yes, we need to follow that up with concrete actions. I'd be interested in analysis of what the challenges are there for NZ, including some specific examples.

      • Stuart Munro. 5.1.1
        8 November 2019 at 4:23 pm

        The plastic bag change was moderate and reasonably popular, much better than the proposed plastic bag tax would have been. But that was over a year ago, and further progress ought to be apparent by now. That it is not makes the effort look rather like window dressing.

        The move from a crude extractive economy to a sophisticated light-footed one is a subject worthy of several novel-length treatises. While we remain covertly committed to neoliberal economic norms I'm skeptical that significant reform will even be floated at the political level. Which leaves us, as ever, with the option of small scale investments in the robustness and self-reliance of communities – cooperatives, allotments, shared food forests, conceivably ridesharing aps.

        A strong government intervention might be characterised by significant transport reform, including high speed rail to replace domestic air travel and purpose built efficient coastal shipping. The energy profiles of construction techniques would be reviewed and moves to reduce steel and cement – materials with significant carbon debt – introduced. Composites with long life and/or better decay or recycling routes would edge out existing plastics. But we are at present so backward the OIO is still rubberstamping agricultural land sales as if the capital inflow were somehow desirable.

    • Ad 5.2
      8 November 2019 at 8:09 pm

      Agree it is all in the implementation. This government almost never does execution well.

      But Shaw's achieved goal of making it cross-Parliamwntary does put it up there with NZSuperfund for longevity.

      It’s also off the election field, which is not so good for the Greens and great for labour.

      • Pat 5.2.1
        8 November 2019 at 8:30 pm

        "After negotiating with Shaw for about a year, National supported the Bill, but said it would implement the amendments it couldn’t get the Government to budge on, if elected in 2020. It will make these changes within the first 100 days of taking office
        The major change sought is for biogenic methane targets to be set by the independent commission.

        National will also change the law to specifically require the commission to consider economic impacts when providing advice on targets and emissions reductions, and ensure greenhouse gas reduction doesn't occur in a way that threatens food production.

        https://www.interest.co.nz/news/102476/national-throws-its-support-behind-james-shaws-zero-carbon-bill-commits-tweaking

        Off the election field?…i dont think so somehow

        • Ad 5.2.1.1
          8 November 2019 at 8:34 pm

          It's off for 2020 because they voted for it.

          Farming gases are now up to farmers to deal with until 2025.

          • Pat 5.2.1.1.1
            8 November 2019 at 8:46 pm

            There is more than that proposed by National if you read their statement….and it will be used as a point of difference for everyones campaign…its a given.

            This issue is as alive as it ever was…there is no consensus

            • Ad 5.2.1.1.1.1
              8 November 2019 at 8:56 pm

              Well, no reaction from the media so far on their position, and none likely either.

              They're aware as much as anyone that 10% of the population marched.

              None of their proposed tweaks are major, and most just give stronger independence from future party meddling.

              No farmer vote will change as a result of National's support, they've protected their urban vote, and now they can't be attacked from the green side or left of it.

              • Pat …
                8 November 2019 at 9:03 pm

                10%?…I think you'll find more like 3.5%…and few likely potential National voters.

                And no reaction from the media?….theyve all noted the Claytons agreement…and the campaign proper hasnt begun yet…there'll be plenty of positioning to come around this issue and media attention

      • Stuart Munro. 5.2.2
        9 November 2019 at 8:00 am

        This government almost never does execution well.

        It's not all their fault – there's been a lot of capacity destruction over the last few decades.

  7. Ad 7
    8 November 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Are there any policy papers that show what effects this Act will have in, say, 5 years?

    Do they indicate which industrial sectors they will be targeting first, since it won't be agriculture?

  8. observer 8
    8 November 2019 at 8:31 pm

    Yes, this is a major achievement. Framing the future debate is just as important as the specifics of legislation (the Right did this successfully on economic policy in the late 80s/90s, so even though individual items like CHEs or Employment Contracts Act were changed by an incoming government, that was a case of "hold the line", not undo).

    Sometimes I think some on the left are victims of their own pessimism. Will National want to roll it back? The ideologues, sure. But the pragmatists will want to win elections, and there aren't enough votes in denial.

  9. Ian 9
    10 November 2019 at 7:41 pm

    I have just been watching the Sky news coverage of the devastating fires in eastern Australia.Our cows belching look like a sparrows fart in comparison to that terrible sight. Canterbury today is brilliant for grass growth and our cows are producing like never before. How will Australia be made to pay for their emissions from bush fires ?

  10. Matiri 10
    11 November 2019 at 5:43 pm

    Very interesting discussion yesterday with a dairy farmer – we graze his calves and heifers. He asked our thoughts on climate change and 1080 – we said that we agree with the consensus view of scientists as they are better qualified than us to evaluate all of the evidence. He agreed!!

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  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Wednesday, July 24

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Wednesday, July 24, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Beehive: Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to use PPPs to fund, build and run a four-lane expressway between Auckland ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    3 days ago
  • Luxon gets caught out

    NewstalkZB host Mike Hosking, who can usually be relied on to give Prime Minister Christopher Luxon an easy run, did not do so yesterday when he interviewed him about the HealthNZ deficit. Luxon is trying to use a deficit reported last year by HealthNZ as yet another example of the ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    3 days ago
  • A worrying sign

    Back in January a StatsNZ employee gave a speech at Rātana on behalf of tangata whenua in which he insulted and criticised the government. The speech clearly violated the principle of a neutral public service, and StatsNZ started an investigation. Part of that was getting an external consultant to examine ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    4 days ago
  • Are we fine with 47.9% home-ownership by 2048?

    Renting for life: Shared ownership initiatives are unlikely to slow the slide in home ownership by much. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy today are:A Deloitte report for Westpac has projected Aotearoa’s home-ownership rate will ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • Let's Win This

    You're broken down and tiredOf living life on a merry go roundAnd you can't find the fighterBut I see it in you so we gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsWe gonna walk it outAnd move mountainsAnd I'll rise upI'll rise like the dayI'll rise upI'll rise unafraidI'll rise upAnd I'll ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    4 days ago
  • Waimahara: The Singing Spirit of Water

    There’s been a change in Myers Park. Down the steps from St. Kevin’s Arcade, past the grassy slopes, the children’s playground, the benches and that goat statue, there has been a transformation. The underpass for Mayoral Drive has gone from a barren, grey, concrete tunnel, to a place that thrums ...
    Greater AucklandBy Connor Sharp
    4 days ago
  • A major milestone: Global climate pollution may have just peaked

    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Global society may have finally slammed on the brakes for climate-warming pollution released by human fossil fuel combustion. According to the Carbon Monitor Project, the total global climate pollution released between February and May 2024 declined slightly from the amount released during the same ...
    Skeptical Science
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Tuesday, July 23 are:Deep Dive: Penlink: where tolling rhetoric meets reality BusinessDesk-$$$’s Oliver LewisScoop: Te Pūkenga plans for regional polytechs leak out ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Tuesday, July 23

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Tuesday, July 23, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:Health: Shane Reti announced the Board of Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand was being replaced with Commissioner Lester Levy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    4 days ago
  • HealthNZ and Luxon at cross purposes over budget blowout

    Health NZ warned the Government at the end of March that it was running over Budget. But the reasons it gave were very different to those offered by the Prime Minister yesterday. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon blamed the “botched merger” of the 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) to create Health ...
    PolitikBy Richard Harman
    4 days ago
  • 2500-3000 more healthcare staff expected to be fired, as Shane Reti blames Labour for a budget defic...

    Long ReadKey Summary: Although National increased the health budget by $1.4 billion in May, they used an old funding model to project health system costs, and never bothered to update their pre-election numbers. They were told during the Health Select Committees earlier in the year their budget amount was deficient, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    4 days ago
  • Might Kamala Harris be about to get a 'stardust' moment like Jacinda Ardern?

    As a momentous, historic weekend in US politics unfolded, analysts and commentators grasped for precedents and comparisons to help explain the significance and power of the choice Joe Biden had made. The 46th president had swept the Democratic party’s primaries but just over 100 days from the election had chosen ...
    PunditBy Tim Watkin
    5 days ago
  • Solutions Interview: Steven Hail on MMT & ecological economics

    TL;DR: I’m casting around for new ideas and ways of thinking about Aotearoa’s political economy to find a few solutions to our cascading and self-reinforcing housing, poverty and climate crises.Associate Professor runs an online masters degree in the economics of sustainability at Torrens University in Australia and is organising ...
    The KakaBy Steven Hail
    5 days ago
  • Reported back

    The Finance and Expenditure Committee has reported back on National's Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill. The bill sets up water for privatisation, and was introduced under urgency, then rammed through select committee with no time even for local councils to make a proper submission. Naturally, national's select committee ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    5 days ago
  • Vandrad the Viking, Christopher Coombes, and Literary Archaeology

    Some years ago, I bought a book at Dunedin’s Regent Booksale for $1.50. As one does. Vandrad the Viking (1898), by J. Storer Clouston, is an obscure book these days – I cannot find a proper online review – but soon it was sitting on my shelf, gathering dust alongside ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    5 days ago
  • Gordon Campbell On The Biden Withdrawal

    History is not on the side of the centre-left, when Democratic presidents fall behind in the polls and choose not to run for re-election. On both previous occasions in the past 75 years (Harry Truman in 1952, Lyndon Johnson in 1968) the Democrats proceeded to then lose the White House ...
    WerewolfBy lyndon
    5 days ago
  • Joe Biden's withdrawal puts the spotlight back on Kamala and the USA's complicated relatio...

    This is a free articleCoverageThis morning, US President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the Presidential race. And that is genuinely newsworthy. Thanks for your service, President Biden, and all the best to you and yours.However, the media in New Zealand, particularly the 1News nightly bulletin, has been breathlessly covering ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    5 days ago
  • Why we have to challenge our national fiscal assumptions

    A homeless person’s camp beside a blocked-off slipped damage walkway in Freeman’s Bay: we are chasing our tail on our worsening and inter-related housing, poverty and climate crises. Photo: Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • Existential Crisis and Damaged Brains

    What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognise?(Gone away)But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have to findAnd as I try to make my wayTo the ordinary worldYesterday morning began as many others - what to write about today? I began ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    5 days ago
  • A speed limit is not a target, and yet…

    This is a guest post from longtime supporter Mr Plod, whose previous contributions include a proposal that Hamilton become New Zealand’s capital city, and that we should switch which side of the road we drive on. A recent Newsroom article, “Back to school for the Govt’s new speed limit policy“, ...
    Greater AucklandBy Guest Post
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 7:00 am on Monday, July 22 are:Today’s Must Read: Father and son live in a tent, and have done for four years, in a million ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Monday, July 22

    TL;DR: As of 7:00 am on Monday, July 22, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:US President Joe Biden announced via X this morning he would not stand for a second term.Multinational professional services firm ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    5 days ago
  • 2024 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #29

    A listing of 32 news and opinion articles we found interesting and shared on social media during the past week: Sun, July 14, 2024 thru Sat, July 20, 2024. Story of the week As reflected by preponderance of coverage, our Story of the Week is Project 2025. Until now traveling ...
    Skeptical Science
    6 days ago
  • I'd like to share what I did this weekend

    This weekend, a friend pointed out someone who said they’d like to read my posts, but didn’t want to pay. And my first reaction was sympathy.I’ve already told folks that if they can’t comfortably subscribe, and would like to read, I’d be happy to offer free subscriptions. I don’t want ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • For the children – Why mere sentiment can be a misleading force in our lives, and lead to unex...

    National: The Party of ‘Law and Order’ IntroductionThis weekend, the Government formally kicked off one of their flagship policy programs: a military style boot camp that New Zealand has experimented with over the past 50 years. Cartoon credit: Guy BodyIt’s very popular with the National Party’s Law and Order image, ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    6 days ago
  • A friend in uncertain times

    Day one of the solo leg of my long journey home begins with my favourite sound: footfalls in an empty street. 5.00 am and it’s already light and already too warm, almost.If I can make the train that leaves Budapest later this hour I could be in Belgrade by nightfall; ...
    More Than A FeildingBy David Slack
    6 days ago
  • The Chaotic World of Male Diet Influencers

    Hi,We’ll get to the horrific world of male diet influencers (AKA Beefy Boys) shortly, but first you will be glad to know that since I sent out the Webworm explaining why the assassination attempt on Donald Trump was not a false flag operation, I’ve heard from a load of people ...
    David FarrierBy David Farrier
    6 days ago
  • It's Starting To Look A Lot Like… Y2K

    Do you remember Y2K, the threat that hung over humanity in the closing days of the twentieth century? Horror scenarios of planes falling from the sky, electronic payments failing and ATMs refusing to dispense cash. As for your VCR following instructions and recording your favourite show - forget about it.All ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Bernard’s Saturday Soliloquy for the week to July 20

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts being questioned by The Kākā’s Bernard Hickey.TL;DR: My top six things to note around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the week to July 20 were:1. A strategy that fails Zero Carbon Act & Paris targetsThe National-ACT-NZ First Coalition Government finally unveiled ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Pharmac Director, Climate Change Commissioner, Health NZ Directors – The latest to quit this m...

    Summary:As New Zealand loses at least 12 leaders in the public service space of health, climate, and pharmaceuticals, this month alone, directly in response to the Government’s policies and budget choices, what lies ahead may be darker than it appears. Tui examines some of those departures and draws a long ...
    Mountain TuiBy Mountain Tui
    1 week ago
  • Flooding Housing Policy

    The Minister of Housing’s ambition is to reduce markedly the ratio of house prices to household incomes. If his strategy works it would transform the housing market, dramatically changing the prospects of housing as an investment.Leaving aside the Minister’s metaphor of ‘flooding the market’ I do not see how the ...
    PunditBy Brian Easton
    1 week ago
  • A Voyage Among the Vandals: Accepted (Again!)

    As previously noted, my historical fantasy piece, set in the fifth-century Mediterranean, was accepted for a Pirate Horror anthology, only for the anthology to later fall through. But in a good bit of news, it turned out that the story could indeed be re-marketed as sword and sorcery. As of ...
    A Phuulish FellowBy strda221
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā's Chorus for Friday, July 19

    An employee of tobacco company Philip Morris International demonstrates a heated tobacco device. Photo: Getty ImagesTL;DR: The top six things I’ve noted around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy on Friday, July 19 are:At a time when the Coalition Government is cutting spending on health, infrastructure, education, housing ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Pick 'n' Mix for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: My pick of the top six links elsewhere around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day or so to 8:30 am on Friday, July 19 are:Scoop: NZ First Minister Casey Costello orders 50% cut to excise tax on heated tobacco products. The minister has ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Roundup 19-July-2024

    Kia ora, it’s time for another Friday roundup, in which we pull together some of the links and stories that caught our eye this week. Feel free to add more in the comments! Our header image this week shows a foggy day in Auckland town, captured by Patrick Reynolds. ...
    Greater AucklandBy Greater Auckland
    1 week ago
  • Weekly Climate Wrap: A market-led plan for failure

    TL;DR : Here’s the top six items climate news for Aotearoa this week, as selected by Bernard Hickey and The Kākā’s climate correspondent Cathrine Dyer. A discussion recorded yesterday is in the video above and the audio of that sent onto the podcast feed.The Government released its draft Emissions Reduction ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago
  • Tobacco First

    Save some money, get rich and old, bring it back to Tobacco Road.Bring that dynamite and a crane, blow it up, start all over again.Roll up. Roll up. Or tailor made, if you prefer...Whether you’re selling ciggies, digging for gold, catching dolphins in your nets, or encouraging folks to flutter ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    1 week ago
  • Trump’s Adopted Son.

    Waiting In The Wings: For truly, if Trump is America’s un-assassinated Caesar, then J.D. Vance is America’s Octavian, the Republic’s youthful undertaker – and its first Emperor.DONALD TRUMP’S SELECTION of James D. Vance as his running-mate bodes ill for the American republic. A fervent supporter of Viktor Orban, the “illiberal” prime ...
    Bowalley Road
    1 week ago
  • The Kākā’s Journal of Record for Friday, July 19

    TL;DR: As of 6:00 am on Friday, July 19, the top six announcements, speeches, reports and research around housing, climate and poverty in Aotearoa’s political economy in the last day are:The PSA announced the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) had ruled in the PSA’s favour in its case against the Ministry ...
    The KakaBy Bernard Hickey
    1 week ago

  • Joint statement from the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia and New Zealand

    Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel. The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.  We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    17 hours ago
  • AG reminds institutions of legal obligations

    Attorney-General Judith Collins today reminded all State and faith-based institutions of their legal obligation to preserve records relevant to the safety and wellbeing of those in its care. “The Abuse in Care Inquiry’s report has found cases where records of the most vulnerable people in State and faith‑based institutions were ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    20 hours ago
  • More young people learning about digital safety

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government’s online safety website for children and young people has reached one million page views.  “It is great to see so many young people and their families accessing the site Keep It Real Online to learn how to stay safe online, and manage ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    21 hours ago
  • Speech to the Conference for General Practice 2024

    Tēnā tātou katoa,  Ngā mihi te rangi, ngā mihi te whenua, ngā mihi ki a koutou, kia ora mai koutou. Thank you for the opportunity to be here and the invitation to speak at this 50th anniversary conference. I acknowledge all those who have gone before us and paved the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    23 hours ago
  • Employers and payroll providers ready for tax changes

    New Zealand’s payroll providers have successfully prepared to ensure 3.5 million individuals will, from Wednesday next week, be able to keep more of what they earn each pay, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Revenue Minister Simon Watts.  “The Government's tax policy changes are legally effective from Wednesday. Delivering this tax ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Experimental vineyard futureproofs wine industry

    An experimental vineyard which will help futureproof the wine sector has been opened in Blenheim by Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson. The covered vineyard, based at the New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa, enables controlled environmental conditions. “The research that will be produced at the Experimental ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Funding confirmed for regions affected by North Island Weather Events

    The Coalition Government has confirmed the indicative regional breakdown of North Island Weather Event (NIWE) funding for state highway recovery projects funded through Budget 2024, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Regions in the North Island suffered extensive and devastating damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Floods, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Indonesian Foreign Minister to visit

    Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, will visit New Zealand next week, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.   “Indonesia is important to New Zealand’s security and economic interests and is our closest South East Asian neighbour,” says Mr Peters, who is currently in Laos to engage with South East Asian partners. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Strengthening partnership with Ngāti Maniapoto

    He aha te kai a te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the aspirations of Ngāti Maniapoto, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says. “My thanks to Te Nehenehenui Trust – Ngāti Maniapoto for bringing their important kōrero to a ministerial ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Transport Minister thanks outgoing CAA Chair

    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has thanked outgoing Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, Janice Fredric, for her service to the board.“I have received Ms Fredric’s resignation from the role of Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority,” Mr Brown says.“On behalf of the Government, I want to thank Ms Fredric for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Test for Customary Marine Title being restored

    The Government is proposing legislation to overturn a Court of Appeal decision and amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act in order to restore Parliament’s test for Customary Marine Title, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says.  “Section 58 required an applicant group to prove they have exclusively used and occupied ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Opposition united in bad faith over ECE sector review

    Regulation Minister David Seymour says that opposition parties have united in bad faith, opposing what they claim are ‘dangerous changes’ to the Early Childhood Education sector, despite no changes even being proposed yet.  “Issues with affordability and availability of early childhood education, and the complexity of its regulation, has led ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Kiwis having their say on first regulatory review

    After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks.  “The level of interest has been very high, and from the conversations I’ve been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government upgrading Lower North Island commuter rail

    The Coalition Government is investing $802.9 million into the Wairarapa and Manawatū rail lines as part of a funding agreement with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), KiwiRail, and the Greater Wellington and Horizons Regional Councils to deliver more reliable services for commuters in the lower North Island, Transport Minister Simeon ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government moves to ensure flood protection for Wairoa

    Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced his intention to appoint a Crown Manager to both Hawke’s Bay Regional and Wairoa District Councils to speed up the delivery of flood protection work in Wairoa."Recent severe weather events in Wairoa this year, combined with damage from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • PM speech to Parliament – Royal Commission of Inquiry’s Report into Abuse in Care

    Mr Speaker, this is a day that many New Zealanders who were abused in State care never thought would come. It’s the day that this Parliament accepts, with deep sorrow and regret, the Report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.  At the heart of this report are the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges torture at Lake Alice

    For the first time, the Government is formally acknowledging some children and young people at Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital experienced torture. The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State and Faith-based Care “Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light,” was tabled in Parliament ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government acknowledges courageous abuse survivors

    The Government has acknowledged the nearly 2,400 courageous survivors who shared their experiences during the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care. The final report from the largest and most complex public inquiry ever held in New Zealand, the Royal Commission Inquiry “Whanaketia – through ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Half a million people use tax calculator

    With a week to go before hard-working New Zealanders see personal income tax relief for the first time in fourteen years, 513,000 people have used the Budget tax calculator to see how much they will benefit, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “Tax relief is long overdue. From next Wednesday, personal income ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Paid Parental Leave improvements pass first reading

    Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says a bill that has passed its first reading will improve parental leave settings and give non-biological parents more flexibility as primary carer for their child. The Regulatory Systems Amendment Bill (No3), passed its first reading this morning. “It includes a change ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Rebuilding the economy through better regulation

    Two Bills designed to improve regulation and make it easier to do business have passed their first reading in Parliament, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. The Regulatory Systems (Economic Development) Amendment Bill and Regulatory Systems (Immigration and Workforce) Amendment Bill make key changes to legislation administered by the Ministry ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • ‘Open banking’ and ‘open electricity’ on the way

    New legislation paves the way for greater competition in sectors such as banking and electricity, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says. “Competitive markets boost productivity, create employment opportunities and lift living standards. To support competition, we need good quality regulation but, unfortunately, a recent OECD report ranked New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Charity lotteries to be permitted to operate online

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says lotteries for charitable purposes, such as those run by the Heart Foundation, Coastguard NZ, and local hospices, will soon be allowed to operate online permanently. “Under current laws, these fundraising lotteries are only allowed to operate online until October 2024, after which ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Accelerating Northland Expressway

    The Coalition Government is accelerating work on the new four-lane expressway between Auckland and Whangārei as part of its Roads of National Significance programme, with an accelerated delivery model to deliver this project faster and more efficiently, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “For too long, the lack of resilient transport connections ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Sir Don to travel to Viet Nam as special envoy

    Sir Don McKinnon will travel to Viet Nam this week as a Special Envoy of the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.    “It is important that the Government give due recognition to the significant contributions that General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made to New Zealand-Viet Nam relations,” Mr ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Grant Illingworth KC appointed as transitional Commissioner to Royal Commission

    Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says newly appointed Commissioner, Grant Illingworth KC, will help deliver the report for the first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID-19 Lessons, due on 28 November 2024.  “I am pleased to announce that Mr Illingworth will commence his appointment as ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ to advance relationships with ASEAN partners

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters travels to Laos this week to participate in a series of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led Ministerial meetings in Vientiane.    “ASEAN plays an important role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.   “This will be our third visit to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Backing mental health services on the West Coast

    Construction of a new mental health facility at Te Nikau Grey Hospital in Greymouth is today one step closer, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “This $27 million facility shows this Government is delivering on its promise to boost mental health care and improve front line services,” Mr Doocey says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • NZ support for sustainable Pacific fisheries

    New Zealand is committing nearly $50 million to a package supporting sustainable Pacific fisheries development over the next four years, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced today. “This support consisting of a range of initiatives demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to assisting our Pacific partners ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Students’ needs at centre of new charter school adjustments

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says proposed changes to the Education and Training Amendment Bill will ensure charter schools have more flexibility to negotiate employment agreements and are equipped with the right teaching resources. “Cabinet has agreed to progress an amendment which means unions will not be able to initiate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Commissioner replaces Health NZ Board

    In response to serious concerns around oversight, overspend and a significant deterioration in financial outlook, the Board of Health New Zealand will be replaced with a Commissioner, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.  “The previous government’s botched health reforms have created significant financial challenges at Health NZ that, without ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Minister to speak at Australian Space Forum

    Minister for Space and Science, Innovation and Technology Judith Collins will travel to Adelaide tomorrow for space and science engagements, including speaking at the Australian Space Forum.  While there she will also have meetings and visits with a focus on space, biotechnology and innovation.  “New Zealand has a thriving space ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Climate Change Minister to attend climate action meeting in China

    Climate Change Minister Simon Watts will travel to China on Saturday to attend the Ministerial on Climate Action meeting held in Wuhan.  “Attending the Ministerial on Climate Action is an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand climate priorities and engage with our key partners on climate action,” Mr Watts says. ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 days ago
  • Oceans and Fisheries Minister to Solomons

    Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is travelling to the Solomon Islands tomorrow for meetings with his counterparts from around the Pacific supporting collective management of the region’s fisheries. The 23rd Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Committee and the 5th Regional Fisheries Ministers’ Meeting in Honiara from 23 to 26 July ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Government launches Military Style Academy Pilot

    The Government today launched the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North, an important part of the Government’s plan to crackdown on youth crime and getting youth offenders back on track, Minister for Children, Karen Chhour said today. “On the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago
  • Nine priority bridge replacements to get underway

    The Government has welcomed news the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across the country to ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Update on global IT outage

    Acting Prime Minister David Seymour has been in contact throughout the evening with senior officials who have coordinated a whole of government response to the global IT outage and can provide an update. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has designated the National Emergency Management Agency as the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • New Zealand, Japan renew Pacific partnership

    New Zealand and Japan will continue to step up their shared engagement with the Pacific, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.    “New Zealand and Japan have a strong, shared interest in a free, open and stable Pacific Islands region,” Mr Peters says.    “We are pleased to be finding more ways ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
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  • New infrastructure energises BOP forestry towns

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