David Shearer

Written By: - Date published: 5:49 pm, April 22nd, 2009 - 34 comments
Categories: labour, mt albert - Tags:

So, Labour’s flying in some bloke called David Shearer to have a tilt at the Mt Albert selection. Apparently he’s been working for the UN Development Programme in Iraq and has quite a bit of foreign policy background. People like him, wife and kids, ticks all the boxes. He also seems to be pretty close to Goff and Twyford.

According to the Herald:

He is classed as a leading contender by the party hierarchy to contest the by-election but will still have to win support of the local electorate organisation.

I’m always a bit skeptical of parties where head office has a lot of power in candidate selection (the Greens being a notable exception to the rule) but the fact is in a hard-fought by-election like this Labour’s going to need to keep its local organisation onside if they want to have a shot at winning, and that can only be a good thing.

There’s still talk of at least one more highly credible candidate putting his hat in the ring today but we’ll have to wait and see whether that pans out. One thing’s for sure, the selection race just got a whole lot more interesting.

34 comments on “David Shearer ”

  1. dave 1

    I’m always a bit skeptical of parties where head office has a lot of power in candidate selection (the Greens being a notable exception to the rule)

    Yes its not likely there will be a Green party forced by-election any time soon heh. Just as well as there may be some list place rejigging going on.

  2. Patrick 2

    I may be really missing something obvious, but reading the article you’ve linked to, it really seems like his name is David Shearer.

  3. Lindsey 3

    David Shearer is a great bloke. I first came across him during the Auckland Central Labour campaign in 1999 where he was one of the sector leaders on Election Day. He has since stood in Whangarei and stood for selection in Waitakere, in between doing humanitarian work overseas and being named New Zealander of the Year a few years ago.
    Mind you, looking at the lineup of Labour hopefulls in Mt Albert, there is some real talent there and it will be a fascinating selection.

  4. gobsmacked 4

    “Some bloke”?

    Well, he’s only given interviews to just about every major media outlet and been in just about every war zone in the past many years. He’s only one of the most important New Zealanders in the world.

    He hasn’t been on Dancing With The Stars, though.

    I suppose this is what happens when the NZ media give up on foreign news. If he’d cared less about Palestine, and more about paso doble, he’d be a household name.

  5. Tane 5

    Well, yeah, I’ve never heard of him before today and I follow politics closer than most. The “some bloke” remark was largely tongue-in-cheek though, as he’s clearly has made a name for himself in foreign affairs.

  6. gingercrush 6

    I’ve no doubt he is a talented guy. But it simply justifies the fact Twyford was told not to stand for Mt. Albert. The Labour party heads in my mind are controlling the selection and will ultimately appoint the candidate they want. That may well not be in the best interest of Mt. Albert. I would say though, I don’t think it will matter. While the contest will be much closer than what happened election day. I believe Labour should win the seat and likely easier than some believe at the moment. Though Melissa Lee will be formidable herself and should find herself in a safe National seat in 2011.

  7. David 7

    Nine nominees:
    http://tinyurl.com/c2by9w

    Meg Bates
    Glenda Fryer
    Simon Mitchell
    Stuart Prossor
    David Shearer
    Farida Sultana
    Chris Tremewan
    Rhema Vaithianathan
    Helen White.

  8. Tom Semmens 8

    One thing abour Shearer – since the NZ Herald made him man of the year once, they’ll find it hard to run their usual smears and half-truths, after suitable laundering via blubber oil and Farrar of course.

  9. Ian 10

    anyone but Glenda please
    Mt Albert Voter

  10. jarbury 11

    Whoever it is will have a battle on their hands for the centre-left vote. In my email this morning:

    Hi all

    As of today, the only nominee for the candidate for the Mt Albert by-election is Russel Norman. The selection process will still be adhered to but, as Russel is uncontested, is likely to be a formality.

    Russel is excited at the prospect of standing for Mt Albert and having a co-leader as our candidate should also boost media interest in the Green campaign. Radio New Zealand have already asked to speak to the potential candidates and and an interview with Russel with be broadcast by them tomorrow.

    I hope that the electorate will now get behind Russel and put in every effort to help him win the seat.

    Cheers

  11. George Darroch 12

    A strong field from Labour. Russell Norman might be a gamechanger, but only if he has a strong campaign (and it’s going to need to be pretty good to beat Labour, who are investing great amounts of time and energy into this).

    I thought he lived in Wellington. He might have moved, I really don’t know, so will hold off from accusations for the moment. Jackson Wood’s joke about campaigning from Mt Victoria might be true though.

    • BLiP 12.1

      That Norman is seriously beginning to piss me off. There was no indication during the election he would start knob-gobbling the Goober or stirring it up in the Labour electorates, and just look at this shit .

      John Key’s recent signals of fiscal prudence in the upcoming Budget are to be praised, said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.

      FFS!

      • ripp0 12.1.1

        not to sidetrack this thread – (which had gotten off to a bad start with its mis-named ‘candidate’ seeker anyway) – but a visit to Blip’s link raised several aspects worthy of mention in regard this very week’s news parlors..

        Saith Dr. Norman :—

        “The Government’s Budget should look a lot more like a light rail line than a road if we’re going to build a credible response to climate change in to the very fabric of our economy,’

        That road/rail thing for instance..?

        The fact/s of someone else this week at the standard linking to a NZHerald story about the NZ Road Transport Forum anticipating greater access to ‘regional’ MPs in return for electioneering contributions. Lobbyists go visit, you might say. Yet for what..?

        Don’t be naivé ripp0, people don’t shell out $5K and more for nothing! No, they can expect in this brave new world taintery that the Greens would get alongside of so as to advance the party’s own agenda, that the dosh was facilitation-speak. Huh..?

        Move to RNZ’s Morning Report this very day when one aspect of ‘road’ alignment politics was aptly revealed. A change of government—a change of law/rules/policy and how the great petrol-driven motoring public were now tasked to pay roadtax for what formerly fell upon those heavier vehicles known as diesel trucks had been paying previously. Get that guys—you are now paying 8¢ more per liter and a disproportionate amount of roadtax relative to usage upon the state’s roads. While the dieselers are paying considerably less. [RNZ will have the story, I’m fairly sure]

        In defense the dieselers’ spokesperson – Mr Freedlander(ph) – said that the new charges were in accord with “international” standards or practice, and that NZ was now on the mark, so to speak. Unspoken, however, was how those dieselers in the main were in business where costs are passed on to ensure/secure business profitability. This, in turn, shifting into the wider economy etc etc.. On the point one might well ask well, has freight came down in price and this change thereby passing benefit throughout the economy.. ? Or have diesel truckings et al been hanging in there.. for secure greater profitability at consumers’ considerbale (such things compound up don’t they ever) expense.

        Yet, excuse me, tiny digression should not take us away from the significance of the NZRTF and Mr. Freedland’s declared position: that interrnational authorites are dictating what kiwi drivers, particularly petrol motive folks, shall now and henceforth pay disproportionately* in respect of their roads’ costs. What’s more the exposé reveals a government prepared to change things to effect the whole electorate’s disadvantage…!

        That they would do so out of pre-emptive lobbying at costs borne by their whole business enterprise may be the line of conspiracy theorists… but such an suggestion does not of itself prove that a conspiracy has not occurred..

        More to the point, IMO, is how it aint the deceit that is so much the problem.. as the cover-up.. and so many aspects involved..

        * correct me if I’m wrong but that’s the claim of an AA or other motorists’ organisation guy on-air.

        ps: Stick with rail, Dr. Norman, for the moment it is more direct(transport efficiency) and responsible(mass, environmenatly to do so.

      • Nick 12.1.2

        Couldn’t agree more BLiP. First the Greens cosy up to the Nats, and now they choose Mt Albert to demonstrate their independence despite the risk to the centre-left as a whole. Time for Labour to cut the Greens off completely.

  12. gobsmacked 13

    Jarbury

    What is the source of that e-mail? It is very unusual for the Greens to say that candidate selections are a “formality”, in advance of an announcement. They like to adhere strictly to the democratic rules and spirit.

    Can you clarify please?

    • jarbury 13.1

      Cate Alcorn. Mt Albert Greens committee or something like that. I’m a Green Party member who’s enrolled in the Mt Albert electorate so I guess I ended up on their mailing list.

      Sounds like I let the cat out of the bag as nobody else has reported this yet.

  13. suraya 14

    He looks like a good candidate on paper but Shearer makes a bit of a mockery of Labour’s renewal message. What is he renewing, Goff’s powerbase of middle-aged male bureaucrat mates?

  14. Pat 15

    Shearer has credentials that will appeal to many voters, but maybe he is hopeless at campaigning. He failed in Whangarei in 2002 at a time when the Nats were being dumped all around the country. Shearer is Goff’s mate, but Goff is going to have to hold his hand all the way through.

  15. gobsmacked 16

    Bureaucrat? How many suicide bombers do they have in Wellington?

    If you want life experience – and I mean life and fucking death, not debates about local council by-laws in Opunake – then Shearer has it, and then some.

  16. gobsmacked 17

    Get a grip on the world, Suraya. You clearly haven’t a clue.

    They were administrators, not soldiers:

    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3167233.stm

    • suraya 17.1

      I could have sworn he wasn’t there for the 2003 attack but no matter.
      So sorry to dare question your little cheerleader routine.

      • gobsmacked 17.1.1

        Of course he wasn’t there. It was just one example of what UN administrators can face, in war zones. Whereas you only have to turn off your TV, and it all goes away.

        A “bureaucrat” has a bad day when the coffee is cold and photocopier doesn’t work. David Shearer is not a “bureaucrat”. But of course you know this – you’re just being deliberately obnoxious.

        http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/HL0708/S00296.htm

  17. suraya 18

    In fact wasn’t he safely tucked away in Goff’s Beehive office in 2003?

  18. David 19

    I’m a bit surprised by 3 of the criticisms of Shearer here. First that he is not well known in Labour – given he’s been actively involved in the Labour Party for 20 years this is a strange suggestion. Second, the suggestion that he did badly as the Labour candidate in Whangerei doesn’t stack up. In 1999 the Labour candidate received 8,779 votes. In 2002 Shearer received 10,615. In 2005 the Labour candidate received 9,811. Shearer’s performance in a reasonably safe National seat was very credible.
    The third criticism that I don’t think stacks up is the allegation that he doesn’t represent renewal. I think there is an element of ageism here. Yes he is 50. But he’s also had a wide range of experiences that will bring a unique perspective to parliament. The attempt to suggest he was ‘an administrator’ (as if this in itself is a slur) is a bit misleading. His humanitarian work is noted for being on the ground in some of the most dangerous regions in the world, particularly in Somalia and the Lebanon during the most recent war.

    Having said that, I don’t think his nomination should be a fait accompli. He is a strong candidate but there are other strong candidates in the mix, including one who just received the strong endorsement of an electorate which largely overlaps the Mt Albert electorate.

    And Russel Norman will also be a strong candidate.

    This is looking like a pretty exciting by-election

    • lprent 19.1

      I’d agree about it being interesting. Lots of work though.

      However the electorate vote last time for the greens wasn’t that good – in fact it was terrible. The party vote was OK.

      • jarbury 19.1.1

        Lots of people did what I (and both my flatmates did). Party vote Green, electorate vote for Helen Clark. Now they’ll have the Greens co-leader and probably a fairly comparably no-named Labour candidate to choose from.

        Quite a different situation I think.

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    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? ...
    4 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
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    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 ...
    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
    5 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”…
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    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.'
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    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
  • Skeptical Science New Research for Week #17 2024
    Open access notables Ice acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior in recent decades, Løkkegaard et al., Communications Earth & Environment: In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to the speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products ...
    6 days ago
  • Maori Party (with “disgust”) draws attention to Chhour’s race after the High Court rules on Wa...
    Buzz from the Beehive A statement from Children’s Minister Karen Chhour – yet to be posted on the Government’s official website – arrived in Point of Order’s email in-tray last night. It welcomes the High Court ruling on whether the Waitangi Tribunal can demand she appear before it. It does ...
    Point of OrderBy Bob Edlin
    7 days ago
  • Who’s Going Up The Media Mountain?
    Mr Bombastic: Ironically, the media the academic experts wanted is, in many ways, the media they got. In place of the tyrannical editors of yesteryear, advancing without fear or favour the interests of the ruling class; the New Zealand news media of today boasts a troop of enlightened journalists dedicated to ...
    7 days ago
  • “That's how I roll”
    It's hard times try to make a livingYou wake up every morning in the unforgivingOut there somewhere in the cityThere's people living lives without mercy or pityI feel good, yeah I'm feeling fineI feel better then I have for the longest timeI think these pills have been good for meI ...
    Nick’s KōreroBy Nick Rockel
    7 days ago
  • “Comity” versus the rule of law
    In 1974, the US Supreme Court issued its decision in United States v. Nixon, finding that the President was not a King, but was subject to the law and was required to turn over the evidence of his wrongdoing to the courts. It was a landmark decision for the rule ...
    No Right TurnBy Idiot/Savant
    1 week ago
  • Aotearoa: a live lab for failed Right-wing socio-economic zombie experiments once more…
    Every day now just seems to bring in more fresh meat for the grinder. In their relentlessly ideological drive to cut back on the “excessive bloat” (as they see it) of the previous Labour-led government, on the mountains of evidence accumulated in such a short period of time do not ...
    exhALANtBy exhalantblog
    1 week ago
  • Water is at the heart of farmers’ struggle to survive in Benin
    This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections by Megan Valére Sosou Market gardening site of the Itchèléré de Itagui agricultural cooperative in Dassa-Zoumè (Image credit: Megan Valère Sossou) For the residents of Dassa-Zoumè, a city in the West African country of Benin, choosing between drinking water and having enough ...
    1 week 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
    12 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
    12 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
    15 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
    20 hours 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
    20 hours 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
    22 hours 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
    6 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 ...
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    1 week ago
  • Urgent changes to system through first RMA Amendment Bill
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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 ...
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    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
  • Humanitarian support for Ethiopia and Somalia
    New Zealand is contributing NZ$7 million to support communities affected by severe food insecurity and other urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia and Somalia, Foreign Minister Rt Hon Winston Peters announced today.   “Over 21 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Ethiopia, with a further 6.9 million people ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago
  • Arts Minister congratulates Mataaho Collective
    Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Paul Goldsmith is congratulating Mataaho Collective for winning the Golden Lion for best participant in the main exhibition at the Venice Biennale. "Congratulations to the Mataaho Collective for winning one of the world's most prestigious art prizes at the Venice Biennale.  “It is good ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 weeks ago
  • Supporting better financial outcomes for Kiwis
    The Government is reforming financial services to improve access to home loans and other lending, and strengthen customer protections, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly and Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced today. “Our coalition Government is committed to rebuilding the economy and making life simpler by cutting red tape. We are ...
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    2 weeks ago

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