Robertson concedes defeat on budget rules
Source: National Party Finance Minister Grant Robertson has today thrown in the towel by scrapping his self-imposed debt target, National’s Finance Spokesperson Amy Adams says. “Grant Robertson has been backed into a corner by allowing the economy to slow, over promising and making poor spending choices. Now, instead of a fixed target Grant Robertson has […]
Read More →Govt votes down harsher penalties for drug crims
Source: National Party The Government has failed New Zealanders by voting down my Bill which would have ensured harsher penalties for those who deal and manufacture synthetic drugs, MP for Pakuranga Simeon Brown says. “Synthetic drugs have killed dozens of people and destroyed lives. The people who manufacture and deal these drugs are peddling misery. […]
Read More →Designs unveiled for Hutt to Wellington coastal pathway
Source: New Zealand Government Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter today unveiled designs for public consultation on the Ngauranga to Petone shared walking and cycling pathway. The Associate Minister also announced funding approval to begin construction on the Petone to Melling pathway. “This project will provide people living in the Hutt with a congestion-free commuting […]
Read More →Unsold KiwiBuild homes should have taxpayers worried
Source: National Party Despite Phil Twyford claiming there is “strong demand” for KiwiBuild houses in Canterbury, there hasn’t been a single sale since the first ones went on the market three months ago, National’s Housing spokesperson Judith Collins says. “The Minister of Housing and Urban Development’s deal with Mike Greer Homes to underwrite 65 KiwiBuild […]
Read More →Unsold KiwiBuild homes should have taxpayers worried
Source: National Party Despite Phil Twyford claiming there is “strong demand” for KiwiBuild houses in Canterbury, there hasn’t been a single sale since the first ones went on the market three months ago, National’s Housing spokesperson Judith Collins says. “The Minister of Housing and Urban Development’s deal with Mike Greer Homes to underwrite 65 KiwiBuild […]
Read More →Surge in public support for roadside drug testing
Source: National Party Matthew’s Petition seeking the urgent introduction of roadside drug testing has received more than 8000 signatures, with support increasing fourfold since it re-opened last week, Nelson MP Nick Smith says. “New Zealanders are appalled by the road carnage caused by drivers off their face on drugs, and want urgent action. This surge […]
Read More →Investigation into the conduct and behaviour of the Retirement Commissioner
Source: New Zealand Government The investigation into the conduct and behaviour of the Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell did not establish bullying conduct and Ms Maxwell will return to work tomorrow (Thursday 23 May) to finish her contract as Commissioner. The Retirement Commissioner has been on leave since December 2018 when, at the request of the […]
Read More →Gun buyback may have already started
Source: National Party Police Minister Stuart Nash owes New Zealanders an explanation about whether Police have had to buy back the guns that were stolen when they left the backdoor open, National’s Police spokesperson Chris Bishop says. “Mr Nash and the Prime Minister said New Zealanders could hand their firearms into Police following the Christchurch […]
Read More →Robertson in the dark on economic slowdown
Source: National Party New Zealanders would expect the Minister of Finance to know the cost of slowing economic growth, something he today underestimated by more than two billion dollars, National’s Economic and Regional Development spokesperson Paul Goldsmith says. “Under the watch of Finance Minister Grant Robertson, the New Zealand economy has experienced a sharp decline […]
Read More →Inquiry called into Northland Meningitis outbreak delays
Source: National Party National MPs Shane Reti and Matt King are supporting a petition calling for an inquiry into the Northland Meningitis outbreak after presenting to the Health Select Committee this morning. “Today we presented evidence of delays and deception across multiple parts of the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Environmental Science and Research […]
Read More →New chair for New Zealand Symphony Orchestra board
Source: New Zealand Government Musician and internationally experienced board director Laurence Kubiak has been appointed as the new chair of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Board, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni announced today. “A board member since 2017, Laurence Kubiak is currently the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of […]
Read More →Targets set to help break the cycle of child poverty
Source: New Zealand Government The Government has today confirmed the first set of official targets to break the cycle of child poverty, one of New Zealand’s most significant intergenerational wellbeing challenges. “This is an important step in tackling head-on the long-term challenge of child poverty in New Zealand to make our country one of the […]
Read More →Urgent action, not consultation needed on Kauri Dieback
Source: National Party The closure of ‘The Four Sisters’ walking track in Northland due to Kauri Dieback has brought into focus this Government’s painfully slow approach to dealing with the disease, National’s Conservation Spokesperson Sarah Dowie says. “In December 2017 Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage asked the Kauri Dieback Programme to […]
Read More →National supports Climate Change Bill, but with major concerns
Source: National Party National has decided to support the Climate Change Response Act Amendment Bill through its first reading, but with serious concerns around the proposed methane target and the potential economic impact, Climate Change spokesperson Todd Muller says. “National is supportive of efforts to reduce emissions, however we must also ensure our approach manages […]
Read More →New digital platform for SuperGold Card
Source: New Zealand Government The Wellbeing Budget includes three initiatives that will help seniors stay connected and improve their financial position. The most significant is $7.7 million to upgrade and enhance the SuperGold Card including building a new digital platform for card holders and businesses. “New Zealand’s over 65s really appreciate the SuperGold Card,” says […]
Read More →Wellbeing Budget to boost support for ethnic communities
Source: New Zealand Government The Government’s Wellbeing Budget is investing in New Zealand’s long-term future by supporting the Office of Ethnic Communities in promoting social cohesion, inclusiveness and diversity, says Minister for Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa. “The Government is committed to the wellbeing of New Zealand’s ethnic communities, and we are providing ongoing support to […]
Read More →Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill passes first stage in Parliament
Source: New Zealand Government The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament with near unanimous support. “Today’s vote across political party lines to pass the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill through its first reading signals strong bipartisan support for most aspects of this proposed climate legislation,” […]
Read More →Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill – speech at first reading
Source: New Zealand Government Hon Shaw: I move, that the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Environment Committee to consider the bill. At the appropriate time, I intend to move that the bill be reported to the House by 21 October 2019. Our Changing Climate Madam […]
Read More →Statement on behalf of E tū members employed at Parliament – E tū
Source: Etu Union We broadly support the findings and recommendations of Debbie Francis’ independent review into Bullying and Harassment in the New Zealand Parliamentary Workplace. We want to thank staff for taking the difficult and brave step of making their voices heard in this review. The report highlights the unique and high-pressure environment of this […]
Read More →Pike River Re-entry
Source: New Zealand Government More than eight years after 29 men went to work at the Pike River Coal Mine and never came home, the promise to re-enter the mine drift has been honoured. In the presence of families, experts from Te Kāhui Whakamana Rua Tekau mā Iwa-Pike River Recovery Agency completed breaching the 30m […]
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