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tolls

Cartoon: Paying the toll

Written By: all_your_base

Date published: 10:43 am, August 27th, 2008 - 8 comments

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The Strategist by John Coyne · Monday
Sorting event transport at Kingsland
It feels like the media have been waiting for a ‘City Rail Link failure’ story – and this weekend they finally got one, kind of, as the weekend saw another big event and another challenge with post-match event trains. Auckland Transport and Eden Park are blaming each other for the issues, as 1News reports: Frustrated rugby fans booed passing trains at Eden Park last night as delays to city-bound services left thousands queuing after the All Blacks thrashed the Wallabies.… The post Sorting event transport at
Greater Auckland by Matt L · Monday
Picks n’ Mixes & In the Papers for Monday Oct 12
Willis & Edmonds agree cross-party accord on pensions, but with caveats; ACT wants big disability cuts; Greens propose youth jobs guarantee; National to make Year 11 compulsory
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · Monday
Mister Jones
Champion of Bottom Trawling, Conservation Mining, and Immigration Capping.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · Sunday
Televised Executions
The US continues its descent away from decency.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 10 October 2026
Twenty-five years on: what Australia gave Afghanistan, and what it still owes
On 14 September 2001, Prime Minister John Howard announced that Australia would invoke the ANZUS Treaty. On 11 October, Australia established Operation Slipper, its first operation in Afghanistan. By early December, the first Australian special ...
The Strategist by Sami Omari · 9 October 2026
If Chinese AI goes rogue, expect opacity
We now know that Chinese AI agents are inclined to cheat just as US models are. The big difference is that if one causes a cybersecurity incident, the ways we would find out are much ...
The Strategist by Alex Colville · 9 October 2026
9 October 2026
The deterioration of our health system features again in today’s Union News with an article summing up demand for hospitals across the motu. Stuff do an in-depth analysis on the employment situation in Northland. Union coverage Employment The post 9 October 2026 appeared first on NZCTU.
NZCTU by Aaron · 9 October 2026
Comfortably Numb
National resorts to bashing beneficiaries.
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 9 October 2026
Not like the old days: modern sea control will be episodic and local
A new combination of surveillance, drones and precision strike is eroding the old assumption that navies could generate sea control through superior ships, vessels, aircraft and operational skills alone. Geography still matters, but the new ...
The Strategist by Sean Andrews · 9 October 2026
Weekly Roundup 9-October-2026
Kia ora and welcome to our regular roundup of stories that caught our eye this week. This Week in Greater Auckland On Monday, we took some time to analyse the election campaign transport announcements… …and on Tuesday, we editorialised about what the recent campaign announcements mean for Auckland On Wednesday, we ran a guest post book review by George Weeks, about rethinking parking… …and on Thursday, we ran a throwback post from 2018, about rethinking Mill Road.… The post Weekly Roundup 9-October-2026 app
Greater Auckland by Greater Auckland · 9 October 2026
The Weekly Hoon: National & Labour budget tracks near identical; Climate distrust; Foreign aid cuts
Bernard Hickey & Peter Bale discuss the week in geopolitics and NZ’s political economy with regular guests Cathrine Dyer and Robert Patman
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 9 October 2026
The Literary Traditions Underpinning The Silmarillion
Benjamin Bassett (the gentleman behind the Reading Tolkien Podcast/YouTube channel) has raised an interesting question: what the hell is Tolkien’s Silmarillion, in terms of literary tradition? Bassett correctly notes that it cannot be described as either a novel or a short story, but rather as a peculiar chronicle, and further cites Olaf Stapledon’s Star Maker […]
A Phuulish Fellow by strda221 · 9 October 2026
New US air-to-air missiles will finally overthrow China’s range advantage
With a clutch of new long-range air-to-air missiles (LRAAMs) with ranges of 300 km or more, US forces could dramatically shift the aerial balance of power over the Western Pacific. Travelling at least twice as ...
The Strategist by David Axe · 8 October 2026
Australia is building green industries. Defence could make them strategic
Australia is spending billions to build green industries while Defence is trying to make the Australian Defence Force harder to disrupt. These efforts should reinforce each other. Future Made in Australia, the government’s clean-industry agenda, ...
The Strategist by Simran Keshwani · 8 October 2026
When everyone is an ‘analyst’, expertise loses meaning
Australia has developed a growing class of self-declared geopolitical analysts and independent researchers who built their reputations not through research, experience or sustained analytical work but through podcasts, social media feeds and confident commentary. Platforms ...
The Strategist by John Coyne · 8 October 2026
Throwback Thursday: Rethinking the Mill Road Corridor
With Mill Road back in the news, as a campaign headline from the National Party (see our Tuesday coverage), it’s the perfect time for a look back at our previous coverage of this overscaled project. The post below, by Harriet Gale, first ran in February 2018, and attracted vigorous discussion, with over a hundred comments.… The post Throwback Thursday: Rethinking the Mill Road Corridor appeared first on Greater Auckland.
Greater Auckland by Greater Auckland · 8 October 2026
When I’m a Billionaire
Forget the quarter-acre paradise; is this the new Kiwi dream?
Nick's Kōrero by Nick Rockel · 8 October 2026
Bookshelf: The closing of the Russian mind (doesn’t bode well for the future)
Bogged down militarily in Ukraine, with Russia’s economy in a shambles and Ukrainian drones penetrating ever deeper into the heartland and causing popular unrest, President Vladimir Putin’s position is looking increasingly tenuous. In anticipation of ...
The Strategist by Robert Wihtol · 8 October 2026
KiwiStack Live Election Mini-Hoon with Elliot Crossan
A recording from Bernard Hickey's live video chat with Elliot Cross on fiscal policy options in Election 2026
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 8 October 2026
Labour’s sinking-lid fiscal strategy has consequences
Labour admits will take benefits off teenagers too as its sinking-lid fiscal track to 30.4% of GDP forces similar cuts to National; Thomas Coughlan warns of first-ever, one-term National Govt
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 8 October 2026
As allies’ capabilities grow, they need to work with US on nuclear signalling
The Indo-Pacific’s next deterrence problem may be a shortage not of military capability but of coordination. As Australia, Japan and South Korea acquire long-range strike, missile defence and other strategic conventional capabilities, they are increasingly ...
The Strategist by Benjamin Zala · 7 October 2026
National’s small business plan: 47 band-aids and an attack on workers’ rights
National’s 47-point small business plan is mostly minor tweaks, re-announcements and overdue housekeeping – but tucked inside it is an attack on working people’s right to bargain collectively, says the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi (NZCTU). “For all the talk of backing small business, the most significant thing in this plan… Read More »National’s small business plan: 47 band-aids and an attack on workers’ rights The post National’s small business plan: 47 band-aids and an attack on wo
NZCTU by Aaron · 7 October 2026
Election-rigging violates the BORA
Last year the regime attempted to rig the election, overturning 77 years of settled law to cut off enrolment two weeks before the vote, in a desperate effort to stop 100,000 mostly young, mostly opposition supporting people from voting. It was naked American-style election-rigging, of a sort not seen before in Aotearoa, and even at the time the Attorney-General said that it violated the bill of Rights Act, because it overturned longstanding expectations around enrolment. And now, the regime has formally adm
No Right Turn by Idiot/Savant · 7 October 2026
To face AI intrusion, counting legacy systems will be easy. Fixing them won’t
The Department of Home Affairs has made an important start. In response to an OpenAI agent reaching non-public files on a decades-old Medicare Statistics portal, last week it issued a direction that required agencies to ...
The Strategist by Rajiv Shah · 7 October 2026
Book Review: Rethinking Parking
Today’s guest post is a book review by George Weeks, of Rethinking Parking: Planning and Urban Design Perspectives by Dr David Mepham. George Weeks is a transport adviser, planner and urban designer based in Auckland. An earlier version of this review originally appeared in Roundabout Magazine, the newsletter of the Transportation Group NZ.… The post Book Review: Rethinking Parking appeared first on Greater Auckland.
Greater Auckland by Guest Post · 7 October 2026
Australia’s Middle East priority should be working with those that can counter Iran
Australia needs a more active and hardheaded approach towards the Middle East to deal with ongoing conflicts stemming from or worsened by the attack against Israel three years ago today by Hamas and other Iran-backed terrorist ...
The Strategist by Alex Bristow · 7 October 2026
Polls & debate judges put Labour ahead, but weakly
RNZ-Reid Research, 1News-Verian & Roy Morgan polls show Labour mostly ahead of National, but both below or barely at 30%; Momentum with Greens at 15% & Opportunity over 5%; Hipkins seen winning debate
The Kaka by Bernard Hickey · 7 October 2026

NZ First Will Immediately Reverse This Week’s Decision by the Minister of Consumer Affairs
NZFirst will immediately reverse this week’s decision by the Minister of Consumer Affairs before the end of this year. Today we have visited Vulcan Aluminium in Hamilton to discuss the recent announcement by the Minister of Consumer Affairs to not impose a safeguard measure on imported aluminium extrusions flooding the market. Thousands of New Zealand jobs are at stake. The decision to not impose safeguards leaves NZ companies using aluminium extrusions with no trade remedy against many inferior products fl
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · Yesterday
NZ First Announces Overhaul to Regulate Combat Sports
New Zealand First will back Combat Sports and establish a statutory Combat Sports Commission to enforce participant safety, eliminate unsanctioned events, and block criminal influence. The lack of modern regulation creates severe risks for athletes and undermines legitimate clubs. Following coronial recommendations after the tragic death of Kain Parsons, alongside growing concerns over gang-affiliated bare-knuckle fights and unsanctioned prize-money events, New Zealand First will deliver decisive reform. Ne
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · Thursday
NZ First to increase funding and support to NZ Coastguard
New Zealand First will increase government funding of NZ Coastguard, ensuring this vital frontline service has the resources it needs to continue protecting New Zealanders on the water. Coastguard’s annual budget (NZ$30–34m) is roughly 40% funded by the New Zealand Government and 60% by public support. Under New Zealand First, Crown funding will increase to 70% of Coastguard's operating costs - an increase of $12 million a year. This investment will provide greater funding certainty and ensure Coastguard ca
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · Thursday
NZFirst Policy Announcement: Changes to Fast-Track Residential Approvals
New Zealand First will ensure any future fast-tracked housing developments are supported by the necessary infrastructure before approval is granted. The policy will bring a suite of changes to the current fast-track regime to ensure housing developments do not create more problems than they solve. More housing is needed but fast-track housing developments must work in with their communities first and foremost. New Zealand First will ensure that before approvals are granted for housing projects, there will b
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · Wednesday
NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model
NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model New Zealand First will end the Accredited Employer Work Visa farce and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa. New Zealand needs skilled migrants where New Zealanders cannot reasonably fill the job. It does not need a work-visa system that has become a general recruitment channel for routine roles with little connection to a genuine skills shortage. The policy will put New Zealand workers first, lift confidence in the immigration system, protect migra
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · Sunday
NZ First to Increase Working for Families, Minimum Wage
New Zealand First will campaign to introduce an uplift of the minimum wage every year for the next three years, as well as a substantial increase to Working for Families. Low wage workers are finding the cost of living tough, especially those people who are working to support their families. Times are difficult and our economy has taken a long time to start on the road of recovery. An essential part of that recovery is ensuring that workers are looked after, that they are paid decent wages, have incentives
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 10 October 2026
NZFirst to Ban Public Sales of Fireworks
New Zealand First will campaign on banning the public sale and use of fireworks across New Zealand. Last year we introduced a members bill to ban fireworks which received tremendous public support. The legislation is already written and ready to go - it will be tabled in parliament within the first hundred days of the next government. Guy Fawkes is a little less than four weeks away and New Zealand will see once again the multiple damaging effects it will have. The taxpayer should not be spending millions o
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 9 October 2026
NZ First announces party list for the 2026 General Election
New Zealand First has officially released its party list, presenting a formidable lineup of experienced, talented, and principled leaders ready to put New Zealanders First. # Name Electorate 1 Rt Hon Winston Peters List Only 2 Hon Shane Jones Northland 3 Hon Casey Costello Port Waikato 4 Hon Mark Patterson Taieri 5 Hon Alfred Ngaro Glendene 6 Michael Laws Waitaki 7 Harete Hipango-Brownlie Whanganui 8 Craig Stobo Botany 9 Taine Randell Tukituki 10 Jenny Marcroft Kaipara-ki-Mahurangi 11 Andy Foster Remutaka 1
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 7 October 2026
Winston Peters: "Chloe Swarbrick Shows Blistering Ignorance with Paris Accord Accusation"
The Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick has sent out a press release showing both her blistering ignorance and the reason why the Greens have never been in Cabinet in their fifty-four years of existence. Swarbrick has accused me of not seeking or receiving any advice on what it would mean for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. She said “Peters is officially responsible for our international climate negotiations and managing our trade agreements.” This is wrong. It is the Minister for Climat
NZ First Press Release by Rt Hon Winston Peters · 30 September 2026
NZFirst to Campaign on Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry
NZFirst Policy Announcement: Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry The Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal has become a make-work organisation – now hearing any and all claims that in a former time would’ve been dismissed on application as being inappropriate. Many claims before the tribunal are directly contesting the right of a mandated parliament to pass laws. That is a direct semi-judicial threat against the very essence of our democracy. That is why New Zealand First today is announcing its plan to end the Tr
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 26 September 2026
Winston Peters - “Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry”
“Ending the Waitangi Make-Work Industry” Introduction It's great to be back in Tauranga, a city I came to in a snap election in 1984 and stayed for a quarter of a century. That quarter century was a time of enormous progress from a sleepy maritime hideaway to the fastest growing city in New Zealand. Back then there were metal roads over the Kaimai, and metal roads north of Katikati and no bridge across the harbour. Over 25 years that dramatically changed to two toll free bridges, new roads to fill half the
NZ First Press Release by Rt Hon Winston Peters · 26 September 2026
NZFirst to Campaign on 20% Tax Rate for SMEs
New Zealand First is announcing today it will campaign on lowering the company tax rate for SMEs to 20% for companies with turnover under $30million, from its current 28% tax rate. This is a much-needed bold step to encourage more investment by our small businesses that will create higher productivity, expand their business, and employ more New Zealanders. Corporate taxes can reduce productivity, particularly in entrepreneurial and innovative sectors. Lower company tax rates can improve long-run productivit
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 24 September 2026
Te Pāti Māori launches Mana Takatāpui Policy
×Te Pāti Māori has today launched its Mana Takatāpui Policy, committing $200 million over three years and establishing an independent, Takatāpui governed Commission with real authority over Takatāpui specific funding. Te Pāti Māori Co Leader Rawiri Waititi says the policy is built on a simple principle: Nothing about Takatāpui without Takatāpui. “For too long, decisions have been made about Takatāpui without Takatāpui. Our policy changes who holds the power,” Waititi said.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 23 September 2026
NZFirst Campaign Announcement: The Plan to “Make NZ Healthy”
New Zealand First is today announcing the first part of a plan for a directional change of the health system and to ‘Make NZ Healthy”. No one will disagree that we have a crisis in our health system. Over the past three years we have been listening to kiwis, public health experts, doctors, and scientists. We have an epidemic of chronic illness impacting the lives of one million kiwis, overwhelming our hospitals, and putting unsustainable pressure on our economy. It’s time for new thinking with a bold shift
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 20 September 2026
Common sense must prevail for retirement village reform
Today's announcement that the Retirement Villages Amendment Bill will be introduced next term delivers on New Zealand First's commitment to progress the Retirement Village review. "New Zealand First is focused on improving life for seniors and delivering common sense reform," says New Zealand First MP Casey Costello. Around 50,000 of New Zealand's 950,000 seniors live in retirement villages, and most are happy with that choice. Retirement villages are an important housing option for older New Zealanders, of
NZ First Press Release by Hon Casey Costello · 18 September 2026
We Want Cheaper Power And We Want Our People To Own It.
×Te Pāti Māori has today announced its Energy Sovereignty policy, a plan to cut power costs, build Aotearoa’s energy future and shift ownership into the hands of whānau, hapū, iwi and communities. “Every party is talking about generating more electricity. We’re asking the question they keep avoiding: who will own it?” said Te Pāti Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi “If we replace fossil fuels with renewables but leave ownership and profits concentrated in the same hands, we haven’t transformed the system. We’ve just c
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 16 September 2026
GOVERNMENT'S LAST ACT IS ANOTHER ATTACK ON TE TIRITI
×In its final days, this Government is trying to strip Te Tiriti from our laws. Three Treaty-related Bills before Parliament would weaken Te Tiriti protections and reduce Crown accountability. Te Pāti Māori opposes every one of them. Instead, Te Pāti Māori are calling for Te Tiriti to be protected through enforceable Crown obligations that no Government can simply discard.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 15 September 2026
Winston Peters - "Cool Heads, Rational Judgement"
An Uncertain World We are living through a hugely complex and challenging period. This places an enormous premium on experience, and through experience, good judgements that protect New Zealand’s vital interests. We take the world as it is, not as some cloistered varsity lecturer or woke leftie wants it to be. The record shows that we have exercised sound judgement when it has mattered most. With experience comes prudence, and with diplomacy comes opportunity, and that is why we are guardedly optimistic tha
NZ First Press Release by Rt Hon Winston Peters · 13 September 2026
NZ First Announces Immigration Reform Policies
New Zealand First has today announced a number of campaign policies that will make sweeping changes to current immigration laws. New Zealand's immigration system must serve New Zealand and New Zealanders. For too long, governments have relied on immigration to drive headline economic growth and cheap labour. The result has been greater pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services, increased competition for entry-level jobs, and declining public confidence that immigration is being managed in the
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 11 September 2026
NZFirst Campaign Announcement: NZ Super for Citizens Only
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has today announced a campaign policy that from 2029 only New Zealand citizens will be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation. In recent years, some commentators have questioned the affordability of NZ Super. Our NZ Superannuation scheme was designed to look after our seniors in their retirement. Kiwis who left school sometimes at the age of fifteen or sixteen, worked two, sometimes three jobs, for forty or fifty years of their lives paying taxes – sometimes through
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 6 September 2026
Winston Peters: "Citizenship and Superannuation"
An Uncertain World We are living through the most challenging international environment that New Zealand has faced in the past 80 years. Navigating chaotic conditions such as these requires experience. And experience has never mattered more. This is not a time for performative posturing and senseless virtue signalling. It's a time for cool heads, rational judgements about what is possible, and an active diplomacy that listens, learns, and adapts to the chances when they present themselves. That's what we've
NZ First Press Release by Rt Hon Winston Peters · 6 September 2026
TE PĀTI MĀORI LAUNCHES TE TIRITI ENTRENCHMENT POLICY
×Te Pāti Māori has today launched its Te Tiriti Entrenchment Policy, a major constitutional reform package that will make Crown obligations arising from Te Tiriti legally enforceable and resource the next stage of Māori-led constitutional transformation. “Te Tiriti is the constitutional foundation of Aotearoa. Its mana does not rise and fall depending on who forms the Government,” Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi said. “Our policy is about certainty, accountability and making sure the Crown keeps its p
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 1 September 2026
Winston Peters - “Seniors Sole Defender”
Good Afternoon, The coming election is going to be pivotal for the direction of our country. What is needed now more than anything else is real skill, and serious experience in the next government. You here today know that more than most. You’ve seen governments of various stripes come and go and do nothing more than manage the decline of this once great country. In 2026 this country needs Members of Parliament that have a proven track record of delivery and competence, who have the right experience and kno
NZ First Press Release by Rt Hon Winston Peters · 28 August 2026
Former FMA Chair Craig Stobo to Stand for NZFirst in Botany
New Zealand First is announcing today that former Chair of the Financial Markets Authority Craig Stobo will stand for New Zealand First in the Botany Electorate at the general election. Stobo grew up in Oamaru and attended Otago University where he graduated with a BA in Economics (First Class Hons). He subsequently worked for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He moved into investment banking with DFC/ Zealcorp in Wellington and then Bank
NZ First Press Release by New Zealand First · 28 August 2026
MP for Hauraki-Waikato Hana-Rawhiti Calls on Govt to Honour its Commitments to Waikato and Waipaa Awa
×Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke says the Government’s decision to delay key provisions of Plan Change 1, which sets rules to protect and restore the health of the Waikato and Waipaa awa, puts 3-yearly electoral interests ahead of its obligations to iwi and the environment. “This is bigger than a plan or a process. It is about whether the Crown will keep its word to Waikato-Tainui and honour the commitments it made – and written into legislation” says Maipi-Clarke. “The power of Te Ture Whaimana
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 24 August 2026
Luxon chose culture wars while basic services failed
×Christopher Luxon has spent too much of his term legislating culture wars while the basic services New Zealanders rely on have been allowed to deteriorate, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says. “The Prime Minister had a finite term to govern. He chose to spend an extraordinary amount of it undoing Māori rights and weakening Crown obligations while the services New Zealanders depend on were deteriorating,” Ngarewa-Packer said. “He found the time to mobilise 13 government agencies to trawl throu
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 18 August 2026
Luxon survives today, but he will not survive November 7
×Today’s National Party caucus meeting may have saved Christopher Luxon’s job, but it has not solved National’s deeper problem. This government is consumed by its own survival while whānau are left to carry the cost. For days, New Zealanders have watched a governing party turn inward while families face rising costs, job losses and an economy going backwards. “Luxon may have kept the job, but National has lost the country’s confidence,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 12 August 2026
Oriini Kaipara MP extends aroha following fatal workplace incident in Ōtāhuhu
×Oriini Kaipara, MP for Tāmaki Makaurau, extends her deepest condolences to the whānau, friends and work colleagues of the worker who tragically lost their life at the Auckland Meat Processors facility on Portage Road, Ōtāhuhu. "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the whānau who are now navigating an unimaginable loss. No one should leave for work and not return home to their loved ones." Following notification of the incident, Oriini's office has been actively seeking information to better understand t
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 7 August 2026
Te Pati Maori will make the Waitangi Tribunal recommendations binding
×Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi says New Zealand First's call to review the Waitangi Tribunal proves the coalition has learnt nothing from the Tribunal's latest report. "The Waitangi Tribunal has found that the Government's Treaty clause review is a major breach of Te Tiriti. Instead of fixing the breach, Shane Jones wants to investigate the institution that exposed it." Waititi says this is about far more than constitutional law.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 6 August 2026
Government’s patriarchal noise cannot hide cervical-screening failure
×While this Government and its allies manufacture patriarchal noise and drag public debate into personal attacks, a serious health-system failure involving nearly one million cervical screening notifications demands urgent answers. Health New Zealand says there is “no indication of harm”, but the Government has produced no evidence that proves nobody missed screening, follow-up care or an earlier diagnosis.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 5 August 2026
Government rips up another promise of partnership with Māori
×Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the Government’s reported decision to scrap existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements is not planning reform it’s another deliberate step in dismantling the Crown’s relationship with tangata whenua. “This Government isn’t just rewriting planning law. It is rewriting the place of Māori in Aotearoa.” “One law at a time, one institution at a time, one agreement at a time, they are removing the practical ways Te Tiriti is honoured.”
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 21 July 2026
MFAT Must Act Urgently to Free Everlee Wihongi After Another Delayed Hearing
×Everlee Wihongi was set to appear in court today to be freed from ICE detention. Unfortunately, approximately 80 minutes before it was scheduled to begin, the Immigration Court decided to postpone the hearing until June 30, 2026. ICE has no reason to continue to detain Everlee after the conviction that formed the basis of the immigration case was successfully overturned. Everlee has now been detained for over two months, and this is just the latest in a long line of unnecessary delays. “Our aroha goes out t
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 18 June 2026
Te Pāti Māori Announces Lisa Marie Murch as Te Tai Tonga Candidate for 2026
×Te Pāti Māori is proud to announce Lisa Marie Murch as its candidate for Te Tai Tonga in the 2026 General Election. Born and raised in Murihiku, Lisa brings lived experience, education, service, and a deep commitment to whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu. A young Māori mother at sixteen, Lisa knows firsthand the realities many whānau face. Her journey from cleaning and baking, to becoming a head baker, bilingual primary teacher, kaupapa Māori educator, and specialist across Murihiku and Ōtepoti schools, is g
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 15 June 2026
Government Hid Its Own Evidence on LNG
×Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to release all remaining redacted advice on the proposed Taranaki LNG import terminal and halt the contract process until full public disclosure has occurred. This week RNZ revealed that officials redacted modelling commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showing low need for LNG imports. In some scenarios, no need at all. That information was only made public after RNZ lodged a complaint with the Ombudsman. Parts of the document remain
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 11 June 2026
Seymour Admits He Never Checked Impact on Māori with Diabetes
×David Seymour Associate Minister of Health confirmed in answers to Written Parliamentary Questions that he supported removing Māori and Pacific priority access to Type 2 diabetes medicines, without any equity analysis, without modelling of Māori complications, and holds no data on how many Māori currently rely on the pathway they're removing. Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the admissions were negligible. "They don't know who they're harming. They don't know how many Māori with diabetes r
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 10 June 2026
If The Government Really Wants To Lower Power Bills, This Is The Way
×Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says the government’s LNG announcement today exposes a fundamental failure of energy policy leadership. “Simeon Brown says he has an answer to our energy security problem. A billion-dollar contract to import liquefied natural gas. From the Middle East. With no plan to pay for it. That’s not energy security, that’s energy dependency,” says Ngarewa-Packer. “Initially the government planned a levy on power bills to fund this facility. Now they want the same gentail
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 9 June 2026
Govt will Erase Iwi Representation Across Aotearoa
×Today the government announced that they will be removing the voting rights of iwi representatives from all councils across the country. They will be amending the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill after it has already gone through select committee, meaning that there will be no public submission process. “This is another gut punch, and our people are fed up” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi. “Every time we think this government couldn’t possibly harm te iwi Māori any more, they always
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 2 June 2026
TPM to Entrench Te Tiriti: Government’s Tiriti Purge is Constitutional Vandalism
×Te Pāti Māori is condemning today’s announcement by Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith to strip or weaken Te Tiriti o Waitangi references across 19 pieces of legislation. “This is not policy reform. It is constitutional vandalism.” After failing to redefine Te Tiriti through the Treaty Principles Bill, the Government is now dismantling it clause by clause through legislative review instead. Different vehicle. Same destination.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 15 May 2026
Te Pāti Māori responds to announcement of new political party
×Te Pāti Māori acknowledges Mariameno Kapa-Kingi’s announcement that she intends to contest the 2026 General Election under the newly announced Te Tai Tokerau Party. We wish Mariameno well. Te ao Māori has always carried many voices, many rohe, many whakapapa, and many expressions of mana motuhake. We respect the right of whānau, hapū, iwi, rohe and candidates to determine their own political pathway.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 11 May 2026
MP Govt Floats Nuclear Jones Must Front Up
×Te Pāti Māori is demanding answers after Shane Jones casually floated nuclear fission in the House today. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said, “Aotearoa is not neutral on nuclear. We are proudly anti-nuclear. That position was fought for, defended, and embedded in who we are as a nation.” “Is this Government marching us away from our nuclear-free legacy? Because Aotearoa deserves to know,” said Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
Māori Party by Te Pāti Māori · 29 April 2026

KiwiRail to fund additional ferries works in Picton
KiwiRail will directly fund up to $37.5 million for Picton rail yard upgrades and adding auto-mooring technology to the new wharf as part of the New Ferries project, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today. “Selecting KiwiRail as the long-term operator of the Interislander has given the company confidence to invest its own funds in commercial assets, meaning the taxpayer is not paying a cent more than our $1.7 billion allocation but still achieves the benefit as the ultimate owner of KiwiRail,” Mr Pete
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
Resilience work underway for key South Island route
Work to bolster the resilience of a key South Island route vital to New Zealand tourism will soon begin, South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager says. “The Government allocated around $40 million in Budget 2026 to fund resilience upgrades to State Highway 94 (SH94) between Te Anau and Milford, as part of a wider $150 million-plus package to strengthen five of the mainland’s most vulnerable state highways,” Mr Meager says. “There will soon be spades in the ground at key sites on SH94 in Fi
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
King’s Counsel appointments 2026
Attorney-General Chris Bishop today announced the appointments of 12 King’s Counsel. The rank of King’s Counsel is primarily awarded to barristers sole who have met the overarching criteria of excellence in their careers. The 12 new King’s Counsel appointed, from over 100 applications, are Matanuku Mahuika, Karen Radich, Janette Campbell, Matthew Harris, Kirsten Gray, Tim Smith, Polly Pope, Kerry Cook, Sam Lowery, Rob Kirkness, Isaac Hikaka, and Annabel Maxwell-Scott. “The appointment of King’s Counsel reco
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
Levy reduction for cruise industry
Cruise ship passengers will pay significantly lower Border Processing Levy rates from 1 July 2027, Customs Minister Casey Costello said today. From 1 July 2027, cruise passengers will see a net reduction of NZ$19.91 per person through the combined arrival and departure levy rate changes. The Border Processing Levy for arriving cruise passengers will lower from NZ$27.14 to NZ$7.20, while the levy for outgoing passengers will increase by three cents per person. “The levy system is working as intended. Where f
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
New construction ACOP to bring health and safety clarity
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden today launched a new Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) that outlines practical steps businesses and workers can take to meet their health and safety responsibilities on residential construction sites. “This ACOP will provide practical, sector-specific information to help clients, principal contractors, contractors, subcontractors and workers prepare for upcoming changes to health and safety law, and support better outcomes across New Zealand's residen
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
West Coast infrastructure upgrades on course
Investment from the Regional Infrastructure Fund is delivering progress on key projects on the West Coast, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says. "Improvements to key shipping ports and the upgrade of Hokitika Airport are part of the government’s support for the West Coast’s economic growth and resilience,” Mr Patterson says. Mr Patterson joined local leaders and iwi today at the blessing of Greymouth Port's new port sounding vessel, which will be used to monitor and manage the port’s
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Yesterday
Hunua Quarry development fast-tracked
A third substantial Auckland quarry project has gained Fast-track approval to expand operations, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Resources Minister Shane Jones say. This is the 37th project approved through the Fast-track process. Winstone Aggregates lodged its application in March 2026, with approval taking around four months from the appointment of an independent expert panel. The redevelopment of Hunua Quarry will expand existing quarrying activities to allow Winstone Aggregates to deepen the ex
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
SH54 resilience improvements on the way
A crash-prone bridge in Manawatū currently down to one lane is set to be replaced with funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. The project to replace Haynes Bridge on State Highway 54 will receive funding of $6.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. Mr Jones says the investment in the new bridge on a key Manawatū-Whanganui route will deliver benefits for communities and businesses throughout the region. "Safe
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
New term, same story; attendance up again
Provisional school attendance data for Term 3 2026 shows despite a tough flu season in person attendance rates were the highest of any Term 3 since 2022, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. In Term 3 2026, 52.2% of students met the criteria for regular attendance, representing a 1.7 percentage point increase from 50.5% in Term 3 2025. A student attends school ‘regularly’ when they are in class for more than 90 per cent of the term. “This data shows attendance rates continue to rise under this G
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Thursday
International tourism nears full recovery
International visitor numbers are now within a whisker of pre-pandemic levels, with four months left to go in the year and the summer season yet to hit, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. Stats NZ data out today shows the total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2026 was 99 per cent of the 251,100 in August 2019. “In 2025 I set the ambitious goal to increase the number of international visitors to New Zealand to at least 2019 levels by 2026. “This monthly data shows we are well
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Open ocean opportunities for iwi aquaculture
The Government has set aside areas suitable for aquaculture to ensure Marlborough iwi have the opportunity to contribute to the region’s open ocean aquaculture boom, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The two Aquaculture Settlement Areas (ASAs) ensure suitable space in the region remains available while the Crown and Te Tau Ihu iwi negotiate a settlement under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act,” Mr Jones says. “With the launch earlier this year of New Zealand’s first open
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Diesel reserve extended to maintain fuel security
The Government has extended an agreement for a 550,000-barrel strategic diesel reserve until August 2027 to maintain New Zealand’s fuel resilience, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say. “Maintaining our national fuel security, particularly through a period of global uncertainty, remains a top priority for the Government. That’s why we’re pleased to announce this extension to our existing deal with Z Energy for the diesel reserve at Marsden Point,” Nicola Willis says.
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Survivor Support and Recognition Fund to open next year
The Government has approved a third and final round of the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund (SSRF). The fund supports community-led services and initiatives for survivors of abuse and neglect in care This $820,000 contestable fund will be available to non-government organisations and community groups that directly support survivors of abuse in care,” says Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford. Applications are expected to open in February 2027. The Department of Internal Affairs' Community Operatio
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Long overdue replacement for critical bridge
Another bridge on South Canterbury’s State Highway 82 will be replaced, through funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say. The Deep Creek Bridge on SH82 will be replaced at a cost of $7.5 million. Elephant Hill Stream Bridge has already been replaced, and Waihao North Bridge is in the process of being replaced Deep Creek Bridge carries about 1850 vehicles each day and supports local journeys, agricultural activity and fre
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
It's all adding up: More maths gains for Kiwi kids
New independent assessment results show primary and intermediate students made the equivalent of four months' additional progress in mathematics between 2024 and 2026, signalling a turnaround in achievement, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. The latest Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) data, released today by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research (NZCER), show statistically significant improvements in mathematics and reading comprehension and vocabulary. “Our number one priority in educati
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Wednesday
Auckland gets another Crisis Recovery Café
People in Auckland in need of mental health or addiction support will have another place to turn for faster access to support, with a new peer-led Crisis Recovery Café officially opening in Mt Eden, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says. “Emergency departments aren’t always the best environment for someone experiencing mental distress. They can be busy, brightly lit and feel far too clinical, when often what someone needs is a calm place to sit down and talk to someone who understands. “That’s why we are
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Tuesday
Damning report shows Teaching Council failed to protect children
A damning new independent review has revealed how repeated failures by the Teaching Council allowed a teacher with a known history of offending to remain in the profession before he went on to commit indecent acts against children, Minister of Education Erica Stanford says. The independent regulatory review undertaken by Katherine Anderson KC follows the equally damning 2025 Debbie Francis review, which exposed a deeply concerning culture within the Teaching Council. “First and foremost, my thoughts are wit
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Tuesday
New ward boosts capacity at Hawke’s Bay Hospital
Hawke’s Bay patients will benefit from faster access to surgical care with the opening of a new 28-bed ward at Hawke’s Bay Hospital, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This new ward is a practical solution to meet growing demand, delivering the extra capacity Hawke’s Bay Hospital needs right now and making a real difference for both patients and staff,” Mr Brown says. “It gives surgical patients dedicated space before and after their procedures, along with space for surgical assessment and planning. That m
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Monday
First state school converts to a charter school
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that Pakaraka School in Northland has become the first state school to convert to a charter school. “Charter schools give educators more freedom to provide students with an education that suits their needs,” Mr Seymour says. “The Pakaraka community has chosen a new path for its school. They want to be able to build on what is already working for its students, and the charter school model enables them to do that. “In 2024 the school partnered wit
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Monday
Government ambitious for every child’s education
Thank you, Prime Minister. Over the past three years, we have been focused on one overriding objective: lifting educational achievement for every young New Zealander. And a huge part of that has been closing the equity gap, ensuring that your means do not determine your destiny by providing a world-leading education for every young person in our schools. Because we are ambitious for every child in this country. A world-leading education system starts with ensuring every child learns to read, write and do ma
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · Monday
Additional domestic student places for veterinary science at Massey University
“An increase in the number of funded domestic places in Massey University’s Bachelor of Veterinary Science programme from 125 to 140 per year from 2027 onwards will help address demand for veterinarians in the future,” says Minister for Tertiary Education Penny Simmonds. Minister Simmonds made the announcement during her visit to the university’s Palmerston North campus on Friday, 9 October. “The veterinary workforce plays a key role in our biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, and export industry. Incr
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
District Court Judges Appointed
Attorney-General Hon Chris Bishop has announced the appointment of Leighvi Maynard of Gisborne and Nicola Graham of Napier as District Court Judges. Mr Maynard began his legal career at Simpson Grierson in Auckland, where he was a member of the firm’s Environment, Planning and Resource Management team. In 2006 he moved to Gisborne and entered general practice, working across civil, employment, Māori land, family and criminal law jurisdictions before joining the Office of the Crown Solicitor for Rotorua, Tau
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Simpler food safety, stronger focus on risk
The Government is proposing changes to make it easier for food businesses to meet their food safety obligations, with less paperwork and a sharper focus on the risks that matter, Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says. Consultation opened today on an updated Simply Safe & Suitable food control plan template. This is New Zealand's main food control template: a pre-approved, plain-language checklist that tells businesses what steps to follow and what records to keep so their food stays safe. "Businesses hav
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Food and fibre exports hit record $65.2 billion
Food and fibre exports reached a record $65.2 billion in the year to 30 June 2026, up $4.8 billion on the year before, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says. "Kiwi farmers and growers keep delivering for the New Zealand economy," Mr McClay says. "This year was already on track to be a record. Their hard work has delivered a result that beats expectations." Exports are up 8 per cent on the previous year and ahead of the Ministry for Primary Industries' June forecast of $64.3 billion. "It's a gre
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Investigation into Apollo Stadium site planning rules
An investigation has been launched into whether Christchurch planning rules are getting in the way of new housing, economic growth and the future redevelopment of the former Apollo Projects Stadium site, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. The investigation follows a request from Christchurch City Council Mayor Phil Mauger to consider changes to the Christchurch District Plan for the 4.93-hectare site at 95 Jack Hinton Drive in Addington. “The temporary Apollo Stadium has served Christchurch well. Now th
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 9 October 2026
Four more school redevelopments get the green light
The Government is investing a further $37 million to redevelop four schools, taking investment in school redevelopment projects approved this year to more than $200 million, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “When we came into Government, school property was a mess. Around 350 projects could not be delivered within the funding available, schools had been waiting years for certainty, and classrooms were costing around $1.2 million each. “We said we would fix it, and that is exactly what we have been do
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
Next steps in fight against organised crime
The new Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime (TSOC) Chief Executive Board has met for the first time today, Associate Police Minister Casey Costello has announced. “We need better organised government to fight organised crime, and the Board will help deliver that,” Ms Costello says. “The Government has made a series of decisions to improve our response to TSOC, including appointing a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), and putting in place a new TSOC strategy and Action Plan. A key recommendation of the
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
More Kiwis choosing teaching
More New Zealanders are choosing to become teachers, with initial teacher education enrolments up 40 per cent since 2023. Education Minister Erica Stanford says the increase shows more Kiwis want to be part of New Zealand’s teaching workforce. “We’ve had a real focus on getting more New Zealanders into teaching so we can grow our own workforce and reduce our reliance on recruiting teachers from overseas. “Overseas-trained teachers make an important contribution to our schools, and we will continue to need t
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
RMA national direction reforms complete
The Government has completed the biggest overhaul of national direction in the history of the Resource Management Act – with the final changes making it faster, easier and more affordable to build and upgrade New Zealand’s electricity and telecommunications networks, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. “Over the past two years the Government has developed or amended 16 national direction instruments to remove unnecessary barriers to housing, infrastructure, energy and the primary sector,” Mr Bishop says.
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026
Government cracks down on rockpool vandals
Major fishing rule changes will come into force this summer to stop people from stripping rockpools of marine life on the Auckland and Coromandel coastlines, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft say. “Fossicking in a rockpool is a Kiwi tradition. It’s a pastime that’s been enjoyed by generations of New Zealanders. However, it’s being exploited by a selfish few who are taking far too much kaimoana. This behaviour is endangering these fragile ecosystems and putting at r
Beehive by beehive.govt.nz · 8 October 2026

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