Latest Parliament Headlines
Minister returns from successful trip to Chile
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 5:07 pm | New Zealand Government
Education Minister Hekia Parata says her trip to Chile highlighted the strength of the New Zealand education system and affirmed the direction we are taking in focusing on quality. More >>
Open data benefits public and economy
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 4:29 pm | New Zealand Government
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says a second report into the Declaration on Open and Transparent Government shows government departments are making excellent progress releasing their public data for re-use on data.govt.nz. More >>
New IRD office shows Government’s commitment to Christchurch
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 4:04 pm | New Zealand Government
The official opening of Inland Revenue’s new office in Christchurch’s Mid City building today celebrates the Government’s commitment to the future of the city says Revenue Minister Todd McClay. More >>
Kiwis Line up for Dole While National Boasts About Jobs
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 3:57 pm | New Zealand First Party
NZ First social policy spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor says the dole queues are getting longer by the day while Social Development Minister Paula Benefit continues to boast about all the new jobs her Government is creating. More >>
Hillbilly Heroin Over-Prescribed
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 2:59 pm | New Zealand First Party
Recent statistics showing that Oxycodone (Hillbilly Heroin) has become a more popular painkiller than morphine is alarming. “Serious addiction problems are being created,” says New Zealand First health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
Todd McClay: Address to the EMA Central North Island
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 2:02 pm | New Zealand Government
I’d like to thank you for inviting me to join you today. As the Member for Rotorua and the Minister of Revenue, it is especially appropriate that my first speech to a conference in my new portfolio is to you today. More >>
Animal Limb Find Highlights Biosecurity Weakness
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 1:51 pm | New Zealand First Party
New Zealand First says the discovery of part of an animal limb in a shipment of Palm Kernel extract from Asia shows the Government's “hands off" approach to biosecurity is failing. More >>
Grim But True Reading for NZ in Human Trafficking Report
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 1:06 pm | New Zealand First Party
Rt Hon Winston Peters says the latest report from the United States pointing the finger at New Zealand for forced labour and sex trafficking of underage girls simply confirms a situation that the country’s leadership and media ignore. More >>
Colony systems are still cages
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 1:03 pm | Green Party
Colony systems are still cages, and describing them as cage-free egg production is misleading, the Green Party said today. This was in response to the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) release today of their proposed changes to the ... More >>
Growth continues despite drought
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 11:53 am | New Zealand Government
Gross domestic product data for the March quarter shows the New Zealand economy continues to grow despite the impact of the nationwide drought. More >>
New Earthquake Commission board members
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 11:30 am | New Zealand Government
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee today announced three new appointments and two reappointments to the board of the Earthquake Commission (EQC). More >>
South Canterbury DHB pledges support for patient safety
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 10:58 am | New Zealand Government
Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew has congratulated South Canterbury District Health Board (DHB) for pledging support for New Zealand’s national patient safety campaign. More >>
Minister marks World Refugee Day
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 10:49 am | New Zealand Government
Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse has acknowledged World Refugee Day, held every year on 20 June. This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) theme is ‘1 family torn apart by conflict is too many’. More >>
Collusion hid truth on Solid Energy
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 10:26 am | New Zealand Labour Party
New documents show that Bill English and Tony Ryall’s offices colluded with Solid Energy management, Treasury and lobbyists to hide the truth about the failing SOE from New Zealanders, says Labour’s SOEs spokesperson Clayton Cosgrove. More >>
244,000 smokers received help to quit
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 10:10 am | New Zealand Government
The latest primary care health target results show general practices are focused on improving the health of New Zealanders, with almost a quarter of a million smokers receiving brief advice to quit from their GP or practice nurse in the past year. More >>
Labour’s String Pulling Won’t Fool Anyone
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 5:16 pm | ACT New Zealand
The back down by the Greens on their policy to print money is a nothing more than a sham, forced upon them by Labour in a transparent attempt to hide the Green’s economic foolishness, ACT Leader John Banks said today. More >>
Bridges: Plenary Session, International Labour Conference
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 5:10 pm | New Zealand Government
Sustainable development, employment, social protection, and social dialogue are all central to this Conference's objective of "Building a Future with Decent Work". New Zealand shares this objective. Building a brighter future through growing a productive ... More >>
Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council Chair appointed
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 5:00 pm | New Zealand Government
ACC Minister Judith Collins has announced Mr Mark Gilbert as Chair of the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC). More >>
May take an elephant before risk taken seriously
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 4:05 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
That the Ministry of Primary Industries is sending a senior official to South East Asia following the discovery of an animal limb in imported stock feed is less than reassuring, Labour’s Primary Industries spokesperson Damien O’Connor says. More >>
Court of Appeal Judge appointed
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 3:53 pm | New Zealand Government
Justice Forrest Miller has been appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal, Attorney General Christopher Finlayson announced today. More >>
Coordinated winter resilience programme rolled out
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 3:52 pm | New Zealand Government
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says a group of companies and agencies involved in the recovery have combined to share knowledge and create a winter resilience campaign, ensuring all parties know what each is doing and promising ... More >>
COWs boosting patient safety
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 3:51 pm | New Zealand Government
Doctors and nurses are using a COW (computer on wheels) to make medicines safer for patients. Health Minister Tony Ryall visited North Shore Hospital yesterday to see first-hand how hospital doctors and nurses prescribe and administer medication electronically ... More >>
Labour’s loss will be Christchurch’s gain
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 2:26 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
The Labour Leader David Shearer says Lianne Dalziel is an outstanding candidate for the Christchurch mayoralty, and Labour’s loss is the city’s gain. The Christchurch East MP has today confirmed she will stand for the mayoralty of Christchurch at this ... More >>
Greens launch new bill to make Reserve Bank more transparent
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 2:01 pm | Green Party
The Green Party today launched an exposure draft of new legislation to bring the Reserve Bank into the twenty-first century. The draft legislation, in the form of a Member’s Bill, will make the Reserve Bank Board responsible for setting the Official ... More >>
Gaming reforms fail to tackle problem gambling
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 1:58 pm | Green Party
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain’s package of reforms in the gaming sector do nothing to reduce the harm from gambling on pokie machines in pubs and sports clubs, Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche said today. More >>
Communities have more say on alcohol sales
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 1:55 pm | New Zealand National Party
New laws which come into force this week give local communities a greater say on the availability of alcohol in their neighbourhoods. Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says the change will give communities the tools they need to challenge unwanted bars, ... More >>
Community Internship Programme applications open
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 1:21 pm | New Zealand Government
Applications for the Community Internship Programme are now being accepted, says Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew. “This programme funds hapū, iwi or community groups with clearly identified needs to employ skilled professionals ... More >>
Package of reforms planned for Class 4 gambling
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 12:10 pm | New Zealand Government
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced a balanced package of reforms in the Class 4 (non-casino) gaming sector. More >>
Gambling Reform Making Progress
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 12:07 pm | The Maori Party
Māori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell is committed to progressing the Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill despite the changes made by the Commerce Select Committee, saying that small steps in the right direction are better than no change at all. More >>
LINZ Data Service a resounding success
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 11:45 am | New Zealand Government
Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson says the LINZ Data Service has set the benchmark for the release of public data for reuse, innovation and enterprise. More >>
Wellington transport plans a mix of the good, bad, and ugly
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 10:53 am | New Zealand Labour Party
No matter how NZTA likes to spin it, its mitigation plans for the Basin Reserve area cannot hide the fact the flyover is a concrete monstrosity that will fundamentally change the character of the area, Labour MP for Wellington Central Grant Robertson ... More >>
Bill reflects widespread and on-going concern
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 10:48 am | New Zealand Labour Party
The corporate world must know the public expects to call to account unjustified actions or omissions that end up killing people, Labour's Justice spokesperson and author of a Bill on corporate manslaughter, Andrew Little, says More >>
Andrew Little Speech to Aviation Industry Association
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 10:46 am | New Zealand Labour Party
I have been asked to speak about corporate manslaughter and my Members’ Bill on that issue which is presently sitting in Parliamentary ballot waiting to be drawn. More >>
Dairy industry faces oil and gas waste costs and risks
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 10:24 am | Green Party
The Green Party congratulates Fonterra on its decision to not accept milk from cows grazed on any new land farms – areas where oil and gas waste is spread and covered, the Green Party said today. More >>
21st Century learning reference group announced
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 10:17 am | New Zealand Government
Associate Education Minister Nikki Kaye has today announced 14 members of a new reference group that will provide expert advice on 21st century learning environments and digital literacy in schools. More >>
"Northland’s Future Derailed By National" Hon Peters Speech
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 9:11 am | New Zealand First Party
I am very pleased to be here with you today and have this opportunity to speak to you on how NZ First sees the future of railways in Northland. Put simply, we see investment in rail infrastructure as vital for Northland’s development and future ... More >>
Māori Party condemns Employment Relations Bill
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 5:08 pm | The Maori Party
The Māori Party has today condemned the Employment Relations (Continuity of Labour) Amendment Bill. “Our party has always spoken out in support of the right to be treated fairly and with dignity; and to enjoy the stability of a safe and healthy ... More >>
Govt moves to stamp out organised crime
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 4:22 pm | New Zealand Government
Justice Minister Judith Collins today announced the Government will adopt a range of recommendations to better attack international and domestic organised crime networks, as part of the All of Government Response to Organised Crime. More >>
Key Notes: Special video briefing on housing
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 4:19 pm | New Zealand Government
New Zealand families ought to have warmer, healthier and more affordable good-quality housing. More >>
Kiwirail is already breaking promises
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 3:55 pm | Brendan Horan MP
Brendan Horan supports permanent railway workers outraged that KiwiRail has broken its word by bringing in contractors to do essential core work. More >>
Minister welcomes new website for LBPs
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 3:51 pm | New Zealand Government
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says the launch of a new website will make it easier for Licensed Building Practitioners to access information online. More >>
Collins sluggish on local alcohol plans
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 3:36 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
Justice Minister Judith Collins' announcement today that locals can finally have a say about alcohol in their neighbourhoods is too late for many communities, Labour's Associate Health spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway says. More >>
Mediaworks – How Crony Capitalism Works – Peters
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 2:45 pm | New Zealand First Party
“The National Party is turning a blind eye to the public deception in the MediaWorks ‘Technical Receivership’,” says NZ First Leader Rt. Hon Winston Peters. More >>
Lies, damned lies and Steven Joyce
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 1:24 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
National has ignored the overwhelming evidence of a tipping point in manufacturing and seized on one statistic that is based on early slaughtering of animals because of the drought, says Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson David Clark. More >>
Communities have more say on alcohol licenses
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 12:55 pm | New Zealand Government
Justice Minister Judith Collins says local communities now have a greater say in the availability of alcohol in their neighbourhoods. More >>
Government in denial over state of manufacturing
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 12:41 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
No amount of National Party spin can disguise the decline of the manufacturing sector in New Zealand, says the Labour Leader David Shearer. More >>
PM feigns concern for first home buyers
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 12:31 pm | New Zealand Labour Party
PM feigns concern for first home buyers If John Key is truly concerned about first home buyers he would be taking practical steps such as introducing a Capital Gains Tax and building affordable homes to help them, says Labour’s Finance spokesperson ... More >>
Time for Government action on gender pay
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 11:58 am | Green Party
John Key needs to live up to his promise to address pay equity as new evidence shows women’s pay still lags well behind men’s, the Green Party said today. More >>
Blueprint released for Tāmaki regeneration
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 11:38 am | New Zealand Government
The draft strategic framework for the housing-led regeneration of Tāmaki has today been released for public feedback by Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith, Auckland Mayor Len Brown and the Tāmaki Redevelopment Company. More >>
PM needs to get his head out of the sand
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 11:32 am | Green Party
The Prime Minister’s denial of the crisis in manufacturing show that he is completely out of touch with reality and needs to spend time talking to real businesspeople and workers, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said today. More >>
Appointment to Confidential Listening and Assistance Service
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 10:21 am | New Zealand Government
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain today announced the reappointment of Judge Carolyn Henwood as the Chair of the Confidential Listening and Assistance Service. More >>
Open Letter On Māori Electoral Option
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 10:10 am | Joint Press Release
As Māori Members of Parliament we have come together to promote the kaupapa of enrolling on the Māori Roll in this year’s Māori Electoral Option. More >>
Simon Bridges misleads Parliament
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 9:36 am | New Zealand Labour Party
Simon Bridges' refusal to meet with International Labour Organisation (ILO) officials to discuss his government's employment law changes shows his disdain for international workers conventions, and confirms he misled Parliament, says Labour's spokesperson ... More >>
No cut to biosecurity funding in Budget 2013
Monday, 17 June 2013, 5:11 pm | New Zealand Government
It's important to correct some correct claims by opposition politicians. To make it crystal clear: funding has not been cut for biosecurity in Budget 2013. More >>
Call for clinicians to develop IT to improve health services
Monday, 17 June 2013, 4:47 pm | New Zealand Government
Health Minister Tony Ryall is encouraging health professionals to take part in the fourth annual Clinicians’ Challenge to develop IT solutions to improve health services. More >>
MediaWorks Deal Another Giant Ripoff
Monday, 17 June 2013, 3:28 pm | New Zealand First Party
Rt Hon Winston Peters says the soft “technical” receivership and financial restructuring of MediaWorks will cost taxpayers millions in unpaid taxes and once again show that New Zealand is at the mercy of foreign financiers. More >>
Health Quality and Safety Commission appointments
Monday, 17 June 2013, 3:16 pm | New Zealand Government
The Government has made three appointments to the Health Quality and Safety Commission. More >>
Gambling Harm Reduction Bill paves way for balanced reform
Monday, 17 June 2013, 2:55 pm | New Zealand Government
Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain says collaboration with Te Ururoa Flavell on his Gambling (Gambling Harm Reduction) Amendment Bill is the first stage in a balanced series of reforms planned for the Class 4 (non-casino) gaming sector. More >>
Child Abuse Victims Left On a Failing System
Monday, 17 June 2013, 2:46 pm | New Zealand First Party
NZ First Social Policy/Welfare spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor is shocked by cases revealed by District Court Judge Carolyn Henwood that show a failing protection system currently in place for abused children. More >>
Staffing Crisis Affects Welfare Reform Obligations
Monday, 17 June 2013, 2:04 pm | New Zealand First Party
NZ First Welfare and Social Policy spokesperson Asenati Lole-Taylor is appalled that a financial crisis in Early Childhood Centres (ECE) will deter beneficiaries from complying with recent welfare changes that require them to enrol young children in ... More >>
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