24 February
2011. From the balcony outside his office just prior to
departing for his third trip to Christchurch in three days,
the Prime Minister reflects on the earthquake and next
steps.
22 February
2011. Prime Minister John Key's statement on the earthquake,
followed by Q&A with media.
22 February,
8:30 pm. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English updates the
country on the situation in Christchurch.
22 February
2011. Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Civil Defence
Minister John Carter. Press conference on today's earthquake
in Christchurch.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.
The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.
The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>
Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne wants to push the Psychoactive Substances Bill through Parliament faster than planned when it returns from the select committee in mid-June, with the aim of having the legislation in place in July. More>>
Conservative Party leader Colin Craig is welcoming the announcement from Twitter today that new security measures are being introduced. This announcement coincidentally follows yesterday’s hijacking of his twitter account. More>>
IPCA Chair Judge Sir David Carruthers said today that the decision to undertake the operation in Ruatoki Valley and elsewhere on 15 October 2007 was reasonable and justified. “However, the road blocks established by Police at Ruatoki and Taneatua were unlawful, unjustified and unreasonable... ” The detention of the occupants at five properties examined by the Authority was unlawful and unreasonable. More>>
The nationwide Canstar Blue survey - of 2060 people examining consumer satisfaction with electricity providers - found that more than one third (36%) of respondents can’t afford to heat their home adequately in the winter, with Gen Ys and women finding it the toughest. More>>
“The proposal for a new campus originally included all five schools in the Aranui area. In reviewing the submissions and undertaking further analysis – with a focus on ensuring an exciting brand new education concept for Aranui children – we can achieve this and maintain a strong intermediate option in Chisnallwood. More>>
The Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security has completed an inquiry into potential breaches of the Government Communications Security Bureau Act (2003). More>>
As the latest Roy Morgan State of the Nation New Zealand reveals, the different attitudes of Kiwis around the country offer a fascinating glimpse into its varied population. More>>
“You can only vote in the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti by-election if you are eligible and correctly enrolled,” says Sue Braybrook, Registrar of Electors for the Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate. More>>