The Natives are Getting Uppity

Written By: - Date published: 8:24 pm, March 29th, 2022 - 33 comments
Categories: australian politics, China, colonialism, defence, Diplomacy, FiveEyes, International, jacinda ardern, Pacific, Peace - Tags:

Jacinda Ardern is “gravely concerned.” Peeni Henare was ‘”caught off-guard.”. Barnaby Joyce feels “intimidated.” Solomon Islands PM Sogavare found it “insulting to be branded as unfit to  manage our sovereign affairs.” I think he is right.

Where are all those fine words about democracy we love to preach to others? This is the 21st century, not the 19th, and the independent Solomon Islands government is entitled to make its own arrangements as it sees fit. This doesn’t sound to me like the “new net” going fishing in the Pacific, rather the old net bottom-dredging. Neo-colonialism under the security blanket.

The draft agreement between the Solomon Island and China apparently states:

“China may, according to its own need and with the consent of Solomon Islands, make ship visits, carry out logistical replenishment in, and have stopover and transition in Solomon Islands, and the relevant forces of China can be used to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and major projects in Solomon Islands.”

I can see why both the Solomons and China may have an interest in protecting the safety of Chinese personnel and projects. Riots in Honiara last year targeted the Chinese community, and China does take an interest in and look after the safety and concerns of its diaspora. I’m not at all surprised that the Solomons government would appreciate the help of Chinese police and defence personnel is assisting them to keep order. I am sure the Chinese community there will also appreciate it.

Predictably, Taiwan lobbyist Anne-Marie Brady was all over the Australian media ramping this up as “poking the panda.“. In her view, everything China does to protect the interests of its diaspora is malign. But ship visits do not a naval base make – we know this as the  destroyer USS Howard crept into Wellington harbour late last year. The politicians, the pundits and the lobbyists on both sides of the Tasman have gone way overboard on this issue. It does them no credit.

Personally, I’m far more concerned about the Australian government’s proposals to build bases for their nuclear submarines on the east coast of Australia. That will do far more to destabilise the Pacific than a few ship visits to Honiara, or some China-friendly police training. Also, the prevailing winds are westerly.

33 comments on “The Natives are Getting Uppity ”

  1. Stuart Munro 1

    Australia (and NZ too for that matter) haven't always been as good friends of the Pacific as they might have been. Had we been, we might have more reason to protest. If China is behaving with what was typical circumspection before Xi began rattling sabres over Taiwan, there is nothing to be concerned about. China has not been inspired to join or emulate the Putin approach thus far – in fact they seem to be distancing themselves from it.

    Shirvan of Caspian Report floats an issue NZ might need to concern itself with New Zealand at the centre of big power play – YouTube – but unless there are solid indications the Solomons are the thin edge of that particular wedge, we ought to be careful not to overdo the colonial era presumptions.

  2. Peter 2

    I liked the comment about China looking after the safety and concerns of its diaspora. And will do it in its own way of course.

    I presume Hong Kong is part of that diaspora. How's that "looking after" going?

    • RedLogix 2.1

      Or the Chinese diaspora in Australia and NZ for that matter. A very convenient principle this is.

      What shits me is that if it was a western nation doing exactly the same thing, Smith would be predictably ranting anti-imperialist lines. Indeed this is exactly the window of opportunity the CCP has exploited here – because Aus and NZ have not gone in full noise neo-colonial and have to a large degree respected the sovereign operation of the Solomon Is govt – it left the door open for the CCP to buy them outright.

      • Blazer 2.1.1

        You either respect independence and sovereignty or you …don't.

        Speculation on what M.S may or may not say if X or Y occurs does not bolster your…argument,whatsoever.

      • Tiger Mountain 2.1.2

        Well RedLogix, unless you have discovered time travel–who knows what Mike Smith might say in future?

      • Mike the Lefty 2.1.3

        Neither did China seem to care much about its diaspora when Chinese businesses were sacked during the Tongan riots of 2006. But perhaps Tonga wasn't strategically important enough for them to give a toss.

        The Chinese government doesn't do anything out of benevolence, but only if it involves money and power – mostly for the benefit of China.

        I suppose I could be accused of being racist and anti-Chinese, but I have a Chinese spouse and relatives who have told me the same thing more than once.

  3. Tiger Mountain 3

    Agree with Mike Smith on this one. The usual Sinophobic suspects, and rather obscure NATO and US sponsored think tanks and associations are now appearing in media channels.

    NZ, and Australia in particular, have hardly covered themselves in glory over the years with the 5 Eyes backdrop always present in relations with Pacific nations.

    And who is kidding who about imperialist threats–as far as us ordinary people can know via internet search, US Imperialism has approx 750 acknowledged off shore bases and military facilities, PRC perhaps 5!

  4. SPC 4

    That's good of them Rio Tinto relied on Indonesian troops to loot Western Papua.

    Now given that the local administration of one of the islands wants nothing to do with China …

  5. Byd0nz 5

    Ho Hum. Well it could be that a ‘New’ New World Order is coming with China at it’s core. Certainly would be better than the stale’ World Order’ run by the US that has only benefited the rich one percent of the World and after all this time the gap has widened to a chasm.
    This restless native of planet Earth is getting uppity(someone’s nose)

    Surely with the multi billions of weapon construction and sales that represent waste and war, that money could have been used for maintaining infrastructure and the well being of the Worlds’ people. This ‘New’ New World Order could not do worse, coz there’s no worse than worse and the US World Order is certainly the worst.

  6. Ad 6

    Hearing their PM say they are competent to manage their international affairs is laughable.

    The Solomon Islands is regularly considered very close to being a 'failed state'. It has collapsed into civil disorder multiple times since 1998, and is otherwise propped up by foreign countries' aid and development and by the ADB and World Bank.

    Australia and New Zealand have willingly provided the majority of local funding and security support since 1978, with further funding from Japan and the EU.

    When they get to vote, about 25% of them are offered bribes for their vote. 21% have bribed to get a public service in the last 12 months.

    Solomon Islands – Transparency.org

    They have governments that have done nothing but fail. Their population is riven with ethnic tension and their leadership has done nothing about it. Out of their entire Parliament, 4 are women.

    No one expects anyone to be grateful, but no one expects them to make it worse by inviting the Chinese military in either.

    • Sanctuary 6.1

      The most likely outcome of sitting back and allowing this deal will be a pivot by Australia, NZ and the USA to supporting the aspirations of self-governance of the Melitans – and thence to a low intensity civil war which will be allowed to fester along until ANZUS "humanitarian intervention" is required. Or they could call the deal off and take the aid from Anglosphere and Japan and live in reasonable peace.

      The Solomon Islands will stay firmly in the Australian/NZ/USA orbit. They can learn that the hard way, or the easy way.

  7. The Solomons want to have their cake and eat it too.

    "Sogavare said his country was grateful for this security arrangement, which would remain “intact”. But it faced security challenges “so great that there are sufficient space for everyone”, he said."

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/128202394/solomon-islands-pm-rebukes-nz-australia-over-china-security-deal-dismay

    I think New Zealand and Australia should immediately pull all aid, and let the Solomon Islands call on China next time a hurricane comes through. Lets see how that works out for them.

    • Blazer 7.1

      It would work out really well I expect.

      If you look at Fiji, where regime change occurred at gunpoint and despite outrage from ANZUS ,Bainimarama faced down their threats and their attitude changed.

      I see no reason to suggest any different outcome in the…Solomons.

    • Ad 7.2

      NZ never withholds storm emergency aid for political reasons.

      • Blazer 7.2.1

        Haha…

        '

        'The Fiji Government released a new draft constitution two weeks ago, which paved the way for its first democratic elections since a 2006 coup.

        Mr Key, who leaves for the Marshall Islands tomorrow morning, said: "On face value we accept that much of it is heading in the right direction."

        The constitution includes a clause giving immunity to all of those involved in past coups.'

        Key: NZ will accept immunity clause for Fiji coup leaders – NZ Herald

      • tsmithfield 7.2.2

        Why not? Especially when they have a new partner with the capability to sort that sort of stuff for them. Its not like they have been left to fend for themselves if China is as benevolent as they think.

        • McFlock 7.2.2.1

          You're saying the quiet bit out loud again.

          While I wouldn't be surprised if Ad were being a tad sarcastic (aid often being a part of foreign policy, albeit its use more as positive reinforcement rather than its removal as negative negative), explicitly stating that one will happily let citizens of the nation die because of their government's geopolitical realignment might just come across as being a little bit brutal.

          The more intelligent conventional move is to supply as much aid as is needed, covering everything with the supplier's branding. This helps with stock control in a chaotic environment, as well as tells everyone exactly how nice one is.

          • tsmithfield 7.2.2.1.1

            It probably does sound a bit brutal. But so are the potential consequences of having a Chinese Base on the Solomon Islands.

            Probably the diplomatic way to handle it would be to signal to the Solomon Islands that we intend to scale back our support in light of their decision and advise them to seek humanitarian guarantees from China to fill the gap.

            If the Chinese are forthcoming with those, then we probably aren't in any different position to what we were going to be anyway.

            If not, then they may want to give their arrangement with the Chinese second thought, and give us some guarantees about the future scope of Chinese involvement in the Solomons.

            "Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest thing in the nicest way" Isaac Goldberg

            • McFlock 7.2.2.1.1.1

              Yeah – generally the nicest way. Not the most brutal.

              The exception is when it's close to war, in which case one says many things in order to dissemble one's true intentions and thus screw up the opposition's cost/benefit analyses and force distribution.

              Scaling back assistance – even just offeres of such – for the Solomons is essentially ceding our regional influence to the Chinese geopolitical sphere. It also removes the ability for the Solomons to move between the global power structures should they want to.

              Remember, the Solomons are doing the same "grass when elephants fight" dance as we are.

              • tsmithfield

                It is a difficult one. And I do understand the risk of ceding further control to the Chinese. But, on the other hand, I think the action by the Solomons is highly disrespectful of the longterm beneficial relationship that NZ and Australia has provided the Solomons. So, I think there should be consequences for that.

                One thing the situation in Ukraine has shown is that trying to placate aggressive state actors just emboldens them more. So, by doing nothing, the message is that we won't do anything if China decides to exert influence on other local democracies in the area.

                My understanding is that China tends to influence more by long term loans etc that give them strings they can pull. I am not so sure they are big on humanitarian aid and financial support in the way that NZ and Australia provide. So, it probably is an aspect that we can leverage on.

                So far as we are concerned though, we are in danger of being caught under China's spell. We are very vulnerable with the amount of trade we have with them, hence the very diplomatic way we criticise China for human rights abuses in their own land.

                I am thinking there needs to be a "democracy" trade bloc, where countries that support free democracies try to trade with each other as much as possible. This would give an incentive for dictatorships around the world to become more democratic in order to prosper.

                Nothing is easy in all of this.

                • McFlock

                  Part of it is whether we've neglected our own aid budgets, or mis-targeted them over the last decade or two. This can materially affect the strength of democratic institutions in an unstable region of the Pacific.

                  There is also often an intrinsic problem with needs-based aid: assistance goes to the regions most in need, and those regions are often most in need because of domestic politics. One doesn't win the favour of governments by materially supporting their opposition's strongest areas.

                  But that is also too simplistic an interpretation, which doesn't even approach the motivations of key decision-makers. Were they bought by PRC, or did China step in when AUSNZ fucked up the relationship – were we patronising with many micro-indignities? Or is this simply a consequence of Aus in particular being too closely aligned with the US, and the Solomons want to step back into the middle? Does the agreement give as much carte blanche for PRC troops in the Solomons as some seem to fear, or is that a mistranslation or omission of key parts?

                  In general, I think we need to focus on rebuilding the relationship rather than assuming we can punish them for daring to see other people. We all still have to live with each other in the South Pacific.

                  But there's a reason we have foreign ministry wonks and area specialists – relationships are easy to destroy, and take decades to rebuild.

                  • tsmithfield

                    I agree we probably need to increase what we do for our neighbours to increase influence in the region. But I think we should take a strategic approach to that and tie it to maintaining democracy in the regions.

                    Probably one of the big concerns for me (besides the longterm strategic concerns) is that the Solomons, wanting to have Chinese troops present to "protect Chinese infrastructure" as I saw reported, could well be just a proxy to put down dissent in the Solomons, and undermine democracy. We don't want to see that spread.

                    In that sense, we don't want to be in a position where any aid we give is simply enabling and supporting repression of democracy.

                    If that is the aim of the Solomon government, they are playing a very dangerous game IMO. Because China may not necessarily settle for just being a tool of the Solomon government.

                    • McFlock

                      Oh, both parties know the other's game, I reckon. But these are interesting times.

                      I agree we shouldn't help prop up a non-democratic regime, but the Solomons probably aren't there yet. And that would just make us more careful about what aid we provide.

                      In some regards, the treaty might give carte blanche to Chinese forces to advance from their base to secure Chinese-owned businesses (or go even further) if there is further unrest. On the other hand, it might just be the equivalent to enabling US troops to shoot trespassers on US bases in Guantanamo or other facilities around the world.

                      The agreement creates more intensive geopolitical friction in the area, which means NZ needs to make more careful and subtle moves.

  8. Corey Humm 8

    Solomon islands can't even handle their domestic affairs , have you forgotten last November and that we're helping them till May?

    Big Grant Dalton vibes from this post. As in bugger NZ. The big money is overseas i guess… Good grief.

    This is about one thing and one thing only it's about an increasingly imperialistic and hardline China buying off countries in the south Pacific to get a foothold and now they have one.

    Ill always give this blog a lot of credit for allowing both sides of the debate though…. But maaaate have you ever taken a critical position of China? Ever?

    All I ever see from you Mike is whataboutism directed at the west and deflection in defence of China whenever human rights abuses, genocides, authoritarianism, workers rights abusers, govt disappearances or any of the war and peace sized lost of CCP human rights and international laws are mentioned its always deflection and what aboutism.

    I'll get banned for this I know but my goodness.

    Defending the militarization of our region on fake woke talking points is pathetic.

    We live in this region and we have a right to criticize just as we did with aukus.

    You attack NZ and Australias criticism for events going on in our region as Colonialism? Sweet but what about China's neocolonialism? Hmmm? That's what flooding poor nations with all this unrepayable cash for strategic infrastructure is and the fact the USA has done it doesnt make china doing it any better.

    The Chinese people are wonderful people who have contributed so much to this planet.

    The CCP are blood thirsty scumbag authoritarians.

    If this gets me banned so be it.

    Atleast I'm not a tanky.

    • Mark 8.1

      "Sweet but what about China's neocolonialism? Hmmm? That's what flooding poor nations with all this unrepayable cash for strategic infrastructure"

      So simply investing in other countries is neocolonialism? Has China forced any country to agree to its investments. Has China invaded any country to force trade or economic relations against the will of other countries?

      It appears that the one with neocolonial attitudes are people like you, who arrogantly assume that independent non-Western countries do not have the nous to decide on how to conduct their own foreign affairs and requires the intervention of the West to put them right.

  9. Mike Smith 9

    What's a tanky?

  10. theotherpat 10

    and the CCCP has another foothold on our backdoor…..the Solomons will regret this….their fish stocks will be pillaged and whatever development/money given by the CCCP will be used to hang them with….just like in sth america and africa….and if i have to hear again "oh the imperialst USA etc have done this and this " i will puke…yeah they did it and we know it was "wrong" and is not to be used as an excuse for the CCCP to do the same…….i wonder where the money trail goes……………

  11. Grafton Gully 11

    Religion is a factor too and could be a major, given Manasseh's piety.

    "His Excellency Li Ming, applauded acknowledged Prime Minister Sogavare as the initiator of the relationship between our Churches and Churches in China."

    https://www.solomonstarnews.com/prc-ambassador-applauds-pm-for-initiating-relationship-between-our-churches-and-churches-in-prc/

  12. aj 12

    The only religion that counts is money.

    The Ukraine – a decisive transfer of the balance of power from west to east

    Kishore Mahbubani predicted that it will be an Asian 21st century. Prior to 24 February 2022 the progress of the transition of the balance of power from West to East was progressing as a drawn-out process occurring over a decadal timeframe. However, the Western response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is rapidly accelerating this process – an own goal. There is a good chance that 2022 will in hindsight be viewed as the decisive tipping point. Unfortunately, the penny has not yet dropped with Western governments and their compliant media of what their actions have triggered. Enlightened self-interest suggests that a major change in direction is required in the West, Australia included, to make the best of a bad situation.

    https://johnmenadue.com/cameron-leckie-a-decisive-transfer-of-the-balance-power-from-west-to-east/

    Pepe Escobar looks at the bigger picture. Is the world undergoing a transformation as bold as he suggests?

    How Mariupol will become a key hub of Eurasian integration

    The INSTC’s main players are Russia, Iran and India – which are now, post-NATO sanctions, in advanced interconnection mode, complete with devising mechanisms to bypass the US dollar in their trade. Azerbaijan is another important INSTC player, yet more volatile because it privileges Turkey’s connectivity designs in the Caucasus.

    The INSTC network will also be progressively interconnecting with Pakistan – and that means the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key BRI hub, which is slowly but surely expanding to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s impromptu visit to Kabul late last week was to advance the incorporation of Afghanistan to the New Silk Roads.

    https://thecradle.co/Article/columns/8480

  13. esoteric pineapples 13

    Enjoying your articles Mike

  14. Mark 14

    Great article Mike.

    The Australians are butt hurt because they no longer have the power to enslave Solomon Islanders and other Pacific peoples to work on Queensland plantations like they use to, and the former subjects of Australian enslavement are exercising their right as full sovereign nations to have relations with other nations such as China that were also once under the Western colonial jackboot.

    Blackbirding: legacy of anger in Solomon Islands | RNZ News

  15. It does not make sense for the author to cite the content of the agreement between the Chinese Solomons.

    The author can read China's constitution, which states that everyone has freedom of speech.

    The irony is that if the author went to "China where he doesn't have to worry about",

    he wouldn't even have a chance to publish this article about hugging a panda,

    because he can't just go online.

Recent Comments

Recent Posts

  • EV road user charges bill passes
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the passing of legislation to move light electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the road user charges system from 1 April.  “It was always intended that EVs and PHEVs would be exempt from road user charges until they reached two ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 hours ago
  • Bill targets illegal, unregulated fishing in international waters
    New Zealand is strengthening its ability to combat illegal fishing outside its domestic waters and beef up regulation for its own commercial fishers in international waters through a Bill which had its first reading in Parliament today. The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2023 sets out stronger ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    5 hours ago
  • Reserve Bank appointments
    Economists Carl Hansen and Professor Prasanna Gai have been appointed to the Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is the independent decision-making body that sets the Official Cash Rate which determines interest rates.  Carl Hansen, the executive director of Capital ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 hours ago
  • Stronger protections for apartment owners
    Apartment owners and buyers will soon have greater protections as further changes to the law on unit titles come into effect, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “The Unit Titles (Strengthening Body Corporate Governance and Other Matters) Amendment Act had already introduced some changes in December 2022 and May 2023, and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Travel focused on traditional partners and Middle East
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Egypt and Europe from this weekend.    “This travel will focus on a range of New Zealand’s traditional diplomatic and security partnerships while enabling broad engagement on the urgent situation in Gaza,” Mr Peters says.   Mr Peters will attend the NATO Foreign ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago
  • Keep safe on our roads this Easter
    Transport Minister Simeon Brown is encouraging all road users to stay safe, plan their journeys ahead of time, and be patient with other drivers while travelling around this Easter long weekend. “Road safety is a responsibility we all share, and with increased traffic on our roads expected this Easter we ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    11 hours ago
  • Cost of living support for over 1.4 million Kiwis
    About 1.4 million New Zealanders will receive cost of living relief through increased government assistance from April 1 909,000 pensioners get a boost to Superannuation, including 5000 veterans 371,000 working-age beneficiaries will get higher payments 45,000 students will see an increase in their allowance Over a quarter of New Zealanders ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Tenancy reviews for social housing restart
    Ensuring social housing is being provided to those with the greatest needs is front of mind as the Government restarts social housing tenancy reviews, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. “Our relentless focus on building a strong economy is to ensure we can deliver better public services such as social ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary plan halted
    The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary will not go ahead, with Cabinet deciding to stop work on the proposed reserve and remove the Bill that would have established it from Parliament’s order paper. “The Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary Bill would have created a 620,000 sq km economic no-go zone,” Oceans and Fisheries Minister ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    12 hours ago
  • Cutting all that dam red tape
    Dam safety regulations are being amended so that smaller dams won’t be subject to excessive compliance costs, Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on reducing costs and removing unnecessary red tape so we can get the economy back on track.  “Dam safety regulations ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago
  • Drought support extended to parts of North Island
    The coalition Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. “I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago
  • Passage of major tax bill welcomed
    The passing of legislation giving effect to coalition Government tax commitments has been welcomed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.  “The Taxation (Annual Rates for 2023–24, Multinational Tax, and Remedial Matters) Bill will help place New Zealand on a more secure economic footing, improve outcomes for New Zealanders, and make our tax system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Lifting economy through science, tertiary sectors
    Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins and Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds today announced plans to transform our science and university sectors to boost the economy. Two advisory groups, chaired by Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, will advise the Government on how these sectors can play a greater ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government announces Budget priorities
    The Budget will deliver urgently-needed tax relief to hard-working New Zealanders while putting the government’s finances back on a sustainable track, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.  The Finance Minister made the comments at the release of the Budget Policy Statement setting out the Government’s Budget objectives. “The coalition Government intends ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 day ago
  • Government to consider accommodation solution
    The coalition Government will look at options to address a zoning issue that limits how much financial support Queenstown residents can get for accommodation. Cabinet has agreed on a response to the Petitions Committee, which had recommended the geographic information MSD uses to determine how much accommodation supplement can be ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Government approves extension to Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care
    Cabinet has agreed to a short extension to the final reporting timeframe for the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care from 28 March 2024 to 26 June 2024, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says.                                         “The Royal Commission wrote to me on 16 February 2024, requesting that I consider an ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • $18m boost for Kiwis travelling to health treatment
    The coalition Government is delivering an $18 million boost to New Zealanders needing to travel for specialist health treatment, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says.   “These changes are long overdue – the National Travel Assistance (NTA) scheme saw its last increase to mileage and accommodation rates way back in 2009.  ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • PM’s Prizes for Space to showcase sector’s talent
    The Government is recognising the innovative and rising talent in New Zealand’s growing space sector, with the Prime Minister and Space Minister Judith Collins announcing the new Prime Minister’s Prizes for Space today. “New Zealand has a growing reputation as a high-value partner for space missions and research. I am ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Concerns conveyed to China over cyber activity
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government.     “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity, attributed to groups sponsored by the Chinese Government, targeting democratic institutions in both New ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry
    Independent Reviewers appointed for School Property Inquiry Education Minister Erica Stanford today announced the appointment of three independent reviewers to lead the Ministerial Inquiry into the Ministry of Education’s School Property Function.  The Inquiry will be led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. “There is a clear need ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Brynderwyns open for Easter
    State Highway 1 across the Brynderwyns will be open for Easter weekend, with work currently underway to ensure the resilience of this critical route being paused for Easter Weekend to allow holiday makers to travel north, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Today I visited the Brynderwyn Hills construction site, where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago
  • Speech to the Infrastructure Funding & Financing Conference
    Introduction Good morning to you all, and thanks for having me bright and early today. I am absolutely delighted to be the Minister for Infrastructure alongside the Minister of Housing and Resource Management Reform. I know the Prime Minister sees the three roles as closely connected and he wants me ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Parliamentary network breached by the PRC
    New Zealand stands with the United Kingdom in its condemnation of People’s Republic of China (PRC) state-backed malicious cyber activity impacting its Electoral Commission and targeting Members of the UK Parliament. “The use of cyber-enabled espionage operations to interfere with democratic institutions and processes anywhere is unacceptable,” Minister Responsible for ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ to provide support for Solomon Islands election
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced New Zealand will provide logistics support for the upcoming Solomon Islands election. “We’re sending a team of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and two NH90 helicopters to provide logistics support for the election on 17 April, at the request ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
    The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand’s ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union.    “I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • COVID-19 inquiry attracts 11,000 submissions
    Public consultation on the terms of reference for the Royal Commission into COVID-19 Lessons has concluded, Internal Affairs Minister Hon Brooke van Velden says.  “I have been advised that there were over 11,000 submissions made through the Royal Commission’s online consultation portal.” Expanding the scope of the Royal Commission of ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Families to receive up to $75 a week help with ECE fees
    Hardworking families are set to benefit from a new credit to help them meet their early childcare education (ECE) costs, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. From 1 July, parents and caregivers of young children will be supported to manage the rising cost of living with a partial reimbursement of their ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Unlocking a sustainable, low-emissions future
    A specialised Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG) tasked with preparing and publishing independent non-binding advice on the design of a "green" (sustainable finance) taxonomy rulebook is being established, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says.  “Comprising experts and market participants, the ITAG's primary goal is to deliver comprehensive recommendations to the ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Chief of Army thanked for his service
    Defence Minister Judith Collins has thanked the Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, DSD, for his service as he leaves the Army after 40 years. “I would like to thank Major General Boswell for his contribution to the Army and the wider New Zealand Defence Force, undertaking many different ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders
    25 March 2024 Minister to meet Australian counterparts and Manufacturing Industry Leaders Small Business, Manufacturing, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly will travel to Australia for a series of bi-lateral meetings and manufacturing visits. During the visit, Minister Bayly will meet with his Australian counterparts, Senator Tim Ayres, Ed ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago
  • Government commits nearly $3 million for period products in schools
    Government commits almost $3 million for period products in schools The Coalition Government has committed $2.9 million to ensure intermediate and secondary schools continue providing period products to those who need them, Minister of Education Erica Stanford announced today. “This is an issue of dignity and ensuring young women don’t ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago
  • Speech – Making it easier to build.
    Good morning, it’s great to be here.   First, I would like to acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors and thank you for the opportunity to be here this morning.  I would like to use this opportunity to outline the Government’s ambitious plan and what we hope to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Pacific youth to shine from boost to Polyfest
    Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti has announced the Government’s commitment to the Auckland Secondary Schools Māori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival, more commonly known as Polyfest. “The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is a longtime supporter of Polyfest and, as it celebrates 49 years in 2024, I’m proud to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • 2024 Ngarimu VC and 28th (Māori) Battalion Memorial Scholarships announced
    ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to Breast Cancer Foundation – Insights Conference
    Before moving onto the substance of today’s address, I want to recognise the very significant and ongoing contribution the Breast Cancer Foundation makes to support the lives of New Zealand women and their families living with breast cancer. I very much enjoy working with you. I also want to recognise ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Kiwi research soars to International Space Station
    New Zealand has notched up a first with the launch of University of Canterbury research to the International Space Station, Science, Innovation and Technology and Space Minister Judith Collins says. The hardware, developed by Dr Sarah Kessans, is designed to operate autonomously in orbit, allowing scientists on Earth to study ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Speech to the New Zealand Planning Institute
    Introduction Thank you for inviting me to speak with you today and I’m sorry I can’t be there in person. Yesterday I started in Wellington for Breakfast TV, spoke to a property conference in Auckland, and finished the day speaking to local government in Christchurch, so it would have been ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Support for Northland emergency response centre
    The Coalition Government is contributing more than $1 million to support the establishment of an emergency multi-agency coordination centre in Northland. Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell announced the contribution today during a visit of the Whangārei site where the facility will be constructed.  “Northland has faced a number ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Celebrating 20 years of Whakaata Māori
    New Zealanders have enjoyed a broader range of voices telling the story of Aotearoa thanks to the creation of Whakaata Māori 20 years ago, says Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. The minister spoke at a celebration marking the national indigenous media organisation’s 20th anniversary at their studio in Auckland on ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago
  • Some commercial fishery catch limits increased
    Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024. "Regular biannual reviews of fish ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    7 days ago

Page generated in The Standard by Wordpress at 2024-03-28T08:55:39+00:00