SCOOP.CO.NZ archive pages provide PLAIN FULL TEXT search access to the Scoop archives devided into CATEGORIES. The database indexes approximately 4 months of Scoop items and is updated each night. You can search Scoop's complete 8 years of data at Knowledge Basket.
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Today is a day that many New Zealanders look to with some hope and expectation of vision and leadership. More >>
New Zealand First health spokesperson Barbara Stewart has welcomed the announcement of the largest ever investment of $150 million over four years to the Aged Residential Care sector in Budget 2007. More >>
New Zealand first health spokesperson Barbara Stewart has welcomed the increase in this year's Budget for health and is especially pleased about the extra $124 million investment being made in child and youth health. More >>
New Zealand First spokesperson on Maori Affairs Pita Paraone is delighted at Budget 2007's availability of $2.5 million for capacity building for Maori Wardens. More >>
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters says Budget 2007 represents something of a watershed for New Zealand First's influence. More >>
While New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has cautiously welcomed extra funding to address New Zealand’s skyrocketing youth crime rate, he is concerned that any new initiatives will fail given the Government’s previous history on such ... More >>
New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today reiterated his belief in the right of his fellow caucus members to exercise a conscience vote on the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill and offered an explanation as to why he would be voting ... More >>
New Zealand First economic development spokesperson Doug Woolerton says he's pleased with today’s announcement of a significant cut in the corporate tax rate and an $87.8 million funding boost to the Market Development Assistance Scheme (MDAS). More >>
The announcement of incentives for Kiwisaver in today's budget are a welcome step in the right direction and ensures that the next step to compulsory savings will be smoother, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. "New Zealand First has ... More >>
The Government must stop providing comfort and support to gangs by allowing gang members to reside in state housing, says New Zealand First housing spokesperson Pita Paraone. More >>
An address by Rt Hon Winston Peters to the Whakatane District Grey Power Association on Wednesday 16 May in the Reception Room at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall on Short Street at 2pm More >>
New Zealand First transport spokesperson Peter Brown has called for an inquiry into driving practices in New Zealand, with an emphasis on drink driving, youth drinking and driving while disqualified. More >>
InterCity Group’s carbon neutral initiative is a welcome example of business taking responsibility for its carbon emissions and they should be congratulated, says New Zealand First transport spokesperson Peter Brown. More >>
The Minister of Health’s casual attitude to strikes in the health system can be partly explained by the fact that he has no real idea of what they cost or how many patients are affected says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First fisheries spokesperson Pita Paraone says a long term approach to maintaining a sustainable level of fish stocks and the recognition of the right of all New Zealanders to fish must take precedence over excessive money grabbing by ... More >>
An address by Rt Hon Winston to the Wellington Branch of the Institute of Financial Planners' Legal and Financial Forum on Thursday 10 May More >>
New Zealand First police spokesperson Ron Mark says that the continued delay in the issue of stab resistant body armour (SRBA) to front line officers is fast becoming a debacle. More >>
The raft of pre-budget announcements relating to Climate Change and Global Warming are small steps in the right direction, according to New Zealand First Environment spokesman Doug Woolerton. More >>
Suggestions that setting up a competitor to Fonterra will further farmers’ interests are absolute rubbish, such competition will do nothing to raise dairy farmers’ incomes according to New Zealand First Rural affairs spokesman Doug Woolerton. More >>
The announcement that Prevenar vaccine will be available to all babies born from 1 January next year is very good news and the Government is to be congratulated, says New Zealand First health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First says the shocking events in Wanganui and Christchurch last night show that drastic action is needed to curb gang activity and teenage drunkenness. More >>
New Zealand First says the shocking events in Wanganui and Christchurch last night show that drastic action is needed to curb gang activity and teenage drunkenness. More >>
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the decision to fund a larger nine-week trial of Herceptin for women with early breast cancer is unethical and based on unsound research by Pharmac. More >>
New Zealand’s public health system is working but could do very much better says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First has vowed to oppose raising the age of superannuation eligibility and to fight any reduction in superannuation payments. This follows an OECD report which provides unpalatable recommendations on retirement savings policies. More >>
After years of neglect, those working in the eldercare sector can now sleep a little easier in the knowledge that a huge injection of funding places it on a more secure footing, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. More >>
New Zealand First has suggested that National must reveal its economic policies before any cross party talks are likely to be meaningful. More >>
While the Reserve Bank Governor’s decision to lift the Official Cash Rate may have been considered inevitable in some quarters, it underlines the need for a review of the Reserve Bank Act, according to New Zealand First Economic Development spokesman ... More >>
Strike action looks likely to be a continuing factor in the health system and will be increasingly costly to health boards and patients in both financial and personal terms, says New Zealand First health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
Strike action looks likely to be a continuing factor in the health system and will be increasingly costly to health boards and patients in both financial and personal terms, says New Zealand First health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
“A common currency for New Zealand and Australia would do nothing to help our farmers, and our exporters”, said New Zealand First Economic Development spokesman Doug Woolerton. More >>
A government-appointed committee’s investigation into the deaths of 12 women last year during pregnancy or soon after childbirth will provide little comfort, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
Maori are not living up to claims of ‘guardians of the sea’, with many exploiting the sea for profit, says New Zealand First Maori Affairs and Fisheries spokesman Pita Paraone. More >>
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the Government's decision to review the sale of Crown land before the deal is made is long overdue and must be established as a long term measure for all future sales to prevent land grabbing and loss of ... More >>
People of Asian ethnicity are greatly overrepresented amongst those apprehended for poaching or black market fisheries offence since 2001, says New Zealand First fisheries spokesperson Pita Paraone today. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says he's appalled that a 16-year-old unlicensed driver who killed two of his passengers in a car crash has only been sentenced to nine months supervision. More >>
New Zealand First believes there should not be state funding of political organisations in New Zealand, but is supportive of any initiatives to remove corruption and bring greater transparency to our electoral system, says New Zealand First leader Winston ... More >>
New Zealand First economic development spokesperson Doug Woolerton says the continuing rise of the Kiwi dollar is hurting farm exports and beginning to bite New Zealand’s rural economy. More >>
New Zealand First has welcomed the possibility of restructuring in the New Zealand lamb industry. More >>
New Zealand First primary production spokesperson Doug Woolerton has again urged dairy farmers to be wary of Fonterra's proposals for a partial or full floating of the dairy giant. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is not surprised at the 10% jump in violent crime committed by youths in the past year and is reminding Members of Parliament that they currently have a chance to take a positive step towards addressing ... More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is not surprised at the 10% jump in violent crime committed by youths in the past year and is reminding Members of Parliament that they currently have a chance to take a positive step towards addressing ... More >>
Gerry Brownlee's callous, ignorant and mean spirited outburst against New Zealand seniors and the SuperGold Card in Parliament today highlights just how little National cares about our seniors, says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters. More >>
Gerry Brownlee's callous, ignorant and mean spirited outburst against New Zealand seniors and the SuperGold Card in Parliament today highlights just how little National cares about our seniors, says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters. More >>
Professor Walsh, the editors of the book, Stephen Levine and Nigel Roberts, and Victoria University Press - thank you for the invitation to launch this book - 'The Baubles of Office'. More >>
New Zealand First has cited the closure of a plastic products plant in Christchurch as further evidence that the high New Zealand dollar is still hurting our exporters. More >>
The snail-like progress of the case for PET scanning is another example of bureaucracy gone mad in the health system says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
The snail-like progress of the case for PET scanning is another example of bureaucracy gone mad in the health system says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First leader, Rt Hon Winston Peters, has congratulated those involved in the design and construction of the new Tauranga Harbour Bridge which is being built within time and under budget by a huge $45 million. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is questioning why the latest Police report on crime statistics for 2006 has not mentioned youth crime rates. More >>
The significant increase in New Zealand Superannuation of more than $20 a week for married couples and $13 a week for singles highlights why New Zealand First should remain the party of choice for seniors, says party leader Winston Peters. More >>
New Zealand First education spokesperson Brian Donnelly says National leader John Key is out of touch with the assessment tools used by primary school teachers and has accused National of watering down its national standards policy. More >>
New Zealand First labour and industrial relations spokesperson Peter Brown welcomes the largest increase to the minimum wage since 1999 and is pleased that the Confidence and Supply agreement has again delivered for New Zealanders most in need. More >>
The $20 a week increase in New Zealand Superannuation for married couples and $13 for singles living alone from 1 April this year comes as a direct result of New Zealand First's confidence and supply agreement with the Government, says New Zealand First ... More >>
The number of limited licences being granted by the courts suggests the application process is nothing short of an exercise in rubber stamping, says New Zealand law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. More >>
New Zealand First has again urged dairy farmers to give due value to co-operative principles as they assess Fonterra's review of its capital structure More >>
The acknowledgement by Corrections Chief Executive Barry Matthews that corruption in prisons may be more widespread than first thought is a welcome admission of something New Zealand First has been telling the Minister for some time, says law and order ... More >>
The shambles which has developed in Auckland over laboratory testing is more than just an embarrassment for the Auckland District Health Boards and the Minister of Health says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First economic development spokesperson Doug Woolerton is applauding the call by the bank workers union Finsec for banks to stop rewarding staff for selling credit card debt to customers. More >>
The next expensive confrontation between district health boards and health professionals looks set to be between DHBs and pharmacists, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
The lahar early warning system has worked exactly as it was supposed to, and New Zealand First extends its congratulations to the Department of Conservation, says New Zealand First conservation spokesperson Doug Woolerton. More >>
New Zealand First Deputy Leader Peter Brown backs the call for a public referendum on the Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Bill. More >>
New Zealand First housing spokesperson Pita Paraone says the Government's plans to introduce a new shared equity scheme for prospective homeowners could widen the opportunity for people to own their first home, but warns that the issue of rocketing housing ... More >>
The decision over public access to farms represents a ‘win-win’ situation according to New Zealand First rural affairs spokesperson Doug Woolerton. More >>
The Reserve Bank Governor’s decision to lift the Official Cash Rate today is an inevitable bowing to pressure, says New Zealand First economic development spokesperson Doug Woolerton. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark is urging the Government to take a look at the real danger that exists from the granting of parole to high risk offenders as a right instead of a privilege, saying that criminals wanting to get ... More >>
Parents of children in the Canterbury District Health Board’s catchment area will be relieved to learn of their board’s business plan for community clinics and mobile units to replace outdated dental clinics, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson ... More >>
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters is urging parents throughout New Zealand to exercise their vote at the forthcoming School Trustee Elections this month. Schools around the country are holding campaigns for school trustee elections and nominations ... More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has described the courts' pandering to fine dodgers as a joke, following the Minister's admission that more than 7,000 people have had multiple fines excused by the courts more than once in the past five ... More >>
Last night you ended Close Up with a montage of me criticising media for inaccurate reporting. I stand by those comments, particularly the sequence involving Kim Hill. But why did you not show the outcome of that particular argument? More >>
Kiwi children need enhanced protection from injury or harm resulting from criminal offending by adults, says New Zealand First MP Hon Brian Donnelly. More >>
New Zealand First local government spokesperson Brian Donnelly has welcomed the opening of an independent inquiry into local government rates following concerns over recent rates increases. More >>
The recruitment, appointment and subsequent resignation of Chief Executive Malcolm Stamp must have been an extremely costly exercise for the Waikato District Health Board, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
An address by Rt Hon Winston Peters to the Canterbury Club on Friday 23 February 2007 in Christchurch at 12 noon More >>
New Zealand First corrections spokesman Ron Mark has congratulated CEO Barry Matthews for announcing the establishment of a new unit to combat corruption in prisons. More >>
“Expert opinion is absolutely right that a full public float could cost farmers control of their livelihood. We have seen this happen with other producer businesses when they have been listed on the stock exchange,” said the party’s primary production ... More >>
New Zealand First Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone has welcomed the Maori Affairs select committee's confirmation of his terms of reference for an inquiry into Maori participation in early childhood education. More >>
New Zealand First corrections spokesman Ron Mark questioned today the quality and trustworthiness of information being given to the Minister of Corrections by his department. More >>
New Zealand First education spokesperson Brian Donnelly has warned that the Interim Response Fund policy, announced today by Education Minister Steve Maharey to deal with disruptive students, will be doomed to failure if cumbersome bureaucratic processes ... More >>
New Zealand First MP Ron Mark said comments made by Judge Peter Boshier that 12-yr-olds should be held accountable for crime they commit come like a breath of fresh air amid the hot-air rhetoric of children’s rights advocates. Judge Boshier, New Zealand’s ... More >>
New Zealand First forestry spokesperson Doug Woolerton is calling for calm in the carbon credit debate and rational discussion rather than rash action. More >>
Grandparents raising their grandchildren will be heartened by the news that they are to receive an increase in their benefits from the beginning of April says New Zealand First’s family spokesperson Barbara Stewart More >>
Increased investment in Wellington’s rail network is most welcome, says New Zealand First transport spokesman Peter Brown. More >>
While New Zealand First supports Finance Minister Michael Cullen's objectives of belatedly rebalancing the economy towards exporting and developing an improved savings regime it does not understand how the consideration of a mortgage interest levy would ... More >>
While New Zealand First supports Finance Minister Michael Cullen's objectives of belatedly rebalancing the economy towards exporting and developing an improved savings regime it does not understand how the consideration of a mortgage interest levy would ... More >>
New Zealand First Associate Immigration spokesperson Peter Brown says he's pleased the Immigration Minister has put an end to the farcical plea to bring Ahmed Zaoui's family to New Zealand while his security risk certificate review is being determined. More >>
New Zealand First has greeted the announcement of an additional $11.4 million funding for primary maternity services as being good news but with reservations. More >>
New Zealand First Education spokesperson, Brian Donnelly, says the rejection of the Government’s 20 free hours subsidy rate by large numbers of for-profit centres has been inevitable since the policy was first announced. More >>
The range of serious weapons that have been found recently in the hands of criminals is deeply disturbing, says New Zealand First law and order spokesman Ron Mark. More >>
New Zealand First Education spokesperson, Brian Donnelly, says the rejection of the Government’s 20 free hours subsidy rate by large numbers of for-profit centres has been inevitable since the policy was first announced. More >>
New Zealand First is supporting the move towards closer economic investment relations with Australia, but urging caution in dealing with a much larger economy. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that there has been no hike in the Official Cash Rate (OCR). More >>
The latest delay in the deployment of body armour to frontline police suggests a serious failure of police management, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. More >>
The latest delay in the deployment of body armour to frontline police suggests a serious failure of police management, says New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. More >>
New Zealand First is alarmed at the relentless decline in housing affordability, and is calling on the Government to urgently address this problem which is fundamentally altering our social fabric. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has renewed his call for the Government to introduce a licensing requirement for crossbows to bring them in line with other arms, following the shooting yesterday of a man in Northland. More >>
New Zealand First has welcomed the introduction of enforcement officers to monitor and better control the taxi industry. More >>
Reports that the 15-year-old remanded in connection to the murder of Doreen Reed was already on bail on dishonesty charges at the time of the murder have come as no big surprise to New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark. More >>
New Zealand First is concerned at reports indicating that half of our native species are at risk. More >>
New Zealand First will strongly oppose any moves by Ahmed Zaoui's lawyers to bring in members of his family under the refugee quota system, says associate immigration spokesman Peter Brown. More >>
New Zealand First communications spokesperson Brian Donnelly says he's disappointed that Telecom is using its power to increase user charges once again, despite recent regulatory moves intended to lower telecommunication costs to consumers. More >>
New Zealand First has welcomed the settlement of the radiation therapists strike but warns that it is just a matter of time before another group of unhappy medical professionals takes industrial action. More >>
News that the country’s two most southern district health boards plan to share core administration staff and planning in order to save money shows that common sense sometimes does prevail in the health system, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson ... More >>
The extra $4.7 million funding given to palliative care services will be helpful but the Government should not rest on its laurels says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First labour spokesperson Peter Brown says the ten percent increase in the minimum wage from April next year will keep New Zealand workers on shore and encourage economic growth. More >>
New Zealand First labour spokesperson Peter Brown says the ten percent increase in the minimum wage from April next year will keep New Zealand workers on shore and encourage economic growth. More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the release of the Government’s discussion document on climate change, and hopes that it will bring about some realistic and workable ways of dealing with this issue. More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the release of the Government’s discussion document on climate change, and hopes that it will bring about some realistic and workable ways of dealing with this issue. More >>
Police Minister Annette King’s statement of ‘regret’ to police officers injured by stabbing or cutting weapons due to the lengthy delay in issuing stab-resistant body armour will come as cold comfort for those injured officers, said New Zealand ... More >>
It is to be hoped that common sense prevails with the Cabinet committee reviewing the future of party pills says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First Communications spokesperson Brian Donnelly has welcomed the government's decision to extend the regulation of telecommunications services for another two years, saying it will help guarantee cheaper mobile costs in the long term. More >>
New Zealand First is demanding a re-evaluation of the costs of redeveloping Eden Park. “Given that the projected costs associated with the upgrade have increased from $60m to over $385m million and are still yet to be even finalised, the time ... More >>
The Government’s immigration amnesty offered to Zimbabweans in August is a dismal failure that is putting New Zealanders at risk of HIV/AIDS and other diseases, said New Zealand First associate immigration spokesman Peter Brown today. More >>
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has accused the Green party of peddling snake oil and says their deliberate misinformation about the Therapeutic Products and Medicines Bill has failed to put the safety of New Zealanders ahead of the interests of the ... More >>
New Zealand First is backing the Auckland Regional Council's calls for a long-term national population policy to deal with growth pressures and economic development. More >>
New Zealand First is backing the Auckland Regional Council's calls for a long-term national population policy to deal with growth pressures and economic development. More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the Government's announcement that Agent Orange victims and their families will receive compensation for their suffering, but says the issue has taken too long to resolve. More >>
The Minister of Health displayed a surprising lack of enthusiasm when asked about the possibility of adding Gardasil to the National Immunisation Programme before 2008 says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the outcome of the Immigration Act review with the associated recommendations for changes to our immigration law, says Associate Immigration spokesperson Peter Brown. More >>
New Zealand First is not surprised at the decision by Australia to impose severe restrictions on apple imports from New Zealand, saying that such a ruling was predictable. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark says that it is time for those ardent evangelists who continue to preach the merits of the current youth justice system to wake up to what is really happening on our streets. More >>
National's so-called "dream team" will very quickly find itself in an electoral nightmare unless they ditch the secret radical agendas and come to terms with the realities of MMP, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. More >>
New Zealand First's education spokesperson Brian Donnelly has welcomed the introduction of his Education (Establishment of Universities of Technology) Amendment Bill to Parliament today. More >>
New Zealand First education spokesperson Brian Donnelly says that his University of Technology Bill will not open the floodgates to allow every technical institute in the country to aspire to become one. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that Hamilton City has jumped through all the hoops required, and has secured resource consent to hold the V8 Supercar event from 2008. More >>
The Ministry of Health’s latest review of the Section 88 Maternity Notice seems to have ended up pleasing nobody, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First is alarmed at the high rate of substance abuse among Maori, and urges the Government to provide effective addiction services for this high need group. More >>
Don Brash should stop trying to lay a trail of blue herrings and tell the public exactly why he doesn't want certain emails made public, says New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. More >>
New Zealand First defence spokesperson Ron Mark has reacted angrily to reports that the Army’s tracked M113 armoured personnel carriers have been sold for scrap and will be destroyed by Christmas, describing this as an act of sheer vandalism. More >>
New Zealand First defence spokesperson Ron Mark has reacted angrily to reports that the Army’s tracked M113 armoured personnel carriers have been sold for scrap and will be destroyed by Christmas, describing this as an act of sheer vandalism. More >>
New Zealand First is insisting that, with the passing of the Social Security (Long Term Residential Care) Amendment Bill, any person eligible for a subsidy for care receives the care component of the subsidy, including couples residing under occupation ... More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the announcement of government support of TVNZ’s move into digital television, saying that at long last there is an opportunity to provide a better public broadcasting service. More >>
New Zealand First Education spokesperson Hon Brian Donnelly has welcomed the changes to the Student Loan scheme announced today aimed at encouraging New Zealanders to return home. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that Britain will not be pursuing the idea of a food miles tax on New Zealand exports. More >>
While disappointed at the Electoral (Reduction in Number of Members of Parliament) Amendment Bill being voted down at its second reading last night New Zealand First will now seek to introduce a Members Bill to ensure citizens initiated referenda ... More >>
New Zealand First is concerned that the problem of over-fishing and depletion of fish stocks is not being taken seriously enough in light of a recent scientific survey warning of the total loss of wild seafood this century. More >>
News that the Government is considering doubling the length of some sentences for young criminals has been welcomed by New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron Mark. More >>
New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron Mark has reiterated his calls for gangs to be outlawed. More >>
New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters says he's pleased that business leaders are finally recognising the need for a compulsory superannuation scheme – something that New Zealand First has long campaigned for. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that having secured an independent rates inquiry, the government has worked with us to deliver an independent high calibre inquiry panel and a robust terms of reference, says New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. More >>
Using the MeNZB campaign for political point scoring is irresponsible to say the least and a former cabinet Minister should know better, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
The announcement of a six-month delay in the mandatory fortification of bread with folic acid shows that commonsense has prevailed, at least in the short term, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First Economic Development spokesperson Doug Woolerton has welcomed the Government's announcement that it will provide temporary work visas to Pacific workers to fill horticulture and viticulture jobs when no New Zealanders are available. More >>
The current situation which prevents elderly couples receiving an accommodation subsidy while living in their own apartment incorporated into a residential care facility is bizarre and ridiculous, says New Zealand First social services spokesperson Barbara ... More >>
As former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson said, “a week is a long time in politics”. More >>
New Zealand First is looking forward to getting the Treaty of Waitangi (Removal of Conflict of Interest) Amendment Bill voted to select committee when it has its first reading in the near future. More >>
NZ First can and will repay parliamentary funds if the Auditor General can convince the party of what it did wrong, says Leader Winston Peters. The Auditor General's report tabled today outlined parliamentary spending by New Zealand First and other ... More >>
The Minister of Education, Steve Maharey, admitted in the House today that allowing the Exclusive Brethren to open their own schools has saved the government considerable funding. More >>
Ron Mark has welcomed the decision by the Minister for Child Youth and Family to think again about locating a Youth Justice facility at Te Waerenga Road in Rotorua, with the announcement today of a preferred alternative site on Parekarangi Trust ... More >>
New Zealand First is concerned that the proposed sale of Carter Holt Harvey forests to a single American timber investment group may be able to occur without Overseas Investment Commission permission. More >>
New Zealand First is urging the Government to consider all options in addressing the housing affordability crisis, which is only getting worse and which requires urgent and creative action. More >>
New Zealand First is concerned at the ability of fisheries officers to defend themselves, and hopes that the Minister of Fisheries will consider all reasonable options in an effort to allow them to carry out their jobs effectively and safely. More >>
New Zealand First is urging the Government to consider all options in addressing the housing affordability crisis, which is only getting worse and which requires urgent and creative action. More >>
"Telecom's announcement today that it will no longer make political donations is welcomed, although one might ask why it has taken this effective monopoly so long to reach this point, says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters. More >>
China’s call for New Zealand to open its labour market to Chinese workers as a condition of a proposed free trade deal is of serious concern to New Zealand First, says Deputy Leader Peter Brown. More >>
The Government needs to make it clear that it will not be blackmailed by rail operator Toll New Zealand, said New Zealand First transport spokesman Peter Brown. More >>
Government approval of $200 million to carry out 10,000 extra operations is more a short term move to reduce the embarrassing number of noisily suffering people on waiting lists than a long-term solution, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson ... More >>
New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron Mark is pleased that today’s crime statistics indicate more of a willingness for people to come forward to report crime and is not surprised that a pattern of increasing violent crime is emerging as a ... More >>
New Zealand First has had a long and sympathetic relationship with the Maori Women's Welfare League that stretches back many years. More >>
New Zealand First transport spokesperson Peter Brown is pleased with today’s announcement that Toll will continue the Overlander service between Wellington and Auckland, albeit on a reduced basis. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased with the new set of rules applying to retirement villages, saying that they provide a level of protection that was previously lacking. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased with the new set of rules applying to retirement villages, saying that they provide a level of protection that was previously lacking. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that the NZEI has taken a common sense approach in its guidelines to teachers’ physical contact with children. “There are countless occasions during a normal school day when it is appropriate for teachers to be in ... More >>
Another delay in the report from the Commission of Inquiry into police conduct is disappointing to New Zealand First and represents a further setback in the long road towards fully restoring public confidence in the Police, says Law and Order Spokesperson, ... More >>
New Zealand First Law and Order spokesperson Ron Mark has today welcomed the news that the drive to recruit 1000 more sworn police and 250 non-sworn over the next three years is well on track. More >>
The review of the Napier-Gisborne freight rail line by Australian-owned Toll NZ is the latest example of a foreign-owned company putting profit ahead of the services it should offer, says New Zealand First transport spokesman Peter Brown. More >>
New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters is delighted that the the Land Transport Management (Road Tolling Scheme for Tauranga - Mt Maunganui Harbour Link) Order in Council has been revoked. More >>
Government acknowledgement of the need to reduce the number of overweight and obese children in New Zealand is timely but the campaign announced today is very short on specifics, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First is pleased that the Conservation Minister is to take drastic action to reverse the decline in the number of campgrounds, but fears that the horse has already bolted in some of our most popular holiday areas. More >>
The government's announcement of a 'fair dividend rate' solution for overseas taxation reflects New Zealand First's desire to see a workable but fair-minded answer to this complex matter, says Leader Winston Peters. More >>
Australia’s announcement today of a new language and values test for prospective immigrants adds weight to calls for its introduction here, said New Zealand First Deputy Leader Peter Brown. More >>
The decision of the Justice and Electoral Select Committee not to proceed with my Bill to reduce the number of MPs to 100 highlights the folly of allowing self interested MPs to make decisions about their future, says New Zealand First MP Barbara Stewart. More >>
The Minister of Health has perfected the art of expressing sympathy for those affected without admitting to any responsibility when he is interviewed about striking medical workers, says New Zealand First health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
The Minister of Health should be acutely embarrassed at the deficiencies in our rural maternity services publicly revealed by the New Zealand Medical Association, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First at no stage indicated any support for a planned walkout by some of the smaller parties in Parliament and reported comments by the Greens co-leader that New Zealand First backed out of any such plans are grossly untrue, Deputy Leader ... More >>
In light of the recent spate of violent youth offending, the Justice Ministry should release the backgrounds of youth offenders convicted of serious crimes to show the public just how effective or ineffective the youth justice system is, New Zealand ... More >>
New Zealand First says that a meeting between the four biggest city councils in Auckland signals that the conversation about the number and functions of councils is being taken seriously by central and local government. More >>
The constructive discussions the Minister of Health is reportedly willing to have with senior doctors can’t start soon enough if they will improve the operation of the health system, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First law and order spokesperson Ron Mark has called for an end to concurrent sentences for serious offenders. His comments came after a remark allegedly made by the man charged with the murder of Liam Ashley that he had one murder charge already. More >>
"The government's policy about-face on its Special Zimbabwe Residence Policy is an admission that it has no idea how many HIV-positive people it has let into the country, nor where they are hiding, New Zealand First Leader, Winston Peters, said today. More >>
The Government’s vision of a seamless community dental service for children and adolescents is certainly comprehensive but unfortunately it seems to be a long way from being a reality, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
The Government’s vision of a seamless community dental service for children and adolescents is certainly comprehensive but unfortunately it seems to be a long way from being a reality, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
A review by Maersk line, the largest shipping line operating in New Zealand, aimed at dramatically reducing its number of ports calls, could have a significant impact on regional economies, says New Zealand First Transport spokesperson Peter Brown. More >>
New Zealand First welcomes the Government's announcement of an independent inquiry into local government rates as a huge step in the right direction and a chance for all New Zealanders to have their say on this important matter says Local Government ... More >>
Rodney Hide has conceded in a letter to Winston Peters that his Rating Cap Bill does not address excessive rate rises on the basis of escalating property values. More >>
The Tooth Fairy will be overworked to the point of taking industrial action if the Government does not act to radically improve the provision of dental services to children says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson, Barbara Stewart. More >>
A number of parties are indulging in campaigns of deceit in relation to a rating cap bill currently before Parliament says New Zealand First Local Government spokesperson Hon Brian Donnelly. More >>
Maori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu led her people into the 21st Century with grace, and will be greatly missed by all New Zealanders, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said today. More >>
"With the Green Party unable to decide what is made in New Zealand and what is not, clearly they just can't hack fronting the ‘Buy New Zealand Made’ campaign and so should hand it over to a party that can,” says New Zealand First Deputy Leader ... More >>
Reducing waiting lists by throwing patients back into the care of their GPs is like a lazy gardener pruning a shrub with a chainsaw, says New Zealand First’s health spokesperson Barbara Stewart. More >>
New Zealand First is supportive of a new project involving Maori wardens in reducing alcohol-related harm, and says that community-based joint initiatives such as this one are more likely to succeed. More >>
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