A government aiming to “tweak” our democratic governance arrangements – in a programme which our PM says requires “sophistication” – has declared its readiness to listen to the people. On some things, at least.
On the health-restructuring front it has announced
“… how New Zealanders will have a real voice in determining the health services provided in their community as part of the new health system”.
Health Minister Andrew Little said this when announcing nine locality network pilots intended to improve the delivery of healthcare in local communities.
On a programme of more far-reaching constitutional significance, the government has completed the first stage of a “two-step engagement process to develop a Declaration Plan”.
A Declaration Plan? This is something on which Māori leaders and interest groups have been consulted, which is ominously instructive. Drafting will now commence in partnership with the National Iwi Chairs Forum’s Pou Tikanga and the Human Rights Commission before it is shared for public consultation later this year. So just be patient, folks – your turn will come, presumably well after you can change things much.
But this consulting caper hasn’t been allowed to go too far. In Tauranga the commissioners who displaced elected councillors have been reappointed by Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta.
Latest from the Beehive
22 APRIL 2022
Commissioners reappointed to Tauranga City Council
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta today announced the reappointment of four commissioners to the Tauranga City Council.
Next steps in Declaration Plan
“We’ve now completed the first stage of the two-step engagement process to develop a Declaration Plan.
Public Media entity Establishment Board appointments
The Minister for Broadcasting and Media has confirmed the nine-member Establishment Board to lead the work on creating a new public media entity in New Zealand.
Prime Minister has productive meeting with Prime Minister of Japan
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had a productive meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo today.
The Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency KISHIDA Fumio and the Prime Minister of New Zealand the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern held a productive and substantive meeting in Tokyo on 21 April 2022.
21 APRIL 2022
NZ, Japan team up on renewable energy
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern today welcomed two renewable energy initiatives that highlight the growing partnership between Japan and New Zealand as both countries work towards a greener future.
Veterans Minister congratulates RSA on 100 years since first Poppy Appeal
Veterans Minister Meka Whaitiri has congratulated the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association (RSA) on 100 years since the first Poppy Appeal in New Zealand, held on April 24, 1922.
New technology for e-waste switched on
A new state-of-the-art machine that sorts and shreds electronic waste has officially started operation in Auckland today.
CPI figures highlight global economic challenges
Further increases in consumer prices are a reminder of the current global economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal policy in New Zealand, Grant Robertson said today.
Government supports more people off benefit
The Government’s response to COVID-19 has helped keep people in work, with March Quarter Benefit statistics showing a further fall in the number of people receiving a main benefit and jobseeker assistance.
Speech
Andrew Little Locality network announcement speech, Levin | Taitoko, 21 April 2022
Locality planning networks are an essential feature of the health reforms which, subject to the legislation passing in Parliament, will take effect on 1 July.
Health Reform – Govt ensures local say in health services
The Government has announced how New Zealanders will have a real voice in determining the health services provided in their community as part of the new health system.
Point of Order 
NEW ZEALAND IS NOT AOTEROA NEW ZEALAND!
LikeLiked by 1 person