Buzz from the Beehive
Some ministers commemorated historical events in the latest press statements from the Beehive while others pointed to New Zealand’s role in the space age and to technological developments around the digital economy and data storage in the cloud.
Three statements were related to events in the past – a speech by the PM to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa, an expression of condolence after the death of the last-surviving Battle for Crete veteran, and the commemoration of the dropping of atomic bombs on the cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima 77 years ago.
Two statements were focused on technological developments with implications for the future – the welcoming of Google Cloud’s decision to make New Zealand a cloud region and the advising of an agreement signed between the New Zealand and United States governments which opens new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA.
Law and order, broadly, were covered by another three statements. Two of these drew attention to bills that have been enacted, one to combat firearms violence, the other to repeal the ‘Three Strikes’ law.
The third statement advised that work is under way on preliminary steps to improve the Government’s support for survivors of abuse in care while a new, independent redress system is designed.
To wrap up a busy 24 hours or so in the Beehive, changes to NCEA and University Entrance to recognise the impact COVID-19 on senior secondary students’ assessment towards NCEA in 2022 were announced. And we were advised of the signing of an agreement between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) whichaims to strengthen global emergency management capability.
The statement about the agreement with the United States came from the Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, who said:
“The Government is committed to continually strengthening our emergency management system, and this Memorandum of Cooperation will help to bolster disaster resilience and reduce disaster risk in both countries,” Kieran McAnulty said.
The new agreement is part of NEMA’s work as an internationally recognised leader in emergency management. NEMA supports Emergency Management initiatives in the global arena with a specific focus on the Pacific and our commitments under the United Nations and regional frameworks.
The Memorandum of Cooperation will formalise information and data sharing between the two countries, and boost opportunities to engage in joint research, as well as conferences, workshops, and exercises.
The emergency management agencies of the two countries have had close relationships for many years and supported each other during times of crisis, McAnulty said.
In 2018 – for example – New Zealand deployed fire personnel to help combat wildfires in the US, and New Zealand was given support by the United States after the 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.
McAnulty noted that over the past two decades, disasters have increased in number and severity, requiring greater international cooperation and stronger international relationships – and
“… in this changing global environment, it is crucial New Zealand builds and maintains effective engagement with the rest of the world.”
Much more curiously, the minister said:
“New Zealand and the United States have a lot in common in regards to the hazards we face, our emergency management structures, and the important role indigenous communities play in emergency response and recovery.”
Is the role of indigenous communities any more important than the role of other people in the community?
And if this be so, what makes it so important?
Point of Order checked the US Department of Homeland Security Annual Performance Report (APR) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2019-2021. This presents the Department’s mission programmes, progress summaries, performance measure results and 2020 and 2021 targets.
We could find no mention of the word “indigenous.”
Latest from the Beehive
10 AUGUST 2022
NZ earns another major digital investment
Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications Dr David Clark welcomes Google Cloud’s decision to make New Zealand a cloud region.
Changes to NCEA & University Entrance in response to COVID-19 disruptions
A package of changes to NCEA and University Entrance announced today recognise the impact COVID-19 has had on senior secondary students’ assessment towards NCEA in 2022.
Speech
Talofa Lava / Malo le soifua manuia / Ahiahi mārie / Tēnā koutou katoa – warm greetings to you all on this blessed evening.
9 AUGUST 2022
New law passed to reduce gun harm
The Government’s commitment to combatting firearms violence has reached another significant milestone today with the passage of the Firearms Prohibition Order Legislation Bill.
Minister sends condolences as last Battle for Crete veteran passes away
Minister for Veterans, Hon Meka Whaitiri sends her condolences to the last Battle for Crete veteran.
Three Strikes Legislation Repeal Bill passes third reading
Legislation to repeal the ‘Three Strikes’ law has passed its third reading in Parliament.
Government working on preliminary steps to improve support for abuse survivors
Work is under way on preliminary steps to improve the Government’s support for survivors of abuse in care while a new, independent redress system is designed.
Speech
Remarks upon 77th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
77 years ago today, an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. Three days earlier, on the 6th of August 1945, the same fate had befallen the people of Hiroshima.
Govt signs NZ–USA agreement launching new opportunities for space sector
An agreement signed today between the New Zealand and United States governments will provide new opportunities for our space sector and closer collaboration with NASA.
Govt strengthens emergency management cooperation between NZ and the US
An agreement signed today between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will strengthen global emergency management capability.
Point of Order 