Bonner R Cohen: Tropical forests in Indonesia ravaged by push for EV batteries

The wanton destruction of tropical rainforests in Indonesia by predominantly Chinese mining companies eager to extract nickel for EV batteries is the price the world must pay in the transition to “clean energy.”

“Indonesia is the world’s biggest nickel producer, and has the largest reserves on earth, most of which are in Sulawesi and Halmahera islands,” Climate Home News noted last December.

Duggan Flanakin: The U.S. Rediscovers a Valuable Trading Partner — Indonesia

In the throes of the summer, the Trump administration announced an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the Republic of Indonesia — the world’s third largest democracy — that builds on the 1996 U.S.–Indonesia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. Key features of the agreement relate to tariffs and other barriers to bilateral trade, environmental protections, and labor rights.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 15/10/24

Chris Bishop finds support for supercharging growth – but he was cherry-picking when it came to Gary Taylor’s endorsement

It’s a pity Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is busy with portfolio duties. He has demonstrated he is a dab hand at cherry picking, a skill that will soon be in demand in Central Otago where more than 150 orchards will require more than 5000 staff at the peak of the harvest season – from December to January – for cherry picking or packhouse opportunities.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 26/7/24

Tax relief is on the way (hurrah), but help for the wine industry draws attention to the issue of corporate welfare

From one part of the Beehive comes a reminder that tax relief will be delivered next week.

From another comes a reminder that this government is no less willing than its predecessor to dispense the taxes it does collect to provide corporate welfare.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 15/3/24

Here’s a part of what Willis said about how a flagging economy will be rejuvenated – but we can’t link you to the full speech

Finance Minister Nicola Willis had plenty to say when addressing the Auckland Business Chamber on the economic growth that (she tells us) is flagging more than we thought.

But the government intends to put new life into it:

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 23/2/24

Comings and goings – McClay heads for Abu Dhabi while our leaders prepare to welcome Indonesia Vice-president

Not too long after we posted Geoffrey Miller’s article about the challenge facing Trade Minister Todd McClay in Abu Dhabi, the minister announced he will be travelling today to attend the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation where he will take up his role as Vice Chair of the negotiations.

The government’s official website today also features news that Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf will visit New Zealand next week.