Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 14/5/24

Waitangi Tribunal’s authority in Chhour case is upheld – but bill’s introduction to Parliament gazumps the ruling

It’s been a momentous few days for Children’s Minister Karen Chhour. The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision which blocked a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal for her. And today she has announced the Government is putting children first by introducing to Parliament legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

Geoffrey Miller: How successful was Chris Hipkins’ trip to Papua New Guinea?

Chris Hipkins is blazing his way through New Zealand’s foreign policy.

The New Zealand Prime Minister’s fast-but-furious visit to Papua New Guinea this week – which saw Hipkins spend just 23 hours in Port Moresby, the PNG capital – was the PM’s fourth such rapid international trip since he took office.

But after two quick visits to Australia and one to the United Kingdom, this was Hipkins’ first foray into the Pacific.

Moreover, Monday’s trip to PNG put the Prime Minister at the heart of the new ‘Great Game’ for control of the Pacific. And in the geopolitical battle between the US and China, New Zealand is increasingly being asked to pick a side.

Point of Order: Megan Woods stays mum about levy-fetching energy bill.....

.....but she brings out megaphone for news of million-dollar handouts

Point of Order looked again on the government’s official website for statements from Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods about two energy-related bills that were rushed into law last week.

We can’t say she has been silent, because she had lots to say in parliament about the need for urgency in enacting these bills.

But she has yet to post press statements on the government’s official website to explain what she has been doing, apparently putting the onus on the public to wade through Hansard’s record of parliamentary proceedings to find out what she is up to.