Good afternoon. Cabinet met today to discuss the latest status of the Omicron outbreak in New Zealand and to update our COVID-19 response. This was preceded by a ministerial call with the chief executives and senior officials from every Government department involved in the COVID response.
Apologies, everyone. I see we’re a bit tardy this afternoon. Well, kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Today Cabinet undertook its first review of the new COVID-19 Protection Framework, which came into effect roughly 10 days ago. Cabinet considered several factors when deciding whether or not to move regions into different levels in the traffic light system including vaccination rates, health system capacity, and the status of the current outbreak.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. As you can see, I’m joined by Deputy Prime Minister, Grant Robertson, who will shortly outline the economic support in place as we transition into the new COVID protection system, one where, at every state, all businesses are able to remain open and to operate. But first I’ll give a short update on the Omicron situation before moving to decisions by Cabinet on the different parts of the traffic light system that the country will move into on Friday.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Before I begin today, a quick overview of decisions that will be announced over the coming week. Today, I’ll set out two decisions Cabinet has made around COVID-19 alert levels settings and booster vaccines. On Wednesday we’ll announce the date for greater movement at the Auckland boundary. That same day schools in Auckland reopen. And this week we will also release details on how to obtain your vaccine certificate in preparation for the move to the COVID-19 protection framework. Next Monday we’ll review restriction settings for Auckland.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, the week ahead: tomorrow, I am in Wellington and will attend question time. On Wednesday, I will be in Auckland supporting the vaccination efforts there, meeting with business representatives and local government. The later part of this week, I will chair APEC, which includes a busy agenda, despite being held virtually this year. On Wednesday night, I will participate in the APEC youth dialogue—Voices of the Future. On Thursday, I’ll speak at and attend the APEC CEO Summit and participate in a panel discussion with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Microsoft president Brad Smith. And then on Friday evening and into early Saturday morning, I will chair the annual APEC leaders’ retreat.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. First, the week ahead: tomorrow, I am in Wellington, where I will have a farewell call with outgoing Children’s Commissioner Judge Andrew Becroft; overnight on Wednesday, I’ll be attending the East Asia Summit leaders’ meeting, which is happening virtually this year; and, on Thursday, I will be in the Wellington region attending events to support our ongoing vaccination drive. Today, I am joined by workplace relations and safety Minister Michael Wood to set out work we are doing as a Government to help support employers as they consider the role of vaccines in their workplace.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today I’ll set out Cabinet’s decisions on alert levels in Auckland, Northland, and the Waikato, as well as signal announcements for the rest of the week. Firstly, though, I want to say something briefly about Super Saturday. We all know what it meant for vaccine numbers—130,000 people vaccinated in one day is enormous. It was a tribute to the health staff, to the people who have been working tirelessly alongside them for months, community organisations who work so hard to support people to be there, the business community who promoted the day and provided every reason and incentive possible to be vaccinated. The biggest success of Super Saturday, alongside the lives saved, is that it reminded us all we are still a team, and that through this really hard few months, if we have a job to do, we will rally to do it.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I will update you on Cabinet’s review of alert level settings in Auckland, Waikato, Northland, after which Minister Hipkins will share decisions made by Cabinet to strengthen our COVID response through the use of mandatory vaccination for large parts of the education and health workforce, in order to protect vulnerable New Zealanders. At the conclusion of the brief, we’ll then bring up Dr Ashley Bloomfield, who is once again available to everyone to answer questions based on alert level decisions made by Cabinet today.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Cabinet met today to discuss the current alert level restrictions in Auckland, and to confirm our plan for transitioning the city out of the current restrictions safely and carefully over the coming weeks. I’ll come to the details of that road map shortly, but first let’s go to Dr Bloomfield for a quick update.
[Speaks te reo Māori] Firstly, I want to apologise, everyone, for the slight delay in us joining you for this afternoon briefing. I’ll be frank: my computer froze, something that happens to all of us at the best of times.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Today I’ll go over Cabinet’s decision on alert levels for the parts of New Zealand outside of Auckland, but first, I’m going to hand over to the DirectorGeneral of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, to update us on the latest numbers in case those watching at home have not had a chance to look at the press statement earlier today. Dr Bloomfield?
Kia ora koutou and good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met this afternoon to discuss our alert level settings, but before I move on to those decisions, I thought it would be helpful for Dr Bloomfield to give a quick update on today’s cases and a bit more detail and reflection on yesterday’s, in case anyone missed the press statement earlier today. Thanks, Dr Bloomfield.
Tēnā koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met this afternoon to confirm our plan to stamp out the Delta outbreak we’re currently experiencing. As you might have already heard, there are 35 new cases reported today—33 in Auckland and two in Wellington—bringing the outbreak to 107 cases in total.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Today, I have Minister Henare and the Chief of Defence Force with me to provide an update on the situation in Afghanistan, but I do have a few other matters that I’ll run through quite quickly and then I’ll bring them up onto the podium.
Good afternoon, and welcome back to a two-week sitting block for Parliament, following the mid-year recess. Today, I have both Minister Faafoi and Minister Hipkins with me to give an update on decisions made relating to RSE workers and efforts the Government is undertaking to assist industries hard hit by worker shortages because of COVID-19.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Forgive us for being slightly tardy this afternoon. I’m joined by Minister Hipkins to set out the latest on quarantine-free travel to Australia. But, first, a look at the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’ll be in Wellington for Cabinet committees and the House. On Wednesday, I also have a meeting with Henry Puna, the Secretary General of the Pacific Island Forum. On Thursday, I have an electorate day in Auckland.
Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon, everyone. A quick look to the week ahead: tomorrow I’m in Wellington for the House, Cabinet committees, and meetings; the same applies for Wednesday. On Thursday, I’ll be undertaking visits in Northland. On Friday, I’ll be speaking at the Antarctic Heritage Trust Inspiring Explorer conference, and attending and speaking at the official opening of the new Auckland ferry building redevelopment.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined today by the Director-General of Health to make an announcement relevant to the eligibility for our COVID-19 vaccination campaign, but I’ll invite him to join me on the stage at the conclusion of a few opening remarks.
Kia ora koutou katoa. A quick update on the week ahead. Tomorrow, I am in Christchurch, speaking at the inaugural annual hui on countering terrorism and violent extremism. This event responds directly to a recommendation from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the terrorist attack on Christchurch and is complementary to the work we are doing on the Christchurch Call. I’ll also meet in the afternoon with Ngāi Tahu as part of my regular engagement with iwi throughout the motu.
Kia ora koutou katoa. We’ll start with a look to the week ahead. Tomorrow I am in Wellington, here, for the House and Cabinet committees, and speaking at the release of the climate commission report here at Parliament. As you’ll be aware, at midday we’ll be publicly releasing the commission’s final advice. The report includes recommendations on New Zealand’s emission budgets and policy options to meet those budgets. It provides a road map to meet our climate obligations and to build an economy and country fit and ready for the future. It is up there as one of the most significant documents that I’m likely to receive as Prime Minister and marks a critical milestone in our response to the climate emergency. Whilst, of course, there is a significant process that we, by law, are obliged to undertake upon receiving the report, we have been anticipating it for some time and have not been waiting for it in order to act on the issue of climate change. Since coming into office, we’ve put climate change at the centre of our policy work and commitments, but there is no question that there is more work to do. More on that tomorrow.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon everyone, and kia orana. Welcome to Budget week, in a week in which we’ll continue to outline our plan to secure our COVID recovery while tackling New Zealand’s long-term challenges.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Apologies, everyone, for the brief delay in coming down this afternoon. I wanted to make sure that I had the latest information to hand on the situation as it’s evolved in Dunedin. This afternoon you will have seen that there has been a serious knife attack at a Dunedin supermarket. Police were quickly at the scene, and a suspect has been apprehended and is in police custody. At this stage we understand there are five victims, two of whom have been confirmed as supermarket employees. I’m advised that all five have been taken to Dunedin Hospital with stab wounds or other related injuries. At this time we have limited further information to provide, including the formal motivation for the attack. I am advised—and I do caveat that this is early stages. I am advised that at this stage there is nothing to suggest, from the police’s perspective, that this is what they would define as a domestic terror event. Police will, however, release new information as it comes to hand. So just again to repeat that: nothing at this stage that suggests that it is a domestic terror event. Needless to say, such an attack is hugely concerning, and I do want to acknowledge the really early reports of courageous acts by bystanders who have taken action in order to protect those around them. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected by this attack. As I say, though, we will make sure that you are kept updated. I’m advised that at 5 p.m. Dunedin police will hold a press conference in order to provide further information, and that will be led by Paul Basham.
[Audio missing] I look to the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday, I’m in Wellington for meetings and the House. Thursday, I’m in Whanganui visiting Te Oranganui, an iwi organisation delivering a range of health and social services, including COVID vaccines, to around 55,000 people. I’ll also be visiting E Tū Tāngata, a PDU-funded pilot programme delivering integrated employment and trades training. On Friday, I have meetings in the electorate before speaking at the Trans-Tasman Business Circle and SportsConnect and Women in Sport Captains Lunch.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I’ll start with a look to the week ahead. At 5 p.m. today, I’ll be attending Wellington Airport’s trans-Tasman bubble celebrations. Tomorrow, I’ll be in Wellington, visiting Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae which has partnered with LegaSea on the Kai Ika project, which seeks to reduce wastage in the fishing industry. On Wednesday, I’ll be attending Prince Philip’s memorial service here in Wellington. On Thursday, I’m in the Hawke’s Bay on a regenerative agricultural visit. On Friday, I’m speaking at the official opening of MIT’s TechPark campus, and on Sunday I’ll be speaking at the Anzac dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, before attending the Mount Albert Anzac services.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I want to start by acknowledging the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts continue to be with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this time. Prince Philip’s links with New Zealand were many and varied. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award has helped thousands of young Kiwis with self-development over the last five decades, in some cases helping to transform lives, including in prisons, refugee centres, and teen-parent units. He was patron of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and a life member of the Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand. He was an honorary Fellow of the New Zealand institute of professional engineers, the royal navy volunteer reserve veterans association of New Zealand, and the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. He held ranks of Field Marshall of the New Zealand Army, Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Marshall of the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. I’m joined this afternoon by COVID-19 response Minister, Chris Hipkins, to make announcements on the opening of the transTasman bubble. But, first, the week ahead. Tomorrow, I’m in Wellington for the House and Cabinet committees. On Thursday, I’m visiting Dunedin and will go to the Otago Polytechnic trade training centre, and I’ll also be speaking to the annual South Island Whānau Ora symposium. On Friday, I’m in Auckland highlighting the Government’s investment in health services, with the opening of a national telehealth centre and a $60 million unit at the Mason Clinic for those with acute mental health needs. On Saturday, I’m looking forward to attending the Pasifika Festival in Auckland, which, of course, had been cancelled previously because of COVID.
Kia ora koutou katoa. This week is a recess, so Parliament is not sitting, but a busy week none the less. Tomorrow I will be in Auckland undertaking electorate work, but I will also be visiting Papatoetoe High School and also the Auckland City Mission. On Wednesday, Minister Woods and I will be in Taupō for the sod-turning at Contact Energy’s Tauhara new $580 million geothermal power station. This is an exciting project which aligns with our priority to reduce carbon emissions and move New Zealand to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. On Wednesday night, I will present the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award.
Kia ora koutou katoa. I’ll start with a look to the week ahead. Tomorrow and Wednesday I’m in the House and attending Cabinet committees in Wellington. Tomorrow I’ll also be meeting with Local Government New Zealand and presenting the Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement. On Wednesday I’ll be chairing the public session of the annual review of security and intelligence agencies. On Wednesday evening I’ll be presenting the Sportswoman of the Decade award at the Halberg Awards in Auckland. On Thursday I’ll be doing visits in Hamilton, including Montana catering, which supplies 9,000 school lunches to 25 schools in the Waikato as part of the Government’s free school lunches programme. Myself and transport Minister Wood will then attend the official launch of the Te Huia commuter rail service, which connects Hamilton to Auckland and is expected to replace 72,000 annual return car trips. On Friday I’ll be in Auckland with visits in the electorate in the morning, in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Brown of the Cook Islands, and a speech at a Xero small business event. On Saturday I’ll be speaking at the unveiling of the Pacific Islands memorial at Pukeahu National Memorial Park.
Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon, and al salam alaikum. I’m pleased to announce that Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown will visit New Zealand next week from 25 March to 3 April. He’ll be the first international leader to visit New Zealand since the COVID-19 border closure. While we have personally met before in the Cook Islands, I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Brown on his first visit to New Zealand as Prime Minister. Two years ago today, 51 New Zealanders’ lives were taken in the March 15 mosque attack. Our thoughts continue to be with the victims, injured survivors, families, and all those affected by the events of that day. I know we’re all committed to ensuring such an attack never happens on our soil again. And, for our part, that’s why we’ve put in place an extensive programme of work to implement the recommendations of the royal commission of inquiry into the attack, for which Minister Little is playing the role as lead coordinating Minister and is available for questions should you have them.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. A brief look to the week ahead.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everybody. We’ve received the 1 p.m.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’ll start with a COVID update specifically focusing on latest developments and information coming from Northland. We’ll then move to an update on vaccine approval and rollout, following which we’ll be very happy to take questions. The current Northland COVID case is a situation that is very obviously unwelcome but also that we have prepared for. The global pandemic continues to rage around the world, and as we have experienced before, from time to time we will be reminded of that pandemic and just what a tricky virus COVID-19 is, even with our very best efforts. What is important is our response to incidents like this and, of course, what we learn from each incident so we can do our best to try and prevent it from ever happening again. On that note, I’ll hand over to Minister Hipkins to give you some of the latest.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, and welcome to the last post-Cabinet press conference for what has been an incredibly long 2020. It’s been a year nobody would have imagined just 12 months ago, and I’ll share some reflections in a moment, but first I’ll touch on Cabinet today and outline my week ahead.
Kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Starting with the week ahead, tonight I will attend the Diwali celebrations here at Parliament and will be in Wellington on Tuesday for the House. On Wednesday, one year on from the 2019 Whakaari / White Island eruption, I will be in Whakātane to be with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa as we remember the lives lost and acknowledge the efforts of many during the tragedy.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Today, I am joined by Minister Wood, who will shortly set out the Government’s policy parameters around the extension of paid sick leave. First, I’ll run through the week ahead, which sees the Government getting down to business on keeping New Zealanders safe from COVID while accelerating our economic recovery with Parliament resuming.
Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. Today I’m joined by the environment Minister, David Parker, as we announce further action by the Government to accelerate our economic recovery from COVID-19. But first I’ll run through the week ahead, a week that will see the opening of the 53rd New Zealand Parliament. Tomorrow I’ll speak at the primary industry summit. Our food and fibre sectors continue to be the backbone of our economy and our response in terms of ensuring that we’re holding up well, with exports up 3.6 percent to the year ending June—and that is despite the impact of COVID, so they will play a critical role in our recovery. I will also attend caucus, a little late, where we’ll have the official team photo. Wednesday is the Commission Opening of Parliament, where we elect a Speaker and MPs are sworn in. Thursday is the State Opening of Parliament, including the Speech from the Throne and the Address in Reply debate that I will take part in. On Friday I’ll be in Gisborne for the charter parade and civic reception to mark the inaugural visit of HMNZS Manawanui to her home port of Gisborne. I was honoured to become the Manawanui’s sponsor in June 2019; I’m very much looking forward to catching up with captain Andy Mahoney, and also with the crew, while they are there.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m joined by the COVID response Minister, Chris Hipkins, today to make announcements on the next steps in our ongoing response to keeping New Zealanders safe from COVID-19.
Kia ora koutou katoa. My first task today, though, is to apologise for the lack of sign language interpreters. Due to circumstances unfortunately beyond our control, they are not able to be here today. So for the community, I apologise that we will be without that interpretation.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. The new Cabinet was sworn in by the Governor-General this morning and met for the first time this afternoon. I can now confirm, then, that the formal Commission Opening of Parliament will occur on Wednesday, 25 November, where MPs will be sworn in and a Speaker elected. The official State Opening will be the next day, Thursday, 26 November, where the Speech from the Throne is delivered and the Address in Reply debate will begin. House sitting for normal business will start the following week, Tuesday, 1 December and will rise for the year on Wednesday, 9 December. Business will include the Address in Reply debate, maiden speeches, and legislation we need to progress prior to Christmas.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. Cabinet met today to determine the next steps in managing the re-emergence of COVID-19 in New Zealand. Tomorrow marks 14 days since the re-emergence of COVID-19 beyond our quarantine facilities. In those almost two weeks, enormous effort has gone into rolling out our resurgence plan. You can see that in the sheer scale of the response, and I want to briefly to recap on that response, because, in sharing those details, it gives a sense of why we are well equipped to deal with the cases that will continue from this current cluster for some time to come.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week is the final sitting week of this Parliament, although, from turnout, I suggest I probably don’t need to tell everyone here. I will be in the House on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, where a number of important pieces of legislation will move through their final stages, including the Fuel Industry Bill, that legislates to improve competition in the retail fuel market, and the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill, which will bring a fairer, more secure rental market for renters and landlords, as well as family-funded care legislation.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week the Government continues to focus on our COVID response and recovery. I’m in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday, and, also on Wednesday, I will join a morning tea held by Rural Women New Zealand to help thank the essential workers and volunteers that supported New Zealanders during the level 4 lockdown. On Thursday morning, I am speaking at a Wellington Chamber of Commerce event, also with a COVID-19 focus, before heading to Lower Hutt to meet with key COVID-19 community responders and to make an infrastructure announcement. On Friday, I am in Auckland at several events, including a Sir Edmund Hillary virtual reality project and a sod turning at a papakāinga housing development. Throughout the week I also have calls with international leaders to share updates on our COVID response and position for economic recovery. I will also hold meetings with our tourism leaders, farming leaders, and the Council of Trade Unions.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. This week I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday for our final sitting block of this term, which will see several important pieces of legislation, including pay equity, passed into law.
Kia ora koutou katoa. This week I am in Wellington, or the Greater Wellington region, for the majority of the week, and I’ll outline a few different initiatives over the course of these introductory comments.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Welcome to day 20 of alert level 2, and day 11 without any new cases of COVID in the country.
Kia ora koutou katoa. Good afternoon. Look, I’ll do a brief introduction, just headline a few announcements for the week, and then I’ll open up for questions, but what we’ll do this time is just make sure that we’re fronting the COVID questions, if we can, for Dr Bloomfield, and then we’ll just move into more general if we can.
Kia ora koutou katoa and good afternoon. Today, I’m joined by the education Minister, Chris Hipkins, as schoolchildren and early learners around the country return to their classrooms after weeks of a brand new experience of learning at home. But, first, I’ll run through the week ahead.
Good afternoon, everyone, and kia ora koutou katoa. I want to start today by acknowledging the sacrifices New Zealanders have made over the 6½ weeks we have been in alert levels 4 and 3 in order to beat COVID-19. Be it those who lost loved ones and were unable to say goodbye and mourn properly. Be it the children who wrote to me about missing birthdays, and there were many of them, or the many who cancelled weddings or didn’t mark anniversaries. Be it the jobs that have been lost in the businesses that owners spent years building up only to watch it and their workforce suffer terribly. But for all of that, Kiwis from all walks of life were resolute and determined—determined that this was a war that we could eventually win, but only if we acted together. So we formed a team, and as a team we created a wall of protection for one another.
Kia ora koutou katoa, good afternoon. Welcome everyone to day one of alert level 3. I want to begin by stressing that at alert level 3 we are not out of the woods. As I have said before, it is a recovery room, of sorts, to assess if the incredible work that New Zealanders have done at level 4 to break the virus’s chain of transmission and prevent further community outbreak has worked. As Siouxsie Wiles said today, “There may still be some smouldering ashes out there. And they have the potential to become a wildfire again if we give them the chance. It can take from two to 10 days for people who are exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus to come down with symptoms. That means we wouldn’t smell the smoke for a few weeks. And that could put us back where we started before the lockdown.” So with more people going back to work today, we need to be even more vigilant at level 3 to prevent any inadvertent spreading of the virus. We must continue to stay home where possible, including for work and education. Please stay regional and limit non-essential travel, and even though you can expand your bubble, keep it as small as possible, and exclusive. And finally, if you’re sick, stay home and contact your GP or Healthline and get tested. It may feel like a minor symptom to you, but it could be a significant issue for all of us.
Tēnā koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Over the past few weeks, I’ve often used my time at this podium to acknowledge the people on the front line. Today I want to remember the people in New Zealand who have lost someone to COVID-19, or the many more who had the terror of almost losing someone. Throughout this pandemic there have been individuals who I have tracked the progress of. I didn’t know their names, but I knew their status, and I still get a phone call for every individual person that we lose to COVID-19 in New Zealand.
Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to day 12 of our COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown, and to my daily update. First of all, an update on our wage subsidy scheme that is helping to keep people in their jobs, connected to their workplace, and with an income, so businesses can come through this challenging time and keep going out the other end with their workforce intact. A total of 876,000 people so far have shared in $5.3 billion which has been paid out. This is an incredible number when it comes to money we’ve got out the door in just a few weeks, particularly when you consider that in a number of other countries their wage subsidy schemes haven’t yet started paying out and nor are they scheduled to, in many cases, for some weeks to come.
Good afternoon, everyone. As you will have heard from the Director-General earlier this afternoon, we now have a total of 589 cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. It’s an increase of 76 new cases today, 12 of which are in hospital, with two currently in ICU. As I have said, we’ve expected the numbers to rise and to keep rising for the next week or so. The growing number of cases, and in particular the number of clusters of cases, highlight why we need to take the lockdown we’re currently in very seriously. The virus, once present, has proven it can spread easily at a school, at a wedding, at a conference, or even at a local bar. These are all commonplace gatherings we normally take for granted but have proven to be a place where this virus can spread successfully.
Kia ora, everyone. All right, good afternoon. As you can imagine, the Government’s sole focus this week, as in previous weeks, is protecting New Zealanders’ health and economic wellbeing amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson, will announce phase one of the Government’s economic response, including our business continuity package. This package will be significant and focused at keeping New Zealanders in work and to support businesses from the impact of the virus. On Wednesday, we will launch a mass public awareness campaign that calls on New Zealanders to unite against COVID-19. On Thursday, I travel to Rotorua with Minister Robertson to speak directly with businesses who are or will be impacted by COVID-19 and the measures we are undertaking to do as much as we can to support New Zealanders through this unprecedented period.
Good afternoon. This week, as you’ll understand, my priorities are leading the Government response to COVID-19, and, of course, the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque terrorist attack. I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Wednesday, I will chair the COVID-19 Cabinet committee. On Thursday, I will visit a GP clinic in Island Bay, where I’ll be shown some of the strict procedures used when a patient phones in about a potential COVID-19 case, and to discuss their access and wider access in the use of personal protective equipment at GP practices. Also on Thursday, I will travel to Northland, following discussions of further drought support in Cabinet today and in Cabinet committee this week. On Friday, I head to Christchurch for a number of events relating to the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks. On Saturday, I will speak at the opening on the Pasifika Festival, and on Sunday, I will attend and speak at the public memorial service in Hagley Park commemorating the 51 people who lost their lives a year ago on March 15.
Good afternoon, everyone. Look, I’ll start with the week ahead. Tomorrow I will be speaking at the Air New Zealand annual parliamentary function. On Wednesday morning, I will have the honour of reopening select committee room 5, the room that has traditionally showcased the contribution of women to Parliament, and that’s ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, 8 March. Later that day, I’ll be heading along to Clubs Day at Victoria University. On Friday, I am visiting Christchurch, where I have a number of appointments, including visiting a school that is benefiting from Mana Ake, a programme which has been running for just under two years, that puts counsellors and a range of other mental health professionals in schools in Canterbury and Kaikōura so that all primary and intermediate students have access to mental health and wellbeing support.
Good afternoon. Shortly after today’s press conference, I depart for Fiji, visiting Suva, Nadi, and Lautoka, and I will be meeting—as everyone knows—with the Prime Minister, students, and staff at the University of the South Pacific, women leaders, and Government, business, and civil society; and pay New Zealand’s respects to three Fijian nationals killed in the terror attacks of March 15, at the Lautoka Mosque in Fiji. On Thursday and Friday, I’ll travel to Australia, where I’ll meet with Prime Minister Morrison in Sydney, at the Australia - New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting.
Good afternoon, everyone. Let’s start off with the week ahead. Tomorrow, I will be in Wellington. On Wednesday, I will speak at the Chinese New Year celebrations here at Parliament. On Thursday, I will travel to the Hawke’s Bay for a launch event for our lunches in schools programme, as well as visit the new Hawke’s Bay Opera House Arts and Events Precinct. In the evening, I will be presenting at the New Zealander of the Year Awards in Auckland. On Friday, in my local electorate, I will open Western Springs’ new campus. Later that day, I will host the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea at Government House.
Good afternoon. Let’s start with the week ahead. Tomorrow there will be tributes in the House for Mike Moore, and, as per convention, the House will then rise for the day. On Wednesday, Parliament will formally start for the year, and I will deliver the Prime Minister’s statement, which is followed by other party leaders’ speeches. On Thursday, I will be making a housing-related announcement in Auckland at the city mission. On Friday, I will be spending the morning in Hamilton, speaking at the Waikato wellbeing summit, as well as opening the new gym at St John’s College. In the afternoon, I will return to Auckland to attend Mike Moore’s public funeral, where I will be speaking at his family’s request.
Tēnā koe tēnei ahiahi. Good afternoon. Welcome, everyone. Today I will outline the rest of my week ahead and make an announcement, before handing over to the Minister of Health, Dr David Clark, and Ministry of Health’s director-general, Ashley Bloomfield, also a public health specialist, to give an update on New Zealand’s response to the coronavirus. First of all, though, tomorrow in Auckland I will join the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Robertson, Minister Shaw, Minister Twyford, Minister Jones, and Minister Woods, to outline the Government’s $12 billion infrastructure upgrade of New Zealand’s roads, rail, schools, and hospitals, to futureproof our country and our economy.
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the last post-Cab of 2019. Today our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of those who died and were injured in the Whakaari / White Island eruption. I do want to give an overview of the status of the tragedy one week on. Police with the navy will continue their recovery operation for the two remaining victims, reassessing the risk each day. Police have begun to release the names of some victims.
Good afternoon. Look, my apologies—apologies for the delay. I was wanting to ensure that I had the most up-to-date information available to share with you regarding the evolving situation at White Island. Police search and rescue are supporting the National Emergency Management Agency following an eruption at White Island off the coast of Whakatāne. Police were alerted at 2.17 p.m. At this stage—and please do keep in mind this is an evolving situation, but at this stage we believe around 100 people were on or around the island at the time, and some of those at this stage are unaccounted for. A number of people are reportedly injured and are being transported to shore. Police are urging members of the public to avoid the Whakatāne Heads and Muriwai Road areas. Muriwai Road is closed from Harvey Street.
Kia ora koutou. Good afternoon. This week, I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday morning in Wellington, I’ll attend and give opening remarks at the Google Crisis Response workshop, followed by a visit to the Cancer Control Agency ahead of the board’s first meeting. On Wednesday, I will speak at DairyNZ’s environment leaders forum. On Thursday, I’ll be seeing many of you for a few end-of-year interviews before heading to Auckland. On Friday, I’ll be speaking at the opening of Grey Lynn School—their new build—with Minister Hipkins. On Sunday in Auckland, I’ll join Minister Sage and my Chief Science Adviser, Juliet Gerrard, at the launch of an excellent environmental report called Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Good afternoon, everyone. This week, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall are visiting New Zealand from Tuesday to Saturday. It’s been four years since we last welcomed them both. I will meet with Prince Charles on Tuesday in Auckland and will join both the Duchess and Prince on a series of visits in Christchurch on Friday.
Right, good afternoon, everyone. For the week ahead, this week I am in the House on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, I head to Palmerston North for two health announcements with Minister Clark, followed by a visit to AgResearch. That evening, I’ll present an award at the Vodafone music awards in Auckland. On Friday, I’ll speak at a KickStart Breakfast event to celebrate 10 years of these breakfasts in schools, alongside Minister Sepuloni.
Good afternoon, everyone. First, to the week ahead. Directly after this press conference, I will head to the Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage to officially open the Public Trust building’s new hall. I’m in the House Tuesday and Wednesday, and at noon on Wednesday I will speak at the Duffy books event in the Grand Hall. On Thursday, I will be making a climate change - based announcement alongside Ministers Shaw and O’Connor.
Right, kia ora and good afternoon, everyone. A quick rundown of the week ahead: later this evening I will join a literary awards ceremony at Premiere House that, I understand, will be livestreamed by Creative New Zealand from 6 o’clock tonight. Tomorrow I am in the House and speaking at the CTU conference in Wellington. I’m in the House again this Wednesday before heading to Hamilton on Thursday, where I’ll be visiting my old university, attending a ground-breaking ceremony for a new facility before making a health announcement at Waikato Hospital later on that day. On Friday and Saturday I’m lucky enough to be visiting Nelson, including the Cawthron Aquaculture Park, the Arts Festival, and on Saturday the official opening of the Nelson airport.
Good afternoon. This week, I am in Auckland on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will speak at the Silver Scrolls Wednesday evening. Thursday morning, I will speak at the women in film summit in Auckland, then at the Net hui at Te Papa in Wellington. I’m back to Auckland for the Ryman Prize awards on Friday, before I head to Gisborne for a few days for Tuia 250.