30 November 2008

SIGNS NEVER BETTER FOR NEW ZEALAND TRADE

Trade Minister Tim Groser says New Zealand’s prospects for new trade deals put the country in its strongest position for trade in more than 30 years.

Speaking today on TVONE’s “Agenda” programme Mr Groser said: “In the 30 years I’ve been involved in this issue I have never seen a more promising situation.” read more

APEC FAILING TO MEET DEADLINES

Trade Minister Tim Groser says APEC may not be able to meet its own deadline of free trade by 2010 for developed countries and 2020 for developing countries.

Speaking today on TVONE’s “Agenda” programme Mr Groser said APEC would miss the goals. read more

THE FUTURE OF “AGENDA”

TVNZ’s  Head of News and Current Affairs, Anthony Flannery, has written to me advising me that he is terminating our contract to produce the programme on December 7.
The contract will not be renewed next year.
RICHARD HARMAN, Executive Producer, Front Page Ltd 25/11/08

23 November 2008

LABOUR SAYS NATIONAL MUST FOCUS ON THE ECONOMY

Labour Party leader Phil Goff says ensuring the new Government strengthens the economy will be their top priority while in oppositon.

Speaking today on TVOne’s “Agenda” Mr Goff said: “Economics is going to be at the top of everybody’s list.

“We’re facing difficult economic conditions internationally, how do you get the New Zealand economy to perform at the top level? The economy is the driver of living standards, of social services. We’ll be focused on that.” read more

16 November

ENGLISH FEARS WORSE ECONOMIC NEWS TO COME 

Incoming Finance Minister Bill English says unemployment could exceed current Treasury predictions.

The latest figures, released by the Labour Party on Thursday, suggested a rise to nearly 6%.

Mr English was asked on TVOne's "Agenda programme" today whether unemployment could go higher, for example, to 7%.

"It's possible. Unfortunately the forecasts for unemployment keep rising," he said. read more

LITTLE SAYS CLARK BORED VOTERS

Labour party presidential candidate Andrew Little says he is not sure what involvement outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark had in the party’s investigation of John Key’s role in a fraudulent foreign exchange deal.

Party President Mike Williams returned a fortnight out from Election Day from Melbourne with 24kg of documents he claimed implicated Mr Key.
But they didn’t.

Speaking today on TVOne’s “Agenda” programme, Mr Little, secretary of the Engineers, Printing and Manufacturing Union said that when the Labour party’s New Zealand Council met later this year it would go over the details of Mr Williams’ trip. read more

09 November 2008

ENTRENCHMENT NOT BOTTOM LINE FOR MAORI PARTY-NATIONAL DEAL

Maori Party president Whatarangi Winiata says entrenching the Maori seats would not be a bottom line for the party when negotiating any agreement to work with the National Party.

Asked on TVOne’s “Agenda” whether entrenchment would be a bottom line Mr Winiata said: “No it is not.” read more