Drink drivers kill and maim innocent people, wreck lives, and destroy families. They leave carnage on our highways and scars on our communities.
Current policies are not working. Last year 36,000 New Zealanders were convicted of drink driving. On any given day, around 100 drivers are caught over the legal limit.
It’s clear we have a big drink driving problem in New Zealand. If we can get it under control, we’ll see a lower road toll.
That’s why, last week (July 26) the National-led Government announced a package aimed at making our roads safer by cracking down on drink-driving.
We’ll put legislation in place by early next year to set a zero drink-drive limit for repeat drink drivers and for drivers under 20, and to introduce alcohol interlocks for repeat drink-drivers.
We’re also strengthening the penalties for offences including:
- Drink or drug driving causing death
- Dangerous or reckless driving causing death
- Illegal street racing causing death
- Failure to stop after a crash when someone is killed.
Tougher sanctions will bring these penalties in line with other serious offences, reflect the serious nature of these crimes, and help make our roads safer. By targeting those most likely to break the law we’re confident we’ll have a significant impact.
We’re also considering lowering the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. We‘ll make a final call after conducting New Zealand research on the risks posed by drivers with a blood-alcohol limit between 0.05 and 0.08.
Part of the research will tell us the actual number of serious and fatal crashes caused by drivers with a blood alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08. This research will be done over two years.
We need to ensure New Zealanders understand the difference between 0.05 and 0.08, and what impact a change is likely to have on the road toll.
Road safety measures only work if they have the broad support of road-users. We want to be sure New Zealanders understand the benefits of a change and fully support it before proceeding. We need to take the people of New Zealand with us on this issue.
National is committed to addressing New Zealand’s drink driving problem. A zero drink drive limit for young drivers and repeat offenders, tougher penalties for reckless and dangerous driving, and new research into lowering the blood alcohol limit will help clamp down on drink drivers, reduce the carnage on our highways, and make our roads safer for all New Zealanders.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Rugby World Cup funding for nationwide festival
The National-led Government is helping create a nationwide festival for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. New Zealand’s largest ever sporting event is being supported by the New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund of $9.5 million.
The festival will boost regional economic opportunities, community involvement, and the New Zealand experience for 85,000 expected visitors. With 23 centres around the country hosting games or teams, the fund is intended for community events and activities, including concerts, fairs, and parades.
Funding is open to organisations wanting to showcase our regions, and will help them make the most of this great opportunity.
We’re working hard to help our regions celebrate the Rugby World Cup, and make sure visitors experience the best of New Zealand’s arts, food and wine, heritage, and entertainment.
Applications are now open, and close on 17 September.
More info: http://www.dia.govt.nz/NZ-2011-Festival-Lottery-Fund
The festival will boost regional economic opportunities, community involvement, and the New Zealand experience for 85,000 expected visitors. With 23 centres around the country hosting games or teams, the fund is intended for community events and activities, including concerts, fairs, and parades.
Funding is open to organisations wanting to showcase our regions, and will help them make the most of this great opportunity.
We’re working hard to help our regions celebrate the Rugby World Cup, and make sure visitors experience the best of New Zealand’s arts, food and wine, heritage, and entertainment.
Applications are now open, and close on 17 September.
More info: http://www.dia.govt.nz/NZ-2011-Festival-Lottery-Fund
Unclogging the arteries of growth
National is working hard to unclog the growth arteries of our economy and create jobs with better roads, broadband, rail, and electricity networks.
This week we opened the Manukau Harbour Crossing seven months ahead of schedule. The bridge will speed up the journey for the 80,000 motorists using the link each day.
We also announced that the Tauranga Eastern Link will be tolled, allowing construction to begin on this Road of National Significance early next year, seven years earlier than would otherwise be the case.
The southbound half of the new Newmarket Viaduct on State Highway 1 will open in September, six months ahead of schedule. Work is also well underway on the Victoria Park tunnel, a year ahead of schedule.
Our billion-dollar-boost to state highway funding has provided a secure funding pipeline, giving contractors the confidence to continue investing in people and machinery, and complete projects more quickly.
This vital infrastructure work is just one of our six drivers for economic growth.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tauranga+eastern+link+tolling+approved
This week we opened the Manukau Harbour Crossing seven months ahead of schedule. The bridge will speed up the journey for the 80,000 motorists using the link each day.
We also announced that the Tauranga Eastern Link will be tolled, allowing construction to begin on this Road of National Significance early next year, seven years earlier than would otherwise be the case.
The southbound half of the new Newmarket Viaduct on State Highway 1 will open in September, six months ahead of schedule. Work is also well underway on the Victoria Park tunnel, a year ahead of schedule.
Our billion-dollar-boost to state highway funding has provided a secure funding pipeline, giving contractors the confidence to continue investing in people and machinery, and complete projects more quickly.
This vital infrastructure work is just one of our six drivers for economic growth.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tauranga+eastern+link+tolling+approved
Tackling drink driving
National is targeting drink driving and dangerous drivers with a package of road safety messages announced this week.
Changes include:
- A zero drink-drive limit for repeat drink drivers
- A zero drink-drive limit for drivers under 20
- Tougher penalties for serious offences causing death and drink driving causing death
- Alcohol interlocks for repeat drink-drivers.
The Government will conduct New Zealand research on the risk posed by drivers with a blood-alcohol level between 0.05 and 0.08 before making a final call.
We are targeting the people most likely to break the law - those with a history of offending and young people. If we can get drink driving under control, we’ll see a significant reduction in the overall road toll.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tackling+new+zealand%e2%80%99s+drink+driving+problem
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tougher+penalties+most+serious+crashes
Continuing the fight against ‘P’
Tackling criminal gangs and the drugs trade is a top priority for National. We’ve introduced a raft of new policies and extra funding to help those on the front lines like Customs and the Police, and it’s great to see results being made.
In the past six months, Customs intercepted 14 kilograms of pure methamphetamine or ‘P’, and seized 630 kilograms of methamphetamine precursor at the border. This would make $178 million of P, and cause $72 million in harm to the community.
Police recently made a significant hit on organised crime, seizing more than $5 million of methamphetamine, $500,000 worth of precursor drugs, $236,000 in cash, illegally acquired firearms and an alleged multi-million dollar money laundering business.
These successes at our borders and on our streets show we’re serious about reducing the supply of methamphetamine in our communities.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/police+congratulated+5m+meth+bust
http://www.customs.govt.nz/about/News/Customs+finds+6+million+of+P+in+tour+group+luggage.htm
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+resources+fight+illicit+drugs+trade
In the past six months, Customs intercepted 14 kilograms of pure methamphetamine or ‘P’, and seized 630 kilograms of methamphetamine precursor at the border. This would make $178 million of P, and cause $72 million in harm to the community.
Police recently made a significant hit on organised crime, seizing more than $5 million of methamphetamine, $500,000 worth of precursor drugs, $236,000 in cash, illegally acquired firearms and an alleged multi-million dollar money laundering business.
These successes at our borders and on our streets show we’re serious about reducing the supply of methamphetamine in our communities.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/police+congratulated+5m+meth+bust
http://www.customs.govt.nz/about/News/Customs+finds+6+million+of+P+in+tour+group+luggage.htm
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+resources+fight+illicit+drugs+trade
Monday, July 26, 2010
Creating job opportunities
National is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy and create more jobs.
Our employment law package will reduce compliance costs, give businesses more confidence to take on new staff, and provide more choices for employees and employers.
We’re extending the voluntary 90-day trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it. Changes to the personal grievance process will see employment problems resolved more quickly, costs reduced, and improved confidence in the system.
We’re also looking at changing the law around sick days to enable employers, at their expense, to require a medical certificate from employees who take one sick day. Changes to the Holidays Act include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash.
Our employment law package is one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.
Our employment law package will reduce compliance costs, give businesses more confidence to take on new staff, and provide more choices for employees and employers.
We’re extending the voluntary 90-day trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it. Changes to the personal grievance process will see employment problems resolved more quickly, costs reduced, and improved confidence in the system.
We’re also looking at changing the law around sick days to enable employers, at their expense, to require a medical certificate from employees who take one sick day. Changes to the Holidays Act include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash.
Our employment law package is one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.
No mineral exploration on Schedule Four land
No land will be removed from Schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act for the purposes of further mineral exploration or extraction.
Around 85 per cent of New Zealand is not protected by Schedule 4, and a great deal of that land has mineral potential. We will explore that land, and where appropriate, within the constraints of the resource consent process, utilise its mineral resources for everyone's benefit.
The Government has also decided to undertake a significant aeromagnetic survey of non Schedule 4 land in Northland and on the West Coast of the South Island to learn more about which areas have the highest concentrations of valuable minerals.
We will add 14 areas totalling 12,400 hectares of land to Schedule 4. In addition, all areas given classifications equivalent to current Schedule 4 areas, such as national parks and marine reserves, will automatically become part of Schedule 4.
This is an added layer of protection for New Zealand's most highly valued conservation land.
Around 85 per cent of New Zealand is not protected by Schedule 4, and a great deal of that land has mineral potential. We will explore that land, and where appropriate, within the constraints of the resource consent process, utilise its mineral resources for everyone's benefit.
The Government has also decided to undertake a significant aeromagnetic survey of non Schedule 4 land in Northland and on the West Coast of the South Island to learn more about which areas have the highest concentrations of valuable minerals.
We will add 14 areas totalling 12,400 hectares of land to Schedule 4. In addition, all areas given classifications equivalent to current Schedule 4 areas, such as national parks and marine reserves, will automatically become part of Schedule 4.
This is an added layer of protection for New Zealand's most highly valued conservation land.
School property public-private partnerships
The National-led Government is preparing a 'stage two' business case to consider proceeding with public-private partnerships (PPP) for new school property.
Under a PPP, a private sector partner would be responsible for financing, building, managing, and maintaining the property for a set term. This means the school and its board could focus more on teaching and learning, without the added responsibility of managing the property.
Boards of trustees and school leadership are currently forced to devote a lot of time to property issues, many of which require specialist expertise. For example, 145 schools have been identified as having leaky buildings, with a total cost of repairs of hundreds of millions of dollars. Under a PPP, the private-sector partner would carry this risk and have to fix it quickly or pay a penalty.
The stage two business case will include a decision on specific schools.
Under a PPP, a private sector partner would be responsible for financing, building, managing, and maintaining the property for a set term. This means the school and its board could focus more on teaching and learning, without the added responsibility of managing the property.
Boards of trustees and school leadership are currently forced to devote a lot of time to property issues, many of which require specialist expertise. For example, 145 schools have been identified as having leaky buildings, with a total cost of repairs of hundreds of millions of dollars. Under a PPP, the private-sector partner would carry this risk and have to fix it quickly or pay a penalty.
The stage two business case will include a decision on specific schools.
Saving money through all-of-government purchasing
The first two of a series of all-of-government contracts have been awarded for stationery and office supplies. We are harnessing the collective buying power of the whole state sector for the first time, and the benefit to government and taxpayers will be significant.
Other all-of-government contracts will be awarded shortly to suppliers of vehicles and some IT hardware. Once contracts are in place, we expect to save more than $115 million of taxpayer money over the next five years.
The Government spends about $30 billion a year on goods and services. All-of-government purchasing means we can get better results for taxpayers, reduce the cost of doing business for companies providing goods and services to government, and reduce the tendering costs of both government agencies and suppliers.
Developing all-of-government contracts is one initiative of a wide-ranging, four-year Government Procurement Reform Programme being led by the Ministry of Economic Development. Additional measures to cut red tape will be announced shortly.
Other all-of-government contracts will be awarded shortly to suppliers of vehicles and some IT hardware. Once contracts are in place, we expect to save more than $115 million of taxpayer money over the next five years.
The Government spends about $30 billion a year on goods and services. All-of-government purchasing means we can get better results for taxpayers, reduce the cost of doing business for companies providing goods and services to government, and reduce the tendering costs of both government agencies and suppliers.
Developing all-of-government contracts is one initiative of a wide-ranging, four-year Government Procurement Reform Programme being led by the Ministry of Economic Development. Additional measures to cut red tape will be announced shortly.
Boosting our Aquaculture Industry
National is backing our aquaculture sector to become a billion dollar industry by 2025. Achieving this goal will require a three-fold boost in sales.
This week we announced the latest steps to support aquaculture in New Zealand. Decisions we’re making now about our new regime will help free up a bottleneck of outstanding aquaculture applications. More flexible rules will encourage investment in the aquaculture sector.
The deemed Aquaculture Management Area status of existing farms will be removed so they will revert to being resource consents only. This change will not affect the rights of existing marine farmers.
Our changes will see minimal disruption to the industry, allow current aquaculture applications to be completed, and new applications made. We’re making use of our valuable natural resources in a sustainable way to build the economy and create more jobs - especially in the regions.
This week we announced the latest steps to support aquaculture in New Zealand. Decisions we’re making now about our new regime will help free up a bottleneck of outstanding aquaculture applications. More flexible rules will encourage investment in the aquaculture sector.
The deemed Aquaculture Management Area status of existing farms will be removed so they will revert to being resource consents only. This change will not affect the rights of existing marine farmers.
Our changes will see minimal disruption to the industry, allow current aquaculture applications to be completed, and new applications made. We’re making use of our valuable natural resources in a sustainable way to build the economy and create more jobs - especially in the regions.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Improving Employment Law will Help Grow the Economy
As we continue to grow out of the recession, we need to have the right environment to create more jobs. Economic growth happens when a business sees an opportunity and is prepared to invest, expand, take risks, and hire new workers.
The National-led Government is committed to giving businesses of all sizes the confidence to do these things.
We introduced the 90-day trial period in 2008 to encourage employers with fewer than 20 employees to take on new staff, and to expand job opportunities for people who often struggle to get work.
It is working extremely well. A Department of Labour report found that the vast majority of people employed on a trial period have remained employed.
The report said most employers viewed dismissals during the trial period as an unfavourable outcome, and actively tried to avoid them.
The voluntary 90-day trial is a win-win situation for employers and employees. That’s why we’re extending the trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it.
Extending trial periods is just part of the package of employment law improvements we’re making.
National is committed to maintaining a fair and equitable system that protects the rights of New Zealand workers.
We’re changing the personal grievance process to resolve employment problems more quickly, discourage poor practices, reduce costs, and improve confidence in the system.
We’re also looking at changing the law around sick days. Employers will be able to require a medical certificate from employees who take one sick day. This will be at the expense of the employer.
Employers aren’t going to waste their time and money asking every employee for a medical certificate when they take a day off sick. This option is about the ability to question those who may be abusing their sick leave. Common sense tells us it will be used sparingly, and good workers aren’t going to see any difference.
There will also be changes to the Holidays Act. This will include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash. Cashing in the fourth week of leave can’t be raised in salary negotiations and can only be at the employee’s request. Maximum penalties will double for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays Act.
National’s employment law package is pragmatic, credible, and effective. It’s one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.
The National-led Government is committed to giving businesses of all sizes the confidence to do these things.
We introduced the 90-day trial period in 2008 to encourage employers with fewer than 20 employees to take on new staff, and to expand job opportunities for people who often struggle to get work.
It is working extremely well. A Department of Labour report found that the vast majority of people employed on a trial period have remained employed.
The report said most employers viewed dismissals during the trial period as an unfavourable outcome, and actively tried to avoid them.
The voluntary 90-day trial is a win-win situation for employers and employees. That’s why we’re extending the trial period to all employers so that every business and new employee can benefit from it.
Extending trial periods is just part of the package of employment law improvements we’re making.
National is committed to maintaining a fair and equitable system that protects the rights of New Zealand workers.
We’re changing the personal grievance process to resolve employment problems more quickly, discourage poor practices, reduce costs, and improve confidence in the system.
We’re also looking at changing the law around sick days. Employers will be able to require a medical certificate from employees who take one sick day. This will be at the expense of the employer.
Employers aren’t going to waste their time and money asking every employee for a medical certificate when they take a day off sick. This option is about the ability to question those who may be abusing their sick leave. Common sense tells us it will be used sparingly, and good workers aren’t going to see any difference.
There will also be changes to the Holidays Act. This will include giving employees the ability to trade one of their four weeks’ annual leave for cash. Cashing in the fourth week of leave can’t be raised in salary negotiations and can only be at the employee’s request. Maximum penalties will double for employers who don’t comply with the Holidays Act.
National’s employment law package is pragmatic, credible, and effective. It’s one more step on the road to a growing economy and more jobs.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Simple Messages are often the most powerful
I've had a lot to do with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and their members, particularly in my time as CEO of Mercy Hospital and President of the NZ Private Hospitals Association. I also employed a number of experienced enrolled nurses in the ward and theatre area and know how valuable they are as part of the nursing team.
Nevertheless the relationship between NZNO and the National Party has been cool at best, so I expected he NZNO Enrolled Nurses conference in Dunedin yesterday where Health Minister Tony Ryall was the opening speaker to be a perfunctory affair. We have been very supportive of expanding enrolled nurses roles after years of being marginalised so Tony's attendance was never going to be hostile, but we were amazed at the warmth of the reception. Spontaneous applause when we arrived and a virtual standing ovation when we left. Tony was empathetic throughout and answered some tough questions honestly and directly.
Why the warm reception? Because they were treated with respect. Because we said to enrolled nurses "you are valued, you play an important role in patient care." It's a simple message and one I don't think they had heard for a while. There is a lesson in that.
When we talk about bringing clinicians back into the decision-making loop, we don't just mean doctors. Nursing staff and health professional involvement is vital if we are to push resources to the front line and get more value from our investment in public health. The Minister understands this and I saw first hand yesterday tangible evidence that so too do the enrolled nurses.
Nevertheless the relationship between NZNO and the National Party has been cool at best, so I expected he NZNO Enrolled Nurses conference in Dunedin yesterday where Health Minister Tony Ryall was the opening speaker to be a perfunctory affair. We have been very supportive of expanding enrolled nurses roles after years of being marginalised so Tony's attendance was never going to be hostile, but we were amazed at the warmth of the reception. Spontaneous applause when we arrived and a virtual standing ovation when we left. Tony was empathetic throughout and answered some tough questions honestly and directly.
Why the warm reception? Because they were treated with respect. Because we said to enrolled nurses "you are valued, you play an important role in patient care." It's a simple message and one I don't think they had heard for a while. There is a lesson in that.
When we talk about bringing clinicians back into the decision-making loop, we don't just mean doctors. Nursing staff and health professional involvement is vital if we are to push resources to the front line and get more value from our investment in public health. The Minister understands this and I saw first hand yesterday tangible evidence that so too do the enrolled nurses.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Making more New Zealand homes warmer and healthier
More than 50,000 homes have been retrofitted under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart home insulation and heating programme.
One year in, we’re well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013. The programme makes Kiwi homes warmer and healthier, and has had a positive economic impact during difficult times.
About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the programme, and we are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved.
Under the scheme, homeowners with houses built before 2000 are eligible for 33% of the cost of installing insulation up to $1300, and up to $500 for a clean heating device. Extra funding is available for Community Services Card holders.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50000+homes+warmed+-+138500+go
One year in, we’re well on track to meet our target of at least 188,500 homes insulated by 2013. The programme makes Kiwi homes warmer and healthier, and has had a positive economic impact during difficult times.
About 2000 new jobs are expected to be created as a result of the programme, and we are seeing good growth in the many businesses directly and indirectly involved.
Under the scheme, homeowners with houses built before 2000 are eligible for 33% of the cost of installing insulation up to $1300, and up to $500 for a clean heating device. Extra funding is available for Community Services Card holders.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/50000+homes+warmed+-+138500+go
Supporting services in our communities
National’s Community Response Fund is injecting a further $5.7 million into critical social services in its third round of funding.
The fund provides support to a further 131 community organisations who were awarded funding based on financial pressures and increased demand. This round of funding applications saw more innovative solutions, showing organisations are thinking smarter about how to respond to increasingly complex needs in their communities.
The fund was established last year to help NGOs meet critical demand while under financial pressure from the recession. To date, $25 million has been provided to 479 organisations across the country. The fund aims to change the ways services are delivered, and ensure groups providing vital community services can continue to meet increased demand.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/community+response+fund+provides+support
The fund provides support to a further 131 community organisations who were awarded funding based on financial pressures and increased demand. This round of funding applications saw more innovative solutions, showing organisations are thinking smarter about how to respond to increasingly complex needs in their communities.
The fund was established last year to help NGOs meet critical demand while under financial pressure from the recession. To date, $25 million has been provided to 479 organisations across the country. The fund aims to change the ways services are delivered, and ensure groups providing vital community services can continue to meet increased demand.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/community+response+fund+provides+support
Balancing environmental responsibilities with economic opportunities
A moderate Emissions Trading Scheme is an important step in doing our fair share on climate change, balancing our environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities.
From 1 July, transport, electricity and industry are included in the ETS. This will help drive investment in renewable electricity, forestry, and energy efficiency, and help reduce New Zealand’s emissions by 19 million tonnes by 2010. Emissions from vehicles, power stations or factories will pay $12.50 a tonne. Those who plant trees and absorb CO2 will receive $25 a tonne.
Our changes to Labour’s ETS halve the cost for the average household to an estimated $3.17 a week. The average household will be $25 a week better off from 1 October with our tax changes.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/doing+our+fair+share+climate+change
From 1 July, transport, electricity and industry are included in the ETS. This will help drive investment in renewable electricity, forestry, and energy efficiency, and help reduce New Zealand’s emissions by 19 million tonnes by 2010. Emissions from vehicles, power stations or factories will pay $12.50 a tonne. Those who plant trees and absorb CO2 will receive $25 a tonne.
Our changes to Labour’s ETS halve the cost for the average household to an estimated $3.17 a week. The average household will be $25 a week better off from 1 October with our tax changes.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/doing+our+fair+share+climate+change
Putting victims first
Victims of crime have been neglected for too long. National is committed to placing victims at the heart of the justice system.
We are enhancing services to victims of violent crimes with a range of initiatives that address the financial and emotional costs that fall on them. Convicted offenders will now pay a $50 offender levy towards these services.
Late last year, we began rolling out initiatives funded by this levy. From 1 July 2010 further measures will come into effect including enhanced homicide support services, a court service for victims of sexual violence, and new information sources for victims and their families. Police will also be able to issue on-the-spot safety orders, giving immediate protection from dangerous situations for victims of domestic violence.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/convicted+offenders+pay+50+levy+victims+thursday
We are enhancing services to victims of violent crimes with a range of initiatives that address the financial and emotional costs that fall on them. Convicted offenders will now pay a $50 offender levy towards these services.
Late last year, we began rolling out initiatives funded by this levy. From 1 July 2010 further measures will come into effect including enhanced homicide support services, a court service for victims of sexual violence, and new information sources for victims and their families. Police will also be able to issue on-the-spot safety orders, giving immediate protection from dangerous situations for victims of domestic violence.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/convicted+offenders+pay+50+levy+victims+thursday
Ultra-fast broadband capability for more schools
The National-led Government is providing funding to a further 239 schools for network upgrades, getting them ready for ultra-fast broadband.
The latest $37.5 million investment is part of the National-led Government's $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative. By the end of 2011 more than a third of state and state-integrated schools’ networks will be ultra-fast broadband-capable.
Broadband provides a wider range of learning opportunities for both students and their teachers, and bring education into the 21st century. National is working to ensure 97 per cent of schools, covering 99.7 per cent of students, are on fibre in the next six years. This will make our education system one of the most connected in the world.
More information:http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/preparing+239+more+schools+ultra-fast+broadband
The latest $37.5 million investment is part of the National-led Government's $1.5 billion Broadband Investment Initiative. By the end of 2011 more than a third of state and state-integrated schools’ networks will be ultra-fast broadband-capable.
Broadband provides a wider range of learning opportunities for both students and their teachers, and bring education into the 21st century. National is working to ensure 97 per cent of schools, covering 99.7 per cent of students, are on fibre in the next six years. This will make our education system one of the most connected in the world.
More information:http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/preparing+239+more+schools+ultra-fast+broadband
Voluntary bonding keeps doctors and nurses in New Zealand
National’s voluntary bonding scheme has accepted 501 new healthcare workers in its second year. There are now almost 1400 graduate doctors, nurses, and midwives in the scheme.
The scheme encourages doctors, nurses and midwives to establish careers in hard-to-staff communities and medical specialties, and aims to keep our home grown health graduates living and working in New Zealand. People who sign up to the scheme are offered student loan write offs, or cash incentives for those without student loans, if they work in these areas for three to five years.
This year South Canterbury and Taranaki District Health Boards were added to the list of hard to staff regions, and surgical nursing was added to the list of hard to staff specialties which qualify for the scheme.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/1400+signed+voluntary+bonding+scheme
The scheme encourages doctors, nurses and midwives to establish careers in hard-to-staff communities and medical specialties, and aims to keep our home grown health graduates living and working in New Zealand. People who sign up to the scheme are offered student loan write offs, or cash incentives for those without student loans, if they work in these areas for three to five years.
This year South Canterbury and Taranaki District Health Boards were added to the list of hard to staff regions, and surgical nursing was added to the list of hard to staff specialties which qualify for the scheme.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/1400+signed+voluntary+bonding+scheme
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