National introduced the Primary Growth Partnership a year ago. We wanted to transform great ideas into research, development and ultimately products, jobs, and growth.
In the past year, the government–industry partnership has seen primary sector innovation receive its biggest funding injection in decades. So far the Government has committed $164 million of the $368 million spent by the partnership.
Five partnerships have been announced to date, covering our dairy, sheep and beef, wool, forestry, and arable sectors. Every New Zealander stands to gain from the significant economic spin-offs.
The $368 million investment so far is an outstanding start to the Primary Growth Partnership initiative. We look forward to continuing to work with the industry to turn innovative ideas into economic growth.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/pgp+delivers+primary+sector+promise
Thursday, September 23, 2010
First step in new direction for freshwater
Freshwater is New Zealand’s most important natural resource. That's why improving water management is one of National’s environmental and economic priorities.
Building a broader consensus on water reform is essential for the way forward. That's why we set up the Land and Water Forum. The Forum was a first for New Zealand and has been an extraordinary success.
We received the Forum's final report and are pleased with the level of detail in their 53 recommendations. We've asked the Forum to lead public engagement on the report through workshops around the country and encourage the public to engage with the report before making any policy decisions.
As part of our commitment to cleaning up freshwater, National has invested $94 million over five years in initiatives to clean up some of New Zealand's iconic waterways.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/first+step+new+direction+freshwater
Building a broader consensus on water reform is essential for the way forward. That's why we set up the Land and Water Forum. The Forum was a first for New Zealand and has been an extraordinary success.
We received the Forum's final report and are pleased with the level of detail in their 53 recommendations. We've asked the Forum to lead public engagement on the report through workshops around the country and encourage the public to engage with the report before making any policy decisions.
As part of our commitment to cleaning up freshwater, National has invested $94 million over five years in initiatives to clean up some of New Zealand's iconic waterways.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/first+step+new+direction+freshwater
Superannuitants better off from 1 October tax cuts
Superannuitants will get a double boost from the 1 October tax cuts.
They will receive a 2.02 per cent rise in NZ Super – to compensate for the increase in GST – and cuts in personal tax. Personal tax cuts will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
From 1 October, we are reducing resident withholding tax rates on interest to align with the lower personal tax rates. And the tax rates for portfolio investment entities (PIEs) and managed funds will also drop in coming months. This will increase after-tax earnings on savings.
After these changes, a married couple who receives NZ Super, own their own home, and do not have any other income, will be about $11 a week better off. A single superannuitant who owns their home and has $200,000 of investments generating $10,000 income a year will be about $12 a week better off.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/feature/1+october+tax+cuts
They will receive a 2.02 per cent rise in NZ Super – to compensate for the increase in GST – and cuts in personal tax. Personal tax cuts will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
From 1 October, we are reducing resident withholding tax rates on interest to align with the lower personal tax rates. And the tax rates for portfolio investment entities (PIEs) and managed funds will also drop in coming months. This will increase after-tax earnings on savings.
After these changes, a married couple who receives NZ Super, own their own home, and do not have any other income, will be about $11 a week better off. A single superannuitant who owns their home and has $200,000 of investments generating $10,000 income a year will be about $12 a week better off.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/feature/1+october+tax+cuts
Families better off from 1 October tax cuts
National’s tax reforms will help lift economic growth by putting the right incentives back into the economy, and encouraging savings and investment.
The average family will be about $25 a week better off, an average wage earner will be about $15 a week better off, and a couple on NZ Super will be about $11 a week better off.
The Budget 2010 tax guide website where you can calculate how the 1 October tax reforms affect you is proving popular. It’s had almost half a million page views since the May Budget.
The website calculates your tax cut, any extra GST you’ll pay, and any additional compensation you’ll get through increased Working for Families, NZ Superannuation, and benefit payments.
Visit the tax calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
The average family will be about $25 a week better off, an average wage earner will be about $15 a week better off, and a couple on NZ Super will be about $11 a week better off.
The Budget 2010 tax guide website where you can calculate how the 1 October tax reforms affect you is proving popular. It’s had almost half a million page views since the May Budget.
The website calculates your tax cut, any extra GST you’ll pay, and any additional compensation you’ll get through increased Working for Families, NZ Superannuation, and benefit payments.
Visit the tax calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Supporting Arthritis Appeal Week
On Tuesday this week I helped launch Arthritis New Zealand’s 2010 appeal on the steps of Parliament with my colleague Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Wellington and All Black prop Neemia Tialata and his Wellington Lions team mates Jacob Ellison and Daniel Ramsay.
More than half a million New Zealanders will have arthritis in their lifetime. That’s one in every six people over the age of 15 years or one in three people over the age of 45. But this isn’t only an older person’s disease. Babies and toddlers right through to those in their adult years can be affected – in fact there are more than a thousand children and young people under the age of 18 affected by arthritis in New Zealand.
Arthritis New Zealand offers an extensive information and education service. Their role is to share what they have learnt so that arthritis sufferers are better able to manage their conditions.
Arthritis annual appeal week is from 21 – 28 September, with a street collection on Friday 24 September. Please look out for the street collectors, or to donate $20 you can phone 0900 333 20.
More than half a million New Zealanders will have arthritis in their lifetime. That’s one in every six people over the age of 15 years or one in three people over the age of 45. But this isn’t only an older person’s disease. Babies and toddlers right through to those in their adult years can be affected – in fact there are more than a thousand children and young people under the age of 18 affected by arthritis in New Zealand.
Arthritis New Zealand offers an extensive information and education service. Their role is to share what they have learnt so that arthritis sufferers are better able to manage their conditions.
Arthritis annual appeal week is from 21 – 28 September, with a street collection on Friday 24 September. Please look out for the street collectors, or to donate $20 you can phone 0900 333 20.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Making financial services providers more accountable
We don’t want people to feel the only safe place for their money is under their mattresses. That’s why this week, National introduced a bill to create the Finance Markets Authority (FMA).
The collapse of finance companies highlighted gaps in the ability of the regulators to supervise and enforce our financial markets. The FMA will pull together the regulatory functions currently fragmented across the Securities Commission, the Ministry of Economic Development, including the Government Actuary, and the NZX. The FMA will also have a new power to enforce duties of issuers, directors, auditors, trustees, and others involved in financial markets, when it's in the public interest to do so.
We’re working hard to give investors a level of information that enables them to easily compare schemes, make informed choices, and restore mum-and-dad investor confidence in our financial markets. That, in turn, will boost Zealand’s capital markets, creating jobs, and providing better living standards for all New Zealanders
More information:
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/new+powers+financial+market+super+regulator
The collapse of finance companies highlighted gaps in the ability of the regulators to supervise and enforce our financial markets. The FMA will pull together the regulatory functions currently fragmented across the Securities Commission, the Ministry of Economic Development, including the Government Actuary, and the NZX. The FMA will also have a new power to enforce duties of issuers, directors, auditors, trustees, and others involved in financial markets, when it's in the public interest to do so.
We’re working hard to give investors a level of information that enables them to easily compare schemes, make informed choices, and restore mum-and-dad investor confidence in our financial markets. That, in turn, will boost Zealand’s capital markets, creating jobs, and providing better living standards for all New Zealanders
More information:
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/new+powers+financial+market+super+regulator
Gearing up for 1 October tax changes
From the beginning of next month, across-the-board personal tax cuts will put more money in Kiwis’ back pockets.
Our tax reforms leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. Superannuitants get a double boost from both the rise in New Zealand Superannuation and cuts in personal tax, which will apply to New Zealand Superannuation payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
After the changes, a married couple who receive New Zealand Superannuation, own their own home, and who do not have any other income, will be about $11 a week better off. A single superannuitant who owns their home and has $200,000 of investments generating $10,000 income a year will be about $12 a week better off.
New Zealand Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit payments will all increase by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST.
Work out how the tax changes will affect you: http://www.taxguide.govt.nz/
Our tax reforms leave someone on the average wage almost $15 a week better off. Superannuitants get a double boost from both the rise in New Zealand Superannuation and cuts in personal tax, which will apply to New Zealand Superannuation payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
After the changes, a married couple who receive New Zealand Superannuation, own their own home, and who do not have any other income, will be about $11 a week better off. A single superannuitant who owns their home and has $200,000 of investments generating $10,000 income a year will be about $12 a week better off.
New Zealand Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit payments will all increase by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST.
Work out how the tax changes will affect you: http://www.taxguide.govt.nz/
The Digital Switchover
National announced this week progressive switch to digital television will be completed by 2013.
Freeview, SKY and TelstraClear already provide digital television. Currently 70 percent of New Zealand households with televisions already receive a digital television signal.
The switchover means all New Zealanders will receive better reception, better picture quality, and more channels. To make the switch, most people will only need a set-top box, currently retailing for between $150 and $200. It is easily installed by plugging into the back of the television, and plugging the aerial lead into the set-top box.
The switchover also provides opportunities to introduce other technology, such as mobile phone 4G technology. This means New Zealanders will get access to faster mobile broadband services, and with improved coverage.
Digital switchover will be phased starting with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. The rest of the country will switch over in three stages with an end date of November 2013.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/switchover+digital+television+2013
Freeview, SKY and TelstraClear already provide digital television. Currently 70 percent of New Zealand households with televisions already receive a digital television signal.
The switchover means all New Zealanders will receive better reception, better picture quality, and more channels. To make the switch, most people will only need a set-top box, currently retailing for between $150 and $200. It is easily installed by plugging into the back of the television, and plugging the aerial lead into the set-top box.
The switchover also provides opportunities to introduce other technology, such as mobile phone 4G technology. This means New Zealanders will get access to faster mobile broadband services, and with improved coverage.
Digital switchover will be phased starting with Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012. The rest of the country will switch over in three stages with an end date of November 2013.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/switchover+digital+television+2013
Canterbury Earthquake: Rebuilding the region
This week we passed the Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Act, exempting or relax other laws as they apply to the emergency and recovery response. For example, work could start immediately if a heritage building needs strengthening urgently, rather than waiting for resource consents and approvals, which would be granted later. The legislation will expire no later than 1 April 2012.
National also announced that Cantabrians with chimneys significantly damaged by the recent earthquake will be able to replace their old log burners or open fires with a new, efficient heater. The cost will be covered under claims to the Earthquake Commission and will help fix old, inefficient heaters contributing to Christchurch's air quality issues.
To help Cantabrians who can’t yet go back to their homes, the Housing Emergency Lease Programme (HELP) is working on sourcing short-term housing in Canterbury. These might not usually be offered for lease, such as farm cottages, holiday homes and homes being prepared for sale.
Housing New Zealand Corporation will create leases, collect rent, and ensure a house is returned to the homeowner in the same condition as when it was leased. Tenants will not have to pay a bond, and rental payments can be deferred for the first month.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/feature/special+feature+canterbury+earthquake+recovery
National also announced that Cantabrians with chimneys significantly damaged by the recent earthquake will be able to replace their old log burners or open fires with a new, efficient heater. The cost will be covered under claims to the Earthquake Commission and will help fix old, inefficient heaters contributing to Christchurch's air quality issues.
To help Cantabrians who can’t yet go back to their homes, the Housing Emergency Lease Programme (HELP) is working on sourcing short-term housing in Canterbury. These might not usually be offered for lease, such as farm cottages, holiday homes and homes being prepared for sale.
Housing New Zealand Corporation will create leases, collect rent, and ensure a house is returned to the homeowner in the same condition as when it was leased. Tenants will not have to pay a bond, and rental payments can be deferred for the first month.
More information: http://beehive.govt.nz/feature/special+feature+canterbury+earthquake+recovery
Monday, September 13, 2010
Government moved swiftly to repay SCF depositors
It's sad to see longstanding New Zealand institution South Canterbury Finance in receivership. The Government, like everyone else involved, had hoped South Canterbury would be able to work its way through its difficulties, but unfortunately the company was put in receivership.
Our swift response to the appointment of a receiver for South Canterbury Finance met three clear objectives: First, making sure that South Canterbury’s 35,000 depositors had some certainty. Second, minimising the cost to taxpayers. And third, ensuring that wider disruption to communities and local economies – particularly in the South Island – was kept to a minimum.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+moves+swiftly+repay+all+scf+depositors
Our swift response to the appointment of a receiver for South Canterbury Finance met three clear objectives: First, making sure that South Canterbury’s 35,000 depositors had some certainty. Second, minimising the cost to taxpayers. And third, ensuring that wider disruption to communities and local economies – particularly in the South Island – was kept to a minimum.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+moves+swiftly+repay+all+scf+depositors
Guaranteeing access to the foreshore and seabed
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill, which represents a better way of ensuring all New Zealanders’ rights in the marine and coastal area are looked after, has been introduced to Parliament.
It creates a “common space” in the marine and coastal area – the Common Marine and Coastal Area - which can never be sold. It protects New Zealanders’ birthright of free public access.
It allows iwi the right to seek customary title to areas that they have used and occupied exclusively since 1840. Where customary title is proved, existing rights such as public access, fishing and navigation – as well as aquaculture and the operation of ports – will be protected. This new bill will let us all move on.
More information
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/marine+and+coastal+area+bill+introduced+-+guarantees+public+access
It creates a “common space” in the marine and coastal area – the Common Marine and Coastal Area - which can never be sold. It protects New Zealanders’ birthright of free public access.
It allows iwi the right to seek customary title to areas that they have used and occupied exclusively since 1840. Where customary title is proved, existing rights such as public access, fishing and navigation – as well as aquaculture and the operation of ports – will be protected. This new bill will let us all move on.
More information
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/marine+and+coastal+area+bill+introduced+-+guarantees+public+access
REAL New Zealand Festival and Cup countdown
September 9 marks one year to the start of the 2011 Rugby World Cup here in
It also marks the launch of the REAL New Zealand Festival, which will be our biggest ever. It will be a celebration of our culture, people, and landscapes. We have committed $9.5 million of Lotteries funding to support it.
We’re also working with industries and businesses to develop a sector showcasing programme to strengthen exports, tourism, and partnerships. Industries from food and wine through to renewable energy have built events to show their innovation and creativity.
Not only will these initiatives enrich the experience of the 85,000 expected visitors, they will boost our economy and pride in what’s in our own backyard.
To find out more about the festival or the showcase visit: www.nz2011.govt.nz
Tax cuts just around the corner
It's now about three weeks until National’s October 1 tax cuts kick in. They will be a welcome boost to household budgets in our communities, and will help hard-working families get ahead.
Across-the-board personal tax cuts will put more money in back pockets. From next month, the average household will be about $25 a week better off, even with GST rising to 15 per cent. Someone on the average wage will be almost $15 a week better off. And a retired couple, living in their own home and receiving NZ Superannuation, will be $11 a week better off.
On 1 October, New Zealand Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit payments will increase immediately by 2.02 per cent – to compensate for the rise in GST.
Find out how the tax changes will benefit you. Visit the tax calculator: www.taxguide.govt.nz
The tax cuts are an important part of our six-point plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and boost incomes.
Across-the-board personal tax cuts will put more money in back pockets. From next month, the average household will be about $25 a week better off, even with GST rising to 15 per cent. Someone on the average wage will be almost $15 a week better off. And a retired couple, living in their own home and receiving NZ Superannuation, will be $11 a week better off.
On 1 October, New Zealand Superannuation, Working for Families, and benefit payments will increase immediately by 2.02 per cent – to compensate for the rise in GST.
Find out how the tax changes will benefit you. Visit the tax calculator: www.taxguide.govt.nz
The tax cuts are an important part of our six-point plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and boost incomes.
Rebuilding Canterbury
The Canterbury earthquake has devastated Christchurch and surrounding areas. Families have been shaken physically and emotionally, and many have lost valuable possessions. Thousands of homes have been damaged – some beyond repair.
The Government is giving emergency assistance to help small and medium sized businesses continue to pay wages to staff. We are speeding up processes where possible to make sure that damaged property can be repaired quickly. And there is $94 million immediately available to repair roads.
We've launched a website that will centralise all information on the quake - both immediate civil defence actions and recovery operations. It’s at www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz. People should head to this site for the latest news on where to seek help and what's being done to help. The Government has also set up an earthquake helpline on 0800 779997.
The Government is giving emergency assistance to help small and medium sized businesses continue to pay wages to staff. We are speeding up processes where possible to make sure that damaged property can be repaired quickly. And there is $94 million immediately available to repair roads.
We've launched a website that will centralise all information on the quake - both immediate civil defence actions and recovery operations. It’s at www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz. People should head to this site for the latest news on where to seek help and what's being done to help. The Government has also set up an earthquake helpline on 0800 779997.
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