The Earthquake Commission’s Stage 1 geotechnical report into land damage was released today, and it’s largely good news.
Virtually all land in Canterbury can and will be fixed so it is safe for rebuilding. Only 16 properties have been identified as too costly to repair and rebuild, and all 16 owners have been visited by an EQC loss adjuster and geotechnical engineer over the past two days.
Information packs about land damage, including the report, have been couriered to the owners of the 1200 most damaged properties. The next step for them is to reach a decision with their private insurers about the future of their houses.
So far 16,500 properties in the worst affected areas have been mapped, of which about 60 per cent show no evidence of land damage. Engineers need to wait for the land to settle before developing work plans for properties that have experienced minor, or moderate, damage. The continuing aftershocks are obviously having an on-going effect on the land.
We’re now working with the Earthquake Commission, local councils, and insurers on remediation plans for the 17 suburbs/areas most affected by land damage.
For more information on the earthquake visit: http://beehive.govt.nz/feature/special+feature+canterbury+earthquake+recovery+31
Thursday, October 21, 2010
More than 76,000 homes get insulation and clean heat
In only 15 months more than 76,000 households have benefited from the National-led Government's home insulation and energy efficiency programme.
There were 6,742 houses retrofitted in September alone, and the total includes 41,275 houses lived in by people on low incomes.
The National-led Government is investing $347.3 million over four years in the programme - announced in the 2009 Budget - to retrofit 188,000 homes with insulation and clean heating devices such as high-efficiency heat pumps and efficient gas heaters.
Homeowners with houses built before 2000 are eligible for 33 per cent of the cost of installing ceiling and under-floor insulation, to a maximum of $1,300. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system. Several councils and all of the major banks are making it easier to access the scheme by offering payment options through rates bills, or mortgage top-ups.
The scheme is an investment in household energy efficiency and delivers many other benefits. As well as energy efficiency gains, insulating homes reduces health risks caused by living in cold, damp conditions. The scheme has also had a positive economic impact during difficult times.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+76000+homes+retrofitted+15+months
There were 6,742 houses retrofitted in September alone, and the total includes 41,275 houses lived in by people on low incomes.
The National-led Government is investing $347.3 million over four years in the programme - announced in the 2009 Budget - to retrofit 188,000 homes with insulation and clean heating devices such as high-efficiency heat pumps and efficient gas heaters.
Homeowners with houses built before 2000 are eligible for 33 per cent of the cost of installing ceiling and under-floor insulation, to a maximum of $1,300. Once insulation is up to standard, homeowners can get $500 towards a clean, efficient heating system. Several councils and all of the major banks are making it easier to access the scheme by offering payment options through rates bills, or mortgage top-ups.
The scheme is an investment in household energy efficiency and delivers many other benefits. As well as energy efficiency gains, insulating homes reduces health risks caused by living in cold, damp conditions. The scheme has also had a positive economic impact during difficult times.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+76000+homes+retrofitted+15+months
More than 12,000 extra surgical specialist assessments
In the past year surgical specialists assessed more patients than ever before.
More than 274,000 surgical first specialist assessments were completed in the 2009/10 year. This is nearly 12,500 more patients than the previous year.
Seeing a specialist is a step towards elective surgery, provided the surgery is appropriate and available within six months. Elective surgery is operations like hip replacements, ear, nose, and throat surgery, or cataract removal. These appointments are also important for other patients as they provide assessment and advice for managing health issues.
National has put more than $1.2 billion extra into health in the last two years, and staff have done well to deliver extra frontline services for patients. We’re still working hard to provide all New Zealanders with better, sooner, more convenient healthcare.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+patients+seeing+surgical+specialists
More than 274,000 surgical first specialist assessments were completed in the 2009/10 year. This is nearly 12,500 more patients than the previous year.
Seeing a specialist is a step towards elective surgery, provided the surgery is appropriate and available within six months. Elective surgery is operations like hip replacements, ear, nose, and throat surgery, or cataract removal. These appointments are also important for other patients as they provide assessment and advice for managing health issues.
National has put more than $1.2 billion extra into health in the last two years, and staff have done well to deliver extra frontline services for patients. We’re still working hard to provide all New Zealanders with better, sooner, more convenient healthcare.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+patients+seeing+surgical+specialists
Low inflation helps the cost of living
This week the National-led Government released figures that show cost of living increases have generally been low, and real wages are gradually increasing.
Inflation for the year to September stood at 1.5 per cent, the lowest annual figure since 1.5 per cent inflation in the year to March 2004. The last time it was lower was in the year to December 1999.
Fruit and vegetable prices have fallen by 11 per cent since National took office, and petrol prices have fallen 14 per cent in the two years to September 2010. Real inflation-adjusted after-tax wages have increased by nine per cent in the last two years, after going backwards in the previous two years.
National’s tax cuts mean nearly three quarters of income earners now have a top tax rate of 17.5% or less. We also immediately compensated superannuitants, beneficiaries, and Working For Families recipients for the rise in GST at the start of October.
We’re working hard to boost growth to create jobs and raise incomes, encourage savings and investment, and help families get ahead.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/lowest+inflation+six+years+good+families
Inflation for the year to September stood at 1.5 per cent, the lowest annual figure since 1.5 per cent inflation in the year to March 2004. The last time it was lower was in the year to December 1999.
Fruit and vegetable prices have fallen by 11 per cent since National took office, and petrol prices have fallen 14 per cent in the two years to September 2010. Real inflation-adjusted after-tax wages have increased by nine per cent in the last two years, after going backwards in the previous two years.
National’s tax cuts mean nearly three quarters of income earners now have a top tax rate of 17.5% or less. We also immediately compensated superannuitants, beneficiaries, and Working For Families recipients for the rise in GST at the start of October.
We’re working hard to boost growth to create jobs and raise incomes, encourage savings and investment, and help families get ahead.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/lowest+inflation+six+years+good+families
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Helping people into homes
The National-led Government has launched a new programme making it easier for first-time buyers and people on lower incomes to build or purchase their own homes.
Gateway Housing Assistance helps buyers build or buy a property but defer payment on the land for up to ten years. This allows people on lower incomes to concentrate on designing and building, or buying, their homes before they take on the additional burden of paying for the land.
Community housing organisations are being actively targeted for the scheme as they can develop land and use the repayment terms to build even more affordable housing. So far 30 parcels of Crown or Housing New Zealand land are in the scheme.
The National-led Government already supports housing affordability through measures including Kiwisaver First Home Deposit Subsidy, the First Home Withdrawal, Welcome Home Loans, the Housing Innovation Fund, and the Tenant Home Ownership Programme.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/gateway+improve+housing+affordability+0
Gateway Housing Assistance helps buyers build or buy a property but defer payment on the land for up to ten years. This allows people on lower incomes to concentrate on designing and building, or buying, their homes before they take on the additional burden of paying for the land.
Community housing organisations are being actively targeted for the scheme as they can develop land and use the repayment terms to build even more affordable housing. So far 30 parcels of Crown or Housing New Zealand land are in the scheme.
The National-led Government already supports housing affordability through measures including Kiwisaver First Home Deposit Subsidy, the First Home Withdrawal, Welcome Home Loans, the Housing Innovation Fund, and the Tenant Home Ownership Programme.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/gateway+improve+housing+affordability+0
More tertiary student places
This week the National-led Government announced we are spending $55 million for almost 3000 extra university places over the next two years.
There will be another 1580 places next year and an extra 1315 in 2012. This follows 765 new university places already announced in the Budget for 2011.
The extra funding comes from changes to lift performance and accountability, and reprioritise under-spending in industry training. Next year, funded university places will be the highest ever at about 119,000. Across the core tertiary sector there will be about 16,500 more places than in 2008.
This is good news for students and their families. It's also good news for the wider economy as the significant increase in university graduates will help boost future economic growth.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+shifts+55+million+more+student+places
There will be another 1580 places next year and an extra 1315 in 2012. This follows 765 new university places already announced in the Budget for 2011.
The extra funding comes from changes to lift performance and accountability, and reprioritise under-spending in industry training. Next year, funded university places will be the highest ever at about 119,000. Across the core tertiary sector there will be about 16,500 more places than in 2008.
This is good news for students and their families. It's also good news for the wider economy as the significant increase in university graduates will help boost future economic growth.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt+shifts+55+million+more+student+places
SuperGold Card travel concessions continue
The National-led Government is putting an extra $9 million towards the SuperGold card off-peak travel concession for Superannuitants.
The SuperGold Card public transport scheme improves mobility for older New Zealanders, and gives them more opportunities to go places. Many people are able to use their SuperGold Card to see places, visit family and friends, and attend meetings and appointments.
With the extra $9 million National is putting towards the scheme, total Government funding over the next two years will be $45 million. Users will continue to enjoy the same benefits they receive now.
When the scheme was set up in 2008 a 12 month review was agreed on to ensure the scheme's ongoing viability. The outcome of the review is a balanced package of measures that will improve efficiency and ensure the scheme can continue in the years to come.
The changes are part of National’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of government spending and get better value for the taxpayer dollar.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/extra+funding+supergold+card+transport
The SuperGold Card public transport scheme improves mobility for older New Zealanders, and gives them more opportunities to go places. Many people are able to use their SuperGold Card to see places, visit family and friends, and attend meetings and appointments.
With the extra $9 million National is putting towards the scheme, total Government funding over the next two years will be $45 million. Users will continue to enjoy the same benefits they receive now.
When the scheme was set up in 2008 a 12 month review was agreed on to ensure the scheme's ongoing viability. The outcome of the review is a balanced package of measures that will improve efficiency and ensure the scheme can continue in the years to come.
The changes are part of National’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of government spending and get better value for the taxpayer dollar.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/extra+funding+supergold+card+transport
Tilting the economy towards saving and investment
The Government’s financial statement for the year ending 30 June 2010, released today, shows the Crown's finances are broadly in line with forecasts published with the Budget in May.
Compared with the previous year, government spending was flat, revenue was down and deficits increased. This reiterates the need for the Government to stick with its broad-based programme to manage its finances responsibly and to tilt the economy towards savings, investment and exports.
Early signs are encouraging. Households are starting to reduce borrowing and inject income into homes and saving. Last year alone that injection was worth $5 billion. This is reversing the trend seen between 2003 and 2008 where households were borrowing to boost their disposable income.
This shows New Zealanders understand our need to rebalance the economy away from debt and spending towards savings and investment. While this is challenging for retailers and domestic industries in the short term, it is better for the economy in the long term.
We will continue working to boost growth to create jobs and raise incomes, encourage savings and investment, and help families get ahead.
Compared with the previous year, government spending was flat, revenue was down and deficits increased. This reiterates the need for the Government to stick with its broad-based programme to manage its finances responsibly and to tilt the economy towards savings, investment and exports.
Early signs are encouraging. Households are starting to reduce borrowing and inject income into homes and saving. Last year alone that injection was worth $5 billion. This is reversing the trend seen between 2003 and 2008 where households were borrowing to boost their disposable income.
This shows New Zealanders understand our need to rebalance the economy away from debt and spending towards savings and investment. While this is challenging for retailers and domestic industries in the short term, it is better for the economy in the long term.
We will continue working to boost growth to create jobs and raise incomes, encourage savings and investment, and help families get ahead.
Putting more money in your pocket
Workers are now getting more money in their pockets following tax changes that came into effect on 1 October.
Our tax changes mean a family on the average household income of $76,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $46 and will only pay extra GST of about $21. This leaves them about $25 a week better off.
Someone on the average wage of $50,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $29. They will pay extra GST of about $13, leaving them about $15 a week better off.
On 1 October, Working for Families, benefits, and NZ Super payments increased by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST. Superannuitants get a double boost from our tax package through the rise in New Zealand Super, and through personal tax cuts that will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
To work out your tax cut, visit the tax calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
Our tax changes mean a family on the average household income of $76,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $46 and will only pay extra GST of about $21. This leaves them about $25 a week better off.
Someone on the average wage of $50,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $29. They will pay extra GST of about $13, leaving them about $15 a week better off.
On 1 October, Working for Families, benefits, and NZ Super payments increased by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST. Superannuitants get a double boost from our tax package through the rise in New Zealand Super, and through personal tax cuts that will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
To work out your tax cut, visit the tax calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
World Arthritis Day
Today is World Arthritis Day and a chance to think about the massive impact arthritis has on New Zealand.
Over half a million New Zealanders suffer from some form of arthritis and it is the single greatest cause of disability in this country.
Arthritis does not discriminate and can affect anyone of any age. It is often wrongly referred to as an “old person’s disease” however there are over 1000 New Zealand children and young people under the age of 18 suffering from arthritis.
As an arthritis sufferer myself, I am fortunate enough to enjoy relatively good health through good exercise, daily medication and a bit of luck.
Many don’t and World Arthritis Day and the continued work and support of Arthritis New Zealand immensely help raise awareness and provide support for the many sufferers of arthritis throughout the country.
For more information about arthritis and World Arthritis Day visit http://www.arthritis.org.nz/
Over half a million New Zealanders suffer from some form of arthritis and it is the single greatest cause of disability in this country.
Arthritis does not discriminate and can affect anyone of any age. It is often wrongly referred to as an “old person’s disease” however there are over 1000 New Zealand children and young people under the age of 18 suffering from arthritis.
As an arthritis sufferer myself, I am fortunate enough to enjoy relatively good health through good exercise, daily medication and a bit of luck.
Many don’t and World Arthritis Day and the continued work and support of Arthritis New Zealand immensely help raise awareness and provide support for the many sufferers of arthritis throughout the country.
For more information about arthritis and World Arthritis Day visit http://www.arthritis.org.nz/
Recognising service to our Defence Force
The New Zealand Defence Service Medal announced by the Prime Minister this week recognises the commitment of our kiwis to their country in military training and service.
It’s great to be able to officially honour our service people, and for them to have recognition of their service to our country.
The Government places high value on non-operational service. Those service people provide essential support to those who serve in operations, and they are willing to be called upon if required.
The medal recognises non-operational military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders who have served for more than three years since World War Two, and those who did compulsory military training or national military service.
“About 160,000 people will be eligible for the medal, which delivers on a campaign commitment that National made to recognise the New Zealanders who have stood ready to put their lives on the line for our country. The RSA has proposed a defence service medal for many years, and National has supported this idea.
“Many people have not been entitled to medallic recognition to date. Now, their loyalty can be recognised. In cases where an ex-serviceman or woman is deceased, their family can still apply for the medal.”
The initial call for applicants will be for those aged 50 and over, but it will be opened up to all others within a year.
For further information visit: http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdsm/faqs.html
It’s great to be able to officially honour our service people, and for them to have recognition of their service to our country.
The Government places high value on non-operational service. Those service people provide essential support to those who serve in operations, and they are willing to be called upon if required.
The medal recognises non-operational military service in the Defence Force by New Zealanders who have served for more than three years since World War Two, and those who did compulsory military training or national military service.
“About 160,000 people will be eligible for the medal, which delivers on a campaign commitment that National made to recognise the New Zealanders who have stood ready to put their lives on the line for our country. The RSA has proposed a defence service medal for many years, and National has supported this idea.
“Many people have not been entitled to medallic recognition to date. Now, their loyalty can be recognised. In cases where an ex-serviceman or woman is deceased, their family can still apply for the medal.”
The initial call for applicants will be for those aged 50 and over, but it will be opened up to all others within a year.
For further information visit: http://medals.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdsm/faqs.html
Monday, October 4, 2010
Giving young offenders a fresh start
Our Fresh Start changes, in effect from 1 October, introduce a range of initiatives to target both at risk and serious young offenders. The changes allow young offenders to be held to account, while providing the greater supports necessary to turn their lives round.
From 1 October, Youth Court judges will have a greater range of tools to deal with our worst repeat young offenders. These tools include longer sentences, authority to deal with 12 and 13 year olds charged with serious offences, and new orders to address parenting education, mentoring, and drug and alcohol treatment.
Activity camps run by the New Zealand Defence Force will be available for the most serious repeat young offenders. The camps will teach them self-discipline, personal responsibility, and community values. They will be followed by up to nine months of intensive support.
National is delivering on our promise to get tough on crime, giving young offenders a fresh start, and helping steer them away from a life of crime.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fresh+start+serious+youth+offenders
From 1 October, Youth Court judges will have a greater range of tools to deal with our worst repeat young offenders. These tools include longer sentences, authority to deal with 12 and 13 year olds charged with serious offences, and new orders to address parenting education, mentoring, and drug and alcohol treatment.
Activity camps run by the New Zealand Defence Force will be available for the most serious repeat young offenders. The camps will teach them self-discipline, personal responsibility, and community values. They will be followed by up to nine months of intensive support.
National is delivering on our promise to get tough on crime, giving young offenders a fresh start, and helping steer them away from a life of crime.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/fresh+start+serious+youth+offenders
Future Focus: rebalancing our welfare system
Future Focus changes, which take effect this week, rebalance incentives and obligations in our welfare system.
Welfare should support people when they are most in need, encourage them to get back to work, and act when they don't take responsibility for themselves.
Future Focus requires some Domestic Purpose Beneficiaries and Sickness Beneficiaries to look for part time work. Those on an Unemployment Benefit must reapply after one year.
Future Focus also provides incentives to work by increasing abatement thresholds, meaning 28,000 people will be able to earn more before their benefit is affected. There is also training support to assist sole parents studying full-time, and increased out-of-school childcare support.
National is delivering on our promise to ensure our welfare system is fair to taxpayers while supporting those who genuinely need it.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rebalancing+incentives+and+obligations
Welfare should support people when they are most in need, encourage them to get back to work, and act when they don't take responsibility for themselves.
Future Focus requires some Domestic Purpose Beneficiaries and Sickness Beneficiaries to look for part time work. Those on an Unemployment Benefit must reapply after one year.
Future Focus also provides incentives to work by increasing abatement thresholds, meaning 28,000 people will be able to earn more before their benefit is affected. There is also training support to assist sole parents studying full-time, and increased out-of-school childcare support.
National is delivering on our promise to ensure our welfare system is fair to taxpayers while supporting those who genuinely need it.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rebalancing+incentives+and+obligations
Helping families get ahead
National’s across-the-board personal tax cuts on 1 October reward effort, encourage savings, and help families get ahead.
A family on the average household income of $76,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $46. They will only pay extra GST of about $21. This leaves them about $25 a week better off.
Someone on the average wage of $50,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $29. They will pay extra GST of about $13, leaving them about $15 a week better off.
On 1 October, Working for Families, benefits, and NZ Super payments will increase immediately by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST. Superannuitants get a double boost from our tax package through the rise in NZ Super, and through personal tax cuts that will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
Find out how the tax changes and compensation for the rise in GST will benefit you. Calculate your tax cut at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
A family on the average household income of $76,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $46. They will only pay extra GST of about $21. This leaves them about $25 a week better off.
Someone on the average wage of $50,000 will receive a weekly tax cut of about $29. They will pay extra GST of about $13, leaving them about $15 a week better off.
On 1 October, Working for Families, benefits, and NZ Super payments will increase immediately by 2.02 per cent to compensate for the rise in GST. Superannuitants get a double boost from our tax package through the rise in NZ Super, and through personal tax cuts that will apply to NZ Super payments, and to any other income such as interest, dividends, or part-time work.
Find out how the tax changes and compensation for the rise in GST will benefit you. Calculate your tax cut at www.taxguide.govt.nz.
Tax changes to build a stronger economy
National is committed to building a stronger economy. The 1 October tax changes will help tilt the economy towards savings, investment and exports, and away from unsustainable borrowing, consumption and over-investment in housing.
We are reducing resident withholding tax rates on savings such as interest on bank accounts to align with the lower personal tax rates, and reducing the tax rates for portfolio investment entities (PIEs) and managed funds. From the 2011/12 income year, the company tax rate will also reduce from 30 per cent to 28 per cent to help New Zealand companies remain internationally competitive.
Significant across-the-board tax cuts are not just about giving people more money in their pockets, they are about providing the right incentives. National’s tax cuts will encourage people to get more skills and seek better-paying jobs, and will help attract and retain skilled people in New Zealand.
Only a growing economy can create sustainable jobs, provide the world-class health and education services that families need, and deliver the higher incomes that all New Zealanders deserve.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/1+october+tax+cuts
We are reducing resident withholding tax rates on savings such as interest on bank accounts to align with the lower personal tax rates, and reducing the tax rates for portfolio investment entities (PIEs) and managed funds. From the 2011/12 income year, the company tax rate will also reduce from 30 per cent to 28 per cent to help New Zealand companies remain internationally competitive.
Significant across-the-board tax cuts are not just about giving people more money in their pockets, they are about providing the right incentives. National’s tax cuts will encourage people to get more skills and seek better-paying jobs, and will help attract and retain skilled people in New Zealand.
Only a growing economy can create sustainable jobs, provide the world-class health and education services that families need, and deliver the higher incomes that all New Zealanders deserve.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/1+october+tax+cuts
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