The Maori Affairs Select Committee finished hearing submissions on the Marine and Coastal Area Bill this week. The committee has travelled around New Zealand and heard submissions from a wide variety of groups. The committee will now consider submissions and report back to Parliament early next year.
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill restores access to justice and common law property rights. These are fundamental National Party values. It also guarantees free public access, and all existing uses and use rights, such as fishing and navigation.
National believes free public access to the common marine and coastal area is a birthright of all New Zealanders, and should be protected in legislation.
Watch the Prime Minister talking about the Marine and Coastal Area Bill: http://www.youtube.com/nationalparty#p/u/6/yAd2RdaNmas
Friday, December 17, 2010
Trades Academies Bill becomes law
National is lifting education and skills in our secondary schools. Last week, we passed legislation establishing Trades Academies.
Trades Academies are based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations, and employers, and will give students a head-start in industry-related careers. Next year, we will open nine Trades Academies around New Zealand, followed by more in 2012.
The legislation also makes sure teachers who may be a danger to students can be suspended, and updates private school guidelines.
National is boosting education and skills as part of our six-point plan for a stronger economy. We’re committed to new approaches in education, and to reducing red tape and regulations.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-enabling-trades-academies-become-law
Trades Academies are based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations, and employers, and will give students a head-start in industry-related careers. Next year, we will open nine Trades Academies around New Zealand, followed by more in 2012.
The legislation also makes sure teachers who may be a danger to students can be suspended, and updates private school guidelines.
National is boosting education and skills as part of our six-point plan for a stronger economy. We’re committed to new approaches in education, and to reducing red tape and regulations.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-enabling-trades-academies-become-law
Private management of prison fulfils election promise
Private management of prison fulfils election promise
Global services management company Serco has been selected to manage the Mt Eden/Auckland Central Remand Prison from next year. This contract honours National’s election promise to allow competitive tendering for prison management on a case-by-case basis.
National is committed to a world-class corrections system. To achieve that, we must have access to world-class innovations and expertise.
Contract management of prisons provides an opportunity to inject new ideas, enhance public safety, improve rehabilitation, and reduce costs. It also allows the Government to target problem areas more effectively.
Serco has a strong track record in managing prisons. We’re confident they will bring the high standards of professionalism, safety, rehabilitation, and security expected by the Government to Mt Eden/ACRP.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio/corrections
Global services management company Serco has been selected to manage the Mt Eden/Auckland Central Remand Prison from next year. This contract honours National’s election promise to allow competitive tendering for prison management on a case-by-case basis.
National is committed to a world-class corrections system. To achieve that, we must have access to world-class innovations and expertise.
Contract management of prisons provides an opportunity to inject new ideas, enhance public safety, improve rehabilitation, and reduce costs. It also allows the Government to target problem areas more effectively.
Serco has a strong track record in managing prisons. We’re confident they will bring the high standards of professionalism, safety, rehabilitation, and security expected by the Government to Mt Eden/ACRP.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio/corrections
First fibre laid for Ultra-fast Broadband
The first fibre of the nationwide ultra-fast broadband roll out was laid in Whangarei this week. This will bring real gains to Whangarei, and as the roll out continues, to the whole country.
Ultra-fast broadband is one of National’s key platforms, and we plan to see speeds of at least 100Mbps rolled out to 75 per cent of New Zealanders where they live, work, and study. Ultra-fast broadband is crucial for a productive and growing economy, and will help improve New Zealand’s competitive advantage in the global economy.
Faster broadband is an important part of National’s growth strategy. It will encourage investment, and help create jobs, boost wages, and deliver the high-quality public services Kiwi families need.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ultra-fast-broadband-rollout-begins
Ultra-fast broadband is one of National’s key platforms, and we plan to see speeds of at least 100Mbps rolled out to 75 per cent of New Zealanders where they live, work, and study. Ultra-fast broadband is crucial for a productive and growing economy, and will help improve New Zealand’s competitive advantage in the global economy.
Faster broadband is an important part of National’s growth strategy. It will encourage investment, and help create jobs, boost wages, and deliver the high-quality public services Kiwi families need.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/ultra-fast-broadband-rollout-begins
Managing taxpayer assets better
Managing taxpayer assets better
The Government’s first Investment Statement, published this week, shows taxpayers own assets worth $223 billion. These are the assets that you fund through things such as income tax, power bills, petrol tax, and road-user charges.
At a time when the Government is borrowing for all new capital investment, we need to get the most out of our existing assets and ensure new investment goes into areas where it can provide the largest improvements in public services. For example, newer better schools, modern well-organised hospitals, upgrades of our national electricity grid, and the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband.
The Investment Statement, to be published annually, forecasts Crown assets will grow by $33 billion in the next five years.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/investment-statement-lifts-scrutiny-assets
The Government’s first Investment Statement, published this week, shows taxpayers own assets worth $223 billion. These are the assets that you fund through things such as income tax, power bills, petrol tax, and road-user charges.
At a time when the Government is borrowing for all new capital investment, we need to get the most out of our existing assets and ensure new investment goes into areas where it can provide the largest improvements in public services. For example, newer better schools, modern well-organised hospitals, upgrades of our national electricity grid, and the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband.
The Investment Statement, to be published annually, forecasts Crown assets will grow by $33 billion in the next five years.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/investment-statement-lifts-scrutiny-assets
Building faster, more sustainable growth
New Zealand's economic growth and our fiscal performance this year are a bit below forecasts in Budget 2010 – but they are expected to improve over the next few years.
The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update issued this week shows that events of the past six months – particularly the Canterbury earthquake and a more subdued than expected domestic recovery – have taken New Zealand’s fiscal position to the outer limit of what the Government would regard as acceptable. Some of this is due to New Zealanders saving and investing more, and borrowing and spending a bit less – which is actually a good thing.
It reinforces the need for the Government to press on with our six-point economic programme to build faster and more sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and raise incomes.
The Budget next year will clearly outline the next steps in the Government’s programme to lift economic growth, with a particular focus on improving national savings and reducing our reliance on foreign debt.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-will-play-its-part-lifting-national-savings
The Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update issued this week shows that events of the past six months – particularly the Canterbury earthquake and a more subdued than expected domestic recovery – have taken New Zealand’s fiscal position to the outer limit of what the Government would regard as acceptable. Some of this is due to New Zealanders saving and investing more, and borrowing and spending a bit less – which is actually a good thing.
It reinforces the need for the Government to press on with our six-point economic programme to build faster and more sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and raise incomes.
The Budget next year will clearly outline the next steps in the Government’s programme to lift economic growth, with a particular focus on improving national savings and reducing our reliance on foreign debt.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/govt-will-play-its-part-lifting-national-savings
Friday, December 10, 2010
Government confirms $30 million a year to fight Bovine TB
The National-led Government has confirmed funding of $30 million each year until 2015 to help rid farms of bovine tuberculosis (TB). New Zealand is the world leader in TB management – our beef, dairy, and deer industries depend on it.
The contribution supports the National Pest Management Strategy, an $82 million annual programme led by the Animal Health Board alongside the Crown, industry, and regional councils.
Under the strategy, the beef, dairy, and deer industries will contribute around $45 million, and regional councils around $6 million.
Through this on-going partnership, we’ve already made significant progress in controlling TB. Infected deer and cattle herds fell from more than 1700 in 1994, to only 98 in June this year.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-confirms-30-million-manage-bovine-tb
The contribution supports the National Pest Management Strategy, an $82 million annual programme led by the Animal Health Board alongside the Crown, industry, and regional councils.
Under the strategy, the beef, dairy, and deer industries will contribute around $45 million, and regional councils around $6 million.
Through this on-going partnership, we’ve already made significant progress in controlling TB. Infected deer and cattle herds fell from more than 1700 in 1994, to only 98 in June this year.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-confirms-30-million-manage-bovine-tb
Providing housing for those most in need
The National-led Government has accepted recommendations made by the Housing Shareholders Advisory Group which will see key changes in the way social housing is delivered.
Providing housing for those most in need, for the duration of that need, is the main driver behind accepting the recommendations. Housing New Zealand Corporation will work more closely with non-government affordable housing suppliers such as the Salvation Army, introduce renewable tenancies for new tenants, manage the housing portfolio to match future demand, and merge policy responsibility with the Department of Building and Housing.
These changes are the first steps towards providing sustainable state housing for those most in need, while they need it.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-acts-housing-recommendations
Providing housing for those most in need, for the duration of that need, is the main driver behind accepting the recommendations. Housing New Zealand Corporation will work more closely with non-government affordable housing suppliers such as the Salvation Army, introduce renewable tenancies for new tenants, manage the housing portfolio to match future demand, and merge policy responsibility with the Department of Building and Housing.
These changes are the first steps towards providing sustainable state housing for those most in need, while they need it.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-acts-housing-recommendations
Marine and Coastal Area consultation continues
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill is currently going through its third consultation stage. Throughout November and December the Māori Affairs Select Committee is hearing public submissions around the country.
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill guarantees the rights of all New Zealanders in the common marine and coastal area including free public access. It restores access to justice through the Courts and long established common law property rights, which are both core National Party principles.
The select committee includes members from almost all political parties, and submissions are being heard from a wide variety of groups.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/marine-and-coastal-area-takutai-moana-bill-passes-first-reading
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill guarantees the rights of all New Zealanders in the common marine and coastal area including free public access. It restores access to justice through the Courts and long established common law property rights, which are both core National Party principles.
The select committee includes members from almost all political parties, and submissions are being heard from a wide variety of groups.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/marine-and-coastal-area-takutai-moana-bill-passes-first-reading
Ultra-fast broadband one step closer
This week the Government announced the first cities and towns to benefit from the rollout of ultra-fast broadband (UFB).
Crown Fibre Holdings has concluded negotiations to rollout fibre in Whangarei, Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hawera and Tokoroa.
The rollout in Whangarei will start before Christmas, with other centres expected to begin early next year. The rollouts will be completed by 2015.
The UFB initiative will see 75 per cent coverage of ultra-fast broadband across the country by 2019.
The Rural Broadband Initiative is also progressing well. A shortlist of bidders has been released, and binding contracts are expected to be signed in early 2011.
Our broadband initiatives are a key part of National’s economic growth agenda.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-deals-agreed-ultra-fast-broadband-rollout
Crown Fibre Holdings has concluded negotiations to rollout fibre in Whangarei, Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Hawera and Tokoroa.
The rollout in Whangarei will start before Christmas, with other centres expected to begin early next year. The rollouts will be completed by 2015.
The UFB initiative will see 75 per cent coverage of ultra-fast broadband across the country by 2019.
The Rural Broadband Initiative is also progressing well. A shortlist of bidders has been released, and binding contracts are expected to be signed in early 2011.
Our broadband initiatives are a key part of National’s economic growth agenda.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/first-deals-agreed-ultra-fast-broadband-rollout
MMP Referendum takes shape
National is honouring its promise to hold a referendum on MMP by 2011. The referendum will be held with the 2011 Election and ask voters two questions. Firstly, if they wish to keep the present MMP voting system, and secondly, what alternative voting system they would like. The options are First-Past-the-Post, Preferential Vote, Single Transferable Vote and Supplementary Member.
If a majority of voters want change, a second binding referendum will be held in 2014 to determine the voting system. It’s timely to re-assess how the voting system is working and National believes New Zealanders should decide how their votes are turned into seats in Parliament.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/format-mmp-referendum-takes-shape
If a majority of voters want change, a second binding referendum will be held in 2014 to determine the voting system. It’s timely to re-assess how the voting system is working and National believes New Zealanders should decide how their votes are turned into seats in Parliament.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/format-mmp-referendum-takes-shape
Tax changes increase fairness
Budget tax changes introduced to Parliament this week will increase the integrity of the tax system and help ensure everyone pays their fair share.
Budget 2010 saw the most significant tax reform package in New Zealand for nearly 25 years. It tilts the economy away from unsustainable borrowing, consumption, and over-investment in housing.
The new tax rules broaden the definition of income for Working for Families, Student Allowance, and the Community Services Card to help prevent people structuring their income to inflate their entitlements. They also close loopholes in the tax treatment of loss attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs) so shareholders can’t claim losses against personal income.
These changes will reduce the opportunities for people to unfairly structure their affairs for tax purposes.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tax-changes-will-increase-fairness
Budget 2010 saw the most significant tax reform package in New Zealand for nearly 25 years. It tilts the economy away from unsustainable borrowing, consumption, and over-investment in housing.
The new tax rules broaden the definition of income for Working for Families, Student Allowance, and the Community Services Card to help prevent people structuring their income to inflate their entitlements. They also close loopholes in the tax treatment of loss attributing qualifying companies (LAQCs) so shareholders can’t claim losses against personal income.
These changes will reduce the opportunities for people to unfairly structure their affairs for tax purposes.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/tax-changes-will-increase-fairness
Monday, December 6, 2010
Going Digital – making the switch
A national campaign to promote the switch to digital television and ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible was launched this week.
The Going Digital campaign provides a website, http://www.goingdigital.co.nz/ and a free-phone helpline, 0800 838 800, so people can get the information and advice they need about switching to digital TV.
Our election promise was to give Kiwi television viewers the benefit of enhanced reception, better picture quality and more channels that digital TV offers by 2015. We’ve brought the switchover forward, phasing it in region by region so the country is covered by November 2013. This frees up spectrum for new technology such as 4G mobile technology, which will give New Zealanders access to faster mobile broadband services and improved coverage.
More than 70 per cent of households are already watching digital TV through Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear. Other viewers do not need to buy a new television to make the switch, but may need to buy a set-top box and possibly a new aerial or satellite dish depending on what equipment they currently have and where they live.
More information can be found by clicking here.
The Going Digital campaign provides a website, http://www.goingdigital.co.nz/ and a free-phone helpline, 0800 838 800, so people can get the information and advice they need about switching to digital TV.
Our election promise was to give Kiwi television viewers the benefit of enhanced reception, better picture quality and more channels that digital TV offers by 2015. We’ve brought the switchover forward, phasing it in region by region so the country is covered by November 2013. This frees up spectrum for new technology such as 4G mobile technology, which will give New Zealanders access to faster mobile broadband services and improved coverage.
More than 70 per cent of households are already watching digital TV through Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear. Other viewers do not need to buy a new television to make the switch, but may need to buy a set-top box and possibly a new aerial or satellite dish depending on what equipment they currently have and where they live.
More information can be found by clicking here.
Pig Welfare Code phases out sow stalls
The new Pig Welfare Code, released this week by the National-led Government, confirms New Zealand’s position as a world leader on animal welfare.
The new code limits the use of sow stalls on New Zealand pig farms to four weeks after mating from 3 December 2012, and bans their use completely by the end of 2015. Phasing out sow stalls will improve the welfare of pigs, and help protect the long-term sustainability of our industry.
The growing unease of many New Zealanders made it clear change was necessary. There is increasing opposition to intensive systems of pig farming worldwide, and New Zealand has a role to play in leading the way.
More information can be found by clicking here.
The new code limits the use of sow stalls on New Zealand pig farms to four weeks after mating from 3 December 2012, and bans their use completely by the end of 2015. Phasing out sow stalls will improve the welfare of pigs, and help protect the long-term sustainability of our industry.
The growing unease of many New Zealanders made it clear change was necessary. There is increasing opposition to intensive systems of pig farming worldwide, and New Zealand has a role to play in leading the way.
More information can be found by clicking here.
First graduates from Military-style Activity Camps
Last week National's first Military-style Activity Camp (MAC) held its inaugural graduation ceremony. These camps have been introduced as part of National's Youth Justice changes. They hold young offenders to account and challenge them to take responsibility for themselves and turn their lives around.
Under Fresh Start, serious young offenders can be ordered by the Youth Court to attend military-style activity camps. The camps reinforce self-discipline, and utilise Defence Force facilities. These first graduates spent two months on an intensive, structured residential programme combining education, mentoring, and drug and alcohol treatment with daily physical challenges.
They are now moving into the community phase of the programme. They will remain under supervision orders while they undergo further mentoring through an individual transition plan designed to help them move smoothly back into their communities.
Under Fresh Start, serious young offenders can be ordered by the Youth Court to attend military-style activity camps. The camps reinforce self-discipline, and utilise Defence Force facilities. These first graduates spent two months on an intensive, structured residential programme combining education, mentoring, and drug and alcohol treatment with daily physical challenges.
They are now moving into the community phase of the programme. They will remain under supervision orders while they undergo further mentoring through an individual transition plan designed to help them move smoothly back into their communities.
Pike River: Royal Commission of Inquiry
Last week the Government announced a Royal Commission into the Pike River mine tragedy.
Royal Commissions are reserved for matters of very significant public interest. The circumstances and cause of the deaths of 29 men in the Pike River mine need to be understood so we can do everything possible to make sure this tragedy isn’t repeated.
We want the answers their families, and all New Zealanders, need about what happened. The Royal Commission will start work as soon as is practical after the details of its make-up and its terms of reference are finalised.
More information can be found by clicking here.
Royal Commissions are reserved for matters of very significant public interest. The circumstances and cause of the deaths of 29 men in the Pike River mine need to be understood so we can do everything possible to make sure this tragedy isn’t repeated.
We want the answers their families, and all New Zealanders, need about what happened. The Royal Commission will start work as soon as is practical after the details of its make-up and its terms of reference are finalised.
More information can be found by clicking here.
Pike River: 29 men in our hearts
Last Thursday a grieving nation farewelled the 29 men who died in the Pike River coal mine tragedy on 19 November.
Throughout the country we observed two minutes of silence in support of the families and communities of the West Coast miners.
Prime Minister John Key summed up the feelings of the nation when he said at the Pike River Official Remembrance Service in Greymouth:
“Your men were our men. And even if many of us know them only as names, and faces and stories, their deaths touched our lives, and we will remember them. May they rest in peace.”
Read the Prime Minister’s memorial service speech here.
Throughout the country we observed two minutes of silence in support of the families and communities of the West Coast miners.
Prime Minister John Key summed up the feelings of the nation when he said at the Pike River Official Remembrance Service in Greymouth:
“Your men were our men. And even if many of us know them only as names, and faces and stories, their deaths touched our lives, and we will remember them. May they rest in peace.”
Read the Prime Minister’s memorial service speech here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
