National is working to make prisons more effective. Rimutaka Prison’s first container cell block has exceeded expectations proving to be safe, cost effective, and efficient. The unit, along with expanded use of double-bunking has averted the prison capacity crisis.
Made of recycled shipping containers, the unit was constructed much quicker and 30 per cent cheaper than comparable, traditionally built units.
In its first year of operation, the number of incidents within container units has been significantly lower than in comparable units. This reflects the secure design of the unit and good management and vigilance of Corrections staff.
National’s commitment to improve prisons, enhance safety, and get value for money is proving effective.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/container-cell-block-exceeds-expectations
Monday, May 30, 2011
Cancer patients seen faster
The National-led Government’s Health Targets are producing great results. 99 per cent of patients ready for cancer radiation treatment are starting that treatment within the world gold standard of four weeks. 100 per cent of cancer patients now getting radiation treatment within 6 weeks.
Our other Health Targets are also proving successful. 89 per cent of emergency department patients are admitted, discharged or treated within 6 hours, 89 per cent of two year olds have been immunised, and there have been huge increases in elective surgery.
National is committed to providing better, sooner, more convenient health care to all New Zealanders. There are now 400 more people every week getting elective surgery compared to when we took office. We’re working with District Health Boards to continue to help more people and to help them faster.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/q3-health-targets-cancer-patients-seen-faster
Our other Health Targets are also proving successful. 89 per cent of emergency department patients are admitted, discharged or treated within 6 hours, 89 per cent of two year olds have been immunised, and there have been huge increases in elective surgery.
National is committed to providing better, sooner, more convenient health care to all New Zealanders. There are now 400 more people every week getting elective surgery compared to when we took office. We’re working with District Health Boards to continue to help more people and to help them faster.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/q3-health-targets-cancer-patients-seen-faster
Canterbury water now has a resource plan
The completion of the Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan is a major step forward for Canterbury.
The lack of a plan over the past 20 years saw important resource decisions being made in a vacuum. The lack of progress was a major reason for the Government’s intervention in Environment Canterbury in 2010. And now, one year after Commissioners were appointed, Canterbury has a natural resources plan.
The plan covers policy and rules on water quality, quantity, the beds and margins of lakes and rivers, wetlands, groundwater and soil conservation.
It is more important than ever in the wake of Canterbury’s devastating earthquakes that we have this plan in place. It will help in Canterbury’s economic recovery by giving greater certainty over the rules for sustainably developing the region’s natural resources. The plan will be operative from 11 June.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-welcomes-canterbury-resources-plan
The lack of a plan over the past 20 years saw important resource decisions being made in a vacuum. The lack of progress was a major reason for the Government’s intervention in Environment Canterbury in 2010. And now, one year after Commissioners were appointed, Canterbury has a natural resources plan.
The plan covers policy and rules on water quality, quantity, the beds and margins of lakes and rivers, wetlands, groundwater and soil conservation.
It is more important than ever in the wake of Canterbury’s devastating earthquakes that we have this plan in place. It will help in Canterbury’s economic recovery by giving greater certainty over the rules for sustainably developing the region’s natural resources. The plan will be operative from 11 June.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-welcomes-canterbury-resources-plan
Rolling out faster broadband
The final two deals to deliver ultra-fast broadband to New Zealanders were signed this week. Deals with Telecom partner Chorus and Canterbury's Enable Networks complement those signed last year with Northpower and WEL Networks.
The nationwide network will deliver broadband speeds of 100 Mbps and higher to 75 per cent of Kiwis where they live, work, and study by 2019.
Vastly improved broadband speeds is a key part of National's plan to build a stronger economy, lift wages, and provide world-class health and education services. The Government’s $1.5 billion investment will be at least matched by its commercial partners, bringing Kiwis the best network at minimal costs to taxpayers.
National’s plans for faster broadband will see New Zealand leapfrog its competitors to become one of the world’s most connected countries.
For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/broadband.aspx
The nationwide network will deliver broadband speeds of 100 Mbps and higher to 75 per cent of Kiwis where they live, work, and study by 2019.
Vastly improved broadband speeds is a key part of National's plan to build a stronger economy, lift wages, and provide world-class health and education services. The Government’s $1.5 billion investment will be at least matched by its commercial partners, bringing Kiwis the best network at minimal costs to taxpayers.
National’s plans for faster broadband will see New Zealand leapfrog its competitors to become one of the world’s most connected countries.
For more information: http://www.national.org.nz/broadband.aspx
Monday, May 23, 2011
Budget 2011: Student loans – better value for taxpayers
National believes in encouraging personal responsibility and getting better value for taxpayer money. To deliver on this and make the interest-free student loan scheme more sustainable, we will limit lending for borrowers who are less likely to repay their loans, while also ensuring that all borrowers who have repayment obligations are meeting them.
The student loan scheme still remains one of the most generous in the world, offering interest-free loans for all borrowers who remain in New Zealand. We need to ensure that borrowers understand that when they choose to access the loan scheme, they are choosing to take on all the responsibilities that come with it.
The changes in budget 2011 will free up $276.6 million operating spending,and $170 million capital over five years. In 2011/12 the Government will still lend about $1.58 billion in student loans. These changes are responsible and balanced.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Student_loans-keeping_loans_interest_free.pdf
The student loan scheme still remains one of the most generous in the world, offering interest-free loans for all borrowers who remain in New Zealand. We need to ensure that borrowers understand that when they choose to access the loan scheme, they are choosing to take on all the responsibilities that come with it.
The changes in budget 2011 will free up $276.6 million operating spending,and $170 million capital over five years. In 2011/12 the Government will still lend about $1.58 billion in student loans. These changes are responsible and balanced.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Student_loans-keeping_loans_interest_free.pdf
Budget 2011: Changes to better target Working for Families
Budget 2011 will see Working for Families remain a large and generous scheme, but its cost has almost doubled from about $1.5 billion in 2005/06, to about $2.8 billion this year. That is unsustainable.
Better targeting to lower income earners will ensure it remain sustainable into the future, and save $448 million over four years. About 280,000 families will receive an increase.
The changes are expected to take place in four steps between 1 April 2012 and 1 April 2018.
For information on these changes visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Working_for_Families-targeting_families_in_need.pdf
Better targeting to lower income earners will ensure it remain sustainable into the future, and save $448 million over four years. About 280,000 families will receive an increase.
The changes are expected to take place in four steps between 1 April 2012 and 1 April 2018.
For information on these changes visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Working_for_Families-targeting_families_in_need.pdf
Budget 2011: Kiwi Saver, increasing private savings
Changes to KiwiSaver in Budget 2011 will encourage a higher level of private savings from individuals and employers, and reduce the call on borrowed government money for contributions.
This will make the scheme more financially sustainable for the future and free up $2.6 billion over four years. KiwiSaver funds are expected to reach almost $60 billion in 10 years, and the initial $1000 Kick-Start payment will remain unchanged.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Kiwisaver-Increasing_private_savings.pdf
This will make the scheme more financially sustainable for the future and free up $2.6 billion over four years. KiwiSaver funds are expected to reach almost $60 billion in 10 years, and the initial $1000 Kick-Start payment will remain unchanged.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Kiwisaver-Increasing_private_savings.pdf
Budget 2011: Extending the mixed ownership model
We will extend the mixed ownership model to four state-owned energy companies, and reduce the Government’s majority stake in Air New Zealand, while retaining majority Government ownership. This will put Kiwi investors at the front of the queue for shares.
National believes there is significant merit in extending the mixed ownership model to help reduce Government debt, increase investment opportunities for investors, and improve the companies’ financial performance.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Mixed_ownership-more_savings_opportunities.pdf
National believes there is significant merit in extending the mixed ownership model to help reduce Government debt, increase investment opportunities for investors, and improve the companies’ financial performance.
For more information visit:
http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Mixed_ownership-more_savings_opportunities.pdf
Budget 2011: Rebuilding Canterbury
The National-led Government has established the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund to provide certainty for the rebuild. We are also creating an earthquake Kiwi Bond, which will generate funds to help meet the Government’s share of rebuilding Christchurch.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will receive $25 million over two years to support the rebuild, and the welfare of residents.
To meet future needs, construction-related training will have 1500 extra places worth $42 million, taking the total to 4,500 places. Budget 2011 also allocates $10 million for social service agencies and counselling support.
Over the next five years CERA will work as a stand-alone government department to provide an effective, timely, and coordinated recovery effort following the two devastating earthquakes in Canterbury. This new authority is an important step towards restoring the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being of Canterbury.
CERA will worth with local Councils, businesses, non-government organisations, and Cantabrians to get Canterbury back on its feet.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Rebuilding_Canterbury.pdf
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will receive $25 million over two years to support the rebuild, and the welfare of residents.
To meet future needs, construction-related training will have 1500 extra places worth $42 million, taking the total to 4,500 places. Budget 2011 also allocates $10 million for social service agencies and counselling support.
Over the next five years CERA will work as a stand-alone government department to provide an effective, timely, and coordinated recovery effort following the two devastating earthquakes in Canterbury. This new authority is an important step towards restoring the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well-being of Canterbury.
CERA will worth with local Councils, businesses, non-government organisations, and Cantabrians to get Canterbury back on its feet.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Rebuilding_Canterbury.pdf
Budget 2011 Justice: Building a safer New Zealand
The justice sector will receive $157 million more over two years to build safer communities, boost access to justice, and increase public safety.
This includes $34.1 million in 2010/11 and $69.4 million in 2011/12, to address funding shortfalls in legal aid, and an extra $4 million in 2011/12 for Community Law Centres.
The Serious Fraud Office will receive $8.3 million over two years, to continue the fight against white collar crime.
Budget 2011 will also support the increased demand and associated costs for Crown prosecutions, with $22.5 million over two years, and a capital injection of $3.2 million.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_a_safer_New_Zealand.pdf
This includes $34.1 million in 2010/11 and $69.4 million in 2011/12, to address funding shortfalls in legal aid, and an extra $4 million in 2011/12 for Community Law Centres.
The Serious Fraud Office will receive $8.3 million over two years, to continue the fight against white collar crime.
Budget 2011 will also support the increased demand and associated costs for Crown prosecutions, with $22.5 million over two years, and a capital injection of $3.2 million.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_a_safer_New_Zealand.pdf
Budget 2011: Supporting vital infrastructure
Vital infrastructure will receive $1.6 billion more in Budget 2011. Capital spending is targeted at broadband, rail, and schools. This is alongside investments in the highway network and the national electricity grid.
We’re investing $942 million to complete the Government’s funding commitment in ultra-fast broadband, and $28 million to connect fibre to schools. In education we’re allocating $109 million towards leaky building remediation, and advancing a public-private partnership for two schools at Hobsonville.
KiwiRail will receive $250 million more to help fund its 10-year Turn Around Plan, and Wellington's Metro Rail will receive $88 million.
Well targeted infrastructure investment helps lift productivity, which over time means better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_infrastructure_for_growth.pdf
We’re investing $942 million to complete the Government’s funding commitment in ultra-fast broadband, and $28 million to connect fibre to schools. In education we’re allocating $109 million towards leaky building remediation, and advancing a public-private partnership for two schools at Hobsonville.
KiwiRail will receive $250 million more to help fund its 10-year Turn Around Plan, and Wellington's Metro Rail will receive $88 million.
Well targeted infrastructure investment helps lift productivity, which over time means better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_infrastructure_for_growth.pdf
Budget 2011 Education: Building skills and knowledge
Education spending has been boosted to a record $12.2 billion in 2011/12, with an extra $1.4 billion over four years. The National-led Government has now invested $4.4 billion more in education since 2009.
Early childhood education gets an increase of $550 million over four years, and will focus on helping increase participation rates for Maori, Pacific, and low income families.
Primary schools will continue to receive support as National Standards identify children who are struggling, and provide parents with plain-language reports on their child’s progress.
There is also $66.5 million to increase the number of Trades Academies and Service Academies, to keep more 16- and 17-year-olds engaged in education and training as part of the wider Youth Guarantee. And at university level, we’re funding nearly 3000 extra places over the next two years.
National is committed to help lift student achievement. Budget 2011 delivers on this commitment, and will help our children get the best possible start in life.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_skills_and_knowledge.pdf
Early childhood education gets an increase of $550 million over four years, and will focus on helping increase participation rates for Maori, Pacific, and low income families.
Primary schools will continue to receive support as National Standards identify children who are struggling, and provide parents with plain-language reports on their child’s progress.
There is also $66.5 million to increase the number of Trades Academies and Service Academies, to keep more 16- and 17-year-olds engaged in education and training as part of the wider Youth Guarantee. And at university level, we’re funding nearly 3000 extra places over the next two years.
National is committed to help lift student achievement. Budget 2011 delivers on this commitment, and will help our children get the best possible start in life.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_skills_and_knowledge.pdf
Budget 2011 Health: Building better healthcare
Budget 2011 delivers record funding for health. We're investing an extra $2.2 billion in public health services over the next four years, including an additional $585 million in initiatives in 2011/12.
We are building on our record increase of 4,000 extra operations a year, by providing $68 million for even more elective surgery. We’re putting $54.5 million towards maternity initiatives to improve safety and quality, including 54,000 extra WellChild visits with a focus on first time mums. An extra $44 million over four years will go towards caring for people with dementia.
We are also investing $18 million in 40 extra medical training places, delivering on our promise to boost training places. And, we're spending $20 million this year for more medicines. That’s $180 million over National's three years in office.
National is working hard to improve frontline health services. We're committed to a protecting and growing our public health service.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_better_healthcare.pdf
We are building on our record increase of 4,000 extra operations a year, by providing $68 million for even more elective surgery. We’re putting $54.5 million towards maternity initiatives to improve safety and quality, including 54,000 extra WellChild visits with a focus on first time mums. An extra $44 million over four years will go towards caring for people with dementia.
We are also investing $18 million in 40 extra medical training places, delivering on our promise to boost training places. And, we're spending $20 million this year for more medicines. That’s $180 million over National's three years in office.
National is working hard to improve frontline health services. We're committed to a protecting and growing our public health service.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Building_better_healthcare.pdf
Budget builds a growth platform and faster path to surplus
Budget 2011 sets a credible path back to surplus by 2014/15, a year earlier than projected.
We are redirecting $5.2 billion of existing spending to priority public services, and reducing deficits - saving $1.2 billion in operating spending out to 2014/15.
Forecasts show the economy growing by 4 per cent in 2012, and over 170,000 new jobs being created by 2015. We are firmly on a path of creating new jobs, achieving faster growth, and posting consistent budget surpluses.
This will help keep interest rates low, free up resources for the competitive parts of our economy, and improve living standards for all New Zealanders.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-frees-52b-higher-priorities
We are redirecting $5.2 billion of existing spending to priority public services, and reducing deficits - saving $1.2 billion in operating spending out to 2014/15.
Forecasts show the economy growing by 4 per cent in 2012, and over 170,000 new jobs being created by 2015. We are firmly on a path of creating new jobs, achieving faster growth, and posting consistent budget surpluses.
This will help keep interest rates low, free up resources for the competitive parts of our economy, and improve living standards for all New Zealanders.
For more information: http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-frees-52b-higher-priorities
Budget 2011 Overview: Building our future
Budget 2011 sets out the next steps of the Government’s programme to build faster growth, increase national savings, and create sustainable jobs built on savings, exports and productive investment.
It also sets up a $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund to help rebuild Christchurch after the two devastating earthquakes.
We have continued to protect the most vulnerable New Zealanders through extensive programmes such as Working for Families, New Zealand Superannuation, and welfare benefits, as well as investing significantly more in health and education.
This is a responsible and balanced Budget for the times. It takes steps to ensure the Government returns to Budget surplus by 2014/15. We can then start repaying debt and contributing to higher national savings, so that New Zealanders have the jobs and higher incomes they deserve.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Budget2011-at_a_glance.pdf
It also sets up a $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund to help rebuild Christchurch after the two devastating earthquakes.
We have continued to protect the most vulnerable New Zealanders through extensive programmes such as Working for Families, New Zealand Superannuation, and welfare benefits, as well as investing significantly more in health and education.
This is a responsible and balanced Budget for the times. It takes steps to ensure the Government returns to Budget surplus by 2014/15. We can then start repaying debt and contributing to higher national savings, so that New Zealanders have the jobs and higher incomes they deserve.
For more information visit: http://national.org.nz/budget2011/Budget2011-at_a_glance.pdf
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Next Steps in Road Safety
National’s Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011-12 adds to road safety improvements we’ve already made and will help reduce New Zealand’s road toll.
While a lot of progress has been made on road safety in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Our action plan includes looking at maximum time limits for learner and restricted licences, strengthening motorcycle licence testing, and making high risk roads safer.
This builds on new laws to improve the safety of young and high-risk drivers. We’ve increased the driving age from 15 to 16, made restricted licence tests tougher, introduced a zero drink drive limit for young drivers and repeat drink-drive offenders, and doubled the maximum sentence for drivers who cause death.
The action plan continues the ‘Safe System’ approach set out in National’s Safer Journeys strategy, released last year. Safer Journeys is an important part of National’s work to build a safer New Zealand.
While a lot of progress has been made on road safety in recent years, there’s still a long way to go. Our action plan includes looking at maximum time limits for learner and restricted licences, strengthening motorcycle licence testing, and making high risk roads safer.
This builds on new laws to improve the safety of young and high-risk drivers. We’ve increased the driving age from 15 to 16, made restricted licence tests tougher, introduced a zero drink drive limit for young drivers and repeat drink-drive offenders, and doubled the maximum sentence for drivers who cause death.
The action plan continues the ‘Safe System’ approach set out in National’s Safer Journeys strategy, released last year. Safer Journeys is an important part of National’s work to build a safer New Zealand.
Canterbury Trades Training Boost
Budget 2011 will provide up to $42 million for trades training for Canterbury, to ensure that Cantabrians can build their skills and contribute to the rebuild of their city.
This investment will fund up to 1500 extra training places as part of a cross-agency response to meet labour demands for the reconstruction programme called ‘Skills for Canterbury’.
The ‘Skills for Canterbury’ package also includes up to 3000 more places in polytechs for construction-related training from existing funding, accelerated training programmes at polytechnics, and further funding and measures to help place more people into the construction industry.
Polytechnics and ITOs have places available now and the Government encourages people who want to be involved with the rebuild of Christchurch to contact their local provider.
This investment will fund up to 1500 extra training places as part of a cross-agency response to meet labour demands for the reconstruction programme called ‘Skills for Canterbury’.
The ‘Skills for Canterbury’ package also includes up to 3000 more places in polytechs for construction-related training from existing funding, accelerated training programmes at polytechnics, and further funding and measures to help place more people into the construction industry.
Polytechnics and ITOs have places available now and the Government encourages people who want to be involved with the rebuild of Christchurch to contact their local provider.
A responsible and affordable Budget
Budget 2011 will be responsible and measured, build a platform for faster growth and more jobs, and ensure expensive programmes such as KiwiSaver, Working For Families, and interest-free student loans are affordable into the future.
These programmes now cost almost $5 billion a year. They were introduced during a debt and consumption-driven economic bubble, and it is clear that they are unaffordable.
The mix of contributions to KiwiSaver accounts will change, with less coming from borrowed government money and more coming from both individuals and employers. The $1000 kick-start for new KiwiSaver members will stay.
Increased contributions from people and businesses will happen at a time when the economy will have well and truly recovered, and both wages and employment will be increasing.
Working For Families will be better targeted at lower-income families, who have a much greater need for assistance, and a little less generous to families higher up the Working for Families scale. We will do this gradually, in a way that minimises the impact on families. The Student Loan Scheme will be adjusted but will remain interest-free.
These programmes now cost almost $5 billion a year. They were introduced during a debt and consumption-driven economic bubble, and it is clear that they are unaffordable.
The mix of contributions to KiwiSaver accounts will change, with less coming from borrowed government money and more coming from both individuals and employers. The $1000 kick-start for new KiwiSaver members will stay.
Increased contributions from people and businesses will happen at a time when the economy will have well and truly recovered, and both wages and employment will be increasing.
Working For Families will be better targeted at lower-income families, who have a much greater need for assistance, and a little less generous to families higher up the Working for Families scale. We will do this gradually, in a way that minimises the impact on families. The Student Loan Scheme will be adjusted but will remain interest-free.
Fresh Start for Fresh Water
Water is New Zealand’s most valuable natural resource. It is our greatest competitive advantage when it comes to our primary and tourism industries.
National has announced a Fresh Water Package that includes a National Policy Statement on Fresh Water Management that will require councils to set clear limits on water quality and minimum flows. To support councils and communities in water clean-ups we’ve created a $15 million contestable Clean Up Fund, taking our total clean up commitment to $265 million.
It also includes an Irrigation Acceleration Fund of $35 million over five years to help get irrigation projects underway. Looking forward, we will consider investing up to $400 million of equity in the construction of regional-scale irrigation schemes.
Our Fresh Water Package strikes a balance that will support a growing economy, while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.
National has announced a Fresh Water Package that includes a National Policy Statement on Fresh Water Management that will require councils to set clear limits on water quality and minimum flows. To support councils and communities in water clean-ups we’ve created a $15 million contestable Clean Up Fund, taking our total clean up commitment to $265 million.
It also includes an Irrigation Acceleration Fund of $35 million over five years to help get irrigation projects underway. Looking forward, we will consider investing up to $400 million of equity in the construction of regional-scale irrigation schemes.
Our Fresh Water Package strikes a balance that will support a growing economy, while better caring for our rivers, lakes and aquifers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
