Four priorities to build a brighter future

National was elected just over a year ago with a clear plan to build a faster-growing economy that can support more jobs and rising incomes.

We have stuck to that plan, in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty in many parts of the world.

We’re delivering on the four main priorities the Prime Minister set for this term of Government. We’re responsibly managing the Government’s finances so we can return to surplus and start repaying debt. We’re pushing ahead with a wide-ranging programme of economic reforms to create a more productive and competitive economy. We’re driving better results and better value from our public services. And we’re supporting the rebuilding of Christchurch – the largest economic project in New Zealand’s history.

National is confident about New Zealand’s prospects, and will continue to work hard to build a brighter future for all Kiwis.

For more information, click here.

Building a stronger economy

National is committed to building growth and jobs through sustainably using New Zealand’s natural resources. Building a more competitive and productive economy is one of our priorities this term of Government.

The latest Business Growth Agenda progress report, Building Natural Resources, sets out 49 initiatives the Government is taking to improve the way we use and manage our resources.

It encourages businesses to find ways to become more innovative to get the best results for the economy, and the environment.

Building Natural Resources is the fifth Business Growth Agenda progress report. It follows reports on Export Markets, Innovation, Skilled and Safe Workplaces, and Infrastructure. There are more than 250 initiatives detailed across these five reports. The sixth report, Building Capital Markets, will be published early next year.

For more information, click here.

Taking action on alcohol

National has overhauled New Zealand’s out dated alcohol laws and passed new legislation through its final reading. This is the first time in more than two decades Parliament has restricted, rather than relaxed, our drinking laws.

This Government has delivered a wide range of measures to reduce alcohol-related harm in our families and communities.

We’ve also been conscious to take a balanced approach that doesn’t unfairly penalise responsible and moderate drinkers.

Our new laws provide tools to help central and local government, communities, and parents.

We know that legislation alone will not turn around our binge-drinking problem. But National has remained committed to addressing New Zealand’s binge-drinking culture, and reducing alcohol-related harm. Our reforms can, and will, support a culture change.

For more information, click here.

Managing earthquake-prone buildings

Rebuilding Canterbury is one of our key priorities, and Volumes 4-7 of the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission report have been released.

We’ve accepted all the findings and the 70 recommendations in the first part of the report (Volumes 1-3). Some of these recommendations have already been implemented, while others are being worked on.

The Government will carefully consider the 119 recommendations made in Volume 4 and Volumes 5-7, many of which require policy and legislative changes.

We want to ensure our earthquake-prone buildings policy system is balanced between protecting people from harm, and managing the economic implications of earthquake-prone buildings. Have your say: www.dbh.govt.nz/consultingon-epbp

The Government expects to issue a comprehensive response to the Royal Commission’s full report by early to mid-next year.

For more information, click here.

Making information on health services more accessible

National is delivering better health services to New Zealanders, and is now making it easier for families to access important health information for their region.

This week the Government rolled out a new web tool, My DHB, which pulls DHB-specific information together in one place.

Information available on My DHB includes rest home audits, health funding, and health targets results, along with contact details for important medical staff.

This information was spread across many websites, and has not always been easy to find.

Having the information easily accessible in one place allows the public to make better-informed choices about their healthcare, and is another example of National delivering better public services, one of our priorities this term.

The My DHB web tool can be found at www.mydhb.health.govt.nz

For more information, click here.

Fresh Start reforms delivering positive results

National’s Fresh Start is about getting smarter in how we deal with young offenders, and we are making great progress. It is an important part of our plan to deliver better public services.

Youth justice family group conference referrals are down 12 per cent in two years, and a total of 1373 young people are receiving mentoring under Fresh Start. This is a strong uptake, well above the 300 places each year originally envisaged.

Military Style Activity Camps (MAC Camps), which target the most serious young offenders, are also producing encouraging early results, including a 52 per cent drop in violent crime by MAC graduates.

For more information, click here.

Celebrating The Hobbit

This week we celebrated our film industry as Wellington rolled out the red carpet for the world premiere of Sir Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The premiere is a pat on the back for all New Zealanders, with many of our communities having been involved in this production.

Producing these big budget films here is worth $3 billion across our economy. Our vibrant screen industry directly supports more than 2700 businesses, of which over 95 per cent are involved in production and post-production work.

About 3000 people have been employed fulltime on The Hobbit films to date, and more than $1.5 million a week was paid to the shooting crew alone.

For more information, click here.

New Zealand to host IRB Junior World Championship 2014

National welcomes the news New Zealand will host the 2014 International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior World Championship in Auckland.

One of National’s priorities is building a more competitive and productive economy, and this event is expected to bring in about $8 million in economic benefits.

The Government is supporting the event with a capped investment of $1.45 million from the Major Events Development Fund. This is matched by a contribution from Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development.

The annual event is widely acknowledged as the second-most important rugby competition after the Rugby World Cup.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup established New Zealand’s reputation as a successful event-hosting nation, now we have the chance to show what great hosts we are again.

For more information, click here.

Kiwis to bring superannuation home

Kiwis to bring superannuation home

New Zealanders returning home from Australia will soon be able to bring their retirement savings with them. Trans-Tasman portability of retirement savings is expected to take effect from July next year.

An agreement between the two countries in 2009 paved the way for the new scheme, with New Zealand passing legislation in 2010, and Australia doing the same recently.

This important next step in the Single Economic Market programme between our two countries will further help the free movement of labour between New Zealand and Australia, and strengthen our wider Closer Economic Relations agreement.

Under the new rules, retirement savings from certain Australian superannuation funds will be able to be transferred into New Zealand KiwiSaver funds – and vice versa.

For more information, click here.

Better healthcare for New Zealand families

The latest national health targets show great progress in the areas of immunisation, cancer treatment, and elective surgery.

Now, 93 per cent of two-year-olds are fully immunised, up from just 73 per cent in 2008. We are lifting our game through the new goal of having 95 per cent of eight-month-olds fully immunised by December 2014.

Every patient who needs chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment now receives it within the world gold standard of four weeks, and more than 40,000 elective operations were performed this quarter – an all-time high.

Quality healthcare is important for New Zealand families and National has delivered better, sooner, and more convenient healthcare as part of our priority to deliver better public services.

For more information, click here.  

More Kiwi homes warmer and drier ahead of target

More local homes are warmer and drier, as the Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme has passed its original target of 188,500 homes retrofitted – ahead of schedule and below budget.

National extended the scheme this year to a further 41,500 homes, and thanks to savings made within the scheme, this will be achieved for the same overall funding.

Nationwide, it has been an outstanding success, and is a great example of National delivering on its key priority of delivering better public services.

Warmer, drier homes have a positive effect on people’s health, meaning less money spent on doctor visits, and fewer sick days.

For more information, click here.

Korean War veterans to get funding for 60th anniversary commemorations

National has announced 30 Korean War veterans will get funding to attend 60th anniversary commemorations of the Korean War armistice next year.

This is an important chance for veterans to pay tribute to their fellow servicemen and women, including the 45 personnel who did not make it home. Those selected will have all expenses covered, including medical care, as they attend events in Korea for the July anniversary.

Roughly 4700 personnel served in Kayforce, and a further 1300 Naval personnel were also involved. There will also be a New Zealand-based commemoration for those unable to attend. Veterans can register their interest by calling 0800 483 8372, or emailing veterans@xtra.co.nz.

For more information, click here.

Ultra-fast broadband milestone reached

More than 100,000 users in urban areas are now able to connect to the ultra-fast broadband (UFB) network, only 16 months after the project started.

One of National’s priorities this term is to build a more competitive and productive economy. Taking fibre direct to businesses, schools, hospitals, and households will bring significant gains for productivity, innovation, and global reach.

More than 1000 schools have access to fibre under UFB or the rural broadband initiative (RBI). Fourteen of New Zealand’s most remote schools have also been connected to faster broadband.

Through RBI, 55,000 rural homes and businesses have access to improved fixed wireless broadband, and 23,000 users have enhanced fixed-line services.

This project is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever to be undertaken in New Zealand, and will result in 97.8 per cent of Kiwis having access to faster broadband.

For more information, click here.

Oil and gas permit process for 2013 gets underway

National welcomes the start of the Block Offer 2013 process for awarding oil and gas exploration permits.

One of our priorities this term is building a more competitive and productive economy, and oil and gas operations are a significant part of this.

Existing oil and gas operations in Taranaki contribute $2 billion to our GDP, and support more than 5000 jobs in the region. The same formula can work just as well in other areas, growing the local and national economies.

The proposed areas for 2013 onshore and offshore exploration are Northland, Taranaki, the East Coast, Canterbury, and Southland. Consultation with relevant iwi and councils has begun.

For more information, click here.

Making New Zealand a safer place

One of National’s priorities this term is to deliver better public services, and the first results for the justice sector Better Public Service targets have been released.

They show almost 3000 fewer violent crimes over the past year. And our crime rate is now the lowest in 30 years.

The results show total reported crime down by almost 6 per cent over the year to June 2012, that’s 21,337 fewer crimes. Youth crime was also down 4 per cent, and reconviction 7 per cent.

National’s better public services targets aim to further reduce total recorded crime by 15 per cent, youth crime by 5 per cent, and reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017.

For more information, click here.

New order to protect victims from offenders

National is introducing a new restraining order to protect victims of serious violent or sexual crimes from unwanted contact with their attackers.

One of our priorities is delivering better public services for New Zealanders. We want victims of crime to feel safe in their homes and communities.

Currently, protection and restraining orders are only available for active harassment, or if there is a domestic relationship between the offender and victim. And release and parole conditions only apply for six months after an offender’s release. Unfortunately, this means some victims have no access to legal protection. This is not good enough.

The new order will impose a range of conditions on offenders, including restrictions on visiting particular locations, and contacting victims.

For more information, click here.

ETS amendment bill passes

National’s bill, which will assist New Zealand in meeting its current and future international climate change obligations, has passed its third and final reading in Parliament.

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill makes changes to the current act, ensuring our Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) operates at least cost to the domestic economy. It also provides the flexibility necessary to accommodate developments between now and 2015, when the Government will next review the ETS.

By maintaining incentives for reducing emissions, without loading costs on households and businesses, our ETS is helping contribute to a stronger and more productive economy – one of National’s priorities this term.

For more information, click here.

Next steps in Government share offers

The Government has announced its next steps to prepare for the partial sale of Mighty River Power to New Zealanders.

It will not implement the Waitangi Tribunal’s “shares plus” concept, or engage in further negotiations in relation to that concept, before the sale of shares in the four state energy companies. This decision comes after the conclusion of hui with Māori with direct interests in the water and geothermal resources used by Mighty River Power, Meridian, and Genesis.

The sale of up to 49 per cent of Mighty River Power in the first half of next year will be followed by sales of up to 49 per cent of Genesis Energy and Meridian Energy in the subsequent 12 months, all subject to market conditions.

The Government has also announced that iwi groups yet to complete their Treaty settlements will be able to receive a percentage of their forecast settlement package “on account” in the form of shares in the state companies.

For more information, click here.

Putting victims of youth offenders first

National is improving the way we deal with victims of youth crime as part our plan to deliver better public services.

The youth justice Reparation Accord is a practical way of better managing reparation payments to victims of young offenders. Regularly monitored by Child, Youth and Family, the Accord enables young offenders to make reparation payments into an account managed by the National Council of Victim Support Groups.

When collected, this is then paid to the victim. In 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, the Accord collected nearly $70,000 from 195 young offenders for on-payment to victims.

Victims expect and deserve to be recompensed for their losses, and reparation payments reinforce to the offender the need to take responsibility for their actions.

For more information, click here.

Education Amendment Bill to lift achievement

Our Education Amendment Bill will help provide more clarity for schools and boards of trustees, and ensure children’s needs remain the central focus for our educators.

National’s unrelenting focus is on raising achievement for all our students. Four out of five kids are achieving successfully at school, our plan is for five out of five. To get five out of five we really need to target those kids who have been historically under-served by the system, and we see Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua as a way of doing that. The bill provides the legal framework for these schools.

We already have a number of different types of schools operating in New Zealand, state, integrated, private, kura, faith-based, single sex. Partnership Schools will be another option for parents and students, giving them more freedom to choose the type of education that best suits their child’s needs.

For more information, click here.

$60 million for veterans

National has approved additional funding of $60 million for our veterans over the next five years, and confirmed new legislation to be introduced to modernise the War Pensions Act 1954.

We’re increasing the War Disablement Pension and Surviving Spouse Pension rates by 5 per cent (on top of the forecast CPI increase of 1.8 per cent). We are also increasing eligibility for support services such as home help and lawn mowing, which will benefit 3,000 additional veterans, and 1,100 surviving spouses.

We’re implementing 132 of 170 recommendations from the Law Commission review, and we’re ensuring our services better meet the needs of elderly veterans, as well as those involved in modern day and future deployments.

For more information, click here.

Students leaving school with higher qualifications

National is helping children succeed. We’ve set an ambitious better public services target of 85 per cent of 18-year-olds achieving NCEA Level 2 or equivalent in 2017.

This is the first year we have reported the results of all 18-year-olds, and we are delighted that 74.3 per cent attained NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification last year.

At school level, nearly 72 per cent of school leavers achieved at least NCEA Level 2, compared with 66.4 per cent in 2009.

51 per cent of Maori students attained NCEA Level 2 last year, up from 44 per cent in 2009, and Pasifika achievement has risen from 55.7 per cent to just over 63 per cent.

These are great results, but we still need to work harder to ensure all children leave school with the skills they need to reach their potential.

For more information, click here.

Fewer charges, fewer young people in court

National is building a safer New Zealand. Six-monthly data on appearances at the Youth Court, and criminal and sentencing data for the District and High Courts, has been released.

Our lower crime rate has meant fewer criminal charges laid, and fewer people in court.

Most notably, fewer children and young people are being charged with an offence and appearing in court – down by as much as 25 per cent on last year.

And the conviction rate continues to rise, with the proportion of charges resulting in a conviction increasing from 70 per cent in 2008 to 74 per cent in 2012.

These results show National’s focus on reducing crime is working.

For more information, click here.

Information sharing to prevent welfare fraud

National is committed to delivering better public services to New Zealanders, and welfare reform is central to that.

This week the Government welcomed the pending start of new information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development. This is a huge step forward in preventing welfare fraud.

The vast majority of beneficiaries are doing the best they can and following the rules but a small minority exploit the system at great cost to taxpayers. Last year, 714 people were convicted of benefit fraud totalling $23.4 million.

Expanding information sharing between government agencies is the logical next step to take as we continue to improve the integrity of the welfare system.

For more information, click here.

Encouraging growth through mineral exploration

One of National’s priorities this term is to build a more competitive and productive economy. Natural resources play an essential part in this with oil, gas and minerals contributing more than $4 billion to New Zealand’s GDP each year. Oil, gas and mineral exploration is a major contributor to the economy, however, there is huge potential for growth.

This week National passed the first stage of a bill that gives New Zealanders greater confidence in how the Government is allocating rights to Crown-owned minerals, and how it is regulating those rights.

The bill simplifies and streamlines the regulatory regime for Crown-owned minerals, and will help New Zealand maximise the gains from development of our oil, gas and mineral resources, while responsibly managing environmental matters, and health and safety.

For more information, click here.

Social obligations mean better outcomes for children

National is introducing new requirements to ensure children who live in benefit-dependant households get the vital education and health services they need – the services that can make a real difference for each child’s future.

We’ll require children to be enrolled in at least 15 hours of early child education and attend school. They will also need to be enrolled with a general practitioner and complete core health checks.

We expect beneficiaries to take “reasonable steps” to meet requirements. Parents will have three opportunities to meet these obligations before a financial sanction of 50 per cent will apply. We believe these obligations are reasonable and achievable and reflect the expectations most New Zealanders have of parents.

For more information, click here.

$1 billion investment in Canterbury education

$1 billion investment in Canterbury education

The Government will invest $1 billion over the next ten years to restore the education sector in greater Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri. Rebuilding Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities for this term in government.

The education sector and wider community have signalled support for new approaches including greater sharing of resources and capital. To achieve that, schools have been grouped into clusters based on their geographic location.

This will enable decisions about the schooling network to consider housing developments and surrounding infrastructure.

Of the 215 schools in the greater Christchurch region, we will consult on a proposal to close 13 schools. Another 18 schools will be involved in mergers of some kind.

$92 million boost for high-tech

Building a more competitive and productive economy is one of the Government’s four priorities this term. That’s why we’re investing $92 million into research that will help grow the high-tech manufacturing sector through Science and Innovation in New Zealand.

Crown Research Institutes, and private research organisations have been awarded research grants in the high-value manufacturing sector. The 31 projects range from medical technologies like early cancer detection to nanotechnology insulation and cryogenic refrigeration.

The $92 million for the projects over six years is the second tranche of the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment’s 2012 science investment round. It follows the $133 million in science research grants that we announced last month.

For more information, click here.

New PPP prison in Auckland

A new public-private partnership (PPP) prison, focused on rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders, will be constructed at Wiri, South Auckland.

The SecureFuture consortium will design, finance, build and operate the 960-bed prison, at a $170 million saving to the taxpayer. Three hundred staff will be employed to operate the prison, while up to 1000 workers could be involved in its construction.

The contract has strong performance incentives based on custodial, rehabilitation and reintegration indicators. This contract will support the Government’s ambition of reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017, and is part of National’s commitment to responsibly manage the Government’s finances.

For more information, click here.

Greater protection for frontline staff

A bill that will ensure greater protection for frontline staff when they are responding to dangerous situations became law this week.

Any offending against law enforcement or emergency service officers will now be an aggravating factor during sentencing. Previously, there was no requirement for judges to take first responder status into account.

Our police, prison officers, ambulance staff, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and firefighters are our first line of defence. They put their own lives at risk every day to save and protect their fellow New Zealanders.

This new law sends a clear message that National is committed to protecting frontline staff, and that offences against them will not be tolerated.

For more information, click here.

Benefits stopped for those with arrest warrants

National has announced that people with outstanding arrest warrants will no longer receive a benefit while evading police.

About 8200 of 15,000 people with arrest warrants are receiving benefits. This reform will mean that if someone has an outstanding arrest warrant, their benefit could be stopped, unless they do the right thing and come forward to the authorities.

The welfare system will always be there to support people and families who genuinely need it. But people who are actively evading police should not receive taxpayer assistance while they do so.

National campaigned on delivering better public services, and this means building confidence in our welfare system through stronger obligations on those receiving benefits.

For more information, click here.

More performance gains in tertiary education

Tertiary results from 2011 show National’s continued focus on performance is working. The 2011 performance information shows that university, polytechnic, wānanga, and private training establishments have improved their course and qualification completion rates, and student retention rates.

Course completions have risen from 77 per cent in 2009 to 82 per cent in 2011, with qualification rates increasing from 62 to 71 per cent.

Completion rates at level 4 and above have also continued to increase, putting us on track to deliver on our better public services target of 55 per cent of 25 - 34 year olds having a level 4 qualification or above by 2017.

For more information, click here.

Savings for Government in student loans

Changes over the past three budgets have helped reduce the cost to Government for student loans from 48 cents to 39 cents in the dollar. That is a significant achievement. We said we would get it down to 40 cents, and now we’ve surpassed that.

Budget 2012 forecast that student support changes would provide a one-off saving of about $250 million, and $60-$70 million of annual savings. As at 30 June 2012, the actual savings are $286 million.

This is another demonstration of National delivering on one of our key priorities of responsibly managing the Government’s finances. It also means we can reinvest in the next generation of learners.

For more information, click here.

New Christchurch hospital one step closer

The Government’s commitment of $5.5 billion to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund has given certainty for the hospital rebuild, and over the past six months progress has been made.
Cabinet has approved the redevelopment of the Canterbury District Health Board hospitals. The project will be the largest hospital build in the history of New Zealand’s public health service, including fast-tracking the design of the Burwood Hospital redevelopment.

The final business plan, due at the end of the year, will establish the best option to build additional operating theatres, replace about 500 beds, expand the intensive care unit and emergency department at Christchurch Hospital, and build a new hospital for older people’s health at Burwood.

For more information, click here.

New Zealand confirms intentions for Bamyan withdrawal

Cabinet has confirmed the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team will be coming home from Bamyan province, Afghanistan, by the end of April 2013.

The timing fits well with the International Security Assistance Force’s planning and logistical considerations. It also ensures a sensible, orderly and professional transition for our troops and international partners. Until then, the Provincial Reconstruction Team will continue its work training and mentoring the local security forces.

Over its 10-year deployment, the Provincial Reconstruction Team has contributed to international counter-terrorism efforts, improved security, and the development and governance of Bamyan province. Our success is reflected in Bamyan’s position as a leader in the transition process.

For more information, click here.

Government share offer announced

The Government has announced that an initial public offering of up to 49 per cent of Mighty River Power, which was planned for later this year, will now go ahead between March and June next year, market conditions allowing.

Claimants to the Waitangi Tribunal raised concerns that the partial share of Mighty River Power would make it more difficult for the Crown at some point in the future to recognise Maori rights and interests in water.

The Government’s position on water rights is consistent and clear - in common law no-one owns water, and the minority sale of Mighty River Power does not impact on the Crown’s ability to address local Māori claims to rights and interests in water.

Ministers carefully considered the tribunal’s report and decided that the right thing to do at this point is to undertake a short period of consultation with relevant iwi on one aspect of the Waitangi Tribunal’s report, described as “shares plus”.

Despite the delay, the Government is firmly committed to the share offer programme.

By taking the time to consult with iwi, we will also be able to provide potential investors with more certainty and confidence as to the timeframe for the share offer.

For more information, click here.

Blueprint for Christchurch CBD

Rebuilding Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities, and this week the design for a new and innovative city centre was unveiled.

The plan represents a blueprint for the city’s future, and reflects the 106,000 submissions Cantabrians made during consultation.

The plan embodies the vision of a city designed by the people, for the people.

The redevelopment and rebuild of Christchurch is important not just for residents and businesses, but for the rest of the country. While Christchurch will look different, it will be a vibrant, new, and great place to live, giving all Cantabrians and New Zealanders confidence in the city’s future.

For more information, click here.

More trainees, better industry training

National is changing industry training to boost the number of apprentices and increase support for apprenticeship training.

We want to make sure learners are achieving qualifications, and getting every opportunity to reach higher levels of education to improve their earning potential.

High quality workplace-based training produces more highly skilled workers, and is critical for building a faster growing, more competitive economy.

The changes will contribute to our better public services target of 55 per cent of 25- to 34- year-olds gaining a Level 4 or higher qualification.

They will help deliver a results-focused vocational education and training system to equip workers with transferable skills they can use throughout their working lives.

For more information, click here.

Family Court reforms put children first

National is reforming the Family Court to ensure its focus is on those who need it most, as part of our plan to deliver better public services.

The proposals respond to concerns raised by the public, judges, lawyers, and counsellors during a comprehensive review of the Family Court earlier this year.

New Zealand needs a modern, accessible family justice system that is efficient, effective, and more responsive to children and vulnerable people.

We want the needs of children put first, rather than those of couples with relationship issues.

We’re introducing a new Family Disputes Resolution service particularly for Care of Children Act cases so there’ll be about 2000 fewer children going to court each year.

For more information, click here.

Connecting New Zealand to ultra-fast broadband

National’s plan to deliver ultra-fast broadband to New Zealanders is making great progress one year in.

The year one target has been exceeded by more than 6000 premises, with over 76,000 schools, businesses, hospitals, and households now covered by the network.

Ultra-fast broadband is a game changer. People will be able to connect with specialist teachers in virtual classrooms and the world’s best medical specialists, while businesses can connect with export markets around the world.

Building a more competitive and productive economy is one of National’s key priorities and connecting us to the world with ultra-fast broadband is a vital part of this.

For more information, click here.

Partnership Schools to raise achievement

National’s unrelenting focus is on raising achievement for all our students. Four out of five kids are successfully getting the qualifications they need from school, National’s plan is for five out of five.

Partnership Schools/Kura Hourua – New Zealand’s model of charter schools – are part of this plan. They will help lift educational achievement in low decile areas and disadvantaged communities that have been underserved by the education system.

“Partnership” captures the concept of our model. The schools will be a partnership between the Crown and the school’s sponsor, and between the sponsor and the community.

The sponsor will be the governing body and be accountable through a contract to deliver specific targets negotiated with the Crown.

For more information, click here.

Targets set for better public service

Delivering better public services in tight financial times is one of National’s priorities for this term of government.

We want to ensure that we’re delivering results in areas that matter to you and your family, while at the same time ensuring our public services are more productive and efficient.

The public service has been set 10 challenging results to achieve. Underneath each result we’ve set targets to be achieved over the next five years.

These cover areas such as reducing long-term welfare dependency, supporting vulnerable children, boosting skills and employment, cutting crime, and improving people's dealings with government.

We’ll report regularly, so that New Zealanders can see how we’re going.

For more information, click here.

Reducing long-term welfare dependence

National’s Better Public Services results target for welfare is to reduce the number of people who have been on the new benefit, Jobseeker Support, for more than 12 months by 30 per cent – from 78,000 to 55,000 by 2017.

Welfare reform is central to our delivery of better public services to all New Zealanders. Currently 12 per cent of our working age population is on a benefit. We’re focused on helping Kiwis break the cycle of long-term benefit dependence through welfare reform.

After legislation changes next year the Jobseeker Support will combine those currently on Unemployment Related Benefits, Sickness Benefit, Widows, Domestic Purposes Benefit and Women’s Alone Benefit with children over 14 years.

For more information, click here.

Better health services to support vulnerable children

National has committed to increasing infant immunisation rates, and reducing the incidence of rheumatic fever, as part of its Better Public Services targets.

One of the best things we can do for children is to have them fully immunised from common diseases like whooping cough and measles.

We have already boosted immunisation rates for two year olds from 73 per cent under Labour, to 92.8 per cent today.

Younger babies are most vulnerable, so now we’re moving the target age. Our target is 95 per cent of eight-month-olds will be fully immunised by the end of 2014.

Rheumatic fever is a third world, and potentially life threatening, disease. The good news is that it’s largely preventable.

National has committed $24 million to reduce the incidence of rheumatic fever by two-thirds – down to 1.4 cases per 100,000 – by 2017.

For more information, click here.

Education targets to boost skills & employment

National’s Better Public Service targets for education will give more New Zealanders the opportunity to succeed, increase the skill level of our workforce, and increase economic growth.

One in five 15-16 year olds are dropping out of school. We want to give learners better employment opportunities in the long term.

We have two targets:

• In 2017, 85 per cent of 18-year-olds will have NCEA Level 2 or equivalent qualification (up from 67 per cent in 2010).

• In 2017, 55 per cent of 25-34 year olds will have a qualification at Level 4 or above (up from 52 per cent in 2011).

Having 85 per cent of 18-year-olds achieving NCEA Level 2 in 2017 is an ambitious target, but this Government is determined to get results.

For more information, click here.

45,000 fewer crimes a year by 2017

National’s Better Public Services justice sector targets will mean 45,000 fewer crimes, 7,500 fewer violent crimes, and 600 fewer young people appearing in court each year from 2017.

The targets are to reduce overall crime by 15 per cent, violent crime by 20 per cent and youth crime by 5 per cent over five years.

This Government is committed to reducing crime and the impact it has on people and communities.

Achieving these targets and reducing reoffending by 25 per cent by 2017 will mean the justice system can then shift its focus and resource to improving effectiveness.

For more information, click here.

Lifting our online game

Smart new online services will improve New Zealanders’ dealing with government under five-year targets National set this week.

We want business costs from dealing with government cut 25 per cent within five years, through a reduction in effort needed to work with agencies. Government services to business will have key performance ratings similar to leading private sector firms. And an average of 70 per cent of New Zealanders’ most common transactions with government will be completed in a digital environment – up from 24 per cent today.

There are three million interactions between agencies and small-to-medium sized enterprises every four months. So making these transactions easier and faster will have a significant benefit for businesses, and our economy.

For more information, click here.

Economy grows more strongly

New Zealand’s economy grew more strongly than expected in the March quarter. This confirms its moderate underlying strength, despite ongoing economic and financial market uncertainty around the world.

The 1.1 per cent quarterly increase in Gross Domestic Product took annual growth to 2.4 per cent compared to March 2011, which is better than growth in most other developed countries.

We are likely to see fluctuations in growth from quarter to quarter, as households and businesses get used to building their incomes around higher savings and earnings, rather than consumption and debt.

What’s important for the National-led Government is taking a long-term view of building New Zealand’s competitiveness and productivity. This will help us deal with headwinds from the uncertain global environment. That is the focus of our economic plan.

For more information, click here.

Voluntary Bonding Scheme delivering results

Good quality health services are important to New Zealand families, and National is committed to providing these services in isolated and vulnerable areas.

National’s Voluntary Bonding Scheme has encouraged hundreds of medical staff to work in hard to staff communities and specialties. The scheme encourages newly-qualified doctors, nurses, and midwives to start their careers in hard to staff communities, or specialties, by offering payments to student loans after a three to five year bonded period.

The fourth intake of the scheme opened on 15 June. Applications from 278 graduates, and payments totalling more than $2.7 million, have already been approved and National has expanded the scheme to include radiation therapists and medical physicists.

Keeping these health professionals and specialists in New Zealand is part of National’s $14.12 billion commitment to delivering better health services.

For more information, click here.

Funding boost for budgeting services

National has invested in a one-off boost of $589,000 to help 155 organisations to deliver budgeting services. This funding from the Ministry of Social Development recognises the vital role of budgeting services in the community. They help families take control of their finances and avoid the pitfalls that see them falling behind with mounting bills.

We have recognised the increased demand these services are coping with, and this funding will ease some of that pressure.

For more information, click here.

New partners join Trans-Pacific Partnership

Enhancing and growing New Zealand’s international trade links and opportunities is a key part of National’s plan to build a stronger economy.

This week we welcomed the announcement that Canada and Mexico will join New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Viet Nam in negotiations to conclude a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement.

This development shows just how dynamic this negotiation process is. Our vision for the TPP has always been to create a high-quality and comprehensive trade agreement. Over time it will act as a platform for wider Asia-Pacific trade liberalisation and economic integration.

New Zealand’s total trade with Canada and Mexico is worth about $1.8 billion a year. TPP is a tremendous opportunity for us to boost productivity, stimulate innovation, and open markets for our exporters, creating more jobs and higher incomes for New Zealanders.

For more information, click here.

Record achievement in health

The latest National Health Targets statistics show National’s commitment to delivering more and better frontline health services is making a positive difference for Kiwi families. This is one of our priorities this term.

Nationwide 93 per cent of all patients are seen, treated or discharged within six hours from Emergency Departments. And 111,794 elective surgeries were performed by the district health boards, 5 per cent ahead of target. That’s 5000 more surgeries for patients than planned.

In Budget 2012 the National-led Government is providing an extra $48 million for more operations. This is part of the extra $1.5 billion for public health services over four years.

All patients needing and ready for, radiation treatment are receiving it within four weeks. And from 1 July we are adding chemotherapy to that target.

National is committed to protecting and growing New Zealand’s public health services.

For more information, click here.

Crime and court appearances down

National’s approach to reducing crime is working. The Statistical Bulletin Conviction and Sentencing in New Zealand 2011 published this week confirms it.

The statistics show there are fewer criminal charges being laid, fewer people appearing in court, more charges resulting in convictions, and a decrease in overall serious and violent offences.

National is serious about making our communities safer. We have set a target of a 25% reduction in reoffending by 2017.

This is also part of our drive for a more efficient and results-driven public service. Delivering better public services within tight fiscal constraints is one of National’s four priorities in this term.

For more information, click here.

Data-matching catches people avoiding fines

One of National’s priorities this term is to responsibly manage the Government’s finances and return to surplus. A new government data-matching initiative has collected more than $16 million in hard-to-catch fines in its first seven months.

The scheme was launched on 16 October 2011, and the amount collected is already more than the $15.6 million targeted for the first year of the initiative. The scheme involves data-matching between Courts, the Inland Revenue Department, and the Ministry of Social Development.

The scheme targets people that haven’t been able to be found by other means. These are people who are able to pay their fines, but deliberately chose not to, and that’s not acceptable.

About 193,000 people who owe fines or reparations have already been identified by the data-matching scheme.

For more information, click here.

Refocusing the Families Commission

The way the Families Commission works is going to change. National is restructuring the Families Commission – this will see their core activities streamlined through a leaner, more focused structure. It will be headed by a single commissioner, down from the number of seven, and will take on a new role providing independent monitoring, evaluation, and research to measure the effectiveness of initiatives across the social sector.

Funding will reduce from $32 million over four years, to $28 million, with $14 million being reprioritised for the new Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit. A further $4 million over four years will be redirected to fund extra parenting programmes and relationship education in schools and the Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health programme.

For more information, click here.

Funding for Canterbury social services

National is investing another $13 million over two years to continue psycho-social support to those affected by the earthquakes, and help social service organisations to meet increased quake-related demand.

Hundreds of community-based social services are working hard to support families and individuals in Canterbury and Budget 2012 offers more good news for Christchurch.

This funding recognises that the life changing impact of the Canterbury earthquakes is still being felt.

Funding includes continued support for counselling services, NGO coordination of services, case management for families with complex needs, delivery of workshops and training to NGOs and volunteers, and continued support of the 0800 Government Helpline.

For more information, click here.

Lifting student achievement

Despite tight economic times, National is increasing spending on education for the fourth budget in a row.  We are investing an extra $512 million over the next four years.

We want all our kids to be leaving school with the skills they need to reach their potential in the modern economy. 

At the moment, four out of five of our kids are successful in our education system. National’s plan is for five out of five.

We will invest more into teaching development, collaborate on an appraisal system, provide stronger mentoring, and introduce new qualifications for teachers and principals.

Funding ratios will remain the same for new entrants at one teacher to 15 pupils. In the crucial NCEA years 11-13 the ratios will standardise to 1:17.3 – which is almost the lowest point of what they are now. In years 2-10 the funding ratio will standardise to 1:27.5 from the existing range of 1:23 to 1:29. This will free up just over $43 million, on average, in each of the next four years.

Our changes are about better teaching not more teachers.

For more information, click here.

National building on record achievements in health

As part of National’s commitment to deliver better public services while responsibly managing the Government’s finances we announced a $101 million boost in funding for surgery and cancer services this week.

We are investing $48 million to further increase record numbers of elective operations by at least 4000 a year. We are also investing in faster services for cancer patients and reduced wait times for MRI scans, CT scans, and other important diagnostic tests. 

To help meet cost pressures and fund new initiatives the Government will increase prescription charges from $3 to $5.  This is the first increase in 20 years, and no person or family will pay more than an extra $40 a year for their prescription items. 

For more information, visit:

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38486

http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38485

Improving the lives of people with disabilities

National is committed to helping disabled people achieve greater independence and lead better lives in their communities.  This week we announced $144 million in initiatives for disabled people. 

These initiatives include $54.7 million over four years for more home and community support, ensuring more people with disabilities get the care they need within the community, rather than having to enter residential care.

We are also boosting funding for cochlear implants, supports like hearing aids and wheelchair access, and ensuring that residential support is available for those who need it. 

National has modernised disability support and has given disabled people much greater say on how their funding is used.  There are now 1300 disabled people who can choose how, what, and who supports them.

For more information, click here. 

Canterbury recovery on track

Supporting the rebuild of Christchurch is one of National’s four priorities for this term.

The Government will have spent $2.45 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund this financial year on important rebuild and recovery initiatives in the region.

We expect to spend another $2.17 billion in the coming financial year from the fund as the repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure – drinking water, waste water, storm water, and roads – ramps up.

We’re building new infrastructure to support the growth of greater Christchurch, including services for 1400 sections in Halswell which had the consent process fast-tracked. So far, 150 sections have been sold and house construction will begin in July.

For more information, click here. 

More than 150,000 homes warmer and drier

This week marked the 150,000th home to be insulated under the Government’s Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart programme. 

Heat Smart is making a real difference – about 450,000 New Zealanders are living warmer and healthier lives.  The programme helps fund ceiling and underfloor insulation in homes built before 2000.

Insulated homes are easier to heat and keep at healthy temperatures.  Healthy temperatures mean fewer doctors’ visits and less time off work and school. 

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities and helping New Zealanders to be warmer and healthier in their own homes is a vital part of this.

For more information, click here.

Welfare investment to reduce long-term dependency

National is allocating $287.5 million over the next four years for the first phase of the Government’s welfare reforms. Providing this up-front investment will support young New Zealanders off welfare and into work, helping to save taxpayers $1 billion over the next four years.

National’s reforms are focused firmly on reducing the long-term social and financial costs of welfare dependency. This will help to build a more productive economy.

We’ve made a commitment to provide investment to ensure that fewer people are on welfare long-term. This spending is focused youth services, which includes intensive case management and individual wrap-around support. We’ve got to ensure these young people, are in education, training, or work-based learning, so they can build brighter futures.

For more information, click here.

Stronger bail laws to protect communities

New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. National’s bill to strengthen bail laws and improve public safety has now had its first reading in Parliament.

The Bail Amendment Bill makes it harder for people accused of serious crimes to get bail, and improves the integrity and operational effectiveness of our bail system.

The bill achieves the right balance between the public’s right to safety, and the right of alleged offenders to be considered innocent until proven guilty.

National is building a safer New Zealand by delivering better public services to protect our communities, and put victims at the heart of our justice system.

For more information, click here.

$60 million saved with mobile service contracts

National expects the government to save about $60 million over the next five years after signing all-of-government procurement contracts for mobile, voice, and data services. These contracts cover all voice minutes and data used on mobile phones held by government employees.

The new contracts are part of our ongoing procurement reform programme, which is making government buying as efficient as possible and reducing cost. The programme includes all public sector agencies, councils, and up to 2500 schools.

The latest contracts mean we are on track to achieve a total saving to the Government and taxpayers of $350 million.

Each dollar saved can be reinvested in improving public services and essential infrastructure in order to help grow the economy.

For more information, click here.

Tackling rheumatic fever

This week the Government announced we are doubling our spending in Budget 2012 from $12 million to $24 million, to significantly reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities. This is targeting 35,000 at-risk children in seven regions across the country.

Rheumatic fever is an entirely preventable third-world disease that can have serious consequences for children throughout their lives. Tackling this disease is a key part of the Prime Minister’s better public service challenge.

National is growing and protecting our public health service. We have invested an extra $1.5 billion into health over three years. There are an extra 800 doctors and 2000 extra nurses in our district health boards, we’re delivering record results in elective surgery and immunisations, and we’ve reduced waiting times at emergency departments and for cancer radiation treatment.

For more information, click here.

Christchurch education renewal programme released for consultation

National has taken another step in our plan to rebuild Christchurch.

A draft programme has been released to guide the renewal of the education network in greater Christchurch following the earthquakes.

Given the significant damage and population movement, the sector cannot be returned to how it was. However, this means we’ve had an opportunity to address inequalities and create a locally relevant, best practice education system. It will equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

The programme also puts emphasis on the relationship between education and the regional economy. Tertiary education will play a key role, providing the skills and knowledge needed to help get Christchurch back on its feet.

The proposal is online: www.shapingeducation.minedu.govt.nz. Submissions close 31 May.

For more information, click here.

Budget will show National on track

This month’s Budget will show the Government is on track.

In a pre-Budget speech Prime Minister John Key reiterated that National’s responsible economic management means the Government’s books are set to be in the black in 2014/15, the first time since the global financial crisis and worldwide recession.

Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken a combination of disciplined fiscal policy, and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country, we are sticking to it, and it is working.

For more information, click here. 

Stronger fiscal responsibility

National will strengthen the Public Finance Act so there are more checks and balances on Government spending decisions, and how they affect future generations.

The Government is also proposing to cap spending increases to the level of inflation and population growth as a new principle of responsible fiscal management.

In times of surplus, governments come under pressure to increase spending, which can put extra pressure on the economy, leading to higher inflation, higher interest rates, and a higher exchange rate. This is bad for exports and jobs.

For more information see:

Public Finance Act changes

Finance Minister pre-Budget speech

Government website launched for share offers

A website to provide New Zealanders with information about the Government’s mixed ownership programme has been launched.

The website, www.governmentshareoffers.govt.nz, gives New Zealanders information about the proposal to sell up to 49 per cent of four State Owned Enterprises –  Mighty River Power, Genesis Energy, Meridian, Solid Energy – and a further stake in Air New Zealand.

The website provides information about the share offer programme including what mixed ownership means, why the Government is undertaking the programme, and how a public share offer works.

The Government expects to receive $5 billion to $7 billion in proceeds. This will help control debt and allow us to invest in new infrastructure, such as schools.

For more information, click here. 

Deterring people smuggling

National is taking a firm stance on illegal immigration ventures and people smuggling.  An attempt to illegally arrive in New Zealand by sea would be dangerous, and would put the lives of those involved at great risk.  We want to discourage anyone from taking that risk. 

Equally, we believe queue jumpers should not be able to push in front of genuinely needy refugees. 

The Immigration Amendment Bill, which had its first reading in the House this week, sends a strong message that New Zealand is not a soft touch.  There are formal, transparent, and well-established processes by which people can, and should, seek to reside in New Zealand as refugees or asylum-seekers. 

The Government remains committed to upholding our international good citizen obligations through the refugee quota and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (BORA).

For more information, click here.

Better information sharing to stop welfare fraud

National is expanding information sharing between Inland Revenue and the Ministry of Social Development to deliver better public services.

From the middle of this year, relevant client information will be shared automatically, rather than being provided on specific request, as happens now.

Last year fraudsters stole $22 million, and 658 people were prosecuted for benefit fraud. It is vital we stop these criminals as quickly as possible. Enhancing information sharing between government agencies is the next step to deliver on National’s commitment to crack down on welfare fraud.

For more information, click here.

Prime Minister launches Youth Mental Health Project

Mental health is a big issue for teenagers. Around one in five young people will experience some form of mental health problem during this crucial time in their lives. This week Prime Minister John Key announced a well-balanced package of initiatives to ensure young people with mental health problems receive better, faster, and more modern help. This package covers four different areas – in schools, online, in families and communities, and in the health system.

For more information, visit:
http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?articleId=38248
http://national.org.nz/youth/YouthMentalHealthproject_FAQs_Nat.pdf

Youth Mental Health package: In schools

Schools provide an effective way to reach young people who may experience mental health problems. This is why we are better equipping schools to identify students with mental health issues sooner. We’re spending $18.6 million to put nurses into decile 3 secondary schools and specially trained youth workers in selected low decile secondary schools. We’ll also be asking schools to take more responsibility for the wellbeing of their students. We’ll be measuring how well schools are doing when it comes to student wellbeing and over time we expect them to be able to show decreases in things like bullying.

For more information, click here.

Youth Mental Health package: Online

The internet is a second home for today’s young people and many of them use Facebook, Twitter and Smartphones to look for information or help. We need to lift our game and modernise our approach if we are to reach the young people who need our help. We will overhaul mental health resources to ensure they are youth friendly and technologically up to date. We are investing $2.7 million in E-therapy for young people. We’re also launching a Social Media Innovations Fund to support providers of youth services to better use social media technology, including smart phone apps and Facebook-related programmes.

For more information, click here.

Youth Mental Health package: Families and Communities

We know parents, friends, and families have a big role to play in identifying mental health issues in young people and seeking the right help. So we’re establishing a new contestable fund for NGOs to get information out to the families and friends of young people to help them understand what to look for and where to get help. We’re also going to trial a new approach through Whānau Ora to see if its focus on a whole family rather than an individual can deliver better results.

For more information, click here.

Youth Mental Health package: Health

When a young person with mental illness takes the crucial step of seeking help within the health system, it’s important that we deliver high quality and timely care. We are putting an additional $11.3 million into primary mental health care and ensuring that more young people will benefit.

We’re also going to set new wait-time targets for Child and Adolescence Mental Health Services so that waiting times are cut, and we’re going to improve post-discharge follow ups. We will also review Government-funded alcohol and drug education programmes to ensure they’re having a positive effect.

For more information, click here.

Crime at 15-year low

Nationally, recorded crime has decreased 4.8 per cent in the last calendar year.

That is the lowest number of recorded offences in New Zealand for 15 years, and the second annual drop in a row.

These results are great news for our communities around New Zealand. They reflect the hard work of our local police, as well as National’s commitment to tackle crime and make our families safer in their homes and communities.

The impressive work of the Policing Excellence programme will continue, as the results are clear to see. Under National there is now a much greater emphasis on preventing crime, with Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the use of mobile technology meaning officers can spend more time in their communities.

For more information, click here.

Tougher laws for loan sharks

National is introducing new laws to target loan sharks and protect unwary consumers.

Unscrupulous lenders should not be able to prey on desperate people and end up leaving them worse off.

Our changes also support responsible lenders and allow more effective competition between lenders.

Find out more about our proposed changes and how to have your say here.

Positive drugs tests in prisons at record low

The number of prisoners testing positive for drugs has reached a record low. Latest figures, for the eight months to the end of February, show that only 4.3 per cent of prisoners tested positive after random drugs tests.

These figures are fantastic, and show that National’s significant investment in addiction treatment and prison security is paying off.

This is a great improvement since 2007/08, when 13 per cent of prisoners tested positive.
If we want to stop prisoners from reoffending we have to break their addictions. Since 2008, we have doubled the number of prisoners able to attend specialist drug treatment units.

National is addressing the drivers of crime and keeping our communities safe.

For more information, click here.

Vehicle licence reform

National has announced a reform project to look into reducing compliance costs for motorists by making the vehicle licensing system simpler and more efficient. We are reviewing annual registration, warrant of fitness, and the transport services licensing systems.

The review has the potential to save millions of dollars in unnecessary costs and time for households, businesses, and the government.

National is committed to finding ways to improve economic growth, reduce costs for people living in New Zealand, and deliver services in a better way. We’re committed to getting this right and we will look closely at the recommendations of the review. You can have your say here.

Recommendations will require government approval. Announcements on any proposed changes are expected by the end of 2012.

For more information, click here.

Better local government for New Zealanders

National’s “Better Local Government” reforms are part of our programme for building a more productive, competitive economy, and better public services for New Zealanders.

Ratepayers need to know their council is spending their money wisely, on services that matter to them. New Zealand’s 78 councils spend $7.5 billion dollars of public money each year. Since 2002 council debt has quadrupled from $2 billion to $8 billion, and rates have increased 7 per cent a year.

Our reforms will focus councils on their core roles of providing local infrastructure, public services, and regulatory functions, at the least cost to households and businesses. They will make councils more fiscally responsible, strengthen council governance provisions, and streamline council reorganisation processes.

Simply put, they will give councils more tools to help keep debt down and rates affordable for our families.

For more information, click here.

Search and Surveillance Bill becomes law

National’s search and surveillance bill passed its third and final reading in Parliament this week.

The new act brings certainty, clarity and consistency to messy, unclear and outdated search and surveillance laws. It updates provisions found across 69 different acts. We now have a regime fit for the 21st century.

There are a number of safeguards in the legislation to balance law enforcement and investigation powers with human rights. We have achieved the right balance between the need for effective and modern powers, and protecting the rights of citizens.

National is delivering on our promise to provide our law enforcement officers with the tools they need to protect New Zealanders.

Helping people into work

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities for our second term, and welfare reform is a significant part of this.

National believes that those who can work should work. Getting off welfare and into work means a better life, better opportunities, and a brighter future for people and their families.

This week we introduced welfare reform legislation to Parliament that focuses on those most at risk from long-term dependency. It will target resources to help young people on benefits make better choices, encourage them to be in education or training, and budget with their weekly income. It will also require young parents to do parenting courses.

This investment will save the taxpayer and our community large costs in the longer term.
We will also require sole parents to look for part-time work when their youngest child is five, and full-time work when their youngest child is 14. We’ll ask those on the Widow’s and Women Alone benefits to work if jobs are available.

For more information, click here.

Making energy cleaner, more renewable

New Zealand already has the second highest proportion of renewable energy in the OECD and National is committed to making further progress by reaching the goal of 90 per cent renewable energy by 2025.

This week we announced further progress towards this goal with 77 per cent of our energy being generated from renewable sources in 2011, up from 74 per cent in 2010.

National has taken action on renewable energy. We removed road user charges on electric cars, streamlined the RMA to make renewable energy projects more efficient, and developed the National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation.

These initiatives are working. In 2011 wind generation increased to 4.5 per cent of total generation and geothermal generation increased to 13.4 per cent.

For more information, click here.

Broadband in schools rollout making great progress

This week National announced the latest schools to be connected to the ultra-fast broadband network. A further 23 schools in Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, and Whanganui will be able to be connected to the network by July.

Ultra-fast broadband in schools will revolutionise the way kids learn. Schools will be able to share scarce specialist teachers, and students will be able to take part in virtual classrooms and courses that might not be available at their own schools.

Building a more competitive and productive economy is one of National’s four key priorities and ultra-fast broadband in schools is an important part of this.

For more information, click here.

We’re changing the give way rule

We’re making changes to give way rules on March 25 and it’s really important to be prepared. We’re changing the law to make it simpler, bringing us into line with the rest of the world. There are two key changes. If you’re turning right, give way to vehicles turning left; and at a T-intersection, give way to vehicles on the continuing road.

Changes to the give way rules are one of many actions the National is taking under the Safer Journeys action plan, to improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. You can learn more about the changes at www.giveway.govt.nz.

For more information, click here.

Creating the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

One of National’s priorities is building a more productive and competitive economy. To help drive this we are establishing a single, dedicated business-facing government department to strengthen the public service’s ability to work on business policy, regulation and engagement.

On 1 July, the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will merge:
· Ministry of Economic Development
· Department of Labour
· Ministry of Science and Innovation
· Department of Building and Housing.

The new ministry will make it easier for New Zealand businesses to engage with government, rather than dealing separately with a number of different agencies when they are seeking advice or support.

For more information, click here.

Lowering the cap

National has reset the cap on the number of positions in core government administration at the lower level of 36,475 fulltime equivalents. We are already under that number and will stay under it.

In our last term we lowered the cap to just under 39,000 which helped us successfully turn around the huge increase in public service numbers under the Labour government.

Last year we campaigned on a lower cap. We are delivering on that promise.

The cap will count most people working in government departments and in some Crown entities. It will not include frontline staff such as teachers, hospital staff, police officers or prison officers. The lower cap reflects that the public service is subject to the same pressures as households and business right across New Zealand.

For more information, click here.

Setting 10 challenging results targets

National has set 10 challenging results which the public sector will be accountable for achieving over the next three to five years. Specific and measurable targets will be agreed in the next few months and made public by 30 June.

Ministers have been appointed to lead each of the results, along with public service chief executives who are accountable for demonstrating real progress against each result.

The areas of focus are: reducing long-term welfare dependency, supporting vulnerable children, boosting skills and employment, reducing crime, and improving interaction with government for Kiwis and New Zealand businesses.

Progress against each result will be publicly available so New Zealanders can judge for themselves how well we are doing in achieving results.

For more information, click here.

National sharpens focus on public sector results

Prime Minister John Key has outlined the next steps in National’s programme to create a public sector that is more innovative, efficient, and focused on delivering what New Zealanders want and expect.

Delivering better public services to New Zealanders within tight financial constraints is one of National’s four key priorities for its second term. The changes announced will help achieve that goal.

We want a public sector for the future that will be organised around delivering results, and at the same time, having a sharp focus on its costs.

For more information, click here.

Building investment, getting on top of debt

We need to build a more competitive economy based on savings and investment, and away from debt borrowed from overseas lenders.

We can see on television most nights the damage too much debt has done to economies in Europe and elsewhere – we don’t want that for New Zealand.

Our mixed ownership programme – offering New Zealanders minority shareholdings in four state-owned energy companies and Air New Zealand – is another step in getting on top of debt in this country.

This week we introduced legislation to Parliament to support the Government’s partial share floats for the energy companies – Mighty River Power, Genesis, Meridian, and Solid Energy.

It guarantees the Government will own at least 51 per cent of these companies and prevents any other shareholder from owning more than 10 per cent – ensuring widespread New Zealand investment.

The Government is aiming to undertake the first initial public offering – for Mighty River Power – around the third quarter of this year.

For more information, click here.

Keeping our young people in education

More of our young people are benefiting from Youth Guarantee. A total of 9616 training places will be created in 2012 for 16- and 17-year olds under National’s Youth Guarantee Scheme.

And enrolments have trebled this year at our 16 trades academies with 1936 learners. This is a huge increase on the 625 who participated last year. Numbers are set to increase further with another five academies opening later this year.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme, which now encompasses trades academies and Youth Training fees-free tertiary places, gives our young people the opportunity to gain practical skills and a career.

National is investing more than $100 million in the scheme this year to continue our focus on engaging youth at risk of dropping out of school.

For more information, click here.

Broadband to be rolled out to hundreds more schools

National announced this week that a further 693 schools will be connected to the ultra-fast broadband network. We are investing $1.35 billion on the ultra-fast broadband initiative and $300 million on the rural broadband initiative.

By July next year, more than 410,000 students at over 1500 schools around the country will be connected under both initiatives.

Ultra-fast broadband is a vital part of National’s plan to build a more competitive and productive economy – one of the four key priorities for our second term.

By the end of 2015, 97.7 per cent of schools and 99.9 per cent of students will receive ultra-fast fibre enabling speeds of up to100 Mbps.

The remaining schools in the most remote locations will receive a high-speed wireless or satellite connection. Our commitment means no school will miss out once the roll-out is complete.

For more information, click here.

Next steps for new public-private prison

National’s new public-private partnership (PPP) prison at Wiri in South Auckland will provide improved facilities, better services, and a tighter focus on results.

A consortium of companies, SecureFuture, has been chosen to design, finance, build, operate, and maintain the new 960-bed facility, which is needed to meet growing demand for prisoner accommodation in Auckland.

Construction will start in the second half of this year, with the prison expected to open in 2015.

Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities this term. And we are confident the new prison will reduce reoffending, improve public safety, and help lift performance across the entire prison system.

The contract will have strong performance incentives, SecureFuture will need to achieve lower reoffending rates than the average for publicly run prisons to receive incentive payments, and it will be strongly focused on rehabilitation.

For more information, click here.

Budget on May 24

Finance Minister Bill English will deliver the Government’s fourth Budget on Thursday 24 May.

The Budget will focus on implementing the Government’s clear and comprehensive plan to build a more productive and competitive economy.

National’s plan includes our four priorities for our second term. They are responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services within tight financial constraints, and rebuilding Christchurch.

For more information, click here.

More patients getting key health services

The latest results for the six National Health Targets show record achievements.
District Health Boards are focusing even more strongly on patients, and patients are benefiting from the Government's $1.5 billion extra funding over the past three years.

These achievements have undoubtedly been helped by the fact that district health boards employed an extra 800 doctors and 2000 nurses during the past three years.

Emergency departments recorded their best result ever. In the three months to the end of December, 238,000 New Zealanders turned up at hospital emergency departments, and 92 per cent of them were treated or transferred within the six-hour target.

And every cancer patient ready for radiation treatment started within the world gold standard of four weeks.

For more information, click here.

Better protecting our children

How we value, nurture, and protect our children is a long overdue debate Kiwis are having.

National has led this debate with our Green Paper on Vulnerable Children. When submissions on the Green Paper closed at midnight Tuesday 28 February more than 8800 submissions had been received.

Themes emerging from submissions and public meetings include the need for greater information sharing, support for parents, monitoring children from birth, and mandatory reporting of suspected abuse and neglect.

Work will now begin on the White Paper and from that a 10-year Children’s Action Plan will be developed to be released midway through this year.

For more information, click here.

Making welfare work

National believes that those who can work, should work, and we’ll help them to do just that. Delivering better public services is one of the National-led Government’s four key priorities for our second term, and welfare reform is a significant part of this.

The benefit system is simply not working and not delivering for New Zealand. One in eight New Zealanders of working-age, is on a benefit, while 220,000 children live in benefit-dependent homes. This is creating too many vulnerable people and trapping them in a life of limited choices, poverty, and poor health. Evidence clearly shows children are better off when their parents are in work and not on welfare.

This week we announced a two-stage programme to fundamentally alter the welfare system with a new work-focused benefit, greater work expectations, and an approach that focuses on the long-term cost of welfare dependency.

This month we will introduce legislation that will require some beneficiaries with children to be work available, as well as those on Widow’s and Women Alone benefits. It will also target support for youth who are on a collision course with long-term welfare dependency.

Later this year we’ll introduce more legislation to overhaul of benefit categories and clamp down on fraud.

Remembering Christchurch one year on

This week we remember those who lost their lives one year ago in the February 22 earthquake that devastated our second-largest city. It took 185 loved ones from us and injured so many more.

Christchurch – and indeed all of New Zealand – was changed forever that day. But the people of Christchurch have not given up. They know it will be a strong and vibrant city once more.

We have a long journey ahead of us. Progress is being made. Roads are being repaired, sewer and water pipes are being reconnected, reconstruction is underway, and the residential red zone settlement process is moving forward.

Wednesday was a time to pause and reflect. We remembered that day and honoured those who died, those who were injured, those who selflessly went to the aid of their fellow human beings, and those who continue to help get Canterbury back on its feet.

We want the people of Canterbury to know that we admire their resilience and their heart, and will continue to stand beside them as they move forward.

To read the PM’s memorial speech, click here.

Priority to rebuild Christchurch

National is totally committed to the rebuilding of Canterbury. That’s why we’ve committed $5.5 billion to the rebuild and created a whole new government department – the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) – to lead the recovery effort.

The rebuilding has started, and economic activity is increasing. We're working as fast as we can to make the right decisions to deliver the best outcomes we can for Cantabrians.

Construction is underway on around 20 commercial buildings within the four avenues of the central city. About 200 infrastructure repair projects valued at more than $420 million are underway across the city. Thousands of homes badly damaged by the Canterbury earthquake are being repaired, and many repairs have already been completed.

The Re:START temporary shopping area in Cashel Mall is up and running, and is thriving, drawing people back to the heart of the city.

We will rebuild Christchurch. This is the Government’s commitment to New Zealand. And while Christchurch will look different than it did before, it will be great once more.

For more information, click here.

Land zoning decisions

The residential red zone settlement process is progressing well.

There are now around 6800 properties in the residential red zone in Canterbury, and about 46 per cent have now formally accepted either of the Government's offer options to purchase their property.

More than a third have already settled on their properties, which has enabled them to move on with their lives.

There are now only 653 orange zone properties left on the flat land and 2100 in the Port Hills that require final zoning.

We expect the 653 remaining orange zone properties to be rezoned in the coming weeks.

With regards to 2100 properties that remain to be rezoned in the Port Hills area, we expect all decisions on this land will be made and announced progressively by June this year.

For more information, click here.