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.
Friday, February 24, 2012
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.
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.
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.
Stadium work on track
A new Christchurch Stadium being built in Addington is taking shape. Earlier this month, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee joined the Crusaders to help lay turf harvested from AMI Stadium.
It’s a very tight schedule to build an entire stadium in four months but the efforts and outstanding cooperation of the roughly 400 workers on site has this project on track for completion at the end of March
For more information, click here.
It’s a very tight schedule to build an entire stadium in four months but the efforts and outstanding cooperation of the roughly 400 workers on site has this project on track for completion at the end of March
For more information, click here.
Building a skilled workforce
As Canterbury recovers, thousands of trained and qualified workers will be needed across a range of industries. We’re increasing construction and trades academies places to ensure we have enough New Zealanders trained and ready to help with the rebuild.
We’ve opened another Trades Academy in Christchurch, to cater for 550 students, as part of our boost to trades training of 4500 more places nationwide.
We’ve also committed $42 million to the Skills for Canterbury programme to boost the workforce through on-the-job training and at polytechs and industry training organisations nationwide. We want to ensure that New Zealanders have the practical skills to help Canterbury get back up and running.
As the rebuilding grows, the demand for workers and materials in Christchurch will be huge. Our strong focus will be on removing roadblocks so that demand can be met.
For more information, click here.
We’ve opened another Trades Academy in Christchurch, to cater for 550 students, as part of our boost to trades training of 4500 more places nationwide.
We’ve also committed $42 million to the Skills for Canterbury programme to boost the workforce through on-the-job training and at polytechs and industry training organisations nationwide. We want to ensure that New Zealanders have the practical skills to help Canterbury get back up and running.
As the rebuilding grows, the demand for workers and materials in Christchurch will be huge. Our strong focus will be on removing roadblocks so that demand can be met.
For more information, click here.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Budget Policy Statement sets out clear plan
National is delivering strong and stable Government in difficult times.
The Budget Policy Statement issued today (16 February) confirms National’s clear economic plan for the next three years – including a return to budget surplus and starting to reduce net debt.
Our plan will guide Budget priorities over the next three years. The main priorities 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.
Budget 2012 is about sticking to that plan to build a more competitive economy that supports more jobs, higher incomes, and ensures New Zealand pays its way in the world.
The Budget Policy Statement shows the Government is on track to post a surplus of $370 million in 2014/15, keep net debt below 30 per cent of gross domestic product, and reduce this to 20 per cent of GDP by 2020/21.
For more information, click here.
The Budget Policy Statement issued today (16 February) confirms National’s clear economic plan for the next three years – including a return to budget surplus and starting to reduce net debt.
Our plan will guide Budget priorities over the next three years. The main priorities 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.
Budget 2012 is about sticking to that plan to build a more competitive economy that supports more jobs, higher incomes, and ensures New Zealand pays its way in the world.
The Budget Policy Statement shows the Government is on track to post a surplus of $370 million in 2014/15, keep net debt below 30 per cent of gross domestic product, and reduce this to 20 per cent of GDP by 2020/21.
For more information, click here.
Taking action to raise Early Childhood Education quality
National has announced the establishment of two working groups to improve the quality of early childhood education (ECE). The early years of children’s lives are crucial for learning and development, and every single one of our children deserves the best education they can get.
The independent ECE Taskforce report – An Agenda for Amazing Children – emphasised the absolute need for all ECE to be of a consistent high quality.
National is taking action to make sure all ECE services are of the highest possible quality.
To do this we need the experience of experts to help us get it right. The advisory groups are made up of people who understand the issues and challenges of ECE because of their experience and expertise in the sector.
The first meetings will take place later this month, and the groups will report back to the Government in April.
For more information, click here.
The independent ECE Taskforce report – An Agenda for Amazing Children – emphasised the absolute need for all ECE to be of a consistent high quality.
National is taking action to make sure all ECE services are of the highest possible quality.
To do this we need the experience of experts to help us get it right. The advisory groups are made up of people who understand the issues and challenges of ECE because of their experience and expertise in the sector.
The first meetings will take place later this month, and the groups will report back to the Government in April.
For more information, click here.
MMP review – giving New Zealanders a say
New Zealanders voted to keep MMP in the referendum and we are continuing to deliver on our promise by having the Electoral Commission undertake a review of how MMP works.
National campaigned in 2008 on giving New Zealanders a say on their electoral system. The National-led Government kept this promise by holding a referendum on the electoral system alongside the 2011 general election – a referendum that Labour originally opposed.
We strongly urge New Zealanders to have their say on this review by making a submission. Making a submission is easy – they can be made online, by email, or by post. Submissions can also be presented in person.
Details of the review and the aspects of MMP being reviewed can be found at: http://www.mmpreview.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.
For more information, click here.
National campaigned in 2008 on giving New Zealanders a say on their electoral system. The National-led Government kept this promise by holding a referendum on the electoral system alongside the 2011 general election – a referendum that Labour originally opposed.
We strongly urge New Zealanders to have their say on this review by making a submission. Making a submission is easy – they can be made online, by email, or by post. Submissions can also be presented in person.
Details of the review and the aspects of MMP being reviewed can be found at: http://www.mmpreview.org.nz or by calling 0800 36 76 56.
For more information, click here.
Submissions close soon on the Government's Green Paper
In July last year National released a Green Paper on Vulnerable Children so New Zealanders have the opportunity for a real conversation on how we value, nurture and protect our most vulnerable children.
Over the last month Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett has been talking about some of the tougher issues the Green Paper raises with New Zealanders at public meetings throughout the country.
Consultation on the Government’s Green Paper closes on 28th February 2012.
Make sure you have your say by visiting this link: www.saysomething.org.nz
Over the last month Minister for Social Development Paula Bennett has been talking about some of the tougher issues the Green Paper raises with New Zealanders at public meetings throughout the country.
Consultation on the Government’s Green Paper closes on 28th February 2012.
Make sure you have your say by visiting this link: www.saysomething.org.nz
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Changes to better protect children
A Ministerial Inquiry initiated by National into a case of serious abuse of a nine-year-old has led to major changes to better protect children.
The inquiry made 13 recommendations, most have been addressed and some are included in the Green Paper for public consultation.
Government action to address these recommendations includes an extra 149 social workers in schools and 96 on the frontline, and an amendment to the Crimes Act that will punish those who know of abuse but say nothing.
By taking a Green Paper to the nation, National is also inviting New Zealanders to be part of making crucial decisions that will change the way we care for and protect children.
There is no quick fix, but National is not afraid to challenge itself and openly debate the issues with the country to find solutions that will help our children.
Submissions are open until 28 February.
For more information, click here.
The inquiry made 13 recommendations, most have been addressed and some are included in the Green Paper for public consultation.
Government action to address these recommendations includes an extra 149 social workers in schools and 96 on the frontline, and an amendment to the Crimes Act that will punish those who know of abuse but say nothing.
By taking a Green Paper to the nation, National is also inviting New Zealanders to be part of making crucial decisions that will change the way we care for and protect children.
There is no quick fix, but National is not afraid to challenge itself and openly debate the issues with the country to find solutions that will help our children.
Submissions are open until 28 February.
For more information, click here.
Minimum wage increased
The Government has increased the minimum wage, giving a fulltime worker on that wage an extra $20 a week.
We’re increasing the minimum wage from $13 to $13.50 an hour on 1 April. The training and new entrants’ minimum wages will increase from $10.40 to $10.80 (or 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage).
This increase strikes the right balance between protecting low-paid workers and ensuring that jobs are not lost during these tough economic times.
National is focused on growing the economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes for all New Zealanders.
For more information, click here.
We’re increasing the minimum wage from $13 to $13.50 an hour on 1 April. The training and new entrants’ minimum wages will increase from $10.40 to $10.80 (or 80 per cent of the adult minimum wage).
This increase strikes the right balance between protecting low-paid workers and ensuring that jobs are not lost during these tough economic times.
National is focused on growing the economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes for all New Zealanders.
For more information, click here.
Freephone number to empower consumers
National is continuing to look at ways to protect borrowers from unscrupulous lenders. A new freephone number was launched by the Government this week to help empower and protect consumers from being preyed on by unscrupulous loan companies.
People can call the number 0800 LOAN STRESS if they feel they have been given a raw deal by their loan provider. Some unscrupulous providers cause undue stress to consumers and their families. The phone line will provide people with information about their rights, and access to dispute resolution schemes.
Last year we announced an overhaul of consumer credit laws to further increase consumer protections. Proposed changes on new responsible lending requirements and tougher laws to target loan sharks will be released for public consultation in March.
For more information, click here.
People can call the number 0800 LOAN STRESS if they feel they have been given a raw deal by their loan provider. Some unscrupulous providers cause undue stress to consumers and their families. The phone line will provide people with information about their rights, and access to dispute resolution schemes.
Last year we announced an overhaul of consumer credit laws to further increase consumer protections. Proposed changes on new responsible lending requirements and tougher laws to target loan sharks will be released for public consultation in March.
For more information, click here.
Extension of Royal Commissions
The Royal Commission into Building Failure caused by Canterbury Earthquakes will now produce its final report in a number of stages, to enable a continued and comprehensive examination of important issues. The first part, due in June 2012, will deal with issues around the rebuilding of Christchurch. Subsequent parts will be produced by November 2012.
The inquiry has been progressing well, however hearings on individual buildings have taken longer than expected, and certain evidence has not yet been considered.
National is committed to allowing the Royal Commission to complete its inquiry in a thorough and timely fashion for the community of Canterbury, and those affected by the disaster.
The reporting date for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River mine tragedy has also been extended to September 2012, after a request by commissioners for further time.
We cannot rush deliberations as important questions are arising from the completed hearings, including recommendations for the future. However, we are mindful of completing the inquiry to give closure to the miners’ families and community.
For more information on the Royal Commission into Building Failure caused by Canterbury Earthquakes, click here.
For more information Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River mine tragedy, click here.
The inquiry has been progressing well, however hearings on individual buildings have taken longer than expected, and certain evidence has not yet been considered.
National is committed to allowing the Royal Commission to complete its inquiry in a thorough and timely fashion for the community of Canterbury, and those affected by the disaster.
The reporting date for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River mine tragedy has also been extended to September 2012, after a request by commissioners for further time.
We cannot rush deliberations as important questions are arising from the completed hearings, including recommendations for the future. However, we are mindful of completing the inquiry to give closure to the miners’ families and community.
For more information on the Royal Commission into Building Failure caused by Canterbury Earthquakes, click here.
For more information Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Pike River mine tragedy, click here.
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