Economic activity grew 0.8 per cent in the December quarter, boosted by manufacturing
activity, up a healthy 4.5 per cent. This is the first growth in the sector for almost two years.
Retail, accommodation, and restaurants grew by 1.7 per cent.
The 0.8 per cent rise followed an increase of 0.3 per cent in the September 2009 quarter, and
is the third consecutive quarter of growth in the economy.
The Budget in May will set out National’s next steps to lift economic growth by tilting the
playing field towards productive investment, exports and new jobs.
We want to lift business confidence, increase incomes, and help New Zealand families get
ahead.
For more information visit: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/recovery+strengthens+challenges+remain
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Foreshore and seabed - Getting the balance right
National is committed to ensuring that the interests of all New Zealanders in the foreshore and seabed are recognised and protected.
We believe the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 should only be repealed if a satisfactory replacement can be found.
The Government’s proposal is that no one owns, or can own, the foreshore and seabed. The name would be changed from ‘foreshore and seabed’ to ‘public domain’, or takiwā īwī whānui.
Our proposal would provide public access for all, and restore the right of Māori to go to court to establish customary title. It would assure respect for rights and interests, and existing use rights would be protected until the end of their term. Parts of the foreshore and seabed already in private ownership would not be affected.
Our bottom line has always been public access to the foreshore and seabed. But we also want to put in place a way for iwi to have their interests recognised.
A consultation document was released yesterday and I urge you to have your say. The document and information about making a submission can be found at www.justice.govt.nz.
Submissions clos at 5pm on Friday 30 April.
We believe the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 should only be repealed if a satisfactory replacement can be found.
The Government’s proposal is that no one owns, or can own, the foreshore and seabed. The name would be changed from ‘foreshore and seabed’ to ‘public domain’, or takiwā īwī whānui.
Our proposal would provide public access for all, and restore the right of Māori to go to court to establish customary title. It would assure respect for rights and interests, and existing use rights would be protected until the end of their term. Parts of the foreshore and seabed already in private ownership would not be affected.
Our bottom line has always been public access to the foreshore and seabed. But we also want to put in place a way for iwi to have their interests recognised.
A consultation document was released yesterday and I urge you to have your say. The document and information about making a submission can be found at www.justice.govt.nz.
Submissions clos at 5pm on Friday 30 April.
Boosting our economic potential
Economic growth matters. Only through lifting our economic growth can we create new jobs, boost wages, raise living standards, and provide the high-quality public services that Kiwi families need.
New Zealand is an energy-rich country. We have extraordinary renewable energy resources, such as wind, hydro, and geothermal power. And we have fantastic natural resources which could make a significant contribution to our economic prosperity.
Mining in New Zealand is already a $2 billion industry, which contributes to export receipts and government revenue. Including oil and gas, mining employs 6000 people - and the jobs are well paid.
Our mineral resources, even excluding coal and other hydrocarbon-based minerals, are estimated to be worth $194 billion.
However, much of that mineral potential is concentrated in public conservation areas with high conservation and cultural values.
The National-led Government has conducted a preliminary stocktake of land in Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act, where all mining other than minimum impact activity is prohibited. This reveals that if a very small proportion of these lands is responsibly developed, New Zealand could greatly benefit from increased jobs and growth.
We recently published this stocktake. It contains proposals to remove 7058 hectares of land from Schedule Four, including some areas in the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island, and the Inangahua sector of Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.
The 7058 hectares are just 0.2 per cent of the 3.5 million hectares of Schedule Four land. If development went ahead, only about 5 per cent of the land might actually be mined. This is as little as 500 hectares, which is smaller than an average New Zealand sheep and beef farm.
There are, broadly, three tests that need to be met if we’re going to extend our mining activities. We need to demonstrate that there would be an increase in investment and in jobs. We need to prove to New Zealanders that the economic benefits of extending mining will largely stay in New Zealand. And we need to prove that we can mine these areas in an environmentally responsible way.
We believe all three of those things are possible, and that will be at the core of the discussion we’ll be having with New Zealanders over the next five weeks.
I urge you to read the discussion document and make a submission. The document is available at the Ministry of Economic Development website www.med.govt.nz/schedule4. Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 4 May 2010.
New Zealand is an energy-rich country. We have extraordinary renewable energy resources, such as wind, hydro, and geothermal power. And we have fantastic natural resources which could make a significant contribution to our economic prosperity.
Mining in New Zealand is already a $2 billion industry, which contributes to export receipts and government revenue. Including oil and gas, mining employs 6000 people - and the jobs are well paid.
Our mineral resources, even excluding coal and other hydrocarbon-based minerals, are estimated to be worth $194 billion.
However, much of that mineral potential is concentrated in public conservation areas with high conservation and cultural values.
The National-led Government has conducted a preliminary stocktake of land in Schedule Four of the Crown Minerals Act, where all mining other than minimum impact activity is prohibited. This reveals that if a very small proportion of these lands is responsibly developed, New Zealand could greatly benefit from increased jobs and growth.
We recently published this stocktake. It contains proposals to remove 7058 hectares of land from Schedule Four, including some areas in the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island, and the Inangahua sector of Paparoa National Park on the West Coast.
The 7058 hectares are just 0.2 per cent of the 3.5 million hectares of Schedule Four land. If development went ahead, only about 5 per cent of the land might actually be mined. This is as little as 500 hectares, which is smaller than an average New Zealand sheep and beef farm.
There are, broadly, three tests that need to be met if we’re going to extend our mining activities. We need to demonstrate that there would be an increase in investment and in jobs. We need to prove to New Zealanders that the economic benefits of extending mining will largely stay in New Zealand. And we need to prove that we can mine these areas in an environmentally responsible way.
We believe all three of those things are possible, and that will be at the core of the discussion we’ll be having with New Zealanders over the next five weeks.
I urge you to read the discussion document and make a submission. The document is available at the Ministry of Economic Development website www.med.govt.nz/schedule4. Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday, 4 May 2010.
Gardies Closure
It is a sad day in scarfieville, with the news that iconic University of Otago pub the Gardens Tavern has been sold to the University and will soon close as a pub. The sale took place in the face of a student and Mark Ellis-led bid to raise community cash to purchase the Tavern and continue to run it.
I'm not surprised that the Gardies was put up for sale, or for that matter that the University bought it. The Gardies is in the middle of a dense residential area and has been unsuccessful in attempts to have its liquor licence extended past midnight at the weekend and 11p.m. on weeknights. This, combined with the changing drinking habits of students who pre-load at home prior to going out means that the market window for the Gardies was very small. Even if the Gardies was retained, the new owners would have had to think long and hard about the business model used and the products available to draw punters in.
The University will probably use the land for accommodation in a similar way to the post-grad accommodation at the former Abbey Lodge across the road. Further signs of confidence in the Uni's growth prospects. With the Bowler and Gardies now gone I hope there are sufficient watering holes for the increased numbers to go!
I look forward to the final party. Might have to go in disguise.....
I'm not surprised that the Gardies was put up for sale, or for that matter that the University bought it. The Gardies is in the middle of a dense residential area and has been unsuccessful in attempts to have its liquor licence extended past midnight at the weekend and 11p.m. on weeknights. This, combined with the changing drinking habits of students who pre-load at home prior to going out means that the market window for the Gardies was very small. Even if the Gardies was retained, the new owners would have had to think long and hard about the business model used and the products available to draw punters in.
The University will probably use the land for accommodation in a similar way to the post-grad accommodation at the former Abbey Lodge across the road. Further signs of confidence in the Uni's growth prospects. With the Bowler and Gardies now gone I hope there are sufficient watering holes for the increased numbers to go!
I look forward to the final party. Might have to go in disguise.....
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Jewelled geckos returned home
Last week I was privileged to assist in the release of 16 jewelled geckos back onto the Otago Pennisula, from where they were stolen last month.
The geckos, which are ranked by the Department of Conservation as being in gradual decline, are only found in the South Island – mainly on Otago and Banks Pennisulas and in the Mackenzie Basin. The Otago Pennisula population is estimated to be just 700.
The loss of 16 of these animals would have been a disaster so I was really pleased to be able to assist in their reintroduction which helps to safeguard the genetics of this unique and special population.
The German tourist who stole the geckos was sentenced to 15 weeks jail.
Two other men were also charged in association with the offence and have been remanded in custody for sentencing at the end of the month.
It’s really important we send a strong message to poachers that the cost of stealing our wildlife far outweighs any benefits.
Notwithstanding this, the most important way to stop such activity remains prevention and in this regard the community has a responsibility to be vigilant in ensuring such behaviour is discouraged.
I’m really encouraged by the community on the Pennisula and by DOC in the work that they’re doing in this area.
The geckos, which are ranked by the Department of Conservation as being in gradual decline, are only found in the South Island – mainly on Otago and Banks Pennisulas and in the Mackenzie Basin. The Otago Pennisula population is estimated to be just 700.
The loss of 16 of these animals would have been a disaster so I was really pleased to be able to assist in their reintroduction which helps to safeguard the genetics of this unique and special population.
The German tourist who stole the geckos was sentenced to 15 weeks jail.
Two other men were also charged in association with the offence and have been remanded in custody for sentencing at the end of the month.
It’s really important we send a strong message to poachers that the cost of stealing our wildlife far outweighs any benefits.
Notwithstanding this, the most important way to stop such activity remains prevention and in this regard the community has a responsibility to be vigilant in ensuring such behaviour is discouraged.
I’m really encouraged by the community on the Pennisula and by DOC in the work that they’re doing in this area.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Making our roads safer
National is giving priority to measures aimed at young drivers and drunk and drugged motorists outlined in a 10-year strategy to make our roads safer.
The strategy - Safer Journeys – was released this week and is designed to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads over the next decade.
It takes a system-wide approach by looking at the safety of roads, road users, vehicles, and speed.
A disproportionate number of young New Zealanders die on our roads - young Kiwis have a 60 per cent higher fatality rate on the roads than young Australians. Alcohol is a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes, and current policies are not having a big enough impact.
Over the next two months Cabinet will consider action plans which include raising the driving age to 16, zero blood-alcohol limits for young drivers and repeat drink drivers, and introducing alcohol interlock technology.
Other strategies indentified as priorities by the Government include motorcycling, making changes to our give way rules, and safer speeds.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/safer+journeys+making+our+roads+safer+0
The strategy - Safer Journeys – was released this week and is designed to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads over the next decade.
It takes a system-wide approach by looking at the safety of roads, road users, vehicles, and speed.
A disproportionate number of young New Zealanders die on our roads - young Kiwis have a 60 per cent higher fatality rate on the roads than young Australians. Alcohol is a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes, and current policies are not having a big enough impact.
Over the next two months Cabinet will consider action plans which include raising the driving age to 16, zero blood-alcohol limits for young drivers and repeat drink drivers, and introducing alcohol interlock technology.
Other strategies indentified as priorities by the Government include motorcycling, making changes to our give way rules, and safer speeds.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/safer+journeys+making+our+roads+safer+0
Government investing $6 billion a year on infrastructure
The National Infrastructure Plan shows the major investment this Government is making in New Zealand's critical infrastructure such as roads, broadband, and schools.
This is directly supporting thousands of jobs, and unclogging the country’s economic arteries. A stronger economy will, over time, mean better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families. It also gives local councils, contractors, and businesses certainty for the future.
The first National Infrastructure Plan, issued this week, provides a snapshot of public and private infrastructure, planned investment, and the Government's priorities. It shows this Government is spending more than $6 billion a year on expanding and maintaining its physical assets and that it holds about $110 billion of such assets.
We are investing $10.7 billion in State Highways over the next 10 years, $3.3 billion in our electricity grid over the next five years, and $1.5 billion in urban broadband over the next decade. Then there is the $2.7 billion for new schools and buildings over the next five years.
The plan also identifies bottlenecks and gaps in the future so we can address them in a timely manner.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure+plan+outlines+large+programme
This is directly supporting thousands of jobs, and unclogging the country’s economic arteries. A stronger economy will, over time, mean better wages and higher living standards for New Zealand families. It also gives local councils, contractors, and businesses certainty for the future.
The first National Infrastructure Plan, issued this week, provides a snapshot of public and private infrastructure, planned investment, and the Government's priorities. It shows this Government is spending more than $6 billion a year on expanding and maintaining its physical assets and that it holds about $110 billion of such assets.
We are investing $10.7 billion in State Highways over the next 10 years, $3.3 billion in our electricity grid over the next five years, and $1.5 billion in urban broadband over the next decade. Then there is the $2.7 billion for new schools and buildings over the next five years.
The plan also identifies bottlenecks and gaps in the future so we can address them in a timely manner.
More information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/infrastructure+plan+outlines+large+programme
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