Three huge marine reserves, totalling 435,000 hectares will be established around New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. The areas are recognised globally for the diversity of their marine life. Protecting the surrounding waters will add to the prestige of this area and its attraction as an eco-tourism destination.
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/subantarctic-islands-become-marine-reserves
The Government is proposing a National Policy Statement to protect indigenous biodiversity. The policy sets out our expectations on how local councils will protect rare and endangered species on private land. This delivers on National’s 2008 election promise, and our commitment to the Māori Party.
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/new-policy-proposed-protect-biodiversity
We have also established an Advisory Group on Green Growth. The group will look at how we can add value to our export industry, ensure smarter uses of technology and innovation, and assist small and medium-sized businesses to become more energy efficient.
http://beehive.govt.nz/release/green-growth-initiative-announced
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A bad year for P dealers
2010 was a year P dealers would rather forget. A record 30.4 kilograms of P, worth an estimated $30 million, were seized by Police and Customs. This is up 46 per cent on 2009.
National has made tackling P a priority. Our multi-pronged Methamphetamine Action Plan is paying off by greatly strengthening the police’s arsenal in the fight against P.
These seizures are testament to the vigilance, expertise, and experience of our frontline police and customs officers. Their hard work in reducing the amount of P available weakens the criminal gangs that sell the drug. It reduces crime in our communities, making our neighbourhoods safer for hard-working Kiwi families.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/police-and-customs-make-2010-bad-year-meth-dealers
National has made tackling P a priority. Our multi-pronged Methamphetamine Action Plan is paying off by greatly strengthening the police’s arsenal in the fight against P.
These seizures are testament to the vigilance, expertise, and experience of our frontline police and customs officers. Their hard work in reducing the amount of P available weakens the criminal gangs that sell the drug. It reduces crime in our communities, making our neighbourhoods safer for hard-working Kiwi families.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/police-and-customs-make-2010-bad-year-meth-dealers
90-day trial periods a success
Research shows 13,000 New Zealanders got jobs they otherwise wouldn’t have through 90-day trial periods. The trials had a positive impact on jobs for small employers during rising unemployment.
Analysis by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research looked at the impact of trial periods following its introduction in March 2009.
Unemployment peaked at 7.1 per cent that year. Small businesses faced tough economic times, so it was encouraging to see hiring was almost six percentage points higher than expected.
National is committed to lifting the long-term performance of the economy and creating more jobs. Trial periods bring opportunity for all New Zealanders.
With the extension of trial periods on April 1, we expect to see increased hiring through larger employers providing further benefits for hard-working Kiwis.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-welcomes-analysis-trial-periods
Analysis by New Zealand Institute of Economic Research looked at the impact of trial periods following its introduction in March 2009.
Unemployment peaked at 7.1 per cent that year. Small businesses faced tough economic times, so it was encouraging to see hiring was almost six percentage points higher than expected.
National is committed to lifting the long-term performance of the economy and creating more jobs. Trial periods bring opportunity for all New Zealanders.
With the extension of trial periods on April 1, we expect to see increased hiring through larger employers providing further benefits for hard-working Kiwis.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-welcomes-analysis-trial-periods
Boosting savings and investment
New Zealand needs to save more, spend less, and reduce our reliance on foreign debt. That's the only way we can deliver the jobs, higher incomes, and better living standards that Kiwi families aspire to and deserve.
Improving savings and investment is central to National's economic programme, designed to tilt the economy towards savings, exports, and investment, and away from excessive borrowing and government spending.
The Prime Minister signalled last week the Government is prepared to lift its own savings. We’re working to reduce borrowing and get back to meaningful surplus by 2014/15 – a year earlier than forecast.
We are also considering the viability of a mixed-ownership model for four energy SOEs. This would reduce the amount we need to borrow to boost Government assets such as schools, faster broadband, and better transport infrastructure.
These are just some of the steps the Government is considering to boost New Zealand’s national savings. The Savings Working Group, which delivered its final report this week, has provided a wide range of other practical options worth considering.
The report will help the Government consider its next steps in building a stronger economy. It will also encourage an informed and open public debate on the national savings challenge facing New Zealand.
Any immediate policy decisions are likely to be included in the Budget.
More information: http://national.org.nz/onepager/Boosting_Savings_and_Investment.pdf
Improving savings and investment is central to National's economic programme, designed to tilt the economy towards savings, exports, and investment, and away from excessive borrowing and government spending.
The Prime Minister signalled last week the Government is prepared to lift its own savings. We’re working to reduce borrowing and get back to meaningful surplus by 2014/15 – a year earlier than forecast.
We are also considering the viability of a mixed-ownership model for four energy SOEs. This would reduce the amount we need to borrow to boost Government assets such as schools, faster broadband, and better transport infrastructure.
These are just some of the steps the Government is considering to boost New Zealand’s national savings. The Savings Working Group, which delivered its final report this week, has provided a wide range of other practical options worth considering.
The report will help the Government consider its next steps in building a stronger economy. It will also encourage an informed and open public debate on the national savings challenge facing New Zealand.
Any immediate policy decisions are likely to be included in the Budget.
More information: http://national.org.nz/onepager/Boosting_Savings_and_Investment.pdf
General election on 26 November
New Zealand will go to the polls on 26 November, five weeks after the Rugby World Cup final.
Prime Minister John Key announced the general election date this week to create certainty around the tournament, which begins in September.
National will be campaigning on our record as responsible managers of the economy. We are taking clear steps to get the country’s debt under control and to put the right incentives into the economy to drive faster real growth.
The election will also be about building greater value for money in public services, and who has the better plan to build a safer New Zealand.
Over the coming months we will keep developing and implementing our programme to build the brighter future New Zealanders and their families deserve.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/general-election-be-held-26-november
Prime Minister John Key announced the general election date this week to create certainty around the tournament, which begins in September.
National will be campaigning on our record as responsible managers of the economy. We are taking clear steps to get the country’s debt under control and to put the right incentives into the economy to drive faster real growth.
The election will also be about building greater value for money in public services, and who has the better plan to build a safer New Zealand.
Over the coming months we will keep developing and implementing our programme to build the brighter future New Zealanders and their families deserve.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/general-election-be-held-26-november
Friday, December 17, 2010
Marine and Coastal Area update
The Maori Affairs Select Committee finished hearing submissions on the Marine and Coastal Area Bill this week. The committee has travelled around New Zealand and heard submissions from a wide variety of groups. The committee will now consider submissions and report back to Parliament early next year.
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill restores access to justice and common law property rights. These are fundamental National Party values. It also guarantees free public access, and all existing uses and use rights, such as fishing and navigation.
National believes free public access to the common marine and coastal area is a birthright of all New Zealanders, and should be protected in legislation.
Watch the Prime Minister talking about the Marine and Coastal Area Bill: http://www.youtube.com/nationalparty#p/u/6/yAd2RdaNmas
The Marine and Coastal Area Bill restores access to justice and common law property rights. These are fundamental National Party values. It also guarantees free public access, and all existing uses and use rights, such as fishing and navigation.
National believes free public access to the common marine and coastal area is a birthright of all New Zealanders, and should be protected in legislation.
Watch the Prime Minister talking about the Marine and Coastal Area Bill: http://www.youtube.com/nationalparty#p/u/6/yAd2RdaNmas
Trades Academies Bill becomes law
National is lifting education and skills in our secondary schools. Last week, we passed legislation establishing Trades Academies.
Trades Academies are based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations, and employers, and will give students a head-start in industry-related careers. Next year, we will open nine Trades Academies around New Zealand, followed by more in 2012.
The legislation also makes sure teachers who may be a danger to students can be suspended, and updates private school guidelines.
National is boosting education and skills as part of our six-point plan for a stronger economy. We’re committed to new approaches in education, and to reducing red tape and regulations.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-enabling-trades-academies-become-law
Trades Academies are based on partnerships between schools, tertiary institutions, industry training organisations, and employers, and will give students a head-start in industry-related careers. Next year, we will open nine Trades Academies around New Zealand, followed by more in 2012.
The legislation also makes sure teachers who may be a danger to students can be suspended, and updates private school guidelines.
National is boosting education and skills as part of our six-point plan for a stronger economy. We’re committed to new approaches in education, and to reducing red tape and regulations.
More information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/bill-enabling-trades-academies-become-law
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