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Building a Brighter Future
The recovery of Canterbury is on track and is starting to hit its stride, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.
Budget 2012 will deliver funding that is firmly focused on raising student achievement, says Education Minister Hekia Parata.
Budget 2012 will make available $143.7 million over the next four years to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
The Budget next week will provide $101 million of extra funding over the next four years for more elective operations and scans, and improved cancer services, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.
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Environment Minister Amy Adams has today announced 35 finalists for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards, which honour outstanding contributions to protecting New Zealand's environment.
“The awards reflect the broad range of environmental challenges that New Zealand faces and the actions being taken to address them,” Ms Adams says.
“Tackling environmental issues is not easy. It takes initiative and dedication. “The awards pay homage to the incredible efforts being undertaken in homes, schools, communities and workplaces to address the environmental challenges we face.”
There are 12 award categories that recognise individuals, businesses, communities and youth, as well as larger organisations.
For the 2012 awards, 284 nominations were received, which is an increase from last year.
The finalists will now attend an awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings on 5 June. Winners will be announced in each category, and an overall supreme winner will be revealed.
“I am looking forward to meeting the finalists and learning first-hand about the great work they are all doing to improve the environment.”
The following organisations and businesses have been nominated as finalists for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards:
Protecting our biodiversity:
Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions
Caring for our water
Minimising our waste
Improving our air quality
Protecting our coasts and oceans
Communication and education
Community leadership
Small business leadership
Large business leadership
Public sector leadership
Green economy
In a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key in Christchurch today, Mr Brownlee said the Government will have spent $2.45 billion of the $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund by 30 June this year on important rebuild and recovery initiatives in the wider region.
“We are forecast to spend another $2.17 billion from the Fund in the coming financial year as the repair and replacement of damaged horizontal infrastructure – drinking water, waste water, storm water, and roading – ramps up and we build new infrastructure to support the growth of greater Christchurch,” Mr Brownlee said.
Supporting the rebuild of Christchurch is one of the National-led Government’s four priorities for this term.
Mr Key and Mr Brownlee today visited the Longhurst and Knights Stream Park subdivisions in Halswell, which will comprise of 1400 sections, to view progress of bringing new land to market in greater Christchurch.
“The Government pulled out all the stops to get this subdivision moving, including fast-tracking consent approval and supporting the development of infrastructure to service it, such as the $40 million Western Interceptor sewer upgrade.
“Already 150 sections have been sold and house construction will begin in July.
“With a price tag of some $2.5 billion, the Crown’s share of horizontal infrastructure repair and replacement is the biggest component of the Government’s $5.5 billion Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund, announced in Budget 2011,” Mr Brownlee said.
Undertaking the massive task is an alliance of private companies and central and local government agencies known as the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild Team (SCIRT), which is employing around 950 people.
“In the next few months, the infrastructure rebuild will ramp up to $40 million work being completed each month and an estimated 120 to 150 work sites underway throughout the city at any one time, involving a workforce of 2500,” Mr Brownlee said.
The SCIRT alliance has three funding partners, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), Christchurch City Council (CCC), and New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), and five delivery members – City Care, Downer, Fulton Hogan, MacDow, and Fletcher Construction.
Mr Brownlee said the SCIRT team had wasted no time identifying what needed to be done and getting on with the job of getting Cantabrians’ lives back to normal.
“Already 59 projects valued at $90 million are being constructed across Christchurch.
“Another 168 projects valued at $65 million are in the process of being handed back to Christchurch City Council, while 121 projects worth $667 million are in the design process,” Mr Brownlee said.
Work already completed has seen 12,000 square metres of road repaired, 12.6km of wastewater pipe installed, and another 9.5km of drinking water pipe installed.
Minister for Ethnic Affairs Judith Collins says New Zealand’s ethnic businesses have a significant contribution to make to our nation’s economy, ahead of tomorrow’s Ethnic People in Commerce New Zealand (EPIC NZ) Conference.
The Conference is organised by the Office of Ethnic Affairs with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. It will focus on ways to support and tap into the potential of our small and medium sized ethnic businesses.
“EPIC NZ brings like-minded business people together to exchange ideas, build important partnerships and pursue opportunities in both onshore and offshore markets,” Ms Collins says.
“Building on the strengths of our ethnic business people is essential for a more competitive and productive economy and expanding New Zealand’s access to Asia-Pacific markets.”
The Conference will promote www.EPICNZ.co.nz to help ethnic business people connect with each other, and the wider New Zealand SME sector.
“Sixty per cent of our workforce growth comes from migration. Our ethnic and migrant communities are playing a growing role in our economy, helping us export more and creating more real jobs.
“Ethnic New Zealanders have the linguistic and cultural expertise, business acumen and experience to make valuable international connections and take our country forward.
“It makes sense to do all we can to unlock that potential to help create jobs and improve New Zealand’s trade opportunities,” Ms Collins says.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today announced the closure of the Stockholm embassy in Sweden as part of $10 million of savings in the Ministry’s European posts.
The Stockholm post was opened by the Clark government in 2008 and downsized by the current government in 2009.
“New Zealand enjoys an excellent relationship with Sweden and with its Scandinavian neighbours, but in today’s world it is not always necessary to have a diplomatic presence to maintain such a relationship,” Mr McCully says.
“Sweden does not have an embassy in New Zealand and I am confident that we can manage the relationship through an accreditation.” The closure will be accompanied by other economies that will save about $10 million per year among New Zealand's European posts, including moving into less expensive accommodation.
“The move is part of a series of decisions that will enable the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet the government’s expectations of a $24 million efficiency dividend and then manage within a flatline budget for the next two years.
“In turn, this has triggered a resource reallocation based upon change to New Zealand’s current and future foreign policy and trade priorities.”
In addition to making a formal decision regarding Stockholm, Cabinet has been briefed on the modified change programme for the Ministry.
“Over the coming days the Chief Executive will formally release a decision document to staff that responds to the feedback he has received on the original change proposal. The proposal has been significantly amended to take into account concerns raised during the consultation process,” Mr McCully says.
“On 21 March I released a letter I wrote to the Chief Executive setting out concerns held by ministers in relation to the original proposal. These concerns have been addressed by the Ministry’s leadership team in the preparation of the final decision document.
“I have made it clear the final package will need to provide a structure capable of attracting and retaining capable staff while modernising and shaping the management tier of the Ministry to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs,” Mr McCully says.
Note: Attached is a summary of background material provided to Cabinet on offshore footprint issues.
Download Attachment: MFAT_strategic_drivers_summary.pdf (pdf 378.52 KB)
People in need will get the most benefit from Government funding for new housing projects, to be developed by non-government providers.
Housing Minister Phil Heatley today announced the successful applicants to the $25.3 million Social Housing Unit (SHU) Growth Fund.
The aim of the Growth Fund is to increase the supply of social and affordable housing through non-government providers developing and providing housing at scale.
Sixteen of the new projects are in Auckland and will result in 153 extra homes in the city.
“These worthwhile new projects will make a lasting contribution to Auckland city’s social housing pool,” Mr Heatley said.
"The successful organisations have demonstrated credentials and plans for ongoing growth of social housing provision. Over time they will complement state housing provision by providing a pathway to greater housing independence and in some cases home ownership," the Minister said.
The SHU, which administers the fund, was set up last year as a key part of a series of recent Government initiatives to transform social housing delivery. It aims to meet the growing need for social and affordable housing by allocating funding and forming partnerships with non-government providers that deliver social and affordable housing.
The largest allocation of $8.86 million goes to the New Zealand Housing Foundation, to build 68 new affordable homes which will provide 205 bedrooms. They will be built in West Auckland (15), Takanini (15), Mt Albert (14), New Lynn (22) and Kaikohe in Northland (2).
The target market for these houses will be low-income households where people are working full-time but haven’t enough income to save for and buy a home without some form of assistance.
A new housing project in the centre of Mangere, South Auckland, has received SHF funding of $4.33 million. The Airedale Property Trust is to build the first stage of 22 homes comprised of 14 three-bedroom homes, three four-bedroom homes and five five-bedroom homes.
This development targets Pacific families who are currently living in crowded, unstable or unsuitable accommodation. As well, Lifewise (the Social and Community services arm of the Methodist Mission Northern) will work with the Tongan Parish to establish a supportive neighbourhood environment for people living in this development.
Clusters of 31 one- and two-bedroom units will be constructed as a result of $3.89 million funding for Community of Refuge Trust, a community housing organisation that provides affordable accommodation for people with social needs. It will build clusters of units in Mt Roskill (5), Glen Innes (6), New Lynn (15) and Royal Oak (5).
An allocation of $8.25 million has also gone to Accessible Properties NZ Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of IHC, for 60 new houses throughout the country that will provide accommodation for people with intellectual disabilities.
These houses will be built in South Auckland (15), West Auckland (12), Hamilton (10), North Shore (7), Wellington (7), Christchurch (4) and Tauranga (5).
The SHU had a total of $37.35 million to distribute in the current financial year. Funding distribution for the Niche, and Māori and Rural segments, was announced last week.
The Government’s programme to help insulate New Zealand homes has now reached the milestone of 150,000 insulated homes, Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley announced today.
“Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is making a real difference to the lives of New Zealanders,” Mr Heatley said.
“Each of those 150,000 homes now insulated represents an average of between two and three New Zealanders, so we can be confident that around 450,000 New Zealanders are now better off.
“Insulated homes are easier and cheaper to heat to healthy temperatures. Warmer homes mean fewer visits to the doctor, and greater productivity with less need to take time off work or school.
“The programme is also a key part of our Relationship Accord with the Māori Party and our Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Party, and I thank them for their respective contributions.”
The Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme is run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). It offers funding to homes built before the year 2000 to help homeowners get their ceiling or underfloor insulated.
“The programme has made New Zealanders aware of the benefits of insulation, and increased demand for it,” Mr Heatley said.
“Many groups and individuals have contributed to the success of the programme. Manufacturers, installers and auditors have helped to deliver a quality product and service, while councils, banks and charitable trusts have assisted in overcoming the cost barrier by offering funding and payment options.
“They can all be proud of the milestone reached today.”
For more information see www.energywise.govt.nz
“We are increasing the overall spending on education – for the fourth Budget in a row. This is happening despite tight fiscal times, against a backdrop of a recent global financial crisis, and the Canterbury earthquakes. This reflects the priority National places on education.’’
The Government will invest an extra $511.9 million towards new initiatives over the next four years. This takes the Government’s total investment in early childhood education and schooling to $9.6 billion for 2012/13.
“We have an education system that is amongst the best in the world. Four out of five kids are successfully getting the qualifications they need from school and we must celebrate their success and the professionals in the education system who make that possible every day.
“But our education plan is about getting five out of five.”
Evidence shows the single most important thing we can do to raise achievement is to improve teaching quality.
“In Budget 2012 we are not investing in more teachers we are investing in better teaching,’’ says Ms Parata.
“We will invest an extra $60 million over the next four years to boost new teacher recruitment and training.
“This money is in addition to the $304 million we are spending on professional learning and development for teachers in primary and secondary education over the next four years.
“By making this additional investment in quality teaching, we will ensure that initial teacher education is improved and stronger mentoring and coaching is provided.
“A post-graduate qualification will be introduced as a minimum for all trainee teachers, and schools leadership will be improved through the introduction of a new pre-principalship qualification.
“We want to create a flexible, skilled, culturally intelligent and professional workforce through these initiatives to support the development of teachers and principals.’’
To raise teaching quality we have to identify who is delivering successful practice and make that common practice, says Ms Parata.
“We will collaborate in the development of an appraisal system focusing on driving up quality teaching and quality professional leadership. Performance pay is but one of a basket of options to reward and recognise that.’’
Ms Parata says given the current economic climate in order to invest in quality teaching, the Government has had to make some trade-offs.
“We will be making a small change to teacher/student ratios in the mid-years of a child’s education.
“These ratios are a funding formula – they are how we as a Government fund schools. The actual number of children in a classroom is set by the school.’’
Ratios will remain as they are for new entrants at 1:15, and for students sitting NCEA in years 11-13, will be standardised at 1:17.3
In the middle years, 2-10, there is currently a wide range of ratios, ranging from 1:23 to 1:29. To give schools certainty about how they manage their resources, we will standardise this ratio to 1:27.5.
These changes will free up just over $43 million, on average, in each year over the next four years, which will be reinvested back into education.
“About 90 per cent of schools will either gain, or have a net loss of less than one Full Time Teacher Equivalent (FTTEs) as a result of the combined effect of the ratio changes and projected roll growth. These changes will take effect over the next five years.
“These more consistent ratios will give schools greater certainty over their resourcing from year to year.’’
Education is critical to building both our social and cultural strength and the productivity and growth of our economy, says Ms Parata.
“We want to ensure a world leading system that equips all New Zealanders with the knowledge, skills and values to be successful in the 21st century.
“The actions we have taken to date and the ones we plan for this term in Government will enable us to raise achievement for all our learners.”
Further details of new investments in education will be announced in the Budget.
Related document:
Raising achievement in Budget 2012 (PDF)
Trade Minister Tim Groser will visit Washington DC this week to deliver a keynote address on food security and meet with his American counterparts.
Mr Groser’s address will focus on food security and trade policy at a conference convened by the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council.
“At the heart of many of our trade negotiating agendas lies the issue of food security. It is always among the most sensitive issues NZ has to confront in these negotiations, both in the WTO and all our FTA negotiations.
“As the emerging economies move up the income ladder they demand more protein, safer, quality and more varied foods. This is NZ's market niche.
“The old model of equating food security with complete self-sufficiency in domestic food production is under challenge around the world. I will be pleased to state our view and meet many influential policy makers in this area,” Mr Groser says.
Mr Groser will meet with counterparts including US Trade Representative Minister Ron Kirk, the two Chairs of the US Congress Ways and Means Committee and its sub-committee on Trade, White House Deputy National Security Adviser for International Economic Affairs Mike Froman, Chief US Climate Change negotiator Todd Stern, Senior US Treasury officials, and a range of other officials in the trade and climate change policy areas.
“The TPP is important to NZ’s trade future and these meetings will provide the opportunity to take political level soundings on its progress with both the US Minister and the key Congressional leaders in the trade area.”
Mr Groser says New Zealand's interests today go well beyond agriculture. "We have had increasing success in recent years ramping up our high-end services exports, known as 'commercial services' (architectural, legal, engineering design, audio-visual, trade merchanting and other technical services).
“At some $4 billion in 2011, they are almost equal to 10% of our total merchandise exports and complement our traditional services exports in education and tourism. Unlike our traditional exports which are focussed more on emerging economies, particularly in Asia, most of these commercial services exports go to Australia, the US and Europe.”
In this context, Mr Groser will also be meeting Mr Bob Vastine, President of the Coalition of Services Industries to discuss how to move forward the international services agenda.
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will travel to North America tomorrow for a number of international meetings.
Mr McCully is leading the New Zealand delegation, including Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman, to the 25th NATO Summit in Chicago.
The summit, hosted by US President Barack Obama, brings together NATO members and contributors to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan.
Mr McCully will also travel to Washington, New York and Montreal, Canada.
In Washington, Mr McCully will meet with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
“The Wellington Declaration, signed in November 2010, proposed regular meetings at Foreign Minister/Secretary of State level to ensure we maintain momentum in the relationship,” Mr McCully says.
Alongside representatives from Pacific Island states, Mr McCully will attend a number of Pacific Day events being held in Washington and deliver a keynote address at the Pacific Day seminar.
In New York, Mr McCully will meet with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss a range of international issues.
Discussions will also be held with representatives from around the world in support of New Zealand’s campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2015-16.
As Sport and Recreation Minister and representing Oceania, Mr McCully will attend and chair the board meeting of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in Montreal.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today launched two new online products – including an iPad app for business – as part of the Government’s plan for delivering better public services. The iPad app, available through the business.govt.nz portal, enables small businesses to access tools and tips for growth wherever and whenever they need it. The second product, business calendar B-Cal, provides businesses with technology features to highlight important business requirements. “The new iPad app and B-Cal calendar are early examples of what we will produce as we build better online Government services for business,” Mr Joyce says. “The iPad app is cutting-edge technology, allowing small businesses to access tools and advice at a time and place convenient to them. B-Cal is an interactive calendar providing reminders for key government dates for business, making it easier for them to work with government. “Businesses are used to operating in a hi-tech environment where they can use a range of channels. As part of its commitment to better public service for business, the Government is developing a one-stop online shop where companies can access all government advice and support they need to run and grow their business. “We will achieve this through closer integration across government, faster and better use of technology, and services designed with business needs in mind. “Through our plan for delivering better public services, our Business Growth Agenda and establishing the new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Government is making sure business is at the forefront of building a more competitive and productive economy.” To access both products visit www.business.govt.nz
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today announced the new Work and Income board members to oversee the investment approach to welfare. This new approach will be embedded at all levels of the welfare system and the Board will be responsible for ensuring accountability and overseeing the delivery of reforms that will see fewer people on welfare for long periods. “Paula Rebstock will chair the Board with five other members from outside the public service with a wide range of relevant experience and expertise.” ‘They will help make decisions about which interventions work best for individuals and will oversee trials to collect best evidence,” says Mrs Bennett. The Work and Income Board will:
The Board members are:
Members of the Board have experience in the insurance and finance industries which already use investment approaches to reduce future liability. “The lifetime cost of today’s total number of beneficiaries is estimated at $45 billion. It makes good economic and social sense to provide targeted support up front to get more people into work sooner, ” Mrs Bennett says. Each year an actuarial valuation will be completed to determine the long-term future spend on the benefit system, taking into account how long clients are likely to remain on benefits and wider economic and demographic trends. The valuation will provide vital information to the Board and Work and Income on the drivers of cost in the welfare system along with priority areas and groups for investment to reduce long term benefit dependency.
The Government is investing $1.1 million in the six-member board over the next four years. The Board are appointed for 15 months. The Minister will review the operation by June 2013
Work and Income Board members
Ms Paula Rebstock (Chair) Ms Rebstock was the Chair of the Welfare Working Group which reported to Ministers in February 2011. She is currently Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Railways Corporation, Chair of the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Commission and a member of the Accident Compensation Corporation Board. Ms Rebstock was previously the Chair of the Commerce Commission and has expertise in governance, economic regulation, and labour market policy. Dr Ian McPherson is the Chief Executive Officer of Southern Cross Healthcare Group. He holds a medical degree from Otago University and started his career in medicine with the Waikato Hospital Board. From 1982 to 1985, he worked for the International Red Cross as Medical Co-ordinator. He has been chief executive officer for New Zealand hospital boards and worked in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ministry of Health, advising on New Zealand health reform. Professor Kathryn McPherson was a member of the Welfare Working Group. She is a Professor of Rehabilitation (Laura Fergusson Chair) at the Auckland University of Technology and is a Visiting Professor at the University of Southampton as well as at King's College London. Professor McPherson has a PhD from Edinburgh University and a background in nursing, midwifery and psychology. Professor McPherson will bring to the Board expertise in the rehabilitation for people with chronic and disabling conditions including strokes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain or life threatening illness. Mr Andrew Body is a member of the Crown Fibre Holdings Board, and has more than 20 years experience in business. He was a shareholder and Director of FR Partners until 2001. Mr Body brings strong financial skills to the Board. Mr Reg Barrett is a Wellington based company director and business consultant involved in both the private and public sector. He held CEO positions spanning 13 years and has over 10 years executive experience in a range of business environments as well as 20 years experience as a member or chairman on a range of Boards. Mr Barrett brings governance and critical information technology skills to the Board. Ms Debbie Packer (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru) is a South Taranaki based company director and business consultant. She also has experience in both the private and public sector. She is a former Deputy Mayor of the South Taranaki District Council. She is a current member of the Minister of Māori Affairs and the Minister for Economic Development’s Independent Māori Economic Development Panel.
Police Minister Anne Tolley has today officially opened the new Counties Manukau East police station. The new $10.2 million headquarters, at Ormiston Road in Botany, provides modern facilities for police staff and members of the community, and has been completed ahead of time and under budget. “The new station is a real boost to the area,” says Mrs Tolley. “It provides a better and more efficient workplace for staff, in an area which is at the forefront of policing in New Zealand. “Counties Manukau police, aided by 300 additional frontline officers provided by the National-led Government, are leading the way in the Policing Excellence programme. “They are preventing and reducing crime, with Neighbourhood Policing Teams providing visibility and working closely with local people. “As a result, there are safer communities and fewer victims of crime, and I wish Counties Manukau Police continued success in their new premises.”
The completion of the SH2 Muldoon’s corner easing project near the summit of Rimutaka Hill in Wellington represents another improvement in the safety and efficiency of the country’s main transport routes, Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges said at the completion celebration event today.
“This project greatly improves the alignment and design speed along the primary route that connects Wellington and the Wairarapa. Vehicles will now be able to travel on a straighter road at an average speed of 55km/hr. This is up from the previous speeds of 25-35km/hr and will make a big difference to daily commuters and tourists,” Mr Bridges says.
The improvements also enable commercial traffic and freight trucks, such as those carrying logs through to the port in Wellington, to navigate the road without encountering the ‘tight right’ Muldoon’s corner where they had to stop in order to pass safely.
Construction on the project started in September 2009. It received funding through the Government’s Jobs and Growth stimulus package and was bought forward 30 months ahead of programme. More than 200 people have worked on the $16.5 million project and as many as 80 were on site at any one time prior to completion, with 230,000 cubic metres of earthworks shifted.
“Road safety is one of the Government’s top transport priorities and projects such as the one we are celebrating today provide significant safety benefits to road-users. I commend all those involved with this easing project.”
Speaking at the New Zealand Federation of Disabilities Information Centres’ Conference in Queenstown today, Health Minister Tony Ryall says the $143.7 million is made up of $132.7 million in new investment and $11.0 million in savings. The disabilities sector receives the largest share of new health funding in the budget, other than DHBs. The Government is committed to providing disabled people with more support so they can have greater independence and live better lives in their communities, Health Minister Tony Ryall and Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia say. The $143.7 million investment will fund initiatives including: • $54.7 million over the next four years for more home and community support services, such as help with showering, getting dressed, preparing a meal, and house work. This will help people with disabilities to continue living in their community rather than having to enter residential care. • $1.3 million one-off funding for additional cochlear implants and follow-up services for adults and children in 2012/13 • $20.7 million over the next four years for more help with supports like hearing aids, hoists and wheelchair access. • $57.6 million over the next four years for the increasing numbers of disabled people using residential support services. • $9.4 million over the next four years to give more people greater choice and control of the services they receive. This adds to the $1.035 billion the Government already spends every year in supporting disabled people including $450 million for residential care. Taxpayers also fund $224 million for disabled people living at home. This includes payments to non-family care givers. The National led government has been introducing a newer, more individualised approach to disability funding. This has involved giving disabled people much greater say on how their share of the budget is spent. There are now almost 1,300 disabled people who have control of their allocated budget and they can choose how, what and who supports them.
The Budget next week will provide $101 million of extra funding over the next four years for more elective operations and scans, and improved cancer services, Health Minister Tony Ryall says. In a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key, Mr Ryall said the extra Budget funding would invest in four new initiatives. “This is part of our commitment to deliver more and better frontline health services where they are most needed, while ensuring we responsibly manage the Government’s finances,” Mr Ryall says. “This increased funding will build on the record success of the National Health Target ‘shorter waits for cancer treatment’. It will also build on the record levels in elective surgery and reduced waiting times achieved by the National-led Government,” he says. “District Health Boards are now performing 27,000 more elective operations a year – that’s 500 extra operations a week – compared to 2008. “In Budget 2012, we will invest a further $48.0 million to further increase those record numbers of elective operations by at least 4,000 each year. “We also want shorter waits for important diagnostic tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, and colonoscopies. These tests help determine if patients require an operation or other treatment. “We will invest $16.0 million in IT systems in Budget 2012 to facilitate faster access to these important tests, and $4.0 million for a national register of patients treated for heart conditions, to improve the quality of care across hospitals. This was a key recommendation of the New Zealand Cardiac Network. Budget 2012 is also delivering an additional $33 million over the next four years for better and faster services for cancer patients. This includes funding for dedicated nurses who will coordinate care and support for individual patients throughout the course of their cancer treatment. “Being diagnosed with cancer is a difficult time for patients and their families,” Mr Ryall says. “This more personalised service will mean better treatment and a less stressful experience for patients. “Research shows some cancer patients can come into contact with up to 28 doctors and even more nurses throughout their treatment. The new dedicated cancer nurses will act as a single point of contact and assist patients and their families across different parts of the health service. This expands what is already happening in parts of the country and feedback from patients has been fantastic. “We’re also working to further reduce waiting times throughout a patient’s treatment. We want faster access to a specialist once cancer is suspected and then faster access to treatment once there is a confirmed diagnosis.” DHBs will start by collecting data at key points along the patient’s clinical journey, as of 1 July 2012. “The more we know, the better we can identify issues that lead to delays and frustrations for patients. For example, instead of a patient visiting hospital on multiple occasions for different tests, departments should coordinate appointments so they are all completed in one day,” Mr Ryall says. These new initiatives build on the success of the National Health Target ‘shorter waits for cancer treatment.’ “Under our National Health Targets, waits for radiation treatment have reduced in the last three years from up to 15 weeks to four weeks. Patients no longer have to go to Australia for treatment.”
Q&A dedicated cancer nurse coordinator (pdf 14.92 KB)
Health Minister Tony Ryall today announced the Government will increase the $3 prescription charge to $5 per item up to a maximum of 20 items from 1 January 2013. The savings will be reinvested in the health sector. “The National-led Government is committed to protecting and growing public health services,” Mr Ryall said at a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key. “Despite tight financial times and what will be a zero Budget on 24 May, health will receive a big funding boost, which will come from savings within health and across the Government’s accounts. “This new spending will help meet cost pressures and fund new initiatives in Health, four of which we are announcing today. “The Government is expecting Health to deliver some savings as it works to target investment where it is most needed, control debt and bring its books back into surplus in 2014/15. “The savings from these prescription changes amount to $20 million in the first year and $40 million in subsequent years,” Mr Ryall says. Most New Zealanders now pay $3 per prescription item up to a maximum of 20 items per family per year, after which items are free. This charge will increase to $5 per item on 1 January 2013, up to the 20 item maximum a year. “The change means no person or family need pay more than an extra $40 per year for their prescription items,” Mr Ryall says. “This is the first time the prescription charge has been increased in 20 years. Importantly, there will continue to be no charge for under- sixes. “As is the case now, after 20 prescriptions individuals and families get a safety net card (pharmaceutical subsidy card) that ensures all further prescriptions are at no charge for the rest of that year. “Currently, because of this safety net, about a third of all prescriptions are at no charge to the patient. “It’s important that to receive these subsidies, families get a pharmaceutical subsidy card. The simplest way to ensure you receive a card once you’ve reached the threshold, is to work closely with your local pharmacy.” New Zealand continues to have low prescription charges compared to almost every other developed country. In Australia, for example, the standard prescription charge is up to NZ$45 and in England it’s around NZ$16. In Australia people on low incomes pay around NZ$7.45 per item. In Finland, there is an annual limit of around NZ$1,107 per patient, after which there is a flat fee of around NZ$2.50 per medicine item.
Q&A pharmaceutical co-payment (pdf 18.35 KB)
Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson has announced a package of measures that will extend workers’ rights to request flexible working hours and ensure a fair and flexible collective bargaining environment.
The changes were approved by Cabinet today and are expected to go before Parliament this year.
“These improvements are a reflection of National’s election manifesto, and show that we’re keeping our pre-election promises,” Ms Wilkinson says.
“We are extending the right to request flexible working arrangements to all workers, right from their first day on the job. Under the current law this is only available to caregivers, and only then after six months of employment.
“Modern lifestyles are changing, and workplaces need to reflect this reality. Flexible working arrangements will boost productivity and help employees find the work-life balance that works for them and their family.
“Flexible hours are often agreed to informally, and by extending eligibility to all employees, we hope to encourage agreement without having to go through a formal process.”
Ms Wilkinson says that the modest changes to collective bargaining will address the fact that some of the current rules are overly bureaucratic, limit choice and reduce the effectiveness of the bargaining process.
“The changes we are making are about improving efficiencies and making it fairer for both workers and employers.”
The changes include:
• A return to the original position in the Employment Relations Act where the duty of good faith does not require the parties to conclude a collective agreement. • Allowing employers to opt out of multi-employer bargaining. • Allowing for partial pay reductions in cases of partial strike action. • Removing the 30-day rule that forces non-union members to take union terms and conditions.
“In addition to these manifesto policies, parties will be required to provide notice of a strike or lock-out. We will also fix the anomaly where there are different time frames for unions and employers to initiate collective bargaining,” Ms Wilkinson says.
Ms Wilkinson says that the changes reflect a pragmatic approach to improving fairness and flexibility in employment law that will improve work-life balance, increase productivity, and help create higher paying jobs for all New Zealanders.
The Government is proposing to replace the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) obligations for importers of goods containing synthetic greenhouse gases with a levy, Minister for Climate Change Issues Tim Groser, announced today. The proposed change does not include bulk importers of synthetic greenhouse gases who continue to have an obligation for emissions under the ETS. “The ETS Review Panel, set up by the Government in December 2010, found that importers of synthetic greenhouse gases in refrigerators, air conditioning units, and electrical switchgear faced higher compliance costs than others sectors,” says Mr Groser. “It recommended that the obligations under the ETS be removed for these participants and replaced with a levy. “The levy would be linked to the price of carbon to maintain an equivalent cost for emissions. “The proposed changes will help to keep the compliance costs faced by this sector of the industry at a reasonable level, while ensuring it continues to do its fair share in reducing New Zealand’s emissions,” says Mr Groser.
Full details on the proposed changes are available on the Ministry for the Environment’s climate change website www.climatechange.govt.nz
Commerce Minister Craig Foss has congratulated the Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) on its world-leading online registration system.
“This new system is the best in the world. It removes the need for paper filing, cuts down on processing times, reduces compliance burdens and introduces much greater capabilities for Kiwi entrepreneurs,” says Mr Foss.
More than 4520 trade mark applications and 365 design applications have been lodged since the site went live three months ago.
“Tasks that previously took days can be done automatically and examination times can be reduced by more than eighty per cent.
“The system has been given the seal of approval by the World Intellectual Property Office, which says it provides comprehensive world-class features rarely seen in other countries,” says Mr Foss.
Further information can be found at www.iponz.govt.nz/cms.
“The new system gives trade-mark examiners more time to consider applications, instead of getting weighed down with administrative tasks,” says Mr Foss.
Mr Foss also congratulated IPONZ for winning the Grafton 2012 Driving Transformational Change Award earlier this week.
Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams tomorrow travels to Seoul for the 2012 Korea Australia and New Zealand (KANZ) Summit, and the World Information and Communications Summit.
The summits, in Seoul from May 14-16, bring together Government, industry, research and policy representatives to share insights into their experiences in broadband and to explore joint ventures and research partnerships.
“With the development of the National Broadband Network in Australia and Korea’s world-leading broadband network, it will be interesting to hear about their experiences,” Ms Adams says.
“The opportunity to discuss New Zealand’s ultra-fast broadband policy and industry issues allows us to make better, more informed decisions when planning for future investment.”
Ms Adams will also attend the Korea Communications Conference in Seoul, and visit the Electronics and Telecommunications Institute in Daejeon.
Topics at the summits and conference also cover areas such as next-generation networks, broadcasting and new media content, smart services such as e-learning, e-health and disaster management, new business opportunities and green ICTs.
Ms Adams will hold bilateral meetings with Australia’s Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, and Korea’s Environment Minister, Yoo Young-sook.
“In addition, the visit to Korea offers an opportunity to leverage business opportunities for New Zealand ICT companies by raising the profile of our country as a supplier of niche technologies to Korean companies and highlighting Korea as an ICT market for New Zealand companies.”
Justice Minister Judith Collins has asked the Law Commission to fast-track its recommendations for reducing the harm caused by cyber-bullying.
Ms Collins says the Government is extremely concerned about the growing incidence of this abhorrent bullying and the devastating effects it can have on young people.
“Young people’s lives are increasingly enmeshed in social media and they are particularly at risk from the significant harm that can be caused by cyber-bullying.”
As part of its report, The News Media Meets New Media, the Law Commission is investigating potential changes to:
• introduce a new offence of maliciously impersonating another person on the web • the Harassment Act 1997 to ensure its provisions apply to cyber-bullying and other online intimidation. • extend the Telecommunications Act 2001 definition of misuse of a ‘telephone device’ to also cover computers and other electronic devices. • amend the Human Rights Act to make it clear that publications likely to ‘excite hostility or invite contempt’ include digital publications and that cyberspace is a ‘public place’ from which people cannot be excluded as a consequence of significant and harmful sexual or racial harassment by others. • investigate the need to make ‘incitement to suicide’ a criminal offence, regardless of whether a person actually commits suicide, or attempts to.
“I have written to the Commission and have asked that its work around cyber-bullying is given priority. I look forward to receiving their recommendations as soon as possible.
“I am concerned that we treat this as a priority, and take action to reduce the potential for harm where we can,” Ms Collins says.
With International Nurses Day tomorrow, Health Minister Tony Ryall thanks all nurses for the important contribution they make to the health of New Zealanders.
“Nurses are hugely valuable and are part of the backbone of our health service. There are currently just over 49,000 nurses practising in New Zealand.
The theme for International Nurses Day this year is ‘'Closing the Gap: From Evidence to Action.”
“There are many great examples of nurses identifying areas in our health service that need improvement, researching a solution and then changing the way they do things to improve health services for patients.
“For example, Sandy Bryant, a nurse at Wellington Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit looked at their rates of bloodstream infections in babies, looked at the international best practice benchmarks and the unit has changed how they insert a central-line into a baby’s vein.
“Their rates are now below international benchmarks. Not only has this had significant benefit for babies and parents, the reduced infection rate also equates to around $500,000 a year in savings.
“Initiatives like this improve the quality of our services and better utilise our health resources.
District health boards are now employing 2,000 more nurses since November 2008.
International Nurses Day is celebrated around the world every May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.
Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson has received a report into the reasons for the collapse of the Stadium Southland roof on 18 September 2010.
The detailed technical investigation was written by Hyland and StructureSmith. It explains the roof collapsed because of a combination of factors including heavy snowfall, construction defects and design problems.
“These are serious issues that have been properly investigated. The Department of Building and Housing has accepted the findings and recommendations of the report, which will be communicated to building owners and councils,” Mr Williamson said.
Mr Williamson said New Zealand’s building standards are among the best in the world and are continually refined and updated to reflect international best practice.
The Department has referred the investigation report to the NZ Police and the Department of Labour, and provided a copy to IPENZ – the body responsible for monitoring the competence of engineers.
State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall today announced new appointments and reappointments across a number of SOEs.
“This is a group of highly capable new directors. I also wish to acknowledge the retirement of Landcorp Farming’s chair Hon Jim Sutton.”
“Mr Sutton has served as Chair of Landcorp Farming since August 2006 and made a significant impact on the company’s performance and management of a large asset base”.
Serving director and chartered accountant, Bill Baylis has taken over as Chair of Landcorp Farming and has served on the board since 2009. He is a director on the boards of Dunedin City Holdings Ltd, Helicopters NZ Ltd, Port of Tauranga Ltd and Carisbrook Stadium Trust. His other chair positions are with Blackhead Quarries Ltd, Dairy Holdings Ltd and Real Journeys Ltd. He has extensive governance experience, with previous chair experience on a number of private sector company boards such as Anderson Lloyd Lawyers and Australasian Food Holdings (Australia) Ltd’s subsidiaries including Huttons Kiwi Ltd, Tip Top NZ Ltd and Mainland Products Ltd. He is also the former chair of PGG Wrightson Ltd and United Electricity Ltd.
Mr Ryall confirmed that two deputy chairs will be retiring from their SOE boards in this appointment round: Serving NZ Post director, Murray Gribben, will become Deputy chair, and serving director, Raewyn Lovett, will become Deputy Chair of Quotable Value.
New directors on SOE boards are:
Mr Ryall thanked all retiring board members for their efforts and service.
One year into the Decade of Action for Road Safety, there is still much to be done to reduce the rate of death and injury on our roads says Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges.
“Last year, New Zealand was the first country in the world to mark the United Nations and World Health Organisation’s call on May 11 for a Decade of Action for Road Safety. We have made great strides in reducing deaths on our roads but we still rank below many other developed countries and there is more we can do,” says Mr Bridges.
New Zealand released its Safer Journeys Action Plan 2011/12 on May 11 last year. The plan builds on the government’s Safer Journeys Road Safety Strategy 2010 to 2020 and is an across-the-board approach to road safety, looking at all aspects of the road system.
“Since the Decade of Action was launched, we have continued to take steps through our Safer Journeys strategy. We have changed give way rules, lowered alcohol limits for young drivers, launched targeted education for young drivers on the issues of speed and drink driving, strengthened driver licence tests and progressed work on building safer roads.
“We will continue this progress throughout the decade, with Safer Journeys setting actions to 2020.
“There are also steps all New Zealanders can take, like using common sense and caution on the roads, driving to the conditions and making safety a priority when purchasing a vehicle.”
New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) is working well overall, says Climate Change Issues Minister Tim Groser.
Speaking at the opening of a carbon sink forest in Marlborough owned by NZ Carbon Farming, Mr Groser says that the NZ ETS was creating the desired shift towards renewable energy and investment in forestry. There were also early signs that business was factoring the scheme into its longer-term investment decisions.
“In the forestry sector, we have left behind the unprecedented levels of deforestation that occurred in the years up to the introduction of the NZ ETS, and are now seeing good net gains in afforestation,” says Mr Groser.
“While we lost 30,000 hectares between 2005 and 2009, we have seen a net increase of 6000 hectares in 2010 and an estimated 12,000 for 2011.
“Anyone familiar with the forestry sector, however, would know that this is small beer when measured against potential plantings.”
Submissions on the proposed changes to the NZ ETS close today, following an independent review of the scheme last year. The review, entitled “Doing Our Fair Share,” considered the operation and impact of the scheme in relation to New Zealand’s economic and environmental goals.
“These proposed changes will enable New Zealand to do its fair share while ensuring that the NZ ETS doesn’t impact unreasonably on business and households,” says Mr Groser.
The Government welcomes the confirmation today of the conditional sale of the Pike River Coal Mine assets to Solid Energy, the Minister of Energy and Resources, Phil Heatley, said tonight.
“The sale, conditional on a number of mostly procedural matters including transfer of the mining permit, is a positive step towards determining the future of resource development at the mine,” he said.
“The Government’s expectations on body recovery haven’t changed. Solid Energy will be expected to take all reasonable steps to recover the remains of the men in the Pike River mine in conjunction with any commercial mining at Pike River in future, provided such an operation is safe, technically feasible and financially credible.
“The Government is committed to the recovery of the bodies, as long as it means no further risk to human life.”
The Government and Solid Energy have entered into an agreement regarding body recovery to formalise the Government’s expectations. The letter of agreement is attached.
Background
Pike River Coal Limited (PRC) was placed in receivership on 13 December 2010 and has remained in receivership to this date, managed by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. On 9 March 2012, Solid Energy and the receivers announced a conditional agreement to sell PRC’s assets to Solid Energy, subject to Solid Energy carrying out due diligence.
Solid Energy has completed its due diligence and today signed a formal sale and purchase agreement with PRC, conditional on a number of mostly procedural matters.
Pike_River_body_recovery (pdf 133.15 KB)
A bill strengthening bail laws to improve public safety had its first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Judith Collins says.
The Bail Amendment Bill makes it harder for those accused of serious offences to get bail, and improves the integrity and operational effectiveness of our bail system.
“This 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.
“New Zealanders deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. Our proposed changes will make it harder for the worst alleged offenders with a high risk of serious offending to get bail.
“This Government is committed to bail laws that make New Zealand safer, protect the public, and put victims at the heart of our criminal justice system.
“I urge anyone with an interest in our bail laws to make a submission to the Law and Order Select Committee that will be considering the Bill,” Ms Collins says.
Amendments to bail fall into the following broad categories:
The Bill will:
The Bail Amendment Bill follows the Government’s commitment to review aspects of the bail system to ensure it achieves the right balance between public safety and the defendant’s criminal process rights. The Government consulted the public on the changes in early 2011.
The Bail Amendment Bill has now been referred to the Law and Order Select Committee.
More information on the Government’s review of parts of the bail system is available at http://justice.govt.nz/policy/criminal-justice/bail-amendment-bill.
Bail Amendment Bill Q+A (pdf 43.66 KB)
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has expressed his condolences following the death of former Cook Island Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Henry.
“On behalf of New Zealand, I offer my thoughts to Lady Louisa, the Henry family and to the people of the Cook Islands who have lost a key figure in their recent history,” Mr McCully says.
Sir Geoffrey, who was 72, twice served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands - in 1983 and from 1989-1999. In 1992 he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth.
“I met with Sir Geoffrey regularly over the years and appreciated his forthright views, his colourful personality and lively character,” Mr McCully says.
Most recently he served as Speaker of the House and President of the Cook Islands Olympic Committee.
More patients will get operations sooner as a result of a $7 million investment announced by Health Minister Tony Ryall.
The funding of $7 million will expand productivity programmes led by surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre nurses and other health professionals to improve quality and reduce delays for patients having operations.
The extra funding has been awarded to 11 district health boards (DHBs) to implement 21 projects which cover all aspects of surgery, from a patient’s first specialist appointment, to their surgery, recovery and follow up appointments. Projects being implemented include:
• The Productive Operating Theatre (TPOT) programme, which improves the way operating theatres are run. For example, keeping equipment in set places so theatre time isn’t wasted trying to find equipment.
12 DHBs are now implementing TPOT in 43 operating theatres with, South Canterbury, Nelson Marlborough, Taranaki and Northland DHBs being funded this year.
• Improving pre-admission procedures to reduce the number of surgeries cancelled or delayed. The way patients are prepared for surgery is being redesigned at Nelson Marlborough and Taranaki DHBs this year.
• The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme to help people recover more quickly and safely after their operation so they have fewer complications and get home to their families sooner.
Bay of Plenty DHB is being funded for an ERAS project this year for patients who have had colon surgery which will then be rolled out to Waikato, Taranaki, Lakes and Tairawhiti DHBs. Counties Manukau, Southern and Capital & Coast DHBs are also implementing the ERAS programme this year. “DHBs are reporting significant improvements since the productivity programmes were launched in 2010,” say Mr Ryall.
“Tauranga Hospital has reduced the number of patients being cancelled on the day of surgery by 70 per cent through changing their pre-admission process. A nurse now phones patients before their surgery to identify patients too unwell for surgery so they can be rescheduled and another patient booked in. This means fewer empty spots on operating theatre schedules.
“Counties Manukau DHB has halved the average stay in hospital for patients who have had colon surgery from eight days to four days through the productivity programme. Patients are returning to their families sooner, without compromising their health.
Last year $8.6 million was awarded to 13 DHBs to implement 30 projects.
“This Government is committed to providing more New Zealanders with elective surgery. An extra 500 people a week are getting operations, compared to 2008, and with these programmes clinicians believe they can provide even more operations with the same resources.
Budget 2012 will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan.
Delivered by His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, on the occasion of the State Opening of Parliament, Wednesday 21 December 2011
February 22nd, 2011. It is a date permanently etched into all our minds. A date that will go down in the history of New Zealand as one of our darkest days.
As you know, the Government has had a very strong focus on welfare over the last three years.
Given the spotlight that has been on the corporation in recent weeks, this is a good time for me to set out the Government’s priorities for the next few years.
It’s a great privilege to have won the trust and goodwill of New Zealanders for a second term in Government.
It’s a privilege for me to be here with so many people who are committed to the health and wellbeing of our young people.
This edition of Key Notes covers the second Nuclear Security Summit, a number of meetings I had with world leaders during that trip, the 1 April increases to superannuation and benefits, and progress on our welfare reforms.