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Building a Brighter Future
Prime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation.
Budget 2012 will deliver funding that is firmly focused on raising student achievement, says Education Minister Hekia Parata.
The recovery of Canterbury is on track and is starting to hit its stride, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says.
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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Associate Education Minister, Craig Foss will attend the fifth APEC Education Ministers’ Meeting in Gyeongju, Korea next week.
The Korean Ministry of Education Science and Technology and APEC’s Education Network are bringing together Education Ministers, academics and senior officials from the 21 APEC economies.
The group will review progress on collaborative education projects and set the direction for a new four-year work programme.
“Like most economies, we are looking at ways that education can contribute to prosperity and 21st century economic development – development that is balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure,’’ says Mr Foss.
A key focus of the APEC education network is to enhance regional integration and the interoperability of frameworks.
There is also interest in the development of standards-based curricula and assessment approaches where New Zealand has been identified as leader.
Mr Foss will also spend time in Seoul where he will meet with officials from the Korean business and finance sectors.
The Government’s world-class ultra-fast broadband initiative continues to gather pace throughout New Zealand, with work starting in Invercargill and Hawera, Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams says.
Work to build an Ultra-Fast Broadband (UFB) network got underway in Invercargill today, while deployment starts in Hawera on Monday.
When work begins in Hawera, UFB deployment will have commenced in 20 towns or cities.
Ms Adams says the rollout of UFB is an innovative programme that will see New Zealand leapfrog its competitors to become one of the most connected countries in the world.
“New Zealanders are hungry for faster internet speeds and are excited about the opportunities for innovation that it will bring.
“UFB will change the way we work, the way we learn, the way we receive healthcare and the way we live our lives.”
In Invercargill, the UFB build to be undertaken by Chorus will cover more than 18,000 premises.
Progress will be fast, with more than 5000 premises, including four schools, able to be connected to fibre by July next year.
The schools are:
Ultrafast Fibre Ltd is contracted to roll out fibre-optic cable to about 163,000 premises in Hamilton, Tauranga, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Hawera and Tokoroa. Work in Hawera will reach more than 3500 homes, schools, health centres and businesses over the next three years. “The Government’s broadband plans will help create a step-change for our economy. Taking fast broadband to the home will bring significant gains for our output, invention, and global reach,” Ms Adams says.
Five bowel cancers and five cancerous polyps have been detected in the first few months of the four year bowel screening pilot at Waitemata District Health Board.
Health Minister Tony Ryall, who is visiting the Bowel Screening Coordination Centre in Takapuna today, says international evidence shows that a screening programme can significantly reduce the number of people who die from bowel cancer, through early diagnosis and treatment.
“Bowel cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer death in New Zealand, but if it is detected early, as can happen in a screening programme, there is a very good chance of long term survival.
“The pilot programme began at Waitemata District Health Board late last year, and to date more than 7,500 screening kits have been returned and tested. Of those around 490 people have been offered a diagnostic colonoscopy as blood was found in their sample - a possible sign of bowel cancer.
A colonoscopy can identify if a person has cancer or pre-cancerous polyps.
“These figures are encouraging. They indicate people are receptive to the idea of bowel screening, but it is still early days.
"Towards the end of the pilot the Government will analyse what's worked and what hasn't, and make a decision on rolling out a national programme.
"One of the big constraints will be the workforce to do colonoscopies and work is underway to better understand demand and capacity to ensure the current workforce is being used in the most efficient way.
People aged 50 to 74 years who live in the Waitemata District Health Board area are eligible to take part in the programme. They are sent a simple bowel screening test kit in the post that they can complete at home and post to a designated laboratory for analysis. They receive their results within three weeks.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says a thorough review of the state of the land in Parklands East following the December 23 earthquake has shown the original decision to zone the area green remains appropriate.
Properties in Parklands East were zoned green and given Department of Building and Housing (DBH) Technical Category 3 (TC3).
“Analysis shows Parklands East’s original zoning is consistent with the approach used in all of the flat land zoning, and despite further liquefaction in December it does not meet the criteria to be zoned red,” Mr Brownlee said.
“It is possible for houses in Parklands East to be repaired or rebuilt on an individual basis; there is no need for area-wide land treatment.
“Technical guidance on appropriate foundation treatments for TC3 properties has been prepared by DBH and should be followed,” Mr Brownlee said.
Christchurch City Council has also advised CERA that repair of horizontal infrastructure in Parklands East is feasible.
“Further information about building and repairing properties in TC3 areas will be delivered to Parklands East residents today and tomorrow, and two community meetings will be held next week to further inform residents of their status and options,” Mr Brownlee said.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today announced the final decision in almost 11 months of flat land residential zoning in Canterbury.
“Today’s news delivers certainty to the owners of 401 properties in Southshore West, following a long and frustrating wait,” Mr Brownlee said.
“It brings the number of residential properties zoned red because they are unsuitable for residential occupation to 7256.”
The first of eight zoning decisions (including today’s) affecting over 150,000 houses on flat land in greater Christchurch was made on 23 June 2011.
“We always said the final zoning decisions would be the most difficult, because the nature of the damage and options for remediation were less clear cut than in the areas zoned earlier, but Southshore West has proved particularly challenging.
“Southshore West suffered major lateral spreading along the edge of the estuary in last February’s quake, in some places over a metre.
“For that reason, and because treatment to prevent future lateral spreading would be invasive for people already living in damaged homes and take a number of years, 198 of the 401 properties in Southshore West closest to the estuary have been zoned red.
“The owners of these properties are now eligible to receive a Government offer of purchase,” Mr Brownlee said.
A recently announced change to the offer period means the owners of today’s red zoned properties will have 12 months from the date on the offer letter to select an option and return the sale and purchase agreement to the Crown.
The remaining 203 properties in Southshore West have been zoned green, in Department of Building and Housing (DBH) Technical Category 3. Owners of these properties can now begin the process of making necessary repairs or rebuilding on their land.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) will now hold community meetings to help all affected residents understand what the announcement means and their options.
“Earthquake Support Coordinators and the Red Cross will be visiting all rezoned properties in the Southshore West area today, and will leave further information at those properties where no one is home when they visit,” Mr Brownlee said.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today announced the green zoning of 421 residential properties in the Port Hills, leaving 1679 houses still under review.
“This announcement is part of an ongoing programme of technical modelling and mapping work to determine risks from rockfall and cliff collapse, and the feasibility of addressing those hazards,” Mr Brownlee said.
Parallel work streams by the Christchurch City Council (CCC) and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) are progressively creating a clear picture of where the greatest risks to habitation in the event of major earthquakes exist, and how those risks might be mitigated.
CCC-commissioned work by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) and the Port Hills Geotechnical Group of engineers is complementing a CERA-commissioned three-dimensional rockfall study by Christchurch company Geovert, with support from Austrian rockfall specialists, and advice from experts at Italy’s University of Milan.
“As more information becomes available we’ll be able to announce decisions for the remaining properties in the white zone,” Mr Brownlee said.
Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew today announced a new goal to double the number of businesses in the SuperGold scheme to 3,000 by the end of 2014. “We have seen good progress with 100 new businesses joining the scheme in the last few months and I’m ambitious to see it expand further,” said Mrs Goodhew. “The ability for cardholders to access discounts when visiting in Australia has been well received. Queensland Rail has also recently come on board offering up to a 15 per cent discount for SuperGold Card holders.” “The free off-peak transport concessions in New Zealand continue to be very popular with over 28 million trips taken by cardholders in the last three years.” Since 2008 the SuperGold scheme has grown by 44 per cent. There are now over 1,500 participating businesses representing more than 5,800 outlets nationwide. “Our focus now is to extend the network outside of the main city centres and keep increasing the value for people living in provincial or rural areas,” said Mrs Goodhew. “SuperGold Card holders can also help promote the scheme by asking their local businesses why they aren’t signed up.” The Ministry of Social Development administers the SuperGold scheme and it is free for businesses to join. Businesses interested in finding out how they can join the programme should visit the website www.supergold.govt.nz or email businesspartners@supergold.govt.nz. Currently there are over 590,000 SuperGold Card holders with around 60,000 new people joining each year.
Trade Minister Tim Groser today welcomed the second ASEAN-CER Integration Partnership Forum, scheduled to take place in Manila, the Philippines, on 19 May.
“New Zealand and Australia have been working towards a Single Economic Market across the Tasman for over thirty years,” Mr Groser says.
“Southeast Asia has an ambitious timetable to create the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.
“Even though we are different in many ways, Australia, New Zealand, and the countries of ASEAN have experiences to share. There is no monopoly on good ideas,” Mr Groser says.
The Philippines Government will host the Forum, and the keynote speaker will be the Chief Economist from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. New Zealand and Australian speakers will include senior figures from government, business and academia.
“The seminar will focus on trade in services. In the coming century, services trade will be the engine that drives the global economy, and Asia will be the world’s economic powerhouse. So this is a vital area for ASEAN.
“Governments have an important job to do to make the environment for business more predictable and less burdensome, at home and abroad. We have done that with CER – and created a springboard to other markets.
“ASEAN has enormous potential to do the same. A dynamic, fully integrated Southeast Asia is good for ASEAN and good for New Zealand and Australia,” Mr Groser says.
The initiative complements the landmark ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA (AANZFTA) concluded in 2009.
“When we signed that FTA, we were acknowledging that regional economic integration is the best way to deliver sustained economic growth. This is a practical way to swap ideas on how to take the next steps towards wider economic integration most effectively,” says Mr Groser.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter and Environment Minister Amy Adams are welcoming further progress in New Zealand’s fresh water management with the release today of the Land and Water Forum’s second report.
The report on fresh water governance and setting limits continues the work on water reform initiated by the Government in 2009 and builds on the Forum’s first report released in 2010.
“This second report will help establish clearer national direction on how councils set objectives and limits for fresh water quality and quantity, in line with the National Policy Statement introduced by the Government last year,” Mr Carter says.
“The Forum’s report also considers how communities can have more say on setting those objectives through the greater use of collaborative processes.”
Ms Adams says the Forum has made excellent progress in finding agreement on some of the complex issues around fresh water management.
“We thank the Forum for its work so far. We are impressed with the way the members, who represent very diverse interests, have worked together to tackle often highly contentious issues,” she says.
“There is plenty to consider in this report, including how the recommendations could be progressed within the wider work the Government is doing to reform the resource management system.”
Mr Carter and Ms Adams say they will now carefully consider the report, and also look forward to receiving the Land and Water Forum’s third report later in the year.
“The Government will then be in a position to develop durable policies on fresh water management, based on the complete package of recommendations,” the Ministers say.
The Land and Water Forum Report can be viewed at www.landandwater.org.nz
Prime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation. “The Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return their lives to normal,” says Mr Key. Mr Key is visiting The Muse Community Music Trust at Wainoni School today - an after-school music programme which received $10,000 for new musical instruments in the Fund’s first round of grants. “Grassroots organisations like The Muse are local hubs and bring communities together – and they’re particularly valuable for the children in Christchurch’s east, many of whom have had their homes and schools damaged and extra-curricular activities disrupted. “Those community groups in Christchurch which work with young people, and want to keep making a difference, are encouraged to apply to the Fund during its second round of grants, which opens on May 28.” The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund will award grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 to grassroots organisations, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects and capital or infrastructure projects. The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was launched by Mr Key, and is the Government’s official, global fundraiser for the recovery effort for Christchurch and the Canterbury region. The Trust has committed funds of around $43 million to a variety of projects, including the Re:Start container mall in Cashel Street, the new Christchurch Stadium and the Court Theatre. Over $50 million remains to be allocated, with the Trust intending to disburse the majority during 2012.
For more information or to donate, go to http://christchurchappealtrust.org.nz/
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.”
Budget 2012 will make available $143.7 million over the next four years to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
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.”
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.