New Zealand National Party

Minister concerned at Hectors dolphin deaths

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:42:00 GMT

Hon Kate Wilkinson | Conservation

Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson was shocked to learn of the discovery of a pair of endangered Hectors dolphins that washed up inside a marine sanctuary.

The two dolphins were found entangled in a fishing net on the beach near the Waimakariri River mouth yesterday, around 30km inside the northern limit of the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

The 413,000 hectare zone covers Banks Peninsula and stretches north to the Waipara River.

Under fisheries legislation set netting is banned along most of the east coast of the South Island out to four nautical miles.

“This should never have happened. The marine mammal sanctuary is a key area for Hectors Dolphin and is designed to protect them,“ Ms Wilkinson says.

“These dolphins were found on the beach well inside the sanctuary, which means there is a distinct possibility this was the result of illegal fishing activity.”

Ms Wilkinson has condemned the incident as the law requires anyone who captures a protected species as bycatch to report it to the authorities.

“Anyone who accidentally captures an endangered mammal must report it. There are only around 7,000 Hectors left ."

"Reporting incidents provides valuable data about the population which allow us to make decisions about how to best manage the species."

The Department of Conservation will work closely with MAF who are investigating the matter further.

Family Court users asked to have their say

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:28:00 GMT

Hon Judith Collins | Justice

Justice Minister Judith Collins today urged people who have used the Family Court to submit their views on how to improve its services before the Family Court Review closes at the end of the month.

The review aims to ensure the court effectively meets the needs of users and that services are cost-effective and affordable.

“The Family Court can play an important role in New Zealanders’ lives during difficult times, so it’s critical the system is working well for the families and vulnerable people who use it,” Ms Collins said.

The Family Court is the second busiest court in New Zealand. In 2009/10 it provided services to 58,000 families and handled 66,976 applications.

“We’re reviewing the way the court works to make sure it is responsive to people’s needs and that New Zealanders are getting the best value and outcomes from the court.

“We want to hear from people who have used the Family Court – what their expectations and their experiences were, and how they think services could be improved.

“We would like to hear also from lawyers, counsellors, and others providing professional services in the Family Court,” Ms Collins said.

The review was announced in April last year and a consultation paper and online survey were released on the Ministry website last September. The consultation paper can also be viewed at any District Court.

The public has until 29 February to submit feedback that will help shape proposals to be presented to Cabinet later this year.

Running up $5-$7b more debt not the answer

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hon Bill English | Finance

Opponents of the Government’s mixed ownership programme need to explain to New Zealanders why it would be better to borrow an extra $5 billion to $7 billion from overseas lenders, Finance Minister Bill English says.

Speaking to an Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Massey University business lunch today, he said the challenge was how the Government pays for forecast growth in taxpayers’ assets over the next few years.

“Taxpayers own $245 billion of assets, and this is forecast to grow to $267 billion over the next four years. So we are not reducing our assets. Our challenge is how we pay for their growth, while getting on top of our debt.”

The rationale for offering New Zealanders minority stakes in four energy companies and Air New Zealand is quite simple, Mr English says.

“First, the Government gets to free up $5 billion to $7 billion – less than 3 per cent of its total assets – to invest in other public assets like modern schools and hospitals, without having to borrow in volatile overseas markets.

“Our political opponents need to honestly explain to New Zealanders why it would be better to borrow this $5 billion to $7 billion from overseas lenders at a time when the world is awash with debt and consequent risks.

“We would rather pay dividends to New Zealanders on shares they own in the energy companies than pay interest to overseas lenders on more borrowing.

“The fact is, the Government is spending and borrowing more than it can afford into the future. So it makes sense to reorganise the Government’s assets and redeploy capital to priority areas without having to borrow more.

“Most nights on television, we see the consequences of countries in Europe and elsewhere borrowing too much. We don’t want that for New Zealand.”

Secondly, under the mixed ownership programme New Zealanders will get an opportunity to invest in big Kiwi companies so they can diversify their growing savings away from property and finance companies.

“Counting the Government’s controlling shareholding, we’re confident 85-90 per cent of these companies will be owned by New Zealanders, who will be at the front of the queue for shares.”

Thirdly, mixed ownership will be good for the companies themselves, Mr English says.

“Greater transparency and oversight from being listed on the stock exchange will improve their performance and the companies won’t have to depend entirely on a cash-strapped government for new capital to grow.

“We already have a living, breathing and successful example of mixed ownership in Air New Zealand, which is 75 per cent owned by the Government and 25 per cent by private shareholders.”

In his speech, Mr English reiterated the Government’s economic programme this term would focus on rebuilding and strengthening the economy.
It’s main priorities are:

Responsibly managing the Government’s finances.
Building a more productive and competitive economy.
Delivering better public services within tight financial constraints.
Rebuilding Christchurch.

“So there will be no big surprises from this Government,” Mr English says. “We have laid out our economic plan and Budget 2012 will focus on implementing that plan.”

Speech to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Massey University

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hon Bill English | Finance

Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure to join you here today.

My thanks to Michael and the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, and Steve and Massey University, for inviting me back to this annual event.

It’s now almost three months since John Key’s National-led Government was returned for a second term.

So today I want to outline the cornerstones of the policy programme you can expect from the Government over the next three years.

In its first term, the Government showed it can deliver strong and stable government in difficult times.

We worked constructively with a number of other parties in Parliament for the benefit of New Zealand and New Zealanders. We’ll continue to do that.

As the Prime Minister said last month, the next three years will be about rebuilding and strengthening the economy. We have set out a clear and comprehensive economic programme to achieve that.

In particular, we want a more competitive economy that sells more to the rest of the world. We want an economy that supports more jobs and higher incomes.
Compared to a lot of other countries, we’re in pretty good shape.

The New Zealand economy will continue to expand in 2012.

It has now grown in nine of the past 10 quarters, despite a number of headwinds – including the European debt crisis, the Canterbury earthquakes and a high exchange rate.

Looking ahead, New Zealand has a number of opportunities that will provide impetus for solid growth over the next three years.

The rebuilding of Christchurch will help drive domestic activity. Some $20 billion will be spent in Canterbury over the next few years, and we’re only in the early stages of this huge and complex project.

The rebuild is expected to add 1.25 percentage points to annual growth every year between 2012 and 2016.

In addition, our two largest trading partners, Australia and China, are forecast to maintain relatively high growth rates.

And our terms of trade will remain elevated on the back of demand for our major export commodities from emerging markets.

So we have a sound longer-term outlook. We’re making progress, despite the headwinds.

But we shouldn’t get too tied up with year to year fluctuations in forecasts and official data. What’s important is building a solid platform for sustainable long-term growth and competitiveness.

And it’s important to keep New Zealand’s outlook in context.

Despite the slightly weaker near-term forecasts, New Zealand is still expected to grow more strongly over the next two years than the Euro area, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States and Canada.

There are some risks. Global growth could be weaker than the Treasury and others are forecasting, depending on how European policymakers manage their debt and economic challenges.

The Government is closely watching these global developments and we’ll provide a full economic and fiscal update with Budget 2012 later this year.

The Government’s economic programme

To ensure that New Zealand is well placed to grasp its opportunities – and withstand the global challenges that will continue to come our way - the Government has set out a clear economic plan for this term.

Our main priorities are:

Responsibly managing the Government’s finances.
Building a more productive and competitive economy.
Delivering better public services within tight financial constraints.
Rebuilding Christchurch.

So there will be no big surprises from this Government – and I make no apologies for that.

If I had to sum it up, Budget 2012 will focus on implementing that plan.

I’ll now expand on each of our four priorities and give you some examples of how they’re delivering results.

Responsibly managing the Government’s finances

First, let me explain why the Government is focused on responsibly managing its finances – and in particular getting back to budget surplus in 2014/15.

Every household and business knows how important it is to live within their means by budgeting carefully and deciding on priorities.

It’s no different for the Government.

Between 2000 and 2009, total core Crown expenditure jumped by about 85 per cent – from $35 billion to $64 billion.

When the Global Financial Crisis struck three years ago, we said it was entirely appropriate for the Government to continue spending to absorb some of the shock on its own balance sheet.

If we exclude earthquake costs, core Crown expenses will increase by another $7.4 billion to a forecast $71.4 billion in the three years to June this year.

But we also made it clear that this could not continue forever. At some point, the Government would have to tighten up its spending and stop the increase in public debt.

We told public sector chief executives to look at their own operations and tell us how they could be improved to deliver better services with little or no new money. We gave them time to do that.

We’re now at that point. That means we’ll see quite a change in how public services are delivered.

This will also help general productivity in the economy. The public sector represents about a quarter of the real economy and it has been a drag on overall productivity.

In the election campaign, we made a commitment to return to surplus by 2014/15. This was always going to be a challenge, requiring tight control over spending for the foreseeable future.

The Budget Policy Statement last week confirmed we’re on track to achieve that.

Given the events overseas, especially in Europe, the updated forecast $370 million surplus in 2014/15 is understandably smaller than the $1.45 billion forecast in the Pre-Election Update.

I’ve been asked how bad things would need to get in Europe to throw New Zealand’s recovery off track and force the Government to rethink its path back to surplus.
It’s worth remembering three things:

First, we need to keep this in perspective. New Zealand’s exports to Europe, the UK and the US amount to just over 20 per cent of our total exports. The other 80 per cent of our exports go to faster-growing economies – the bulk of them to Asia and Australia.

Second, the track record of European politicians so far is that, in the end, they generally take the measures needed to stabilise their immediate problems – once they realise that doing nothing will make things much worse.

And finally, I think New Zealand is in better shape, and our banks are better placed now than they were in 2008, to withstand a crisis in world financial markets.

Should a meltdown in Europe get so bad that it sends the world into recession, the Government would need to look carefully at what that would mean for New Zealand and our public finances – and take the appropriate steps. Other countries would have to do the same.

But I don’t expect things will get that bad. We’re firmly committed to returning to surplus in 2014/15 and focused on what we can influence to make the economy more competitive.

We’re also improving how we manage the Government’s large and growing balance sheet. Taxpayers own $245 billion of assets, and this is forecast to grow to $267 billion over the next four years.

So we are not reducing taxpayers’ assets. Our challenge is how we pay for their growth, while getting on top of our debt.

Instead of borrowing all the money we need, we will free up some capital from within our existing asset base.

Merits of the mixed ownership programme

That’s why we’re proceeding with the mixed ownership programme. As we promised, we’re selling minority stakes in four energy companies and Air New Zealand, with New Zealanders at the front of the queue for shares.

The rationale is quite simple.

First, the Government gets to free up $5 billion to $7 billion – less than 3 per cent of its total assets – to invest in other public assets like modern schools and hospitals, without having to borrow in volatile overseas markets.

Our political opponents need to honestly explain to New Zealanders why it would be better to borrow this $5 to $7 billion from overseas lenders at a time when the world is awash with debt and consequent risks.

We would rather pay dividends to New Zealanders on shares they own in the energy companies than pay interest to overseas lenders on more borrowing.

The fact is, the Government is spending and borrowing more than it can afford into the future. So it makes sense to reorganise the Government’s assets and redeploy capital to priority areas without having to borrow more.

Most nights on television, we see the consequences of countries in Europe and elsewhere borrowing too much. We don’t want that for New Zealand.

Secondly, under the mixed ownership programme New Zealanders will get an opportunity to invest in big Kiwi companies at a time when they are telling us they want to diversify their growing savings away from property and finance companies.

Counting the Government’s controlling shareholding, we’re confident 85-90 per cent of these companies will be owned by New Zealanders.

And thirdly, it’s good for the companies themselves. Greater transparency and oversight from being listed on the stock exchange will improve their performance and the companies won’t have to depend entirely on a cash-strapped government for new capital to grow.

We already have a living, breathing and successful example of mixed ownership in Air New Zealand, which is 75 per cent owned by the Government and 25 per cent by private shareholders.

So that’s why we’re offering New Zealanders minority stakes in these companies and putting them at the front of the queue for shares – as we said we would before the election.

Building a more competitive and productive economy

Our second economic priority is building a more competitive and productive economy.

It’s important to understand the Government’s role here. Our role is not to worry about fluctuations in economic indicators from month to month or quarter to quarter.

The Government’s main role is to look out over the next five years or more and set a policy framework that helps the economy become more competitive and productive in the longer term.

That’s precisely what we’re doing through our economic programme.

Take, for instance:

Our tax package in the 2010 Budget which increased taxes on consumption and property speculation, and reduced taxes on work and saving.
Our requirement for government agencies to deliver better public services at less cost.
Our changes to regulations, including a six-month time limit for consenting medium-sized projects under the Resource Management Act.
Our multi-billion dollar infrastructure programme.
Our focus on changing the incentives around welfare and work.
And reducing costs on business – for example, ACC levies on employers and the self-employed will fall by 22 per cent this year, reducing total costs to business each year by about $250 million.

All of these long-term policies are aimed squarely at building a more competitive economy based on more savings, exports and productive investment, and less borrowing, consumption and property speculation.

The Government detailed its economic programme before the election in our 120-point economic action plan. There are not one or two magic things that will transform the economy – literally, we need to do more than 100 things well.

Steven Joyce and I are working on the next steps in the action plan, and we’ll provide an update on progress in the next few months. That will clearly show the progress we’re making on existing initiatives and we’ll add new ones as we move forward.

The Prime Minister has reorganised a number of ministerial portfolios to ensure we focus strongly on creating conditions that encourage businesses to grow.
No policy works unless or until a business decides to invest or employ.

Taxpayers invest large amounts of money supporting inputs to business – such as skills and training – as well as regulating their activities.

We need to ensure these activities support growth.

And we need to ensure this is coordinated and delivers results.

For example, in the science and innovation area, we have a tertiary sector with a role; economic development with a role through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise grants; and we’ve also got the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

By putting them all together under one minister in Steven Joyce, we get more cohesive and effective policy.

Better public services with little or no new money

Our third priority is delivering better public services within tight budgets.

New Zealanders are rightly demanding better services delivered in innovative and more effective ways.

They expect world-class health services for their families. They want every child to be educated so they can fulfil their potential and contribute to society.

And they want the most vulnerable New Zealanders protected through the justice and welfare systems.

As the Government has made clear, in the current tight fiscal environment those services need to be delivered with little or no extra money.

As we’ve seen in the past, simply throwing money at problems doesn’t work.

The Government’s approach is based firmly on improving results – and providing the resources for that to happen in priority areas.

In education, for example, we’re improving performance measurement and accountability in schools, and we’ll invest $1 billion of mixed ownership model proceeds in modernising New Zealand schools.

In welfare, we’ll move quickly in the next few months to get our reform programme underway.

It’s staggering that around one in eight New Zealanders aged 18 to 64 is on a benefit, and about half of them have spent at least five of the past 10 years on a benefit.
That’s not only bad for the beneficiaries and their children, it’s a waste for society and taxpayers.

So we need to provide beneficiaries - particularly long-term beneficiaries - with support and better incentives from public agencies to help them move off welfare.

Rebuilding Christchurch

Finally, the Government’s other priority is rebuilding Christchurch.

One year on from the devastating earthquake on 22 February last year, the Government is absolutely committed to rebuilding our second largest city.

We set aside $5.5 billion in Budget 2011 for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Fund; we set up the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority; and we passed special legislation so the Government can step in where required to remove barriers to reconstruction.

My colleague Gerry Brownlee is doing an outstanding job in difficult circumstances.

We need to remember the scale of the Canterbury earthquakes. It’s not only unprecedented in New Zealand, but we can’t find a natural disaster in the world that has had such a large impact on a developed economy.

The cost of damage is estimated at more than $20 billion, so it’s without doubt the biggest economic project we’ve seen in this country.

Unfortunately, ongoing earthquakes have delayed the rebuild. This is understandably frustrating for the people of Christchurch.

As the Prime Minister has said, the Government will continue to stand with the people of Canterbury and we’re determined to see that momentum is maintained.
Progress is being made – although not as quickly as many Christchurch people would like.

Construction is underway on about 20 significant commercial buildings within the four avenues of the central city.

Work on around 80 per cent of the 1,400 buildings required to be partially or fully demolished in greater Christchurch has been completed.

And around 200 infrastructure repair projects, worth more than $420 million, are underway across the city.

The residential red zone settlements are progressing well. Almost half of the 6,800 property owners in the residential red zone have formally accepted the Government’s offer to purchase their properties.

More than one third have already settled on their properties, allowing them to move on and restart their lives.

As the rebuild gathers pace, this will provide a significant boost to the Canterbury and New Zealand economies.

Conclusion

In closing, I’d like to reiterate that New Zealand is in a good position to take advantage of the opportunities we have as a country.

I have no doubt the coming 12 months will be extremely busy and, at times, quite challenging for the Government as it controls spending and reduces deficits.

We will stick to the very clear plan I’ve talked about today. Budget 2012 will be about implementing that plan.

New Zealanders have shown remarkable resilience in the face of some significant challenges over the past three years.

That’s why I’m confident that we will overcome whatever challenges come our way in the next three years.

That’s also why I’m confident that we’ll build the brighter future New Zealanders deserve.

Thank you.

Government completes Maori consultation

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:32:00 GMT

Hon Bill English, Hon Tony Ryall | Finance - State Owned Enterprises

The Government has completed consultation with Maori on removing the mixed ownership companies from the State Owned Enterprises (SOE) Act and will make decisions on new legislation in coming weeks, Finance Minister Bill English and SOE Minister Tony Ryall said today.

"We've completed 10 hui around the country and received about 200 written submissions. It's been an excellent process where Ministers and iwi and hapu have been able to exchange views," the ministers said.

"We've been clear all along the Government won't walk away from its Treaty obligations. We entered this process with an open mind and we've listened closely to the views that have been aired.

"Cabinet is yet to decide the exact details of the new legislation, but in the interests of working towards a satisfactory solution we've indicated to the Waitangi Tribunal and the Iwi Leaders Group the direction of our thinking.

"Subject to Cabinet decisions, the Government intends to include a provision in the new legislation reflecting the concepts of the existing section 9 of the SOEs Act. This preference was clearly expressed to us at the consultation hui."

Section 9 is a general clause requiring that the Crown does not act in a manner that is inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"Cabinet will make final decisions on the exact details of the new legislation in coming weeks.

"We've also outlined to the Tribunal and the Iwi Leaders Group our clear view that the sale of SOE shares won't prejudice iwi rights and interests in water, which will be dealt with through a separate process," the Ministers said.

Ultra-fast broadband comes to Dunedin

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:23:00 GMT

Hon Amy Adams | Communications and IT

The Government’s ultra-fast broadband (UFB) initiative is now underway in Dunedin, bringing future gains to schools, medical facilities, businesses and residents.

This morning Chorus deployed the first UFB-enabling network past Dunedin Hospital.

“I am delighted that this work has started in Dunedin. Together with the UFB build occurring in Ashburton, Christchurch, Rangiora and Blenheim this year, this will provide a real opportunity to boost economic growth and increase productivity in the South Island. These are very exciting times,” says Ms Adams.

The UFB will pass about 1400 homes and businesses, and connect 14 schools in the North Dunedin area by July this year. This is in addition to Chorus’ existing 270km fibre network already in place.

The schools are:

Arthur Street School
Balmacewen Intermediate
Bayfield High School
Carisbrook School
Columba College
George Street Normal School
John McGlashan College
Kavanagh College
King's High School
Maori Hill School
Otago Boys’ High School
Queen's High School
Sawyers Bay School
St Hilda's Collegiate

“Overseas experience tells us that the greatest benefits are to be gained from encouraging early uptake by schools, health providers, government agencies and businesses, and that is why these sectors are the focus of the Government’s five point broadband action plan and are a priority for deployment,” says Ms Adams.

“UFB will revolutionise the way Kiwi firms do business, the way our kids learn and the way our health services deliver to us as patients.”

The Dunedin rollout is supported by a Government contribution of more than $46 million.

New Zealand education system receives international praise

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:52:00 GMT

Hon Hekia Parata | Education

Education Minister, Hekia Parata, has welcomed an OECD report which says the way New Zealand assesses student achievement is world leading.

"The report commends the professionalism of our teachers, the robustness and credibility of NCEA, and the ERO model for its approach to school evaluation,’’ says Ms Parata.

"It also praises our focus on improving teaching and learning.''

New Zealand was one of 24 countries that participated in the OECD Review on Evaluation and Assessment Frameworks for Improving School Outcomes.

The OECD team visited a range of schools in New Zealand and met with various agencies, academics, researchers, stakeholder groups and Māori and Pasifika representatives. They examined student assessment, teacher appraisal, school evaluation, and the overall system.

"The report endorses our evaluation and assessment practices as being high quality and transparent,” says Ms Parata.

"Reporting against national standards will enhance this transparency."

The report shows that on average New Zealand students achieve very well by international standards.

"However our education system is still leaving too many learners behind, including far too many Māori and Pasifika learners, and this is what needs to change,'' says Ms Parata.

"The OECD report says National Standards will improve information about student achievement and progress, and identify the students who need more support.

"It recommends more work is done to implement the Standards, which is exactly what we are focusing on now – ensuring the Standards are further developed and embedded within our schools.”

Ms Parata says the findings of the report will be useful in refining our evaluation and assessment policies, to focus on improving learner outcomes.

For a copy of the report see: www.oecd.org/edu/evaluationpolicy

New product testing facility will protect consumers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:41:00 GMT

Hon Chris Tremain | Consumer Affairs

Consumer Affairs Minister Chris Tremain opened a brand new weights, measures and product safety testing facility in Auckland today.

The new building and laboratory will support testing of petrol pumps, supermarket scales, and other measuring devices to ensure they are accurate. It will also be used to test whether products meet safety standards, and to help monitor fuel quality.

“The work done in this building will affect every single New Zealander,” says Mr Tremain.

“Consumers have a right to know that when they buy 40 litres of petrol, they receive that exact amount. They also have a right to know that the scales at their local supermarket are accurate.

“Product safety is also hugely important. The sale of unsafe goods exposes consumers to unacceptable risk, and it is unfair on the businesses which do invest in testing to make sure their products are safe.”

The building replaces the previous Measurement and Product Safety Service site in Panmure. It has been fitted out with innovative new systems and equipment to better meet current needs.

“This new facility will provide the space and tools to carry out a wider range of checks. Product Safety Officers can test whether products are meeting safety standards, and carry out research into potential harm to determine whether the current standards are sufficient,” says Mr Tremain.

“It will also give enforcement officers more tools to carry out compliance activities, surveillance audits and accreditation to strengthen New Zealand’s already robust weights and measures regime.”

PM: Speech to Latimer Square Christchurch Earthquake Memorial Service

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:30:00 GMT

Rt Hon John Key | Prime Minister

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.

We all remember where we were when we heard the news. Christchurch - our second-largest city and home to 350,000 people - had been struck by an earthquake so violent and destructive that it would go on to claim 185 lives.

February 22nd began as just another summer day here in Canterbury.

It was a Tuesday and all over the region people were going about their usual business. Kids were at school. Office workers were popping out to get a quick bite for lunch. Shoppers were browsing and young students were together in class.

But at 12.51pm that day, everything changed.

At that moment, the city of Christchurch – and the lives of so many people - changed forever.

This morning we remember those who were killed one year ago today by an earthquake which wreaked havoc on an unimaginable scale.

It twisted buildings, tore up roads, destroyed homes and shook us to the core.

Worst of all, it stole 185 loved ones from us and injured so many more.

One year on, the Latimer Square that we are gathered in today is vastly different to what it was in the hours after the earthquake struck.

I shall never forget coming to Latimer Square in the hours after the February 22nd earthquake. People were huddled under blankets, sirens were blaring and dust was thick in the air. There were fires, helicopters with monsoon buckets hovering overhead, and amid all of this, aftershocks continued to shake the very ground that we stand on today.

It was New Zealand – but it was a New Zealand I had never seen before.

Many of you here at this service personally experienced the scenes of devastation that day.

I know they are scenes that will live on in your memories, as they will in mine, for the rest of your lives.

Today I want to particularly acknowledge the families of those who lost a loved one.

Many of you are here and some of you have travelled from other countries to be here. I welcome you.

I know it has been a tough 12 months for you.

There is no pain like that of losing someone you cared so much about. That pain and sorrow is a heavy burden for anyone to carry.

But I want you to know that you have the support of all New Zealanders. The thoughts and sympathies of our small nation are very much with you all today.

I also want to pay tribute to the many people who stepped up to help others after the earthquake.

So many heroes and heroines risked their own lives to save others.

People who, despite being personally affected by the quake, dropped everything to help the person beside them or to answer the call of duty.

There are too many of you to mention. But to the Police, the Fire Service, the ambulance, victim identification and medical teams, the Urban Search and Rescue teams and the international help that poured into our country, I say on behalf of all New Zealanders: thank you.

Today our thoughts are also with the people of Canterbury who have lived through literally thousands of aftershocks over the past year.

Your city looks different. Some of the landmarks you love are damaged or gone altogether, and many of you bear physical as well as mental scars as you rebuild your lives.

On February 22nd, the earthquake took everyday life in Canterbury and tossed it on its head.

But it couldn’t break the spirit you are famous for.

I want to reiterate to the people of Canterbury today that the Government is committed to rebuilding this great city.

We will find answers about what happened through the Royal Commission process, and we will rebuild a new Christchurch.

A Christchurch with a new future, a city that looks different, but carries a renewed vibrancy and energy.

I know that for many Cantabrians, the sadness and anxiety that you feel today is mixed with frustration.

We have a long journey ahead of us.

It will take time to recover from what was the fourth-largest earthquake insurance event experienced in the world. An earthquake so severe that in some places the vertical shaking was more than twice the force of gravity.

But recover and rebuild, we will.

Progress is being made. Roads are being repaired, sewer and water pipes are being reconnected, electricity has been quickly restored, reconstruction is underway and the residential red zone settlement process is moving forward.

The ingenuity that Kiwis are so well known for has been on show. The Re:START shopping area in Cashel Mall demonstrates how people have adapted to new conditions and found a new way forward.

Several large companies have shown their faith in the future of this region and city by announcing new investment here.

That is encouraging, and it emphasises the opportunity we have ahead of us to build a well-planned, 21st century city with top-quality facilities that will be a great place to live.

So in part today is a day to look forward. To dare to dream about what a new vibrant and confident Christchurch will be like.

Today is rightly also a time to pause and reflect. We remember that day and honour those who died, those who were injured, those who selflessly went to the aid of their fellow human beings and those who continue to help get Canterbury back on its feet.

We cannot numb the pain of those who lost loved ones any more than we can bring back those who died.

But together, we can take strength from one another and move forward.

February 22nd will forever be one of the darkest days in this proud nation’s history.

It will also be a day where in the worst of times, the best of human spirit was on display.

That spirit is something that no earthquake can ever take away.

Thank you.

New tower brings faster broadband to rural homes

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:11:00 GMT

Hon Amy Adams | Communications and IT

More rural homes can say goodbye to dial-up internet following today’s launch of the first of 154 new broadband wireless towers, says Minister for Communications and Information Technology Amy Adams.

Ms Adams was on site at Eureka, near Hamilton, to see the tower launched as part of the Government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI).

“The new tower in Eureka represents the first of many that will give rural New Zealand homes and businesses better access to fast broadband – a necessity in today’s world,” says Ms Adams.

The tower was built by Vodafone as part of its contract with the Government to allow more rural communities nationwide to have faster wireless broadband. It represents the first step in a major government initiative to get rural communities connected.

“The RBI is being implemented to address the specific broadband infrastructure needs of rural New Zealand. Over the next five years, it will bring significantly expanded fibre and mobile infrastructure to schools, businesses and homes.

“As part of its RBI contract, Vodafone is required to build broadband wireless towers that are able to be used by other cellular and wireless broadband operators. This ensures there is true competition in the rural wireless telecommunications market.”

To deliver the objectives of the RBI, the Government has contracted Vodafone to deliver fixed wireless broadband to 83 percent of rural New Zealand households and businesses by 2016.

This will bring the total of all New Zealand households with peak speeds of at least 5Mbps to 98.1 percent.

Appointment of Dr David Collins QC as High Court Judge

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:44:00 GMT

Hon Christopher Finlayson | Attorney-General

Solicitor-General David Brian Collins QC has been appointed a Judge of the High Court, Attorney-General Christopher Finlayson announced today.

Justice Collins graduated with an LLB (Hons) (First Class) from Victoria University of Wellington in 1975, subsequently gaining an LLM in 1976 and an LLD in 1993, also both from Victoria University.

Justice Collins commenced practice with Chapman Tripp in 1979, leaving in 1982 to join the firm now known as Rainey Collins, where he subsequently became a partner, specialising in appearances before professional disciplinary tribunals.

He was admitted to the State of Victoria Bar and the High Court of Australia Bar in 1986.

In 1995 he left the partnership to go to the Independent Bar, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2000.

In September 2006 Justice Collins was appointed Solicitor-General and joined the Crown Law Office.

Prior to his appointment as Solicitor-General, Justice Collins was Chair of the Accident Compensation Commission, and Chair of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.

From 2000 to 2001 he was a consultant to the World Health Organisation. Justice Collins is an Executive Vice President and member of the Board of Governors, World Association of Law and Medicine. He has published a number of articles and was the author of “Medical Law in New Zealand” in 1992.

The new Judge will sit in Wellington.

ACC levy reductions become law

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:02:00 GMT

Hon Judith Collins | ACC

ACC levy reductions worth more than half a billion dollars a year to workers and businesses have been signed into law by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

As announced last year, ACC’s $3.5 billion surplus in 2010/11 and continuing improvements in rehabilitation rates have enabled the reduction in levies that will save households $340 million a year and businesses $247 million a year.

“These significant levy reductions are great news for New Zealand workers – keeping money in their pockets. It is equally good news for businesses by improving their cash flow,” ACC Minister Judith Collins said.

The levy on wage and salary earners is reduced by 17 percent – or $170 a year for someone on the average wage. The levy on employers and the self-employed is reduced by 22 percent – a saving of $1120 a year for the average small business with seven employees.

Significant improvements in ACC's financial position in 2010/11 along with improved rehabilitation rates have made the levy reductions possible.

“Rehabilitation rates for injured people have improved with 93 percent of injured clients now returning to work or normal life within a year and 20 percent fewer people on long-term compensation.

“ACC is doing an excellent job helping get injured New Zealanders back to work and normal life as quickly and safely as possible,” Ms Collins said.

The Earners’ Account Levy (paid by wage and salary earners) will decrease from $2.04 to $1.70 (including GST) and the average Work Account Levy (paid by employers and the self employed) will decrease from $1.47 to $1.15 (excluding GST) per $100 of liable earnings from 1 April 2012. Work levies for individual companies depend on their industry classification and experience rating.

Address to the Commerce Commission conference

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:01:00 GMT

Hon Amy Adams | Communications and IT

Good morning. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to speak at this important event highlighting the benefits of bringing faster broadband to New Zealand.

First, can I thank the Commerce Commission for organising this conference, and for the work that has gone into the three demand side issues papers.

I particularly want to acknowledge and thank Dr Ross Patterson for his commitment to the telecommunications industry since 2007, the work that he has done in times of significant change and the even hand he is renowned for.

Let me begin by saying that despite considerable global uncertainty, I’m extremely positive about the next three years.

While I’m a new face to many of you, my role as Minister for Communications and Information Technology allows me to draw on my background in law and commerce.

It connects seamlessly with my responsibilities as the Minister of Internal Affairs, overseeing ICT investment across central government, and it positions me well, as Associate Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery, to ensure 21st Century technology is at the heart of the rebuild of our second largest city.

It seems to me that we’ve moved beyond a time when anyone seriously argues with the vital importance of high-speed broadband for economic growth and better outcomes.

We know faster broadband has the potential to lift GDP by about 1.5 per cent, and we know that broadband penetration is now seen as a key economic indicator.

While good progress has been made in major cities upgrading broadband availability, I have long advocated the need to bring faster broadband and better connectivity to rural communities. I’m equally convinced of the benefits it will bring to other sectors of our economy and society.

Over our first term, the Government made excellent progress toward the delivery of faster broadband services. We delivered on our commitment to provide $1.35 billion for ultra-fast broadband and $300 million for the rural broadband initiative.

We locked in contracts, deployment is underway and we secured competitive wholesale prices for UFB and the RBI that will deliver comparatively low retail prices and prices that are competitive with copper.

We made changes to the Telecommunications Act and have mechanisms in place to monitor the UFB and RBI networks, services and prices, and investigate issues that arise.

We also began the digital switchover and re-stacking projects, and planned allocation of the 700 Mhz band to enable better data access on the go, a move that has the potential to bring even faster speeds and better coverage to rural and provincial areas.

A key focus for me for this term will be making sure the spectrum is available for industry use as the digital switchover is completed, and that the digital dividend will be commercialised in the way that is of most benefit to New Zealand.

In many ways, it can be said that the preparatory work has been done. My focus now is on making sure uptake of UFB and the RBI is maximised to deliver the productivity gains and other benefits the Government expects to achieve from its investment. We see little point in laying fibre optic cable in the ground or building new cell towers if the infrastructure doesn’t ultimately deliver productivity gains and better outcomes.

I have commented previously that if Steven Joyce was the Minister of getting the infrastructure built, I aim to be the Minister of making it productive, realising of course that delivering on the potential of UFB involves a 5-10 year outlook beyond the build cycle.

A host of factors will influence the success of the initiatives – including retail pricing, the quality and speed of services, access to content and innovation applications, along with effective promotion and encouragement in key areas.

None of these are a silver bullet on their own. However, I’m confident that, together, government and industry can deliver on the potential of fast broadband.
Overseas experience tells us that the greatest benefits are to be gained from encouraging early uptake by schools, health providers, government agencies and businesses.

That is why these sectors are the focus of the Government’s five point broadband action plan and are a priority for deployment. They are also the areas where the Government has the greatest ability to influence uptake.

We’re making steady and encouraging progress on the action plan announced late last year, working with sectors like education and health to deliver better, smarter services through the use of faster broadband.

Within the e-education space, the Network for Learning is one of the most important initiatives. This initiative – along with government payment of fibre drop costs and subsidies for wiring upgrades and services – will connect schools across the country and around the world. They will be able to pool resources, talk to each other and share information with parents in a secure and dedicated environment.

About $550 million has already been committed by the Government to fund the School Network Upgrade Project, fibre drop costs and the Network for Learning, over and above our core $1.5 billion investment in the infrastructure.

The Network for Learning will open up a range of resources, and opportunities for schools to work together. With the power of this network at their fingertips, New Zealand students will be in an enviable position internationally, and we will be able to lift achievement for young New Zealanders, wherever they are located.
What happens in our schools will in turn flow into our communities. Students won’t want to leave the technology they can access at school and come home to slow broadband and legacy uses.

Health is another priority area. Faster broadband is a core part of the Government’s vision for improving overall performance of the health sector. It has the potential to revolutionise how we gather, store and access information, giving clinicians easy access to the detail they need for optimum patient care. It also offers a huge leap forward for primary care, particularly in rural and provincial areas.

We are working with Integrated Family Health Centres to make sure that they are ready for fibre and can take advantage of the benefits of faster broadband. Better use of broadband provides for the development of shared records across providers, end-to-end medicine tracking and will permit necessary blood tests and x-rays to be done before the patient sees a doctor and that information to be immediately available at the consultation. Patients will be able to access information on their care plan and appointments online at any time.

The delivery of health services through tele-health tools also offers significant options in the way care can be provided. From electronic monitoring systems to video conferencing between health providers and remote diagnosis, these tools will enable the provision of more convenient monitoring of chronic conditions and faster access to health services for patients who don’t live near a major hospital.

Fibre optic technology and the rural broadband initiative are also key enablers for improving government services. Faster broadband can speed up a potential move towards cloud computing, more centralised ICT services and responsive delivery of citizen-centric online services to New Zealanders.

That’s why with my combined roles of Minster of Internal Affairs (which encompasses the office of the Government CIO) and Minister for ICT, I consider myself ideally positioned to ensure that UFB is used effectively as an enabler for the Government ICT work programme.

Of course, business, also, has much to gain from both UFB and RBI, particularly in Heartland New Zealand.

New Zealand already leads the world in agri-business, and has one of the most productive dairy industries in the world.

The RBI is, in my view, unparalleled in its ability to secure noticeable productivity gains from early in the deployment cycle given the significant parts of our economy operating in the rural sector and the fact that those areas are still under-represented on most connectivity measures.

Besides active encouragement of uptake in key sectors, I want to ensure that New Zealanders get the performance quality and the services they are expecting from UFB and RBI at an affordable price, and on a transparent and readily comparable basis.

This requires that the whole end-to-end network be reliable and is working efficiently and effectively. It also requires that consumers and businesses know what they are paying for.

The Government has a project being led by the Ministry of Economic Development that is looking to benchmark and monitor factors that might limit uptake, and consider whether there should be greater transparency around product offerings.

The Commerce Commission demand-side issues papers and this conference will be a valuable input into this work.

While I will be closely monitoring issues that might limit uptake or the effective implementation of faster broadband, I expect industry to show leadership in resolving such issues.

Where that does not occur, I’m more than prepared to step in, but I’m also aware that regulation can be a blunt tool. It is my view that in most cases, industry-driven solutions are better for industry and customers, and are more enduring.

One such example is content.

The Commission’s papers include a useful discussion of the importance for consumers of premium content – that is broadly speaking, live sport and first-run movies.

While I recognise the value of such content for consumers, and the role it will play in initial domestic uptake, I will signal now that I’m cautious about reaching for regulation as a solution at this stage when it is still too early, in my view, to anticipate how the competitive content market will look in a UFB environment.

Over the last few years new suppliers of video content have emerged in overseas markets. They have provided over the top services in a much more flexible way than traditional subscription and free-to-air broadcasters we are familiar with.

While the innovative services that have been launched in overseas markets are yet to make a significant impact here, I’m concerned that premature government action could in fact stifle innovation in this space.

There have also been calls for a single regulator for broadcasting and telecommunications to deal with issues of this kind, but I’m equally sceptical about the benefits of shaking up the regulatory structure to deal with an issue that has yet to form into a clear shape and which the markets may yet solve. The Prime Minister has used the expression of it being a solution in search of a problem and I share that view.

I’m mindful that this industry has been through a period of considerable regulatory change in recent years and my preference would be to let those changes bed in before more upheaval where that is possible.

I do note that the current regulatory structure has not prevented the Commission from performing a very useful role in gathering information about the way video content markets function.

The Commission’s focus is likely to be on competition and market dynamics, as is appropriate for an economic regulator. It will be up to the Government to balance the broader interests of consumers and stakeholders in the context of the UFB policy objectives.

To sum up, there would have to be clear evidence of a significant long-term problem for the Government to cut across the market response.

However, you should know that I will continue to monitor developments very closely for evidence of the innovative and flexible solutions that are beginning to emerge overseas, and I would be disappointed not to see signs of this occurring.

The Government is playing an important role in the roll-out of faster broadband but we can’t, and shouldn’t, be dictating how use evolves.

I want to acknowledge the time and resources the industry has put in to these initiatives so far and the commitment made by investment partners. We are very aware that you are a key component in the success of these initiatives.

But the work is just beginning. Industry must take the lead in some areas - marketing and promoting new services to business and consumers is one such area. It’s crucial, and it’s something you are able to lead much better than government.

New Zealand is looking to you for innovation and forward thinking.

These are exciting times for industry. UFB and the use of the digital dividend are a game changer. They bring huge opportunities for new services and new content – and New Zealanders are hungry for both.

Overseas, we have seen new players emerge and existing ones transform their business models, with telecommunications companies becoming major content providers of both television and music.

It is no different here. The market is evolving rapidly and throwing up exciting challenges. Those who grab them early will flourish, but those who don’t may not survive.

It rests on industry to ensure that New Zealanders get the quality and performance they expect at a price they can afford. Government can help but it is industry that ultimately carries responsibility for delivery of faster broadband in the marketplace in an attractive way.

UFB and RBI are one part of the delivery of better connectivity to New Zealanders - the upcoming allocation of the 700Mhz spectrum is of another equally important part.

The Ministry of Economic Development has recently completed consultation on how the digital dividend spectrum might be allocated, and I thought I would take this opportunity to mention some of the clear messages that have come through from that consultation:

There was broad agreement that this is valuable spectrum and that its allocation will have a major impact on the shape of the industry over the next 10 years.

There was clear support from many for the Asia Pacific Telecommunity band plan, but also some nervousness about the international uptake of this plan, and there remains a live debate around various technology options.

And there was recognition that there would be additional costs if New Zealand tried to go it alone and take a technology path not shared by some larger economies.

The Government is now considering its options for allocation of the spectrum and I’m focussed on ensuring that this spectrum is allocated in good time so that industry can put it to new uses as soon as it becomes available. A key consideration for me in that allocation process will be to gauge the net gains in the access New Zealanders have to faster broadband from the use plans proposed.

Before I finish, I want to take just a moment to reflect on the impact of these various initiatives in my home region of Canterbury.

Tomorrow marks one year since the day that 185 people were killed and thousands more were injured and traumatised as an earthquake ripped through our city. It led to the condemning of more than 1300 commercial buildings and more than 450,000 claims to EQC alone. Vast areas of the city are now unrecognisable.

But as our buildings, and often our worlds, have fallen apart and we have had to react to unimaginable circumstances, our preconceived notions around how things are, and how they have to be, have also crumbled.

The result of this is that the people of Canterbury are hungry for innovation and new approaches in a way that I’ve never seen before. I’m in no doubt that the rollout of UFB, RBI and the new spectrum in my region will be seized by Cantabrians in a way that would have been impossible to imagine a year ago.

These are exciting times in one of the most innovative countries in the world, and I’m looking forward to working with you all on harnessing the potential of better, faster broadband for the benefit of all New Zealand.

Thank you.

Trust to help restore Abel Tasman National Park

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:13:00 GMT

Hon Kate Wilkinson | Conservation

Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has praised the generosity of a private family trust which has launched a multi-million dollar conservation project in Abel Tasman National Park.

Project Janszoon is a partnership between the Department of Conservation and the Project Janszoon Trust. It aims to restore biodiversity - essentially the variety of plant and animal life - to around 80 per cent of the park over the next 30 years.

“Our indigenous flora and fauna are a major part of New Zealand’s culture and heritage,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“Though the Government is committed to protecting these native species it is important to understand that conservation is not just the domain of the Department – it is everyone’s responsibility.”

“Here we see community leading the way and I wish to congratulate the Trust for instigating this very valuable initiative.”

Project Janszoon includes planting programmes, pest control, education initiatives and wildlife recovery programmes. It will see the return of native species no longer found in the park such as great spotted kiwi, mohua (yellow head) and sooty shearwater.

Despite being New Zealand’s smallest national park, the Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most visited.

“Tourism operators have already contributed much to conservation work in the park and this initiative will build on that,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“The restoration of the park’s natural values and the return of native wildlife to the area will provide an even greater visitor experience.”

“With the support of the public, private trusts and a growing number of New Zealand businesses, we will succeed in achieving sustainable conservation goals throughout the country.”

Background:

The Project Janszoon Trust is aiming to restore the biodiversity of the park by 2042 in time for the park’s 100th anniversary, and the 400th anniversary of Abel Tasman’s visit to the area.
It was selected by the Trust as an ideal project site to demonstrate a sustained restoration partnership effort.
The philanthropic New Zealand family, whose financial support is launching Project Janszoon, wishes to remain anonymous.

It’s not how much money, but how it’s used – OECD education survey

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:44:00 GMT

Hon Hekia Parata | Education

Education Minister, Hekia Parata, today welcomed a new report showing New Zealand students are continuing to perform well compared with their overseas counterparts.

The OECD programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report assessed whether a country’s wealth had a bearing on attainment at school.

New Zealand was singled out as a top performer achieving better-than-average results despite its comparatively low gross domestic product.

Ms Parata says the report shows expenditure levels should not be a barrier to achievement.

“It’s great to see that New Zealand has once again performed well in this international survey.

“However, with one in five students currently leaving school without a qualification, we have still got work to do,'' says Ms Parata.

“Our Government’s key objective is to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Over the next three years we want to significantly raise achievement for all students, especially those groups of students who have historically under performed.’’

Ms Parata says it's clear that a number of factors influence achievement.

“It was interesting to note in the report that successful systems in high income economies tend to prioritise the quality of teachers over the size of classes. In New Zealand we are already well aware that high quality teaching is extremely important.''

You can view the full report here: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/50/9/49685503.pdf

In summary it showed:

Greater national wealth or higher expenditure on education does not guarantee better student performance. Among high income economies, the amount spent on education is less important than how resources are used.
Successful systems in high income economies tend to prioritise the quality of teachers over the size of classes.
School systems that perform well in PISA believe that all students can achieve and give them the opportunity to do so.

Accounts show need for spending discipline

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:45:00 GMT

Hon Bill English | Finance

Lower Government spending has offset lower than expected tax revenue, helping keep the Government's finances on track in the six months to 31 December 2011, Finance Minister Bill English says.

The Crown accounts show tax revenue was $400 million below forecast and revenue $743 million lower overall. However this was offset by lower core Crown expenses of $887 million, leaving the operating balance before gains and losses close to forecast.

"Lower tax revenue reinforces the need for the Government to be disciplined in its spending and stick to its plan to get back to surplus in 2014/15," Mr English says.

"Balancing the books and returning to surplus is one of the most important things the Government can do to rebalance our economy towards savings and exports.

"That is why we have made it one of our four main priorities, alongside building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services and rebuilding Canterbury.

"The economic update in the Budget Policy Statement last week shows growth will be slightly lower in the near term due to a weaker global outlook.

"That makes getting back to surplus an even bigger challenge, but we are committed to keeping a tight lid on spending and putting in place policies that make our economy more competitive. That will continue into the foreseeable future," Mr English says.

Environmental champions sought

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:48:00 GMT

Hon Dr Nick Smith | Environment

Environment Minister Nick Smith today called for nominations for the 2012 Green Ribbon Awards which recognise the achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment.

“The nominations should show how the work of an individual or organisation has contributed measurable environmental benefits, is innovative, goes the extra distance and has raised awareness of environmental issues,” Dr Smith said.

This year, the Awards include a new category, recognising the Green Economy.

''The concepts of Green Growth and the Green Economy have been gaining momentum internationally since 2008. The Green Economy is one of two main themes for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio +20, being held in June this year in Rio,” Dr Smith said.

“This government is very focused on growing the economy and creating new jobs, there are real opportunities in the environment area for smart new businesses to create wealth and jobs by better use of natural resources, recycling and reducing pollution. This new Award recognises these green economy opportunities.”

“The Green Ribbon Awards showcase the inspiring achievements of New Zealanders who are dedicated to protecting and improving our environment and these Awards are the Government’s way of acknowledging their work and saying thank you, on behalf of all New Zealanders.”

“The winners will be announced on the 5th of June to coincide with World Environment Day,” Dr Smith says.

For Category details and nominations forms for the Awards which close on 23 March 2012, visit www.mfe.govt.nz/green-ribbon.

New air services arrangements with Japan

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:25:00 GMT

Hon Gerry Brownlee | Transport

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says new air services arrangements with Japan build on the already strong relationship between the two countries.

“The arrangements New Zealand and Japan have negotiated will remove many of the current restrictions on services by the airlines of the two countries,” says Mr Brownlee.

“New Zealand has close ties with Japan, and it is an important trading partner. This should help strengthen these links, by making it easier for the airlines of the two countries to introduce new services.”

For New Zealand airlines, limits on operations to and through airports in Japan outside of the Tokyo region have been removed. Reciprocal rights will be available for Japanese airlines.

In addition, for New Zealand airlines, the right to operate a daily service to Narita Airport has been confirmed (restrictions will be removed in 2013) and an understanding has been reached on the possible future use of Haneda Airport. Airports in the Tokyo region have limited capacity for additional operations.

For the airlines of Japan almost all restrictions on services to and through New Zealand have been removed, although they too will initially be limited in any operations to New Zealand from Narita.

New understandings were also reached on tariffs regulation, and aviation safety and security.

“These new arrangements come as New Zealand and Japan celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.”

The air services negotiations were held in Tokyo on 15-16 February. New Zealand's air services relationship with Japan is one of our oldest, the current treaty-level Agreement which will remain in effect having been signed in 1980.

Young New Zealander of the Year congratulated

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Hon Paula Bennett | Youth Affairs

Youth Affairs Minister Paula Bennett congratulates Sam Johnson, winner of the Young New Zealander of the Year award.

“This young man mobilised the Student Army to help Cantabrians clean up after the earthquakes and made a huge impression on New Zealand.”

Sam Johnson used Facebook to amass an army of 26,000 volunteers.

“He got thousands of students willingly turning up day after day with shovels and wheelbarrows ready to do whatever was necessary to help others.”

“When I met Sam in Christchurch after the earthquakes, I knew he’d move mountains and he did - mountains of liquefaction,” says Ms Bennett.

“The effect on the community of seeing young people getting stuck in to help has been huge and really broke the stereotypes some had of young people.”

The other finalists for the award, Elizabeth Chan and Bailey Lovett are both outstanding young New Zealanders with impressive achievements.

“I wish Elizabeth and Bailey all the best in their respective chosen fields, of law and marine science where they are already making an impact.”

“Throughout 2011 the previous Young New Zealander of the Year, Jamie Fenton has been a fantastic ambassador for youth and I wish her well for the future,” says Ms Bennett.

Maiden Speech: Dr Jian Yang

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:30:00 GMT

Jian Yang |

Kia Ora

Mr Speaker,

As a Chinese who immigrated to New Zealand only 13 years ago, I feel extremely honoured standing here before you all to give my Maiden Statement today.

Firstly，I would like to thank the Chinese community for their encouragement and support. 广大的华人华侨朋友们，我感谢你们的一贯支持和厚爱。这一刻也属于你们。(Dear fellow Chinese, I thank you for your consistent support. This moment belongs to you as well).

I am grateful to my colleagues at the University of Auckland, particularly the staff of the Department of Political Studies. Special thanks go to Professor Barry Gustafson and Professor Raymond Miller, from whom I learned a great deal about New Zealand politics, and who both encouraged me to step out of theoretical politics and into real politics.

I thank the Board directors of the National Party for their trust. In particular, I thank our President Peter Goodfellow. I cannot overstate Peter’s help in the past few months.

I also thank my Party colleagues for their warm welcome and support.

And I thank the Prime Minister for his trust and guidance.

Most of all, I thank my family; my parents in China who cannot be here today and my wife Jane and my daughters Suzie and Evelyn. I fully understand the sacrifices my family have to make, and it was not an easy decision to leave the Ivory Tower and jump into the turbulent sea of real politics. Thank you Jane, Suzie and Evelyn for your love and trust.

Mr Speaker, as the Prime Minister noted in his first speech to the new parliament, the National Party was the first party in New Zealand to have a Chinese MP. I would like to take this opportunity and acknowledge the achievement of Hon Pansy Wong.

My election into Parliament lays down yet another milestone in the history of Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. I am the first National MP who is an immigrant from mainland China.

The Chinese community in New Zealand has experienced rapid growth in the past two to three decades. We are attracted by, among other things, New Zealand’s second-to-none environment, democratic political system, equal economic opportunities and stable society.

Mr Speaker, as an immigrant who witnessed and experienced the many political upheavals in China, I do not take any of the benefits I’m enjoying now for granted. My grandfather was a general of the Nationalist Party, or KMT, which is today the ruling party in Taiwan. When the Communist Party came to power in China in 1949, my grandfather lost all his property, was imprisoned and lived in poverty for the rest of his life.

In the first thirty years of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese government launched one political movement after another, climaxing with the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution beginning in 1966. The Revolution left behind millions of political victims, including my parents, who were sent to the countryside to be re-educated by peasants.

In 1978, under the rule of Deng Xiaoping, China made the historic decision to reform and open up. Capitalism began to flourish. Deng’s virtue of pragmatism is highlighted by his most famous quotation “I don’t care if it’s a white cat or a black cat. It’s a good cat as long as it catches mice.” In that same year of 1978, I passed the newly-restored higher education examination and became part of the small group of high-school graduates who went on to university.

The change in China since 1978 has been awe-inspiring. China today is a different world. But the journey has certainly not all been smooth. In April 1989, a great opportunity was opened up for me when I received a scholarship from the John Hopkins University in America. However, in the weeks following, student demonstrations swept China. The Chinese government’s policy change afterwards prevented me from leaving to study in the United States.

Fortunately for China, after a period of hesitation the government decided to continue its reformation. In 1994 I started my postgraduate study in Australia, and in 1999 I completed my PhD and began my work at the University of Auckland.

My experiences reiterate the inescapable influence of politics on our lives, and greatly contrast the deep value placed on political rights and freedom that we enjoy in New Zealand. For this reason, I appreciate the National Party’s commitment to democratic principles and individual freedom and choice.

Politics and economics are two areas difficult to differentiate. Between 1949 and 1978, China was a socialist country with a planned economy. The Chinese people were called upon to march towards a Communist utopia; where everyone should contribute to society to the best of his or her ability, and consume from society in proportion to his or her need, that is, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.”

Socialist economic policies did not aid China. By the year of my birth in 1962, China had wiped out private ownership in an effort to build a socialist economy. A horrific famine had just passed with the death of millions of people. In those years, everyone was equal but everyone was poor. The most spectacular present that I received for my 10th birthday was two eggs for breakfast.

By 1978, the Chinese economy was on the verge of collapse. It was at that critical moment that the Chinese government started economic reforms, salvaging the economy just in time. Market economy was introduced. Entrepreneurship was encouraged. The irrational pursuit of income equality was abolished. A popular official slogan at the time was “shui xian fu, shui guang rong 谁先富，谁光荣” meaning “It is glorious to become rich before others.”

We are all aware of China’s enormous economic growth since that pivotal year of 1978. China has risen to become the second largest economy in the world. The Chinese government has successfully lifted millions of people out of poverty.

Reflecting on the way in which China has achieved its positive change and development gives me a firm belief that the policies of the National Party are in the best interests of New Zealand. We give priority to economic growth. And to achieve this growth, we emphasise the importance of personal responsibility, competitive enterprise and reward for achievement. These are all values shared by the Chinese community and many other New Zealanders.

The Chinese were the third racial group to settle in New Zealand, after the Maori and European. Most of them came as gold miners in the second half of the 19th century. Historian Michael King said “Once in New Zealand, the Chinese who persisted despite the poll tax and considerable prejudice proved themselves to be law-abiding and hard-working citizens.”

We should not undervalue the contributions of the Chinese community to New Zealand. Not only has the Chinese community contributed economically, they have also enriched the lives of all New Zealanders through the celebration of Chinese arts, cuisine and traditions. Every year about 200,000 people from different ethnic communities came to the Auckland Lantern Festival as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

To the Chinese, strong work ethics coupled with good education are the two key elements to success. Surveys show that Chinese immigrants are often well educated, and it is no secret that Chinese children generally do well at school. The New Zealand Herald noted in April last year that “If education is our future, Chinese minds will be prominent in shaping New Zealand's destiny.” This again reinforces the Chinese community’s vital role in the future development of our country.
The Chinese community’s value in education echoes that of the National Party. We are committed to offering the best education to all New Zealanders, and we believe education provides the ability for all to move forward.

Despite the successes of the Chinese in New Zealand, all new immigrants need time to adapt to a new country. Considering their Eastern cultural background, it may be more challenging for Chinese immigrants to adapt to our mainly Western society. It is in the best interests of all for us to give them more support in this respect.

On the other hand, all immigrants should themselves try to integrate. Chinese immigrants are no exception. Members of the Chinese community should not only learn the languages and cultures of mainstream society, but also be willing to sacrifice for the country.

It is pleasing to note the global trend among overseas Chinese is to move away from luoye guigen 落叶归根, “fallen leaves return to the roots”, buttowards luodi shenggen 落地生根, “to grow roots where they land”. The mentality of sojournism is no longer dominant. Many Chinese, including my family, gave up their Chinese citizenship and proudly became New Zealand citizens. Mr Speaker, we are Kiwis, although made in China.

The Chinese immigrants do have a strong desire for recognition and integration, which is why they have been actively involved in philanthropy and politics. They have been generous in their donations to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake. There were also a record number of Chinese candidates in the most recent general election.

Mr Speaker, I feel truly honored to be a National Party representative of the Chinese community. I hope to see more Chinese in Parliament as the community is still under represented.

Mr Speaker, the rise of China has given New Zealand an ideal opportunity. China is now our second largest trading partner. Our trade with East Asia, especially China, played a crucial role in our effort to deal with the global financial crisis in recent years. In this respect, Chinese residents’ connection with China is a great asset to New Zealand. The connection has generated many economic opportunities and there is still a great potential.

As a Chinese immigrant, I will act as a bridge between the Chinese community and our mainstream society. I will also endeavour to contribute to the strengthening of New Zealand’s relations with China.

What is more, my background and experiences render me capable of making contributions in many other areas, be it education, foreign affairs, ethnic affairs, or health.

To conclude, the values held by me and many Chinese New Zealanders are parallel to those of the National Party and other New Zealanders. These include equal citizenship and equal opportunity, individual freedom and choice, personal responsibility, and reward for achievement. As a father of two, I see it as my responsibility to provide a safe and prosperous environment for my children to grow up in. With the National Party, I look forward to a brighter future. Thank you, Mr Speaker.

Maiden Speech: Ian McKelvie

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:29:00 GMT

Ian McKelvie |

Mr Speaker I rise with a great sense of history to present my maiden speech to this Parliament. My Rangitikei Electorate has had a representative in this house for 150 years, my family have lived in the lower Rangitikei for 160 years, I am the 27th person to come here as a representative of the Rangitikei Electorate.

I am following some great people into this house and I want to particularly take this opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful role my predecessor Simon Power played in the affairs of both the Rangitikei Electorate and New Zealand. He made his mark here and left an impression on us all that will last a long time. Simon is a man who was, in his time in politics able to bridge the divide that the Westminster system of Democracy creates, I sincerely hope that in my time here I may be able to encourage consensus that sees this house able to make the best possible decisions for our collective futures.

I wish to thank all those who have helped make my first few weeks in this place as easy as possible, from all those security people who take care of us on a daily basis, to the Prime Minister, those who have helped me to get here and particularly all those who supported me during the election campaign, both with the campaign and my induction into the National Party. Special thanks to my wife of 38 years Sue, she is my no 1 campaigner, our family, Diana, Cam and Rachel, Angus and Harri and my mother Rosemary, two brothers and sister who are here today and who have put up with many hours of following, filling in for, making excuses for and supporting me in my somewhat unexpected career path to date. A career path probably instilled in my blood by my father John, a shy man who enjoyed Politics and played a part in Local Government in an all too short a life.

It’s appropriate to acknowledge my near neighbours Iain Lees Galloway and the Hon Chester Borrows who represent the Cities that will help forge the future for the people of the Rangitikei Electorate, for without strong leadership from our cities, rural New Zealand suffers. I must also acknowledge Tariana Turia whose electorate covers the Rangitikei and beyond and who is hugely respected for the work she does for our people.

The Rangitikei electorate for those who need to know contains 4,500,000 sheep, about 400,000 beef cattle, 175,000 Dairy Cows and 63,000 people of whom 28% are Maori. We are also the home to the North Island ski fields and the Tongariro National Park, the home bases to the NZ Army at Linton and Waiouru , the Airforce at Ohakea and New Zealand’s largest University in Massey. Our electorate contains the brainey part of Palmerston North, stretches over 300 kms north to Taumarunui and contains some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery. It also contains the bulk of New Zealands fragile hill country, ensuring the activities of our Regional Council are critical to the future of that sector.

My driver throughout my public life to date has been to create a better place for future generations of my family and yours to live and work in. I am a sixth generation New Zealander, have eighth generation grandchildren and I hope that my family will still be here, enjoying our wonderful but different country in eight generations time.

I will give you a brief synopsis of my life to date before getting into the things that really matter to me and those who encouraged me to aspire to a stint in our Parliament. My family have lived within two kilometres of the place I live in since 1850, they have lived in the house I live in since 1900, we are Rangitikei people. I was educated a pony ride (2kms on a metal road) from home before going on to boarding school for the rest of my school life. This was followed by a short stint at Massey University where I learnt a lot but passed little. I then farmed for quite a time before venturing into the commercial world via the motor industry with two very good friends of mine. And they’ve survived too cause they’re both here today. This led in turn to involvement as a Director of various insurance, property, finance and farming entities. One of those the Farmers Mutual Group, or FMG, the preeminent rural insurer in New Zealand and despite the events of the past year still a very strong and much needed entity in the industry.

Some nine years ago I was elected as Mayor of the Manawatu District following four years as President of the Royal Agricultural Society of NZ. My election as a Mayor taught me so much about people and the things that matter to them, about how to get communities working well, about disaster as we were hit by the massive 2004 floods and storms and needed a very large (at the time) recovery package put in place by the government of the day. It also opened other doors for me and I am currently Chairman of Special Olympics New Zealand, a position that has taught me so much about the disability sector in New Zealand. In my life to date I have also been president or chairman of various Racing Clubs, A&P Shows, rugby clubs, our local school and a number of other community based organisations.

Enough on me and onto why I am here:

I was offered an opportunity to stand for the Rangitikei Electorate seat when Simon Power unexpectedly resigned. It was something I had never aspired to but it seemed logical that I would take what I have learnt to date and use it in an effort to better our lives as New Zealanders.

Those learning’s are as follows:

My life time in Agriculture leaves me in no doubt that we will always be one of the World’s most efficient food producers and that we will continue to have a very important role to play in feeding pieces of the World, as its population grows rapidly. To continue to achieve this there are a number of issues that we must give attention to:

The environment, our people, and agriculture must travel hand in hand as we grapple with the effects we humans have had on our land forms, our rivers and our natural heritage. Ecological sustainability is the key to the future of agriculture and our economic fortunes and whether dealing with genetic engineering, the ETS particularly related to the food production sector or the environment we must use the very best science available to us to resolve these matters. They must be resolved expeditiously and it is vital for our country’s future wellbeing that we invest heavily in this area. Agriculture in New Zealand has had a financial battering over the past decade and must be treated carefully or it could still fail us, it needs nurturing, not with cash but with sensible well planned policy. Agriculture in recent years in New Zealand has not had a sufficient level of profitability to re-invest in its future through science and innovation – I am delighted to see the Government taking action in this area and look forward to the sector being able to play its part as well. Whilst on agriculture I want to make a plea for us not to encourage (through suspect policy) the planting of pine trees on land that can be used for food production – pine trees are difficult to eat! And they’re very difficult to get income out of as well.

I also urge you as a parliament to give time and thought to our equine industry. We are good at horses, it is international in almost every sphere of equine activity and it has great potential if nurtured in the correct manner. The horse, particularly through the racing and breeding industry is a very large employer in this country and I have yet to see a robot riding one (Mark Todd aside) or a computer mucking out a stable. Encouraging the equine sector to work with each other in a unified manner could boost this sector significantly as an export earner.

Rural New Zealand, its towns and its people are very important to our futures and we must endeavour to keep people living throughout our country. It is not in the national interest to push our population north, we must encourage people to live in our small rural towns and on our farms. To do this we must carefully consider the ramifications of much of our policy making, as often small changes can improve the lot of those people dramatically. I refer particularly to the manner in which telecommunications, electricity, education, health, law and order and transport services are delivered to rural New Zealand. An example of this is that the poor supply of electricity to parts of rural New Zealand is a major inhibitor to economic growth, with a number of areas in my electorate not having sufficient supply to enable new cow sheds or irrigation schemes to operate efficiently, part of the reason for this is a lack of sufficient land use planning, a factor that must be corrected. Another factor that is easy to overlook but a very important factor in the Rangitikei is the time our children spend on the school bus, and 2 to 3 hours a day is not uncommon, hence the ferociousness with which rural communities defend their small schools.

Briefly on the matter of our broader economy and a topic that I think we need to have some serious discussion on and that is our poor understanding of risk, how to evaluate it and how to manage it. This is one of the factors behind the increase in cost of local government to our community, to business as well and is driven to some extent by our interpretation of the Building Act, the RMA and occupational safety and health amongst others. Without the capacity to understand, manage and utilise risk businesses struggle to expand, most of the great businesses in the world took significant calculated risk to grow.

I don’t believe we should take anything for granted in life, I don’t believe we have any ‘rights’ in life – property or otherwise - we must earn them. I have a strong belief in what I call social order or justice and that often means that those who have, have to give a hand up to those who have not. Where I come from - unhappy people don’t make for a happy work force – and our country cannot operate effectively with an unhappy workforce. To achieve this we must have a strong progressive economy enabling us to pay what a person is worth. We can no longer continue to allow the well off to claim on the welfare systems by hiding income or assets. There is no place in New Zealand society for greed and we have seen and suffered from plenty of that in the past few years.

Through family experience and more recently through my role as Chairperson of Special Olympics New Zealand I have a particular interest in the lives and circumstances of our disabled community. There are an estimated 55,000 people born with an ID in this country, a large majority of whom are males. There are nearly quarter of a million physically disabled New Zealanders, we know that investment in this sector produces significant gains for the people and family involved and for our country as a whole. I will continue my strong advocacy for these New Zealanders and support them in their efforts to achieve better life expectancy and make a greater contribution to our society.

Sport and recreation is one of the gems in life – without it we do not survive, and we must continue to encourage young and old alike to participate in all levels of physical activity. To do this some key changes are needed to our traditional thinking around sporting infrastructure – we need diverse climate immune facilities and we need to provide easy access for people who wish to exercise from home, for example walking, biking, boarding. I call it door to door exercise – to achieve this our communities must be safe – our infrastructure must be safe, well planned and well maintained.

One could not have spent nine years in local government without acknowledging there must be a better way – and there is and it does not involve dramatic change. In past years local government has struggled with the costs of implementing legislation passed onto them by central government. A good deal of it came care of the stringent but expansive conditions placed on councils by the Local Government Act 2002. There are at the same time many talented and able people doing a wonderful job in what is a complex and very demanding sector. I can only commend the Prime Minister for elevating the local government portfolio to an important place in Cabinet – and I think it’s the first time I recall it being in Cabinet in many years – and wish Minister Smith all the best as he confronts the many challenges that lie before local authorities throughout New Zealand.

In this country we are seriously testing our talented people resources by the number of governance bodies we have created and as a consequence we have the requirement for large numbers of chief executives, CFOs and elected members or directors. Many of these are becoming specialised positions (often prescribed by law) and we need to ensure we use our talented people to the best possible advantage. We should also bear in mind that letters after ones name are not necessarily a prerequisite for success in life.

There is no question that the further we spread the talent pool in New Zealand, the lesser the talent we have available.

I am in awe of this place and its history but was surprised on opening day when parliament emptied out as our leaders spoke, whatever our Political persuasion we owe each other the common courtesy of at least listening once in relative calmness. You cannot fool the people, respect and common old good manners are still valued by most in this country and they watch us closely through our friends the media.

Mr Speaker, members, people are everything in life, without each other we are nothing, no matter what race, creed, sex, age or ability, mental or physical, everyone in this wonderful country must be cared for and encouraged to achieve their best. There is no left or right in good health, educational opportunity, having work or violence to one another. To achieve this we must have inclusive government and take the people with us.

I am a great believer in protocol and tradition; it puts some order and discipline in our lives and on that basis I wish to congratulate you Mr Speaker and your team of deputies on your appointments, and whilst I am absolutely sincere in this it does remind me a little of dropping off a leg of lamb for the banker.

Mr Speaker, fellow members of this great establishment, despite being written off as being too old and not expected to shine by some Australasian tip sheet I hope in my time here to make a contribution to New Zealand and I hope that when I get to leave and I hope to choose that time - that our Country is a better place to live. Thank you

Maiden Speech: Maggie Barry

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:28:00 GMT

Maggie Barry |

E Te whare, tēnā koe

E nga mana

E nga reo

E nga iwi

o ngā hau e wha

Tēna koutou , tēna koutu, tēna koutu katoa

To the leaders

To the many voices

To all the diverse people

and communities of the four winds

I honour and respect and greet you all

I acknowledge you Mr Speaker, and all my parliamentary colleagues …

I am indeed honoured to be one of 26 new members of this 50th parliament, which more than any other before it, best represents us – the rich cultural and ethnic diversity that is modern NZ.

Greetings to all my friends up in the public gallery who’ve come here to support me or who are with me in spirit. Many from the North Shore are watching it on the telly or podcasting – so many ways to be part of this auspicious occasion.

Special thanks go to my North Shore campaign team – I stand here today because of your accumulated wise advice, enthusiasm and tenacity. A year ago many of you didn’t even know me and I am humbled by the loyalty, the trust and the faith that you all had in me to deliver for the electorate you treasure.

Heartfelt thanks to my partner Grant – we met doing an Outward Bound course which was fortuitous and turned out to be an excellent training ground for the campaign trail. Grant has been my mainstay and my number one supporter and I would not be here without him.

And my love as a mother goes out to my son Joe who has taught me more about life in the past 14 years than anyone else ever has. I’m very proud of him and thankful he’s here today with me.

My boy, Joseph Vincent, was named after his two grandfathers. On my side we hailed from Counties Cork and Kerry and my son’s father, Paddy Marron was born in County Monaghan. Paddy – who’s up there in the gallery next to our son Joe – arrived here in NZ from the emerald isle on the good ship Southern Cross. It was the very day of his third birthday and he was clamouring for his present as they do. His father Joe told him that he was giving him a very special gift- a new start, a new life- in a new country.

My people were farmers – this was their land of opportunity too – they were practical people who worked the land and, much like myself, were fond of reinvention and recycling.

As the crow flies I haven’t come very far at all – about half a kilometre really from where I was born in Tinakori Rd. These parliamentary buildings – the precinct – were always part of the backdrop of my life. It was always my favourite shortcut into town through the leafy grounds past the statues of the great and the good.

I went to Sacred Heart convent primary school across the road from here in Guildford terrace. My family went to mass at the Basilica in Hill Street – the church where my parents were married, where I was baptised and where we held both of their funerals.

My mother, Agnes was the first single woman the bank of New South Wales had ever given a business loan to. She opened her florist shop, around the corner from here in Molesworth Street in 1939 – the age of the corsage and the funeral wreath and the American soldiers – all very good for building what became a highly successful business.

Raised on a farm in the Depression years, Mum was a hard worker – to save enough money for her first home she also ran a boarding house and as part of her wartime duty she worked nights at the glove and munitions factory. Weekends, she was a mainstay of the dig for victory vegetable garden team here in Thorndon. To borrow the Sam Hunt line – I’m the fruit of old loins. Mum had me, her only child when she was 43 and, never one to peak too early, she later learned to play golf – hitting a hole in one at the age of 72.

Agnes was a remarkable and a determined woman who taught me many things, including the value of a strong work ethic, the importance of trying your best if you want to achieve the things that matter and never, ever giving up on what you really believe in. In her later years she taught me how to live in the moment, perhaps one of her greatest gifts to me.

David, the old man, had a sharp mind and a quick temper. He was very fond of a drink and an argument and I learned early on to justify my point of view or keep quiet. Skills that I’m sure will come in very handy in this very chamber.

Dad had falsified his age to enlist to fight in WWII. He was keen to serve his country as his father Edward had done before him at Galipolli.

I was raised to believe that in peacetime, the highest form of public service is to be a Member of Parliament. I know they’d all be very proud of me standing here today in this chamber as the first politician in the family.

My forbears picked this extraordinary country as the place they wanted to call home. And now my family and I have chosen to cross the harbour and be part of the North Shore community.
It is a great privilege for me to be here representing them, following in the footsteps of such honourable men as George Gair and Wayne Mapp.

And I’m breaking in some new ground of my own- becoming National’s first-ever woman MP, north of the harbour bridge. I was born in the year it opened in 1959 and I can assure you we won’t be waiting around patiently for another 52 years for a second harbour crossing.

The North Shore is defined by water – the glorious Waitemataa harbour, the Hauraki Gulf and the freshwater playground of Lake Pupuke.

Shore people work and play on the margins between the ocean and the land. We enthusiastically sail, wind surf, paddle board, swim and fish. There’s a sense of satisfaction in being different from either our big city or our rural neighbours. There’s a tangible sense that we are indeed fortunate to still be enjoying that ‘end of the golden weather’ lifestyle made famous by local play write Bruce Mason.

Laid back – yes indeed – but never lacking when it comes to energy and vision and it is an unashamedly aspirational community.

We have a rich cultural history and the mountains in Devonport were among the earliest areas of Auckland to be settled. Occupied by Maori from the thirteen hundreds, European settlers with their colonial architecture began arriving from the mid-1800s and there was a permanent naval presence by 1841. Gradually, farming was overtaken by shipbuilding and now tourism and appreciative visitors are a substantial source of income as they catch the ferry across from the city to sample the pleasures and diverse heritage of Devonport.

Takapuna translates as “the rock with a spring” and against the background of some of the finest beaches in the country springs a strong commercial drive and along with a handful of multimillion dollar businesses the North Shore is home to more than 22,000 small sized businesses.

Reflecting modern NZ we are a culturally diverse community with nearly 10,000 Asians making up some 15 per cent of our numbers.

We reward excellence and look after our own… and love to crow about local heroes: Sargesson, Fairburn, Tuphare…

There’s no shortage of sporting greats to celebrate: Sir Peter Blake, Dean Barker, Ian Fergusson, Ralph Roberts, Buck Shelford, Alison Roe, Kirk Penny and the Breakers, Jacko Gill… and the roll call doesn’t stop there.

As the MP for North Shore I’m committed to building on that outstanding record and focusing on achieving our aim of becoming the NZ centre for high performance sport.

North Harbour is already home to the Millenium Institute and I’d like to acknowledge and commend the hard work and determination of my colleague in the adjoining electorate of East Coast Bays, the Hon Murray McCully.

I enthusiastically endorse the proposed National Ocean Water Sports Centre on Takapuna beach. The NOWS Centre will be a world class training facility to develop up and coming athletes across the four codes of Yachting, windsurfing, kayaking and ocean swimming.

The most commonly asked question asked of me in the past year – is why on earth would you leave the wholesome pursuit of plants and go into politics?

My erstwhile colleagues in the media had a field day when I said I was standing for parliament;

“Gardener of the nation takes on the parliamentary jungle”; there were references to weeding out the opposition; comparisons were made between MP’s and mushrooms – both thriving in perpetual darkness and nourished on manure … and while I do expect some manure will come my way, I certainly didn’t come here to be kept in the dark and fed a load of rubbish.

Of course, I’m not exactly gaining ground by the shift into politics- In last year’s Readers Digest most trustworthy professions poll: Firefighters came in first as usual, and fair enough, and Journalists came 38th out of 39, just above Real estate agents. Politicians didn’t even feature in the top 40. So I’m staying in familiar unpopular territory.

I’ve known this chamber for the past 30 years as a broadcaster and as a journalist- reporting and questioning the not always so honourable members. For all those whose antics and machinations provided me with that bumper harvest to feed upon, you know who you are and I thank you kindly. A few are still around… the gifts that just keep on giving.

I know first-hand from my days in Radio and TV news about the daily grind of finding news stories within tight deadlines – and while there will always be the lazy and the ill-informed as there are in any profession – I think, on the whole, the NZ media work hard, do a good job and I congratulate them.

But after 30 years of being part of the tribe that reports from the sidelines – asking what and why and how – I decided the time was now right for me to step inside the tent and to make a different contribution to the country that has given me so much.

As well as being a strong voice for the North Shore there are also wider goals I’m aiming to achieve in my time in this place.

It’s fair to say I have some experience in broadcasting and, thanks to my family, I have more than a passing interest in the health sector. After my experiences having my own son, I agreed to chair a review into NZ maternity services. My father’s death from cancer led to my involvement as Patron with Hospice NZ and during my term as a member of the National Health Committee I headed a working party into palliative care. During Mum’s 10 year decline with dementia I saw with sadness, too many older people in residential care who didn’t have family around them and were without advocates to keep an eye on them. Our elderly deserve dignity and protection. I believe they have earned our respect and we certainly wouldn’t be the society we are today without their effort and wisdom.

I agree with John Key that the measure of a civilised society is how we treat our vulnerable – our very young and our old and the one in five New Zealanders with disabilities.
Given my green fingered background and lifelong love of plants I hope that my knowledge and skills might be useful in helping to shape our environmental and conservation goals.
Producing and presenting the garden show for 12 years on television gave me privileged access to people’s lives. Some of them were overwhelmed and daunted by the sheer scale of the planets problems but, personally, I’ve never doubted that saving the world starts in your own backyard.

I share the view of many that we are, really only the custodians of this land and the guardians – Kaitiaki of our grandchildren’s heritage.

We have to be vigilant and face up to our responsibilities and our woeful environmental track record. Down the years we’ve let too many introduced pests decimate our native plants and birds. As an island nation we haven’t treated our ocean with the respect it deserves. We’ve allowed some of our waterways to become badly polluted and I want to be part of a government that puts that right.
As convenor of this year’s upcoming Blue Greens Forum on the shores of Lake Pupuke we’ll be making progress on these issues and I’m excited to be part of shaping the agenda for discussion around the country’s environmental and conservation concerns.

I’m remain convinced that we can grow both our economy and manage our environment better – and that improving the economy need not and must not be at the expense of the environment. But, in these troubled times we need to explore all our potential advantages –tap into that famous traditional ingenuity and increase our dairy production and returns while limiting the adverse impact on our water quality. To look at the prospects for tapping into our mineral wealth without putting at risk what makes this country so special.

In the 20 years I had my garden tour business I travelled all over the world visiting more than a thousand gardens from Europe, China and Africa – it was a dream job and I loved many of the places I saw but New Zealand is my turanga wai wai, my ‘place to stand’. For me I know I’m home when I walk in the bush – the Kauri, the pohutukawa, the tree ferns – these are the precious inhabitants of my cathedrals of green.

It’s then that I feel most patriotic about my homeland and, believe me, I’m not about to let anybody harm it.

I intend to work very hard in my Select Committees of Finance and Expenditure and Local Government and Environment. I’ll personally welcome the opportunities to work constructively with politicians from other parties to secure the best outcome for the greater good.

But ultimately, I didn’t want to join Labour’s ranks or become a Green party MP.

I stood for National because I believe we have the right financial policies to see us through these troubled times. I agree with our goals of reducing borrowings and debt, balancing the books and rebuilding Christchurch.

Mum and Dad raised me to believe that hand in hand with individual freedom comes personal responsibility; that people sometimes do need a hand up but a lifetime of hand-outs is not the answer.
As a mother I’m raising my teenage son with the same values because I believe that they are as relevant today as they were when the party was founded 75 years ago.

My constituents will always have my first loyalty and I will do my very best to represent their best interests.

I will be a strong voice for the North shore and I am very ambitious for my electorate. It’s a privilege to begin my service to them today as their Member of Parliament.

Maiden Speech: Mark Mitchell

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:27:00 GMT

Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today filled with pride at been given the opportunity by the people of Rodney to represent them in this our 50th Parliament and am honoured to be addressing the house for the first time.

I congratulate you on your reappointment to the high office of speaker. You have already been recognized across this house for your sound judgment and fairness and I look forward to being under your guidance in this chamber.

Mr. Speaker. You have been the Minister of Education, Agriculture, Tourism and Trade during your career.

Overseeing the producer board reform that ultimately led to the creation of Fonterra and Zespri, you launched our successful 100% pure marketing campaign which was a global success.

Perhaps most importantly you were the original instigator of the Trans Pacific Partnership.

Mr. Speaker you are also renowned for your singing voice and your annual concert in Rodney is an event constituents look forward to every year. I have made a commitment to continue with this concert and although I feel my own voice is pretty good I have been assured by those closest to me that I need to find another way of keeping that tradition alive.

Mr. Speaker, I live in Orewa, in the heart of the Rodney electorate.

Rodney is a wonderful part of New Zealand stretching from Albany Heights, Wainui and Dairy flat in the south, to Warkworth, Matakana and Leigh in the North.

We have been blessed with the beautiful Hibiscus and Kowhai coasts, stunning regional parks like Shakespeare, Wenderholm and Mahurangi, and home to two marine reserves one of which, Goat Island, was the first in New Zealand.

The new northern motorway has bought Auckland closer to Rodney and our towns in the south of the electorate are experiencing strong growth while still retaining their unique character.

Further north our communities are more rural; some have become famous like Puhoi for its Pub and Cheese Factory or Waiwera for its geothermal hot pools.

We have the charm and history of Warkworth, world class wine trails, great schools, strong communities and a real pride in our beautiful part of New Zealand.

However there are challenges ahead and I am focused on finding solutions that will allow us to develop our infrastructure and services in step with our population growth.

This includes the Puhoi to Wellsford motorway extension, the Penlink development and I will work on common sense policies and legislation that will encourage investment and growth in our local Business’s and economy.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my superb campaign team who worked incredibly hard, who did the basics superbly combined with innovative ideas and really took the campaign to our opponents.

I know many of you are gathered around the TV in Warkworth and Orewa today and although I can’t mention everyone, you know that our result was a testament to your drive, passion and belief in the National Party values and vision for a brighter future.

I would like to make special mention of our Electorate Chair Jennie Georgetti and Campaign Chair John Evans, your determination and will were contagious.

Thanks also to our regional executive, Alan Towers and Stephen McElrea, Stephen your solid dependable advice and guidance was of great assistance to a new candidate.

To our National Campaign team who provided a steady rudder and reliable compass to us all.

And to President Peter Goodfellow and our Board of Directors for your support, guidance and council.

I was born on the North Shore of Auckland and spent my first years living on Whenuapai Air Force base.

My Dad was a Flt Lt flying Orion’s on 3 squadron. My Mum was the daughter of the Base Commander Air Commodore Frank Gill. My Grandfather was also the National Party MP for East Coast Bays, Minister of Health and Defence and our New Zealand Ambassador to Washington.

Dad managed to catch the eye of my mum at a base dance and the rest as they say is history.

One of the great lessons I learnt early from my Dad was about not giving up.

When the inaugural Auckland Star Times Takapuna to Rangitoto race was cancelled due to bad weather Dad decided to make the swim anyway. He battled strong winds and swells to complete a difficult swim.

He won the race and set the best time. Being the only competitor didn’t matter.

Because my Mum was the daughter of a career Air Force Officer and spent her childhood on different postings around the world when she was finally able to settle in one place she nested.

There were four of us kids but our house was always filled with orphans that Mum would take under her wing.

I learnt early that not everyone is born into a loving caring home and that when we can help we should.

I am from Irish Catholic, English and Canadian stock with my ancestors arriving in NZ from 1860 through to 1919.

I was educated at Rosmini College in Auckland; a Catholic School whose motto is Legis Plentido Charitas, Charity fulfils the law.

A Google search of Social Justice will result in the name of Father Antonio Rosmini, the original founder of the school.

I am a strong advocate for social justice, however I reject claims that social justice and conservatism are exclusive of one another.

On leaving school I went farming in the central North Island.

I was lucky enough to be given my first job by Gary Ramsay who is here today in the gallery.

Farming taught me what long hours of hard physical work and graft were all about.

Our farmers and the rural sector is where our number 8 wire attitude and common sense approach to problem solving was born.

From my own time overseas in a competitive environment I discovered that those problem solving skills and failure is not an option attitude, helped me stand out amongst the crowd.

As a country we need to recognize the importance of these qualities’ and fight hard to retain them as part of our culture and psyche.

In 1989 I joined the New Zealand Police. I was a member of the Dog Section and Armed Offenders Squad.

I would like to acknowledge the Officer in Charge of the Police Dog Training Centre Snr Sgt John Edmonds who is here today.

I was lucky to have been able to serve with you and it is a great honour to have you both present today.

My partner on the Dog section was a small black German shepherd named Czar.

When we graduated our final report stated Czar was a natural born Police Dog and that if the team didn’t perform operationally the handler should be replaced not the dog.

He loved children but didn’t have much time for adults.

One of the first jobs we attended together put us head to head with an offender armed with a samurai sword and whose intent was to attack medical staff at Rotorua hospital.

During the arrest both Czar and I were stabbed, me through my right arm and Czar in the chest.

We both recovered although I never regained the full use of my arm.

I thank the Hon Judith Collins for the leadership she provided in making sure our Police officers were given every tactical advantage and option available.

Had tasers been around in my day I would have a much better tennis swing.

One thing I could see early in my career was the amount of damage gangs and organized crime did to our communities.

Whether they be the Mongrel Mob, Hells Angels or Asian triads they are parasites living off the backs of our communities and a bunch of low life cowards.

Hunting in packs they rob, steal, rape, murder, intimidate, assault and generally terrorize anyone unlucky enough to get in their way. Many of the social issues we face today are connected either directly or indirectly to the gang culture.

Our Police Service is now been led by leaders rather than managers, with morale the highest it has been for years and with the best Police Officers in the world we are on the right side of the ledger in continuing to tackle gangs and organized crime.

Our brave men and women of all our emergency services have my full support, admiration and gratitude for the services you provide our country.

I make a commitment to my electorate that I will be strong on Law and Order and support changes to bail laws that strengthen the rights and protection for victims of crime.

Our Rodney health services are very important with a growing population and a high number of older people choosing to retire in Rodney.

I support our locally driven initiatives like the Rodney Health Trust and Rodney Day Surgical Centre who are providing local services for our communities.

I am proud of how far we have come as a country in our understanding, caring and tolerance of those suffering from a mental illness or depression.

I was often asked if I was angry at the person who stabbed me who at the time was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

No I wasn’t angry with him. He didn’t wake up one morning saying I want to be paranoid schizophrenic. He was ill with a sickness he didn’t want.

In 2000 I lost my younger brother Sean. He was intelligent, the life of the party, an active member of the Auckland Coastguard rescue team and diagnosed with Manic Depression.

He wrote a letter to us, his family and then swam into the Rangitoto channel. We found him the next day washed up on Rangitoto Island.

We love and miss you Sean.

I applaud John Kirwan and the courage it took to tell his own story about depression and the debilitating effects it can have.

I am committed to supporting the mental health services in our communities.

In 2002 I resigned from the Police to live a quiet life raising and training horses in Taupo.

But fate had other plans and in 2003 I found myself in Iraq as part of a small team establishing a safety and security programme for the newly formed interim Government.

It was a tough year for me because for the first time in my life I was exposed to the ugliness of corruption, extreme ideologies, and very little regard for human life.

The first election in Iraq had over 7000 candidates for 235 Parliamentary positions.

Opposing candidates would dispose of each other with road side bombs or hit squads.

It helped for me to put some context around the teapot tapes last year.

In 2005 I was asked to establish the Provincial Joint Operations Centre in southern Iraq.

This was the command centre of all the newly formed Iraqi security forces.

Iraq faces some very big challenges in their rebuild, but I was lucky enough to work with some very good men and women, and where there are good men and women there is hope.

In 2005 I was approached and asked to establish a security programme for a company that was providing food and life support to the coalition in Iraq.

Seen as a legitimate target by Al Qaeda as they were supporting the Government, employees of the company were being attacked and killed.

The security programme I put in place was successful and soon I was being approached by Governments, including the United States, Japan and Australia to assist with logistics’ and protective support in high threat and difficult environments.

Although I have the deepest respect for organizations such as the United Nations I also saw how difficult it was for big bureaucratic organization’s to move quickly when sometimes people needed protection and aid today as it would be to late tomorrow.

I am proud of the fact I was part of a dedicated team that formed an initiative backed by the World Economic Forum to create Emergency Logistics Teams set up to deploy aid into areas struck by humanitarian disasters.

I am proud that we lead refugees out of Lebanon to safety when they were trapped in a war between Israel and Hezbollah.

That we protected and supported scientists from The Hague to open and take evidence from mass graves in their case against Saddam Hussein.

Delivered food and medical supplies to flood ravaged areas of Pakistan and ensured it got to the people that needed it.

That we were able to open up a supply chain to get food and supplies into Darfur and Mogadishu.

Mr Speaker, I have been a Farmer, Policeman, small business owner, and the founder of a successful global company.

I understand the pressures they face, the responsibility they carry and the importance that each one plays in the future of our country.

But they can’t carry the weight by themselves.

I believe that for the privilege of living in this beautiful country regardless of when we arrived we all have the same obligation and that is to look for ways to contribute to New Zealand’s future.

Finally Mr Speaker, I would like to acknowledge my family.

To my wife Peggy, I would not be standing here today delivering this maiden speech if it wasn’t for your unconditional love and support.

You have helped me achieve my dream and I hope that I can help you achieve yours.

To my children; Taylor, Spencer and Jazlin.

Your father was taken from you and New Zealand too early.

Possum was the only sportsman in New Zealand to beat the Aussies in their own National Championship 7 times in row. What a legend.

But first and foremost he was a loving and caring father.

I will continue to do my best to provide you with the love and security that your father would have provided.

To my Daughter Sylvie, yes honey it did feel like life had really begun for me when you came into this world and I am very proud of the caring young lady you are growing into.

To my son Nathan, you’re the man…your energy and enthusiasm for life is contagious.

To my sisters Lissa and Tracey, thank you for being here today. Thank you to Auntie Francis and Uncle Rodney; Geoffrey and Lynda Bourne for being here also.

Mr Speaker, I am back in the service of my country. There is no greater honour.

Maiden Speech: Simon O’Connor

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:25:00 GMT

Simon O'Connor |

Mr Speaker

In 1854, this house met for the first time on the outskirts of Auckland. It consisted of just 37 people. Those 37 could scarcely imagine how NZ would change over the coming century and a half. Since that time, 1,362 people have held seats in parliament and each one has given a maiden speech. It is difficult to imagine how I might say something original, but I’ll give it a shot.

Maiden speeches seem to me a curious exercise. They are an introduction, a moment of history, and a statement to posterity all at once. They are also a time for reflection at the beginning of a new chapter in which each of us can consider the events in our lives that have led us to this place at this point in time. I, like all who have stood in this house, have been asked many times, why I decided to enter parliament and politics? I have always noted that there was never one particular moment. It has been an organic process that developed slowly over many years, while working alongside people from all walks of life. I have worked in many challenging environments, from prisons and homeless shelters, to rest homes and hospitals; from the streets of Brooklyn, New York to the island of Taveuni in Fiji. In doing so, I have seen some of the best and worst aspects of humanity. I have sat with those mourning the dead and celebrated the hope of a new-born child. I have encouraged those who suffer under the curse of drug addiction, counselled those who work on the streets, and listened to those off the street who simply needed to be heard. It has, for me, been the stories shared, the struggles endured, and experiences lived, that has drawn me more and more to this new opportunity to serve New Zealand, here in this house.

The varied experiences which have filled my life thus far cause me to look forward to working for the great constituency of Tamaki, and to engaging with its communities from St Heliers to Glen Innes, Orakei to Glendowie, and all the suburbs in-between. I love working with people, and for people. It has defined my life to date, and I hope and expect it will do so far into the future.

I have come to parliament with not only a desire to serve the people of this country, but also with the conviction that ideas are powerful things. I believe that ideas, well-articulated, can change the world. The importance of robust, rational debate is a passion of mine, one that requires the consistent application of considered principles. I reject political fundamentalism, where part of the truth is over-emphasised at the expense of everything else. No great idea needs such a dishonest defence. Some might consider me optimistic to hope that in this auspicious chamber there is still room for genuine debate and constructive discussion. About this, I may be optimistic, but there are few things I think far more deserving of such optimism than this place of thoughts and ideas, of discussions and debates. I hope that, in the coming years, I may contribute something to them all.

I seek to contribute because I am a proud New Zealander. I am kiwi through and through, having spent almost all of my life in Whangarei and Auckland. There are those who question what it means to be a New Zealander. They suppose we lack an identity or lament that it is not what they would wish it to be. I have no time for such a myopic perspective. New Zealand has a clear and strong identity which has grown and evolved over the centuries that have preceded us. Most kiwis know who they are and what they stand for and spend very little time worrying about labelling it. Some of our principles have changed over time, but the most important ones, our most fundamental values have not. The importance of family, hard work, personal responsibility, and a fair go for all, remain central to who we are.

Of course, one cannot stand in this room and speak of great kiwi traditions without acknowledging our extraordinary democracy. Mr Speaker, I believe New Zealand has the best democratic and constitutional structure in the world. I realise that this is not a thought which occurs to many people on a frequent basis, but this is probably more a testament to its veracity than anything else. My belief in our constitution has not arisen from ideology or blind patriotism, but an appreciation developed over many years of observation and study. Democracy is not something that can ever be taken for granted.

At the heart of our constitution sits the crown. It is an ingenious, ever evolving entity that plays a role in so many aspects of this country. It is a valuable guardian of our democracy, a symbol of our independence, and a sign of our political resourcefulness. I am pleased to acknowledge today the 60 years of service that the Queen of New Zealand has given to all kiwis. It is my hope that, in the years ahead, New Zealand can make its monarchy ever more distinct and an even more uniquely kiwi institution.

I suspect most here today would agree that New Zealand is the greatest country on earth. But that is not to say it is a perfect nation. Again I suspect that most here are cognisant of the many problems this country faces. Foremost among them, is the scourge of violence in our society. If there is one general area to which I wish to apply my time and experience, it is to ending, or at least greatly reducing, this violence. Of course, there is no single solution, no quick fix. It is a perennial issue that has been grappled with by successive parliaments. I believe that this National-led government is taking great steps in the right direction, but there is much work still to be done. Some is legislative, but the most difficult work is changing attitudes. I fear that New Zealand accepts violence too easily. Aggression is celebrated, verbal and emotional abuse is tolerated in public discourse, and people are willing to turn a blind eye towards those suffering at the hands of bullies. The prevalence of domestic violence, violence against children, and random acts of violence on our streets is a sad indictment of us all. I do not believe it is a simple matter to resolve this tragedy, but neither do I feel it is hopeless. Like all the problems we face in New Zealand, we begin with a commitment to fix what is wrong, to persevere in what is required, and to accept only success. This is how we have tackled problems in our past, and this is what is required now to build a safe and secure society for all.

This room is full of leaders, representatives of their constituencies and communities. Their commitment to ending violence in our country is essential, but the work of many others outside this building is also required. Fortunately, New Zealand has no shortage of dedicated, principled, and energetic citizens. I feel it is important to recognise that none of us stand in this parliament alone. We are born into a community, live in that community, and as individuals are at our strongest when we are in the midst of that community and those that matter the most.

Mr Speaker, there are many people to whom I owe a huge debt of gratitude for their support and encouragement over the years, and who have been very influential in my being here today.

My parents, Rory and Colleen, are in the gallery this afternoon. A son could not have better parents and my gratitude can only ever be a small measure of what I owe to them. If there is one lesson, amongst the many they taught me, and that I can bring to parliament, it is that love is not an economic commodity or one that is scarce when times are tough.

Sitting with them, are my siblings, Bernadette and Vincent. I am lucky to have such a great brother and sister. When required, they know how to put me in my place, a skill several people in this room will be interested in hearing about I’m sure.

To my friends across this country and around the world, I would like to thank you for all the insights and humour, lessons and memories.

William Yeats said, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.” Truer words have never been spoken. To those friends here today I say thanks to you, and through you, to all those who couldn’t be here. To Ben Lee, Charles and Leigh Hay, Lynne Francis, Sean Palmer, Gordon Pilot, to Paul Foster-Bell, Chloe Oldfield, Brian Anderton, Aaron Hape and Paul Byers – thank you for all your help and encouragement over the years. I thank the Auckland University Fencers for all the fun and laughter, the debates, and the bruises. I am optimistic that my years of fencing may have well prepared me for the cut and thrust of this political place.

I acknowledge my caucus colleagues, for the help and support they have given me over the past few months. I would particularly like to thank Dr Jackie Blue and Dr Cam Calder, both of whom I have worked closely with over the past six years. The opportunity to be part of your electorates and to lead your campaign teams was great preparation for my own path to parliament.

I must also acknowledge my predecessor, Allan Peachey, whose sad passing last year cut short the work he sought to undertake in this house. I want to recognise his family, and the kindnesses they have shown me as I have prepared to represent Tamaki in this house.

Tamaki is an electorate with a formidable story, a narrative known all over the country. I am conscious of the role I play in writing its next chapter, but fortunately, I am not the sole author. I am pleased to work alongside the finest electorate team in New Zealand. Andrew Hunt, Christine MacFarlane, and Aaron Bhatnagar are here today. I am immensely proud to be your MP and conscious of your expectations. I will not let you down. Ros Rundle, Adriana Gunder, Eric Hansen, Phil Martell, Simon King, Cher Reynolds, Mariana Nordmark, Sharon Ludher-Chandra, Jim McElwain, Todd Muller, Dan Gardiner, Graham and Matt Malaghan, Kit Parkinson, and Cyrus Richardson form the electorate leadership team, but could not be here today. Without their help and support, I wouldn’t be either.

I am grateful to the National Party for the opportunities it has provided me. My commitment to our shared principles is absolute. I am conscious that my selection as an MP is both a privilege and a responsibility. The list of those who have helped guide me to this role is long and I cannot thank each person by name, but I hope all of them know how much I appreciate their efforts and their friendship. I will thank, in particular, Alastair Bell and Alan Towers, Nicholas Albrecht, Josh Beddell, Alan Conlon, James Palmer, Murray Broadbelt, Chris King, and Scott Simpson who was the first party figure with whom I spoke of my parliamentary aspirations. Scott, I am thrilled that we enter this 50th parliament together.

Mr Speaker, it is an honour to be here as the Member of Parliament for Tamaki. It is a welcome opportunity to serve my constituency, to listen to their needs and articulate them here in this house. I look forward to the future in my new role, but in the finest conservative traditions, I will venture into that future with a clear understanding of and respect for the past. I will work hard to live up to the expectations of our first 37 parliamentarians who, 150 years ago, launched New Zealand’s democracy. I believe this 50th parliament is the heir to all the hopes and dreams of the thousand MPs who have come before us. We are here today to build a better country and I hope that those who occupy this house 150 years from now might look back upon us and say that we were successful. Mr Speaker, I can think of no greater honour than to know that I might be a part of that.

Maiden Speech: Scott Simpson

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:23:00 GMT

Scott Simpson |

Mr Speaker

Congratulations on your re-election and also to your fellow presiding officers on their appointments to roles overseeing the smooth and efficient conduct of our proceedings during this 50th Parliament of New Zealand.

Sir, it is with a mixture of pride, awe and humility I rise to speak as the new MP for Coromandel.

I’m very conscious of the huge honour I have been given by my Party in being selected as a candidate…

and of the even greater honour granted to me by the people of Coromandel in electing me to be their voice,

their representative,

their face in this place.

I acknowledge a fellow contestant for the seat, Catherine Delahunty who sits in this House by virtue of the Green Party List.

Coromandel evokes in the minds of almost every New Zealander the very best images of the classic Kiwi summer.

Beautiful beaches, iconic bush and natural scenery second to none in our country.

Indeed the Peninsula proper is not only home to people who get to enjoy those gems on a daily basis…

it is also the favoured holiday destination for tens of thousands of visitors each year who now access and exit the area over our wonderful new Kopu bridge.

No longer are they subjected to long delays and frustrating traffic jams.

And in fact,

A story published locally last week commenting on how well the new bridge had coped with heavier than expected traffic flows during the long Waitangi weekend summed it up beautifully with the simple headline

“Thank you Mr Key”.

But the Coromandel electorate is more than just the Coromandel Peninsula.

It includes all the Hauraki Plains, our dairy heartland, through the scenic Karangahake gorge to Waihi and Waihi Beach and south to the jewel of the Western Bay of Plenty, Katikati.

It’s a diverse electorate, an electorate with a rich heritage and a bright future.

It’s an electorate mature in its demographic.

We have the highest number of people aged between 50 and 64 and the second highest number of people aged 64 plus of any electorate in New Zealand.

When added together those two age segments highlight a series of issues confronting us,

not least of which is how to encourage more younger people to make Coromandel their home and to raise their families in our part of paradise.

The answer Mr Speaker, lies in economic development, jobs and prosperity and I’m very pleased to be a member of a John Key led Government committed to encouraging economic growth for provincial and rural New Zealand.

I’m looking forward to supporting existing well established agricultural, fishing, tourism and manufacturing businesses and to encouraging the establishment of new innovative and exciting enterprises.

In particular, Sir, I’m looking forward to the new opportunities to be created by an expansion of our already excellent aqua- cultural sector that will bring further jobs and enterprise to our area.

Mr Speaker, my predecessor, Sandra Goudie, devoted herself unstintingly to the people of Coromandel.

Today, Sir, I pledge the same devotion in the hope the aspirations she and I both have for Coromandel can and will be continuously advanced both here in Parliament and within the wider community.

Mr Speaker, although most of my working life has been in commerce and business, for the last few years I’ve had the great privilege of being CEO of the greatest little charity in New Zealand,

Make-A-Wish.

It is a charity devoted to a simple mission of granting the one cherished wish of children and young people coping with life threating, sometimes terminal, medical conditions.

Let me assure members, there can be no greater joy than to work in a job where literally you are a professional wish granter on a daily basis.

It remains to be seen if I will be able to transfer that skillset to this workplace.

Granting wishes to very ill youngsters taught me many things, most I guess I already knew but the experiences certainly reinforced for me some simple life truths.

Life is not fair.

Bad stuff does happen.

Bad stuff happens irrespective of family circumstance, age, gender, wealth or location.

But Mr Speaker on the other hand,

Small things count.

Small gestures of kindness and goodwill have enormous power and magic not just for children and young people coping with dire medical conditions,

but for all people, all humans, all mankind.

These are things I hope never to forget during my time in this place.

Mr Speaker, 76 years ago, Sir, the National Party was formed by far sighted people with a far sighted national vision for a better New Zealand.

76 years ago New Zealand was a new pioneering nation still struggling to come to terms with the worst local and world economic depression ever known.

A country, Sir, still reeling from the human and emotional impacts of the Great War where the sacrifice of young New Zealand blood was greater than a new, developing nation found tolerable to bear.

Both my grandfathers served at Gallipoli – both eventually returned home although one was wounded at Gallipoli, patched up and then sent to fight on in France.

The plaques adorning this chamber stand as honourable tribute to that sacrifice and to subsequent further Kiwi sacrifice.

Silent but powerful reminders to each of us of the past high price paid by others for our freedom to be here today.

Many of those early National Party founders where the sons and daughters of immigrant pioneering families.

Like the tanagata whenua who arrived centuries earlier, they came with little in the way of personal possessions.

But they came Sir, with the greatest asset of all….

A gritty, stubborn and unshakable belief that through hard work, determination and passion…

Their dreams of a better life than the one they had left behind could be forged for their children and grandchildren in a new little country rich in natural resources,

blessed with a moderate climate and fertile soil.

Today Mr Speaker, we are all the beneficiaries of determination, hard work and foresight.

Each member of this House has progressed a journey to be here.

Some have been catapulted here almost unexpectedly here.

Others, like me, have watched the affairs of our parliament from the side-lines for years and many, like me, have been volunteer activists within our own Party organisational wings for far longer than we care to remember.

I’ve done so since school days.

Active participation in our democracy is important and although I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs…. It will always be my advice to political friend or foe alike,

to get involved,

be active,

have your say and fight for what you believe in.

Doing so may not always result in the outcomes sought,

but doing so will mean you have the satisfaction of being a participant rather than a mere observer who simply has to live with the results destined by those who did choose to step up and get involved.

For me Mr Speaker, the game started early while still at school.

The year was 1975. Hard to believe I know. Rob Muldoon was barnstorming his way to a huge victory over Labour.

My hardworking parents were running the small seven day a week business they had established early in their married life.

We lived in Mt Eden…., the suburb not the prison.

It was my School Certificate year.

It was the Eden electorate.

Aussie Malcolm was the National candidate running against a first term Labour MP, Mike Moore.

Eden was the most marginal bell weather seat in New Zealand.

Aussie Malcolm ran under the provocative campaign slogan… “Malcolm will do Moore for Eden”.

The politics was intense, exciting and as it turned out for me, highly addictive.

I guess for a teenager in the 70s, given the range of possible addictions on offer, politics was at the lower end of the parental concern spectrum.

Aussie Malcolm went on to beat Mike Moore and the rest is as they say history.

Over the years I have developed an enormous regard for the army of ordinary Kiwis from all walks of life that make up the volunteer wing of the National Party.

No National MP sits in this House without the support, endorsement and backing of those people.

I’d like to acknowledge and thank all those people who have helped me along the way.

An embarrassingly large number are here in the gallery today along with friends and members of both my close and extended family.

Thank you for your on-going support, friendship and love.

Sir, my Coromandel team was during the campaign and remains so today, a truly outstanding team of people, too many to name individually but so ably led by Electorate Chairman, Ian McClean and Campaign Manager, Heather Tanner.

Thank you one and all.

Sir, for those of us interested in such things,

the Maiden speech of Sir Jack Marshall delivered in this House almost 65 years ago

is regarded as setting the bench mark in terms of defining what we these days label as ‘liberal conservatism’.

And it is to that subject I now turn for the principles he set out in that speech still hold true today.

Let me make it clear at the outset the concept of liberalism does not mean at all anything to do with the touchy feely, namby pamby, soft soap approach so often the political homeland of Parties on the left.

Rather, liberalism is an acknowledgement that as a citizen I have the right to live my life in my own way provided only that this does not interfere with the rights of others.

That I should be free to do as I wish, subject only to the rule of law.

The Hon Chris Finlayson teased out these concepts in his Maiden Speech.

He said and I agree entirely, that the left may have admitted that the right won the great economic debate of the 20th century and that socialism in its many and varied forms has failed, but the left still wants to regulate and control.

Their natural instinct remains one of ‘only we know best ‘.

For me Mr Speaker the contrast between that view and of National Party principles could not be more stark.

National Party principles are liberal principles.

A belief that personal effort and initiative should be rewarded.

A belief Sir, that individual responsibility and accountability for our own actions and inactions provide the foundation stones of our society.

A belief that it is individuals who are best placed to make decisions about their future not the State.

That a free, open and property owning democracy provides the best model for Government.

These Mr Speaker, are the values and principles the National Party was founded on 76 years ago and they relevant today as they ever were.

The principles on which our society is built, in spite of vocal minorities who work to make it not so, are principles of a liberal democracy.

But liberalism and democracy are two very different things.

Democracy is a method for choosing and removing Governments.

Liberalism on the other hand is a doctrine about what society ought to be, about what Governments should or shouldn’t do…

and above all liberalism is a doctrine which defines limits to Government power.

I am convinced there is a common liberal thread, whether we choose to recognise it or not, that binds us together as a nation.

That common thread encompasses freedom of action and of individual rights, tempered by a willingness not to interfere with the rights of others whilst pursuing our own.

It encompasses a society of racial and religious tolerance.

It encompasses equality of opportunity and equality before the law.

The suggestion that a liberal is someone who wants to liberalise everything is entirely wrong.

Merely recognising and respecting the ideas and opinions of others does not mean the same thing as accepting, embracing or adopting those ideas or opinions.

It is not a question of what we are prepared to tolerate as a society, but rather what we are prepared to defend as important and precious as a nation.

For me it is the defence of a relentlessly optimistic outlook for my electorate and our nation.

The defence of that gritty, stubborn and unshakeable belief that a brighter, more prosperous future lies ahead for our children and grandchildren…

if only we here today, in this place and of this generation have the personal and collective strength to step up and make it so.

For a little country with so much going for us we spend far too much time and energy focusing on the things that hold us back, on the road blocks and the reasons why things can’t be so.

The Hon Steven Joyce has highlighted this theme recently.

Well Mr Speaker, as I conclude this my first address in our House of Representatives…

Mark me down as one who stands firmly on the side of those that can do and will do.

Mark me down as a supporter of growth and opportunity.

Mark me down as a champion of individual rights over State rights, of freedom and tolerance but tempered at all times by the often forgotten important obligation of responsibility for actions and inactions.

Mark me down Mr Speaker, as a defender of our very best liberal democratic values and as a staunch advocate for volunteer political activism.

Mark me down Mr Speaker, as a new member who has come here now to be an active and energetic participant from within rather than a casual spectator from the side-lines.

Sir,

I am a fourth generation New Zealander of European dissent.

My great grandparents arrived in Kuatounu on the Coromandel Peninsula in the mid-1800s.

I am the very proud father of Andrew and Ashleigh.

Mr Speaker, my name is Scott Simpson

I’m the National Party Member of Parliament for Coromandel reporting for duty.

New standing orders help keep up momentum in Treaty settlements

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:30:00 GMT

Hon Christopher Finlayson | Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

The Government’s commitment to progressing Treaty settlements is being boosted by extended House sitting hours and utilising cognate bill options, Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Christopher Finlayson said today.

Mr Finlayson welcomed the decision of Parliament’s Business Committee to extend the House’s sitting hours for Thursday 16 February and to sit on Friday morning, in part to progress at six bills giving effect to settlements of historical Treaty claims.

“The government is committed to continuing the increased momentum in Treaty settlements of recent years,” Mr Finlayson said. “Innovations such as the use of cognate bills and extended sitting hours keep things moving and reduce the time iwi have to wait to take full advantage of settlement benefits. It also avoids the House having to go into urgency, and means that the wider legislative program is not affected.”

The government's goal of settling claims by 2014 has accelerated the pace at which historical settlements have been reached with iwi, meaning more legislation before the House in the short and medium term.

Cognate bills are where two or more bills on related matters are taken together for the purposes of discussion and debate, by leave of the House. The bills are voted on individually and considered separately at select committee.

The Ngāi Tāmanuhiri Claims Settlement Bill and Ngāti Mākino Claims Settlement Bill will receive their first readings as cognate bills in Parliament today.

The bills will give effect to the settlement of all historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, an iwi from the Gisborne region and Ngāti Mākino, an iwi from the Bay of Plenty. The bills will be referred individually to the Māori Affairs Select Committee.

The Ngāti Mākino Claims Settlement Bill provides financial redress of $6.5 million. The settlement also provides for the transfer of over 3,400 hectares of Rotoehu Crown Forest Licensed Land. The Ngāti Makino Claims Settlement Bill also provides for the return of key cultural sites.

The extended sitting hours on 16 February will also include the Second Reading as cognate for Ngāti Whare and Ngāti Manawa Omnibus Bill, Ngāti Maniapoto (Waipa) River, Ngāti Pāhauwera and Ngāti Porou, which have been considered by the Maori Affairs Committee.

Last year Parliament adopted the recommendations of a Standing Orders Committee review to allow for extended sitting hours on a Thursday evening and Friday morning, if the Business Committee agrees.

Police praised for major drugs raids

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:44:00 GMT

Hon Anne Tolley | Police

Police Minister Anne Tolley has congratulated the Police after significant drugs busts in the Waikato.

The raids, in which a methamphetamine laboratory was uncovered, led to the seizure of substantial amounts of methamphetamine, chemicals and cash, along with a number of firearms.

“This is a great result, and I want to thank the police officers from Waikato, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty who worked together on this significant operation,” says Mrs Tolley.

“The Government will not tolerate methamphetamine in our communties.

“This is yet another example of the fantastic work being done by Police to stamp out the manufacture and supply of this hideous drug.

“Time is running out for the criminals involved.

“They need to get the message that the Police will soon be knocking on their door to lock them up and seize the proceeds of their crimes.”

Government steps up border management work

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:02:00 GMT

Hon David Carter, Hon Maurice Williamson, Hon Nathan Guy | Immigration - Customs - Primary Industries

The Government’s three border agencies are stepping up work to make trade and travel more efficient through better co-ordination of border services.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter, Customs Minister Maurice Williamson and Immigration Minister Nathan Guy today announced “Future Directions for the Border Sector”, a work programme to look at how the three agencies can operate together more effectively.

“A wide range of collaborative work is already underway across the three agencies. This new programme will build on the progress made in improving trade and travel services, while keeping a firm focus on border security,” says Mr Carter.

“It is about taking a fresh look at the functions of each agency and how co-ordination of the overall border management system can be improved.

“Protecting the integrity of New Zealand’s biosecurity system is a top priority. With $80 billion of exports and imports and 10 million travellers across our border each year, this must not be compromised,” Mr Carter says.

The Ministers say travel and trade patterns are changing rapidly as New Zealand interacts with more international partners, tourism is increasing and pressure is building for more streamlined travel.

“This work programme will build on a number of joint initiatives already overseen by the Border Sector Governance Group to improve information sharing and the targeting of risk at the border,” says Mr Williamson.

“An example is the Joint Border Management System (JBMS), a new information system developed by Customs and MAF, which is leading to reduced duplication and fragmentation of border services and lower costs for industry and government.”

The Ministers say the work is consistent with the Government’s goal of delivering better public services across the board.

“New technologies are giving us access to information faster and we should be using this to improve our effectiveness at the border,” says Mr Guy.

“We must ensure that our border is fit for the future. An efficient border management system is critical to New Zealand’s economic growth and prosperity.”

The work programme will provide recommendations to the Government by mid-year.

Prime Minister John Key: Video Journal No.2 for 2012

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:42:00 GMT

Rt Hon John Key | Prime Minister

John covers the Budget Policy Statement (released today) and discusses the importance of reducing debt before touching on the importance of Waitangi Day. He closes this video journal with condolences for the passing of Lloyd Morrison.

McCully to visit Cook Islands ahead of 2012 Forum

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:05:00 GMT

Hon Murray McCully | Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Murray McCully will travel to the Cook Islands today to meet with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members, and to conduct discussions regarding the Pacific Forum Leaders' meeting to be held in Rarotonga in August of this year.

“New Zealand and the Cook Islands have a special and long standing relationship,” Mr McCully said.

“My visit is an opportunity to discuss issues of shared interest as well as the 2012 Pacific Islands Forum, which the Cook Islands will be hosting in August.

“As the current Chair of the Forum, New Zealand is committed to meeting regularly with Pacific leaders and we also want to pass on to the Cook Islands Government the lessons we learned from hosting the Forum last year.

“While in Rarotonga I will also be visiting some of the projects the New Zealand Aid Programme is funding."