Police Minister Paula Bennett has today responded to the Law and Order Select Committee report on issues relating to the illegal possession of firearms.

The Select Committee’s terms of reference were to focus on how widespread firearms possession is amongst criminals – including gangs, how those people who don’t have a firearms licence come into possession of firearms and what changes, if any, would restrict the flow of firearms to criminals, gangs and people who don’t hold a licence.

“The committee made 20 recommendations. After careful consideration I’ve accepted seven, rejected 12, and recommended one proceed with changes,” Mrs Bennett says.

“We needed to strike the right balance between public safety and the rights of legal firearms owners. Although the report was well intended, I believe many of the recommendations would not decrease the flow of firearms to criminals and gangs but would unduly impact on legally licenced firearms users.

“I appointed two independent firearms experts to advise me. I’ve listened to their advice, advice from Police, read the recommendations from the select committee and I’ve taken on board feedback from the public.

“After careful consideration I have added two more recommendations to my response. One proposes the introduction of the power to suspend licences pending decision on revocation. This will give Police an alternative to cancelling a licence, for example in situations where someone has been charged with family violence, or where there are security issues that need to be resolved.

“I’m also proposing a Ministerial direction to the Police to require consultation with the firearms community when considering changes to the Arms Act and the interpretation of it.

“Nobody wants firearms getting into the hands of violent gang members but we also don’t want over the top rules and restrictions to be placed on hunters and shooters who manage their firearms responsibly.”

“My response to the report has been tabled in Parliament. We will now begin a policy process around the recommendations we are progressing which will involve consultation, looking at costs and any regulatory impacts before coming back to Cabinet for approval later this year,” Mrs Bennett says.

Summary of the Government Response

Recommendation Number

Summarised Recommendation

Government Response Summarised

Sale and supply of firearms and ammunition

1

A firearms licence required to possess ammunition

Reject

2

A dealer’s licence required to sell ammunition

Reject

3

Dealers required to keep records of ammunition sales

Reject

4

Registration process for websites facilitating trading in firearms, parts, or ammunition

Amend recommendation - Do not introduce registration  but clarify ‘mail order’ process applies to online sales in Arms Amendment Bill

5

Permit to procure extended to cover all sales or transfers of firearms (i.e. include A category firearms)

Reject - but improve efficiency in current licensing and permitting processes. Mail order applies to online sales

Definition of military-style semi-automatics

6

Investigate the creation of a category of restricted semi-automatic rifle and shotgun

Reject 

Effectiveness of licensing, training, and registering firearms

7

Implement firearm prohibition orders

Accept - include in the Arms (Firearm Prohibition Orders and Firearms Licences) Amendment Bill

8

Codify the ‘fit and proper’ criteria in the Arms Act

Reject

9

Implement a stand-down period after licence revocation

Accept - include a 12 month stand down period in the Arms (Firearm Prohibition Orders and Firearms Licences) Amendment Bill

10

Clarify that gang members or prospects must not be considered ‘fit and proper’ to possess firearms

Accept - include in the Arms (Firearm Prohibition Orders and Firearms Licences) Amendment Bill

11

Require Police to record serial numbers of all firearms upon renewal of licence or inspection of premises

Reject – voluntary process to continue

Criminal offending with firearms

12

Review the penalties in the Arms Act

Accept - progress in Arms Amendment Bill

13

Treat dealer offending as aggravated at sentencing

Reject

14

Determine appropriate security standards for A category licences

Accept - Police/firearms community advisory forum  already commenced this process

15

Secure storage confirmed before licence or endorsement received

Reject

16

Allow Police to enter premises to inspect security of A category firearms

Reject

17

Failure to comply with storage regulations to result in mandatory revocation

Reject - but note new suspension of licence

 

Reducing the number of grey firearms

18

Clarify and publicise the extent of amnesty provisions in the Arms Act 1983

Accept - to progress in Arms Amendment Bill

19

Police publicise amnesty provisions

Reject

20

Check that firearms brought in on visitors permit are exported or transferred legally

Accept (administrative)

Additional Government Recommendations

1

Provide the power to suspend licences

Include in the Arms (Firearm Prohibition Orders and Firearms Licences) Amendment Bill

2

Police to improve its consultative processes with the firearms community

Propose to give a Ministerial Directive to this end

Tourism Minister Paula Bennett has today announced $5.2 million in co-funding for sixteen councils around New Zealand. Councils from Queenstown to Whangarei will receive funding for 28 new tourism infrastructure projects that include include toilets, showers and parking facilities.

Projects were funded through the second round of the Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund and provide support for councils with high visitor numbers and small ratepayer bases, says Mrs Bennett.

“This funding will be a relief for these communities and will help them respond to the steady stream of visitors they are seeing. Tourism is hugely important to many of our regional economies and infrastructure is essential to harnessing the benefits of growth in the sector,” says Mrs Bennett.

“Quality infrastructure and facilities also help to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy their own spaces – whether they are at home or visiting other parts of the country. This is important if the tourism sector is to retain the support of New Zealanders.

“This is the second and final round of the Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund, which will be subsumed by the new Tourism Infrastructure Fund of $100 million over four years. This new fund will also support local communities who are facing pressure from tourism growth need assistance.

“We’ve heard from industry and local government that infrastructure is their number one priority and have responded accordingly. Now I am interested in what the projects are that we can fund to support our growing and successful tourism sector.”

Successful applicants for round two of the Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund

Applicant

Co-funding

Ashburton District Council

$105,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at Lake Camp. The new facilities will respond to the significant increase in visitor numbers around the Ashburton Lakes and help manage existing pressure, with the Council currently having to use portaloos during peak summer months.

Buller District Council

$153,600 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at Fox River. The facilities will increase the area’s capacity for growing numbers of visitors travelling along the SH 6 West Coast touring route.

Buller District Council

$101,580 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at North Beach, Westport. The facilities will support the growing number of visitors coming within the vicinity of North Beach, including freedom campers and users of the Kawatiri River Trail and other walking tracks.

Central Otago District Council

$139,200 of funding for works to install rubbish compactors at eight sites around Lake Dunstan. The project will increase the Council’s ability to respond to growing visitor demand and ensure the surrounding area is kept rubbish free.

Central Otago District Council

$178,800 of funding for works to upgrade the plumbing systems of two existing toilet facilities at Lake Dunstan (Weatherall Creek and Champagne Gully), and construct new toilet facilities in the Cromwell Mall. The plumbing upgrades will improve capacity at both sites, enhancing their ability to respond to increased visitor numbers, including freedom campers. The Cromwell Mall toilet facilities will help address strong visitor growth in the town.

Gisborne District Council

$256,228 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at four sites on the East Cape (Hicks Bay, Waipiro Bay, East Cape Lighthouse and Anaura Bay) to increase the area’s capacity for growing numbers of visitors.

Hastings District Council

$380,000 of funding for works to construct additional parking, toilets and visitor facilities at Te Mata Peak. The additional facilities will increase the site’s capacity to respond to growing visitor demand.

Horizons Regional Council

$105,880 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities in the Te Apiti-Manawatu Gorge to increase capacity for growing numbers of visitors attracted to the popular walking area.

Hurunui District Council

$224,254 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities and a dump station for motorhome use on Mountain View Road in Culverden. The new facilities will help respond to the significant increase in visitor numbers to Culverden, particularly following the Kaikoura Earthquake, which saw the town being incorporated into the South Island inland touring route and portaloos being required to respond to increased demand.

Mackenzie District Council

$100,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at the Lake Pukaki lookout. The facilities will meet an immediate need with growing numbers of visitors to the site.

Mackenzie District Council

$275,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at The Pines Campground, next to Lake Pukaki lookout. The facilities will meet an immediate need with growing numbers of freedom campers to the site.

Mackenzie District Council

$267,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities on Lakeside Drive, next to Lake Tekapo, and upgrade an existing effluent dump station in the township. Both facilities will meet an immediate need with growing numbers of visitors to the site.

Queenstown Lakes District Council

$150,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities in Makaroa. The facilities will respond to the estimated 400,000 vehicles travelling through the township on SH 6 en route to Haast per year.

Rangitikei District Council

$120,550 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at three sites across Rangitikei district (Mangaweka Village, Papakai Park in Taihape and Bruce Park Reserve in Hunterville). The facilities will serve as rest stops for users travelling through the Rangitikei along SH 1.

Ruapehu District Council

$622,500 of funding for works to construct toilet and parking facilities at the Carrot Park in Ohakune. The new facilities will help respond to significant growth in visitor numbers in Ohakune both over winter months and throughout the year (including those travelling to the Tongariro Crossing).

Ruapehu District Council

$140,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at the Tangiwai Memorial near Waioura. The new facilities are part of a larger programme of work being led by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Department of Internal Affairs and Department of Conservation, and will encourage visitors to stop at the site en route to Ohakune and the Desert Road.

Ruapehu District Council

$140,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities in Ohura. The new facilities will support the steady growth of visitors travelling on the Forgotten World Highway, and also users of the Mountains to the Sea cycle trail travelling between National Park and Wanganui.

Ruapehu District Council

$140,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities in Owhango. The new facilities will support the steady growth of visitors travelling between Taumarunui and the National Park on SH 4, and also users of the Mountains to the Sea cycle trail along the border of Tongariro National Park.

Thames Coromandel District Council

$130,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at the Park and Ride carpark in Hahei. The new facilities will support the Council’s wider visitor management strategy for responding to the significant growth in visitor numbers to Cathedral Cove.

Waitaki District Council

$110,000 of funding for works to construct new toilet and shower facilities, and a wastewater disposal field at Dunback Domain Campground. The new facilities will replace the existing toilets, which are no longer able to meet demand for visitors travelling towards Central Otago, including freedom campers.

Waitaki District Council

$113,000 of funding for works to construct new toilet and parking facilities in Duntroon. The parking facilities include a pick up/drop off area for tourism operators associated with the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, and will help to address the existing lack of an organised parking system in the township. The new toilet facilities will replace aged facilities that are unable to meet increased demand.

Westland District Council

$463,068 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities on the main street in Franz Josef. The new facilities will replace the existing toilets, which are no longer able to meet demand for visitors travelling between the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.

Westland District Council

$100,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities and upgrade parking at Dillman’s (Kapitea) Dam. The new facilities will help respond to significant growth in visitor numbers travelling past Dillman’s Dam (near Kumara) via Arthur’s Pass, and along the SH 6 West Coast touring route.

Westland District Council

$204,435 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities and upgrade parking in Okarito. The new facilities will help respond to significant growth in visitor numbers travelling through the township along the SH 6 West Coast touring route.

Westland District Council

$117,216 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities and upgrade parking in Bruce Bay. The new facilities will help respond to significant growth in visitor numbers travelling through the township along the SH 6 West Coast touring route between Fox Glacier and Haast.

Westland District Council

$136,125 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities and upgrade parking in Fox Glacier. The new facilities will help respond to significant growth in visitor numbers travelling through the township along the SH 6 West Coast touring route between Fox Glacier and Haast.

Whakatane District Council

$100,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities in Murupara, and upgrade existing toilet and carpark facilities at Eivers Park in Te Teko. The Te Teko facilities will benefit the increased number of visitors travelling between Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty, while the Murupara facilities will benefit visitors travelling to Te Urewera National Park.

Whangarei District Council

$160,000 of funding for works to construct toilet facilities at the Abby Caves and Parihaka sites. The new facilities will support visitor growth at both sites, as well as the nearby Whangarei city centre.

Total

$5,233,336

Police Minister Paula Bennett has announced that $1.8 million will be made available for robbery prevention at dairies, superettes and small local businesses.

“We’ve listened to the concerns of shop keepers, that’s why we’ve put aside this money to be used for co-funding for a range of security and prevention measures,” Mrs Bennett says.

“Businesses assessed as being high risk will be invited to apply for co-funding for things like panic and high volume interior alarms, DNA spray, fog cannons and time safes for cash and storage of cigarettes. Shop owners will also be given advice about how to alter the layout of their shops to make them safer. 

“Police have already increased the numbers of officers in high-risk areas, and carried out crime prevention seminars. Officers in Auckland have visited over 1,000 businesses over the past three months to provide prevention advice. Police have arrested 106 people in connection with all aggravated robberies that have taken place over the past two months.

“The money is from the Justice Sector Fund and is aimed at small family or individually-owned businesses that are considered to be high risk that can’t cover the costs of increased security without some help. Police will identify high risk businesses that meet the criteria, and they will be invited to apply to the fund if they need financial assistance to install new security measures.

“Police will fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of the security measures. In some exceptional circumstances, they may pay a larger share. It’s expected all of the 500-600 businesses considered high risk will be eligible for co-funding. In addition to that, around 3,500 businesses will be visited to receive safety advice.

“Businesses at high risk of robberies will be determined by using established intelligence assessment tools that overlay crime rates with other characteristics, such as type of crime, the time of day and location. Police have assured me that they will be able to support the majority of high-risk businesses over a six month period.  

“Aggravated robbery is a serious crime. These criminals need to know that they could face 14 years in prison and they’re much more likely to get caught now Police have these new measures in place.”

This funding comes on top of the “There’s nothing good about stolen goods” campaign announced by Police last week which targets businesses or individuals receiving stolen property from robberies.  Rewards have been offered through Crimestoppers for those who provide information which leads to a conviction. 

“We’re taking this issue seriously, we want to stop these awful crimes from happening to innocent victims in the first place and make sure these cowards are off the streets,” Mrs Bennett says.

The latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows gross emissions have remained stable since 2003 and declined in 2015 as New Zealand is becoming more carbon efficient, says Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett.

“Domestic greenhouse gas emissions have stabilised while our economy and population continue to grow. Between 1990 and 2015 the emissions intensity of the economy decreased by 35.9%, indicating the economy is becoming more carbon efficient,” says Mrs Bennett.

“We are constantly updating the science to get a more accurate picture of our emissions profile. The most recent inventory shows gross emissions were 0.1% lower in 2015 compared with 2014, and that we are in a better position to meet our 2020 targets.

“It’s also pleasing to see significant emissions reductions in the waste sector. Emissions were below 1990 levels for the third year in a row due to ongoing improvements in the management of solid waste disposal and increased recycling. It shows we are on the right track but we’ll need to continue our work programme to ensure we meet our ambitious 2030 Paris Agreement target.

“Budget 2017 included an additional $4 million to provide costed, tested and modelled policy options, we are reviewing the Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure it is fit for purpose, and we have asked the Productivity Commission to do a major report on how we can reduce our emissions while keeping our economy growing.”

The Ministry for the Environment’s New Zealand annual Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990-2015 is an official statistic and part of New Zealand’s international reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The full report can be accessed here.

New laws will allow Police and Corrections to better ensure offenders in the community or defendants on bail are adhering to conditions not to consume alcohol or drugs, say Police Minister Paula Bennett and Corrections Minister Louise Upston.

“Harmful alcohol and drug use is a serious health issue and a major driver of crime. About half of crime is committed by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Mrs Bennett says.

“This new legislation allows Police and Corrections to monitor and test offenders and people on bail with conditions imposed by judges or the Parole Board not to consume alcohol or drugs. It allows staff to target those with the highest risk of causing alcohol-related harm with more intensive testing and monitoring.”

“The main form of testing will be urine testing, and Police will use existing breath-alcohol testing technology throughout the country,” Mrs Bennett says.

Some high-risk offenders and people on bail will be fitted with alcohol detection anklets as part of their monitoring. These anklets detect alcohol in sweat and provide evidence if they have consumed alcohol against their abstinence conditions.

Corrections and Police are trialling the technology with about 50 anklets for two years in the Northern Region before it is rolled out more widely.

“The law empowers staff to get evidence about drug or alcohol consumption. Staff can then take action, encouraging offenders who have stayed sober or giving further treatment or sanctions to offenders who have breached their conditions,” Ms Upston says.

“The aim is to reduce drug and alcohol-related harm in our communities by enabling Corrections and Police to better manage offenders in the community and defendants on bail. Negative tests can provide evidence of sobriety to employers and help offenders get a job.”

“The anklets are one more tool that can be considered when offenders and bailees with the highest risk of causing alcohol-related harm are in the community. Not everyone with an abstinence condition will be suitable for the trial,” Ms Upston says.

As part of an $8.6 million package from the Justice Sector fund last year, Corrections is also providing extra support to offenders with alcohol and drug needs.

Initiatives include:

A 24/7 alcohol and drug support phone line for offenders/prisoners which will be staffed by experienced registered alcohol and drug practitioners. The ‘RecoveRing’ support line goes live on 24 May 2017 16 new alcohol and drug aftercare workers have been employed in prisons across the country since July last year 13 additional residential beds in treatment facilities for offenders with significant alcohol and drug needs (available until June 2018).

“Harmful alcohol and drug use is a major factor contributing to crime in our communities. Providing extra support to offenders who are struggling with addictions is a step towards helping them make a positive change to their lives,” Ms Upston says

 

Climate Change Minister Paula Bennett and Foreign Minister Gerry Brownlee have today announced that New Zealand will provide $1.3 million to support Fiji’s presidency of the United Nations Climate Change Conference later this year.

“At last year’s conference in Marrakech, Fiji was selected to take up the role of president of this significant event,” Mrs Bennett says.

“This is a major undertaking for any country and these important talks will bring together climate experts officials and leaders from around the world.

“In addition to our financial support, New Zealand climate change ambassador Jo Tyndall will be available as an on-call adviser.”

Mr Brownlee says the conference will be important for maintaining momentum in negotiating the rules which will bring the Paris Agreement on climate change into effect.

“This is also the first time a Pacific Island nation has taken leadership of this conference.

“Given the significant impact of climate change on the Pacific, we are committed to supporting Fiji’s presidency and helping them to ensure the talks are successful,” Mr Brownlee says.

The conference begins on 6 November 2017 in Bonn, Germany.

New Zealand’s tourism sector is forecast to grow significantly over the next seven years, with international visitors projected to spend $15.3 billion a year by 2023, Tourism Minister Paula Bennett says.

 

Figures from the New Zealand Tourism Forecasts 2017-2023 released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), show the real value that tourism will continue to have to New Zealand’s economy.

 

“The figures released today confirm that New Zealand’s tourism sector is in good shape. Visitor arrivals are projected to reach 4.9 million annually by 2023 – up 39 per cent from the 3.5 million visitors who came here in 2016,” Mrs Bennett says.

 

“The Government is focused on helping the tourism sector attract visitors who bring value to our communities – those who spend more, stay longer and explore regions around New Zealand, as well as the main tourist spots.

 

“We still have work to do, but it’s great to see that the amount visitors spend per day is expected to grow by 9 per cent over the forecast period. For our second largest market, China, this figure is 17 per cent.

“Overall, international visitor spending is forecast to exceed $15 billion annually by 2023, up an impressive 52 per cent from annual visitor spending of $10 billion in 2016. This equates to a solid growth rate of over 6 per cent per annum, which is great news for our regional economies.

“The figures confirm the importance of China to our tourism industry; with China set to become our largest tourist market by spend. Chinese visitor spending will add $4.3 billion annually to our economy by 2023.

“Tourism is already our biggest export earner, and adds immense value to our country by directly employing over 180,000 people. With this strong growth, we must continue to ensure that our regions have the infrastructure and ability to meet the pressures that tourism brings.

“That’s why  yesterday Conservation Minister Maggie Barry and I announced a $178 million tourism package that will help councils facing funding restraints to build the infrastructure they need and also enable the development of tourist facilities on conservation land and the expansion of the Great Walks network,” Mrs Bennett says.

The interactive web tool for users to explore the forecast results for key markets is available on MBIE’s website: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/tourism/tourism-research-data/international-tourism-forecasts

Tourism Minister Paula Bennett has today announced a new $102 million Tourism Infrastructure Fund which has been launched alongside $76 million in new funding for our most important tourism asset, the DOC Estate.

“Tourism is hugely important to New Zealand. It creates jobs and brings in billions of dollars to the economy. That’s why it’s important that we keep investing so we continue to attract high-value tourists and give them an amazing visitor experience,” Mrs Bennett says.

The Tourism Infrastructure Fund will provide $100 million over the next four years in partnership with local councils and other community organisations, for projects like new carparks, toilets and freedom camping facilities.

“The fund is about helping communities respond to demand and addressing capacity constraints. It will also facilitate future growth in some of our newer tourism regions as well as the main tourist hubs.

“Government is funding tourism in a number of different ways. That’s why the Tourism Infrastructure Fund has been announced alongside a $76 million funding increase for DOC to upgrade and develop tourist facilities on conservation land and to expand the great walks network.

“The Tourism Infrastructure Fund will provide infrastructure such as toilets and carparks, but we’re also prepared to consider projects like visitor information centres, and feasibility studies for infrastructure projects on a case-by-case basis as part of the fund.

“The industry has clearly told us that infrastructure is their top priority and we’ve responded to that. We’re moving from a focus of just boosting tourist numbers to also attracting higher-value tourists to all regions. This funding will ensure we have the capacity to do that.”

“Successful projects will demonstrate value for money and be co-funded by applicants, who will need to show that other funding options have been fully exhausted.

“Government is stepping in to help ensure we have the right infrastructure to support this important industry, especially in areas with high visitor numbers but small ratepayer bases. However, local government still has the lead role to play in building and maintaining that infrastructure. The private sector is also playing its part by investing in new and expanded commercial attractions and hotels.

“Government will continue to work with councils and the industry to consider larger tourism projects which will be funded outside of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. We’ve done this in the past with the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Northland and we’re open to considering other opportunities.  

“Last year international tourism expenditure reached $14.5 billion, which is more than 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total exports of goods and services. It’s also a significant employer, generating around 188,000 jobs directly, and a further 144,000 indirectly,” Mrs Bennett says.

This fund is made up of $60.5 million in new money from Budget 2017 and $41.5 million in funds which have been reprioritised from the Tourism Growth Partnership and the Regional Mid-sized Tourism Facilities Grant Fund. Of that, $2 million over four years has been provided to manage the fund. 

A copy of the criteria for the fund is attached.

Police Minister Paula Bennett, Communications Minister Simon Bridges and Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne, today announced a new caller location system for 111 mobile phone calls that will improve public safety and help save lives.

“The new system will automatically provide emergency services with a probable location of a caller when they dial 111,” Mrs Bennett says.

“It will still be important for 111 callers to tell emergency services operators where they are. However, if the caller doesn’t know their address or exact whereabouts, the new system will automatically provide emergency services with a more precise location of a 111 caller than is currently the case.”

Each year, there are more than two million calls to emergency services. Last year, more than 80 per cent of calls to 111 were made from a mobile phone, and Police recorded over 1,800 incidents where they had to make a special information request to a network provider for a caller’s location.

“Where people can’t give an accurate address emergency services can experience real difficulty pinpointing the caller’s location,” Mr Dunne says.

“This new system will enable police, fire and ambulance services to respond more quickly to emergency events from mobile phones, as they will have more accurate information about the caller’s location.”

The level of location accuracy will still vary depending on a number of factors such as the type of mobile phone and the location source available.

“This solution sees New Zealand leading the way in emergency response systems, alongside the United Kingdom and other European countries. New Zealand is the first country outside of Europe to go live with Google’s Android Emergency Location service nationally,” Mr Bridges says.

“Technology is changing the way people and communities interact. As we continue to use technology to improve New Zealand, it’s important that we strike a balance between innovation, security and privacy protection.”

Minister Bridges says the project team worked closely with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner to address any privacy concerns in developing the new system.

“I appreciate that some people may have concerns around privacy, which is why the phone’s location services are switched on only when the 111 call is made and then returned to the caller’s original settings within 25 seconds of the 111 call being initiated. All location data will only be held for 60 minutes and will then be deleted,” Mr Bridges says.

Further information about the Emergency Caller Location Information system is available at:

www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/technology-communicati...