Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZ welcomes Panmunjom Declaration

New Zealand welcomes the Panmunjom Declaration
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula, signed by North and South Korea.
 The Declaration follows an historic summit between President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un where the two leaders announced that North and South Korea intend to sign a peace treaty later this year to formally end the Korean War.
 “New Zealand welcomes the stated commitment of both leaders to peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. It is our hope that the North can continue to build trust with the South, and the international community, through ongoing dialogue,” said Mr Peters.
 Most significantly, the two leaders agreed to work towards the goal of complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
 “This is a positive first step towards complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation, which New Zealand firmly supports. However, this remains a complex issue, and we should not underestimate the challenges ahead in achieving this goal.”
 “Notwithstanding the challenging road ahead, we should not lose sight of the significance of the announcement, which will further reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula, and in the Asia Pacific region more broadly.  New Zealand will do all we can to support this peace process,” he said. 
 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZ assistance for Ambae, Vanuatu

New Zealand assistance for Ambae, Vanuatu
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced a further $500,000 package of support to the Government of Vanuatu as it plans to relocate affected communities to safe sites off Ambae Island following ongoing volcanic activity.
This brings the total New Zealand support to the response to $2.5 million since September last year.
“Two New Zealand Defence Force aircraft will fly from Auckland to Luganville carrying over 22 tonnes of relief supplies including mother and infant kits, family hygiene kits, jerry cans, shelter tool kits and tarpaulins,” said Mr Peters.
As the Government of Vanuatu makes plans to relocate the residents of Ambae Island, New Zealand supplies will be used to assist communities impacted by the ongoing eruptions and support their longer-term recovery,” he said.
 A second deployment of relief supplies including water tanks, rainwater harvesting kits, food and water will be transported to Vanuatu on the HMNZS Canterbury which departs Auckland today.
New Zealand has been working with FRANZ partners Australia and France to assist the Government of Vanuatu since increased volcanic activity began in September 2017.
New Zealand has provided ongoing technical assistance since renewed volcanic activity started in March this year, including through the deployment of four GNS Science specialists currently in-country providing increased technical support to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD).
“This is a major operation for the Government of Vanuatu and as a trusted partner and friend New Zealand stands by ready to assist further,” said Mr Peters.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: CERT board members’ term extended

Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran has extended the term of members of the CERT NZ Establishment Advisory Board by an additional six months.
The Board will provide advice to the Minister and CERT NZ on cyber security.
“The combined expertise and experiences of the Board members will provide key insights as CERT NZ continues to serve New Zealand’s cyber security needs both as they are occurring today, and into the future,” said Clare Curran.
“Digital technologies provide new avenues for criminals and other states to gain advantage and cause harm here.  Cyber threats are increasing in number and are becoming more and more sophisticated.
“I’m pleased all existing Board members have agreed to stay on and advise CERT NZ as we work through the refresh of our cyber security action plan, which I announced recently.
“Their expertise and insight will add value to the refresh and help protect the information and network systems that are vital to our economic growth, ensure the integrity and security of our increasingly digitalised government services and make sure Kiwis can interact online without suffering harm.”  
“The nine Board members have extensive careers in cyber security and related fields, in both the public and private sectors, and have been appointed for an additional term of six months, bringing their term to 24 months.”
The Cabinet paper on this extension is being proactively released and is attached.
 
CERT NZ Establishment Advisor Board members
Michael Wallmannsberger (Chair) Mr Wallmannsberger is the Chief Information Security Officer at Air New Zealand, where he has overall responsibility for digital risk governance, as well as information security governance, strategy, architecture and operations, including security incident response. He has previously held various other senior leadership and consulting roles in cyber security as well as governance and advisory board roles. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand. He has chaired the Board since August 2016
Sarah Burke – Ms Burke is the Head of Technology – NZ Platforms for ANZ New Zealand. She has a strong record of technology leadership and delivery within financial services, leading technology functions and transformation both internationally and in New Zealand. She has an in-depth understanding of the banking sector and customer needs, particularly in relation to cyber security.
Jon Duffy – Mr Duffy is the Head of Trust and Safety at TradeMe.  He is also the Deputy Chair of NetSafe (an NGO focussed on online safety and security).  Through these roles, Mr Duffy brings considerable experience in the frontline of digital challenges and cyber incidents in New Zealand, and has operational and governance experience in the internet security space.  Through his engagement with cybercrime victims, Mr Duffy is aware of the impact cyber incidents have on the community and economy. Mr Duffy is a strong advocate for consumers and sits on the Board of Consumer NZ.
David Eaton – Mr Eaton is the Associate Director for Cyber Security at Datacom NZ. He is responsible Datacom’s cyber security practice including Security Operations & consulting.  David is passionate about developing New Zealand’s cybersecurity landscape, from services & training through to innovation and is strong advocate for the role of good cybersecurity in building trust and business confidence
Paul McKitrick Mr McKitrick’s career has been focused on improving the cyber security of the Internet and New Zealand.  He has been working in the cyber security industry nationally and internationally for more than 15 years, including roles within the Government Communications Security Bureau’s Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, the .nz Domain Name Commission, Microsoft’s Security Response Center, and most recently at ICEBRG.io.  Through these roles, Mr McKitrick has had extensive experience in security response, working with national CERTs, and has built a deep understanding of the technical requirements and the strategic relationships of CERTs.  Mr McKitrick was also a founder of the New Zealand Internet Task Force.
Debbie Monahan – Ms Monahan established the Domain Name Commission in 2002, and was the .nz Domain Name Commissioner until recently finishing up in that role.   She continues to be contracted to Internet New Zealand as a .nz Advisor.  Ms Monahan has a sound understanding of cyber security issues and the aims of a CERT.  Ms Monahan is the elected Vice Chair on the Country Code Names Supporting Organisation.
Kendra Ross – Ms Ross is the co-founder and Director of Duo Ltd & PSDuo Ltd, both New Zealand’s leading suppliers of security solutions and resourcing.  Ms Ross has built a trusted leadership role within the New Zealand security community by establishing and running 1stTuesday – New Zealand’s largest network of security professionals.  As a small / medium business owner herself, Ms Ross understands the challenges businesses face in dealing with cyber security.  Ms Ross has sat on many boards and working groups including the Information Security Awards NZ, which she Chairs, Wellington Regional Council on Economic Growth through Cyber and was appointed to the Government Taskforce on Cyber Security Skills. Ms Ross was the recipient of the New Thinking Award sponsored by Massey University at the 2016 Gold Awards and along with her business partner, named Entrepreneur of the Year at the Women in ICT Awards in 2016.
Rick Shera – Mr Shera has had an expansive 30 year legal career in corporate, commercial and ICT law, particularly internet law.  For the past 20 years, Mr Shera has been a Partner at Lowndes Jordan – a high level corporate, commercial and IT law firm.  He has extensive governance experience and is currently the Chair of NetSafe. He is also a board member of the Network for Learning. 
Adrian van Hest – Mr van Hest is the National Cyber leader for PwC and has a specific focus on Cyber security, risk, and innovation. He also leads PwC’s Global Threat and Vulnerability Management Centre of Excellence, one of the largest teams of researchers and testers focussed on combatting vulnerabilities and threats to organisations.   Mr van Hest is highly passionate about New Zealand’s cyber security and was a founder and former board member of the New Zealand Internet Taskforce and is part of the Cybersecurity Researchers of Waikato’s Industry advisory group.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Draft strategy revealed for Health and Safety at Work

The Government’s draft strategy for improving the health and safety of New Zealand workers over the next 10 years has been released, with submissions now being called for, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Iain Lees-Galloway.
“New Zealand has made good progress in recent years in reducing the rate of acute harm. However, urgent work still remains. I believe that we can be among world leaders for healthy and safe workplaces,” says Mr Lees-Galloway.
“The Strategy outlines an opportunity to drive ambitious, sustained and system-wide improvements in our health and safety performance to significantly lift the wellbeing and living standards of all workers and their families in New Zealand.
“I want to ensure that we are reducing all types of significant harm at work – this includes broadening the focus from acute harm to make sure we’re managing wider health risks, including mental health.
“A key priority highlighted in the Strategy is ensuring better outcomes for Māori, and other workers at greater risk who are over represented in injury statistics and high-risk sectors, such as forestry and construction, or more likely to be engaged in temporary, geographically remote or precarious employment.
“The Strategy aims to provide a common direction and priorities and an opportunity for everyone to work together more effectively on strengthening our health and safety system. Once finalised, it will also outline more meaningful measures and targets for monitoring our performance as a country.
“Health and Safety is a collective responsibility of all New Zealanders. I encourage you to take part in creating better health and safety outcomes for our workers by giving your feedback.
“The public consultation is open until 8 June 2018 and a summary of the consultation will be made available later this year,” Mr Lees-Galloway says.
More information about the Strategy, including how to lodge a submission can be found on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Reappointments to TVNZ and RNZ Boards

Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran has announced reappointments to the Boards of TVNZ and RNZ.
Dame Therese Walsh will continue to chair the TVNZ Board. Rodger Finlay will continue in his role as an RNZ board member.
“This Government firmly believes that a strong and informed democracy demands independent, original and free local media content,” said Clare Curran.
“I’ve told the Boards of both TVNZ and RNZ that it’s essential all New Zealanders are engaged, heard, and see themselves represented in New Zealand public media.
“I expect both Boards to keep developing modern, public digital media services that inform, entertain, and uplift because they’re vital to cultural diversity, artistic expression, and independence of thought and ideas. 
“Dame Therese Walsh is being reappointed for a second term as Chair of TVNZ.  She has provided clear direction and strong leadership to TVNZ and is a very experienced company director who currently serves on the Boards of Air New Zealand, ASB Bank and Antarctic NZ.’
“I am also reappointing Mr Rodger Finlay to the Board of RNZ for a second term.  Mr Finlay has provided strong commercial acumen to the Board and extensive governance experience. He has recently been appointed as the chair the Provincial Growth Fund’s independent advisory panel.
The appointment of a chair for RNZ is currently going through the appropriate appointment process.
Dame Therese and Rodger Finlay’s appointments are effective from May 1 and are for 18-months and three years respectively.
The Cabinet papers on these appointments are being proactively released and are attached.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Community Organisation Grants Scheme funding is now open

Applications for the 2018/2019 Community Organisation Grants Scheme are now open, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Peeni Henare announced today.  
 
The Community Organisation Grants Scheme is a government-funded kaupapa with the aim of building strong sustainable communities. This scheme will fund non-profit groups and organisations delivering community-based social services, projects and events. 
 
“Last year, over $12 million was granted to voluntary and community groups across the country,” Peeni Henare said. 
 
“This funding will help ensure that vital services are provided in local communities.
 
“I encourage community groups, iwi, and whānau to take up this opportunity and apply to their Local Distribution Committee,” Peeni Henare said. 
 
The 2018/2019 Community Organisation Grants Scheme funding round will continue until 23 May 2018.  There are 37 Local Distribution Committees around the country.
 
More information on the application process can be found here: https://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/community-organisations-grants-scheme/
 
 
Contact: Patisepa Helu 021 821 562
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Think tank backs path to low-emissions

27 April 2018

  MEDIA STATEMENT

Think tank backs path to low-emissions
The Minister for Climate Change says a Productivity Commission draft report into New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions economy supports work the Government is already putting in place to get there.
“The Productivity Commission’s draft report clearly shows it is possible for New Zealand to transition to a low-emissions economy and the Government is already doing or planning to do many of the things that will make this happen,” says James Shaw.
“As the Productivity Commission points out, this transition to a low-emissions economy will require major changes but New Zealand can achieve those changes and reap the rewards.
“Some of the recommendations made in the Productivity Commission’s draft report are already on this Government’s work programme; such as:
setting an ambitious long-term target for emissions reductions and putting that target into legislation – namely the Zero Carbon Act,
establishing a Climate Change Commission,
reforming the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS),
considering the option of bringing agriculture into the ETS,
considering options for disclosure of climate-related financial risks, which we have asked officials to work on, and
considerations underway on how emissions reduction can be factored into transport funding decisions, through the proposed new Government Policy Statement.
“The Commission’s work is extremely useful to help build the framework that will see New Zealand reach a net zero emissions goal by 2050. The Commission has provided strong, practical advice and evidence that we can use to ensure a just and effective transition.
“It adds to a growing body of information we have to work with; including the Coastal Hazards Guidance for local government and the Climate Change Adaptation Technical Working Group, which, in the next few weeks, is due to release its latest report into options for adapting to the risks and impacts of climate change.
“This draft report is now open for feedback and the Government looks forward to what comes from that, just as we are also keen to see New Zealanders provide their input into consultation around what our Zero Carbon legislation should look like, which is due to start soon,” Mr Shaw says.
People wanting to stay updated on consultation for the Zero Carbon Bill can register at: http://www.mfe.govt.nz/have-your-say-zero-carbon
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: MidCentral to trial new disability support system

The Government is trialling a new system for delivering disability supports in MidCentral to start on October 1 2018, Minister for Disability Issues Hon Carmel Sepuloni and Associate Minister for Health Hon Julie Anne Genter announced today.
“We are excited to be launching a new system that will make it easier for people with disabilities to access supports,” Ms Sepuloni said.
“It is about disabled people and their whānau having more options and greater decision making over what supports they need to live the life they want, rather than their lives having to fit in around what has been on offer,” says Ms Sepuloni.
“The disability community has been calling for change for a long time and this Government is committed to making people’s lives better. The 1,600 disabled people and their whānau in MidCentral are set to trial if a new approach for a disability support system will improve their lives,” Ms Genter said.
“There will be a try, learn and adjust approach taken with the new system for the first year, with disabled people and whānau providing feedback. We look forward to hearing how this pilot goes before making further decisions,” says Ms Genter.
“The new disability system will be sensitive to Māori, Pacific and other cultures and also take into account the needs of children and young people so they can live their lives in a way which will recognise and enhance their ability to contribute to the community,’ says Ms Sepuloni.
The new system has been designed together with disabled people, whānau and others in the disability sector.
A total of $23.84 million over two years is allocated to set up the new system in MidCentral which includes Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Manawatu, Ōtaki and Tararua districts. The funding also allows the demonstrations in Christchurch and Waikato to continue.
The new system, which will begin 1 October, will feature:
·     being welcomed into the system and finding out information in multiple ways
·     access to a Connector who will walk alongside disabled people and whānau to help them identify what they want in their lives, how to build that life, and the supports available
·     easy to use information and processes
·     connected support across government
·     streamlined funding and allocation, including access to a personal budget to be used flexibly
·     capability funding for disabled people and whānau to build their skills
·     greater system accountability with disabled people and whānau involved in its governance.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs attends Pacific Economic Ministers Meeting

Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Fletcher Tabuteau is travelling to Palau today to represent New Zealand at the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) from 25-27 April.
The FEMM is an annual meeting of finance ministers and senior officials to discuss a broad range of economic management and development issues in the Pacific to identify sectoral opportunities and constraints for a region-wide approach to development.
“Following on from my attendance at the Pacific Business Days in Papaetee recently and a day in Auckland yesterday hearing the views of Pacific business representatives and others in the private sector, I am looking forward to leading the New Zealand delegation at this important event for the Pacific region,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.
The key theme of the meeting is building economic resilience, with a particular focus on climate change and natural disasters.
A resulting “FEMM Action Plan” will be provided to Pacific Island Forum leaders in advance of their September meeting held in Nauru.
  
Media contact: Laree Taula, 021 992 200
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Primary Sector Council announcement welcomed

I welcome the announcement of the Primary Sector Council by Minister O’Connor today, says Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri. 
The Council is a much-needed step forward for the primary sector. The Council will bring independent and fresh strategic thinking to a vision and provide leadership to the primary industries.   
“We must be brave and tackle the challenges as well as step up to the opportunities that come from a time of great change,” Meka Whaitiri said. 
“I look forward to a conversation with the Council in May and to hearing their thinking around my areas of responsibility as Associate Minister.  
“I want to ensure we meet our immediate and future skills needs in the primary industries – particularly growing science, technology and innovation skill development. 
“There is significant opportunity to lift the productivity within the Maori agribusiness sector of which much of the land is Maori freehold land with multiple owners presenting additional challenges. 
“I’m also very pleased to see the wide range of people making up the Council and acknowledge Minister O’Connor’s commitment to making this a reality. This is important for ensuring a diversity of viewpoints and makes for a richer perspective coming from the Council,” Meka Whaitiri said.