Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Cutting fine print from financial information: public and sector urged to have their say

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi is encouraging public feedback on proposed regulations that will make it easier for consumers to understand the whole picture when receiving financial advice.
“I want consumers to make the best decisions they can during their financial planning so ensuring important information is available and easy to understand is crucial. For example, information hidden in fine print isn’t helpful to consumers – that might be information about commissions or incentives that the provider receives, and the fees that will be charged.
“Consumers should have that information to assist them to decide, for example, whether to obtain advice from a particular provider.  I want to make sure that important information is presented in simple terms that consumers understand. “
The proposed regulations support the Financial Services Legislation Amendment Bill, which introduces a new regulatory regime for financial advice. The discussion paper seeks feedback from industry and consumers on what information should be given to consumers in relation to financial advice, says Mr Faafoi.
“I am also seeking feedback on a discussion paper outlining proposed regulations to support measures in the Bill to address the misuse of the Financial Service Providers Register.
“Some mainly offshore-controlled entities have been “free-riding” off New Zealand’s reputation for sound financial markets regulation by using their registration to imply that they are actively regulated in New Zealand when that is not the case.  I want feedback on the proposals that aim to address this unscrupulous behaviour. 
“I encourage consumers and people in the financial services industry to provide feedback on the proposed regulations.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: No loss of life acceptable

No loss of life is acceptable, is the message behind the development of the Government’s new road safety strategy, says Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.
The development of the new strategy was announced today at the Local Government Road Safety Summit in Wellington.
“As part of the development of a new road safety strategy the Government will investigate setting a target of zero road deaths,” says Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.
“I accept that a target of zero death would be audacious, but ambitious targets are need to focus the resources of both central and local government to save lives on our roads.
“No other industry accepts hundreds of people dying each year as normal. No person I know thinks losing a loved one in a crash is an acceptable price to pay for living in a modern society.
“Ambitious zero road death strategies have been successful overseas. Countries like Canada, Sweden, and Norway all aim for zero road deaths and have considerably lower fatality rates than New Zealand.
“The development of a new road safety strategy will take until September 2019 and be ready for implementation in 2020. It will outline the steps New Zealand will take to meaningfully reduce deaths and serious injuries over the coming decade.
“While the strategy is being completed we intend to push forward with actions where there is strong evidence of effectiveness.
“The Government has proposed a significant boost in funding to improve local and regional roads right around the country. This will have a particular focus on proven safety treatments, like median and side barriers.
“We’re also considering a significant funding boost to deliver safe walking and cycling infrastructure in our towns and cities.
“Over the next year the Government will consider a number of options for reducing harm on the road, including improving the safety of vehicles entering New Zealand, reducing speeds around schools, and will implement mandatory alcohol interlock device systems for repeat drunk drivers,” Ms Genter said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Remembering the victims, survivors and rescuers of the Wahine tragedy

Prime Minister and Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Jacinda Ardern commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Wahine disaster at an event in Wellington today.
“Today we acknowledge the people and the families of the people who lost their lives in the disaster and recognise the survivors and their families,” said Jacinda Ardern.
“We also thank the rescuers who helped save 683 lives of the passengers and crew of the Wahine.
“The local Eastbourne and Seatoun communities helped survivors ashore and looked after them before they got further care from police and civil defence. The efforts of the rescuers, and the fact that so many lives were saved, marked a truly notable moment in our history.
“The legacy of the Wahine is one of sadness for the lives lost, but also one of gratitude to the rescuers.
“The Wahine disaster was a tragedy that affected our country deeply and is an important part of the story about what it means to be a New Zealander.”
The 1968 Wahine disaster was New Zealand’s worst modern maritime disaster. Fifty-one people lost their lives that day, another died several weeks later and a 53rd victim died in 1990 from injuries sustained in the wreck.
“The Wahine disaster is one of the six major disasters of the century that affected New Zealand and our history. The tragedies of the influenza pandemic, Hawkes Bay earthquake, Tangiwai railway disaster, Erebus disaster, Canterbury earthquake and Wahine disaster all had a significant impact on our country.
“Recognising events, such as the Wahine tragedy, ensures New Zealanders are aware of our history. It’s important that we learn from these tragedies and continue to build our resilience as a country,” said Jacinda Ardern.
For more information on the Wahine Disaster visit the NZ History website https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/wahine. Information on 20th century shipwrecks can be found on Te Ara: https://teara.govt.nz/en/shipwrecks/page-5

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand condemns chemical attack in Eastern Ghouta

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has expressed New Zealand’s grave concern at reports that dozens of civilians have been killed in a chemical weapons attack in Eastern Ghouta, Syria.
“New Zealand condemns this barbaric attack in the strongest terms. If it is proven that the Syrian Government is responsible, it provides further evidence of its callous disregard for the lives of its own people,” Mr Peters said.
“New Zealand calls for an independent investigation into the attack by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and for the perpetrators to be held to account. We call on the parties to the conflict in Eastern Ghouta to urgently allow OPCW inspectors access to the area.”
“We also call on the international supporters of the Syrian Government to work to uphold the cessation of hostilities promised in UN Security Council Resolution 2401 and to prevent further attacks of this nature,” Mr Peters said.
ENDS
Contact: Stephen Parker, Chief Press Secretary, 021 195 3528
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Remembering tragedy and courage: Wahine 50-year commemoration dawn ceremony

Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi says tomorrow’s dawn ceremony to commemorate 50 years since the Wahine disaster will be a poignant occasion, and a highly personal memorial for those affected by the tragedy.
Mr Faafoi will attend the public service at Eastbourne with Minister of Transport Hon Phil Twyford, and will lay a wreath for the victims of the disaster.
Many of the 51 fatalities occurred on the rocky Eastbourne shore, Mr Faafoi says, but 683 lives were saved thanks to the valiant efforts of rescuers, including large numbers of civilians.
“We will remember the Wahine disaster as a day of immense tragedy, but also of incredible effort and incredible courage. I am humbled to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who experienced the terrible events of 50 years ago, whether they were survivors, rescuers, family members or the supporting community.
“As a result of the devastating impacts of Tropical Cyclone Giselle, many hard lessons were learned and changes were made to the way we manage emergencies in this country.  The way in which Wellington communities rallied round to rescue the people coming ashore was an example to all of us. And this lesson has not been forgotten.
“As we’ve seen in recent emergencies, such as the 14 November Earthquake and Edgecumbe flooding, people want to help their neighbours and communities and are often first responders to emergencies. This community spirit is key to getting us through disasters, which are an ever-present risk in our country.”
Minister of Transport Phil Twyford says that fateful day in 1968 is etched into our nation’s collective memory.
“The Cook Strait can be a fearsome stretch of water. The loss of the interisland ferry Wahine has changed the way ships are built and has made the crossing much safer.
“One of the key factors in the final capsize of the Wahine – the build-up of water on the vehicle deck – means that around the world these vessels are now designed so that if the hull is damaged they will remain afloat and stable.
“The Wahine disaster has shaped maritime safety systems and has driven the adoption of technology to make safety the primary concern,” Phil Twyford says.
Weather forecast has meant the ceremony will take place at 6.30am at the Muritai School Hall, on Muritai Road in Eastbourne.
The public and media are welcome to attend.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Date set for Northcote by-election

The Northcote by-election will be held on Saturday 9 June, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
The by-election follows the announcement of the resignation of National MP
Hon Dr Jonathan Coleman.
“Given that Dr Coleman has indicated that his resignation will take effect at midnight on 15 April, I have today set a date for the Northcote by-election,” said Jacinda Ardern.
“The by-election Writ Day will be Monday 7 May. The deadline for candidate nominations to be received will be midday Tuesday 15 May, and the last day for the return of the Writ will be Tuesday 26 June.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Government thanks Albert Brantley

Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration Dr Megan Woods has today thanked Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive Albert Brantley for his service to Canterbury.
Dr Woods thanked Mr Brantley for his work in delivering Crown-led anchor projects and the precincts in Christchurch since his appointment to the role in early 2016.
“Losing someone of Mr Brantley’s calibre and experience is a loss and he leaves behind a great legacy in our city – one that he should be proud of,” Dr Woods says.
“I would like to thank him and acknowledge his significant contribution and commitment to the rebuild and regeneration of our city.
“Mr Brantley has lead Christchurch through probably what’s been some of the most challenging moments of the Regeneration of our city. He has shown integrity in working towards getting the job done for the benefit of the people of greater Christchurch,” Dr Woods says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Positive Ageing Strategy

The Government will develop a new Positive Ageing Strategy to shape the policies needed to help older New Zealanders live well, Seniors Minister Tracey Martin announced today.
“Like the rest of the developed world, New Zealand has an ageing population,” says Minister Martin. “That’s great news in that more of us are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. But it also means there are some things we have to consider as a country.”
Currently there are around 725,000 people aged over 65.  By 2036 there will be more than 1.2 million people 65 or older. Combined with the low birth rate, this means seniors will make up almost a quarter of the total population.
“We need a strategy to ensure that we are in a good position to deal with these demographic shifts and the wider changes that are happening in society, and that are going to happen.
“Along with having a positive environment for the individual people represented in these figures, our ageing population has implications for our economy, for employment and housing, health and aged care, and social services.
“Two key areas the strategy needs to examine are supporting seniors in the workforce and how businesses can better recruit and retain older people; and promoting housing options appropriate for older people.
“A lot of policy affecting older people is based on the majority of them owning their own homes and being mortgage free in retirement, but we now have a trend where home ownership rates are dropping.
“We also need to talk as a country about what it means to keep connections throughout our lives and stop people being isolated or lonely.”
The Minister said there would be public consultation before the strategy was developed to ask New Zealanders what they want from it. This would run from June until late August and include workshops throughout the country. 
“This is about finding out how people want to live as they get older, as well as how they are living now,” Mrs Martin says. “And for this to work properly, we really need to engage with the people who aren’t seniors yet, but who are going to be in the next 10 or 15 years.”
 ENDS
 Contact Richard Ninness 029 235 0423
 Note for editors:
 There is an existing Positive Ageing Strategy but it was created in 2001 and and the last action plan based on the strategy was completed in 2010. The Government has decided to develop a new strategy.
In 2001, when the last Positive Ageing Strategy was created, there were nearly 50,000 people aged 85+. Today there are more than 85,000 people who are 85 or older – 15% of the senior population.
That number is predicted to rise to 22% in 2036 and 27% in 2061.
The senior population is also increasingly diverse. 
By 2036 the number of Māori aged 65+ will almost triple from 2013 figures (to 105,000) the senior Pacific population will also triple (to 45,000), and there will be five times as many Asian NZers aged 65+ (164,000).
Seniors currently make up around 6.2% of the workforce.  By 2033 the number of seniors at work will nearly double and they will make up 10.6% of the workforce.
It is estimated that by 2061 seniors will contribute $31 billion to the economy through paid and unpaid work, up from $6.5 billion today.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Shipping must play its part in global effort to halt climate change

New Zealand today released a statement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Greenhouse Gas reduction strategy negotiations in London, urging IMO member states to work towards a meaningful and effective outcome in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“With the end of the negotiations imminent, New Zealand urges the IMO not to miss this opportunity to adopt a workable and effective strategy to bring rising greenhouse gas emissions from shipping under control,” Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter said today.
“The IMO strategy needs to be ambitious with appropriate measures implemented as soon as possible and it needs to apply to all IMO member states and all ships equally, regardless of which state a ship is registered in.
“Halting climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires countries to work together for fair and ambitious outcomes.
“New Zealand was proud to sign the Tony de Brum declaration at the One Planet Summit held in Paris last December, confirming that international shipping must play a part in global climate action.
“Shipping is vital for Pacific countries, including New Zealand, and we all have a part to play ensuring that maritime trade happens in an environmentally friendly way,” said Ms Genter.
“The IMO strategy also needs to recognise and protect the interests of Pacific Island countries and territories,” said Minister for Climate Change James Shaw.
“In particular, this means helping to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.
“A recent report by the OECD’s International Transport Forum shows that there are practical steps that can be taken now to reduce shipping emissions and shipping could be almost carbon free by 2035.
“We commend the leadership of Pacific Island states in encouraging ambitious outcomes from the IMO negotiations.
“With very little time remaining before negotiations conclude, New Zealand joins with Pacific Island states in urging all countries to redouble their efforts to ensure the IMO achieves a credible and ambitious result,” said Mr Shaw.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Prime Minister congratulates new Green Co-leader

Prime Minister congratulates new Green Co-leader
Prime Minister and Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern has today congratulated Marama Davidson on being elected Co-leader of the Green Party.
“I have called to pass on my congratulations to Marama this morning,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“The Green Party is a valued confidence and supply partner of this Government and I look forward to working with Marama to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive country.
“This Government was formed around a consensus to make progress on the issues that matter most to New Zealand including an economy that delivers for everybody, a much stronger focus on the environment and a commitment to invest in our people.
“I am sure our work will be strengthened with the addition of Marama Davidson helping to leading this important work alongside me, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, and Green Co-leader James Shaw,” Jacinda Ardern said.