Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand report to UN committee on International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Geneva, 22 March 2018

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Good afternoon, 
At the outset I would like to express New Zealand’s full support for the independence and work of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and his Office. We greatly appreciate the tireless, patient, and courageous work in promoting and protecting the enjoyment and full realization by all people, of all rights. Preventing human rights violations, securing respect for all human rights, and promoting international cooperation to protect human rights are all critical to sustaining the human rights pillar of the UN.
70 years on from the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it is timely to reaffirm New Zealand’s commitment to universality of human rights; to implementing our human rights obligations domestically and promoting human rights internationally. The Universal Declaration makes no distinction between different categories of rights – civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights are of equal importance and none can be enjoyed without the others. My government remains firmly committed to this approach. We also continue to support the right to development, as elaborated in the 1986 Declaration on the Right to Development, with the individual as “the central subject …the active participant and beneficiary”.
2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. A core component of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action is that: “Democracy, development and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms are interdependent and mutually reinforcing”. Like others, we are seriously concerned at the global erosion of hard-won gains on democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law. 
The international community does not lack for appropriate norms and standards – only the political will to implement. The global gap between the obligations and commitments and the implementation at country level is extremely concerning. Sustainable peace and development in some cases requires the full and equal enjoyment of human rights by all. Human rights violations and abuses are often root causes of conflicts and can act as early warnings of impending disasters. We look to the Human Rights Council to more fully implement its mandate in preventing human rights emergencies and responding to early warnings in the years to come. 
The international human rights framework must be upheld, defended, and progressively developed. Human rights defenders play a critical role in supporting this architecture, and in holding governments to account on their human rights obligations and commitments. A vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of a legitimate and flourishing democracy. We are alarmed by international reports of reprisals against human rights defenders and their families, especially as a result of cooperation with the UN, its representatives and mechanisms. New Zealand fully supports the on-going work by Assistant Secretary General Gilmour to strengthen the consequences against governments who commit reprisals.
As High Commissioner Zeid has said, “Upholding human rights is intrinsic to the obligations of sovereignty, and constitutes the fundamental basis for a healthy State”. In this regard, the global abolition of the death penalty, in law and in practice, is one of our top international human rights concerns. New Zealand regards the imposition of a death sentence or the use of the death penalty as running afoul of the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Sovereignty cannot justify torture. 
In the Human Rights Council we are proud to lead a resolution on ‘preventable maternal mortality and morbidity’, in partnership with Colombia and Burkina Faso. Globally, 800 women and girls die from pregnancy or childbirth every day. High rates of maternal mortality and morbidity is a tragic consequence of depriving women and girls of their human rights, including the right to the highest attainable standards of sexual and reproductive health. Women must have their right to decide if, when and how often to reproduce, free of discrimination, coercion and violence, fully respected and fulfilled.    
We recognise that particular civil and political rights and freedoms may be of little value to someone suffering from extreme poverty, hunger, or a lack of access to universal health-care. When the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was being negotiated, New Zealand’s delegate stated “Experience in New Zealand has taught us that the assertion of the right of personal freedom is incomplete unless it is related to the social and economic rights of the common man.  
In New Zealand, the new government has prioritised:
reducing child poverty; we have:
introduced a Winter Energy Payment to ensure families are warm during winter,
introduced a Best Start tax credit for all families with a new born child that guarantees a weekly payment for one year and for some up to three years;

Increased access to free tertiary education:
From this year onwards first year tertiary students pay no fees and this will increase to the first three years by 2024.

Increased minimum wage;
Overhauling the mental health system starting with a comprehensive review of our mental health system, which will deal with some of the challenging elements of the Convention of the Committee’s jurisprudence.
Overhauling the education system so it achieves greater levels of success and improves results for the 20% of children for whom the system is failing
Making a significant new investment in our regional economy to increase employment opportunities and better work
Taking immediate measures to address the housing crisis with an ambitious programme to build an additional 100,000 houses (a 5% increase) over 10 years, including affordable homes, social housing and emergency housing.
Later this week I will lead New Zealand’s delegation for our review by the Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights. We greatly value the work of the human rights treaty bodies, as we strive for the highest standards of implementation of all the conventions to which we are a State party. We are proud to have a New Zealander, Robert Martin, serve on the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Our ongoing work on the rights of persons with disabilities in the Human Rights Council and in the Third Committee in New York is matched by our commitment to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.   
The rights of indigenous peoples will always be a priority issue for New Zealand. In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and around 540 Maori chiefs. In 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal was established as a commission of inquiry to settle alleged breaches of the Treaty by the Crown. As the Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister, I aim to complete the settlement of historical treaty claims as expeditiously as possible. 
At the international level, we support the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and look forward to constructive engagement with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, with their recently strengthened mandate focused more squarely on the Declaration.
New Zealand has a long history of constructive and principled engagement on human rights. This year we are celebrating the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand – we were the first country in the world where women gained the right to vote. This history must inspire us to remain vigilant and redouble our efforts in domestic implementation of all civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights for all New Zealanders.  We look forward to our Universal Periodic review in January 2019, when we can benefit from the collective experience and wisdom of the international community and receive your recommendations on how to improve the human rights situation in New Zealand.  
Our commitments to strengthening human rights generally in New Zealand is reflected in the recent commitment the government made to confirm in statute the right of domestic courts to declare laws to be inconsistent with our legislation that sets out our fundamental human rights, the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.  Not only will the courts have the right to declare an inconsistency, but any such declaration will require Parliament to respond by affirming, amending or repealing the offending law.
A state’s commitment to, and upholding human rights is vital in order to allow every person to enjoy the full benefits of citizenship equally.  The proper observance of individual human rights is the basis of identity, freedom and prosperity.   
Āpiti hono tātai hono, rātou te hunga mate ki a rātou 
Tātou te hunga ora ki a tātou 
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Nominations open for Minister of Health Volunteer Awards

Minister of Health Dr David Clark is encouraging nominations for the 2018 Minister of Health Volunteer Awards to recognise our country’s unsung heroes who support health and disability services. 
“I’m pleased to announce that nominations have opened today for these awards, which are a great opportunity to publicly celebrate some of the thousands of volunteers who generously give their time and energy to make our health and disability service better, whether in our hospitals or our communities,” Minister of Health Dr David Clark said. 
“From helping people to navigate their way around hospitals and health services to providing community or at home support and assistance for people who need it, health volunteers make a real difference for New Zealanders in many ways, often without seeking any recognition.
“Nominations can be for a volunteer’s long-term commitment and achievement, an outstanding success, or action above and beyond the call of duty. They come from all walks of life and of all ages. Last year’s recipients ranged from school students to older New Zealanders in their retirement years.
“One of my priorities is tackling inequity in New Zealand’s health and disability services, and I know there are many volunteers who are doing excellent work in this area.”
Last year’s overall Health Volunteer of the Year was Wellington Hospital’s Volunteer Service, established in 2005. This team of around 450 volunteers collectively puts in more than 12,000 volunteer hours each year helping patients and visitors, and providing general assistance. Last year, they produced about 9,000 garments for babies, children and older patients, and contributed greatly to fundraising.
“If you or your organisation knows an individual or team of volunteers who deserve to be recognised, I encourage you to nominate them for one of these awards,” David Clark said.
For more information about nominations, see http://volunteerawards.health.govt.nz/
Nominations close on 18 May 2018. The awards will be presented during National Volunteer Week, 17 – 23 June.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Targeted housing support for Mangere

 
A new public housing development opens in Mangere today, providing warm, dry and safe homes for five families just in time for winter, Associate Housing and Urban Development Minister Jenny Salesa says.
“While this project was initiated under the previous government, the current government welcomes its opening. More public housing means less families in desperate living conditions.
“The five homes in this development will cater to mainly Maori and Pacific families. The social housing register shows that by the end of 2017, there were over 3,200 Auckland households on the register, most of them Maori and Pacific.
“While five new houses for five families may seem like a drop in the bucket, these houses have two or five bedrooms, which means big families can be housed,” Jenny Salesa said. 
The development was funded by Te Taha Maori Property Trust, and will receive on-going support from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). The building of the development has been project managed by Airedale Property Trust.   
Airedele Trust’s Chief Executive Officer Bruce Stone acknowledged the role of Te Taha Maori Property Trust, in getting the houses built. 
“This project would not have been possible without that Trust financing the development. It shows their commitment to providing public housing to families in need,” he said.
The development on Massey Road is one of two Mangere properties Airdale Property Trust is involved with in partnership with MSD.  The other development, a joint project with Lotofale’ia Tongan Methodist Parish’s Matanikolo Housing Project is expected to open later this year.
“This Government is committed to increasing the supply of long-term public housing to support the needs of low income people and families,” Jenny Salesa said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Customs legislation a boost for New Zealand’s international trade

The Customs and Excise Bill which passed its third reading in Parliament this evening will give Customs the tools it needs for the 21st Century says the Minister of Customs Hon Meka Whaitiri.
The new law will enable Customs to support economic growth by making border transactions easier for importers and exporters.
“This will be done without compromising our border security and as I have promised we will still be able to stop the smuggling of illicit drugs that are so harmful to people and communities.
“It will also make our communities and whānau safer with more information-sharing between Customs and other government agencies
“I would like to stress that this increased access to information is balanced by specific protections.”
The legislation modernises and improves Customs’ import and revenue collection system. In 2016/17 Customs collected $13.3 billion in Crown revenue.
Among the changes in the Bill are:
The ability for importers who bring goods into the country without knowing their value prior to entry to declare a provisional value for them, and provide Customs with the final value once it is known.
Importers will be able to seek binding valuation rulings to get certainty as to how much duty they will owe on goods they want to bring into the country.
Compliance with Customs will be made easier by businesses being allowed to store their records in the cloud or off-shore, in line with modern business practice.
Customs officers must suspect offending before they can search a person’s cellphone or electronic device. 
“This legislation is more transparent and easier-to-use, and will enable the New Zealand Customs Service to more effectively manage the movement of people, craft and goods in and out of New Zealand,” Meka Whaitiri said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: World Water Day time to celebrate community efforts to improve water quality

World Water Day is a time to celebrate the efforts of the many thousands of New Zealanders who are taking action to improve water quality and restore our streams, lakes and rivers, says Environment Minister David Parker.
 “That’s why I was glad to join the students and staff of Koraunui School today and I congratulate them on their excellent efforts over the past five years to improve the state of the Stokes Valley Stream,” Mr Parker says.
 “It reminds us all that the most important river to all of us is the one closest to our homes and communities.
 “We know that New Zealanders, at school and in the community, on their own land and in catchment groups, are fencing off streams, planting trees, keeping pollutants out of stormwater drains, and taking other action to help restore the health of our waterways.
 “Water matters to New Zealanders and the many voluntary actions and partnerships around the country do make a difference, just as those at Koraunui School are making a difference to their local stream.”
 For instance:
In the Manawatu-Whanganui region, an independent report has shown water quality for sediment and E. coli has improved over the past 7-10 years and that local scale interventions are contributing to regional scale water quality improvements.
In response to government and public pressure, Auckland Council intends to bring forward $856 million of investment over the next 10 years, as part of its proposed $7 billion investment in water infrastructure, to reduce wet weather sewage overflows onto city beaches by between 80 per cent and 90 per cent.
On a smaller scale, many of the 1100 schools involved in the Enviroschools programme, including Koraunui, are involved in restoring their local waterways.
Over 26,000 kilometres of streams on dairy farms have been fenced to keep stock out of waterways.
There is still more we need to do.
 On freshwater quality, we have asked the Land and Water Forum for further advice on some key issues including:
How to allocate nutrient loads – that is, how land owners in a catchment can best share responsibility for reducing nutrient discharge to within set limits.
How to manage sediment – that is, how to reduce the soil runoff that is silting rivers and estuaries and affecting mahinga kai
What can be done between now and 2020 to prevent further damage.
The Government is also considering a number of specific issues including stock exclusion, royalties on bottled water, and protecting estuarine environments.
None is simple and we are taking the time we need to ensure we are tackling the issues in the most effective way.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZ gravely concerned at situation in Eastern Ghouta

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says the New Zealand government is further expressing its grave concerns at the ongoing situation in Eastern Ghouta, Syria.
Despite the unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2401 ordering a cessation of hostilities for 30 consecutive days, fighting in Eastern Ghouta has continued unabated. This has restricted access for much needed humanitarian aid.
“We call on the Syrian Government to end its indiscriminate bombardment of civilian areas. We are also disturbed by reports of chemical weapons use against Eastern Ghouta’s civilian population, and the specific targeting of hospitals and medical workers,” Mr Peters said.
“Preventing the passage of aid is unacceptable. All parties should implement Resolution 2401 immediately in order to ease the suffering of the people of Eastern Ghouta.
“New Zealand continues to call for all parties to the Syrian conflict to cease violence. This ultimately will be the only way to bring peace to the people of Syria,” he said.
Since 2011, New Zealand has provided $23.5 million to the Syrian crisis. Last month Mr Peters announced a further $1.5 million contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross’s humanitarian work in Syria. 
ENDS
Contact: Stephen Parker, Chief Press Secretary, 021 195 3528

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka (Parihaka Reconciliation Bill) passes first reading

The first reading of bill recording the history and legacy of Parihaka is an important step in righting past wrongs, Crown Māori/Relations Minster Kelvin Davis says.
Mr Davis said Parihaka has come to symbolise, for many New Zealanders, the most regrettable aspects of this country’s colonial history.
“The peaceful Parihaka community was invaded by colonial troops, its members attacked and imprisoned without trial. These actions were appalling and it has taken far too long to set things right.
“Last year the Government formally apologised for the Crown’s historic actions and today marks the next important step in the reconciliation process.
“As the Bill moves through Parliament we have the opportunity to reflect on what happened at Parihaka. We owe it to people before us and those to come to keep those stories alive so we never make those mistakes again.”
The Pire Haeata ki Parihaka Bill, drafted in both Te Reo Māori and English, records the elements of Te Kawenata ō Rongo (Deed of Reconciliation) signed at a ceremony at Parihaka on 9 June 2017.
It establishes the formal apology in law and records the Acts of Parliament which the Crown used in its attempts to end Parihaka’s resistance to the loss of their Taranaki lands.
“The Bill is designed to improve the understanding of Parihaka’s history, recognise the mana of the community, promote its legacy and enshrines the Crown’s commitment to a new relationship with Parihaka,” Mr Davis said.
“It is fitting that the authority of Parliament is now used to acknowledge the wrongs of the past and to place on the public record the legacy of Parihaka.”
“Today would not have been achievable without Te Ururoa Flavell’s strong advocacy for Parihaka and Christopher Finlayson’s commitment to justice, which made this Bill and this reconciliation process possible. It’s an honour for me, as Crown/Māori Relations Minister, to carry this forward.” 
The bill has been referred to the Māori Affairs Committee.
Other elements of the deed of reconciliation, which are already operative and are not included in the bill, are:
a Parihaka-Crown leaders’ forum;
a relationship agreement with 10 agencies and 3 Taranaki local authorities; and
a $9 million contribution to Parihaka’s development.
A copy of the deed of reconciliation is available online at: https://www.justice.govt.nz/maori-land-treaty/parihaka-reconciliation/

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Defence Minister in Fiji

Minister of Defence Ron Mark has travelled to Fiji to attend a commemorative event for the Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel who were based at Laucala Bay.
“It’s an honour to travel with the veterans of 5 Squadron who served at Laucala Bay,” says Mr Mark. “The Squadron was based here between 1941 and 1967 and during this time they laid the foundation for the NZDF’s current maritime surveillance operations.
“Just this week a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion operating out of Fiji successfully located two missing Kiribati fishermen.  It’s a timely reminder of the wonderful work these veterans did and how their legacy lives on today.
“The commemoration is being held as part of the University of the South Pacific’s 50 year anniversary celebrations.  The University does a wonderful job of educating people in the region, and I’m grateful to have been invited to unveil a monument to 5 Squadron on their campus,” he said.
Upon arriving in Suva Mr Mark was welcomed with a traditional Kava ceremony ahead of a meeting with his counterpart, Fijian Minister for National Security and Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola.
“Defence links with Fiji and our other Pacific neighbours will continue to be a core component of our engagement in the region,” says Mr Mark. “Together we share the collective ambition of a strong and secure Pacific.
“The successful deployment of HMNZS Hawea to Fiji last year was an example of defence cooperation bearing tangible results. Through that deployment New Zealand supported Fijian military and fisheries officials in detecting and deterring illegal fishing in Fiji’s waters.  
“This week the New Zealand Government has approved the deployment of two Royal New Zealand Navy Vessels to further support Fiji’s programme of maritime and fisheries surveillance. This is a great opportunity to build on last year’s work.
“This is what our Government’s ‘Pacific reset’ is all about; building deeper partnerships with our closest neighbours and using talanoa and cooperation to tackle the toughest issues we face,” says Mr Mark.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Speech to the New Zealand Animal Law Association on Rodeos

 
Welcome 
Tēnā koutou katoa, and thank you to the New Zealand Animal Law Association for the opportunity to speak at this event. I would like to acknowledge all of those in attendance, and the hard work that has gone into this report. 
Animal welfare minister 
Labour said pre-election that we would appoint a dedicated animal welfare minister.  I am very proud to be the Minister responsible for animal welfare in this Coalition Government. 
Rodeo position statement 
Tonight we are here for the launch of your report into rodeo.  This is a thoughtful and considered analysis of the Rodeo Industry which I will read in detail. 
I have made my position on rodeos very clear.  I will not consider a ban on rodeos. 
What I have done, is asked my Ministerial advisory committee – the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee – to look at rodeos more closely.  This will include looking at the use of calves, electric prodders, flank straps, tail twisting, and rope burning.   
NAWAC will also report back to me on the animal welfare implications of each rodeo event, such as bronc riding, bull and steer riding, roping events, and steer wrestling. 
NAWAC, as I’m sure many of you will know, was set up under the Animal Welfare Act and is separate from the government, which provides advice on animal welfare issues to me.  
NAWAC will report back to me by the end of May.  I have asked the Ministry for Primary Industries to review your report on rodeos in the context of NAWAC’s work.  Any action in relation to rodeos will involve a full public consultation, and I can assure you I would want to hear all voices and opinions.  Your report will contribute to that discussion. 
I should also tell you that banning the use of electric prodders on cattle under 150kg is part of a set of regulations I will be taking to Cabinet shortly.  This will effectively stop the use of electric prodders on calves at rodeos. 
I am well aware that rodeo is a contentious issue for the New Zealand public and that there are a range of perspectives.   
Two examples that come to mind are, the 67,000 people that signed the anti-rodeo petition presented to Parliament last year.  Then there are the 100,000 people, including many families, who attend rodeos each year – who consider them an important social gathering for their community. 
This Coalition Government wants free and open access for interest groups and stakeholders across the country. This is a Government that will practise transparency in its decision making. 
Animal welfare vision 
I want to speak briefly about my vision for the direction of animal welfare in New Zealand.  I am committed to improving animal welfare outcomes.  I have high expectations that the leaders in the animal welfare sector will continue to drive improvements to managing and preventing harm.   
Better outcomes for our animals and to our international reputation for good animal welfare. 
In 2015, the global charity World Animal Protection ranked New Zealand first equal alongside the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland for our animal welfare regulatory system.  But I know we can do more. 
I want to find ways of working with all players in the system to drive behaviour change, including working with communities to proactively identify and address animal welfare issues before they cause real harm.
I know when all the players in the system work together we can achieve outstanding results. 
For example, following the SAFE and Farmwatch exposé on the treatment of young bobby calves, in 2015, industry and government together, put in a huge effort to reduce calf mortality rates. As a result the mortality rate of bobby calves halved in 2016, and has again halved in 2017. 
This result demonstrates the value of a close and productive relationship that I am aiming for in the animal welfare sector.  
Industry groups, animal welfare groups and Government all have equally important, but different parts to play. 
I know industry groups are not the only players in animal welfare.  I expect to have relationships with animal advocacy groups as well. 
Turning to the matter for which we are all here today, it is clear that rodeo is a contentious issue for the New Zealand public. There are a wide range of views, from those in this room today, to others that may not be represented in this room. 
To have a voice and to have that voice heard is my commitment to you today. 
Tonight I am announcing that I will invite animal welfare groups to join me in a workshop, so that their views and priorities can be discussed. 
Conclusion 
In conclusion, as a Minister five months into the job, my focus is on forming relationships and hearing the wide range of views.  Our reality is that we do have to prioritise where we put our limited resources and when.  In that respect, your advice would be well received. 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Extra funding approved for Middlemore Hospital building works

Health Minister Dr David Clark says the Government has approved an extra $11.5 million funding for building works at Middlemore Hospital.
The funding, which was signed off early this week, will be used for re-cladding work on the Scott Building which has issues with weathertightness, timber framing decay and related damage. The extra injection of funds takes the total cost of the project to $27.5 million.
“The Counties Manukau DHB is dealing with a number of leaky building issues that were first identified in 2012. It is disappointing that the previous Government did not make tackling these problems a priority.
“Our hospitals and health infrastructure have been neglected for too long. This Government will not sit back while patients are treated in decaying facilities.
“The DHB identified the Scott Building as its top priority. That’s why earlier this week the Government approved a revised business case for remediation work.
“The DHB has been managing this situation for some years and a range of investigations, remediation and safety measures have been adopted. But more work is obviously required and I will be seeking answers directly from the DHB about its plan to deal with this situation.”
These buildings date back to the early 2000s when untreated timber and other construction techniques associated with leaky buildings were in common use.
“It is important to note that the DHB’s advice is that patient safety is not at risk as long as any rot and mould are contained in the walls. That will be of little comfort to the people of Counties Manukau who rightly expect that their hospitals are up to scratch.
“The reality is that the legacy of underfunding in Health will take some years to turn around,” said David Clark.