Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: EQC Act Changes Announced

The Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission Megan Woods has today announced changes to the EQC scheme. 
 
“Cabinet has carefully considered the proposals regarding changes to the Earthquake Commission Act,” Megan Woods said.
 
“The changes that we have agreed on will improve how the Act functions and enable the scheme to work more effectively for future natural disasters. These are widely agreed, common sense changes that can be made before the independent inquiry into EQC. I’ve asked for them to be brought forward so that, if the worst did happen and we had a major event shortly, these changes will have been made.
 
“The changes simplify and speed up the claims process, and resolve issues with the EQC Act that have previously been identified by the Ombudsman and the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission.”
 
“These changes include:

 
•           Increasing the cap limit on EQC residential building cover to $150,000 (plus GST).
 
•           Enabling EQC to accept claim notifications for up to two years after a natural disaster, rather than the current three-month time limit for such notifications.
 
•           Removing EQC insurance cover for contents.
 
•           Clarifying EQC’s authority to share information to support the implementation of the EQC Act and settlement of insurance claims and where this is in the public interest and safety (A recommendation of the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission).
 
“Removing cover for contents will increase EQC’s ability to allocate more resources when responding to a natural disaster and help reduce any delays in resolving residential building and land damage claims.
 
“Government has talked to the insurers and indication is that that private insurance cover for contents will continue to be available at a reasonable cost.
 
“It is expected that this change, and the increase to the cap limit for EQC residential building cover, will come into effect on 1 July 2019.  Ministers have discussed this timing with Treasury, EQC and the Insurance Council of New Zealand.
 
“These are changes that can be made now without having to wait for the outcome of the upcoming inquiry,” said Megan Woods.  
 
All of the proposed changes will still be subject to the New Zealand legislative process with passage of the legislation expected by the end of December 2018.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Foreign Affairs Under-Secretary attends Pacific Business Days

Foreign Affairs Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau is travelling to Tahiti today to represent New Zealand at a three-day Pacific business event that will be opened by French Polynesian President Édouard Fritch.
“Being able to hear first-hand from key Pacific government and private sector leaders on trade and economic matters will be valuable for creating regional trade and economic business links,” Mr Tabuteau says.
Private sector organisation South Pacific Employers’ Representation in French Polynesia is hosting the Pacific Business Days event and has invited trade and economic ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum, as well as private sector representatives.
“I look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our ties with French Polynesia, which is one of the newest members of the Pacific Islands Forum.”
 
Contact: Laree Taula 021 992 200

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Resolution of southern waste issue welcomed

Collaboration between central and local government agencies, local landowners and NZ Aluminium Smelters has resulted in an agreement that will see stockpiles of aluminium dross, which is a by-product from aluminium production, removed from sites around Southland and Central Otago.
 The dross produces harmful gases when in contact with water.
 Environment Minister David Parker welcomed the agreement as a positive outcome to a challenging situation.
 “While details are still to be finalised and a formal agreement signed, I’m encouraged that the parties have verbally come to an agreement to share the multimillion dollar cost of its removal.
 “The removal of this waste is important to the protection of the local environment.  In particular I want to acknowledge the brokering role that the Gore District Council has played.  Likewise the Ministry for the Environment contribution has helped the parties come together,” Mr Parker said.
 “Obviously it would have been better not to get into this predicament in the first place.  This situation has developed over a number of years. Prior attempts to resolve it have failed. I believe primary responsibility for the by-product from the smelter should rest with the smelter.
 “Any future occasions will result in a response from central government.  But I am pleased that this situation appears to be resolved. 
 “I urge the parties to quickly finalise the agreement and make their respective financial contributions, so that the actual clean up can begin.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Holi – a celebration of equality

 
Ethnic Communities Minister Jenny Salesa welcomes over 150 members of the Indian community to Parliament tonight to celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of colour.
“Holi is celebrated in India and in communities all over the globe where Indians have settled. People irrespective of caste, gender and age take to the streets, to throw coloured water and powder at one another. It is a great leveller,”  Jenny Salesa said
“I am honoured to have Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as keynote speaker tonight and while we won’t be throwing water around the Banquet Hall, people can choose to have ‘gulall’ or coloured powder placed on their foreheads, showing we are equal.
“It is fitting that Holi, a celebration about connection and equality, is held at Parliament on the eve of Race Relations day.
“Race Relations Day was first observed in New Zealand in 2003 and like Holi, it emphasises giving equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or religion and I think that’s key to improving our race relations and empowering Ethnic Communities in Aotearoa today,” Jenny Salesa said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Roadmap to harness $1.5 billion transport tech sector

A new Future Technology Leadership Group will help New Zealand harness some of the $1.5 billion a year estimated value to the economy from Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) as well as the social benefits they create, Transport Minister Phil Twyford said today.
The value of the “T-Tech” industry was highlighted in a new report called Unlocking Commercial Opportunities of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) released by Business NZ today.
Phil Twyford announced the private and public sector members of the leadership group which will develop the 10-year Land Transport Technology Roadmap at the T-Tech Conference in Auckland today. The conference, hosted by ITS New Zealand, highlights international and domestic trends in urban planning, smart city initiatives, and transport technology and business models.
“Zephyr Airworks which last week announced their world leading trial of their air taxi Cora is just one example of how New Zealand can embrace change and pave the way for ITS.
“New Zealand is seen as a world leader in ITS. This group will bring together the best domestic knowledge, as well as international expertise.
“The Business NZ report focused on three areas – drones, smart logistics and autonomous self-driving vehicles – and found New Zealand has a good regulatory and business environment to benefit from ITS.
“A good example of how technology can save lives was the NZTA ‘hackathon’ Save One More Life which last weekend saw 120 developers, and tech, engineering and transport experts spend 48 hours designing ways to make our roads safer. This resulted in a new app to improve driving by teenagers and those on restricted licenses, expected to save 55 young lives a year.
“This is an exciting time for transport and technology. Intelligent Transport Systems have the potential to not only make transport more efficient, better for the environment and safer, we now know they can make a valuable contribution to New Zealand’s economy,” Phil Twyford says.
 
Membership of the Future Transport Leadership Group is as follows:

NZ Transport Agency

Ministry of Transport

Auckland Transport

Christchurch City Council

Greater Wellington Regional Council

Google

Machine zone

ITS New Zealand

ITS Australia

Ministry of Education

Local Government NZ

Fulton Hogan

Transport Accident Investigation Commission

Australia New Zealand Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI)

Telecom Users Association

Vodafone

KiwiRail

Toyota NZ

HMI Technologies

BECA

UShare

Road Transport Forum

Automobile Association

Westpac

Gladeye

Foodstuffs

Bike Auckland

Chapman Tripp

Uber

GoBus

Datacom

Arup

CISCO

Synapsis

L.E.K. Consulting

Business NZ

 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Joint Statement on Cooperation between New Zealand and the Republic of Indonesia

At the invitation of the Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, His Excellency President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia paid a state visit to New Zealand on 18-19 March 2018.
During his visit President Joko Widodo met with the Right Honourable Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and with Prime Minister Ardern.  The two sides held warm and forward-looking discussions on wide-ranging areas of bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global issues of shared concern.
The strength of the long-standing partnership
President Widodo and Prime Minister Ardern noted the importance of the 60th Anniversary of the formal diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia.  The relationship was built on a solid foundation of people-to-people links and had blossomed into one of each nation’s most valuable relationships.  As such, it was fitting that President Widodo’s visit to New Zealand also marked the elevation of the bilateral relationship to that of a Comprehensive Partnership.
The Leaders reaffirmed the two countries’ mutual respect and support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – and to the maintenance of a peaceful, stable, prosperous and secure Asia-Pacific region.
Trade and economic cooperation
Prime Minister Ardern expressed appreciation for the convening of a New Zealand-Indonesia business forum that took place in Auckland on 16 March 2018, and for President Widodo’s in-depth discussions with New Zealand business CEOs.  Both Leaders noted this would contribute to the deepening of two-way trade and investment links.
Both Leaders reaffirmed a commitment to increase two-way trade in goods to NZ$4 billion (IDR 40 trillion) by 2024, building on the platform created by the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.  They emphasised that open, stable and conducive business environments are key to achieving this goal.
Leaders also welcomed the two-way growth in trade in services, and affirmed the importance of increasing investment to support mutually beneficial growth, boost productivity and increase meaningful employment.
The central importance of the agricultural sector to the bilateral relationship was discussed, with both Leaders recognising the importance of agricultural trade to ensuring food security in the region, and the need to remove barriers that prevent trade in food and agricultural products from reaching its full potential.
Both Leaders also underscored the importance of regional economic integration and increasingly open trade in the Asia-Pacific region, and reaffirmed their objective to achieve a modern, comprehensive, high quality and mutually beneficial outcome in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement negotiations.  They reaffirmed that RCEP will have broader and deeper engagement with significant improvements over existing ASEAN+1 FTAs, while recognising the individual and diverse circumstances of RCEP participating countries.
Renewable energy and environment cooperation
The two Leaders welcomed progress in implementing the Arrangement on Cooperation in Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, particularly education and technical capacity building for geothermal energy.  President Widodo and Prime Minister Ardern acknowledged the key contribution renewable energy makes to climate change mitigation, and re-affirmed their commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitments under the New Zealand – Indonesia Joint Communiqué on Combatting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management, which was signed in 2016.  Prime Minister Ardern also confirmed New Zealand’s interest in participating in the 5th “Our Ocean” conference, to be hosted by President Widodo in Indonesia in October 2018.
Education and tourism
The two Leaders highlighted the cornerstone contribution that people to people connections provide in building a relationship that is as enduring and robust as that shared by New Zealand and Indonesia.  Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to increase two-way education links.
Both Leaders noted the growth in tourism, which has seen an increase in the numbers of New Zealand citizens travelling to Indonesia, and Indonesian citizens travelling to New Zealand.  Both Leaders noted the prospects for future growth with the addition of new Bali-Auckland direct flights in 2018.  This would add significantly to travel between the two countries, as well as increase freight options.
Development cooperation
Both Leaders endorsed the extension to the Memorandum of Cooperation on Disaster Risk Management between the National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Noting the value of New Zealand’s development assistance, particularly in renewable energy and geothermal development, agriculture, disaster risk management and education, Prime Minister Ardern announced funding for two new development projects: a NZ$4.5 million three-year project that will enable the Indonesian Red Cross to respond more effectively to disasters; and a NZ$3.5 million five-year project to develop a network of skilled young civic leaders, with a commitment to sustainable development in Eastern Indonesia, through participation in a New Zealand-based leadership programme.
Security cooperation
Prime Minister Ardern and President Widodo noted the positive bilateral cooperation in police and defence issues, and expressed a desire to see this further develop.  The two Leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and emphasised the importance of regional stability for economic and development outcomes.  In this light, the two Leaders agreed to work to develop an Arrangement on Counter-Terrorism to set out future bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Ardern also appreciated Indonesia’s holistic approach to countering the threat of violent extremism, and for its efforts to bring coherence to the response in South East Asia through initiatives such as the “Manado” sub-regional framework on foreign terrorist fighters and cross-border terrorism, of which New Zealand is pleased to be a member.
Regional and multilateral agenda
The Leaders acknowledged the importance of effective regional architecture in maintaining security and prosperity in the region.  New Zealand values its participation in regional groupings such as the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum that are based on ASEAN centrality.  Indonesia and New Zealand have worked closely on regional political, security and economic issues, and New Zealand expressed its particular thanks to Indonesia for serving as its country coordinator within ASEAN since 2015 and helping to implement New Zealand’s strategic partnership with ASEAN.
Both Leaders noted challenges and opportunities shared by the Pacific and Indian Oceans and committed to open, transparent and inclusive regional architecture based on the respect for international law.
The Leaders emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region.  They noted the value of peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for freedom of navigation and overflight, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  Both Leaders encouraged the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.
Both Leaders shared the view that peace, security and stability on the Korean Peninsula are of great importance.  They expressed support for dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes, aimed at establishing permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.  They welcomed the recent rapprochement and encouraged all relevant parties to continue to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.
The Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to work closely on the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions regarding the Korean Peninsula.
President Joko Widodo expressed his heartfelt thanks for the warm hospitality of the New Zealand Government and people extended to him and his delegation during his official visit.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Removing ‘year and a day’ provision in Crimes Act

The Government will remove the ‘year and a day’ rule in the Crimes Act to ensure it no longer prevents those who break the law from being held to account, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
The ‘year and a day’ rule prevents people from being prosecuted for causing the death of a person who dies after that length of time, or is not prosecuted in that length of time. 
“I made an undertaking to the families of the CTV building collapse when I met them that changes needed to be made so that those whose actions lead to tragedies, can still be prosecuted no matter what length of time has elapsed,” said Jacinda Ardern.
“I know this won’t help those families, but this law change will help ensure that those who face similarly tragic circumstances will not be prevented from seeing justice done.
“The ‘year and a day’ provision was referenced as one of the factors taken into account in the decision not to prosecute anyone over the CTV building collapse. In that instance the building design occurred many years earlier, in fact, in 1986.
“This provision has already been abolished in most like-minded jurisdictions including the United Kingdom through the Law Reform (Year and a Day Rule) Act 1996, Ireland, Canada and most Australian states.
“It has also become obsolete because of medical advances that keep people alive for longer than a year and a day.
“This is the right thing to do so those who do break the law in these circumstances can no longer escape prosecution,” said Jacinda Ardern.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: First appointments to Digital Advisory Group

Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media and Government Digital Services Clare Curran announced the first eight members of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group today.
Expressions of interest for the Group, which will advise the Government on how it can build the digital economy and reduce digital divides, were sought in December 2017. It will bring together innovators and leading thinkers from urban and rural New Zealand, NGOs, Māoridom, industry, and community groups. 
The Group will eventually consist of 14 members, and a Chair.  Membership of the group will change over time, and additional subject-matter experts may be called upon to advise the Group as its work develops.
“This Government wants to see every New Zealander able to participate fully in our society and it’s clear that our future will be a digital-rich world. The economy and everyday interactions will be increasingly driven or supported by digital technology,” says Ms Curran.
“In appointing the Chair and initial members of the Group I am conscious of the depth and breadth of interest in the digital economy and digital inclusion. Over 300 people applied for positions in the Group and it is my hope that the first eight highly qualified members will assist in the selection process for the remaining seven members, while keeping other interested people involved as the Group’s work develops.”
“It is in this spirit of openness and dynamism that I hope they will approach their ongoing work to develop a blueprint for digital inclusion and digital enablement. Members will be reaching back into their communities for broader input and innovation rather than a more traditional monthly attendance at a meeting.”
“What we need is a highly collaborative team who see their own stakeholders, colleagues, communities and the public, as virtual members of the Group.
“We aim to bring all New Zealanders with us, and enable them to share in the rewards and opportunities ahead. As such I’m inviting those who expressed an interest in participating in the Group to be part of a broader digital economy and inclusion network – we’ll be letting people know more about that in the coming weeks.”
The Group’s input will be sought to identify and support the selection of a new Chief Technology Officer following a widening of the initial search that took place earlier this year.
The first eight members of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group are:  

Frances Valintine (Chair)

Founder and Chairperson at The Mind Lab, and Founder/CEO of Tech Futures Lab

Potaua Biasiny-Tule

Co-Founder of Digital Natives Academy, Digital Basecamp, 4 Company B, and CEO/Managing Director of TangataWhenua.com

Jordan Carter             

Chief Executive  of InternetNZ

Kaila Colbin

Co-founder and Chair of Ministry of Awesome, Curator of TEDxChristchurch and SingularityU NZ and Australia Summits, Deputy Chair of CORE Education, Director of ChristchurchNZ

Brenda Leeuwenberg

Head of Innovation at NZ On Air, Board Member of Women in Film & Television, and Director of Nomad8 

Rohan MacMahon

Management consultant and involved in business development for digital technology companies. Previously Strategy Director at Crown Fibre Holdings

Victoria MacLennan

Co-chair of NZRise, Managing Director and CEO of OptimalHQ Group, Trustee and Board Chair of Code Club Aotearoa, Chair of the Digital Skills Forum, Investor and Director.

Chris O’Connell          

Director of Heartland Connectivity Taskforce Ltd, extensively involved with broadband rollout.

 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Hui to help shape Crown/Māori Relations

Crown/Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis will be holding hui across the country as part of rejuvenating the relationship between the Government and Māori.
Initial thoughts on the new Crown/Māori Relations portfolio include improving the way government departments engage with Māori and respond to Māori issues, ensuring Treaty settlement obligations are honoured, and finding new and different opportunities for more active partnership between the Crown and Māori.
“With the Treaty Settlement process drawing to a close the time is right to look beyond the negotiating table and rejuvenate the relationship between the Crown and Māori. Too often in the past the Crown has told Māori what their relationship will be. That’s not a mistake this Government will make,” Mr Davis says.
“Before finalising the scope and priorities of the Crown/Māori portfolio – exactly how the portfolio is going to foster a healthier relationship between the Crown and Māori – I want to listen widely, and hear ideas from across New Zealand. I have begun to meet with Māori and non-Māori national organisations but also want to talk to groups and people around the country – including rūnanga, hapū, and rangatahi – about what the relationship should look like. Everyone is welcome at our hui.”
“This Government wants to create a thriving, sustainable and future focused economy and environment. That’s why we’re focused on reducing poverty and inequality, better housing, better jobs and higher incomes. To help achieve this, and deliver real benefits for Māori, the Crown/Māori relationship must be strong.”
Mr Davis and officials will hold a series of hui around the country exploring challenges and opportunities in the Crown/Māori relationship. The first public hui will be held in Kaitaia in early April. Other hui will be held in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Thames, Rotorua, Hastings, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Invercargill before June.   
For those who want to attend hui, dates and locations can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: www.justice.govt.nz/crown-maori. An online feedback form for those unable to meet kanohi ki te kanohi is also on the website.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister honours gold winning Kiwi Paralympian Adam Hall

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni says gold-medal winning Paralympian Adam Hall is an inspiration to all New Zealanders.
“Adam continues to dominate the world of Para alpine skiing. Not only did he win both bronze and gold at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, he was also awarded the top honour of the event,” said Carmel Sepuloni.
The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award is presented at every Paralympic Games to one male and one female athlete who each “best exemplify the spirit of the Games”.
“This award reflects Adam’s commitment, hard work and talent as an athlete as well as his contribution to his community. It is a rare and prestigious honour and the first time a New Zealander has won the award.
“Our Kiwi team has finished the games in PyeongChang with an outstanding total of three medals, one gold and two bronze, and on behalf of all New Zealanders I extend my warmest congratulations.  
“It’s important to me we show our appreciation for the talent and hard work that has taken our Paralympians to the top of their sports.
“I look forward to celebrating our Kiwi Paralympian’s success when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and I officially welcome them home this week,” Carmel Sepuloni said.