Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Appointment of Associate Judge of the High Court

Auckland Barrister Peter Andrew has been appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today.
Associate Judge Andrew graduated from the University of Otago in 1984 with a BA and an LLB, and joined the Auckland Crown Solicitor’s office, Meredith Connell & Co.
 In 1990, after studying with the University of Kiel in Germany and graduating with an LLM in Public International Law, he joined the Auckland office of Russell McVeagh as a senior solicitor. He practiced in the employment law and commercial litigation fields.
 From 1993 to 1999 Associate Judge Andrew was a Crown Counsel in the Treaty Issues and International Law Team at Crown Law, representing the Crown in public law litigation in the courts at all levels, and as a member of the Crown negotiating team for Treaty of Waitangi settlements in relation to Ngāi Tahu and Tūrangi.
 He was the Treaty team leader and appeared frequently in the Waitangi Tribunal on historical and contemporary Treaty claims.
 In 1999 Associate Judge Andrew left Crown Law to join the independent Bar.  As a Barrister, he specialised in public law and civil litigation, including litigation over Treaty settlements and trust and equity litigation in the specialist Maori Land Courts. 
 He also has significant adjudication experience as a member of the Refugee Status Appeals Authority and the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.
 The new Associate Judge will be sworn in on 23 March 2018 and will sit in Auckland.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Strong growth opportunities in the food and beverage sector

Three reports launched today by Minister for Economic Development David Parker show New Zealand’s food and beverage sector is growing quickly. 
 “The Food and Beverage reports highlight double digit growth across many non-traditional categories in the sector,” says Mr Parker.
 “That’s great news for our economy, in particular our regions who are well placed to capitalise.
 “Leading products include mānuka honey, chocolate, cherries and shellfish all showing strong growth.
 “The reports highlight that authentic and natural products utilising New Zealand’s brand attributes are attracting significant price premiums, which is great news for our producers. 
 “It’s important we as a Government continue to support innovation in the sector while fostering the economic conditions for it to thrive,” says Mr Parker. 
 The reports are part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Food and Beverage Information Project.  They identify 51 high growth non-traditional categories with export revenue of over NZ$10 billion.
 They also profile the 20 food and beverage categories that have shown very strong growth and have significant upside. Exports of these 20 categories were valued at NZ$3.64 billion in 2016 and have grown at 14 per cent a year over the past five years.
 “The coalition Government is committed to expanding the economies of New Zealand’s regions,” says Mr Parker.  “Reports like these are vital resource which help private enterprise, economic development agencies and officials target areas likely to provide the greatest economic benefit.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister welcomes Chatham Islands wharf reopening and meets civil defence community

Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi says the reopening today of the Waitangi Wharf by Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Tracy Martin is a milestone that will improve the resilience of the Chatham Islands to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Mr Faafoi today celebrated the reopening of the redeveloped wharf with a number of his Parliamentary colleagues, iwi and the local community. The project has been led by the Department of Internal Affairs.
“Waitangi Wharf is a critical lifeline for the Chatham Islands, and this upgrade will provide greater security for the supply of vital supplies, such as diesel for the electricity grid, fuel for air services, and regular transport of basic essentials such as food. This means that when an emergency strikes, the Chathams will be better placed than ever before to get the supplies and help they need.”
Mr Faafoi is visiting the Chatham Islands today to visit the port and to discuss matters relating to his Civil Defence portfolio with the local council and community. Top of the agenda was the Ministerial Review looking at improving how New Zealand responds to natural disasters and other emergencies.
“I’m conscious that the Chatham Islands faces a number of unique challenges when it comes to emergency management, and I’m looking forward to hearing what community leaders have to say about how we manage emergencies more effectively.”
Mr Faafoi also recognised the efforts of Rana Solomon for her contribution to emergency management to the Chatham and Pitt Islands, through the presentation of an award recognising 10 years’ service to Civil Defence Emergency Management.
“As emergency manager, Rana has led the response to a number of serious incidents, including Cyclone Pam, tsunami and wildfire events.
“Rana has also led a wide range of initiatives to help improve the safety and resilience of communities on the Chatham and Pitt islands. It’s a privilege to recognise her commitment and dedication to keeping her community safe.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Education Minister leads delegation to global teaching conference

Education Minister Chris Hipkins leaves for Europe tomorrow where he will lead a New Zealand delegation at a major education conference.
Leaders and representatives of the teaching profession and education officials will accompany Mr Hipkins to the International Summit on the Teaching Profession in Lisbon on 22 March.
The Summit is aimed at identifying best practices worldwide that strengthen the teaching profession and raise student achievement. 
The delegation includes the Secretary of Education, teacher union representatives, and leaders from the early learning and Māori medium education sectors.
Before arriving in Lisbon, Mr Hipkins will discuss education matters with experts and government Ministers in Singapore, London and Edinburgh.
Mr Hipkins said the visits are a valuable opportunity to share the strengths of the New Zealand education system and learn about what others are doing. 
“Education systems the world over are grappling with similar issues including underachievement among some groups and changes to schooling that are needed to prepare students for life in a rapidly changing world. 
“We have a lot to gain by sharing our experiences and I am looking forward to hearing about what really makes a difference in other countries as we embark on our ambitious education work programme here at home.”
In Singapore, Mr Hipkins is due to meet Ng Chee Meng, Singapore’s Minister for Schools, and sign an Education Cooperation Arrangement. He will also meet Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Higher Education and Skills, and Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer, SkillsFuture Singapore Agency.
In Scotland he will meet the Chair of the General Teaching Council of Scotland, Ken Muir, and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney.
In England he will meet with Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds and visit the Education Institute at the University College London, one of the world’s leading education faculties. He will arrive back in New Zealand on Monday 26 March.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Children’s experience highlights education issues for Māori

The negative experience of tamariki and rangatahi highlighted in a new report has to change if we are to lift Māori achievement at school, Associate Education Minister Kelvin Davis says.
The Children’s Commissioner and New Zealand School Trustees Association have today released a series of reports giving voice to students’ experience of school, including one on the experience of Māori students.
“It’s heart breaking to see some of the comments from tamariki and rangatahi around the attitudes and sense of isolation they can face. For example, the whakamā that stops hungry students asking for kai at school is something that could be dealt with more sensitively. It’s about understanding where kids come from.
“All children have the right to an education where they are not subjected to bias, low expectations and racism or other discrimination because of their culture, ethnicity or identity.
“I know many of our schools are working hard to ensure that te reo Māori me ōna tikanga is valued and used meaningfully. We have come a long way but we need to go further in our education system, and work collectively to create a culturally-safe place that will make Māori students more comfortable, confident and successful in education.
“This report illustrates the importance of putting students’ experience at the centre of education. The Government’s upcoming education summits are a real opportunity for Maori – tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and educators – to get involved in the discussion about reforming our education system. Māori need to be a strong voice.” 
Work being undertaken by the Government to lift Māori achievement includes a refresh of Ka Hikitia (Māori Education Strategy); strengthening the Māori-medium education pathway; providing long term solutions for the supply of te reo teachers; and improving the transition of students from school to further education and training or work.
The reports are available at:
http://www.occ.org.nz/publications/reports/

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Decision closer on America’s Cup venue

Minister for Economic Development David Parker welcomes new developments that bring closer an agreement on the shape of a world class venue for the 36th America’s Cup event in Auckland.
 “I am pleased we are closer to reaching a conclusion that we fought for, which will deliver a cheaper option with a much smaller intrusion into the harbour.
“There are still important details to work through and we are continuing to seek the lowest cost option with the smallest intrusion into the harbour, as has been our stated objective from the start.
 “The greater environmental benefits of a smaller intrusion would be worth tens of millions more if appropriately valued,” Mr Parker says.
 Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Mr Parker and Mayor Goff have stated they are committed to limiting the intrusion into the harbour, while achieving a word class venue for the Cup event.
 The new option, known as Point-Halsey, has evolved from suggestions by local residents and interest group. It is the cheapest of the four put forward and envisages only a 9900 square metre extension of the Halsey St Wharf
 Other options would have seen intrusions of 22,800 square metres.
 The option being discussed will also bring forward the removal of tank farms on Wynyard Point and create a legacy Auckland can be proud of.
 Officials are working with Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) on the design and details of this fourth option, as well as other aspects of the overall event.
 The new option has been described as workable by ETNZ.
Mr Parker said that in a face to face meeting in February he had assured ETNZ boss Grant Dalton that ETNZ would not be forced on to Wynyard Point and that he was assured of a prime position, saying “to the victor the spoils”.
 Mr Parker believes the Point-Halsey option meets that pledge.
 The four options that have been discussed are:
) The original Auckland Council option known as Wynyard Basin, for which a plan seeking consent was lodged on January 15. It envisages a base for Emirates Team New Zealand on Hobson Point with 74m extensions to both Hobson and Halsey Street wharfs. It requires 22,800 square metres of wharf extensions into the harbour.
2) The Wynyard Point “hybrid” option presented by the Government and the Council on February 13, which put more bases on Wynyard Point but which reduced from 74m to 35m an extension on Halsey Wharf, while accommodating ETNZ on Hobson. It requires 14,200 sq m of extensions into the harbour.
3) An option proposed by Emirates Team New Zealand which retains the 75m Halsey extension putting more bases on the extended Halsey Wharf, while holding Wynyard Point in reserve, with ETNZ on Hobson. It requires the same 22,800 sq m of extensions as the basin option.
4) Point-Halsey. This design utilises land on Wynyard Point and reduced to 45m the extension to Halsey Street Wharf. There would be no extension to Hobson Wharf. It provides for two double bases on Halsey, one of which will be ETNZ’s base and additional bases on Wynyard wharf as syndicates are confirmed. It requires a 9900 sq m extension into the harbour.
Mr Parker says only four double bases are now needed, rather than the six required at the time the hybrid option was announced, and this gives greater flexibility. 
 A consent application will be lodged for the building of bases on Wynyard Point and the existing Halsey Wharf.
 That will sit alongside the council’s earlier application and ensure maximum flexibility.
Option costings: (Note: All information is approximate and subject to final decisions).
 
 

(1) Wynyard Basin

(2) Wynyard Point

(3) Halsey-Hobson (ETNZ)

(4) Point-Halsey

Costs

Hobson

35

35

35

0

Halsey St Wharf

79

49

79

49

Wynyard Point

40

51

20

66

Other

21

24

17

24

Total

175

160

151

140

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: United Nations review an opportunity to improve the rights of disabled people

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni welcomes a UN announcement that begins the planned review of New Zealand’s implementation of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has today publicly released a ‘List of Issues’ it wants the government to report on,” Carmel Sepuloni said. “I’m looking forward to receiving external feedback on the progress New Zealand has made to date on improving the rights of disabled people.
“The UN review also provides a valuable opportunity to make international comparisons and to seek feedback from our disability community.
“This is New Zealand’s second review since ratifying the Convention in 2008. It’s a robust, nearly two year-long process that starts with this ‘list of issues’ from the UN and ends with its ‘Concluding Observations’, which are their recommendations for further improvement.
“New Zealand was instrumental in the development of the Convention, and a New Zealander is the first person with a learning disability to sit on a UN Committee.
“Since becoming Minister I’ve met with many groups within the disability sector including the Independent Monitoring Mechanism (IMM) – the Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman and Disabled People’s Organisations – to listen and understand the issues that face disabled New Zealanders.
“The ‘list of issues’ for this review is the combined result of the issues raised in our last review and the IMM’s report, and any additional topics of interest from the UN Committee.
“There are 100 issues on the list which relate to each of the Convention articles. These include questions about education, health, employment, accessibility, seclusion, restraint and data.
 “The issues are far ranging, affecting all areas of disabled people’s lives. I encourage any organisation, group, or individual, to provide feedback during the consultation process as it is those with lived experience and working close to the issues whose opinions we want to hear from most,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister congratulates bronze winning Para athlete Adam Hall

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni congratulates Kiwi Paralympic alpine skier Adam Hall who has won New Zealand’s second Bronze medal at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang.
“My warmest congratulations goes out to Adam for his outstanding achievement in PyeongChang,” said Carmel Sepuloni.
“Maintaining a place at the top of his sport for more than a decade is an impressive display of both talent and determination. 
“A great presence in the international para alpine skiing scene, and now representing us at his fourth Paralympics, Adam continues to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with.
“Like many New Zealander’s across the country I’m excited at our progress, and proud of our Kiwi team’s efforts.
“There is a huge amount of work that goes into making sure we’re represented at the Paralympics, and everyone involved should be very proud.
“I look forward to meeting our Para athletes to offer my congratulations in person, and thank them for their efforts, when we officially welcome them home later this month,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Indonesian President Joko Widodo to visit

Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo will visit New Zealand from 18 to 19 March, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.
“This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Indonesia. President Widodo’s visit is the centre-piece of a year-long series of engagements to celebrate this significant milestone and strengthen the relationship,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Indonesia has the world’s fourth largest population and is the world’s third largest democracy. It is the largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is a major market for New Zealand meat, dairy and agriculture exports, with total two-way goods trade of NZ$1.76 billion in 2017.
President Widodo will be visiting New Zealand for the first time and will be accompanied by his wife, Ministers and a business delegation.
“President Widodo’s visit is an opportunity to increase trade between New Zealand and Indonesia as well as discuss how we can tackle issues of common interest in the Asia-Pacific region,” Jacinda Ardern said.
Prime Minister Ardern first met President Widodo at the East Asia Summit in November 2017.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Renewed Partnership with Ngāi Tahu to Grow Future Tribal Leaders

A partnership between the Ministry of Youth Development (MYD) and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu designed to support rangatahi located in the Ngāi Tahu takiwā will continue over the next 18 months, Minister for Youth Peeni Henare announced today.
“I am pleased to commit to this renewed partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu which will see the creation of rangatahi-led leadership, mentoring and volunteering initiatives which utilise a Ngāi Tahu kaupapa-based approach,” Peeni Henare said.
Funding is made through MYD’s Partnership Fund and the Ngāi Tahu Funds, it builds on the 2017 collaboration between MYD and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu which saw 250 rangatahi take part in activities such as taiaha wananga, coding workshops, and outdoor pursuits. 
Lisa Tumahai, Kaiwhakahaere, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, says this programme will help grow opportunities for Ngāi Tahu rangatahi. 
“We will invest in programmes that will help us create tribal leaders of the future. This investment will focus on growing cultural, entrepreneurial, and leadership capacity in our rangatahi,” Lisa Tumahai said. 
“As we move forward, we hope to build on the success of this collaborative funding approach and increase government partnerships. 
Some of the rangatahi targeted by the partnership face challenges when accessing development opportunities, whether this is due to a lack of financial or social resources, or because they are living in a rural or isolated location.
“Part of this renewed funding will establish a contestable fund for Māori organisations who will deliver initiatives to rangatahi and taiohi from both Ngāi Tahu and other iwi who are living within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā. The other portion will be targeted towards continued support for successful initiatives that were delivered through the initial partnership,” Peeni Henare said.
Up to 250 young people will take part in opportunities with both partners investing $100,000 each to enable this.
“A key aspect of MYD’s direction is to support partnerships with business, philanthropic sectors, iwi, and other funders, to collectively engage with and make investment decisions to support an increase in youth development opportunities. This partnership fits well with our goal of effective collaboration and provides an opportunity to inspire and grow the leaders of tomorrow,” Peeni Henare said.

Contact: Patisepa Helu 021 821 562