Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Programme to fight homelessness to be expanded to Napier and Hastings

Napier and Hastings set to receive funding as part of Budget 2018 to expand the successful Housing First programme to the region, to help end homelessness.
“Housing First is a proven way to house and support people who have been homeless a long time, or are homeless and face multiple and complex needs,” says Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford.
“The approach is simple: provide housing quickly then offer tailored support for as long as it’s needed to help people stay housed and lead better lives.
“Housing First aims to end homelessness for people, not just manage it. The goal is that homelessness should be brief, rare and non-recurring.”
Last Friday, as part of Budget 2018, Minister Twyford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced $63.4 million in funding for Housing First over the next four years. 
“Napier and Hastings were selected to receive funding for Housing First places due to high need. Amongst regions where Housing First is not yet operating, the area currently has the first and second highest number of people in insecure housing, and receiving Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants, respectively.
“A process is currently being worked through to determine the exact amount of funding and number of places the area will receive. Government will take a staged approach to expanding the programme into Napier and Hastings, which we expect to roll out next year,” says Phil Twyford.
“Ending homelessness is a priority for the Government. Every person has the right to a warm, dry, secure and safe place to live.
“People who are homeless a long time are very vulnerable. They often face complex issues such as poor health or mental health, substance abuse and unemployment. Stable housing is a vital first step in helping them turn their lives around.
“We’re already seeing the success Housing First has had in Auckland, and we’re excited to be expanding this programme to other regions.
“No one should be left out in the cold this winter.  We encourage anyone who needs support in finding somewhere to live, to contact Work and Income to discuss the support that is available,” Phil Twyford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Programme to fight homelessness to be expanded to Whangarei and Northland

Whangarei and Northland are set to receive funding as part of Budget 2018 to expand the successful Housing First programme to the region, to help end homelessness.
“Housing First is a proven way to house and support people who have been homeless a long time, or are homeless and face multiple and complex needs,” says Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford.
“The approach is simple: provide housing quickly then offer tailored support for as long as it’s needed to help people stay housed and lead better lives.
“Housing First aims to end homelessness for people, not just manage it. The goal is that homelessness should be brief, rare and non-recurring.”
Last Friday, as part of Budget 2018, Minister Twyford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced $63.4 million in funding for Housing First over the next four years. 
“Whangarei and Northland were selected to receive funding for Housing First places due to high need. The area currently has a high number of people in insecure housing, transitional housing and receiving Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants.
“A process is currently being worked through to determine the exact amount of funding and number of places the area will receive. Government will take a staged approach to expanding the programme into Whangarei and Northland, which we expect to begin later this year or next year,” says Phil Twyford.
“Ending homelessness is a priority for the Government. Every person has a right to a warm, dry, secure and safe place to live.
“People who are homeless a long time are very vulnerable. They often face complex issues such as poor health or mental health, substance abuse and unemployment. Stable housing is a vital first step in helping them turn their lives around.
“We’re already seeing the success Housing First has had in Auckland, and we’re excited to be expanding this programme to other regions.
“No one should be left out in the cold this winter.  We encourage anyone who needs support in finding somewhere to live, to contact Work and Income to discuss the support that is available,” Phil Twyford says.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Programme to fight homelessness to be expanded to Rotorua

Rotorua is set to receive funding as part of Budget 2018 to expand the successful Housing First programme to the region, to help end homelessness.
“Housing First is a proven way to house and support people who have been homeless a long time, or are homeless and face multiple and complex needs,” says Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford.
“The approach is simple: provide housing quickly then offer tailored support for as long as it’s needed to help people stay housed and lead better lives.
“Housing First aims to end homelessness for people, not just manage it. The goal is that homelessness should be brief, rare and non-recurring.”
Last Friday, as part of Budget 2018, Minister Twyford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced $63.4 million in funding for Housing First over the next four years. 
“Rotorua was selected to receive funding for Housing First places due to high need. The area currently has a high number of people in insecure housing, transitional housing, receiving Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants, and sleeping rough.
“The exact amount of funding and number of places the area will receive will be worked out over the next few months. Government will take a staged approach to expanding the programme into Rotorua, which we expect to begin later this year,” says Phil Twyford.
“Ending homelessness is a priority for the Government. Every person has a right to a warm, dry, secure and safe place to live.
“People who are homeless a long time are very vulnerable. They often face complex issues such as poor health or mental health, substance abuse and unemployment. Stable housing is a vital first step in helping them turn their lives around.
“We’re already seeing the success Housing First has had in Auckland, and we’re excited to be expanding this programme to other regions,” says Phil Twyford.
 “No one should be left out in the cold this winter.  We encourage anyone who needs support in finding somewhere to live, to contact Work and Income to discuss the support that is available,” Phil Twyford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Programme to fight homelessness to be expanded to Blenheim

Blenheim is set to receive funding as part of Budget 2018 to expand the successful Housing First programme to the area, to help end homelessness.
“Housing First is a proven way to house and support people who have been homeless a long time, or are homeless and face multiple and complex needs,” says Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford.
“The approach is simple: provide housing quickly then offer tailored support for as long as it’s needed to help people stay housed and lead better lives.
“Housing First aims to end homelessness for people, not just manage it. The goal is that homelessness should be brief, rare and non-recurring.”
Last Friday, as part of Budget 2018, Minister Twyford and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced $63.4 million in funding for Housing First over the next four years. 
“Blenheim was selected to receive funding for Housing First places due to high need. The Marlborough area currently has a high number of people in insecure housing, transitional housing and receiving Emergency Housing Special Needs Grants.
“A process is currently being worked through to determine the exact amount of funding and number of places the area will receive. Government will take a staged approach to expanding the programme into Blenheim, which we expect to begin later this year or next year,” says Phil Twyford.
“Ending homelessness is a priority for the Government. Every person has a right to a warm, dry, secure and safe place to live.
“People who are homeless a long time are very vulnerable. They often face complex issues such as poor health or mental health, substance abuse and unemployment. Stable housing is a vital first step in helping them turn their lives around.
“We’re already seeing the success Housing First has had in Auckland, and we’re excited to be expanding this programme to other regions.
“No one should be left out in the cold this winter.  We encourage anyone who needs support in finding somewhere to live, to contact Work and Income to discuss the support that is available,” Phil Twyford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Health Minister marks International Nurses Day

The Health Minister Dr David Clark congratulates the hard work and commitment of New Zealand’s 55,000-strong nursing workforce* ahead of International Nurses Day. 
Every year on 12 May International Nurses Day celebrates and recognises the hard work and contribution nurses make to health sectors all around the world. 
“Recognition of nursing leadership in New Zealand progressed further this year with the introduction in January of the Health Practitioners (Replacement of Statutory References to Medical Practitioners) Act, which gives highly qualified Nurse Practitioners and Registered Nurses, among other sector professionals, more abilities when treating patients,” David Clark said.
“Between the Ministry of Health’s Chief Nursing Office and the District Health Boards’ Directors of Nursing, we have an extremely high calibre of leadership and that flows through to a committed and hardworking bunch of nurses throughout the country.
“Nurses are often among the very first health professionals to come into contact with patients.
“I recognise how hard all of our nurses work and realise how important it is for our entire workforce to be acknowledged for their efforts.” 
The theme of tomorrow’s celebration is Nurses: A voice to lead – Health is a human right. It also falls on the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale – one of the world’s most famous nurses. 
“The theme of tomorrow is apt because Florence was also a leader in the industry – the founder of modern nursing through her committed and passionate approach to patient care-led nursing,” David Clark said.

*According to Nursing Council of New Zealand 2017 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: “Common Sense”

Speech to Christchurch Chamber of Commerce
 “Common Sense”
Thank you for your invitation to be here and the pleasure of being in Christchurch.
As you know it is now six months since the formation of the Labour-New Zealand First coalition government with the support partner, the Greens.
Today’s speech will outline how the coalition government is operating, outline the new momentum for New Zealand’s foreign policy, and discuss Budget 2018 in general.
The coalition government
The passing of the six months milestone has seen a number of “report cards” issued in the media on the coalition government’s performance.
There are three key points overlooked, or undercooked, by our weekend newspaper columnists, and these experts who have been in politics for five minutes and know more about politics than Lianne Dalziel and me.
The first observation is the speed and efficiency in which the coalition government was formed despite all the statements about holding the country to ransom.
Followers of German coalition government negotiations can look upon New Zealand as racehorses not tortoises when it comes to forming a government.
My second key point about coalition government is that, despite fearmongering from our critics, New Zealand First has proven to be reliable partner. New Zealand First wants to achieve positive change for this country from a bedrock of stability.
And third, as a party we have prided ourselves on good coalition management and negotiation. The coalition government created a common purpose which is it translating into outcomes.
The New Zealand First point of difference
Underpinning the New Zealand First approach is a refusal to be bound by a neo-liberalism philosophical handcuffs.  New Zealand First urges targeted growth through our regions and people.  It doesn’t accept a disparity in wealth, nor accept degradation in our basic services – like rotting hospital buildings.
Should anyone have any doubt about the point of difference New Zealand First brings to the coalition then they should read the coalition agreement.
The very first priority written in the coalition government’s list of priorities is Regional Economic Development, and Primary Industries.
The agreement specifically states: “New Zealand First has a number of priorities to progress which Labour will support.”
And those priorities are a major investment in our regions, in particular forestry and rail infrastructure rebuilds.
As the smaller party in this coalition New Zealand First does not want the point lost about the beneficial influence it is bringing to bear, and for the support we receive.
It is my party’s view that New Zealand generally, and our regions in particular, need to transform economically, in the face of significant underinvestment.
 
The Provincial Growth Fund
The Provincial Growth Fund, which we secured from the coalition negotiation, will see over a three year period a $3 billion fund invest in projects that lift regional productivity and potential.
This represents a dramatic increase in investment to redress historic underinvestment in the regions.
It allows the government to support projects ranging from the very small (like feasibility studies and capability building) through to medium and large investments in sectors and infrastructure.
The PGF represents a step-change for regional economic development. It will allow regions to be more ambitious about identifying projects that will make a difference.
The goal is to target projects that:
Increase economic activity in the regions
Lift the skills of the workforce
Increase employment and wages, and lower the rates of young people not in employment, education and training
Improve utilisation of Māori assets
Improve transport connections within and between regions
Improve resilience and sustainability of infrastructure
Contribute to mitigating or adapting to climate change
 
Priority is being given to regions that have traditionally have poorer than average outcomes such as Tai Tokerau/Northland, Tairāwhiti/East Coast, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, and the West Coast.
New Zealand First MP and Regional Economic Development Minister, Shane Jones, has a large task but he is determined to lead significant investment in all regions over the next three years.
Around a quarter of this funding is an initial investment in the One Billion Trees programme, designed to transform the forestry sector, create jobs and training opportunities, and to support the Government’s climate change objectives.
The remaining funding supports investments in tourism, transport and primary industry projects, and other priority investments identified by regions and sectors.
Coalition government’s first budget
Foreign policy direction
Earlier this week, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a pre-budget announcement was made to restore lost capacity in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This government recognises the critical role the Ministry plays in keeping New Zealanders safe and prosperous. New Zealand needs to rebuild expertise and resourcing to respond to an increasingly turbulent global environment.
New Zealand needs a strong voice on the world stage.  It is the best way to protect our interests.  To not do so will see our actions perceived as hollow or isolationist.
The Ministry has faced long periods under a funding freeze but we are at a point where we must protect our interests in the face of converging challenges. And being resourced to maintain our voice is the best mechanism to negotiate the challenges ahead.
If you have any doubt about converging challenges look at events of just last week.
We had a former United States Secretary of State visit our shores.  She warned of the global power plays underway, including in the Pacific.
A large, and capable, vessel full of boat people was intercepted in Malaysia, their apparent intent of reaching New Zealand.
And the US President has announced he is withdrawing his country from the Iran nuclear agreement – leading to genuine questions about stability in the Middle East.
All that in just a matter of days.
Why do we need more dollars? Because our very peace and economic existence depends on it.
As a small country we rely on all the global organisations which create international rules based order. Yet that order is under threat.
Trade, the lifeblood of our country, faces an emerging protectionist trend.  The threat of global trade war has become a feared prospect.
With our own pacific region Pacific people in particular are facing existential threats from climate change.  The potential for migrant displacement cannot be underestimated.  It is in all of our interests for New Zealand to play a leadership role, and to be able to back that up. Evidence favours response now. A lack or action will lead to greater consequences.
The government has already signalled in its Pacific reset policy that our engagement in the region needs to improve, especially at a time when the Pacific is increasingly viewed as a strategic space and where New Zealand influence has waned.
Whilst New Zealand holds a favourable reputation, our recent track record is undermining this reputation. Our response measurement on overseas development assistance has been frankly troubling.
The UN benchmark for a country committing its share of ODA is 0.7 percent of GNI. The current budgetary track would have it fall within four years to its lowest level in 50 years (by 2022/23).
The percentage of GNI was at 0.30 per cent in 2008, it was forecast to fall to 0.21 per cent over the next four years. This would see New Zealand fall further in not pulling our weight.
For that reason, the policy of MFAT support announced on Tuesday is a clear demonstration to the international community that New Zealand is serious about addressing global and regional challenges. There are serious dangers and greater costs in not doing this.
The decade of underfunding meant the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had only 248 diplomatic staff posted overseas across 58 Embassies or High Commissions.  It was time to address our foreign affairs capability.
Budget 2018
Next week the government will deliver its first Budget.
In Budget 2018 you will see the themes of restoring lost capability and rebuilding of infrastructure.
The Minister of Finance aims to deliver a budget which improves living standards by rebuilding foundations of health, education and housing while also maintaining fiscal and debt discipline.
It will take more than one budget to fix the huge holes. Poorly targeted policies have left deficits and additional issues which need tackling.
For many years we have heard a narrative that our public services should do more but with less.
However there is a certain ground truth to that narrative which this government has discovered. A rubber band only stretches so far before the fundamentals need to be addressed.
The nature of politics means it is easy to forecast the opposition criticising the coalition government’s spending decisions in the forthcoming budget.
There is no doubt the coalition government is not only conscious of the need to rebuild these foundations, but also of the urgency to develop a growing economy, as well as maintaining the investments for future generations.
Budget Responsibility Rules are a feature of the government’s plans.
Surpluses will be maintained whilst also planning to reduce core Crown net debt to 20 percent of GDP within five years of taking office.
As the Minister of Finance has indicated, he is working with combination of reprioritised spending and improved tax revenue for the forthcoming budget.
It means a coalition government intending to deliver operating surpluses across an economic cycle while also paving the way to mediate the underfunding of essential areas in health, education and infrastructure.
Conclusion
Ladies and gentleman, the coalition government has been in existence for six months. 
In that short time the government has started an ambitious programme for New Zealand from our provinces to our foreign policy, and not predicated on mass immigration and consumption and declining trade figures.
They are just our first steps
They are first steps to rebuilding our productivity and our public services.
Very soon there will be more steps which we will boldly take.
Ends:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Hui on animal welfare next month

An all-day hui, to discuss the priorities of the country’s animal welfare groups, has been called for next month by the Associate Minister of Agriculture the Hon Meka Whaitiri.  
The hui which will be held in Auckland aims to follow up on a promise made by Meka Whaitiri after she announced Government policy not to ban rodeos in March. 
“I am keen to hear the views and priorities of the country’s animal advocates on issues on everything from the care of our pigs to welfare issues around our pets. I want everything to be on the table for discussion. 
“I also want this to be a chance for our animal advocates to hear from spokespeople for our Government partners the Greens and New Zealand First. 
“This year I have already moved to strengthen the protections for our animals with a raft of new regulations that covered everything from banning fireworks at rodeos to tightening the controls on how stock are transported to slaughter plants. These regulations have already been welcomed by many. 
“I have also supported the work of my advisory group NAWAC in their investigation into the role of animals in entertainment. 
“As the dedicated animal welfare minister in this Government I make no secret of the fact that I want to see better outcomes for our animals. This goes to the heart of our international reputation as one of the world leaders for animal welfare outcomes in farming systems.    
“It will be up to the hui on June the 8th to decide what they think are the really important issues that we need to develop and debate in the coming years,” says Hon Meka Whaitiri.
 
Hui Contact: animaladvocacyhui@mpi.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Feedback sought on law for Police vetting

Public feedback is sought on possible new legislation to govern the way Police handle requests for a background check on a person’s criminal record.
“Police receive almost 600,000 requests each year for a person’s criminal convictions and other relevant Police-held information about them, such as active charges” says Police Minister Stuart Nash.
“Police vetting is available to around 10,000 approved agencies including schools and sports associations. It differs from the service provided by the Ministry of Justice where any individual can request their own criminal history.
 “Police vetting is an important service. It enables agencies to check that people who work or volunteer in roles where they come into contact with children or vulnerable people are of good character.
“However there is no legislative framework to govern Police vetting and it has led to uncertainty and some legal risk around the procedures.
“Police vetting is an important element of crime prevention and community safety and would benefit from operating within a legislative framework.
“New legislation would provide greater clarity and certainty about the purpose and functions of the Police Vetting Service and what type of information may be disclosed. It would also enable greater consistency in the way Police handle vetting requests and could lead to greater efficiencies through less duplication and timelier processing of requests.
Police have released a public consultation document to seek feedback about what the public and specialist agencies think about new legislation for the Police Vetting Service.
“I encourage anyone wanting a say on possible legislation to read the consultation document and make a submission,” says Mr Nash.
The consultation document and submission form can be found on the Police website.
Submissions close 13 July 2018 and can be sent to:  vettinglegislation@police.govt.nz
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Launch of resources to help tamariki under five years old sleep better

Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa welcomes the launch of new Active Play resources which encourage children aged under-five to sit less, move more and sleep well.
“The new Active Play resources in te reo reflect the unique culture of Aotearoa New Zealand to communicate important wellbeing messages,” Jenny Salesa said.
“Tamariki that play more, move more and get a better night’s sleep are healthier and more engaged. Those habits set them up for a healthy life.
The Active Play resources have been developed by Toi Tangata specifically for New Zealand, using kaupapa Māori to explain the importance of children playing regularly, having limited “screen time” and getting a good quality nights’ sleep.
Although the Active Play resources have been designed with kaiako in kōhanga reo in mind, they’re useful for anyone advising parents, caregivers and whānau about active play for tamariki under five years of age.
“I’ve been impressed with the quality of the resources. Our tamariki deserve the best and I encourage caregivers and parents to use the infographics, videos and music that’ve been created for their children’s benefit,” Jenny Salesa said.
The Active Play resources are free to download at the link below
https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/sit-less-move-more-sleep-well-active-play-guidelines-under-fives-resources
 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand forestry is now future proofed

The Associate Minister of Forestry the Hon Meka Whaitiri says the launch of Te Uru Rākau will mean that the New Zealand forestry industry will be future proofed. 
“In my new role I will make sure that Māori who want to use their land for forestry can by establishing  much closer partnerships between the Government and the Māori people. I have also been delegated all initiatives for afforestation in the Tairāwhiti and East Coast area.  
“I will also make sure that we develop a diverse, skilled and safe workforce. I also have a new role in championing and engaging women in the forestry industry. 
“With this new responsibility for skills training, I hope to be announcing some Forestry Scholarships at Fieldays this year.  
“I was delighted to be on the ground in Rotorua today when the Forestry Service was renamed and rebranded for its big job of planting a billion trees over the next ten years. 
“This not only honours the coalition deal between New Zealand First  and Labour but it recognises the fact that Rotorua is the centre of forestry in New Zealand. I also welcome the decision to spend another $15 million on the work of setting up of Te Uru Rākau. 
“This is a critical industry for the New Zealand economy as it is our third largest exporter with an income of $5 billion.  
“Today’s rebrand will create a new impetus for forestry in our regions, creating jobs and new skills and training opportunities in provincial New Zealand,” says Meka Whaitiri.