Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New forestry advisory group established

Forestry Minister Shane Jones has today announced the formation of a new Ministerial advisory group to provide independent advice about the forestry sector and how Government and industry can work together to deliver outcomes for New Zealand.
The Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group is made up of ten forestry experts who will provide industry perspectives and advice to help meet New Zealand’s forestry goals, including the One Billion Tree Programme.
“The group has been selected for their expertise in a wide range of disciplines that I believe are necessary to deliver New Zealand’s forestry goals,” Shane Jones said.
“They will provide direct industry perspectives on a range of topics, including research, commercial and conservation forestry, local government, farm-forestry, wood processing, education and research.
“The group will provide insights on the performance of the overall forestry system, along with advice on future trends, risks and issues.
“I have initially tasked the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group to focus on supporting Te Uru Rākau to deliver the One Billion Trees planting programme.
“The group will be chaired by Dr Warren Parker, Chair of the New Zealand Conservation Authority and the former Chief Executive Officer of Scion and Landcare Research. Warren brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and is well-placed to chair the group.
“I’m excited to work closely with the advisory group, and hear the insights they will provide, as we look to the future and drive transformational and sustainable change in the forestry system,” Shane Jones said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New forestry service unveiled in Rotorua

 

Forestry Minister Shane Jones has today celebrated the launch of Te Uru Rākau, the first step in re-establishing a forestry service in New Zealand.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister Shane Jones, Associate Forestry Minister Meka Whaitiri, New Zealand First Deputy Leader Fletcher Tabuteau and Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey attended the launch of Te Uru Rākau in Rotorua today, where the name and new branding was unveiled.
Te Uru Rākau will have its head office in regional New Zealand – honouring the coalition commitment made between New Zealand First and Labour.
“This Government has been clear about its commitment to New Zealand’s forestry sector and the One Billion Trees planting programme,” Shane Jones said.
“I believe Te Uru Rākau will play a key role in supporting and promoting our vision for a flourishing forestry sector, delivering sustainable jobs in our regions, forestry workforce development and training, economic growth while helping meet our country’s climate change targets.
“New Zealand’s old forestry service was disestablished in 1987 and in recent years our forestry sector has experienced decline but we’re determined to shine the spotlight on forestry once more.  
“Te Uru Rākau will build a strong and dedicated forestry presence in Rotorua, recognising that Rotorua is at the heart of the forestry sector in New Zealand. Forestry is our third largest export earner – with an annual gross income of about $5.0 billion – and has the potential to grow. 
“I’m pleased to be able to announce today that Budget 2018 will set aside $15.0 million of operating funds to boost the capability of the new service, enabling it to work with landowners, provide forestry expertise and deliver on the Government’s forestry objectives.
“Today, we’re also launching an online tree counter to keep track of the One Billion Trees goal. This will be updated weekly throughout the winter planting season and will show how many trees have been planted, the number of tree seedlings sold and the percentage of native versus exotic species.
“Since coming into government, we have given Crown Forestry the mandate to enter into commercial arrangements with landowners, provided $5.8 million of operating funding to scale up production of native seedlings and announced a nationwide planting programme over Matariki to recognise the men and women of our New Zealand Defence Force.
“Cabinet will sign off the exact functions, size and governance structure of Te Uru Rākau later this year,” Shane Jones said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Youth Advisory Group share their views

Problems with NCEA “credit farming” and overassessment, and the need for more vocational pathways into tertiary education are among the issues raised by Minister of Education Chris Hipkins’ Youth Advisory Group.   
 
They are contained in the report of the Group’s first meeting, in February, released today.
  
“The Group’s initial insights provide a valuable contribution to the national education conversation, which has already been joined by more than 6700 people,” Mr Hipkins said.
 
“I’m really pleased with the quality of thinking and the ownership the Group is taking, as representatives of students nationwide. Our young people are one of the ‘expert groups’ I’m really keen to tap into to help guide the changes we need to make to fully modernise our education system.  
 
“I’m looking forward to hearing more from them as we work through these and other issues,” Mr Hipkins said.
    
Mr Hipkins urged more young people to join the conversation about the future of New Zealand’s education system.
 
“Around 200 young people are expected at the two education summits, and they will play an important role.
 
“But I want all children and young people to have their say by answering the short survey at conversation.education.govt.nz and taking part in the regional roadshow that is planned in coming months.”
 
The Youth Advisory Group is due to meet the Minister again next week.
 
Background
 
The Youth Advisory Group was set up in November 2017 to enable young people to have their say and have more influence on the education system and issues that affect them. Insights from the Youth Advisory Group are shared with the Ministry of Education and other education sector agencies.
 
The 2018 Youth Advisory Group members, aged 14-18, are:
Shaneel Lal, South Auckland
Bevan Penn, Wellington
Abby McRoberts, Porirua
Liam McLeavey, Levin
Okirano Tilaia, Christchurch
Geniqua Samupo, West Auckland
Brodie Cross, Christchurch
Nathan Farr, Dunedin
Hadassah Wharawhara, Kerikeri
Costa Blackman, Tolaga Bay
Kate Morris, Darfield
Watene Campbell, Wellington
 
The advisory group meets four times each year. The first meeting was on 8 and 9 February and the next meeting take places on 10 and 11 May.
 
An Online Youth Forum has also been launched. It is open to any young person aged 14-18.
 
The Forum participants will test insights gathered from the advisory group and discuss aspects of education with other young people on the forum, to ensure a wide range of viewpoints on selected education topics.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Partnership Fund Board Announced

New members of the Ministry of Youth Development Partnership Fund Board for 2018-2020 were announced today by Minister for Youth, Peeni Henare. Ten board members have been selected from over 150 applicants.
The Partnership Fund Board will oversee investments in partnership with business and philanthropic sectors, iwi, and other funders to increase the capability and resilience of young people and support them in participating confidently within their communities and whānau.
The Board members are Terry Shubkin, Kii Small, Paige Sullivan, Stevie Davis-Tana, Shana Malio-Satele, Duncan Matthews, Rachel Hopkins, Diva-Ataahua Ratu, Bilal Nasier and Ezekiel Raui.
 “The members demonstrate a depth of knowledge and expertise in their fields including youth development, business, not-for-profit, and governance. They represent diverse communities and will bring a valuable range of perspectives to the decision-making process,” Peeni Henare said.
 “The calibre of applicants was exceptional and I would like to acknowledge all who applied, and their demonstrated commitment to our youth.
 “I was delighted to see such strong interest from widely experienced and talented rangatahi.
 “I am keen for more young people in decision-making forums to lead and influence our future, which is why I appointed six rangatahi to this Board.
 “I look forward to supporting the Board in partnering with others to achieve great outcomes,” Peeni Henare said.
 You can find more information on the Partnership Fund Board on the Ministry’s website http://www.myd.govt.nz/funding/partnership-fund-board-2018-20.html .

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou moana first reading

The Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Bill (No 2) passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Minister for Treaty Negotiations Andrew Little.
 “The Bill is the first of the Marine and Coastal Area Act legislation. The settlement will give Ngāti Porou customary title over significant parts of the East Coast coastline, as well as customary rights such as fishing and the protection of wāhi tapu.
 “The Bill represents years of good faith negotiations between the Crown and ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou, and provides the East Coast iwi with a statutory regime governing the common marine and coastal area in their rohe moana.
 “Ngāti Porou reached an agreement with the Crown under the repealed Foreshore and Seabed Act.
 “When the Marine and Coastal Area Act (Takutai Moana Act) was passed in 2011, the Crown began negotiating with Ngāti Porou to amend their initial agreement to ensure its alignment with the new legislation. That said, there are some aspects under the Ngāti Porou Bill that are not available under the MACA legislation.
 “Fundamentally, the Bill recognises the mana of ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou over their rohe moana. It provides legal mechanisms to support the mana of the hapū and those specific areas where customary marine title rights are recognised.
 “The Bill also recognises the Crown’s responsibility in maintaining access to the common marine and coastal area. It provides certainty regarding the public use and administration of ngā rohe moana o ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou,” says Andrew Little.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Privacy, Human Rights and Ethics framework essential step in safe data use

The Minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni, has welcomed the Ministry of Social Development’s formation of a new set of ‘smart tools’ to ensure initiatives don’t breach clients’ privacy or human rights. 
“Data and analytics has a valuable role to play in designing and delivering services that work for people. However, we need to carefully consider the potential harm new and innovative data uses may cause,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
“The ability to get greater value from our data relies on people being aware of, and comfortable with, how we use information.
The Privacy, Human Rights and Ethics framework (“PHRaE”) is a set of tools that users of information can utilise to ensure privacy, human rights and ethics have been considered from the design and development stage of an initiative. 
“The PHRaE helps those designing services to question whether it is ‘right’ to use information just because there is access to it.  
“Answering these questions can be complex and challenging but it is essential. In many cases information shared with MSD can be deeply personal and sometimes disclosed in situations of particular vulnerability 
“I want to see a culture at MSD where people are treated with dignity and respect and this has to extend to how we collect and use people’s information. If we don’t’ get that right it can have a huge impact on whether people have trust and confidence to access the support they need from Government. 
“I’m pleased this work has been welcomed by the Privacy Commissioner, his view is important to us.”
Carmel Sepuloni says there is potential to develop this approach for use further afield.   
“The PHRaE has been developed for MSD use but, over time, could be used across government.  Some other agencies are exploring trialling it in the coming months.”
 Editor’s Note:
MSD has been developing a framework that ensures privacy, human rights and ethics are built into the way they develop new services, from the beginning of the design process.
 It started with a focus on predictive models and has been widened out to all initiatives where a client’s data is used.
The approach has been, and continues to be, trialled on new MSD initiatives in order to iterate the development of the approach. 
This is showing clearly that having the Privacy, Human Rights and Ethics discussions at the beginning enables any risks to be minimised through adjusting design, and is resulting in increased awareness of what the risks are that need to be considered.
 The PHRaE encourages projects to think about the rights of the people whose information they’re using as they are designing what they’re going to do with the information.  The tools prompt discussion and consideration of rights and capture the evidence of how the project have considered these rights and the basis for decision making in relation to these rights. 
 The PHRaE doesn’t replace the need to complete a Privacy Impact Statement, Human Rights or Ethics Assessment, but is a different way of demonstrating that the impact of the initiative on these areas has been considered.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Investing for Social Wellbeing – Your voice, your data, your say on social wellbeing

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni has today announced the Government is seeking New Zealander’s views on social wellbeing and how to best protect and use people’s personal information. 
“We will be working with the social sector to develop a single shared set of rules and tools for the use and protection of personal information in the social sector,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
“This Government firmly believes in consulting people about decisions that impact them. There is more data available than there has ever been before, but there is confusion about when it is appropriate to collect and share that data.
“This initiative is the start of building a systematic approach to the way we work with data and wider evidence, to improve how government makes decisions and delivers services.
“It’s important the public trusts how Government uses data, and this Government is very aware that agencies need to work hard to rebuild public trust and confidence in data use.
“We not only want to develop an approach to social wellbeing that treats people with dignity and respect, but also give people confidence that data will be used constructively to support New Zealanders.
“We are going to implement this approach – not just talk about it. This initiative will move beyond the previous social investment focus on gathering data for data’s sake.
“By making better use of a wide range of data, evidence, and people’s experiences, we can develop real solutions for people and ensure effective services reach those who need them most.” 
Editor’s Note:
From May to August The Social Investment Agency will be engaging with NGOs, government agencies and people who use social sector services in 28 locations around the country. Input from the sessions will inform the government’s approach to investing for social wellbeing and a draft policy for the social sector, relating to personal information.
The Government’s investing for social wellbeing approach will then be finalised and a draft data protection and use policy will be shared publically towards the end of the year. In 2019, the policy will be reviewed and made final.
More information can be found at https://sia.govt.nz/our-work/yoursay
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New lease on life for RNZAF aircrew training

Minister of Defence Ron Mark has announced the first of four leased KingAir KA350 aircraft has been certified for use by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), marking a change in the future of aircrew training.
“The new aircraft replace the B200 fleet which provide the RNZAF with multi-engine pilot training and light air-lift operations such as transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” says Ron Mark.
“These smaller aircraft have proved cost efficient for the extensive multi-engine training RNZAF pilots need after becoming proficient on single engine aircraft.
“With the end of lease of the old fleet, the Government has made a decision to increase the RNZAF’s domestic capability.
“Along with pilot training, I’m pleased to announce that this new fleet will enable specialist aircrew training to be brought back to New Zealand for the first time in two decades.
“This reflects the Government’s focus on ensuring our pilots and specialist crews develop and maintain essential skills, and continue to support NZDF operations within New Zealand.
“In an additional boost to Air Force capability, two of the aircraft will be configured to assist in important maritime surveillance tasks across our Exclusive Economic Zone,” says Mr Mark.
Air Warfare Officers are trained to fly and operate the P-3K2 Orion and C-130 Hercules, and specialist training has been undertaken in Australia. No additional operational funding has been required for the new lease and introduction of the training.
Mr Mark said the decision demonstrates that highly capable local companies are supporting the New Zealand Defence Force, with local suppliers providing sophisticated training system equipment.
New Zealand-based training will include navigation, flight planning, mission management, and communications, with Air Warfare Officer training starting later this year.
The budget for the project is drawn from the annual operating budget of the NZDF and has been provided from a reallocation of the funds previously assigned to the B200 lease and delivery of training in Australia.
The remaining three aircraft will be delivered progressively into 2019.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister makes two appointments to Science Board

Research, Science and Innovation Minister, Megan Woods today announced the appointment of two members to the Science Board – Dr Liz Wedderburn as a new member to the Board and Professor Parry Guilford who will return for his second term.
“It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of these members to the Board. Each member brings their own unique experience and expertise, which increases the diversity and overall competency of the Board. This ensures the Board is well placed to continue to deliver high-quality decision-making,” says Woods.
“The Science Board is responsible for investing Government funds in research, science and technology. Board members must have considerable experience in research methodologies, processes and risks, and a great understanding of New Zealand’s research and technology sectors.”
“I welcome Dr Liz Wedderburn to the Board, and Professor Parry Guilford for another term. I am confident that their strong research experience and achievements in the New Zealand Science Sector make them well suited for the role.”
Dr Wedderburn has a PhD in ecology with over 30 years research and management experience in sustainable agriculture in pastoral based livestock systems, and is an Assistant Research Director at AgResearch.
Professor Guilford is a research Professor and Principal Investigator in the Cancer Genetics Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Otago. He is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Pacific Edge Biotechnology Ltd as well as Deputy Director of the National Science Challenge ‘Healthier Lives’.
Dr Wedderburn and Professor Guilford will serve terms of three years and fill the current vacancies.
See MBIE’s website for more information.
ENDS
Annex 1: Biographies of appointed members
Dr Liz Wedderburn is an Assistant Research Director at AgResearch, where she is responsible for international collaboration, adoption and practice change. She has a PhD in ecology and over 30 years research and management experience in sustainable agriculture within pastoral based livestock systems.
Professor Parry Guilford is a research Professor and Principal Investigator in the Cancer Genetics Laboratory in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Otago. He is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Pacific Edge Biotechnology Ltd as well as Deputy Director of the National Science Challenge ‘Healthier Lives’.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand Sign Language in Parliament an important step toward increased accessibility

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni welcomes today’s announcement that New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), which is an official language, will be made available during question time in Parliament.
“This is a significant move toward ensuring the Deaf community has an opportunity to engage with political proceedings in their own language,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
“A huge number of issues are raised and challenged during oral question time in the House. Having NZSL interpreters available will make a big difference to Deaf people wanting to know what political views are being expressed.
“I applaud the Clerk of the House of Representatives for broadening the options for people to follow what’s happening in the House every sitting day and for encouraging everyone to participate in Parliament.
“It’s about making information accessible so all New Zealanders can become informed and engaged in political issues,” Carmel Sepuloni said.  
“This government is committed to supporting disabled people to live their lives to their fullest potential. Removing disabling barriers is pivotal to achieving that.
Editors notes:
 NZSL will be on offer on Budget Day (17 May) for the Budget Statement presented by the Minister of Finance and speeches from party leaders.
It will also be available during each stage of the Election Access Fund Bill, which was introduced on 22 February this year.
Closed captions available on Parliament TV live or later on demand, offer another way to follow what’s happening at Parliament.