Category: New Zealand Executive Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Redcliffs school to proceed at new site

The relocation of Redcliffs school to a new site in Redcliffs park will go ahead and be fast tracked through special changes to the Christchurch District Plan, Minister Megan Woods has announced.
 
“Today I am announcing that we will be fast tracking changes to the District Plan to allow the school to be relocated to Redcliffs park, with the existing school site to be turned into a public park. This is in line with the regeneration proposal put up by Regenerate Christchurch.
 
“The Redcliffs community has made it very clear they want to see their school on a permanent site as quickly as possible and that is what today’s decision delivers.
 
“It means the Redcliffs community will once again be served by both a local school and a local park.
 
“The public submissions through this decision making process have made to clear me that what this community needs most is certainty and a school on a permanent site as quickly as possible.
 
“In making today’s decision I have decided to use my Greater Christchurch Regeneration Act powers under section 71 to fast track a district plan changes. This is the first time these powers have been used.
 
“I would like to thank everyone who’s taken the time to provide their feedback – more than 60 percent of the 353 submissions received on the Proposal were in favour.”
 
“I am confident that relocating the school and establishing a new park is the right decision to help the Redcliffs community move forward.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Next steps in digital monitoring

Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash says the rollout of digital monitoring technology more widely across the commercial fishing fleet is proceeding to the next stage.
“Fisheries New Zealand officials are taking steps to extend catch and position reporting across the wider sector. A discussion paper has been released today seeking feedback on proposed changes to regulations,” says Mr Nash.
“Since October 2017 all fishing trawlers over 28 metres in length, most of the deepwater fleet, have used two forms of digital technology. Vessels record catches through e-logbooks, and report their position through geospatial position reporting. The deepwater fleet is responsible for 70% of the commercial catch.
“This form of digital monitoring is to be extended to the rest of the commercial fishing fleet and land-based fishers, with the roll-out expected to start in the last quarter of 2018. There are approximately 1100 commercial fishing vessels and fishers affected that use a range of fishing methods. Geospatial position reporting allows fisheries officials to know where fishing is occurring and e-logbooks enable more accurate and up-to-date information about catches.”
The proposed changes deal with a number of technical issues such as timing of electronic reporting and how to respond to equipment failures at sea. 
“The consultation also seeks feedback on changes to regulations for innovative trawl technology. The regulations are designed to encourage innovation in fishing equipment and have the potential to reduce bycatch and minimise damage to fish during trawls.
“Electronic monitoring through cameras offers a third layer of technology and enables verification of the catch reporting. Regulations for on-board cameras are not part of this consultation process. Work is continuing on a range of options for how the camera regime will work. No decisions have yet been made in this area.”
An important part of the Digital Monitoring project involves working with technology providers to develop the software and hardware systems that fishing operators will need.
“The Digital Monitoring project is part of a wider fisheries programme to ensure the sustainable economic, social, and cultural value of New Zealand’s fisheries. We need to strengthen the way we manage fisheries and improve the information we have about our stocks, to give confidence that fish are being caught sustainably,” Mr Nash said.
For background about digital monitoring, see the Fisheries New Zealand website
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of the amendments?
The amendments are technical. They are intended to clarify and tidy up a number of minor issues around the practical day to day operation of electronic catch and position reporting. They also enable flexibility around innovative trawl technologies.
They reflect issues identified by stakeholders, industry, and Fisheries New Zealand. They are intended to be practical and workable for the fishing industry. They do not substantially change the programme.
Will they force permit holders to reveal commercially valuable fishing locations?
While permit holders will be required to report their fishing location in much finer detail, in some cases the fisher is not the permit holder and will want to protect the exact location of fishing marks.
Fishers will still be required to record the fishing mark in fine detail (to the equivalent of 11 metres) but the amendments mean the permit holder will need only verify the location to approximately 11 km, thereby protecting the precise location.
How long will it take to roll out ER and GPR?
The final regulations are expected to be in place by 1 November 2018. Depending on the outcome of consultation, Fisheries New Zealand intends to phase in ER and GPR after that.  The criteria for phasing forms part of the consultation process.  
Phasing in the new obligations will allow technology providers time to work with fishers. It will also allow Fisheries New Zealand time to build its capability and capacity to support fishers to implement the new requirements.
What else will the proposed changes achieve?
The changes propose removing the requirement to keep copies of reports for seven years. This was required under the old paper based system and will no longer be needed once all records are online.
They will clarify how Fisheries New Zealand and the fisher should respond in the case of mechanical or technical failure of equipment.
They will make the timeframes for recording and reporting easier to understand.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Temporary Accommodation Service activated for Rotorua Lakes District after flooding

 
Rotorua residents who were affected by recent severe rain and flooding can now access help finding temporary accommodation, with the Government activating its Temporary Accommodation Service, Associate Minister of Housing and Urban Development Jenny Salesa announced today.
“The Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) has been activated by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to help people whose homes were damaged by the extreme weather and flooding on 29 April 2018,” Jenny Salesa said.
“TAS is working with local authorities to assess the damage and establish how many homes will need to be repaired, but it is clear assistance will be required for a significant number of households for temporary accommodation.
“The TAS team will collect registrations from displaced people who require temporary accommodation, establish what accommodation options are suitable, and connect them together.
“The service proved successful in the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, and the Edgecumbe floods, and the level of damage and displacement justifies us establishing this service in Rotorua.
“I urge anyone who has a current or expected need following the flooding to register their details at www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz  Alternatively, call 0508 754 163 to discuss your requirements.
“I would also urge tenants and landlords of rental properties to visit www.tenancy.govt.nz to familiarise themselves with their tenancy rights and obligations following an event like this,” Jenny Salesa said.
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Auckland light rail a step closer

A modern, rapid transit light rail network to transform Auckland is a step closer with Cabinet agreeing to launch a procurement process, Transport Minister Phil Twyford and Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced today.
“The Government is committed to progressing light rail to transform Auckland. It will be a magnet for private investment in urban renewal and will be able to carry 11,000 commuters per hour – the equivalent of four lanes of motorway,” Phil Twyford says.
“We are investigating innovative solutions to tackle congestion and build a vibrant and modern city.”
“The New Zealand Transport Agency will now set up a robust process to explore a range of possible procurement, financing and project delivery options. This process will invite and assess all potential proposals and report back to the Ministers of Finance and Transport. The Transport Agency will work with the Treasury and the Ministry of Transport in this process,” Grant Robertson says.
The procurement process covers both the city to Mangere and the city to North West lines. The recently announced 10-year transport plan for Auckland earmarked $1.8 billion in seed funding with the option of securing private investment in the network.
“Last month, the Government received an unsolicited proposal from the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, which proposed they would form an international consortium to design, build and operate Auckland’s light rail network,” Phil Twyford says.
“The Government will not be commenting further on the proposal other than to say that we welcome the strong interest in light rail and acknowledge that any investors will require a reasonable commercial return. The procurement process agreed by Cabinet will review all other proposals in the same way as the Super Fund’s proposal is assessed.
“It’s good to see that investors recognise this project will be a game-changer for Auckland commuters and the first step in tackling Auckland’s ever-increasing congestion,” Phil Twyford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: He Poutama Rangatahi projects for Opōtiki

Employment Minister Willie Jackson today announced funding of more than $1.5 million over three years for two pilot projects in Opōtiki that will support youth to employment as part of the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative.
“The latest Statistics NZ figures show that one in eight young people under the age of 25 aren’t earning or learning. This is the harsh reality that many of our rangatahi face, particularly in regions like the Eastern Bay of Plenty,” said Willie Jackson.
“However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and it’s the local communities that are best placed to identify barriers facing their young people and how these can be overcome.
“That is why I’m pleased that we can empower our communities through the He Poutama Rangatahi initiative to make use of existing and future job opportunities.”
Te Pou Oranga o Whakatōhea will receive up to $1 million over three years to establish a work readiness programme underpinned by pastoral care for 16-24 year olds currently not in employment, education or training.
They will also establish a Distance Learning Hub so young people can enter tertiary studies without leaving Opōtiki. This will help them realise their career aspirations while cutting down on travel and other related costs. 
A further $753,000 will be committed over three years to the Whakaatu Whanaunga Trust to support a ‘Work Fit Programme’ that will target youth most at risk of long term unemployment.
The programme will provide mentoring and support with life skills to increase participants’ work readiness, and to connect individuals to existing work opportunities and networks, or next level training.
“These are only the first steps we are taking to support youth employment in this region. Raising the education and skill levels is key to building a prosperous community and giving more positive choices to young people. 
“We will continue working with the Opōtiki community to support their rangatahi, keeping them engaged in education and on a pathway to sustained employment,” Willie Jackson says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Preparing Kaikohe youth for forestry jobs

Employment Minister Willie Jackson announced today government support to set Kaikohe unemployed youth on a pathway to careers in forestry through He Poutama Rangatahi.
“Tackling youth unemployment, and helping young people who are not in education or training into work is a priority for this Government, especially amongst Māori and Pasifika,” Willie Jackson said.
“However, communities are best placed to develop their own solutions, and we will support them along the way.
“Earlier this year, I announced $13.27 million under He Poutama Rangatahi to fund community-led pilot projects in four regions with entrenched unemployment: Te Tai Tokerau, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti and Hawkes Bay.
The $353,000 allocated to the Northland College Pine Project aims to support youth currently not in education, employment and training into sustainable work in forestry. This will be done through a combination of theory, training and practical work experience on the Northland College forest site.
“Last week I also announced support for the Eastland Wood Council’s ‘Generation Programme’ in Tairāwhiti that will offer industry-backed training and work experience pathways in forestry,” Willie Jackson said.
“Forestry is one of the industries that are set for growth over the next few years. Getting their rangatahi work-ready will help these communities take advantage of the Government’s increased regional investments.
“I commend them for taking the initiative and will be following their progress closely.
“These projects are just the first steps, however. More He Poutama Rangatahi initiatives will be announced in the coming months in the target regions,” Willie Jackson said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: First Steps – restoring New Zealand’s Foreign Service

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to restoring lost capacity in New Zealand’s Foreign Service today, announcing a significant increase in funding for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“This Government recognises the critical role the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade plays in keeping New Zealanders safe and prosperous. New Zealand needs to rebuild expertise and resourcing to respond to an increasingly turbulent global environment,” said Mr Peters.
In a pre-Budget speech at Parliament, Mr Peters announced that MFAT will receive an operational expenditure increase of $150.4 million over the next four years, and an additional $40.3 million in capital expenditure. Funding will allow for an additional 50 foreign policy positions and the reopening of an embassy in Stockholm, Sweden.
 “A key objective of the increase is to rebuild the resources the Ministry needs to ensure it can adequately engage with the world and advance our interests at a critical time,” he said.
“Funding over the past nine years has not kept pace with the challenges New Zealand faces internationally. The department tasked with that responsibility has been hollowed out and weakened as it was gutted of expertise and experience through a bungled restructure and years of underfunding.”
“New Zealanders are well aware of the international risks, and that New Zealand needs a voice on the world stage. It is important that our voice is heard in the right place at the right time to protect our interests,” said Mr Peters.
MFAT currently has 248 staff posted offshore spread over 58 posts, and 672 staff based in New Zealand.
Contact: Stephen Parker
M: 021 195 3528
E: stephen.parker@parliament.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand to boost development spending

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters announced a significant boost to New Zealand overseas aid in a pre-Budget speech at Parliament today.
“Budget 2018 will deliver $714.2 million in additional operating funding over the next four years to expand New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance, primarily towards the Pacific region, responding to climate change, and doing our part through multilateral and humanitarian agencies to respond to global emergencies and issues,” said Mr Peters.
“This is a clear demonstration to the international community that New Zealand is serious about addressing global and regional challenges and helping people in need.”
“Increased investment will enable New Zealand to deliver on our Pacific Reset. It will bolster our efforts to tackle priority issues like climate change in the region. We will assist our partners to make progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals; support youth across the region with access to health services, education and training; and promote the sustainable and inclusive growth of Pacific economies. There would be serious dangers and greater costs in not doing this,” he said.
New Zealand’s aid support for multilateral and humanitarian agencies has declined over the past nine years, and sits well below international averages.
“New Zealand’s credibility as a humanitarian donor has been tested. The funding announced today will reverse this decline and lift New Zealand’s Overseas Development Assistance to 0.28% of gross national income over the next four years,” said Mr Peters.
“Stepping up our financial contribution to multilateral institutions like the United Nations bodies and the World Bank will show New Zealand’s seriousness in being a responsible international citizen,” he said.
Contact: Stephen Parker
M: 021 195 3528
E: stephen.parker@parliament.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Significant funding boost for family violence services

Social services dealing most directly with the harm caused by family violence will get much needed support as the Government boosts funding to front line agencies for the first time in ten years.
 “Nearly half of those receiving the increase are women’s refuges who provide vital support keeping women and children safe,” said Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni.
 “The 30 percent increase in funding is critical to the Government’s efforts to begin to turn around New Zealand’s tragic family violence record.  
 “Additional funding in 2019/20 will enable these critical front line agencies to expand into areas where there isn’t currently any support or start addressing over demand in existing services.
 “Family violence has a damaging, yet often hidden, impact on victims’ lives including their ability to work and lead a normal life,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
 Through Budget 2018, the Government is allocating an additional $76.157 million over four years to support the delivery of Ministry of Social Development-funded family violence services for victims, perpetrators and their families.
 Carmel Sepuloni said, “This funding will provide a boost to around 150 providers of family violence services nationwide.”
 Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice on Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues, also welcomed the new funding.
 “This funding is an important first step, supporting organisations which do vital work but have been stretched to breaking point,” Jan Logie said.
 “As we get started on the broader work of challenging and responding to family and sexual violence, it’s crucial that victims and their families are able to get the support they need now. Because they can’t wait.”
 Minister for Children Tracey Martin said Budget 2018 funding would have an impact right across New Zealand.
 “The announcement delivers on the Coalition Agreement between Labour and New Zealand First to increase funding in this area,” Tracey Martin said.

 
 
Media Contact:
 Amanda Snow (Social Development)
M: 021 282 0078  E: amanda.snow@parliament.govt.nz
Richard Ninness (Children)  M: 021 892 536  E: richard.ninness@parliament.govt.nz
Stephanie Rodgers (Under-Secretary – Justice)  M: 021 195 8382  E: Stephanie.Rodgers@parliament.govt.nz

 
Background Facts:
Allocating additional funding received through Budget 2018 ($ million)

 

2018/19

2019/20

2020/21

2021/22 and out years

TOTAL

Total new funding for family violence services

1. Stabilising current services

6.590

6.590

21.969

21.969

72.497

 

2. Filling gaps in service delivery

15.379

Funding for service development, co-design and evaluation

0.940

1.160

1.340

0.220

3.660

Total

7.530

23.129

23.309

22.189

76.157

 Approximately 150 existing MSD-funded family violence service providers will receive an increase in funding.
Services that most directly respond to the needs of victims, perpetrators and their families will get extra funding in 2018/19 and 2019/20. These are:
Family and whānau services, including longer-term recovery, counselling and safety planning
Programmes for self-referred, non-mandated perpetrators of family violence
Immediate crisis response and support services for victims of family violence (and their children, where present), and
Longer-term psychological recovery services for victims.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Dairy review terms of reference released

An inclusive and comprehensive review of dairy industry legislation will help our biggest export sector get in shape for the future, says Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor.  
The Government has released the terms of reference for a review of the 17-year-old Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA), which regulates Fonterra to protect the long-term interests of farmers, consumers and the wider economy.  
“The Ministry for Primary Industries will consult widely throughout the review, including surveys and formal consultation later in the year and I encourage you all to get involved and have your say,” says Damien O’Connor.  
“The review will allow us to take a strategic view of issues facing the dairy industry. 
“In particular it will look at open entry and exit for farmers, the raw milk price setting process, contestability for milk, the risks and costs for the sector, and the incentives or disincentives for dairy to move to sustainable, higher-value production and processing. 
“The whole dairy sector needs to look ahead to see what trends and potential disruptions are coming our way and get ahead of consumer trends. 
“Only through a frank appraisal of the issues will we come to the right conclusions. 
“In December last year I announced this Government would review DIRA as a matter of priority, in February we rolled it over to stop certain parts expiring, and today I release the terms of reference setting out the objectives, approach and timing of the review. 
“The dairy industry will be fully consulted throughout the review so that any issues can be given full consideration before any changes happen. 
“I look forward to receiving feedback from farmers, dairy processors, consumers and the wider public in the upcoming consultation process. 
“A high-performing, innovative and sustainable dairy sector is vital to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing,” says Damien O’Connor. 
Find the terms of reference here www.mpi.govt.nz/DIRA-review