Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Privacy Bill to protect and promote privacy risks

A Bill introduced by Justice Minister Hon Andrew Little to replace New Zealand’s Privacy Act has had its first reading.
“The protections in the Privacy Bill are vitally important. The key purpose of the reforms is to promote and protect people’s privacy and give them confidence that their personal information is properly protected.
“The Bill gives the Privacy Commissioner new powers. It allows the Privacy Commissioner to issue notices requiring an agency to comply with the Act, or direct them to provide access to a person’s information.
The Bill increases privacy protections for cross-border data flows, by requiring agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure personal information disclosed overseas will be subject to acceptable privacy standards.
“Under the Bill, it will be an offence to mislead an agency in a way that affects someone else’s information. It will also be an offence to knowingly destroy documents containing personal information where a request has been made for it.
“The Privacy Bill implements recommendations made by the Law Commission in 2011. The Law Commission found that it needed updating to better address the challenges of the digital age but overall the Act’s principles were sound.
“The Privacy Act has been in operation for over 25 years. Over that time, technology has revolutionised the way personal information is collected, stored, shared and used.
“The Bill retains the Privacy Act’s flexible, principles-based framework, and introduces new reforms to encourage agencies to earlier address privacy risks. 
“The Bill will require public and private sector agencies to notify affected individuals if they experience a data breach which poses a risk of harm. Agencies must also notify the Privacy Commissioner.
“Data breaches can have a significant effect so it’s important people are aware of what has happened to their personal information. After its first reading, the Bill will be referred to the Justice Select Committee for consideration,” says Andrew Little.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Approval for inquiry into Operation Burnham

Attorney-General David Parker has today announced a Government Inquiry will be held into Operation Burnham and related events.
 The operation undertaken in Tirgiran Valley, Afghanistan, by NZSAS troops and other nations’ forces operating as part of the International Security Assistance Force took place on 21-22 August 2010.
It was the subject of the book Hit & Run by authors Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson which contained a number of serious allegations against New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel involved in the operation.
 “In deciding whether to initiate an inquiry I have considered material including certain video footage of the operation,” says Mr Parker.
 “The footage I have reviewed does not seem to me to corroborate some key aspects of the book Hit & Run.
“The footage suggests that there was a group of armed individuals in the village.
 “However, the material I have seen does not conclusively answer some of the questions raised by the authors.
 “In light of that, and bearing in mind the need for the public to have confidence in the NZDF, I have decided in the public interest that an inquiry is warranted.”
 Commissioning this inquiry does not mean the Government accepts the criticisms of the actions of SAS forces on the ground, although their conduct is squarely within the inquiry’s purview and will be thoroughly examined.
The inquiry, established under s 6(3) of the Inquiries Act 2013, will be undertaken by two persons of the highest repute, former Supreme Court judge Sir Terence Arnold and Sir Geoffrey Palmer. As required by statute, it will act independently, impartially and fairly.
Given the classified nature of some information that will be made available to the inquiry, it is possible that two forms of report will be provided; one a public version and a second version referring to classified or confidential information.
 Mr Parker said the inquiry would seek to establish the facts in connection with the allegations, examine the treatment by NZDF of reports of civilian casualties following the operation, and assess the conduct of the NZDF forces, including compliance with the applicable rules of engagement and international humanitarian law and the authorisation – military and, if any, political – for Operation Burnham.
 It will assess the status – civilian or insurgent – of the Afghan nationals in the area of the operation.
 It will also assess the extent to which NZDF rules of engagement authorised “targeted killings” and whether this was clearly explained to those involved in approving the rules of engagement.
 The accuracy of public statements made by NZDF and the accuracy of written briefings to ministers about civilian casualties will also fall within the inquiry’s scope.
The inquiry will also be asked to examine whether NZDF’s transport and/or transfer of suspected insurgent Qari Miraj in 2011 to the Afghanistan National Directorate of Security in Kabul was proper given, amongst other matters, the June 2010 decision of the High Court of England and Wales in R (on the application of Evans) v Secretary of State for Defence.
 The inquiry, in common with all inquiries under the Inquiries Act, has no power to determine the civil, criminal, or disciplinary liability of any person.  However it may, if justified, make findings of fault and recommend further steps be taken to determine liability.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Government heeding call for unrelenting focus on child wellbeing

A UN report into child wellbeing reinforces the government’s sense of urgency in putting children at the heart of everything we do, Prime Minister and Minister for Child Poverty Reduction Jacinda Ardern says.
“This Government is determined to make New Zealand the best country in the world to be a child.
“The report notes progress over the last 25 years has been ‘slow and patchy’ and that New Zealand is out of step with international standards.
“This Government wants to change that. We are committed to making this country a world leader when it comes to child wellbeing.
“We have already introduced ambitious measures to help us get there. Our Child Poverty Reduction Bill requires governments to set three and 10-year targets on child poverty reduction, and provide updates in each Budget.
“Alongside that any legislative decisions we make must take into account the impact they will have on our children, while our Families package will increase the incomes of around 384,000 households by an average of $75 a week.
“We have established a Royal Commission to investigate historic abuse and violence towards children in state care and are in the process of developing a comprehensive strategy to promote the overall wellbeing of children and tamariki.
“We are making big strides in ensuring New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child, but I won’t be satisfied until we are,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand Transport Agency Chair appointed

Transport Minister Phil Twyford today announced the appointment of Michael Stiassny as Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Board.
Michael Stiassny has been appointed for a term of three years commencing on 19 April 2018.
“Michael Stiassny has a wealth of governance, leadership and financial knowledge having been involved in governance and corporate positions for the past three decades,” Phil Twyford says.
The NZ Transport Agency’s core functions are to plan and invest in New Zealand’s land transport networks through the National Land Transport Programme.
“This Government has a transformative agenda to rebalance the transport system toward better safety, access and value for money, along with more investment in regional and local roads and rail. 
“The NZ Transport Agency has a crucial role to play in creating a modern and sustainable transport network across land transport modes. Michael Stiassny brings strong and decisive leadership to the Board.
“I’d like to thank Dame Fran Wilde who’s been acting chair over the past three months and acknowledge the contribution of Chris Moller who stood down in January,” Phil Twyford says.
Background for editors:
Michael Stiassny is an experienced director having held a number of public and private directorships for a number of years and specialises in strategic advice and issues resolution. He is the current Chair of Vector, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Rawa Limited and Tower Limited. Michael Stiassny is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and holds a Bachelor of Law and Commerce. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Partial closure of Inland Revenue centres

Revenue Minister Stuart Nash has issued a reminder for taxpayers to plan around a partial closure of Inland Revenue services between Thursday 12 and Tuesday 17 April. IR is implementing a ‘go-live’ of phase two of its multi-year Business Transformation project.
“Inland Revenue has been working closely with major users of its systems to plan for this temporary shutdown,” Mr Nash says.
“The partial closure will enable IR to move administration of some tax types over to its new computer system. The existing system will be taken offline to allow a smooth transition.
“Contact centres and front counters in offices will be closed to customers from 3.00pm Thursday 12 April to 8.00am Tuesday 17 April. The secure online service MyIR will also be unavailable during this time. ir-File, used by businesses to submit Employer Monthly Schedules, will be unavailable from 12.01am Thursday 12 April to 8.00am Tuesday 17 April.”
Mr Nash says the main IR website will still be available and customers can also make payments via online banking as usual.
“I regret the temporary inconvenience for some customers as parts of the system go offline.  IR is taking a cautious approach to enable the migration of data during the transition to its new system. The ultimate objective of the Business Transformation project is to make tax simpler,” Mr Nash says.
The changes will improve the administration and collection of three main tax types. A brand new option for provisional tax, known as the Accounting Income Method or AIM, will transform the way businesses pay provisional tax. The tax will only be payable when businesses make a profit and they can get immediate refunds for overpayments throughout the year.  The changes taking effect from 17 April will also enable fringe benefit tax and gaming machine duty to be filed, amended, or paid online.
“These changes will make compliance easier for businesses. The changes to provisional tax are particularly significant and remove a major headache for businesses who till now have had to base their calculations on the previous year’s earnings. We want to make it easier for customers in their dealings with IR,” says Mr Nash.
More information about the upgraded services is at http://www.ird.govt.nz/campaigns/2018/new-online-services-businesses.html

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Big start to the year for the Defence Force

Cyclones, earthquakes, search and rescue, fisheries and environmental protection have all featured heavily in the New Zealand Defence Force’s workload for the first quarter of 2018.
“The Defence Force have been kept busy for the first quarter of the year, and they’ve performed with distinction,” says Minister of Defence Ron Mark.
“Since I took up the role of Minister of Defence I’ve been impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the people in the Defence Force and I’d like to extend a sincere thank you for their ongoing work.
“Stand out operations include the deployment to Tonga following Cyclone Gita, where NZDF worked hard to get relief supplies to those affected.  This coupled with their work in Papua New Guinea has shown the exceptional utility the Defence Force provides Government.
“Their work in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean this summer has been outstanding and is the cornerstone of New Zealand’s efforts to protect the pristine environment and fish stocks against illegal and unregulated fishing. The Antarctic is the Defence Force’s largest operation and they turn out year after year to provide the platform for vital scientific research.
“Likewise, their outstanding work supporting conservation and environmental efforts in the Southern Ocean down to the Antipodes and up into the Pacific in Raoul Island, where they is providing immense value,” says Ron Mark.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage travelled aboard HMNZS Wellington recently to the Antipodes and was equally impressed with what she saw. “The work the Navy did to support the Department of Conservation’s work in the monitoring stage of the five year Million Dollar Mouse project was invaluable,” she said.
“As part of Operation Endurance, the Navy transported people, conservation dogs and equipment to Antipodes Island in the remote Sub Antarctic. Last week the island was officially declared mouse free.  
“For phase two and three of Operation Endurance, to the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, the Navy helped support the Department’s work maintaining historic sites as well as assisting with the pick-up of researchers undertaking studies on the resident sea lion populations,” says Eugenie Sage.
Closer to home the Defence Force have been doing great work in communities.  “The recent dental training exercise in the Bay of Plenty region is a great example of the work Defence is doing in this area,” says Ron Mark.
“Five Hundred and fifty patients were seen as part of the exercise.  Most of those people would not regularly see a dentist.
“Another thing I’ve been impressed with is the empathy and sensitivity to  cultural, religious and socio economic circumstances the Defence Force display on all operations. Something which appears to be a particular strength to New Zealand.
“On my recent trip to Iraq I was told many times by local dignitaries that they appreciate the way our people have respect for local customs and how humble they are.
“New Zealanders can be very proud of their Defence Forces, the work they do, and how they represent the nation on operations and exercises both at home and abroad,” says Ron Mark.
Some of the work the NZDF has completed this year:
Delivered 60 tonnes of aid to Tonga in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Gita
Flown 18 tonnes of aid flown to Papua New Guinea following the earthquake on 25 February
Flown 5 search and rescue missions
Sailed 3550 Nautical Miles south of Stewart Island
Flown four flights to Antarctica in the first quarter of the year, and nine over the entire 2017/18 summer season
Deployed around 110 personnel to the ice during the summer season providing operational and logistics support to Antarctica New Zealand operation
Deployed to a wide range of operations around the world in support of peace and security; from Africa, to the Middle East and Asia.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Bill protects Māori protocols around death

 Justice Minister Andrew Little’s Māori death protocols Bill had its first reading in Parliament last night. 
 “The Bill requires coroners to consider Māori cultural protocols when determining who can view, touch or remain near a tūpāpaku – body of deceased.
 “The Coroners (Access to Body of Dead Person) Amendment Bill implements a recommendation of the Māori Affairs Committee Report Inquiry into whānau access to and management of tūpāpaku, and aims to improve cultural considerations in the coronial system.
 “The Bill is seeking to amend section 26 of the Coroners Act 2006.
 “Whānau can currently request a viewing or remain with or near their loved one while the tūpāpaku is in the coroner’s custody.
 “Sudden deaths can be emotionally difficult, especially when the family then has to navigate the coronial process. The coroners are sensitive to this fact and work hard to return the tūpāpaku to their family as soon as possible.
 “In practice, the coroner already considers cultural and spiritual beliefs when making decisions about the access to dead bodies and approaches each request on a case-by-case basis.
 “The amendment in this Bill legally defines that the coroner must consider tikanga Māori and the expectations of other cultures when determining whether someone should be allowed to remain with the tūpāpaku.
 “The Bill will now be considered by the Māori Affairs Select Committee,” says Andrew Little.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Gay men can now apply to have historic convictions wiped

In an important moment for New Zealand’s gay community men can now apply to have historical homosexual convictions wiped says Justice Minister Andrew Little.
 The application scheme can now be accessed via the Justice website.
“This means that men and the families of those who have since passed away who were convicted of specific offences that were decriminalised by the Homosexual Reform Act 1986, can now apply to be treated as if they had never been convicted. 
 “The key element of the application process is showing that conduct that led to the conviction is no longer illegal.
 “The applicant should supply as much detail and supporting information including, old documentation or newspaper clippings.
 “However, all applications will be considered. The Ministry of Justice will work with the courts, the Police and Archives New Zealand to gather information on the official record of the convictions.
 “The Secretary for Justice must then be satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the conduct would not be an offence under today’s law when making the decision on whether to wipe the conviction or not.
 “The wiping of these convictions is a significant step forward for men with historical homosexual convictions who have faced ongoing stigma and prejudice. It is great to see this underway,” says Andrew Little.
 Application forms and further information about the application process is available here: https://justice.govt.nz/criminal-records/historical-homosexual-convictions/.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Pukekohe West primary school a step closer

Construction of the new Pukekohe West primary school in Auckland is set to begin next year, with an Establishment Board of Trustees in the process of being appointed.
Education Minister Chris Hipkins says the school, which will initially be called Pukekohe West School, will be built on a four-hectare site in Belmont, and have an initial build roll of 350 students.
“Once selected and appointed, the Establishment Board of Trustees will contribute to the school’s design, vision, and staffing plan,” Chris Hipkins says.
“Data projections show that the population in Pukekohe is expected to double from 21,000 people now, to more than 40,000 people by 2040.  We’re building a new school to make sure that the local schooling network is set up to cope with the projected population growth in the area.
“Pukekohe West School will also include provision for special education facilities including a Sensory Resource Centre for Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ).
“This is an exciting new development for Pukehohe and I’m looking forward to watching the school take shape over the next few years,” Chris Hipkins says.
Pukekohe West School is expected to open in 2021. It will be a contributing Year 1-6 school, and will have room to expand in the future if needed. 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister announces Whānau Ora Review Panel

An independent panel to undertake the review of Whānau Ora has been appointed, Minister Peeni Henare announced today.
 The Government has committed to identifying ways to grow and improve the Whānau Ora model. The review will look at how a whānau-centred approach can be applied across government, particularly in the social sector.
 “This Government has a unique opportunity to work together to achieve ambitious goals that focus on real outcomes for whānau,” Peeni Henare said.
 “The review will assess the ability of the Whānau Ora Commissioning Model to make sustainable changes in the wellbeing and development potential of whānau.
 “We want to ensure the Whānau Ora service delivery model and commissioning approach is accountable and transparent in the achievement of outcomes for whānau.
 The review panel will be led by Caren Rangi as Chair, with members Tania Lee Hodges, Te Raumawhitu Kupenga, Donna Matahaere-Atariki, Mereana Kim Ngārimu, and Brenda Steele.
 “I am confident that this panel reflects the broad range of skill and expertise required to appropriately review Whānau Ora.
 “Each member contributes to an impressive array of expertise, from knowledge of government systems, policy development and implementation through to service provision, clinical, cultural and community experience, and of course understanding of the Whānau Ora system as it has evolved since 2010,” Peeni Henare said.
 The review panel will deliver a report on their findings in November 2018 and is expected to report back to Cabinet in December 2018.
 Media contact: Patisepa Helu 021821562 Patisepa.Helu@parliament.govt.nz