Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Police shooting north of Auckland

Police Minister Stuart Nash has offered his sympathies to the family of the man shot by Police this morning near Puhoi.
“I have been briefed by Commissioner Mike Bush,” Mr Nash says.
“However until we know the full circumstances of the event I will refrain from further comment. My sympathies and condolences go out to the young man’s family.
“It is important to also acknowledge the impact this shooting will have on the officers and other emergency services personnel involved. We trust Police to make the best decisions in extreme situations and the effects of their actions will stay with them. I encourage the officers and other staff to take advantage of all the support and assistance available to them to help deal with this shooting,” Mr Nash said.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZ welcomes talks between North and South Korea

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has welcomed today’s announcement that the leaders of North and South Korea have agreed to hold talks next month.
  “A meeting between President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un is a significant step towards building trust between the two Koreas,” said Mr Peters.
  “The New Zealand Government welcomes the Republic of Korea’s leadership in laying the foundations for dialogue between the two Koreas and also between North Korea and the US.”
 “The expectation now is that the talks are conducted in good faith.”
  The summit between the two Korean leaders will take place on 27 April at the Peace House on the south side of Panmunjom in the DMZ ahead of a planned summit between US President Trump and Chairman Kim.
  “New Zealand remains firmly committed to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, and encourages all parties to continue to work toward this goal.”
  “The recent meeting between China’s President Xi Jinping and Chairman Kim Jong Un was positive in this respect”, Mr Peters said.
  
Ends
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Te Ohu Kaimoana – Maori Fisheries Conference 2018

Novotel Hotel, Auckland International Airport
Thursday 28 March 2018, 3.00pm
Thank you for the opportunity to come together with you to celebrate the achievements of Māori in fishing and to explore the future direction of Māori fisheries.
The Māori Fisheries Conference is an important annual fixture that provides for valuable discussion on the opportunities and challenges that apply to Māori in fisheries and aquaculture.
I would like to acknowledge the organisers and sponsors of today’s conference who have put together a great agenda of interesting and important issues.
Fishing is important to the New Zealand economy and our society. It plays an important cultural and recreational role in New Zealand as well as contributing 16,000 jobs and $4.2 billion in total economic activity. The importance of Māori commercial fisheries in contributing to this success cannot be overstated.
Māori (iwi, TOKM and their companies) currently hold about 33% of all quota across a range of fish stocks, equating to approximately $600m in total export revenue in 2017.
The stability and certainty provided by the QMS and the Fisheries Settlement, has  transformed Māori and regional economies by injecting capital and providing a stable income base that has enabled iwi investment in a wider range of activities and businesses. The income stream from fishing also funds iwi social and educational services, which are of high importance to many Māori and the development of regions generally.
Vision
The theme for this year’s conference, “Tangaroa-ā-mua: Future Māori Fisheries” is timely. The world is changing rapidly. Fisheries in New Zealand will be different in 3 years and different again in 6 years.
Technological advancements, growing societal awareness of the importance of the marine environment, and changing attitudes to fishing present both challenges and opportunities for Māori fisheries and our fisheries management system.
My vision for fisheries looks to embrace this change, and ensure that fisheries are abundant, sustainable and are well-managed to minimise the impacts on the environment through:
improved investment to support evidence-based decision making;
iwi and community input, and
a strong focus on innovation.
The government has sought greater focus on the fisheries system through the decision to form Fisheries New Zealand. This is an important step towards improving management of New Zealand’s fisheries, but it will take all of us working together to achieve our vision for this important resource.
The creation of Fisheries New Zealand demonstrates a stronger focus on the fisheries system and is an important step towards improving management of New Zealand’s fisheries.
These changes look to increase performance by providing clarity and unity of purpose, enhancing transparency, stakeholder engagement and the prudent and efficient use of taxpayer and industry funds.
I think that change is needed to support a future where our fisheries management system:
Fosters confidence by New Zealanders that our fisheries will be sustainably managed and is well placed to meet New Zealanders’ expectations into the future;
supports innovative fishing practices,
improves decision making processes, and
helps us identify and act on opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of fisheries, and maintain New Zealand’s global brand in an increasingly competitive international market place.
I am seeking to ensure we prioritise fisheries management changes that will best position our fisheries to meet the challenges of the future. Input from iwi will be critical to ensuring the best decisions are made. I am committed to ensuring iwi views are fully and accurately understood when decisions are made.
Although the majority of our fisheries are in a good state, there are always opportunities for improvement.
Government’s commitment towards encouraging and supporting sustainability and innovation is a key steps towards achieving this.
Ecosystems approach to fisheries management
I am committed to the sustainability of New Zealand’s fisheries.
NZ has committed to moving towards an ecosystem approach to fisheries management by 2020, as it is one of our targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
An ecosystems approach is about adopting an integrated approach to managing the competing uses and values of New Zealand’s fisheries resources and the ecosystems that support them.
We are well set up to achieve an ecosystems approach as many of our fisheries already consider and manage the impacts of fishing on other species, marine habitats and ecosystems, while also providing for New Zealanders’ social, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
This is thanks largely to the Fisheries Act, which requires us to consider many components of an ecosystem based approach to fisheries management.
We also invest significantly in research to better understand these issues and how best to manage them.
When we have asked people for their views on taking an ecosystem approach we have received generally positive feedback, although it is clear that an ecosystem approach means many things to many people.
What is clear is that this type of approach requires broad-based engagement and discussion.
I am aware that there is some discomfort around ecosystems approach and what different interpretations could mean especially for Māori.
However, I consider an ecosystems approach aligns well to the principles of kaitiakitanga, where stronger environmental performance will create increased value and market advantage for our fishing industry, and for iwi who can leverage off a system that ensures beneficial ecosystem and community outcomes.
We need to ensure that further progress along the path of ecosystem based fishery management is well informed by matauranga and tikanga Māori. I can assure you now that the pathway towards this will not affect the Deed of Settlement or rights of tangata whenua, arising from the Deed.
Innovation in Fisheries
Innovation and use of technology in fisheries is also something I am passionate about and extremely supportive of.
Māori seafood businesses are the vanguard of some exciting changes in the sector. You are investing, with the government and others, in new trawling technology. I understand that work on the Precision Seafood Harvesting PGP programme is progressing well, and has the potential to lift value and create sustainable outcomes.
You are investing in new vessels to take advantage of that technology. This is one of the first major changes in harvesting by the seafood sector to take advantage of the rights based system of fishing that is inherent in the New Zealand fisheries management system.
The revitalisation of the Māori fishing fleet is a great example of how investing in innovation and new technologies encourages better environmental outcomes and greater value for the industry.
The launch of the ‘Santy Maria’ for Roger Rawlinson as the first vessel in Moana New Zealand’s $25-30 million fleet renewal project in 2016 was a fantastic achievement. The vessel’s use of cutting edge technology to provide for improved efficiency and productivity as well as minimising the impact of the environment shows commitment to innovation and leadership for the fishing industry to follow.
The proactive and future focused approach that many iwi around Aotearoa are taking to the management of their customary fisheries is also something to be celebrated.
The work undertaken by Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui Fisheries Forum to usher the management of customary fishing into the digital age, particularly the innovative work in developing the Kohi Kai mobile phone app to enable their kaitiaki to both authorise and monitor the gathering of kaimoana, is a very tangible example.
This sort of innovation shows the willingness of tangata whenua to lead by example in taking responsibility for the management of their fisheries, and that willingness to take responsibility for the stewardship of fisheries resources is something that I’d like to see all fishers in New Zealand more fully embrace.
Digital monitoring
As you are aware, roll out of the first phase of Integrated Electronic Reporting System, now referred to as digital monitoring, has commenced.
This first phase encompasses geospatial position reporting and electronic reporting, which are already live for the deep-water fleet.
I have signalled that any move to rollout cameras on board vessels will not follow the timetable set by the previous government. A new timetable will allow more time to ensure that any technical solution to monitoring on-board activity is both efficient and cost-effective.
I welcome the efforts of MPI, TOKM and the wider industry to look ahead to consider how to make the best use of the data that will be generated, and to ensure it has a place in driving innovation.
Focus on stakeholders
As already noted, this Government has set an ambitious program for the fisheries management system. This government’s manifesto sets out a clear focus of working alongside our Treaty partners and stakeholders from all sectors to provide a collaborative, inclusive fisheries management system that meets the needs of all users.
I am very conscious that any future direction of fisheries requires the input and participation from the people who are clearly involved in and use fisheries.
It is important that Crown and Iwi continue to work together towards realising greater value for all New Zealanders, and ensuring trust and confidence in the management system, now and into the future.
I recently met with the TOKM board and want to acknowledge the ongoing work and relationship with Officials. I expect this to continue and for the views of TOKM, on behalf of iwi, to be clearly represented in advice on policy and strategic matters in fisheries management.
I would like to recognise the significant role TOKM has in ensuring the integrity of the Fisheries Deed of Settlement is maintained.
I would also like to recognise the significant role Iwi Fisheries Forums play in facilitating the input and participation of iwi (and the constituent hapū) into fisheries planning and decision making processes.
Māori Fisheries Act Review
I value the work that TOKM has undertaken to ensure a robust, independent and transparent review process for the Māori Fisheries Act review, and the leadership of consultation on the review findings.
Officials will continue to work with TOKM on the shape of proposals that will go into the legislative process and I expect to progress this to the next stage later this year.
Better information that is transparently presented builds better trust and better engagement. These are critical to the success of fisheries management now and into the future, I expect the Māori Fisheries Act review to fully canvas these issues.
Closing remarks
Thank you once again for inviting me here today. The day’s programme looks very interesting and I am sure it will produce robust conversation. I look forward to working with you all in ensuring a bright future for Māori fisheries.
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Corrections Amendment Bill passes first reading

A Bill to further ensure prison security and the safe and fair management of prisoners has passed its first reading in Parliament today.
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis says while the legislation governing the corrections system is working well, the Corrections Amendment Bill makes a number of improvements.
“The Bill will provide further assurance that there is a comprehensive framework for managing prisoners who are at risk of self-harm, and that the assessment, placement and management of these prisoners is thorough, responsive and keeps them, staff and other prisoners safe. 
“A 2016 Corrections study found that 91 per cent of prisoners had been diagnosed with a mental health or substance use disorder at some time in their lives. This is why it is critical we continue to support prisoners who are at-risk or have mental health issues.
“The new framework will build on the $25 million Corrections is investing to pilot new mental health services and develop a new national model of care for at-risk prisoners.
“This will ensure prisoners vulnerable to self-harm receive the therapeutic and individualised support they need to improve their wellbeing and engage in activities that help prevent re-offending.”
The Corrections Amendment Bill will amend and update the Corrections Act 2004 and proposes a number other changes. These include:
Amending the definition of a drug to align with the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013 so prisoners can be tested for a wider range of drugs, including synthetic cannabis, and be charged with a disciplinary offence in the event of a positive test.
Allowing for the use of imaging technology like body scanners to more effectively detect contraband, including drugs and weapons, and reduce reliance on rub-down or strip searches.
Making it a disciplinary offence for a prisoner to attempt to have contact with someone that would breach a court order or direction.
Making it a disciplinary offence for a prisoner to tattoo another prisoner or consent to receive a tattoo from another prisoner, or tattoo themselves.  
“The changes will also better safeguard the interests of children with a mother in prison. Under the current legislation any decision made about the placement of a baby with its mother in prison is final. The Bill will introduce a review process and grant mothers a statutory right to appeal placement decisions, but will always put the safety, wellbeing and best interests of children first,” Mr Davis says. 
“It’s important our legislation allows Corrections to safely, securely and effectively manage some of our country’s most complex people, while also supporting prisoners to reintegrate back into our communities on release.”
The Bill has been referred to the Justice Select Committee.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZ imposes travel restrictions on expelled Russians

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters have announced that New Zealand will impose travel restrictions on individuals expelled by other countries following the Salisbury attack.
“We will be asking our security partners to provide those names to us,” said Jacinda Ardern.
“Those names will then be placed on a travel ban list to ensure that individuals who have been found to undertake activities incompatible with their diplomatic status in other countries do not enter New Zealand.”
The Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that New Zealand had clearly registered its deep concern over the Salisbury attack and the inadequate response from Russia to justified questions. New Zealand’s views have been conveyed through media statements and in direct discussions with the Russian Government, both in Wellington and in Moscow.
“Like our partners, we are raising questions on legitimate matters of international concern,” said Winston Peters. 
 “As we said soon after the Salisbury attack, there are serious questions here that Russia needs to answer.” 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minimum Wage increases this weekend

Around 164,000 Kiwi workers and their families will be better off following the increase in the Minimum Wage that takes effect from 1 April, says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway.
“The Government is committed to improving the wages and conditions for working New Zealanders, and we are making good on our commitment with this increase in the minimum wage by 75 cents to $16.50 per hour on 1 April.
“The rise in the minimum wage is estimated to inject $129 million into the economy through the pockets of low income workers, circulating back into the economy because people on lower incomes are more likely to spend their wages on essential items like doctor’s visits, keeping on top of bills, buying more healthy food – things that far too many Kiwis struggle to afford.
“Now’s the right time to act: The best time to raise the minimum wage is while the labour market is strong and tightening; Government forecasts unemployment will keep falling towards 4 per cent over the next three years, while average wages will rise about 3 per cent a year over that time due to a tight labour market.
“In announcing this move in December last year we have signalled clearly to employers our plans to incrementally raise the minimum wage and spread the increases as evenly as possible each year, taking economic conditions into account, on our pathway toward a $20 p/h minimum wage by 2021.
“This consistency minimises potential negative effects of increasing the minimum wage too sharply.
“The starting-out rate and training wage will continue to be at 80 per cent of the minimum wage, increasing to $13.20 per hour.
“Raising the minimum wage is part of this Government’s ambitious agenda to improve pay and conditions for Kiwi workers, and ensuring those on lower incomes get to share in our economic prosperity,” says Iain Lees-Galloway.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Feedback on ring-fencing rental losses

Revenue Minister Stuart Nash is encouraging feedback on a proposal to change the rules around ring-fencing losses on residential properties.
An Issues Paper has been released by the Inland Revenue Department that proposes ring-fencing losses in an effort to level the playing field between speculators and investors, and home buyers.
“Changes would make the tax system fairer by ensuring that investors could not offset their losses on some property investments against their other income,” Mr Nash says.
“At the moment, tax is applied on a person’s net income, which means if a property investor makes rental losses those losses reduce their overall income, and therefore their  tax liability.
“The persistent tax losses that many property investors declare on their investments indicate that they rely on capital gains to make a profit.
“In conjunction with the recently announced extension to the bright-line test, ring-fencing losses from rental properties would make property speculation less attractive and level the playing field between property investors and home buyers. The time is right to test the detail of this proposal with investors and other stakeholders.
Mr Nash says ring-fencing losses would be a useful tool to dampen property speculation. “This measure would not preclude any solutions the Tax Working Group may come up with in relation to housing”.
“I encourage the public to make submissions to Inland Revenue before the deadline of 11 May 2018,” Mr Nash said.
For more information, including how to make a submission, see http://taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Further tenancy review exemptions to be considered

Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford is pausing periodic tenancy reviews of public housing tenants while he considers whether the groups of tenants exempt from the process should be widened.
Tenancy reviews determine whether a person or family still needs public housing and makes sure they are in a house that meets their current needs. They are on hold until the end of June.
“While public housing is not intended to be a house for life, it’s important we recognise that some vulnerable groups of tenants will continue to need secure public housing and support for a long time,” Phil Twyford says.
“I want to make sure that all our most vulnerable groups of tenants are recognised and protected; they should not be asked to do a tenancy review.
“It is important that tenancy reviews involve those tenants who are ready to move towards more independence, not those who need the security of long term public housing.”
Currently, the only public housing tenants exempt from periodic tenancy reviews are people 75 and older; people whose house is modified for their needs such as wheelchair access; households working with a Children’s Team in the Ministry for Children Oranga Tamariki; and those with an agreed lifetime tenure with Housing New Zealand.
While exemption criteria are being considered, the hold on tenancy reviews will protect those, who could be exempt under new criteria, from taking steps to leave their housing in the meantime.
The Ministry of Social Development is contacting tenants already in the review process to let them know they do not need to do anything more for the time being.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Govt to hold road safety summit

The Government will hold a Local Government Road Safety Summit in Wellington on 9 April, as it moves to make safety a top priority for transport investment, says Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.
“As we head into the Easter break a hundred people have already been killed on our roads this year – a 56 percent increase since 2013. My top priority in transport is to stop so many New Zealanders dying on our roads,” Ms Genter said.
“I urge people to take care on the roads this Easter Weekend and to drive responsibly.
“We know that the vast majority of serious crashes result from simple mistakes on the road. This highlights the importance of driving fresh and not taking risks, as well as the need for Government to do it’s bit to make our roads safer to drive on.
“On April 9, the Government will hold a Local Government Road Safety Summit so we can hear directly from Councils about the barriers to, and opportunities for, improving the safety of our roads.
 “This is just the start of a long-term Government commitment to embedding road safety in transport thinking, spending, design, and operations to make our roads safer for everyone.
“For too long, basic safety improvements and maintenance has been starved of funding while the previous Government poured money into a handful of pet motorway projects.
“The Government is looking to boost investment for safety improvements like median barriers, passing lanes, and intersection upgrades on local and regional roads.
“Road deaths are not an inevitability. Twenty years ago, Sweden had the same level of road deaths as New Zealand. Today, after heavily investing in safety, it is one of the safest countries in the world to drive in. If we had the same fatality rate as Sweden, 255 people who died on our roads last year would be alive today,” Ms Genter said.