Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Pacific excellence recognised at Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards

Excellence and achievement in commerce, the arts, sports, community and leadership among Pacific youth is being celebrated tonight at the prestigious 2018 Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards. 
Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio says the awards provide an opportunity for high achieving Pacific youth in New Zealand to be recognised for their important contribution to the country by the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern.
The nine exceptional individuals aged between 17 and 24 will be presented awards by the Prime Minister at a ceremony held at the Fale o Samoa, in Mangere, hosted by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
“It’s my expectation that these recipients and all those who have gone before contribute to making New Zealand a far better and caring country for all New Zealanders,” Aupito William Sio says.
“Each of their respective awards recognises their contribution to society, as well as excellence in their academic work, or demonstrating a skill in business. 
“The Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards recognises and celebrates Pacific youth success while also creating a network of young emerging Pacific leaders, showcasing Pacific talent to key stakeholders.  
As one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in New Zealand, the Government is committed to ensuring the Pacific community thrives and to help individuals achieve their goals and aspirations.  
The 2018 award winners have also been offered personalised leadership development opportunities through the Ministry’s partnership with Leadership New Zealand.  
“I want to grow the next crop of Pacific leaders who are not only achieving excellence in their respective fields, but who are also prepared to give back to their community and hold fast to their heritage of languages and culture.
“Being a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Awards not only makes their families and communities extremely proud and empowered, but it opens new doors for them, while offering new opportunities for their careers and lives.  
“Congratulations to all the winners tonight and to your families for providing support.  We are all incredibly proud of what you have achieved,” Aupito William Sio says.  
 
The 2018 Prime Minister’s Pacific Youth Award winners are:  
· Air New Zealand – Leadership and Inspiration Award (supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) – Asena Tolungamaka, 23, studying law is of Tongan descent, from Auckland.   
· Ako Aotearoa – STEM Award – Lupesina Koro, 18, studying a conjoint Engineering and Commerce degree of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, from Auckland.  
· Auckland Council – Community Star Award -Teri Tuuau, 22, studying law is of Samoan descent, from Auckland.  
· BNZ – Commercial and Corporate Award (supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples) – Hazel Umaga, 24, studying business is of Cook Island, Maori and Samoan descent, from Auckland.   
· Creative New Zealand and Massey University – Arts and Creativity Award – John Belford-Lelaulu, 24, an architect who owns the social design business MAU Studio is of Samoan descent, from Auckland.  
· Deloitte – Business and Entrepreneurship Award – Taylor McDonald, 21, completing a conjoint degree in business and design of Samoan and Maori descent, from Auckland;  
· New Zealand Institute of Sport – Sports and Fitness Award – Monique Lawrence, 19, fitness student of Samoan descent, from Auckland.  
· New Zealand Institute of Sport – Sports and Fitness Award – Elena Euese, 19, fitness student of Samoan descent, from Auckland.  
· Pacific Cooperation Foundation – International Scholar Award – Charlie Sofe, 21, engineering student studying in Christchurch is from Samoa.   
Further Information can be found here.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Justice Minister moves on year and day rule

Justice Minister Hon Andrew Little’s Crimes Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today.
“The Crimes Amendment Bill updates the law by repealing three obsolete provisions in the Crimes Act which do not reflect how the criminal law should operate in today’s New Zealand.
“The year and day rule’ and spousal immunity from prosecution for accessory after the fact will be removed. In addition, the offence of blasphemous libel will be repealed.
“These are somewhat minor changes in the context of our criminal law code that should have happened a long time ago. A more thorough review of the Crimes Act is underway but won’t be completed until 2019.
“This Government is committed to ensuring the criminal code in New Zealand is fit for purpose, reflects current attitudes on the place of the criminal law, and does not prevent those who break the law from being held to account.
“The Bill repeals the law which protects people who help their spouse or civil union partners evade justice. This protection creates an anomaly.  It does not apply to other people in close personal relationships who are protecting someone. There is no justification to continue this immunity from prosecution where a person deliberately obstructs justice.
“The Bill repeals ‘Blasphemous Libel’ which has not been prosecuted in New Zealand since 1922 and raises potential Bill of Rights Act concerns.
“This provision is seen by many as an archaic and obsolete provision that has no place in a modern society that protects freedom of expression.
“The Bill also repeals the ‘year and a day rule’ which prevents people from being prosecuted for causing the death of a person who dies after that length of time.
“With advances in medical science and life support machines that may keep victims alive for longer than a year and a day, there is no justification for this rule.  It dates to medieval times and has been repealed in other Commonwealth countries so it’s timely that New Zealand catches up and removes this outdated law.
“The rule, along with a range of other factors, was a potential bar to prosecution in the CTV building collapse following the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. In that case the cause of death may have related to faulty building design which occurred many years prior to the building collapse.
“Tidying up criminal law to keep it relevant is paramount to this Government. The Bill has been referred to the Justice Committee for consideration and is open to public submissions,” says Andrew Little.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: The Pacific Reset and Papua New Guinea’s perspective

Introductory remarks at the address by Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato
New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, 
28 March 2018
 
The Pacific Reset and PNG’s perspective
Good afternoon. Sir Doug Kidd, Maty Nikkhou-O’Brien, ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your introduction.
It is a pleasure to meet again Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato.
We had an opportunity to meet together on the margins of the APEC meeting in Vietnam early this year, and have just concluded a very useful bilateral discussion in the Beehive.
First, let me put on the record the New Zealand Government’s condolences to the people of PNG for the loss of life and for all those affected by the recent earthquake.
It was a significant event with the rescue efforts compounded by the challenging terrain and remoteness of the Highlands region.
A time of crisis is a time when neighbours help.
New Zealand assisted in the early stages of the rescue efforts, particularly with the deployment of its C-130 aircraft carrying relief supplies.
We will continue to stand with Papua New Guinea during the recovery and reconstruction effort.
Earlier this month our government announced that New Zealand would provide an additional three million dollars in earthquake relief to Papua New Guinea.
This includes up to $1.5 million for New Zealand NGOs working with local partners to deliver ongoing emergency relief and early recovery activities in the Highlands.
There is much work to be done with your recovery and we wish you well
As mentioned, Minister Pato and I have just concluded a productive bilateral meeting here today.
It was timely a discussion.
It has been an opportunity to deepen New Zealand’s relationship with the largest and most strategically located country in the Pacific.
From our perspective Papua New Guinea is unique geographically. It is the only Pacific Island country that has land border with Asia and sits at a critical strategic crossroads between the two regions.
As you may well be aware, this comes while New Zealand is seeking to reset its engagement with the region.
There are a number of reasons why we have adopted a Pacific reset.
New Zealand is a Pacific country, linked to the Pacific by history, geography, common interests, politics, and demographics. 
Pacific prosperity and security matters to us here in New Zealand as much as it matters in Papua New Guinea.
Our region is also challenged by an array of social and environmental problems which must be understood and confronted.
As well, the Pacific is an increasingly viewed as a contested strategic space by a range of external actors.
All these dynamics, and a change to New Zealand’s relative influence, motivates us to adopt a re-energised approach.
New Zealand has five principles to how it will chart its regional diplomacy.
The five principles are:
exhibiting friendship, including honesty, empathy, trust and respect;
demonstrating a depth of understanding of the Pacific, drawing on the expertise in both the region and New Zealand
striving for solutions of mutual benefit
pursuing collective ambition with Pacific partners and external actors
and seeking sustainability by focusing on the region’s long-term goals
APEC
And just finally, before I pass the floor to Minister Pato.
Papua New Guinea’s hosting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation this year should not be undervalued. It is without doubt a significant event for the region and PNG. It is also a daunting task.
In conclusion, New Zealand is committed to working with our Papua New Guinea colleagues to help achieve a successful meeting.
We are working in partnership with PNG to provide a range of assistance, including for security, police training, and protocol.
And we intend to build on Papua New Guinea’s groundwork of a ‘Pacific version’ of APEC when New Zealand hosts in 2021.
Thank you.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand to host APAIE 2021 conference

Education Minister Chris Hipkins is pleased to announce that New Zealand has been successful in its bid to host the Asia-Pacific Association of International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition in 2021.
“I want to congratulate the universities who worked together to put forward this successful bid. This is great news for our international education sector as international education adds considerable richness to New Zealand,” Chris Hipkins says.
“We are an outward-looking trading nation and in the last two decades, we have actively welcomed international students to our cities and study here.
“We value their contribution to our universities, our research and our communities. We know that international education offers opportunities for young people to study here and for our young people to study abroad. That’s why we want our international education sector to have a strong future.
“International education is New Zealand’s fourth largest export earner, contributing $4.5 billion annually to our economy and supporting 33,000 jobs, it directly supports the wellbeing and living standards of all New Zealanders.
“We are putting effort into ensuring we have the right policy and immigration settings, and our priorities are reflected in the International Education Strategy which is currently being developed,” Chris Hipkins says.
The conference theme is “innovation for sustainable futures” and will focus on building links between APAIE and universities in the South Pacific region.
The conference will be held in Auckland at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, which will be completed in 2019. The event is expected to attract some 2000 delegates.
University of Auckland will host the event and the other seven universities will co-host.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Plans to reinstate skills leadership role to ITOs

Education Minister Chris Hipkins is encouraging the public and the sector to have their say on the Government’s intention to restore the skills leadership role of industry training organisations (ITO).
“The previous Government removed the legislative mandate for ITOs to provide skills leadership for their industries. As industry-owned bodies with a standards-setting role, ITOs have a unique contribution to make in identifying skills needs, and in promoting training to employers and employees,” Chris Hipkins says.
“ITOs are in regular contact with employers (of all sizes) and employees through their role of arranging training. They also understand skills requirements and the broader tertiary education sector.
“Those are all key strengths. That’s why the previous Government’s decision to take away this legislative role from ITOs was a mistake – it was a short sighted move.
“This government is looking at how best to meet New Zealand’s skill needs. That’s why we are reviewing vocational education more broadly as part of the Government’s education work programme.
“But, ahead of that, it is clear that ITOs have a unique role to play in terms of providing skills leadership. I have asked the Ministry of Education to consult on this proposal.
“It’s important that we use this opportunity to identify more clearly, in legislation, the leadership role ITOs should play, taking into account others’ feedback,” Chris Hipkins says.
More information about this and other issues being considered in upcoming legislation can be found at http://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/consultations-and-reviews/issues-being-considered-for-legislation-in-2018/

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: ‘COOL’ policy to be scrapped under proposed changes

Consultation has begun on six items to be included in upcoming legislation.
“One of the key things we are looking to do is get rid of the deeply unpopular provision to provide for the establishment of communities of online learning – the so-called COOL,” Education Minister Chris Hipkins says.
Under a 2017 amendment to the Education Act 1989, which is not due to come into effect until 31 December 2019, any school, tertiary institution, or private entity can apply to become a COOL.
“This Government is committed to delivering high quality online learning for all students. But the previous Government ploughed ahead with the legislation for online providers despite experts and education professionals raising a number of concerns.
“We are proposing to do away with a policy that enables private entities to become accredited as COOL and make a profit out of it. These COOL also aren’t required to employ registered teachers or teach the national curricula. That doesn’t line up with this Government’s vision of a high quality public education system.
“Sitting on the select committee that considered this legislation, I also heard significant concerns that gave even National MPs pause that kids with additional learning needs may be shuffled away from schools and into COOL even if it’s not the best option for them.
“Decisions about the future of online learning shouldn’t be made in isolation. I want new provisions around distance learning opportunities to be considered within broader strategic discussions with the sector around modernising the education system,” Chris Hipkins says.
Aside from repealing the start-up of COOL, the Ministry of Education is seeking the public and educators’ views on a number of other issues including: 
•           protecting the public interest in Education Council decision making
•           establishing a College of Educational Leadership
•           making student welfare a registration criteria for private schools
•           ensuring appropriate safety and police vetting requirements
•           reinstating a skills leadership role for industry training organisations
More information about each of these issues can be found at http://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/consultations-and-reviews/issues-being-considered-for-legislation-in-2018/
The Cabinet paper on these proposals and a Ministry of Education report on COOL can be found at: www.education.govt.nz/issues-being-considered-for-an-education-bill    
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Better deal for consumers a step closer as market studies Bill introduced

New legislation introduced to Parliament today will ensure New Zealand consumers get fair and appropriate treatment by encouraging competitive markets and honest business, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi says.
The Commerce Amendment Bill will enable the Commerce Commission to undertake ‘market studies’ research into the structure and behaviour of markets, and compel organisations and businesses to provide information.
“This Government wants to ensure that everyday New Zealanders are benefiting from an efficient and fair market – and to do that, we need to be sure markets are functioning as effectively as they can.
“Market studies are performed by more than 40 competition agencies worldwide. They provide governments with an in-depth understanding of how sectors and markets work and can be conducted if concerns arise, or there’s cause for investigation. If a market study shows there are issues preventing honest competition, we will address that.”
Under the new legislation, a market study can either be initiated by the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister or self-initiated by the Commerce Commission.
“I want the Commerce Commission to have more tools to protect consumers so I have asked officials to fast track this Bill to be operational by the end of 2018. I have been clear since taking on the Commerce and Consumer affairs portfolio that my top priority is to protect consumers and ensuring markets are working competitively is crucial.”
Mr Faafoi says that checks and balances will be in place to ensure market studies are used where there is a real need in the interest of consumers.
The Commerce Amendment Bill reflects the outcomes of a targeted review of the Commerce Act and a review of the effectiveness of the economic regulation regime for major airports.  In addition to the provision of a market studies power, the Bill introduced today repeals the little used cease and desist regime, introduces an enforceable undertakings regime, and makes amendments to improve the effectiveness of the regulatory regime for airports under Part 4 of the Commerce Act.
More information is available on MBIE’s website here.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Repatriation of New Zealand Service personnel to be expanded

The Government has extended an offer of repatriation to the families of all Service personnel, and their dependants, who were buried overseas after 1 January 1955.
“I know it’s incredibly important for the whanau of our Service personnel to know their loved ones are looked after,” says Minister for Veterans Ron Mark.
“I’m proud we have agreed to extend the offer of repatriation to the families of all Service personnel and dependents buried in Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, American Samoa, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea, after 1 January 1955. It is the right thing to do.
“Prior to 1955 it was Government policy to inter our fallen personnel overseas.  This changed, and between 1955 and 1971 personnel could be brought home at the cost of their family.
“Many families could not afford to bring their loved ones home and this caused pain and heartache, their families have lived with ever since.
“In 1971 the Government began picking up the bill.  But, it was not back dated to 1955 when the policy change occurred,” says Ron Mark.
Today’s announcement expands the decision made by the previous Government who offered repatriation for Service personnel buried in Malaysia and Singapore.
The Government has agreed to fund the repatriation and make a contribution of $1000 towards a memorial for those interred in a public or private ceremony.  If a family do not wish for their loved one to be repatriated, then the Government will continue to care for their grave overseas. 
“The New Zealand Defence Force are contacting families to discuss the next steps. They have also tabled a detailed plan to Cabinet for the repatriation which we have also approved,” says Ron Mark.
“The repatriations are planned to begin in May and all going well will be completed by October.  We want to make this process as dignified and as peaceful as possible for the families. I want to reassure them that the team from the Defence Force will take care of them, and their loved ones.  They are in good hands,” says Mr Mark. 
The total cost of the repatriations was originally expected to be $10m, but is now estimated to cost no more than $7m.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: SH1 Kaikoura to re-open both directions 24/7 next month

State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch will re-open for night-time travel from the end of April for the first time since the Kaikoura earthquake in November 2016, Transport Minister Phil Twyford has announced.
“Critical safety work on the coastal corridor is almost complete with the North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery crew making a massive push over the next four weeks to reach this milestone.
“People driving between Picton and Christchurch can look forward to easier journeys from the end of April, with the Transport Agency confirming plans to re-open State Highway 1 (SH1) for night-time travel. This will restore 24-hour access via SH1 for the first time since the Kaikoura earthquake almost a year-and-a-half ago.”
The re-opening of SH1 at night, along with the alternate route (via state highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass), will give people two viable 24/7 options for travel around the upper South Island.
“This news will be welcomed by local communities, the freight industry and every day Kiwi drivers alike. I’m delighted that SH1 will soon be available to everyone day and night – bringing further social and economic benefits back to the region.
“It’s important for people to understand that work is still underway in the corridor to make it safe and resilient for the future, and that there will still be multiple worksites throughout 2018,” Phil Twyford says.
For further details, go to the NZTA website: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/sh1-north-and-south-of-kaikoura-to-re-open-247/