Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Speech to the New Zealand Animal Law Association on Rodeos

 
Welcome 
Tēnā koutou katoa, and thank you to the New Zealand Animal Law Association for the opportunity to speak at this event. I would like to acknowledge all of those in attendance, and the hard work that has gone into this report. 
Animal welfare minister 
Labour said pre-election that we would appoint a dedicated animal welfare minister.  I am very proud to be the Minister responsible for animal welfare in this Coalition Government. 
Rodeo position statement 
Tonight we are here for the launch of your report into rodeo.  This is a thoughtful and considered analysis of the Rodeo Industry which I will read in detail. 
I have made my position on rodeos very clear.  I will not consider a ban on rodeos. 
What I have done, is asked my Ministerial advisory committee – the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee – to look at rodeos more closely.  This will include looking at the use of calves, electric prodders, flank straps, tail twisting, and rope burning.   
NAWAC will also report back to me on the animal welfare implications of each rodeo event, such as bronc riding, bull and steer riding, roping events, and steer wrestling. 
NAWAC, as I’m sure many of you will know, was set up under the Animal Welfare Act and is separate from the government, which provides advice on animal welfare issues to me.  
NAWAC will report back to me by the end of May.  I have asked the Ministry for Primary Industries to review your report on rodeos in the context of NAWAC’s work.  Any action in relation to rodeos will involve a full public consultation, and I can assure you I would want to hear all voices and opinions.  Your report will contribute to that discussion. 
I should also tell you that banning the use of electric prodders on cattle under 150kg is part of a set of regulations I will be taking to Cabinet shortly.  This will effectively stop the use of electric prodders on calves at rodeos. 
I am well aware that rodeo is a contentious issue for the New Zealand public and that there are a range of perspectives.   
Two examples that come to mind are, the 67,000 people that signed the anti-rodeo petition presented to Parliament last year.  Then there are the 100,000 people, including many families, who attend rodeos each year – who consider them an important social gathering for their community. 
This Coalition Government wants free and open access for interest groups and stakeholders across the country. This is a Government that will practise transparency in its decision making. 
Animal welfare vision 
I want to speak briefly about my vision for the direction of animal welfare in New Zealand.  I am committed to improving animal welfare outcomes.  I have high expectations that the leaders in the animal welfare sector will continue to drive improvements to managing and preventing harm.   
Better outcomes for our animals and to our international reputation for good animal welfare. 
In 2015, the global charity World Animal Protection ranked New Zealand first equal alongside the United Kingdom, Austria and Switzerland for our animal welfare regulatory system.  But I know we can do more. 
I want to find ways of working with all players in the system to drive behaviour change, including working with communities to proactively identify and address animal welfare issues before they cause real harm.
I know when all the players in the system work together we can achieve outstanding results. 
For example, following the SAFE and Farmwatch exposé on the treatment of young bobby calves, in 2015, industry and government together, put in a huge effort to reduce calf mortality rates. As a result the mortality rate of bobby calves halved in 2016, and has again halved in 2017. 
This result demonstrates the value of a close and productive relationship that I am aiming for in the animal welfare sector.  
Industry groups, animal welfare groups and Government all have equally important, but different parts to play. 
I know industry groups are not the only players in animal welfare.  I expect to have relationships with animal advocacy groups as well. 
Turning to the matter for which we are all here today, it is clear that rodeo is a contentious issue for the New Zealand public. There are a wide range of views, from those in this room today, to others that may not be represented in this room. 
To have a voice and to have that voice heard is my commitment to you today. 
Tonight I am announcing that I will invite animal welfare groups to join me in a workshop, so that their views and priorities can be discussed. 
Conclusion 
In conclusion, as a Minister five months into the job, my focus is on forming relationships and hearing the wide range of views.  Our reality is that we do have to prioritise where we put our limited resources and when.  In that respect, your advice would be well received. 
 
 
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Extra funding approved for Middlemore Hospital building works

Health Minister Dr David Clark says the Government has approved an extra $11.5 million funding for building works at Middlemore Hospital.
The funding, which was signed off early this week, will be used for re-cladding work on the Scott Building which has issues with weathertightness, timber framing decay and related damage. The extra injection of funds takes the total cost of the project to $27.5 million.
“The Counties Manukau DHB is dealing with a number of leaky building issues that were first identified in 2012. It is disappointing that the previous Government did not make tackling these problems a priority.
“Our hospitals and health infrastructure have been neglected for too long. This Government will not sit back while patients are treated in decaying facilities.
“The DHB identified the Scott Building as its top priority. That’s why earlier this week the Government approved a revised business case for remediation work.
“The DHB has been managing this situation for some years and a range of investigations, remediation and safety measures have been adopted. But more work is obviously required and I will be seeking answers directly from the DHB about its plan to deal with this situation.”
These buildings date back to the early 2000s when untreated timber and other construction techniques associated with leaky buildings were in common use.
“It is important to note that the DHB’s advice is that patient safety is not at risk as long as any rot and mould are contained in the walls. That will be of little comfort to the people of Counties Manukau who rightly expect that their hospitals are up to scratch.
“The reality is that the legacy of underfunding in Health will take some years to turn around,” said David Clark.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Bill to ban tenant letting fees introduced

Legislation banning the charging of letting fees to tenants has been introduced to Parliament, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford announced today.
“Around half of all Kiwis now live in rented homes. This Bill could put up to $47 million into the pockets of Kiwi families each year.
“This could make a real difference to struggling families. There are significant costs associated with moving to a new rental property, which many families are now forced to do every year.
“When moving into a new rental property, tenants can face up to four weeks’ bond, two weeks’ rent in advance – and one weeks’ rent as a letting fee – in addition to moving costs.
“With homeownership rates at a 60 year low, this Bill recognises that we need to take action now to make rent more affordable so people can save to buy their own home.
“Banning the charging of letting fees to tenants is a good first step in improving the life of renters, while we continue our broader review of the Residential Tenancies Act.
“This review will examine a range of changes to make life better for renters and will include looking at limiting rent increases to once per year. It will also consider other initiatives to improve security of tenure and better allow tenants to make their house a home. The review is expected to result in legislation being introduced to Parliament by the end of the year.
“Ultimately the best way to put tenants in a better situation is to increase the supply of housing, and end the shortage that is driving rents up. The Government’s KiwiBuild policy and urban growth reforms are designed to increase supply.” Phil Twyford says.
* More information is available at: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/housing-property/residential-tenancies/letting-fees

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Regional fuel tax for Auckland a step closer

Legislation to allow regions to apply for a regional fuel tax, initially for Auckland, will be introduced to Parliament today, Transport Minister Phil Twyford has announced.
“The Land Transport Management (Regional Fuel Tax) Amendment Bill will enable Auckland Council to seek funding for specific transport-related projects. It would allow funds raised in Auckland to be spent only in Auckland.
“Auckland is at a standstill and the Auckland Council understands the frustration of its ratepayers who are spending hours of their day stuck in traffic.
“Auckland has gone through massive population growth in recent years and its current infrastructure can no longer support the city. Improving infrastructure in Auckland is vital for its businesses and its people for whom just getting to work, school and about their daily activities can be a struggle.
“Solving Auckland’s traffic gridlock is also important for the rest of New Zealand with congestion in the city between 2015 and 2017 estimated to have cost the economy between $1.3 billion a year in lost productivity.
“Under the Bill, Auckland Council must first consult with residents on the proposed projects it wishes to fund. It must then obtain Government approval before the regional fuel tax can be implemented.
“The Bill will go to Select Committee for public submissions. We expect the law to be passed in June, ready for potential implementation in the Auckland region from 1 July.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Lessons for Waikato DHB out of report

Health Minister Dr David Clark says he expects District Health Boards to be acutely aware of the need for proper oversight and control of executive expenses.
The State Services Commission has released the Ombler Report into allegations of unjustified expenditure at the Waikato DHB. It found that more than half of the former chief executive Dr Nigel Murray’s expenditure on travel and accommodation was unjustified.
“The public rightly expect DHBs leaders to be careful stewards of health funding, and so do I.
“Health funding should be used for health care and prevention. There needs to be clear justification for spending on travel and related costs.
“This report confirms that was sadly not always the case at the Waikato DHB. There was a notable failure of leadership and oversight.
“As Minister I will hold DHB chairs accountable for the spending on their watch. There needs to be transparency around expenses, including written authorisation for significant travel costs and robust processes for manager’s expenses.
“Oversight will also be bolstered by the changes announced last month in the State Sector and Crown Entities Reform Bill.
“To say this has been a disappointing episode for all involved is an understatement, but I have no doubt that lessons have been learned.
“I now expect the Waikato DHB to concentrate on its real job – delivering quality health care for the people of Waikato. I have every confidence that the acting chair Sally Webb will ensure they do just that,” David Clark said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Initiative to boost teacher supply extended

Acting Minister of Education Tracey Martin has announced a further $700,000 to help more teachers into classrooms, with the extension of the Teacher Education Refresh (TER) Programme.
Approximately 280 additional teachers will now have access to the fully subsidised TER Programme, announced as part of the Government’s $9.5 million teacher supply package last year.
“The subsidy removes the cost barrier associated with undertaking the TER course.
“We need more teachers in classrooms and the TER subsidy has been so successful that it’s oversubscribed. We want to encourage providers to keep taking on more enrolments.
“The announcement today will see approximately 780 teachers in total able to remain in or re-enter the profession as a result of the TER initiative.”
The extra placements for the subsidised courses are available till 30 June 2018. These additional places will continue to help address immediate teacher supply pressures. The funding has been made available within Ministry of Education baselines.
“This is part of the Government’s ongoing work to increase teacher supply, reduce teacher workloads, and lift the status of the profession,” Tracey Martin says.
More information on the teacher supply package is available at: http://www.education.govt.nz/teacher-supply