Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: ASB Polyfest celebrates 43 years of talent

The 2018 ASB Polyfest continues to highlight the raw talent of our young people, with this year marking 43 years of successful festivals, Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio says. 
“I had the privilege of introducing the Prime Minister and a number of my parliamentary colleagues on the stages we visited, and we were so impressed of how gifted and talented our young people are in their performances.
The ASB Polyfest has grown in 43 years to become the largest Maori and Pacific students’ cultural festival in the world.  More than 10,000 secondary school students attended, with 242 performing groups entered by 69 schools.
“I see the festival as a symbol for New Zealand that we can celebrate the strength of our youth and their diversity of languages and cultures.  That this diversity of languages & cultures is a strength we need to all fully embrace.
“When our young people display their awesome talents at the ASB Polyfest they reflect for our enjoyment a richness of Maori & Pasifika languages and cultures, a historic heritage, a love for our people and their mana as something we should all value and protect for future generations. 
“I am so proud of our young people and I wish them every success beyond the festival and their performances. Winning at the ASB Polyfest is a fantastic achievement, but learning from your participation and using it as a stepping stone to succeed beyond high school with your goals for further education will enable you to achieve great things.
 “Congratulations to all the winning schools and students. Thank you also to all the schools and teachers who took part and supported your students.  You are truly all excellent ambassadors for your schools and a credit to the success of the ASB Polyfest,” Aupito William Sio said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Justice Minister to attend UN Human Rights Council

Justice Minister Andrew Little will deliver New Zealand’s statement to the 47th Session of the United Nations Human Rights council as he leaves for Geneva, Switzerland today.
“Kiwis can be proud of our global reputation as a defender of human rights. We were the first country to allow women to vote, we consistently top international records for low levels of public sector corruption. And the historic Treaty of Waitangi settlement process is about confronting our past so we can walk forward together.
“We can do better. The Labour-led government is resetting the human rights agenda by committing to tackling child poverty, making tertiary education accessible again through fees-free, confronting climate change and energy poverty, funding and supporting the family re-unification scheme for refugees, speaking up for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and fixing the national housing crisis that has robbed families of their right to shelter. 
“While in Europe I will present New Zealand’s report to the United Nation’s committee on International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and visit the successful Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission. The Labour-New Zealand First coalition agreement commits to establishing a Criminal Cases Review Commission in New Zealand so manifest injustices like that suffered by Teina Pora are righted.
“I will also meet justice-sector Ministerial counterparts in the Netherlands and visit a Dutch prison. In recent years the Netherlands has been so successful in reducing crime that they are closing prisons. In New Zealand the previous National government left a legacy of rising violent crime, an inhumane approach to sufferers of mental illnesses, and a prison crisis which we have plans to fix,” says Andrew Little.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Statement on nerve agent attack in UK

New Zealand supports the joint statement made by the leaders of the UK, US, Germany and France on the nerve agent attack in Salisbury, say Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters.
“Outrage at the brazen and callous use of chemical weapons in a UK town is fully justified. This attack left three people seriously injured, including a police officer who assisted at the scene, and potentially threatened many more,” said Jacinda Ardern.
“This incident is a serious affront to accepted global rules and norms. The use of chemical weapons in any circumstances is totally repugnant, and New Zealand is deeply disturbed at any use of chemical substances banned by the Chemical Weapons Convention.
“New Zealand fully supports the sovereign right of the UK to take the action it considers appropriate in response to this violation of international law on its territory. We stand in solidarity with the UK alongside its other partners.
“Despite the further details that have emerged since the NZ government statement earlier this week, and despite the international outcry, the Russian reaction has been cynical, sarcastic and inadequate.
“There is no plausible alternative explanation hitherto, that this came from anywhere other than Russia, and no doubt whatsoever that Russia has serious questions to answer,” said Jacinda Ardern.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Education links with Singapore strengthened

Education Minister Chris Hipkins and Singapore’s Education Minister (Schools) Ng Chee Meng signed an Education Cooperation Arrangement in Singapore today.
New Zealand and Singapore have a long-standing education relationship. It dates right back to the Colombo Plan introduced in the 1950s which saw many Singaporeans study in New Zealand. 
Today, there is a healthy exchange of New Zealanders and Singaporeans studying and teaching at each other’s institutions.
“This Arrangement solidifies our modern education relationship, and will pave the way for closer collaboration between our education ministries on shared policy priorities and interests,” Chris Hipkins says. 
“We look forward to working with Singaporean counterparts to promote greater exchanges of students and teachers, relationships between our schools and institutions, and to exchange ideas for best practice in areas such as digital learning.
Mr Hipkins says that education continues to be an important avenue to increase people-to-people connections between the two countries – a prime objective of the Enhanced Partnership currently under negotiation between Singapore and New Zealand.
Mr Hipkins’ programme in Singapore includes meetings with his two Ministerial counterparts, Schools Minister Ng Chee Meng and Higher Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, as well as Singapore’s National Institute of Education and SkillsFuture Singapore Agency.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Further support for Papua New Guinea earthquake

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced a further $3 million package of support following the 26 February earthquake in Papua New Guinea.
“The full extent of this disaster is only becoming clear now nearly three weeks later; there has been extensive damage to water and food sources, transport infrastructure and significant loss of life,” Mr Peters said.
New Zealand has been working with the Government of Papua New Guinea, Australia and other donors to provide humanitarian relief, transporting relief supplies from New Zealand to Papua New Guinea and from Port Moresby into the Highlands.
This latest funding will be used to meet ongoing needs on the ground and includes up to $1.5 million for New Zealand NGOs with local partners to deliver ongoing emergency relief and early recovery activities in the Highlands.
“The Highlands region of Papua New Guinea is a challenging environment and the response and subsequent recovery will take time. This additional support reflects this,” Mr Peters said.
This funding is in addition to an initial package of $500,000 and the deployment of a New Zealand Defence Force C-130 Hercules carrying emergency supplies to Papua New Guinea.
ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New website makes it easier for seasonal workers and employers

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni and Minister of Employment Willie Jackson have today officially launched the Work The Seasons website in Pukekohe making it easier for seasonal workers to find the job they need and for employers to find the right person.
 “Seasonal work can be a good option for many people looking to get back into work and for some could provide the type of work life and meaningful employment they are seeking,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
 “It’s been hard for people in seasonal work to plan their employment and gain the skills they need for the next job. The Work the Seasons website puts seasonal workers and employers in touch with each other in one place.
“Workers can see what work is coming up, and when and where that work is, across New Zealand. In the month since the website went live, 225 jobseekers have registered for work.
 “The Government is committed to providing seasonal workers with better training as well as work opportunities. One thousand training places have been purchased for job seekers that can be accessed through the website.
 “The Work The Seasons website has been a real partnership between the Government and business with input from seasonal industry associations from the horticulture, viticulture, hospitality, tourism, seafood and meat processing sectors,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
 Minister of Employment Willie Jackson said that the Work the Seasons website helps address key employment issues for job seekers and employers.
 “We need to address skills and labour shortages and make opportunities like these more visible so we can support the type of labour market booms we have had recently in the Hawke’s Bay, and attract and retain New Zealanders.
“Anyone aged over 15 years and who is eligible to work in New Zealand (citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid, current work visa) can register as a job seeker on the Working The Seasons website,” Willie Jackson said.
“Work the Seasons is supported by 13,500 seasonal employers who can post jobs, manage the recruitment process and offer essential skills training.
The Work The Seasons website is available at www.worktheseasons.co.nz.
 Media contacts:
For Hon Carmel Sepuloni – Amanda Snow 021 282 0078 
For Hon Willie Jackson – Tu Williams 027 789 9891 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Sign up to join the Zero Carbon Bill conversation

15 March 2018

  MEDIA STATEMENT

Sign up to join the conversation on the Zero Carbon Bill
From today New Zealanders can register their interest in being part of the Government’s consultation on what the Zero Carbon Bill should look like, Climate Change Minister James Shaw has announced.
“We know many New Zealanders want to be part of the discussion on how we reduce our emissions and want to be kept updated in the lead up to formal consultation starting around the end of May.
“So we’ve set up an online registration process on the Ministry for the Environment website for individuals or organisations who want to be kept informed between now and then.
“You don’t have to register to be part of the consultation. Anyone can make a submission. And we’re planning lots of activities before and during the consultation process to ensure everyone knows how they can make submissions and be part of the national conversation on climate change and the Zero Carbon Bill.”
The Zero Carbon Bill will be a cornerstone of New Zealand’s transition to a low emission climate resilient future that will help us achieve our international commitments.
“This whole transition has to be shared by all of us. Consultation has to be with New Zealanders across the country; from farmers and factory workers, to iwi and innovators. We want everyone’s thoughts and ideas.”
 The consultation will also cover the role of the new independent Climate Change Commission.  The Commission is intended to take a long-term non-partisan view, provide independent advice to the government of the day, and ensure New Zealand stays on track to meet its climate change goals.
“I’d encourage anyone who’s interested in being part of the discussion on the Zero Carbon Bill to sign up at the Ministry for the Environment’s website here. And tell your friends to sign up too.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand and Colombia building closer ties

Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs Fletcher Tabuteau represented the New Zealand Government at the formal opening of the New Zealand Embassy in Bogotá last night
“The opening of a New Zealand Embassy in Bogotá is a significant step in strengthening New Zealand’s relations with Latin American countries,” Mr Tabuteau says.
“New Zealand businesses are already investing in dairy development and water catchment management projects and are moving into the agribusiness, food processing, retail, construction, aviation, and health sectors.”
“It is very humbling to also see important humanitarian work being undertaken in Colombia, allowing families and small communities back into affected areas,” Mr Tabuteau says.
“New Zealand has contributed $1 million to humanitarian demining efforts in Colombia and is working with The Halo Trust to use New Zealand-developed technology to safely dispose of mines.  
“This builds on the support New Zealand gave towards the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the FARC), and was instrumental in gaining endorsement by the international community during our time on the UN Security Council.
“I am particularly pleased to see the increasing education links between New Zealand and Colombia,” Mr Tabuteau says.  “Colombia is a priority market for Education New Zealand, which is supporting schools and universities to build links with Colombian counterparts. 
“Young New Zealanders are increasingly interested in Colombia and a large number of the most-recent Prime Minister’s Scholarships for Latin America were awarded to New Zealand students bound for Colombia.”
 While in Colombia Mr Tabuteau has also held meetings with Vice Foreign Minister Patti Londoño and Foreign Minister María Ángela Holguín.
“Vice Foreign Minister Patti Londoño is a great friend of New Zealand. She is an insightful guide to Colombia’s post-conflict development, and is enthusiastic about the opportunities for New Zealand and New Zealanders in her country.”
 [ENDS]
 Contact: Laree Taula, 021 992 200

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Bay of Islands Airport upgrade

The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will help support a desperately-needed upgrade at the Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced.
The airport is among the fastest-growing regional airports in the country and needs a new terminal to keep up with demand. Approximately 96,000 people used the airport during 2017, which required Air New Zealand to put on additional flights to meet the demand.
“The proposal was identified as a key priority in the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan, which was launched in February 2016, and has received strong support from our national carrier Air New Zealand – the main user of the airport,” Shane Jones said.
“The current terminal is not fit for purpose and does not meet Air New Zealand’s requirements, while growth in passenger numbers is also putting pressure on the existing facilities.
“A new terminal will relieve congestion and cater to visitor growth by boosting capacity and improving facilities for passengers arriving in the Far North.
“The project has third-party funding and a clear rationale for central Government funding. It’s also among the few regional airports that central Government does not partially own.
“The Government will work with Far North Holdings Ltd to progress a detailed business case for the upgrade and – subject to that work and due diligence – will commit $1.7 million to the project.
“This is a project that will improve connectivity for tourism, the local community and businesses in the Far North and help support the growing tourism sector and create new jobs,” Shane Jones said.  
Building consents have been lodged and are due at the end of next month.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Wharf upgrades at Paihia, Russell and Opua

The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will provide much-needed investment in three Northland wharves, boosting the tourism sector and creating new jobs and opportunities to the region, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones says.
The Government will work alongside Far North Holdings Ltd – the commercial arm of the Far North District Council – on developing business cases for significant upgrades at Paihia, Russell and Opua and ensuring due diligence is met.
Subject to those business cases, the PGF will invest up to $5 million in the three projects.
“Tourism is an important and developing sector in Northland but some existing facilities are ageing and unsuitable, inhibiting future growth,” Shane Jones said.  
“These projects are also about training local people and giving them the skills they need to help build the future of Northland. The tender process for these upgrades will require firms to take on apprentices who can then enjoy careers in the construction industry going forward.
“These three projects, which are long overdue, will boost the productivity potential of Northland, help grow the tourism sector, diversify the local economy, create new jobs and help build more resilient communities.
“Far North Holdings Ltd has numerous proposals on its books and I’m pleased the Government has been able to work closely with the council to deliver for Northland.
Opua
“A 120 metre floating pontoon will be built for the Tuia – First Encounters 250 voyaging event in 2019 at Opua Wharf. Tuia – First Encounters 250, is a project within the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan. The pontoon will be used for future events and will help extend the super yacht industry outside of Auckland. 
“Building the pontoon will be a catalyst for ongoing economic benefits, including supporting events such as Bay of Islands Sailing Week and the Millenium Cup.
“Developing Opua’s facilities will bring more high-value tourists to the region leading to additional income and jobs to the local economy. 
Paihia
“Paihia Wharf is a major gateway and maritime hub in the Bay of Islands and is considered a critical piece of infrastructure in the Far North, with tourist cruises, charters, and the passenger ferry to Russel operating from the wharf.
“The facility is currently struggling to handle the number of visitors and tourism operators, which is hampering future growth and many components of the wharf are nearing the end of their life.
“The upgrade includes building an additional four berths for vessels, increased space for passengers and improved passenger facilities.
Russell
“Russel Wharf is Russell’s primary connection to the rest of New Zealand and is therefore a vital piece of community and tourism infrastructure.
“About 850,000 passengers use the wharf to access ferry services every year and Russell is one of the visitor highlights in the Bay of Islands but current facilities are ageing and unsuitable.
“The upgrade will replace the original timber piles and others with floating concrete pontoons while a wharf extension will create more visitor space for an increasing number of users and help to build capacity for the future.
“Officials will continue to work closely with Far North Holdings Ltd as further businesses cases are developed and these important projects progress,” Shane Jones said.