Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: First appointments to Digital Advisory Group

Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media and Government Digital Services Clare Curran announced the first eight members of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group today.
Expressions of interest for the Group, which will advise the Government on how it can build the digital economy and reduce digital divides, were sought in December 2017. It will bring together innovators and leading thinkers from urban and rural New Zealand, NGOs, Māoridom, industry, and community groups. 
The Group will eventually consist of 14 members, and a Chair.  Membership of the group will change over time, and additional subject-matter experts may be called upon to advise the Group as its work develops.
“This Government wants to see every New Zealander able to participate fully in our society and it’s clear that our future will be a digital-rich world. The economy and everyday interactions will be increasingly driven or supported by digital technology,” says Ms Curran.
“In appointing the Chair and initial members of the Group I am conscious of the depth and breadth of interest in the digital economy and digital inclusion. Over 300 people applied for positions in the Group and it is my hope that the first eight highly qualified members will assist in the selection process for the remaining seven members, while keeping other interested people involved as the Group’s work develops.”
“It is in this spirit of openness and dynamism that I hope they will approach their ongoing work to develop a blueprint for digital inclusion and digital enablement. Members will be reaching back into their communities for broader input and innovation rather than a more traditional monthly attendance at a meeting.”
“What we need is a highly collaborative team who see their own stakeholders, colleagues, communities and the public, as virtual members of the Group.
“We aim to bring all New Zealanders with us, and enable them to share in the rewards and opportunities ahead. As such I’m inviting those who expressed an interest in participating in the Group to be part of a broader digital economy and inclusion network – we’ll be letting people know more about that in the coming weeks.”
The Group’s input will be sought to identify and support the selection of a new Chief Technology Officer following a widening of the initial search that took place earlier this year.
The first eight members of the Digital Economy and Digital Inclusion Advisory Group are:  

Frances Valintine (Chair)

Founder and Chairperson at The Mind Lab, and Founder/CEO of Tech Futures Lab

Potaua Biasiny-Tule

Co-Founder of Digital Natives Academy, Digital Basecamp, 4 Company B, and CEO/Managing Director of TangataWhenua.com

Jordan Carter             

Chief Executive  of InternetNZ

Kaila Colbin

Co-founder and Chair of Ministry of Awesome, Curator of TEDxChristchurch and SingularityU NZ and Australia Summits, Deputy Chair of CORE Education, Director of ChristchurchNZ

Brenda Leeuwenberg

Head of Innovation at NZ On Air, Board Member of Women in Film & Television, and Director of Nomad8 

Rohan MacMahon

Management consultant and involved in business development for digital technology companies. Previously Strategy Director at Crown Fibre Holdings

Victoria MacLennan

Co-chair of NZRise, Managing Director and CEO of OptimalHQ Group, Trustee and Board Chair of Code Club Aotearoa, Chair of the Digital Skills Forum, Investor and Director.

Chris O’Connell          

Director of Heartland Connectivity Taskforce Ltd, extensively involved with broadband rollout.

 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Hui to help shape Crown/Māori Relations

Crown/Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis will be holding hui across the country as part of rejuvenating the relationship between the Government and Māori.
Initial thoughts on the new Crown/Māori Relations portfolio include improving the way government departments engage with Māori and respond to Māori issues, ensuring Treaty settlement obligations are honoured, and finding new and different opportunities for more active partnership between the Crown and Māori.
“With the Treaty Settlement process drawing to a close the time is right to look beyond the negotiating table and rejuvenate the relationship between the Crown and Māori. Too often in the past the Crown has told Māori what their relationship will be. That’s not a mistake this Government will make,” Mr Davis says.
“Before finalising the scope and priorities of the Crown/Māori portfolio – exactly how the portfolio is going to foster a healthier relationship between the Crown and Māori – I want to listen widely, and hear ideas from across New Zealand. I have begun to meet with Māori and non-Māori national organisations but also want to talk to groups and people around the country – including rūnanga, hapū, and rangatahi – about what the relationship should look like. Everyone is welcome at our hui.”
“This Government wants to create a thriving, sustainable and future focused economy and environment. That’s why we’re focused on reducing poverty and inequality, better housing, better jobs and higher incomes. To help achieve this, and deliver real benefits for Māori, the Crown/Māori relationship must be strong.”
Mr Davis and officials will hold a series of hui around the country exploring challenges and opportunities in the Crown/Māori relationship. The first public hui will be held in Kaitaia in early April. Other hui will be held in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Thames, Rotorua, Hastings, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Invercargill before June.   
For those who want to attend hui, dates and locations can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: www.justice.govt.nz/crown-maori. An online feedback form for those unable to meet kanohi ki te kanohi is also on the website.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister honours gold winning Kiwi Paralympian Adam Hall

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni says gold-medal winning Paralympian Adam Hall is an inspiration to all New Zealanders.
“Adam continues to dominate the world of Para alpine skiing. Not only did he win both bronze and gold at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, he was also awarded the top honour of the event,” said Carmel Sepuloni.
The Whang Youn Dai Achievement Award is presented at every Paralympic Games to one male and one female athlete who each “best exemplify the spirit of the Games”.
“This award reflects Adam’s commitment, hard work and talent as an athlete as well as his contribution to his community. It is a rare and prestigious honour and the first time a New Zealander has won the award.
“Our Kiwi team has finished the games in PyeongChang with an outstanding total of three medals, one gold and two bronze, and on behalf of all New Zealanders I extend my warmest congratulations.  
“It’s important to me we show our appreciation for the talent and hard work that has taken our Paralympians to the top of their sports.
“I look forward to celebrating our Kiwi Paralympian’s success when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and I officially welcome them home this week,” Carmel Sepuloni said.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Diversity in Conservation Board membership sought

Nominations for Conservation Boards have been reopened to ensure they reflect the diverse communities they serve, Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.
The Department of Conservation re-opened the nomination process for recruiting a broader cross-section of members from the different communities each board represents on the Minister’s recommendation.
The nomination process for the 2018 appointments was undertaken late last year and may have been affected by the Christmas holidays. The Department received 143 nominations for a total of 45 positions on 15 conservation boards.  
“Conservation Boards are an important way for people to have their say and influence how public conservation lands and waters are managed. Their voice and role really matter. Membership of the boards should reflect the strong and diverse public interest in conservation and protecting New Zealand’s natural and historic resources,” Ms Sage said.
“I want to cast the net wider, using online and media channels, to ensure a wide range of people know about the roles and how to apply.”
The new process opens today with nominations closing on Saturday 14 April 2018. Ms Sage will consider nominations and decide appointments by 30 June. People who already put their names forward will still be considered.
“Anyone in the community who is passionate and knowledgeable about conservation should put their hands up,” said Ms Sage.
“Think about who you know with knowledge of nature conservation, natural earth and marine sciences, cultural heritage, recreation, tourism, the local community and a Māori perspective. 
“On any one board there may be students, teachers, farmers, fishers, scientists, builders, tourism operators, home makers and retired people.”
Background information
What do conservation boards do?
The functions of boards are set out in Section 6M of the Conservation Act 1987 and in the National Parks and Reserves Acts. The boards focus on planning and strategic direction, not the day-to-day operational details of the Department’s work.
Board work includes:
overseeing the Conservation Management Strategy for its region.
developing and reviewing national park and other management plans for lands administered by the Department;
advising on proposals for marine reserves;
considering the impact of concessions for tourism and other activities on conservation land;
looking at the range of recreational opportunities in the region;
advising on proposals to change the protective status or classification of areas of national or international importance.
What is expected of a board member?
An interest in conservation and enough capacity to do the work.
Most boards meet four-five times a year and meetings take a full day, sometimes longer particularly if inspection visits are needed.
There will also be committee meetings, time required for researching issues and working on reports or submissions, preparation time spent reading briefing material before meetings, and time for liaison and public consultation.
Do board members get paid?
Conservation boards members are paid $180 per day for meetings and fieldtrips. They can also claim for preparation time, and for fair and reasonable expenses (e.g., petrol and mileage if they use their personal vehicle for fieldtrips, car parking etc).
For further information please see the Departments Conservation Board pages for info on the process and the roles themselves.
http://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/statutory-and-advisory-bodies/conservation-boards/
Feel free to contact myself or Rick McGovern-Wilson if you have any questions.
 
 
 

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