Category: Politics

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Members’ Bill to provide help for smokers to quit

Source: National Party – Headline: Members’ Bill to provide help for smokers to quit

National MP Nicky Wagner is looking to improve laws around the accessibility of e-cigarettes to provide less harmful alternatives for long-term smokers that will help them kick the habit.

“The Members’ Bill I lodged this week, the Smoke-free Environments (Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes) Amendment Bill, designed to allow electronic cigarettes containing nicotine to be sold to persons over 18 years of age,” Mrs Wagner says.

“Currently the sale and supply of nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquid as consumer products is illegal. However, the Ministry of Health itself has said that e-cigarettes have the potential to contribute to the Smokefree 2025 goal.

“E-cigarettes offer a better alternative to ordinary cigarettes for long-term, more engrained smokers and are significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco. They also pose no identified health risks to bystanders.

“While our smoking rate continues to decline, we still lose 4500-5000 New Zealanders each year to smoking-related illnesses. We must be open to alternatives that help to wean smokers off cigarettes and have fewer health risks.

“Although the numbers of smokers are decreasing and less young people are taking it up there is a group of long-term smokers, particularly Maori and Pasifika, who find it extremely difficult to quit.

“Vaping and electronic cigarettes are not a cure-all, but they offer an alternative for bridging the gap between a long-term habit and quitting altogether.

“There is no evidence that electronic cigarettes provide a gateway for smokers of tobacco cigarettes or that non-smokers are attracted to electronic cigarettes.

“I encourage all my Parliamentary colleagues to support this Bill through first reading.”

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Bill to improve financial security for foster children drawn

Source: National Party – Headline: Bill to improve financial security for foster children drawn

Clutha-Southland MP Hamish Walker’s Members’ Bill to help improve the future financial security of foster children by providing access to KiwiSaver for children in foster care has been drawn from the ballot this afternoon and will be debated in Parliament.

“The KiwiSaver (Foster Parent Opting in for Children in their Care) Amendment Bill will make it possible for any foster parent, or Kin carer, to open a KiwiSaver account for a foster child in their care,” Mr Walker says.

“I am delighted that my Bill was drawn from the members’ ballot today. Foster children are among the most vulnerable children in New Zealand and foster parents and Kin carers go through significant barriers to establish suitability for care.

“There are many foster parents and carers who want to provide the best possible future for the children in their care, even if they never achieve legal guardianship. That includes ensuring that their foster child has some financial security.

“My Bill will make it possible for any foster parent, or Kin carer, who has proof of their foster responsibility to directly approach a KiwiSaver provider to open an account for a foster child in their care.

“At present, the only way for a foster parent or Kin carer to open a KiwiSaver account is by application to their allocated social worker and it relies on a complex process within a bureaucratic framework.

“A KiwiSaver account is the only financial instrument that no-one except the owner of the account itself can access. KiwiSaver has also offered not to charge for the accounts of foster children until there is a significant sum in the account.

“The passage of his Bill would add to the work National undertook during its time in Government to improve the lives of New Zealand’s most vulnerable children. I hope that Parliament supports this Bill to first reading.”

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Health Minister must release conflict statement

Source: National Party – Headline: Health Minister must release conflict statement

The Minister for Health David Clark has acknowledged that there is a conflict of interest with the independent reviewer of the $90 million National Oracle Solution IT programme, but is yet to release the details, National Party associate spokesperson for Health Dr Shane Reti says.

“Under prolonged questioning in the House this week, the Health Minister admitted that a conflict exists with the independent reviewer of the National Oracle solution project but suggests that because it had been declared there is nothing to worry about,” Dr Reti says.

“Even if, as he suggests, there is nothing to worry about with Deloitte’s review of their subsidiary company’s programme he needs to release the conflicts statement so that the sector can have confidence in the programme.

“This is a vital project that will lead to savings for the health sector and improvements in patient care, but the delays are causing significant uncertainty and cost to the Health sector.

“The Minister’s vague assurances that the conflict has been managed are not enough. The taxpayer can reasonably expect to hold the Minister to account for what may be millions of dollars.

“I am asking for the Minister to release the reviewer’s conflict of interest statement so that once the review of the programme is complete and the programme is finalised the sector can have confidence in the National Oracle Solution going forward.”

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Improving pension portability to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Improving pension portability to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau

Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni says the Government’s intent to improve access to New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension for those looking to retire to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau moved one step closer today.
Today, the Bill to amend the The Social Assistance (Residency Qualification) Legislation, introduced into Parliament on 28 March this year, had its First Reading.
“The changes will allow people applying for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, to be able to use residence in any of those places to count towards the requirement for five years residence over the age of 50,” Ms Sepuloni said.
Currently, the criteria for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension is that a person must have been resident and present in New Zealand for 10 years after the age of 20, and for five years after the age of 50.
Ms Sepuloni says the changes will mean people who are eligible for New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will be able to remain in these countries and contribute to the local economy without having to return to New Zealand just to qualify for their pension. 
“This Bill responds to concerns that the current five years over 50 requirement is a disincentive for Cook Islanders, Niueans and Tokelauans to remain in their employment and to participate in their home communities after having lived in New Zealand when younger.
“It is expected that removing the five years residence in New Zealand over the age of 50 requirement will help boost economic development and human resource capacity by allowing highly skilled people to continue contributing to their communities in these Pacific islands. 
 “This change will not be restricted to citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. All New Zealanders who qualify for New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will be able to make use of the provision should they choose and be eligible to live in the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau.
“This Government wants to ensure  New Zealanders have as many options as possible as to where they spend their retirement. We also want to ensure that those countries and territories that have close constitutional ties with New Zealand are recognised and that their ongoing economic and social viability is supported.”
The Bill will be referred to the Social Services and Community Select Committee and the new policy is expected to apply from January 2019.

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Government continues raid on regions

Source: National Party – Headline: Government continues raid on regions

The Government’s confirmation it will axe major irrigation projects is the second major blow it’s dealt to regional New Zealand in a week, National’s Paul Goldsmith and Nathan Guy say.

“Fresh from whacking a major new fuel tax on New Zealand motorists the Government has announced it will leave regional farmers and growers at the mercy of prolonged droughts by canning support for important irrigation projects,” National’s Agriculture spokesperson Nathan Guy says.

“This is a huge blow to regional New Zealand which is facing an increasingly uncertain future as a result of this Government’s raid on our regions.

“This summer alone saw six regions declared in drought as dry weather hammered primary producers right around New Zealand. These irrigation projects would have given them the certainty they could deal with future dry spells but that certainty’s now been ripped away.

“This Government claims it wants to help grow our exports and support our primary industries to add value but instead of standing behind regional New Zealand it’s taking its taxes and turning its back.

Mr Goldsmith says the Government’s regional growth strategy is a mess.

“It’s Jekyll and Hyde and seems to come down to which of Labour’s two support parties wins the day.

“One day Shane Jones sticks his finger in the air and doles out taxpayer cash for pet projects, the next day four ministers announce the Government will rip $5b out of regional road funding but tax motorists more and the next it is stripping millions out of important and demonstrably effective regional irrigation projects.

“That’s on top of seriously undermining future foreign investment, making it increasingly difficult to find staff and putting potential free trade agreements at real risk.

“It just shows the Government has no clear strategy.

“It says it supports regional New Zealand but it continues to put the boot in. Axing irrigation projects makes it harder for farmers and growers to do their jobs, harder for them to create jobs, harder to grow our exports and harder for New Zealanders to get ahead.”

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Rollout of Kauri cleaning stations welcomed

Source: National Party – Headline: Rollout of Kauri cleaning stations welcomed

National Party Conservation spokesperson Sarah Dowie has welcomed the Department of Conservation’s rollout of cleaning stations in response to the spread of kauri dieback.

“Kauri dieback is devastating our forests and one of our most iconic tree species and we must be doing everything we can to stop it.

“The previous National Government was hugely focused on doing so, initially allocating nearly $30 million dollars to fast-track and beef up the Government’s response.

“Since then however, the new Government and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage have been too slow in moving to stop the spread.

“The Minister needs to start getting more done to ensure that Conservation is not a forgotten priority.

“On top of her inexplicable failure to rollout monitoring cameras on fishing boats to better protect our marine species she is fast looking like she is either uncommitted to conservation or failing to get the support of her fellow governing parties to do her job.

“In the meantime action on protecting our environment has gone backwards, kauri dieback continues to spread, and we need more action from our floundering Government.”

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Helping hand for hospital redevelopment

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Helping hand for hospital redevelopment

The Government has today given a small community-run hospital a boost to help with a long-awaited rebuild.
Confirming a $1 million grant for the redevelopment of Maniototo Hospital Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said investing in basic services like health was a priority for the Government.
“We only have to look at the issues currently playing out at Middlemore Hospital to see the impact of years of underinvestment in the sector.
“Maniototo Hospital is an example of the best community-led health providers. It plays a vital role in the region with its integrated services providing primary care, medical beds, aged care and community services,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“It is run by a not for profit registered charity and is the only significant health facility in the area. The resident GP is also the chief medical officer and the nearest hospital is over an hour’s drive away.”
The $7 million redevelopment will see the existing rest home facilities converted to a medical centre and community services facility while two new wings will house administration, emergency services and 29 new bed for use across acute medical, hospital level and rest home level care.
“Funding for the hospital was a promise we made before the election. We have now delivered on it.
“However it is testament to the hard work of Maniototo Health Services Ltd and the dedication and passion of locals that the project is finally coming to fruition,” Jacinda Ardern said.

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‘Young, thriving Māori workforce’ key to boosting future economy

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: ‘Young, thriving Māori workforce’ key to boosting future economy

The Minister of Employment Willie Jackson has welcomed the release of a report finding that removing the inequalities faced by Māori would boost the economy by $2.6 billion each year.
The Change Agenda: Income Equity for Māori report, developed by Tokona Te Raki: Māori Futures Collective, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL), considers how inequalities experienced by Māori will impact on New Zealand’s skills and labour markets in the future.
“This country’s prosperity in the future will depend on a young, thriving Māori workforce, particularly given that Māori will make up one-sixth of the New Zealand workforce by 2038,” says Willie Jackson.
“The latest employment figures still show that Māori are over-represented in negative employment statistics when compared to national rates.
“We have a real opportunity as Government to utilise this potential – for the benefit of all New Zealanders – and reduce a number of the barriers Kiwis face in gaining dignified work with a decent wage.
“This will require us to work in new ways and come together to create new and bold solutions. This Government is committed to improving the coordination of employment-related support, including ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of the skills systems and labour market.
“We cannot achieve this on our own and I challenge Iwi, communities, businesses and education providers to work with us to maximise our impact,” Willie Jackson said.
A copy of the report can be found here: maorifutures.co.nz 

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End of irrigation subsidies a win for taxpayers and environment, say Greens

Source: Green Party

Headline: End of irrigation subsidies a win for taxpayers and environment, say Greens

The Green Party is today marking a significant step toward cleaner rivers and less climate pollution, with the wind down of taxpayer subsidies for industrial irrigation schemes, as outlined in the Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Green and Labour Parties.

“Today’s announcement marks an important step in cleaning up our rivers and protecting our water and climate for generations to come,” said Green Party Co-leader James Shaw.

“The Green Party’s Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Labour Party promised to wind down government support for irrigation. Today’s announcement delivers on that promise.

“Many of these industrial-scale irrigation schemes weren’t economically viable without taxpayer subsidies and led directly to over-intensive dairy conversions and increases in water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

“New Zealanders want clean rivers and lakes, and they want to be able to trust the water coming out of their taps. We also want to play our part in the global fight against climate change, by significantly reducing our emissions.

“Large-scale irrigation projects and dairy conversions put all of that at risk. The industrial-scale irrigation schemes subsidised by the Crown Irrigation Fund created dependency, increased farm debt and led to increased pollution.

“We need environmentally friendly systems for conserving, managing and storing water, and which build resilience in our farms and in our towns,” said Mr Shaw.

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Government to wind down irrigation funding while honouring existing commitments

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Government to wind down irrigation funding while honouring existing commitments

The Government has begun winding down public funding for large-scale irrigation through Crown Irrigation Investments Limited (CIIL), in line with the Coalition Agreement and the Confidence & Supply Agreement.
“The decisions announced today are the result of an extensive review of how to wind down funding through CIIL while honouring existing commitments, as provided for in the agreements signed on the formation of the Government. The decisions will provide certainty to the individual schemes which had applied for Government funding alongside private investment,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson says.
“This represents a shift in priorities to the previous government. Large-scale private irrigation schemes should be economically viable on their own, without requiring significant public financing. We must also be mindful of the potential for large-scale irrigation to lead to intensive farming practices which may contribute to adverse environmental outcomes.”
All existing CIIL commitments for development contracts will be honoured to the close of the current phase of each contract. In addition, three schemes will be funded for their construction phases due to their advanced status, subject to meeting the normal requirements of the fund. One is already under construction and the two other schemes have signed term sheets with CIIL.
The three commitments are for:
Completion of Central Plains Water Stage 2: situated on the Canterbury Plains
Construction of the Kurow-Duntroon scheme: situated in Kurow, South Canterbury
Construction of the Waimea Community Dam: situated in Nelson/Tasman
“The funding for these projects can be met within the current appropriations, should Waimea and Kurow Duntroon reach financial close within their allowed timeframes,” Grant Robertson says.
“I recognise that this decision will be disappointing for proponents of projects that won’t be considered or progressed. However, a decision had to be taken on how to put into practice the agreements made on formation of the Government. It is important to remember that schemes may be able to continue, but the Government believes that public subsidies for large-scale private irrigation can instead be better directed to other areas of need.
“We recognise that year-round water availability is important for drier areas of New Zealand. Smaller-scale, locally run and environmentally sustainable water storage projects could be considered on a case-by-case basis through the Provincial Growth Fund, due to the importance water plays in growing our provinces. Smaller local schemes will help more of our vital regions better prepare for increasingly recurring climatic events such as drought.
“Any proposed water storage projects would be expected to meet criteria demonstrating strong alignment with the objectives of the Provincial Growth Fund, and in particular must be environmentally sustainable and deliver benefits across a community.”
Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor says access to water is vital to New Zealand’s farmers, growers and rural communities, which provide the grunt for our economy.
“My vision is for a resilient primary sector striving for value over volume and this means large-scale irrigation schemes must be environmentally and economically viable, with vital regional infrastructure supported by the Government. This will provide a good balance to ensure better outcomes for all New Zealanders.”
Notes to editors on the three schemes which will be funded for their construction phase due to their advanced status, subject to meeting the normal requirements of the fund:
Central Plains Water Stage 2:
CIIL currently has one investment, a $65m loan facility to fund construction of Central Plains Water Stage 2 (CPW2), a $200 million project. The construction for this is well underway and due to be completed in August 2018. CIIL is contractually bound to honour its commitment to CPW2.
Kurow Duntroon:
CIIL currently has signed a construction funding term sheet with the Kurow Duntroon scheme in South Canterbury.
The Kurow Duntroon scheme incorporates replacement of existing aged open-canal to piped irrigation infrastructure as well as an expansion to the size of the existing scheme. The infrastructure upgrade should increase resilience in the community against drought. The project will retire water abstraction from small streams which are currently allocated via Mining Rights which expire in 2021.
Without the scheme, abstraction from these streams will need to be significantly reduced from 2021, which will adversely affect current farming outputs. The scheme serves a mix of dairy, sheep and beef, viticulture and other sectors. The Kurow Duntroon scheme is targeting financial close in May 2018.
Waimea:
CIIL currently has signed a construction funding term sheet with the Waimea scheme in the Nelson region.
The Waimea scheme is primarily targeted towards the horticulture and viticulture sectors in the Nelson region and potentially aids the regional council with their local water supply issues by increasing minimum flows in the Waimea River. The Waimea scheme is targeting financial close in June 2018. CIIL’s potential capital funding commitment for Waimea is $35m.