Category: Politics

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.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: New Zealand Youth Awards 2018 Launch

Nominations are now open for the New Zealand Youth Awards 2018. These annual awards recognise and celebrate young New Zealanders who have achieved outstanding results, as well as those who have made a significant contribution in their communities, Minister for Youth Peeni Henare announced today. 
“The New Zealand Youth Awards 2018 builds on the success of previous years, and in 2018 we will recognise 18 rangatahi, nominated by their peers and communities, across six distinct award categories,” Peeni Henare said.
“The categories in 2018 recognise crucial skills and personal qualities such as leadership, empathy, working for the benefit of others and caring for our environment. As Minister for Youth, I want to take the time to honour our rangatahi on behalf of the communities they serve and represent.
“It is great to see young people at the forefront of leading initiatives and supporting their communities in areas such as the arts, culture, education, business and the environment.
“I want to encourage more young people to develop their natural leadership skills and mana. These Awards are both to inspire and give confidence to other young people that it could be them receiving an award next.” 
“This year, I am also excited to introduce the junior and senior Supreme Awards to recognise two outstanding young people who have tirelessly worked to advocate for and make a demonstrably significant contribution to address the current needs of young people in their community.
“I want to encourage all New Zealanders, across every community from Kaitaia to Bluff, to nominate someone who deserves recognition for their achievements.” 
“New Zealand is awash with committed, creative and talented young people who, through their own desire for social good, are leading innovative change and developing creative solutions right on our doorstep. The New Zealand Youth Awards are our opportunity to place the spotlight on these rangatahi and show off their leadership achievements and contributions to their communities. With our support, they will continue to achieve nationally and internationally,” Peeni Henare said.
Applications are now open and will close midday 26 April 2018. The award winners will be formally recognised at a celebratory event on 28 June 2018.
For more information on the New Zealand Youth Awards 2018, visit http://www.myd.govt.nz/young-people/new-zealand-youth-awards.html  .

Contact: Patisepa Helu 021 821 562