Category: Politics

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Pacific artists to help chart future at Pacific Arts Summit 2018

Associate Minister for Pacific Peoples, and Arts, Culture and Heritage Carmel Sepuloni will today open the Creative New Zealand Pacific Arts Summit 2018 at Te Papa in Wellington.
 The two day summit will involve more than 150 contemporary and heritage Pacific artists who will help chart the future of Pacific Arts by sharing ideas, experiences and their aspirations for the future.
A key aspect of the summit is informing the development of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy, which will underpin its approach to supporting the long term development of Pacific Arts.
“The contribution Pacific arts make to the wider New Zealand arts community is significant, and it is growing,” said Carmel Sepuloni
“I am sure these two days will be full of constructive talanoa and inspiring ideas, which will help guide Creative New Zealand to support the ongoing development of a vibrant Pacific Arts sector.
“Pacific Arts make a major contribution to the unique cultural identity of our Pacific nation and are a touchstone that helps connect us all to our Pacific neighbours.
“I would like to commend the Arts Council, Creative New Zealand and its partners for putting together such a comprehensive programme that offers so many opportunities for artists to fono with other artists, arts organisations and stakeholders.
“It’s the right approach to enable the development of a future-focused, sector-led strategy that supports Pacific Arts to grow their important contribution to our unique cultural identity,” Carmel Sepuloni said. 
Creative New Zealand plans to complete its strategy later this year.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Helping international innovators connect, collaborate and undertake R&D in NZ

Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods has today formally launched the Innovative Partnership programme which aims to attract future-focused international innovators and firms to undertake R&D and develop their products in New Zealand.
 
“This Government is committed to developing New Zealand as a hub for high-value, knowledge intensive businesses that create value through innovation and R&D,” said Woods.
 
“The Innovative Partnerships programme, which is led by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, engages with innovative companies that are pushing the boundaries of technology and solving the world’s big problems, and promotes the compelling advantages of working in New Zealand.
 
“These companies are then connected with the right people, businesses, agencies, research organisations and universities, as well as supported through navigating central and local governments,” says Woods.
 
The official launch of the programme comes after American innovator Kitty Hawk Corporation, operating in New Zealand as Zephyr Airworks, credited Innovative
Partnerships as part of the reason it is testing its revolutionary air taxi technology in New Zealand.
 
“International innovators are finding our unique expertise, resources and talent, together with our size and location, offer surprising advantages when it comes to turning ideas into reality.
 
“Zephyr Airworks’ presence in New Zealand will build capability in our own science system – partially in areas like software engineering, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, composite material, and aviation design.
 
“New Zealand has a long history of innovation and being at the front of change. Our future is still being imagined and we are determined to play an active role in shaping it for the better through new ideas, new innovations, and new ways of looking at the world,” said Woods.
 
The Innovative Partnerships programme is run by small team of experts dedicated to helping R&D players connect, collaborate and innovate in New Zealand.
 
While the programme is led by MBIE, multiple agencies across local and central governments work together to support and facilitate the elements that influence a decision to undertake R&D in New Zealand. More information on the programme is available on MBIE’s website.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Chatham Islands Waitangi Wharf opened

The new Waitangi Wharf on Rēkohu/Chatham Islands/Wharekauri was officially opened by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin today.
 “This $52 million wharf upgrade is very significant for the Chatham Islands community, which relies on shipping for essential resources, like diesel for the electricity grid and fuel for air services,” says Minister Martin.
 “The increased operating capacity of the wharf will also have flow on effects for the local economy, with exports accounting for a significant proportion of the Chatham Islands income.
 “The upgraded wharf will make shipping more reliable, improve the health and safety of those that use Waitangi Wharf and improve animal welfare for exported livestock.”
 The wharf upgrade includes:
a 163 metre breakwater made of 4000 Xblocs (an interlocking concrete block designed to protect the wharf from the impact of incoming waves);
10,700 square metres of port area;
a 90 metre long cargo wharf;
a 35 metre fishermen’s wharf; and
water tanks for 100 cattle.
 The Minister said the project was logistically difficult given the Chatham Islands’ geographical isolation and challenging weather conditions, but it was delivered efficiently and cost effectively by a cross-government and industry partnership, led by the Memorial Park Alliance. The Alliance includes the Department of Internal Affairs, the New Zealand Transport Agency, HEB Construction, Downer, Tonkin & Taylor, and AECOM.
 “The opening of the Waitangi Wharf is the culmination of years of hard work from community groups, the private sector and government agencies. They should be congratulated for how they have worked together to deliver such an important project for the Chatham Islands,” says Minister Martin.
 ENDS
 Contact Richard Ninness 029 235 0423

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Appointment of Associate Judge of the High Court

Auckland Barrister Peter Andrew has been appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court, Attorney‑General David Parker announced today.
Associate Judge Andrew graduated from the University of Otago in 1984 with a BA and an LLB, and joined the Auckland Crown Solicitor’s office, Meredith Connell & Co.
 In 1990, after studying with the University of Kiel in Germany and graduating with an LLM in Public International Law, he joined the Auckland office of Russell McVeagh as a senior solicitor. He practiced in the employment law and commercial litigation fields.
 From 1993 to 1999 Associate Judge Andrew was a Crown Counsel in the Treaty Issues and International Law Team at Crown Law, representing the Crown in public law litigation in the courts at all levels, and as a member of the Crown negotiating team for Treaty of Waitangi settlements in relation to Ngāi Tahu and Tūrangi.
 He was the Treaty team leader and appeared frequently in the Waitangi Tribunal on historical and contemporary Treaty claims.
 In 1999 Associate Judge Andrew left Crown Law to join the independent Bar.  As a Barrister, he specialised in public law and civil litigation, including litigation over Treaty settlements and trust and equity litigation in the specialist Maori Land Courts. 
 He also has significant adjudication experience as a member of the Refugee Status Appeals Authority and the Weathertight Homes Tribunal.
 The new Associate Judge will be sworn in on 23 March 2018 and will sit in Auckland.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Strong growth opportunities in the food and beverage sector

Three reports launched today by Minister for Economic Development David Parker show New Zealand’s food and beverage sector is growing quickly. 
 “The Food and Beverage reports highlight double digit growth across many non-traditional categories in the sector,” says Mr Parker.
 “That’s great news for our economy, in particular our regions who are well placed to capitalise.
 “Leading products include mānuka honey, chocolate, cherries and shellfish all showing strong growth.
 “The reports highlight that authentic and natural products utilising New Zealand’s brand attributes are attracting significant price premiums, which is great news for our producers. 
 “It’s important we as a Government continue to support innovation in the sector while fostering the economic conditions for it to thrive,” says Mr Parker. 
 The reports are part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Food and Beverage Information Project.  They identify 51 high growth non-traditional categories with export revenue of over NZ$10 billion.
 They also profile the 20 food and beverage categories that have shown very strong growth and have significant upside. Exports of these 20 categories were valued at NZ$3.64 billion in 2016 and have grown at 14 per cent a year over the past five years.
 “The coalition Government is committed to expanding the economies of New Zealand’s regions,” says Mr Parker.  “Reports like these are vital resource which help private enterprise, economic development agencies and officials target areas likely to provide the greatest economic benefit.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Minister welcomes Chatham Islands wharf reopening and meets civil defence community

Minister of Civil Defence Hon Kris Faafoi says the reopening today of the Waitangi Wharf by Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Tracy Martin is a milestone that will improve the resilience of the Chatham Islands to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Mr Faafoi today celebrated the reopening of the redeveloped wharf with a number of his Parliamentary colleagues, iwi and the local community. The project has been led by the Department of Internal Affairs.
“Waitangi Wharf is a critical lifeline for the Chatham Islands, and this upgrade will provide greater security for the supply of vital supplies, such as diesel for the electricity grid, fuel for air services, and regular transport of basic essentials such as food. This means that when an emergency strikes, the Chathams will be better placed than ever before to get the supplies and help they need.”
Mr Faafoi is visiting the Chatham Islands today to visit the port and to discuss matters relating to his Civil Defence portfolio with the local council and community. Top of the agenda was the Ministerial Review looking at improving how New Zealand responds to natural disasters and other emergencies.
“I’m conscious that the Chatham Islands faces a number of unique challenges when it comes to emergency management, and I’m looking forward to hearing what community leaders have to say about how we manage emergencies more effectively.”
Mr Faafoi also recognised the efforts of Rana Solomon for her contribution to emergency management to the Chatham and Pitt Islands, through the presentation of an award recognising 10 years’ service to Civil Defence Emergency Management.
“As emergency manager, Rana has led the response to a number of serious incidents, including Cyclone Pam, tsunami and wildfire events.
“Rana has also led a wide range of initiatives to help improve the safety and resilience of communities on the Chatham and Pitt islands. It’s a privilege to recognise her commitment and dedication to keeping her community safe.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Education Minister leads delegation to global teaching conference

Education Minister Chris Hipkins leaves for Europe tomorrow where he will lead a New Zealand delegation at a major education conference.
Leaders and representatives of the teaching profession and education officials will accompany Mr Hipkins to the International Summit on the Teaching Profession in Lisbon on 22 March.
The Summit is aimed at identifying best practices worldwide that strengthen the teaching profession and raise student achievement. 
The delegation includes the Secretary of Education, teacher union representatives, and leaders from the early learning and Māori medium education sectors.
Before arriving in Lisbon, Mr Hipkins will discuss education matters with experts and government Ministers in Singapore, London and Edinburgh.
Mr Hipkins said the visits are a valuable opportunity to share the strengths of the New Zealand education system and learn about what others are doing. 
“Education systems the world over are grappling with similar issues including underachievement among some groups and changes to schooling that are needed to prepare students for life in a rapidly changing world. 
“We have a lot to gain by sharing our experiences and I am looking forward to hearing about what really makes a difference in other countries as we embark on our ambitious education work programme here at home.”
In Singapore, Mr Hipkins is due to meet Ng Chee Meng, Singapore’s Minister for Schools, and sign an Education Cooperation Arrangement. He will also meet Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Higher Education and Skills, and Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer, SkillsFuture Singapore Agency.
In Scotland he will meet the Chair of the General Teaching Council of Scotland, Ken Muir, and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, John Swinney.
In England he will meet with Secretary of State for Education Damian Hinds and visit the Education Institute at the University College London, one of the world’s leading education faculties. He will arrive back in New Zealand on Monday 26 March.