New Zealand Government

New Zealand Government - Latest News [Page 1532]

Taskforce report requires practical decisions

Monday, 30 November 2009, 1:55 pm | New Zealand Government

The Government will consider the 2025 Taskforce’s recommendations and make practical decisions about them, Finance Minister Bill English says. “The Taskforce’s report issued today raises some interesting ideas and challenges, which will hopefully generate ... More >>

Global summit focuses on landmines

Monday, 30 November 2009, 12:28 pm | New Zealand Government

Disarmament Minister Georgina te Heuheu leaves today for Cartagena, Colombia to take part in a global summit on landmines. Participants will review the international Treaty that banned the use of anti-personnel landmines. The National Government played ... More >>

New members for Marsden Fund Council

Monday, 30 November 2009, 12:03 pm | New Zealand Government

Two distinguished researchers have been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council They are Victoria University Professors James Belich and Timothy Naish. In addition to the new appointments, Professor Roger Morris of Massey University has been reappointed. ... More >>

Trade Minister to WTO Ministerial Conference

Friday, 27 November 2009, 3:45 pm | New Zealand Government

Trade Minister Tim Groser will travel to Geneva tomorrow to attend the WTO 7th Ministerial Conference from 30 November - 2 December. Mr Groser says this Conference will consider the WTO’s contribution to growth, recovery and development in the current global ... More >>

Dunne: Tax bill brings greater certainty, clarity

Friday, 27 November 2009, 3:14 pm | New Zealand Government

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has welcomed the passage of a tax bill that brings “greater certainty and clarity” into New Zealand tax law. “The Taxation (Consequential Rate Alignment and Remedial Matters) Bill was technical in nature, but important,” ... More >>

Local people boosting global connections

Friday, 27 November 2009, 12:57 pm | New Zealand Government

Ethnic Affairs Minister Pansy Wong looks forward to welcoming the international delegates of the 14th General Assembly of the Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia and the Pacific (RISEAP). Auckland is currently playing host to the conference, ... More >>

Instant Biosecurity Fine Raised to $400

Friday, 27 November 2009, 12:24 pm | New Zealand Government

The instant biosecurity fine is to be doubled to $400 after the Biosecurity Amendment Bill passed its final reading in Parliament last night. “The bill represents a major step towards improving border processing, while cracking down on travellers ... More >>

Raising achievement for Pasifika students

Friday, 27 November 2009, 12:22 pm | New Zealand Government

Education Minister Anne Tolley says the revised Pasifika Education Plan 2009-2012, which was launched today, will focus on raising achievement among Pasifika students. “In virtually all areas, Pasifika participation and achievement in education is ... More >>

Minister launches plan to lift Pacific education

Friday, 27 November 2009, 11:13 am | New Zealand Government

Pacific Island Affairs Minister Georgina te Heuheu today described the revised Pasifika Education Plan 2009-2012 as a key stepping stone to raise Pacific education results. “Along with young Maori, Pacific young people are our future workforce,” she ... More >>

Speech: Dunne - Dental Clinic/Oral Health Strategy

Friday, 27 November 2009, 10:51 am | New Zealand Government

Tena koutou katoa, and good morning. I am very pleased to be here today to mark this important step in improving the oral health of the children in the Tairawhiti district. Before I talk about this particular facility and the benefits it will bring to the ... More >>

Poroporoaki ki a Jane Marsden

Friday, 27 November 2009, 10:19 am | New Zealand Government

Tangi kau nei tōku ngākau kua hinga rā tētahi o ngā Totara o te waonui o Ngāi Takoto. Inā te mahi he wahine, he rangatira. E te whaea, e te kuia, e te tuahine moe mai rā, moe mai rā koe. Haere atu ki te pō uriuri, ki te pō tangotango, haere ... More >>

Legal aid review released

Friday, 27 November 2009, 10:16 am | New Zealand Government

Justice Minister Simon Power says he is deeply concerned by the findings of Dame Margaret Bazley's review of the legal aid system and the Government will act very quickly on its recommendations. He announced the release of the final report on the ... More >>

Partial defence of provocation abolished

Friday, 27 November 2009, 10:15 am | New Zealand Government

The partial defence of provocation is to be abolished after the Crimes (Provocation Repeal) Amendment bill was passed last nigth. "The bill represents another step towards making the justice system fairer and less traumatic for victims of crime and their ... More >>

Authority to account for economic conditions

Friday, 27 November 2009, 10:07 am | New Zealand Government

The Remuneration Authority must now take into account adverse economic conditions when setting MPs salaries, says Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson. The Remuneration Authority Amendment Bill completed its passage through Parliament tonight. “This ... More >>

Sharples welcomes new Te Ohu Kaimoana chair

Thursday, 26 November 2009, 5:04 pm | New Zealand Government

Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples is welcoming the appointment of Ngati Kahungunu's Ngahiwi Tomoana as its new chairman. “I have no doubt that Ngahiwi will seize all opportunities for Te Ohu Kaimona in this time of great change and ... More >>

Pasture renewal does more than grow grass

Thursday, 26 November 2009, 12:59 pm | New Zealand Government

A report on the value of increased pasture renewal shows that a further $1.6 billion could be injected into farmer incomes and the New Zealand economy, Agriculture Minister David Carter said today. More >>

Sharples: Contract Management of Prisons Bill

Thursday, 26 November 2009, 12:38 pm | New Zealand Government

Tēnā koe, Mr Chairperson. I would like to take a call on this bill to make it very clear that I am the Associate Minister of Corrections. I asked for the portfolio because I have spent a lot of my time since the 1970s working in prisons in New Zealand ... More >>