New Zealand Government

Speech: Sharples - Iwi Leader Dinner

Friday, 21 August 2009, 10:16 am | New Zealand Government

Almost quarter of a century ago, the son of a humble labourer stood in front of the National Party 1986 Annual conference, and told them all, “I am a Maori…. I do not want to be anything else”. John Te Rangianiwaniwa Rangihau received many prestigious ... More >>

Speech: Turia - Otara Citizens Advice Bureau : AGM

Friday, 21 August 2009, 10:14 am | New Zealand Government

I am so disappointed that I am unable to be with you in person, but I hope through the wonders of technology I can at least express my congratulations to you all, for a magnificent 37 years of service. I was reading about a local reggae band, a Tongan ... More >>

Never lose sight of service, new police urged

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 4:59 pm | New Zealand Government

Police Minister Judith Collins today urged new police graduates to go the extra mile in serving the public, particularly victims of crime. Speaking to the graduation ceremony for Wing 258 at the Royal New Zealand Police College at Porirua, Ms Collins ... More >>

More patients getting elective surgery

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 4:14 pm | New Zealand Government

Health Minister Tony Ryall has announced a record increase in elective surgery for the financial year just ended. "The National-led government came to power promising more elective surgery for New Zealanders, after years of Labour-led neglect that ... More >>

Rudd-Key Joint Statement: Pacific Development

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 3:57 pm | New Zealand Government

Australia and New Zealand commit to a new Partnership for Development Cooperation to further integrate the delivery of our development cooperation in the Pacific and make a real difference to the lives of the 2.7 million people living in poverty by ... More >>

Rudd-Key Joint Statement: Single Economic Market

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 3:52 pm | New Zealand Government

We, the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, signalled last March that we are committed to accelerating regulatory harmonisation and alignment in order to stimulate business and create jobs. To that end, we have agreed on a framework of ... More >>

Rudd-Key Joint Statement: Trans-Tasman Cooperation

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 3:50 pm | New Zealand Government

Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and John Key held their fourth bilateral meeting in Canberra on 20 August 2009 during Prime Minister Key’s official visit to Australia. The Prime Ministers agreed on the imperative for continued strong and coordinated international ... More >>

Fetal specialists network to help mothers, babies

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 2:54 pm | New Zealand Government

"We are a small population spread across a large distance and we need to use our few resources wisely," says Health Minister Tony Ryall. The Health Minister has announced $115,000 start up funding and an ongoing $402,000 per year for a new national Maternal ... More >>

Bill to protect child victims of domestic violence

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 2:51 pm | New Zealand Government

Another bill to protect the victims of domestic violence was introduced to Parliament today by Justice Minister Simon Power. The Child and Family Protection Bill will focus on keeping children safe where there have been instances of family violence ... More >>

Traffic light system for disaster-damaged building

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 1:22 pm | New Zealand Government

Civil Defence Minister John Carter is urging local authorities to use new guidelines when assessing the damage to buildings in events such as earthquakes and explosions. More >>

Work to improve trans-Tasman immigration processes

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 1:21 pm | New Zealand Government

Immigration Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman announced today that Australian and New Zealand immigration officials will be working together to improve immigration processes for trans-Tasman travel. More >>

SmartGate streamlines trans-Tasman travel

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 1:20 pm | New Zealand Government

Today’s announcement by New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the installation of SmartGate will make it simpler and more efficient to cross the Tasman, says Customs Minister Maurice Williamson. More >>

Govt streamlines trans-Tasman travel

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 1:16 pm | New Zealand Government

Biosecurity Minister David Carter today confirmed details of improvements to biosecurity screening, aimed at making trans-Tasman travel faster and easier. Changes include a new express arrivals lane for travellers identified as low biosecurity risk, a ... More >>

Trans-Tasman travel to become faster, easier

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 1:15 pm | New Zealand Government

Travelling between Australia and New Zealand will become faster and easier as the Government streamlines border processes for passengers, Prime Minister John Key announced today. More >>

Govt wants strategic plan for Kapiti highway

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 12:46 pm | New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has asked the New Zealand Transport Agency to develop a strategic roading plan for the Kapiti Coast, clearly identifying the long-term corridor for State Highway 1 through the district. He wants a permanent alignment ... More >>

CIE tutor wins Minister’s Excellence Award

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 12:04 pm | New Zealand Government

Corrections Inmate Employment instructor Paul Jack was today presented the Minister’s Excellence Award by Corrections Minister Judith Collins. Mr Jack received the award at the Corrections Officer graduation ceremony at Upper Hutt’s Rimutaka Prison. ... More >>

Improving performance in tertiary education

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 11:14 am | New Zealand Government

Governance will be improved at polytechnics alongside a more flexible interventions framework in a Bill being introduced to Parliament today, Tertiary Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced. “Polytechnics are extremely important to their communities ... More >>

Support for Taiwan following Typhoon Morakot

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 10:53 am | New Zealand Government

New Zealand will provide up to $100,000 to support relief efforts in Taiwan following Typhoon Morakot, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today. “New Zealand extends its condolences to the people of Taiwan over the destruction caused by Typhoon Morakot,” ... More >>

Ministers welcome start of PACER Plus talks

Thursday, 20 August 2009, 10:23 am | New Zealand Government

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Trade Minister Tim Groser today welcomed the recommendation from the Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ meeting that talks on the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) formally commence. ... More >>

Ministers head to Leadership Forum in Sydney

Wednesday, 19 August 2009, 5:34 pm | New Zealand Government

Senior Ministers will explain the Government’s programme to Australia’s political and business leaders at the sixth annual Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum in Sydney this weekend, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.

“Australia is our closest neighbour, our closest ally, our closest economic partner, and our closest market. The importance of the trans-Tasman relationship cannot be overstated,” said Mr McCully, who leads the New Zealand delegation. More >>