Submissions on Telecom Plan under consideration <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226244917/submissions+telecom+plan+under+consideration>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 08:08 PM CST
Communications and Information Technology Minister David Cunliffe is now considering submissions on Telecom's Amended Separation Plan. Submissions closed on 25 January.
"The submissions have raised some significant issues that I will be giving serious and careful consideration to before making my decision," Mr Cunliffe said.
"Most submitters have acknowledged that Telecom's Amended Separation Plan is a significant improvement on Telecom's original plan, while raising a number of potentially significant outstanding issues."
"While I am conscious of the need to progress the operational separation process as quickly as possible, I am carefully considering all options available to me. Accordingly, at this stage I am not ruling out any options, including potential rejection of the Amended Plan."
The Minister called for submissions on 24 December 2007 after receiving Telecom's Amended Separation Plan on 21 December.
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Christchurch South Police Station opening <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226268944/christchurch+south+police+station+opening>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 09:02 PM CST
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Spectacular central Otago landscape protected <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226253541/spectacular+central+otago+landscape+protected>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 08:20 PM CST
The Labour-led government is continuing to protect biodiversity and spectacular landscape in the South Island high country with the purchase of almost 8,000 hectares of land between Omarama and St Bathans, Land Information Minister David Parker and Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick announced today.
The 7,861 hectare Twinburn property is a pastoral lease in Central Otago. It is located within the boundaries of the proposed Oteake Conservation Park and adjoins Michael Peak Station, which the government bought last year to also include in the park.
"The purchase of Twinburn is another key milestone in establishing the conservation park and means there will be permanent public access to areas where there has been limited access in the past," David Parker said.
"New recreational areas will be opened up for activities like cross country skiing, tramping, horse riding, mountain biking and photography. Opportunities include the ascent of Central Otago's highest peak, Mt St Bathans, and four wheel drive travel across the dividing range between Otago and Canterbury."
Steve Chadwick said the property had high conservation values because of its beautiful landscape, distinctive plant life, and exciting recreational opportunities.
"It covers a substantial part of the St Bathans Range of Central Otago and forms an integral part of the stunning Upper Manuherikia basin. This is one of only two basins in Central Otago remaining with indigenous vegetation from the valley floor to the tops.
"The biodiversity values include shrublands, wetlands and tussock grasslands, set on the unique Canterbury-Otago greywacke-schist transition zone."
The property was purchased from the Patterson family for $4.8 million. About 7,000 hectares of Twinburn will become conservation land. However, irrigated and other developed farmland will be available to exchange for other areas in the vicinity with high conservation values.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Why did the government buy the whole of Twinburn?
The pastoral lessee (the Patterson family) approached the government offering the property for sale as a whole. The government was interested because about 90 percent of the property is suitable for conservation purposes, and adjoins Michael Peak Station, which was purchased last year by the government. Together, land from these properties will form an important part of the proposed Oteake Conservation Park.
The Crown takes possession of Twinburn today.
Where is the property located and what is it currently used for?
The Twinburn pastoral lease is divided into two blocks: a 1,928 ha Home Block on the Omarama side of the St Bathans Range and a 5,933 ha Run Block in the upper Manuherikia River catchment. Twinburn adjoins the Michael Peak property to the south and east.
Twinburn is situated about 16km from Omarama and 15km from St Bathans. The property provides views of Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, including the Hawkdun, Ewe and Dunstan ranges and Chain Hills.
Twinburn is predominantly steep hill country and mainly run as a merino fine wool operation, although small numbers of cattle and deer are also farmed.
Some 6,000 hectares of Twinburn have not been developed and so conservation values are high.
Will the lessee retain any interests or rights in the property?
About 360 hectares of developed land surrounding the homestead will be retained as Crown land by LINZ, with the lessee granted rights to occupy the homestead and to continue farming operations for two years (with a right of renewal for a further two years). This area is to be made available for the tenure review of the adjoining Dunstan Peaks pastoral lease property.
The lessee will have the right to graze about 1,500 hectares of land in the Home Block for two years (non-renewable). This is land that has been oversown and topdressed. The lessee will also retain a right of way for farming and stock movement over some existing farm tracks. In addition, the lessee will be able to continue grazing part of the Run Block until April 2008.
How was the sale price determined?
The purchase price for Twinburn was negotiated between the lessee (the Patterson family) and Land Information New Zealand, based on market valuation. Both parties obtained expert valuation advice.
What progress is being made on high country parks?
Significant progress has been made towards the establishment of a network of high country parks (about 20 are proposed). Seven new parks have been opened (Ahuriri, Korowai-Torlesse, Te Papanui, Eyre Mountains/Taka Ra Haka, Ruataniwha, Molesworth, and Hakatere).
Except for Molesworth, the parks were formed from land obtained through tenure review and lease purchases being combined with already existing public conservation land.
The establishment of further parks depends on land being made available from tenure review and lease purchases, which are voluntary negotiated processes. Broadly speaking, however, park formation is anticipated in areas such as the Ida/Hawkdun/St Bathans range (Oteake), the Kaikouras, the Two Thumb Range, the Remarkables, and Lake Hawea headwaters.
Do any other properties need to be acquired before the Oteake Conservation Park can be established?
Substantial progress has been made towards the proposed Oteake Conservation Park, especially as a result of this purchase, last year's purchase of Michael Peak Station, and a number of tenure review outcomes. Tenure reviews and land exchanges are likely to contribute further areas to the park in the future.
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This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now <https://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/twinburn map - for media release PDF.pdf>
Fuel economy standard proposed to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226244918/fuel+economy+standard+proposed+further+reduce+greenhouse+gas+emissions>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 07:19 PM CST
Another step towards New Zealand becoming a sustainable nation has been taken with the release of a discussion document on a Vehicle Fuel Economy Standard for all new and used light vehicles entering the fleet, Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard has announced.
The proposals aim at setting an appropriate standard to improve the fuel economy of vehicles entering New Zealand and in doing so will reduce both harmful emissions and New Zealanders' use of fuel. The discussion document seeks public feedback on a range of implementation options that would apply to all new and used passenger and light goods vehicles being introduced to the New Zealand fleet.
"The light vehicle fleet makes up 93 per cent of New Zealand's total vehicle fleet. In 2005, road transport represented 16 per cent of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions," said Judith Tizard.
The proposed standard is one of a range of Government initiatives, including the Emissions Trading Scheme and the fuel economy (star-rating) labelling scheme, that aim to deliver fuel economy and emission improvements while ensuring vehicle choice and availability is maintained for consumers. The fuel economy standard should influence importers and consumers to buy vehicles with better fuel economy.
"This will also help us to achieve our New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy emissions target of 170g of CO2/km by 2015 for light vehicles entering the fleet."
"The current average fuel economy of light vehicles entering New Zealand is about 210g of CO2 /km. Without further intervention, such as this proposed standard, we can expect this figure to fall well short of our target."
"This Standard will contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions, and help move us closer to a sustainable transport system for all New Zealanders. Further, by purchasing more fuel efficient vehicles, and driving and maintaining them well, New Zealanders will benefit from reduced running costs."
The full discussion document and submission forms are available on the Ministry of Transport's website www.transport.govt.nz. Submissions close on 28 March 2008.
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This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now <https://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/Sales Weighted Fuel Economy Standard - discussion document .pdf>
More flexibility for foreign seasonal labour workers <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226236936/more+flexibility+foreign+seasonal+labour+workers>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 07:51 PM CST
Changes are to be made to seasonal work policies to enable workers on visitors' permits greater flexibility to move between employers and regions, the Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove said today.
Mr Cosgrove said the changes would fine-tune the Transitional Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (TRSE) scheme and the Variation of Conditions (VoC) for seasonal work that was agreed upon with industry in September 2007. As agreed with industry at that time, visitors working under the TRSE or the VoC scheme were tied to a particular employer, to prevent frustrations over workers leaving without notice to work for another grower and not remaining for the season.
However Mr Cosgrove said industry's position on this has now changed.
"Industry feedback following December's cherry harvest in Central Otago is that restricting workers' mobility may be hindering efforts to recruit visitors for seasonal work, and that growers were finding it difficult to get enough workers to pick this year's expected bumper harvests," said Mr Cosgrove. "It appears that some visitors are put off applying for VoC or TRSE work permits if they can't follow the harvest trail or get a sustained period of work from one employer."
Mr Cosgrove said both the policies would therefore be changed so workers were not tied to a particular employer. "VoC workers will be able to work for any horticulture or viticulture employer in an area where a seasonal labour shortage has been declared, and TRSE workers will be able to work for any TRSE employer (within their allocated number of workers)," Mr Cosgrove said.
While these changes will go some way towards alleviating labour shortages this season, other issues such as a lack of accommodation and transport options in some parts of the country will also need to be addressed by industry in order to ensure a sustainable solution is reached.
Mr Cosgrove said the government would continue to work with Pacific countries supplying workers to Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE). "The RSE scheme is part of a long-term strategy put in place to bring experienced, reliable overseas workers to New Zealand each year to fill gaps in the seasonal workforce," Mr Cosgrove said. "The Department of Labour will monitor the situation to ensure the right of workers to fair pay and conditions are protected, and border security issues are not compromised."
The revised policies are expected to be in place by 12 February, which will give certainty to industry and workers ahead of the major pipfruit harvest.
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Charting our progress towards sustainability <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226169024/charting+our+progress+towards+sustainability>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 05:17 PM CST
Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to join you here today.
I am very pleased to accept this important report prepared by the Ministry for the Environment.
Environment New Zealand 2007 is significant as it provides a check up on the health of our environment, and charts New Zealand's journey towards sustainability.
As Hugh Logan has said, this is the first State of the Environment report released under the ministry's new environmental reporting framework, signed off by Cabinet just over a year ago. I look forward to the next national report in five years, and the planned annual updates on specific topics.
This report builds on the earlier 1997 report which I understand is the equivalent of a "bestseller" and has continued to be well used.
Environment New Zealand 2007 capitalises on huge improvements in environmental reporting tools since that earlier report. By capturing benchmark indicators, we will build up a clear picture of trends and pressures on our environment.
As a nation we strongly value our environment – our clean green environment is an integral part of our lifestyle and a cornerstone of who we are and how we are seen around the world.
Never before has there been such interest in the well-being of our environment.
Research shows that nine out of ten New Zealanders consider our environment to be important or very important. We rate the quality of our natural environment as the third most important aspect of New Zealand.
As a nation we are also aware that the environment underpins our economy – the top 15cm of our topsoil alone earns 17 per cent of our GDP.
Our farms, horticulture, fishing and tourism sectors are our bread and butter as well as our jam.
This report will guide us so we can continue to leverage off our valuable natural resources and maintain the kiwi lifestyle that we are all proud of, but in a sustainable way. A sustainable economy cannot be built on plundering the natural environment for short term gain.
As a nation we recognise the importance of New Zealand's clean green reputation to our international markets – it's not only a source of pride, it is also critical to our present and future economic well-being as consumers the world over seek out environmentally friendly and climate friendly products and services.
But there are many challenges and opportunities ahead for us to be sustainable and retain access to our key markets.
The Labour-led government has put sustainability at the heart of our thinking and decision-making.
We are taking leadership on sustainability and climate change issues through a substantial range of initiatives to help us reduce or mitigate our impact on our environment – from the proposed emissions trading scheme, support for households' energy efficiency and solar heating, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, environmental standards on air and water through to the multi million dollar funds for research into sustainable primary production and for sustainable land management.
The list is too huge to for me to go into but the full range of initiatives covering each area of focus in the report is set out in the Cabinet paper being released today.
Our quest for sustainability and to be the first truly sustainable nation could well become a defining characteristic of our unique national identity – just as our call to be nuclear-free defined us over twenty years ago.
And we will have a fantastic opportunity to show our leadership and commitment to smart sustainable actions when we have the honour of hosting the United Nation's World Environment Day on the 5th of June this year. The theme, "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy", encourages us to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
While this report has been formally presented to me as minister, it really is a report for every one who has a stake in our environment – not just policy analysts, lobbyists, farmers and business.
That's because the report shows the impacts of our everyday activities and choices: whether we're in central or local government, primary production, industry, iwi, communities or as families and individuals.
In particular, I would like to urge decision-makers from every sector, including everyone here today, to think about how they will respond to the valuable information in Environment New Zealand 2007. The report contains a wealth of information and key indicators which enable us to chart where we are now and to help us plan where we are going from here.
So how are we tracking?
As the Secretary for the Environment has said, the report shows there have been significant improvements in some areas.
But we need to do other things better, to retain our clean green reputation. We simply cannot afford to be complacent.
That is the point of reports like this – they enable us to target our policies and programmes towards the emerging areas of concern while ensuring we continue to gain rather than lose ground on areas where things are tracking well.
I am optimistic that by working together we can reinforce our environmental standing and respond creatively and with kiwi ingenuity to areas where more work needs to be done. This of course is not a job for government alone - we are all stakeholders in and guardians of New Zealand's precious natural environment.
Already, significant leadership is also being shown by local government, our industries and communities.
And we have some great examples of collaboration in communities around New Zealand. For instance, I'd like to acknowledge initiatives like the Fiordland Marine Guardians – made up of commercial and recreational fishers, tourist operators, dive clubs and conservationists. Together they have developed a plan to protect and sustain their unique marine environment and established eight new marine reserves of 9250 hectares.
The Dairying and Clean Streams Accord is another excellent example where central and local government, dairy farmers and Fonterra are working together to achieve clean, healthy waterways in dairying areas.
And you will find many more examples in the report of local actions that are making a difference.
Of course, more can be done, and we hope that this report leads to even greater action.
I am confident that by enhancing our environment credentials New Zealand will remain internationally competitive. New Zealanders are an innovative "can do" lot; we're techno savvy, we work smart and hard, and we have huge natural competitive advantages. If we can't do it, then who can?
In closing, I would like to thank the ministry for its leadership and commitment to this work. It was good to hear you've won a national award for the comprehensive and groundbreaking mapping information the report contains.
Thanks also to all the individuals and other organisations who have contributed to this report.
I want to reiterate that we are keen to work collaboratively and constructively with you about how we can meet the challenges and rise to the many opportunities that true sustainability and carbon neutrality offer New Zealand.
I hope Environment New Zealand 2007 becomes another bestseller and is still being used up until the release of the next report in five years. Enjoy the read.
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State of Environment New Zealand report welcomed <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226169026/state+environment+new+zealand+report+welcomed>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 05:05 PM CST
The report Environment New Zealand 2007 provides a timely check up on the health of our environment and charts New Zealand's journey towards sustainability, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard said at the report's launch today.
The report on the state of New Zealand's environment looks at the physical well-being of New Zealand's land, water, air, plants and animals. It measures the impact of every day activities and identifies trends and some pressures on our natural resources.
"This report, which will be produced every five years from now on, is an incredibly valuable tool. As a nation we value our clean green environment as part of our lifestyle and national identity. We recognise the importance of New Zealand's clean green reputation to our international markets – as it is critical to our present and future economic well-being as consumers the world over seek out environmentally friendly and climate friendly products and services," Trevor Mallard said.
"Our primary production and tourism sectors are the bread, butter and jam of our economy. This report is a valuable measuring tool which will guide us in policy work and decision making so we can continue to leverage off our valuable natural resources and maintain the kiwi lifestyle, in a way that is sustainable and internationally competitive.
"This report shows that together we have made significant improvements in some areas. But there are areas where we need to do other things better, to protect our clean green reputation. We simply cannot afford to be complacent.
"That is the point of reports like this – they enable central and local government, communities and business to work together to target policies, and work programmes towards the emerging areas of concern while ensuring we continue to gain rather than lose ground on areas where things are tracking well.
"The Labour-led government is already taking leadership in this area. A substantial work programme and range of initiatives is in place to help us reduce or mitigate our impact on our environment – from the proposed emissions trading scheme, support for households' energy efficiency and solar heating, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, environmental standards on air and water through to the multi million dollar funds for research into sustainable primary production and for sustainable land management.
"A full list of the government's work programme set against the indicators of the report is also released today in the Cabinet paper on the report," Trevor Mallard said.
The report, the cabinet paper and other information is at www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/ser/enz07-dec07/index.html
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Invercargill maps social priorities <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226169027/invercargill+maps+social+priorities>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 05:01 PM CST
A community report that maps social services in Invercargill District was launched today by Social Development and Employment Minister Ruth Dyson.
The report is the result of extensive community collaboration and identifies key social priorities for the district, which includes Invercargill City and Bluff.
The report is part of Local Services Mapping (LSM), a community-based process facilitated by the Ministry of Social Development. LSM is intended to help communities improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery to families. Local government is a key partner in the process.
"The purpose of Local Services Mapping is to build on existing community strengths to improve outcomes for families," said Ruth Dyson.
"By mapping local services, LSM helps identify and measure what is important to communities through a process of consultation, planning and reporting."
Information for the report was gathered from a range of sources, including surveys, focus groups and tapping into local service provider networks.
Social priorities identified in the Invercargill LSM report include:
* Identifying ways to relieve stress on caregivers
* Providing supported and emergency accommodation for youth aged 15-18, for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, and for single women in crisis
* Providing academic educational opportunities for teen parents
* Ensuring access to appropriate residential drug and alcohol services
* Developing a shared web-based information service for the region
The information in this report provides the foundation for the community response planning phase of the LSM process. This phase is already underway, and involves the community, non-government organisations and central and local governments working together to address the identified priorities.
LSM has become an important planning tool for district councils to achieve the wellbeing component of community outcomes identified in their Long-Term Council Community Plans. To date, approximately 37 territorial authorities throughout New Zealand are using LSM to identify ways to improve outcomes for families.
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More health practitioners to join battle against smoking <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226155768/more+health+practitioners+join+battle+against+smoking>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 04:44 PM CST
Midwives, dentists and other health practitioners will now be able to distribute cards for subsidised nicotine patches and gum to patients who smoke.
Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said over 10,000 health practitioners will now be able to distribute Quit Cards to their patients as part of new moves to increase access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
"Evidence shows that using NRT during a quit attempt doubles the chances of quitting long-term. For the price of a pack of cigarettes, smokers will be able to obtain an eight week supply of nicotine patches or gum," said Mr O'Connor.
From 1 February, all medical practitioners, including GPs, and midwives, dentists, optometrists and nurse practitioners will automatically be included in the Quit Cards (NRT) programme.
Mr O'Connor said increased access to NRT is the latest part of the government's ongoing tobacco control programme.
"Tobacco control is a high priority for this Labour-led government. In Budget 2007, the Labour-led government invested $43.6 million in additional funding over four years for smoking cessation services.
"Reducing the burden of chronic disease remains a key priority for this Government and supporting people to quit smoking is an important part of this."
The widened access to subsidised NRT coincides with the introduction of pictorial warnings on cigarette packets in late February, which is expected to increase quit attempts.
Currently, health professionals must complete a training course before being eligible to distribute Quit Cards and there are only about 400 GPs participating in the programme across the country.
Quit Cards are also delivered via the Government-funded Quitline and through the Quit Group's website www.quit.org.nz
With Quit Cards smokers can obtain an eight week supply of nicotine patches and/or gum for a cost of between $10 and $20. Later this year, the scheme will be expanded to include nicotine lozenges.
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Turning sod for new Christchurch South police station <https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/beehive-govt-nz/updates/~3/226140187/turning+sod+new+christchurch+south+police+station>
Posted: 30 Jan 2008 04:17 PM CST
Of all the new police stations with which I have been involved, I must say that none has been the subject of more lobbying than the new station for Christchurch South.
Most of that lobbying has been done by my colleague Jim Anderton, who has been a tireless advocate for better police facilities in Sydenham and Christchurch South generally.
And, as Deputy Commissioner Lyn Provost, who is also here today, will agree, I have been the next most vocal lobbyist, on behalf of Jim, raising the subject of "what's happening with Sydenham" almost every week at my regular meetings with the police commissioners.
Well, now we know what's happening, and I am very pleased to be here today to celebrate turning the sod at the site of the new station.
This is a very positive day for policing in Christchurch South, and as well as acknowledging Jim and Lyn, I also want to acknowledge the new Canterbury Police District Commander, Superintendent Dave Cliff, other Christchurch police staff, and representatives of Arrow International and other contractors and consultants.
Deputy Police Commission Lyn Provost, Police Minister Annette King and Progressive Party Leader and Sydenam MP Jim Anderton at the sod-turning <https://feeds.beehive.govt.nz/node/31962>
Deputy Police Commission Lyn Provost, Police Minister Annette King and Progressive Party Leader and Sydenam MP Jim Anderton at the sod-turning
Before the turning of the first sod, I want to congratulate everyone whose initiative and determination has seen us reach this point.
I am frequently amazed by how quickly we progress from the turning of the first sod to the reality of new bricks and mortar. It certainly happens far more quickly in policing than it did in my former portfolio of health, where a new hospital frequently took years to complete.
I am confident that early next year the new Christchurch South Police Station will be up and running, and that it will have been built on schedule and within budget as well, something else NZ Police are excellent at managing.
So far, since the Labour-led Government came into office at the end of 1999, we have opened 31 new or refurbished police stations. I look forward to Christchurch South being added to that list, and I believe our investment in new infrastructure for police shows our commitment to creating safe and secure communities all around New Zealand.
There is certainly a demonstrable need for a new station here. The existing Sydenham station was converted from a Police house in 1985. Growth in staff numbers over the years has meant that another building has had to be leased 100m away from the Sydenham station.
I am sure both police staff and the public are looking forward to all Christchurch South policing activities being housed in the one site.
From today the people of Christchurch South will be able to measure real progress on this $7 million project. This budget includes all construction costs, professional fees, Police IT and security requirements and new furniture and fittings.
Arrow International has been appointed as the successful contractor, and I know NZ Police are looking forward to working with them on another successful police property project.
This new station will be a great asset for the future for police staff and for the wider Christchurch South community. And the sooner the first sod is turned, the sooner that asset will become a reality.
Thank you again for inviting me to join you today.
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