Fashion Incubator launched
The government this week launched a new initiative to get New Zealand's fledgling fashion designers into business. The Fashion Incubator programme will remove many of the barriers facing design school graduates and emerging designers. This is the first incubator initiative of its type in New Zealand developed under the new Ministry of Economic Development. The programme allows access to free financial and technical advice, mentors and design experts.
Increased funding for ESOL learners
The government has increased ESOL funding for teaching children whose first language is not English by $6.6m over the next four years. The additional funding will allow more children to be assisted for a period of five years, rather than the current three. This will ensure students continue to progress in achieving satisfactory educational outcomes while allowing teaching time to be more effectively spread across all pupils.
Government addresses business
This week's Economist Conferences Roundtable in Wellington had a strong government presence. Ten senior ministers addressed the two day conference, briefing audiences on the role the government is playing in their areas of responsibility. The forum offered a valuable opportunity for business parties to hear from key ministers and to have an open dialogue around key issues. The key government message was the coalition's determination to build a dynamic and growing economy.
New police cars planned
The government has announced that up to $20 million may be spent upgrading the police vehicle fleet. The amount, subject to Cabinet approval, will purchase new vehicles in addition to the 180 Highway Patrol vehicles announced in the Budget. The Police Executive advises that vehicles be replaced at 100,000 kilometres or after three years. Almost half of police vehicles have exceeded these levels.
Money for fertility services
The government has announced new funding for fertility services. The HFA has approved an extra $3.7 million, bringing total funding to $5.8 million. The increase means patients with similar needs will have similar access to fertility services, regardless of where they live. Current funding for fertility services varies by more than 300 per cent by region. The new money will increase the funding available across the country to a more consistent level.
National Anthem CD for Schools
New Zealand schools are being sent a CD with versions of the National anthem to help provide consistency with singing the anthem. The words and melody are arranged in a contemporary, bicultural style and performed by young singers and musicians from top New Zealand bands and television music shows.
Developing a national tourism strategy
A governance group has been set up to guide the next phase in the development of a New Zealand Tourism Strategy. The announcement at this week's New Zealand Tourism 2000 Conference in Wellington will result in a Tourism Strategy that will take New Zealand through to 2010 and beyond. The overall strategy will focus on the sustainable development of the tourism industry not just economically but environmentally, culturally and socially. Government and industry funding will allow a project team to be formed to work under the guidance of Strategy Group, which is expected to report by March 2001.
