Most schools gain under new funding formula
The government this week released details of the extra funding allocated to schools in this year's Budget. Allocations have been made using a formula that includes an operational funding base component, a per pupil component, and a decile component. Schools will get a base amount of $1,000, a per pupil amount of $70, and a further per pupil amount ranging up to $329.88 depending on their socio economic status ranking.
Kit to aid youth suicide prevention
An information kit designed to help local communities develop tailored youth suicide prevention strategies was launched this week. Produced by Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the kit was developed in consultation with individuals, groups and organisations involved in youth suicide prevention. The resource gives local communities clear guidelines on how to draw together different groups working on youth suicide prevention through a local community action plan. The kit focuses on the whole person rather than the problem, and recognises that culturally appropriate strategies for Maori suicide prevention must be developed.
Progress on Good Faith Codes
The Employment Relations Bill passed its third reading in Parliament this week and now needs only royal assent before becoming law in October. The interim committee charged with developing codes of good faith under the Act plans to develop a draft code of good faith by 22 September. This will allow an interim code to be put in place before October 2, with the final code in place in April next year. The code of good faith will be a document which provides general guidance on the application of good faith in bargaining and how it can work for businesses and their employees.
Community and Voluntary Sector Working Group appointed
The government this week announced the members of a new working group which will develop the framework for an agreement between the government and the community and voluntary sector. The contribution made by the community and voluntary sector in New Zealand has grown considerably in recent years and the government wants to ensure it is fully recognised and valued. Over the coming months the working group will look at issues of funding, accountability and communication. It will also consider the need for a formal agreement between government and community and voluntary organisations.
Early childhood resource launched
A new early childhood resource that will assist all early childhood centres in New Zealand to be accessible to children with special education needs was launched by the government this week. "Including Everyone: Te Reo Tataki" consists of three videos and an information folder and focuses on curriculum support to assist centres to include children with special education needs into their programmes. The resource has three main themes: inclusion, early identification of special needs and partnership.
Te Kaha to the Solomons
The frigate Te Kaha has been deployed to the Solomon Islands to serve as a venue for peace talks. New Zealand's positive response to the Solomon Islands government's request for a secure neutral venue is in line with government policy that gives priority to keeping the peace in our region and internationally. The role of New Zealand's defence forces extends beyond the provision of military support to include assisting peace processes through diplomacy and mediation.
New focus to Latin America
The government this week launched a new strategy for building closer relationships with Latin America. The strategy will look to develop relationships across three broad areas: international and regional co-operation, economic and trade issues, and people-to-people links. Results
from a closer relationship with countries in the area are expected to include improved trade and diplomatic relations, and stronger cultural and social ties.
