Minimum wage boost
The government announced this week that New Zealand workers on the lowest rates of pay will be better off in 2001. Labour Minister Margaret Wilson and Youth Affairs Minister Laila Harré said the government has agreed to increase the adult minimum wage by 2 per cent to $7.70 an hour, lower the age of eligibility for the adult minimum wage from 20 to 18, and increase the youth minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds to 70 per cent of the adult minimum wage. The current minimum wage is $7.55 an hour for employees over 20. For workers aged 16 to 19, the current minimum wage is $4.55 an hour (60 per cent of the adult rate). The coalition has also agreed to replace training exemptions with a training minimum wage at the rate applying to 16 and 17 year olds - $5.40 next year and $6.15 in 2002.
Health strategy launched
Health Minister Annette King says the New Zealand Health Strategy, launched this week, will ensure New Zealand uses its available health resources more effectively in the future. The strategy provides the framework for what the government wants to achieve in health. It outlines13 population health objectives chosen on the basis of the degree to which they could improve the health status of New Zealanders. They include reducing smoking and obesity, and reducing the incidence and impact of specific diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Annette King says district health boards will be provided with "toolkits" to help them address the 13 population health objectives.
Easing the burden on students
The government announced this week that the income level at which borrowers must start to repay student loans will rise from $14,768 to $15,132 next April. Revenue Minister Michael Cullen and Associate Education [Tertiary Education] Minister Steve Maharey say the threshold increase is in line with routine adjustments to the domestic purposes benefit. The repayment threshold sets the income level at which student loan repayments begin. Earlier the government removed the interest on student loans for full-time, full-year students, as well as for part-timers who earn $24,596 or less a year. Next year's increase in funding for tertiary institutions will enable them to hold their fees at this year's levels.
Timor commitment extended
New Zealand's military commitment in East Timor has been extended for another 12 months, Prime Minister Helen Clark and Defence Minister Mark Burton announced on Monday. This means New Zealand peacekeepers will stay in the newly independent country till at least May 2002. Helen Clark said her Australian counterpart, John Howard, had told her Australia would greatly appreciate an extended New Zealand Defence Force battalion presence in East Timor. Similar requests have come from the head of the United Nations administration and East Timorese leaders including Xanana Gusmao. The ministers said these requests were based on the valued contribution New Zealand peacekeepers are making to East Timor's security.
New TEAC commissioners
Associate Education (Tertiary Education) Minister Steve Maharey this week appointed Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor and Education New Zealand chairman, Russell Marshall, as chairman of the Tertiary Education Advisory Commission. Businessman Hugh Fletcher has been appointed as an additional member. The commission advises the government on how to refocus New Zealand's tertiary education system to meet the challenges of a globalised economy and a knowledge-based society.
Multi sport event will boost NZ profile
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton announced this week that the South Island will host the international Eco-Challenge Expedition Race next year, an event which will expose New Zealand to millions of viewers through the Discovery Channel, USA Network and Columbia TriStar International Television. Industry New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand played critical roles in attracting the event. Jim Anderton said there should be big spin-offs for this country. The 400 km race will cover some of the most challenging terrain in the South Island by horse, on foot, on rafts and mountain bikes, and in kayaks.
Treaty settlement signed
Te Uri o Hau, of the Northern Kaipara region, this week signed an agreement with the Crown that will settle all of Te Uri o Hau's historical treaty claims, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Margaret Wilson. It's the first signing of a Deed of Settlement by the Labour Alliance government and the first time a deed has been signed for the Northland area. The deed provides redress for Te Uri o Hau for Crown breaches in the past of its Treaty obligations. These breaches led to significant loss of land and resources for Te Uri o Hau, and subsequent damage to its communities.
Big changes in education
Education Minister Trevor Mallard says the Education Amendment Bill No 2 introduced to Parliament this week is the most significant education legislation for 10 years. Its provisions include the setting up of an Education Council to monitor teaching standards, more comprehensive reporting requirements for schools, a greater range of interventions for poorly performing schools and a code of practice for schools hosting international students. The bill also confirms compulsory sex education in the school curriculum, while giving parents the right to withdraw their children for sex education classes.
