Sports review released
Sport, Fitness and Leisure Minister Trevor Mallard has released a major review of sport, fitness and leisure. Trevor Mallard said the report was the most comprehensive look at the sector since the 1985 "Sport on the Move" report which resulted in the establishment of the Hillary Commission. The terms of reference focused on the government's main objectives for sport, fitness and leisure, which are to increase participation and promote excellence. The report covers issues like sport and the school curriculum - including a recommendation to extend the school day by half an hour - diverting gambling profits to sport, the number and quality of coaches and elite sport resourcing. Trevor Mallard says the government's response to the report will be implemented over several years, with the aim of reaping the rewards over several decades. The review is available at www.executive.govt.nz/minister/mallard/taskforce
Primary health strategy announced
Health Minister Annette King has issued the Primary Health Care Strategy. It looks forward to a time when doctors, nurses and other in the front line of health services are working closely together with their communities to improve health, avoid illness and make sure everyone gets care when they need it. Annette King launched the strategy at Tapu te Ranga Marae in Wellington. She says the key to securing better health for people is to spend our health dollars where they can do the most good. The minister says it makes huge sense to keep people out of the expensive hospital system. The strategy sets the framework for more preventative care services, better access to services, comprehensive care, and improved coordination between primary health care providers and secondary providers of services. A full copy is available from the minister's press secretary on 04 471 9305. A press release with questions and answers is available at www.executive.govt.nz
Aid for India's quake victims
The Cabinet decided this week that New Zealand would give $500,000 to earthquake-devastated India. The government has also sent a message of sympathy to the Indian prime minister. Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said that the New Zealand donation would be channelled through the United Nations, the Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. He said the sum contributed by New Zealand compared favourably on a per capita basis with the United States' contribution of $NZ10 million.
Govt help for orchardists
The government has given Wairarapa orchardists hit by severe hailstorms a grant of up to $48,000, including the provision of Taskforce Green workers to pick hail-damaged fruit from trees in the affected orchards. The assistance, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry's adverse events budget and the Department of Work and Income, consists of $3000 for technical assistance; $5000 to the East Coast Rural Support Trust, for advocacy and support services; and up to $40,000 for Taskforce Green workers. Nine orchards, a boysenberry grower, and a vineyard were severely damaged by hail on 7 January.
Burglary rates fall
Police Minister George Hawkins has issued statistics that show the lowest level of recorded burglary since 1982. Police provisional statistics show burglary offences have dropped from 74,490 recorded burglaries for the 1999 calender year to 66,525 for the year 2000. George Hawkins said the figure was an 18-year low and that he applauded the Police for their commitment and hard work in cracking down on burglary and associated crime. Household burglaries have fallen by 13.9 per cent, from 47,621 in 1999 to 41,003 in year 2000.
Census 2001 information campaign
Statistics Minister Laila Harré this week launched the public information campaign for the 2001 Census. The advertising campaign for the census will feature photographs and voices of New Zealanders from all walks of life. The soundtrack reflects a strong Kiwi flavour aimed at evoking a sense of belonging to New Zealand. Advertisements will begin on Sunday February 4 and run until Thursday March 29. Laila Harré said the 31st Census of Population and Dwellings in March will help planning for New Zealand's changing population.
Agencies' report on Whakaruru case
Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said this week government agencies have implemented the recommendations made by the Commissioner for Children in his report on the death of Te Riri o te Rangi James Whakaruru. The minister issued the report to government of the Chief Executives Group, chaired by Ministry of Social Policy Chief Executive, Dame Margaret Bazley, which was convened to action the recommendations of the Commissioner for Children, along with a table showing progress as at December 2000 (see attached). The report shows that work is completed or underway on most recommendations and that the Police, and the Ministry of Health, are also undertaking action not included in the recommendations, but supportive of them. The report is available from the minister's office, Wellington (04) 471 9495.
Action on payment problems in building industry
Associate Minister of Commerce Laila Harré has announced the details of proposed new legislation aimed at outlawing widespread payment problems in the construction industry. Since the Statutory Liens and Wages Act was repealed in 1986 sub-contractors have been exposed to a high degree of risk when it comes to getting paid by operators at the top of the contractual chain. Laila Harré says pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid clauses have been the financial downfall of many small sub-contractors. More recently larger companies forced have been into bankruptcy or liquidation because of this legal loophole. The new legislation will establish a default regime under which contractors and sub-contractors would be entitled to regular progress payments for work done, unless both parties agree otherwise.
