Crackdown on smoky vehicles
Transport Minister Mark Gosche said this week that owners of vehicles that belch excessive fumes are the target of a new regulation, known as the 10 second rule, to come into effect in March. Under the 10 second rule a vehicle is not allowed to emit a continuous stream of clearly visible smoke or vapour for 10 seconds or more. Owners face fines of up to $150 under new anti-smog measure. Mark Gosche said the rule would allow the Police to more easily identify and prosecute owners of vehicles that produce excessive smoke. The change take effect on 1 March but there will be an initial six-month introductory period when the Police will focus on educating motorists on the causes and effects of smoky vehicle, rather than enforcing the new rules.
Health concerns prompt blood tests
Health Minister Annette King is giving the go-ahead for blood tests to be carried out to measure dioxin levels among a selection of residents who lived near the former Ivon Watkins Dow plant in New Plymouth at the time it was manufacturing 245-T. The blood test survey will be part of a two-pronged response to the health concerns of local residents, following claims that the plant manufactured Agent Orange and dumped toxic chemicals in a residential area during the 1960s. The ministry is also supporting the Taranaki District Health Board's Medical Officer of Health in his investigation into health concerns of local residents. The minister said the allegations made about the plant are very serious and that her first concern as minister is to investigate community anxiety about illness in the area.
John Howard to visit
Prime Minister Helen Clark has announced that the Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, will visit New Zealand from 24 February to 26 February. Helen Clark said the annual meeting of the New Zealand and Australian prime ministers was a key event in transtasman relations. The two leaders and officials will meet in Auckland on Sunday 25 February. The following day in Wellington Mr Howard will meet with the New Zealand Cabinet and attend a State luncheon. The prime ministers will exchange views on regional matters where New Zealand and Australian interests are engaged, and discuss bilateral issues such as defence co-operation and social security.
DNA a weapon against burglary
Justice Minister Phil Goff has announced a major advance in the battle against burglary, with the government to introduce legislation to allow police to seek compulsion orders for DNA testing of burglary suspects.The Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples) Amendment Bill will pave the way for other major changes in the fight against crime including allowing DNA samples to collected by taking mouth swabs. Mr Goff said giving police the power to obtain DNA samples from burglary suspects, and using this evidence in criminal proceedings, will be a crucial step forward in combating a crime which affects so many New Zealanders. He said the new law will mean more burglars will be linked to the scene of their crime and ultimately punished.
Waiting lists progress
Health Minister Annette King this week released information which shows significant improvements in delivering elective (non-urgent) surgery in hospitals.
The Ministry of Health's elective services First Quarterly Report for the period 1 July 2000 to 30 September 2000 shows that residual waiting lists dropped from 37,133 people to 16,408. During that time the number of people on the 'active review' list has gone up from 1949 to 17,637. Annette King said the figures show more people are getting operations and they are getting them faster. Everyone on a surgical waiting list is being reviewed to see whether they need an operation and, if not, they are taken off the list and actively reviewed by their doctor. She said doctors admitted the new system is fairer because patients are better aware of the likelihood of receiving treatment.
Programme to fight cyber-crime
State Services Minister Trevor Mallard has ordered a programme of work to improve protection for New Zealand's critical infrastructure from cyber-crime and other IT-based threats such as computer "hacking" and viruses. Trevor Mallard said the programme was aimed at anticipating risk, improving protection, and guarding against IT-based risks that could have an impact on New Zealand's national welfare or New Zealand's international standing. The programme would determine whether New Zealand should have its own unit to monitor IT security and risks on a day to day basis, and to provide advice and training on securing infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
Unique plants protected
Conservation Minister Hon Sandra Lee has announced that 26-hectares of Central Otago land containing one of the highest concentrations of rare plants in New Zealand has been purchased by the Nature Heritage Fund. Sandra Lee said the distinct ecosystem at Pisa Flats, of semi-arid terrace gravels and saline soils, contains a special range of tiny plants including some that are rare and that have only ever been found at the site. The minister said most similar gravel terrace areas in the region have been either cultivated or flooded by Lake Dunstan, so it was gratifying to be able to add the area to New Zealand's conservation heritage, with the help of other organisations.
Education Review Office report
Education Minister Trevor Mallard said a review into the Education Review Office issued this week signals long term changes for the office that will help improve the standard of education across all schools. The minister said he personally supported the review team's recommendations that the Education Review Office remain a stand alone department. He said he was confident the government will accept many of the recommendations, and that he appreciated the review team's recommendation that the focus of reviews should be on educational improvement, while maintaining a compliance function. Mr Mallard noted that the report contained some useful advice on how the functions of the ERO can be adapted so that the office can play a more active role in helping schools reach high standards of teaching.
