Education courses well supported
Significant climate changes looming, says report
Pete Hodgson, Convenor of the Ministerial Group on Climate Change, this week released Climate Change Impacts on New Zealand. The report says climate change is serious and will have implications for all New Zealanders. It is based on expert reports and peer-reviewed scientific studies published internationally and in New Zealand, and updates the last Government-led assessment produced in 1990. The report says New Zealand temperatures are likely to rise significantly by 2100, affecting our health, agriculture, native ecosystems, sea levels and urban environment. Expected impacts covered in the report include drier conditions in eastern New Zealand, the risk of more frequent extreme events such as floods and droughts and retreating snowlines and glaciers. The full report is available from www.climatechange.govt.nz
Compensation for David Dougherty
Justice Minister Phil Goff announced this week that the Cabinet has accepted a recommendation that $868,728.80 be paid to David Dougherty as compensation for his conviction and more than three years imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. David Dougherty was convicted in 1993 for the abduction and rape of an 11-year-old girl. He was subsequently acquitted on retrial in 1997 when it was found that DNA evidence left on the girl's clothing could not have come from Mr Dougherty but belonged to another man. Stuart Grieve QC was commissioned to assess Mr Dougherty's eligibility in accordance with the interim criteria established in 1997. Mr Grieve confirmed that Mr Dougherty was innocent of the charges and recommended that $868,728.80 should be paid to compensate for the losses and suffering incurred because of a wrongful conviction. The government acknowledges the wrong done to Mr Dougherty and what he suffered as a consequence.
Business compliance cost report issued
Commerce Minister Paul Swain has welcomed the release of the report from the Ministerial Panel on Business Compliance Costs. Paul Swain said the report, which canvasses issues ranging from the Resource Management Act to ACC and workplace safety, was a clear and practical response to the report team's brief. The panel was established to find out what business was saying about compliance costs. An interdepartmental working group will soon start work on the recommendations and the government's preliminary response will be released by the end of August. A finalised response will be released in early December. A copy of the can be ordered from the panel secretariat on 04 474 2679 or by using a form on www.businesscompliance.govt.nz.
Job ads update encouraging
Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey says this week's ANZ job ads series - showing a sharp increase in advertising levels last month - is another welcome indication that the unemployment rate will remain low. The minister said it was also good news for the government as it tries to lift the skills of the New Zealand workforce and to expand economic opportunity. National job ad numbers are now at a record high. The government provided $56 million over four years in the 2001 budget to create an additional 17,000 industry training places. The budget also contained a $34.35 million regional and business development package and a $100 million capital investment fund.
Budget meetings for Pacific communities
A series of fono, or meetings, for Pacific communities to learn more about the Budget began this week. Government Budget initiatives for Pacific people are the focus for four fono in Porirua, West Auckland, South Auckland and Hamilton involving Pacific Island Affairs Minister Mark Gosche over coming weeks. The meetings give Pacific communities the chance to find out first-hand what the initiatives mean for them. Pacific funding plans announced in the Budget included $2 million for English as a second language assistance for Pacific students, more than a five-fold increase on last year, and $3.2 million for intensive home visits by health professionals - up nearly 150 per cent on the previous year.
Copyright issues under scrutiny
Associate Commerce Minister Laila Harré and Information Technology Minister Paul Swain this week released two public discussion documents on copyright issues. The papers look at issues arising from the use of digital technology in relation to the Copyright Act and performers rights. The ministers say the papers are the first stage of public consultation with key stakeholders.The first discussion paper reviews the impact of digital technology on the Copyright Act 1994 and discusses some of the key copyright issues that arise from the use of digital technology and the Internet. The second reviews performers' rights under the Copyright Act and looks at whether changes may be needed to meet the challenges posed by digital technology and new practices. Copies of the papers are available from the Ministry of Economic Development web site: www.med.govt.nz.
Education courses well supported
Labour Minister Margaret Wilson says 30 employment relations education courses by employer, union and tertiary institutions have so far been approved under the Employment Relations Act. The courses cover a wide range of skills that will help improve workplace relationships, including problem solving, communication and negotiation, as well as working together in good faith. Employees can use leave provided by the Employment Relations Act to attend the courses. The courses are approved by the Employment Relations Education Advisory Committee which is made up of union, employer and education sector representatives.
Queen's itinerary announced
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced this week that the Queen will visit Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin during her visit in October. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh. The visit will follow a 10-day visit to Australia, which includes the Queen's attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Brisbane. In New Zealand there will be an initial weekend rest period prior to the five-day official visit beginning on 15 October. The programme includes the opening of new art galleries at Te Papa in Wellington, the opening of the Information Services Building at Otago University and visits to Burnham Military Camp near Christchurch and the Team New Zealand base in Auckland.
